Canberra Times
Saturday 3/7/2010 Page: 12
There is no evidence that wind turbines can make people who live nearby sick, Australia's peak health body has concluded after a scientific review. The National Health and Medical Research Council has assessed the common complaints levelled at the wind powered energy sector, chiefly that its turbines also generate "infrasound" that can make wind farm neighbours feel ill. "While the range of effects such as annoyance, anxiety, hearing loss and interference with sleep, speech and learning have been reported... there is no published scientific evidence to positively link wind turbines with adverse health effects," the council said yesterday.
The council said a recent United States study into wind turbines and infrasound - sound that was "generally inaudible to the human ear" - found no evidence it could impact on the physical health of those living nearby. This was backed by a study focused on three British wind farms, it said, while the World Health Organisation also took the view there was no evidence of a health impact. The council said there was a mental impact on those who "perceived infrasound" and this was "annoyance."
"The situation is further complicated by findings that people who benefit economically from wind turbines were less likely to report annoyance, despite exposure to similar sound levels as people who were not economically benefiting," the council said. There was a similar lack of evidence to support complaints that "electromagnetic radiation, shadow flicker and blade glint" from wind turbines could impact on health. The statement was welcomed by the peak body, Clean Energy Council. Policy director Russell Marsh said more than 100,000 wind turbines had been installed across 80 countries and yet there remained "no credible evidence that wind turbines have a direct effect on people's health."
Spain to cut subsidies to renewable energy producers
www.google.com
July 4, 2010
MADRID -- The government of Spain, a world leader in the renewable energy, said it has reached agreements with producers to slash subsidies for wind and solar power. The premiums for wind power will be cut by 35% from January 1, 2013, when the current scheme expires, the industry ministry said in a statement late on Friday.
Thermosolar plants will also give up an advantageous rate they receive for the first year they are in operation. The two deals also envisage a limit on the number of hours in which wind and thermosolar plants will have the right to collect rates that are above market prices. "The agreements include short-term measures that will reduce the impact on electricity prices of these technologies, as well as long-term measures that will ensure future stability for both sectors," the statement said.
It said the measures will "not compromise the profitability of existing facilities and will "benefit consumers." Spain's socialist government last month announced a freeze in electricity prices, suspending a 4.0% hike scheduled for July, in order to help households and businesses cope better with the country's economic crisis. Spain, along with Germany and Denmark, is among the three biggest producers of wind power in the European Union through companies such Iberdrola Renovables and Gamesa.
July 4, 2010
MADRID -- The government of Spain, a world leader in the renewable energy, said it has reached agreements with producers to slash subsidies for wind and solar power. The premiums for wind power will be cut by 35% from January 1, 2013, when the current scheme expires, the industry ministry said in a statement late on Friday.
Thermosolar plants will also give up an advantageous rate they receive for the first year they are in operation. The two deals also envisage a limit on the number of hours in which wind and thermosolar plants will have the right to collect rates that are above market prices. "The agreements include short-term measures that will reduce the impact on electricity prices of these technologies, as well as long-term measures that will ensure future stability for both sectors," the statement said.
It said the measures will "not compromise the profitability of existing facilities and will "benefit consumers." Spain's socialist government last month announced a freeze in electricity prices, suspending a 4.0% hike scheduled for July, in order to help households and businesses cope better with the country's economic crisis. Spain, along with Germany and Denmark, is among the three biggest producers of wind power in the European Union through companies such Iberdrola Renovables and Gamesa.
Researchers use super-high pressures to create super battery
www.physorg.com
July 4, 2010
The world's biggest Roman candle has got nothing on this. Using super-high pressures similar to those found deep in the Earth or on a giant planet, Washington State University researchers have created a compact, never-before-seen material capable of storing vast amounts of energy. "If you think about it, it is the most condensed form of energy storage outside of nuclear power," says Choong-Shik Yoo, a WSU chemistry professor and lead author of results published in the journal Nature Chemistry.
The research is basic science, but Yoo says it shows it is possible to store mechanical energy into the chemical energy of a material with such strong chemical bonds. Possible future applications include creating a new class of energetic materials or fuels, an energy storage device, super-oxidizing materials for destroying chemical and biological agents, and high-temperature superconductors.
The researchers created the material on the Pullman campus in a diamond anvil cell, a small, two-inch by three-inch-diameter device capable of producing extremely high pressures in a small space. The cell contained xenon difluoride (XeF2), a white crystal used to etch silicon conductors, squeezed between two small diamond anvils.
At normal atmospheric pressure, the material's molecules stay relatively far apart from each other. But as researchers increased the pressure inside the chamber, the material became a two-dimensional graphite-like semiconductor. The researchers eventually increased the pressure to more than a million atmospheres, comparable to what would be found halfway to the center of the earth.
All this "squeezing," as Yoo calls it, forced the molecules to make tightly bound three-dimensional metallic "network structures." In the process, the huge amount of mechanical energy of compression was stored as chemical energy in the molecules' bonds.
July 4, 2010
The world's biggest Roman candle has got nothing on this. Using super-high pressures similar to those found deep in the Earth or on a giant planet, Washington State University researchers have created a compact, never-before-seen material capable of storing vast amounts of energy. "If you think about it, it is the most condensed form of energy storage outside of nuclear power," says Choong-Shik Yoo, a WSU chemistry professor and lead author of results published in the journal Nature Chemistry.
The research is basic science, but Yoo says it shows it is possible to store mechanical energy into the chemical energy of a material with such strong chemical bonds. Possible future applications include creating a new class of energetic materials or fuels, an energy storage device, super-oxidizing materials for destroying chemical and biological agents, and high-temperature superconductors.
The researchers created the material on the Pullman campus in a diamond anvil cell, a small, two-inch by three-inch-diameter device capable of producing extremely high pressures in a small space. The cell contained xenon difluoride (XeF2), a white crystal used to etch silicon conductors, squeezed between two small diamond anvils.
At normal atmospheric pressure, the material's molecules stay relatively far apart from each other. But as researchers increased the pressure inside the chamber, the material became a two-dimensional graphite-like semiconductor. The researchers eventually increased the pressure to more than a million atmospheres, comparable to what would be found halfway to the center of the earth.
All this "squeezing," as Yoo calls it, forced the molecules to make tightly bound three-dimensional metallic "network structures." In the process, the huge amount of mechanical energy of compression was stored as chemical energy in the molecules' bonds.
Wind turbines get clean bill of health - again
www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au
2 July 2010
NATIONAL: An independent study released today should put to rest claims that wind farms can make people sick, according to Australia's peak clean energy body. The study, by the National Health and Medical Research Council, found no evidence that wind turbines had a direct effect on people's health. Clean Energy Council Policy Director Russell Marsh said that more than 100,000 turbines had been installed across the world in over three decades, delivering clean power to millions of homes in more than 80 countries. "There have been claims over the last couple of years from opponents of wind farms that noise and other factors associated with wind turbines can make people sick," Mr Marsh said.
"As this latest independent research has shown, there is no credible evidence that wind turbines have a direct effect on people's health. "The study is consistent with a statement several months ago from Victoria's Chief Medical Officer Dr John Carnie, other international studies and acoustic research which repeatedly show wind turbines do not produce enough noise to directly affect humans," he said. The NHMRC review of the scientific literature found support for the statement: 'There are no direct pathological effects from wind farms and that any potential impact on humans can be minimised by following existing planning guidelines'. Mr Marsh said the Federal Government, the Coalition and the Greens have supported a commitment to delivering 20% of our electricity from renewable sources by the end of the decade.
"Wind energy will be a key part of this clean energy revolution. A recent Newspoll conducted by the Clean Energy Council found that approximately 90% of Australians want to see more renewable energy. "wind turbines are quiet and make about as much noise as a kitchen refrigerator from 500 metres away. If people find the noise is bothering them, there are simple steps that can be taken to reduce the levels of sound in their homes. However, it's worth noting that Australia has some of the most stringent noise standards in the world. "We welcome more research in this area, but the current evidence reflects that wind turbines are the safest and cleanest way of generating electricity," he said.
2 July 2010
NATIONAL: An independent study released today should put to rest claims that wind farms can make people sick, according to Australia's peak clean energy body. The study, by the National Health and Medical Research Council, found no evidence that wind turbines had a direct effect on people's health. Clean Energy Council Policy Director Russell Marsh said that more than 100,000 turbines had been installed across the world in over three decades, delivering clean power to millions of homes in more than 80 countries. "There have been claims over the last couple of years from opponents of wind farms that noise and other factors associated with wind turbines can make people sick," Mr Marsh said."As this latest independent research has shown, there is no credible evidence that wind turbines have a direct effect on people's health. "The study is consistent with a statement several months ago from Victoria's Chief Medical Officer Dr John Carnie, other international studies and acoustic research which repeatedly show wind turbines do not produce enough noise to directly affect humans," he said. The NHMRC review of the scientific literature found support for the statement: 'There are no direct pathological effects from wind farms and that any potential impact on humans can be minimised by following existing planning guidelines'. Mr Marsh said the Federal Government, the Coalition and the Greens have supported a commitment to delivering 20% of our electricity from renewable sources by the end of the decade.
"Wind energy will be a key part of this clean energy revolution. A recent Newspoll conducted by the Clean Energy Council found that approximately 90% of Australians want to see more renewable energy. "wind turbines are quiet and make about as much noise as a kitchen refrigerator from 500 metres away. If people find the noise is bothering them, there are simple steps that can be taken to reduce the levels of sound in their homes. However, it's worth noting that Australia has some of the most stringent noise standards in the world. "We welcome more research in this area, but the current evidence reflects that wind turbines are the safest and cleanest way of generating electricity," he said.
NZ's emissions scheme angers greens, business
Canberra Times
Friday 2/7/2010 Page: 11
New Zealand launched an emissions trading scheme yesterday in a bid to curb the greenhouse gases responsible for climate change but the scheme has angered both businesses and environmentalists. Energy, transport and manufacturing industries will have to start paying for their emissions of gases such as CO2 and methane, which have risen 23% in New Zealand since 1990. Prices for fuel and electricity will rise, with the Government estimating households will pay an extra $NZ5 ($A4.15) a week, although some critics say this estimate is far too low.
Businesses say the extra costs of the scheme will hurt them, while environmentalists say those costs are too low to encourage emission cuts. But Climate Change Minister Nick Smith said the emissions trading scheme balanced the need to cut emissions without damaging the economy. "New Zealand's emissions per person are among the highest in the world and are growing at one of the fastest rates among developed countries," Dr Smith said. "The ETS is the most efficient and most cost-effective way to bring emissions under control, meet our international obligations and protect New Zealand's clean, green brand."
The scheme would drive investment in renewable energy, forestry and energy efficiency and reduce emissions, he said. Under the scheme, polluting industries will have to buy credits for their emissions of CO2 or other greenhouse gases, while businesses that reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere - mainly forest owners - will earn credits that can be sold to polluters. The scheme offers a transition period for polluting industries, with the Government offering subsidies for several years, and agriculture - responsible for nearly half of emissions - to come under the ETS in 2015.
Opposition leader Phil Goff and environmental groups including Greenpeace said the low costs to industries meant there were minimal incentives for industries to cut emissions. But exporters, represented by the Greenhouse Policy Coalition, said they would be at a disadvantage because of the ETS. Executive director David Venables said, "From today, New Zealand companies competing in overseas markets where there is no price on carbon... will be at a clear disadvantage." New Zealand is one of 29 countries - Ettropean Union nations snaking tip most of the rest - with emissions trading schemes.
Friday 2/7/2010 Page: 11
New Zealand launched an emissions trading scheme yesterday in a bid to curb the greenhouse gases responsible for climate change but the scheme has angered both businesses and environmentalists. Energy, transport and manufacturing industries will have to start paying for their emissions of gases such as CO2 and methane, which have risen 23% in New Zealand since 1990. Prices for fuel and electricity will rise, with the Government estimating households will pay an extra $NZ5 ($A4.15) a week, although some critics say this estimate is far too low.
Businesses say the extra costs of the scheme will hurt them, while environmentalists say those costs are too low to encourage emission cuts. But Climate Change Minister Nick Smith said the emissions trading scheme balanced the need to cut emissions without damaging the economy. "New Zealand's emissions per person are among the highest in the world and are growing at one of the fastest rates among developed countries," Dr Smith said. "The ETS is the most efficient and most cost-effective way to bring emissions under control, meet our international obligations and protect New Zealand's clean, green brand."
The scheme would drive investment in renewable energy, forestry and energy efficiency and reduce emissions, he said. Under the scheme, polluting industries will have to buy credits for their emissions of CO2 or other greenhouse gases, while businesses that reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere - mainly forest owners - will earn credits that can be sold to polluters. The scheme offers a transition period for polluting industries, with the Government offering subsidies for several years, and agriculture - responsible for nearly half of emissions - to come under the ETS in 2015.
Opposition leader Phil Goff and environmental groups including Greenpeace said the low costs to industries meant there were minimal incentives for industries to cut emissions. But exporters, represented by the Greenhouse Policy Coalition, said they would be at a disadvantage because of the ETS. Executive director David Venables said, "From today, New Zealand companies competing in overseas markets where there is no price on carbon... will be at a clear disadvantage." New Zealand is one of 29 countries - Ettropean Union nations snaking tip most of the rest - with emissions trading schemes.
2 nuclear power plants approved by Finland
www.nytimes.com
July 1, 2010
The Finnish Parliament approved the construction of two nuclear power plants on Thursday, the latest victory for proponents of atomic energy in Europe. Just two weeks ago, the Swedish Parliament narrowly voted to allow the reactors at 10 nuclear power plants to be replaced when the old ones are shut down -- a reversal from a 1980 referendum that called for them to be phased out entirely. nuclear power fell out of favor in much of Europe after the 1979 accident at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania and the 1986 disaster at Chernobyl, Ukraine.
But in an era of concern about dependence on foreign supplies of fossil fuels and increases in atmospheric carbon, there is renewed interest in electricity generated by nuclear fission. "Over all, opinions are firming and more positive," Ian Hore-Lacy, a spokesman for the World Nuclear Association, said of the European mood. "People are less concerned about waste because they've seen it's not a drama, and it's been well managed."
With protesters in Helsinki gathered outside, the Finnish Parliament voted 120 to 72 to back a nuclear power plant application from a consortium called Teollisuuden Voima, and 121 to 71 to approve a new plant built by Fennovoima. The companies, which have five years to submit construction license applications, hope to begin operating the plants by 2020.
The vote will allow the Finns to build their sixth and seventh nuclear plants. The country's four existing nuclear plants provide about 28% of Finland's total electricity needs, according to the World Nuclear Association. Finland imports electricity, coal and gas from Russia for much of its remaining needs, and officials have expressed unease about dependence on a sometimes-difficult neighbour.
The two light-water reactors, which will generate a combined 3,200MWs, are estimated to cost as much as 10 billion euros ($12.5 billion). Neither group has decided on a reactor design yet. Fennovoima, a Finnish consortium in which the German utility E.ON holds a 34% stake, must first decide where to build its plant. Two possible sites, at Simo and Pyhajoki, have been identified. Teollisuuden Voima, known as TVO, is building a new-generation EPR-model plant with Areva, the French engineering company, at Olkiluoto, in the southwest.
That project is running well over budget and behind schedule. Areva said on June 23 that it would book a charge of 400 million euros in the first half of the year against cost overruns, bringing its total write-downs on the plant to 2.7 billion euros. In 2005, it estimated the cost of the job at 3 billion euros. The plant had been scheduled to go online in 2009, but officials are now aiming for a 2013 start. Construction of a similar reactor in Flamanville, France, is also experiencing delays and cost overruns, leading skeptics to question whether the industry can operate without significant government aid.
Nuclear power proponents argue that the technology is more environmentally sound than burning fossil fuels because no greenhouse gases are emitted to split atoms. Opponents cite concerns about the danger of accidents and long-term waste disposal. Tomas Kaberger, director general of the Swedish Energy Agency, said there was no certainty that any of the plants would be built, despite talk of a nuclear renaissance. "Historically, the industry has not been able to reduce costs with increased experience," Mr. Kaberger said. "New reactors have not been cheaper than previous models."
Mauri Pekkarinen, the Finnish minister of economic affairs, said he was confident the plants would be built without public financing. "The companies don't need any subsidies," he said in an interview. "The government has nothing to do with the financing." Most of the nuclear plants under construction today are in China. In Europe, France has long been the main nuclear proponent, generating most of its electricity from its fleet of nuclear plants, and championing its technology on the world stage. Britain is eager to build new nuclear capacity, but at a time of austerity budgets, the government has suggested that it might have to resort to a tax on carbon pollution to finance construction.
July 1, 2010
The Finnish Parliament approved the construction of two nuclear power plants on Thursday, the latest victory for proponents of atomic energy in Europe. Just two weeks ago, the Swedish Parliament narrowly voted to allow the reactors at 10 nuclear power plants to be replaced when the old ones are shut down -- a reversal from a 1980 referendum that called for them to be phased out entirely. nuclear power fell out of favor in much of Europe after the 1979 accident at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania and the 1986 disaster at Chernobyl, Ukraine.
But in an era of concern about dependence on foreign supplies of fossil fuels and increases in atmospheric carbon, there is renewed interest in electricity generated by nuclear fission. "Over all, opinions are firming and more positive," Ian Hore-Lacy, a spokesman for the World Nuclear Association, said of the European mood. "People are less concerned about waste because they've seen it's not a drama, and it's been well managed."
With protesters in Helsinki gathered outside, the Finnish Parliament voted 120 to 72 to back a nuclear power plant application from a consortium called Teollisuuden Voima, and 121 to 71 to approve a new plant built by Fennovoima. The companies, which have five years to submit construction license applications, hope to begin operating the plants by 2020.
The vote will allow the Finns to build their sixth and seventh nuclear plants. The country's four existing nuclear plants provide about 28% of Finland's total electricity needs, according to the World Nuclear Association. Finland imports electricity, coal and gas from Russia for much of its remaining needs, and officials have expressed unease about dependence on a sometimes-difficult neighbour.
The two light-water reactors, which will generate a combined 3,200MWs, are estimated to cost as much as 10 billion euros ($12.5 billion). Neither group has decided on a reactor design yet. Fennovoima, a Finnish consortium in which the German utility E.ON holds a 34% stake, must first decide where to build its plant. Two possible sites, at Simo and Pyhajoki, have been identified. Teollisuuden Voima, known as TVO, is building a new-generation EPR-model plant with Areva, the French engineering company, at Olkiluoto, in the southwest.
That project is running well over budget and behind schedule. Areva said on June 23 that it would book a charge of 400 million euros in the first half of the year against cost overruns, bringing its total write-downs on the plant to 2.7 billion euros. In 2005, it estimated the cost of the job at 3 billion euros. The plant had been scheduled to go online in 2009, but officials are now aiming for a 2013 start. Construction of a similar reactor in Flamanville, France, is also experiencing delays and cost overruns, leading skeptics to question whether the industry can operate without significant government aid.
Nuclear power proponents argue that the technology is more environmentally sound than burning fossil fuels because no greenhouse gases are emitted to split atoms. Opponents cite concerns about the danger of accidents and long-term waste disposal. Tomas Kaberger, director general of the Swedish Energy Agency, said there was no certainty that any of the plants would be built, despite talk of a nuclear renaissance. "Historically, the industry has not been able to reduce costs with increased experience," Mr. Kaberger said. "New reactors have not been cheaper than previous models."
Mauri Pekkarinen, the Finnish minister of economic affairs, said he was confident the plants would be built without public financing. "The companies don't need any subsidies," he said in an interview. "The government has nothing to do with the financing." Most of the nuclear plants under construction today are in China. In Europe, France has long been the main nuclear proponent, generating most of its electricity from its fleet of nuclear plants, and championing its technology on the world stage. Britain is eager to build new nuclear capacity, but at a time of austerity budgets, the government has suggested that it might have to resort to a tax on carbon pollution to finance construction.
$750,000 Grant Connects Hepburn Wind
www.hepburnwind.com.au
Hepburn Wind
On 22 June, Geoff Howard MP (Ballarat East) visited Leonard's Hill to announce a $750,000 grant from the state government's Regional Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) as approved by Minister Jacinta Allan. The grant will assist with the connection of the wind farm to the electricity grid, and help us to develop a template that should reduce the connection costs for similar, future projects. More details are available on our website.
We are well on the way to building Australia's first community wind farm. Since we signed the turn-key construction contract with REpower Systems in April, we've been supporting our contractors to finalise the engineering design of the wind farm. Construction is scheduled to begin on-site in October and our two turbines are expected to be operational in the first half of 2011.
With the increased activity on our project as we finalise fund raising and move into the construction phase we are pleased to welcome two new staff members. Janet Wheatley joins us as Membership Officer and Tracy Anthony as Project Officer. Both Janet and Tracy are local to Daylesford and are passionate about community ownership of renewable energy. They join Executive Officer Jack Gilding, forming a strong local team demonstrating that renewable energy projects not only reduce our carbon footprint but also provide local employment opportunities.
Since the release of our latest Membership and Share Offer we have received over $300,000 in additional share applications. With the RIDF grant, our existing Sustainability Victoria grant, $7.8m of member funds and a $3.1m loan from the Bendigo Bank, we have now secured over 95% of the total project cost of $12.9m.
Hepburn Wind shares are available to those outside the local community in minimum parcels of just $1000. For those within our local area minimum parcels are $100.
Our share offer is expected to be fully subscribed in the near future. If you have been holding off on joining our ground-breaking project, or are a member considering purchasing additional shares, now is the time to act. At the request of potential applicants we have extended the closing date for our offer to 19 July 2010.
Hepburn Wind
On 22 June, Geoff Howard MP (Ballarat East) visited Leonard's Hill to announce a $750,000 grant from the state government's Regional Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) as approved by Minister Jacinta Allan. The grant will assist with the connection of the wind farm to the electricity grid, and help us to develop a template that should reduce the connection costs for similar, future projects. More details are available on our website.
We are well on the way to building Australia's first community wind farm. Since we signed the turn-key construction contract with REpower Systems in April, we've been supporting our contractors to finalise the engineering design of the wind farm. Construction is scheduled to begin on-site in October and our two turbines are expected to be operational in the first half of 2011.
With the increased activity on our project as we finalise fund raising and move into the construction phase we are pleased to welcome two new staff members. Janet Wheatley joins us as Membership Officer and Tracy Anthony as Project Officer. Both Janet and Tracy are local to Daylesford and are passionate about community ownership of renewable energy. They join Executive Officer Jack Gilding, forming a strong local team demonstrating that renewable energy projects not only reduce our carbon footprint but also provide local employment opportunities.
Since the release of our latest Membership and Share Offer we have received over $300,000 in additional share applications. With the RIDF grant, our existing Sustainability Victoria grant, $7.8m of member funds and a $3.1m loan from the Bendigo Bank, we have now secured over 95% of the total project cost of $12.9m.
Hepburn Wind shares are available to those outside the local community in minimum parcels of just $1000. For those within our local area minimum parcels are $100.
Our share offer is expected to be fully subscribed in the near future. If you have been holding off on joining our ground-breaking project, or are a member considering purchasing additional shares, now is the time to act. At the request of potential applicants we have extended the closing date for our offer to 19 July 2010.
Morocco unveils $3.5 billion wind power scheme
af.reuters.com
Jun 28, 2010
TANGIER (Reuters) - Morocco unveiled on Monday a wind power project worth 31.5 billion dirhams, which officials said will help increase the share of the country's electricity consumption from renewable sources to 42 percent by 2020. The project will involve building five wind farms to increase the North African state's wind generation capacity to 2,000MWs in 2020 from the approximate 280MWs it currently produces from small wind farms. King Mohammed inaugurated on Monday the first wind farm in Tangier, which has a capacity of 140MWs and cost 2.75 billion dirhams. Officials said the government had selected the other sites of the wind project in Tetouan, Taza, Layoune and Boujdour.
Funding of the wind project will be from a mix of state and private capital, including from foreign investors, the officials said. Morocco is the only North African country with no oil of its own. It seeks to cut its dependency on imported oil and coal by expanding power generation capacity from renewable sources. Last year, it launched a solar power project worth $9 billion, which will account for 38 percent of the North African country's installed power generation by 2020. The solar scheme involves five solar power generation stations across Morocco and will produce 2,000MWs of electricity by 2020.
Jun 28, 2010
TANGIER (Reuters) - Morocco unveiled on Monday a wind power project worth 31.5 billion dirhams, which officials said will help increase the share of the country's electricity consumption from renewable sources to 42 percent by 2020. The project will involve building five wind farms to increase the North African state's wind generation capacity to 2,000MWs in 2020 from the approximate 280MWs it currently produces from small wind farms. King Mohammed inaugurated on Monday the first wind farm in Tangier, which has a capacity of 140MWs and cost 2.75 billion dirhams. Officials said the government had selected the other sites of the wind project in Tetouan, Taza, Layoune and Boujdour.
Funding of the wind project will be from a mix of state and private capital, including from foreign investors, the officials said. Morocco is the only North African country with no oil of its own. It seeks to cut its dependency on imported oil and coal by expanding power generation capacity from renewable sources. Last year, it launched a solar power project worth $9 billion, which will account for 38 percent of the North African country's installed power generation by 2020. The solar scheme involves five solar power generation stations across Morocco and will produce 2,000MWs of electricity by 2020.
Whyalla keen on more solar opportunities
www.abc.net.au
Jun 28, 2010
A Whyalla councillor says a $230 million solar thermal power plant proposed for the South Australian city could turn it into a hub for other solar technologies. Councillor Eddie Hughes says the project will bring opportunities for future investors, especially in the same industry. He says a working party has been established to deal with Wizard Power, which is using big dish technology for a trial power plant. "One of the other things that we've gently pushed at this stage is setting up Whyalla as a test bed for a range of solar technologies so that it can all be tested on the same climatic conditions," he said. "There might well be the opportunity for other industries to co-locate around a green energy source like this so that is something that is going to be seriously looked at."
Jun 28, 2010
A Whyalla councillor says a $230 million solar thermal power plant proposed for the South Australian city could turn it into a hub for other solar technologies. Councillor Eddie Hughes says the project will bring opportunities for future investors, especially in the same industry. He says a working party has been established to deal with Wizard Power, which is using big dish technology for a trial power plant. "One of the other things that we've gently pushed at this stage is setting up Whyalla as a test bed for a range of solar technologies so that it can all be tested on the same climatic conditions," he said. "There might well be the opportunity for other industries to co-locate around a green energy source like this so that is something that is going to be seriously looked at."
Bendigo energy push
www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au
28 Jun, 2010
THE Bendigo Sustainability Group is calling on the federal government to look at a new renewable energy resource for Central Victoria that could be a first for Australia. The group sent an email to Prime Minister Julia Gillard after her appointment, calling on her to stop a deal between Trade Minister Simon Crean and the Vietnamese government for the export of Victorian brown coal. Instead, the group is proposing Bendigo become home to a solar thermal base load plant that it believes is the future of renewable energy in Australia.
Group president Karen Corr said the Vietnamese deal showed the federal government was not serious about acting on climate change. "Brown coal is a major emitter of greenhouse gas," she said. "They are looking more at making money, they're not serious.'' Ms Corr said the solar thermal base load plant was included in a report by not-for-profit climate change group Beyond Zero Emissions as a viable option.
The technology uses reflectors or mirrors to focus solar energy and generate heat which can be stored or used to generate steam which is used to turn turbines and generate electricity. "We'd love for Bendigo or Central Victoria to have the first in Victoria or Australia," she said. "Our focus is what we can do locally to reduce emissions. It's an option to transition to renewable energy."
Trade Minister Simon Crean signed off on a $100 million deal on Friday, but said it was a good news story with Australian technology being used to deliver a more environmentally sensitive energy solution to the Vietnamese people through the transformation of brown coal into black coal equivalent pellets. Federal Member for Bendigo Steve Gibbons said he was interested to hear the group's proposal. "There's no chance of stopping an arrangement that has already been put in place," he said. "Whether its idea is viable, I'm prepared to sit down and have a look at it with them," he said.
28 Jun, 2010
THE Bendigo Sustainability Group is calling on the federal government to look at a new renewable energy resource for Central Victoria that could be a first for Australia. The group sent an email to Prime Minister Julia Gillard after her appointment, calling on her to stop a deal between Trade Minister Simon Crean and the Vietnamese government for the export of Victorian brown coal. Instead, the group is proposing Bendigo become home to a solar thermal base load plant that it believes is the future of renewable energy in Australia.
Group president Karen Corr said the Vietnamese deal showed the federal government was not serious about acting on climate change. "Brown coal is a major emitter of greenhouse gas," she said. "They are looking more at making money, they're not serious.'' Ms Corr said the solar thermal base load plant was included in a report by not-for-profit climate change group Beyond Zero Emissions as a viable option.
The technology uses reflectors or mirrors to focus solar energy and generate heat which can be stored or used to generate steam which is used to turn turbines and generate electricity. "We'd love for Bendigo or Central Victoria to have the first in Victoria or Australia," she said. "Our focus is what we can do locally to reduce emissions. It's an option to transition to renewable energy."
Trade Minister Simon Crean signed off on a $100 million deal on Friday, but said it was a good news story with Australian technology being used to deliver a more environmentally sensitive energy solution to the Vietnamese people through the transformation of brown coal into black coal equivalent pellets. Federal Member for Bendigo Steve Gibbons said he was interested to hear the group's proposal. "There's no chance of stopping an arrangement that has already been put in place," he said. "Whether its idea is viable, I'm prepared to sit down and have a look at it with them," he said.
Europe to switch on Saharan solar power by 2015
www.guardian.co.uk
Jun 27, 2010
There are probably easier ways to meet Europe's thirst for clean energy than importing it from vast solar farms in the Sahara. But it is very tempting. According to the European commission's Institute for Energy, it would require the capture of just 0.3% of the light falling on the Sahara and Middle Eastern deserts (an area around the size of Wales) to meet all of Europe's energy needs.
Several groups have come up with plans to harness the sun in Africa to make electricity, which could then be exported to Europe, or use it to turn desert into forests by using the power to desalinate sea water. And how far is this from a reality? In a recent interview, European energy commissioner Guenther Oettinger said that Europe will be importing hundreds of megawatts of solar-generated electricity from north Africa within five years. The EU is committed to sourcing 20% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020.
Most advanced in the planning is the German-led Desertec Foundation Industrial Initiative, which aims to provide 15% of Europe's electricity by 2050 or earlier, via power lines stretching across the desert and the Mediterranean. Its $400bn plan is supported by some of Germany's biggest companies, including Siemens, E.ON and Deutsche Bank.
And there is a precedent. Nine EU governments - including the UK - are already planning to build an advanced high-voltage, direct current network within the next decade. Europe's first electricity grid dedicated to renewable power took a step forward earlier this year when nine countries began to formalise plans to link their clean energy projects around the North Sea. These could join up the wind-lashed north coast of Scotland with Germany's vast array of solar panels and Norway's hydro-electric dams.
As well as providing more power, a transnational renewable electricity grid would help sort out the intermittencies associated with natural energy sources. With such a grid, electricity can be supplied across the continent from wherever the wind is blowing, the sun is shining or the waves are crashing.
Jun 27, 2010
There are probably easier ways to meet Europe's thirst for clean energy than importing it from vast solar farms in the Sahara. But it is very tempting. According to the European commission's Institute for Energy, it would require the capture of just 0.3% of the light falling on the Sahara and Middle Eastern deserts (an area around the size of Wales) to meet all of Europe's energy needs.Several groups have come up with plans to harness the sun in Africa to make electricity, which could then be exported to Europe, or use it to turn desert into forests by using the power to desalinate sea water. And how far is this from a reality? In a recent interview, European energy commissioner Guenther Oettinger said that Europe will be importing hundreds of megawatts of solar-generated electricity from north Africa within five years. The EU is committed to sourcing 20% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020.
Most advanced in the planning is the German-led Desertec Foundation Industrial Initiative, which aims to provide 15% of Europe's electricity by 2050 or earlier, via power lines stretching across the desert and the Mediterranean. Its $400bn plan is supported by some of Germany's biggest companies, including Siemens, E.ON and Deutsche Bank.
And there is a precedent. Nine EU governments - including the UK - are already planning to build an advanced high-voltage, direct current network within the next decade. Europe's first electricity grid dedicated to renewable power took a step forward earlier this year when nine countries began to formalise plans to link their clean energy projects around the North Sea. These could join up the wind-lashed north coast of Scotland with Germany's vast array of solar panels and Norway's hydro-electric dams.
As well as providing more power, a transnational renewable electricity grid would help sort out the intermittencies associated with natural energy sources. With such a grid, electricity can be supplied across the continent from wherever the wind is blowing, the sun is shining or the waves are crashing.
China to Shut Down 10 Million Kilowatts of Small Power Units, Daily Says
www.bloomberg.com
Jun 27, 2010
China will shut down small thermal power units totaling 10 millionkWs (10,000MW) in capacity this year, said Nanfang Daily, citing unnamed officials at the National Energy Administration. The closure is part of a government plan to improve fuel efficiency, according to the report. China has closed small thermal power units with a combined capacity of 64.17 millionkWs since 2006, it said, without saying whether the plants were fired by coal or oil. The world's second-biggest fuel user cut its energy use per unit of gross domestic product by 14.38% between 2006 and 2009, and plans to reduce consumption by 20 percent in the five years to 2010.
Jun 27, 2010
China will shut down small thermal power units totaling 10 millionkWs (10,000MW) in capacity this year, said Nanfang Daily, citing unnamed officials at the National Energy Administration. The closure is part of a government plan to improve fuel efficiency, according to the report. China has closed small thermal power units with a combined capacity of 64.17 millionkWs since 2006, it said, without saying whether the plants were fired by coal or oil. The world's second-biggest fuel user cut its energy use per unit of gross domestic product by 14.38% between 2006 and 2009, and plans to reduce consumption by 20 percent in the five years to 2010.
Solar project looks for bright partner
Adelaide Advertiser
Tuesday 29/6/2010 Page: 41
GEOTHERMAL company Petratherm is seeking joint venture partners for its solar thermal project, Heliotherm. The South Australian-based company announced yesterday that the project had proceeded to the second round for the Australian Solar Institute's $93 million grant program. Heliotherm is 100% owned by Petratherm, which has entered an exclusive agreement with the University of Adelaide to develop and commercialise the technology.
Using gas, geothermal and solar technologies, the project aims to cut the cost of solar thermal technology by up to 40%. Petratherm managing director Terry Kallis said he was confident of securing a $5 million grant from the ASI to help advance the project. "We are very excited about this because it is really a solar thermal project, not a geothermal project, and it is something that can be applied quite widely," Mr Kallis said.
The $5 million would be used towards setting up a laboratory at the university's Thebarton campus to test the project technology. Mr Kallis said Heliotherm would have the exclusive licence to commercialise the intellectual property of the project, making it an attractive joint venture proposition for energy retailers. "As part of developing the Heliotherm technology, we will be looking at two key players in addition to the university and ourselves," he said.
"One of them will be a technology partner, someone who has worked in solar technology, and the second is we are happy to talk to energy companies that may want to joint venture into our exciting development. There will be many projects it (the technology) can be applied to, not just our project, and at the end of the day unless we have a larger partner it makes it difficult to fund."
"For the energy joint venture partner, it also gives them a hedge against other alternative technologies that they have to have as part of their RET (renewable energy target) obligations." He said the $5 million grant it is seeking and a $1.5 million grant it has already secured would need to be matched in cash or kind by both Petratherm and the university. Meanwhile, Petratherm has welcomed changes to the RET scheme passed by the Senate last Thursday. Mr Kallis said the changes would provide greater investment certainty for the renewable energy sector.
Tuesday 29/6/2010 Page: 41
GEOTHERMAL company Petratherm is seeking joint venture partners for its solar thermal project, Heliotherm. The South Australian-based company announced yesterday that the project had proceeded to the second round for the Australian Solar Institute's $93 million grant program. Heliotherm is 100% owned by Petratherm, which has entered an exclusive agreement with the University of Adelaide to develop and commercialise the technology.
Using gas, geothermal and solar technologies, the project aims to cut the cost of solar thermal technology by up to 40%. Petratherm managing director Terry Kallis said he was confident of securing a $5 million grant from the ASI to help advance the project. "We are very excited about this because it is really a solar thermal project, not a geothermal project, and it is something that can be applied quite widely," Mr Kallis said.
The $5 million would be used towards setting up a laboratory at the university's Thebarton campus to test the project technology. Mr Kallis said Heliotherm would have the exclusive licence to commercialise the intellectual property of the project, making it an attractive joint venture proposition for energy retailers. "As part of developing the Heliotherm technology, we will be looking at two key players in addition to the university and ourselves," he said.
"One of them will be a technology partner, someone who has worked in solar technology, and the second is we are happy to talk to energy companies that may want to joint venture into our exciting development. There will be many projects it (the technology) can be applied to, not just our project, and at the end of the day unless we have a larger partner it makes it difficult to fund."
"For the energy joint venture partner, it also gives them a hedge against other alternative technologies that they have to have as part of their RET (renewable energy target) obligations." He said the $5 million grant it is seeking and a $1.5 million grant it has already secured would need to be matched in cash or kind by both Petratherm and the university. Meanwhile, Petratherm has welcomed changes to the RET scheme passed by the Senate last Thursday. Mr Kallis said the changes would provide greater investment certainty for the renewable energy sector.
New state wind farm step closer
Hobart Mercury
Saturday 26/6/2010 Page: 13
TASMANIA'S biggest wind farm has moved a step closer to construction with US power company NP Power starting the public consultation phase of its $500 million proposal. The Cattle Hill wind farm, near Lake Echo in the central highlands, will be the first privately owned wind farm in the state. It will generate enough electricity to power 60.000 homes through 100 turbines, which will feed power into the Tasmanian grid through Waddamana power station. The NP Power proposal comes as Tasmania watches other private investments stall or slip away.
Gunns Limited's proposed pulp mill is still not financed, development on the Musselroe wind farm has stalled and canal developments like Walker Corporation's Ralphs Bay proposal are out of favour and off the drawing board. The Tasmanian public has 42 days to comment on the proposal. "We expect the public consultation process to bring out some issues, but are confident they're either concerns that we've already mitigated or something we can take care of fairly quickly." NP Power's Shane Bartel said yesterday.
TCCI chief executive Robert Wallace said the US power company's investment was welcome and needed. "We certainly encourage private investment in this state, particularly in the area of renewable energy," Mr Wallace said yesterday. NP Power hopes to get Tasmanian Government approval for its Central Highlands development by the end of the year. The wind farm, which will boast 125-metre high turbines, will take between 18 months and two years to build and up to 75 workers will be on site during construction.
The wind farm will then operate automatically with a staff of 10. NP Power said it recognised the wind farm's impact on the endangered Wedge-Tailed Eagle and other birds was a major concern. There are three known nests within the proposed wind farm area. One is active. No turbines will be placed within a 1km radius of any nests.
Saturday 26/6/2010 Page: 13
TASMANIA'S biggest wind farm has moved a step closer to construction with US power company NP Power starting the public consultation phase of its $500 million proposal. The Cattle Hill wind farm, near Lake Echo in the central highlands, will be the first privately owned wind farm in the state. It will generate enough electricity to power 60.000 homes through 100 turbines, which will feed power into the Tasmanian grid through Waddamana power station. The NP Power proposal comes as Tasmania watches other private investments stall or slip away.
Gunns Limited's proposed pulp mill is still not financed, development on the Musselroe wind farm has stalled and canal developments like Walker Corporation's Ralphs Bay proposal are out of favour and off the drawing board. The Tasmanian public has 42 days to comment on the proposal. "We expect the public consultation process to bring out some issues, but are confident they're either concerns that we've already mitigated or something we can take care of fairly quickly." NP Power's Shane Bartel said yesterday.
TCCI chief executive Robert Wallace said the US power company's investment was welcome and needed. "We certainly encourage private investment in this state, particularly in the area of renewable energy," Mr Wallace said yesterday. NP Power hopes to get Tasmanian Government approval for its Central Highlands development by the end of the year. The wind farm, which will boast 125-metre high turbines, will take between 18 months and two years to build and up to 75 workers will be on site during construction.
The wind farm will then operate automatically with a staff of 10. NP Power said it recognised the wind farm's impact on the endangered Wedge-Tailed Eagle and other birds was a major concern. There are three known nests within the proposed wind farm area. One is active. No turbines will be placed within a 1km radius of any nests.
Wind farm go-ahead as energy laws pass
Adelaide Advertiser
Friday 25/6/2010 Page: 76
AGL Energy plans to fast-track its Macarthur wind farm project in southwestern Victoria, following changes to the Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme approved by the Senate. The Government's changes provided greater investment certainty for the renewable industry, AGL Energy said yesterday. The RET is designed to ensure 20% of Australia's electricity comes from renewable energy sources by 2020.
The Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Bill has split the RET into two parts from January 1 next year. A Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET) covers projects such as wind farms, commercial solar and geothermal. A Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) provides a set level of support for small-scale technologies such as solar panels and solar hot-water systems.
"The Renewable Energy Target enhancements passed by the Parliament will provide a clear benefit to large-scale renewable energy projects and households wanting to play their part in tackling climate change," Climate Change Minister Penny Wong said.
Clean Energy Council chief executive Matthew Warren said the reforms would unlock more than $20 billion in investment in major generation projects, while creating a stable growth path for householdscale technologies. The Bill passed the Senate on Wednesday night and now returns to the Lower House.
AGL Energy managing director Michael Fraser said it would give industry the certainty to make long-term investment decisions such as the Macarthur wind farm. "With our joint venture partner Meridian Energy, AGL Energy plans to fast track the final approvals for the development of the Macarthur wind farm which, when completed, will be one of the largest in the southern hemisphere," he said. The Macarthur wind farm will have a generating capacity of 450MW, enough to power about 250,000 households.
As well as splitting the target into large and small systems, several amendments were passed. A mechanism was introduced so that if a glut of renewable energy certificates are created from small sources in the next six months, targets can be tweaked in the short term to retain demand and therefore investment certainty. The Climate Change Minister will be given independent advice on pricing of renewable energy certificates from small-scale sources. The Government will consult on regulations about the effect of changes in solar panel costs.
The Opposition successfully moved an amendment so that only small electric heat pumps - of less than 425 litres - can attract certificates. The Greens failed to stop certificates being issued for power generated from burning native forest timber with Greens Leader Bob Brown accusing Senator Wong of supporting forest destruction. Senator Wong said only genuine waste from sustainable forestry operations would be eligible.
Friday 25/6/2010 Page: 76
AGL Energy plans to fast-track its Macarthur wind farm project in southwestern Victoria, following changes to the Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme approved by the Senate. The Government's changes provided greater investment certainty for the renewable industry, AGL Energy said yesterday. The RET is designed to ensure 20% of Australia's electricity comes from renewable energy sources by 2020.The Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Bill has split the RET into two parts from January 1 next year. A Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET) covers projects such as wind farms, commercial solar and geothermal. A Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) provides a set level of support for small-scale technologies such as solar panels and solar hot-water systems.
"The Renewable Energy Target enhancements passed by the Parliament will provide a clear benefit to large-scale renewable energy projects and households wanting to play their part in tackling climate change," Climate Change Minister Penny Wong said.
Clean Energy Council chief executive Matthew Warren said the reforms would unlock more than $20 billion in investment in major generation projects, while creating a stable growth path for householdscale technologies. The Bill passed the Senate on Wednesday night and now returns to the Lower House.
AGL Energy managing director Michael Fraser said it would give industry the certainty to make long-term investment decisions such as the Macarthur wind farm. "With our joint venture partner Meridian Energy, AGL Energy plans to fast track the final approvals for the development of the Macarthur wind farm which, when completed, will be one of the largest in the southern hemisphere," he said. The Macarthur wind farm will have a generating capacity of 450MW, enough to power about 250,000 households.
As well as splitting the target into large and small systems, several amendments were passed. A mechanism was introduced so that if a glut of renewable energy certificates are created from small sources in the next six months, targets can be tweaked in the short term to retain demand and therefore investment certainty. The Climate Change Minister will be given independent advice on pricing of renewable energy certificates from small-scale sources. The Government will consult on regulations about the effect of changes in solar panel costs.
The Opposition successfully moved an amendment so that only small electric heat pumps - of less than 425 litres - can attract certificates. The Greens failed to stop certificates being issued for power generated from burning native forest timber with Greens Leader Bob Brown accusing Senator Wong of supporting forest destruction. Senator Wong said only genuine waste from sustainable forestry operations would be eligible.
Two firms win energy funding
Adelaide Advertiser
Saturday 26/6/2010 Page: 51
A SOLAR facade and thermographic survey will help two Adelaide companies cut the city's greenhouse gas emissions. Tamrae Pty Ltd andMWQ Properties Pty Ltd have been awarded a share of $270,000 in the State Government's $2 million Building Innovation Fund. Tamrae will reduce its building's energy consumption by 25% by creating a frontage carrying solar panels and translucent PV cells to generate power.MWQ Properties will use a thermographic survey to determine where heat is escaping from its building to development strategies to improve efficiency.
Saturday 26/6/2010 Page: 51
A SOLAR facade and thermographic survey will help two Adelaide companies cut the city's greenhouse gas emissions. Tamrae Pty Ltd andMWQ Properties Pty Ltd have been awarded a share of $270,000 in the State Government's $2 million Building Innovation Fund. Tamrae will reduce its building's energy consumption by 25% by creating a frontage carrying solar panels and translucent PV cells to generate power.MWQ Properties will use a thermographic survey to determine where heat is escaping from its building to development strategies to improve efficiency.
Electricians angry over solar rules
Sydney Morning Herald
Thursday 24/6/2010 Page: 8
ELECTRICIANS have waded into a stoush with an industry group, the Clean Energy Council, over who has the right to control the installation of solar panels. Changes the federal government has made to the solar installer accreditation process mean the responsibility for checking the safety of solar panels has passed from the Clean Energy Council to state energy regulators.
But electricians must still pay the council $660, rising to $880 after 18 months, for permission to install the panels. The council maintains it plays a vital role in policing the safety of the scheme. But the Electrical Trades Union accused the group of making money for nothing and entangling electricians in red tape. "The council represents no one and largely comprises academics and consultants who simply seek to attain a revenue stream from the take-up of new technology," said the assistant national secretary, John Ingrain.
"This kind of ticket clipping is a brake on economic activity and, more significantly, acts to retard greenhouse gas abatement via the take-up of new technology." The council's policy director, Russell Marsh, said in a statement the fee covered administration and inspection costs and helped fund a consumer handbook. On Monday the government said it had tightened the guidelines for installing solar panels.
Thursday 24/6/2010 Page: 8
ELECTRICIANS have waded into a stoush with an industry group, the Clean Energy Council, over who has the right to control the installation of solar panels. Changes the federal government has made to the solar installer accreditation process mean the responsibility for checking the safety of solar panels has passed from the Clean Energy Council to state energy regulators.
But electricians must still pay the council $660, rising to $880 after 18 months, for permission to install the panels. The council maintains it plays a vital role in policing the safety of the scheme. But the Electrical Trades Union accused the group of making money for nothing and entangling electricians in red tape. "The council represents no one and largely comprises academics and consultants who simply seek to attain a revenue stream from the take-up of new technology," said the assistant national secretary, John Ingrain.
"This kind of ticket clipping is a brake on economic activity and, more significantly, acts to retard greenhouse gas abatement via the take-up of new technology." The council's policy director, Russell Marsh, said in a statement the fee covered administration and inspection costs and helped fund a consumer handbook. On Monday the government said it had tightened the guidelines for installing solar panels.
Energy disclosure in new law
Canberra Times
Wednesday 23/6/2010 Page: 17
Office block owners will have to disclose their building's energy efficiency to buyers or lessees under draft laws passed by the lower house yesterday. The Government is trying to get owners of big commercial office buildings to release energy efficiency ratings before selling or leasing them. The legislation, if passed by the Senate, would apply to buildings of 2000sgm or more, as well as head tenants intending to sub-lease space.
Junior Climate Change Minister Greg Combet said the changes were the first step to transforming the market into a truly energy efficient sector. But he conceded such radical change was bound to cause some concern and promised stakeholders would get a voice in working out how to implement and improve the scheme. The Government would provide appropriate transitional arrangements in the meantime,
Mr Combet said. Under the changes, interested parties could demand a full building energy efficiency certificate, which follows similar schemes in the European Union and the United States. Energy efficiency was one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, he said. The Opposition did not oppose the Building Energy Efficiency Disclose Bill 2010, although former environment minister and Opposition leader Malcolm Turnbull noted it was not a solution "in and of itself'. It must be part of a bigger move to improve energy efficiency across the board, he told Parliament.
Wednesday 23/6/2010 Page: 17
Office block owners will have to disclose their building's energy efficiency to buyers or lessees under draft laws passed by the lower house yesterday. The Government is trying to get owners of big commercial office buildings to release energy efficiency ratings before selling or leasing them. The legislation, if passed by the Senate, would apply to buildings of 2000sgm or more, as well as head tenants intending to sub-lease space.
Junior Climate Change Minister Greg Combet said the changes were the first step to transforming the market into a truly energy efficient sector. But he conceded such radical change was bound to cause some concern and promised stakeholders would get a voice in working out how to implement and improve the scheme. The Government would provide appropriate transitional arrangements in the meantime,
Mr Combet said. Under the changes, interested parties could demand a full building energy efficiency certificate, which follows similar schemes in the European Union and the United States. Energy efficiency was one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, he said. The Opposition did not oppose the Building Energy Efficiency Disclose Bill 2010, although former environment minister and Opposition leader Malcolm Turnbull noted it was not a solution "in and of itself'. It must be part of a bigger move to improve energy efficiency across the board, he told Parliament.
Alaska utility says wind farm power cheaper
www.google.com
23/06/10
FAIRBANKS, Alaska -- The Golden Valley Electric Association says a wind farm near Healy could prevent increases in customer rates because it would likely produce cheaper power than wholesale prices the utility pays. The proposed $93 million Eva Creek wind farm would be the largest in the state and could produce power for a full cent less than Golden Valley's current wholesale price, which is about 10.6 cents perkW-hour. Kate Lamal, a vice president for the utility, said Tuesday during a presentation on plans for the wind farm that it should be able to deliver 9MWs of power.
Lamal also said years of data on wind patterns are strong enough to secure loans and a $2 million renewable-energy grant from the state has paid for studies of road access, bird migration patterns and integration with Golden Valley's existing energy portfolio. She said the utility plans to solicit bids to present to the board of directors this fall. Approval would let engineering advance this winter, road and foundation construction begin next summer, and turbine installation follow in 2012.
Joe Blanchard, a Borough Assembly member, said after the presentation that he supports the Eva Creek project while still considering himself among those who feel the state will fail to meet the Legislature's green energy goals without investing in a large hydroelectric dam. In April, the Legislature chose to set a target that Alaska will get 50% of its electricity from renewable and alternative sources within 15 years. "But I think this is a good start," Blanchard said. Kat Keith, an applied wind diesel specialist at the Alaska Center for Energy and Power, said interest in wind power in Alaska is growing. The state hosts 19 wind projects; that number could grow to 25 or more in 2011, she said.
23/06/10
FAIRBANKS, Alaska -- The Golden Valley Electric Association says a wind farm near Healy could prevent increases in customer rates because it would likely produce cheaper power than wholesale prices the utility pays. The proposed $93 million Eva Creek wind farm would be the largest in the state and could produce power for a full cent less than Golden Valley's current wholesale price, which is about 10.6 cents perkW-hour. Kate Lamal, a vice president for the utility, said Tuesday during a presentation on plans for the wind farm that it should be able to deliver 9MWs of power.
Lamal also said years of data on wind patterns are strong enough to secure loans and a $2 million renewable-energy grant from the state has paid for studies of road access, bird migration patterns and integration with Golden Valley's existing energy portfolio. She said the utility plans to solicit bids to present to the board of directors this fall. Approval would let engineering advance this winter, road and foundation construction begin next summer, and turbine installation follow in 2012.
Joe Blanchard, a Borough Assembly member, said after the presentation that he supports the Eva Creek project while still considering himself among those who feel the state will fail to meet the Legislature's green energy goals without investing in a large hydroelectric dam. In April, the Legislature chose to set a target that Alaska will get 50% of its electricity from renewable and alternative sources within 15 years. "But I think this is a good start," Blanchard said. Kat Keith, an applied wind diesel specialist at the Alaska Center for Energy and Power, said interest in wind power in Alaska is growing. The state hosts 19 wind projects; that number could grow to 25 or more in 2011, she said.
Pickens: Americans ready for 10-year energy plan
www.google.com
23/06/10
DALLAS -- Texas billionaire T. Boone Pickens said Americans are ready for the challenge if President Barack Obama will commit to a 10-year plan to reduce U.S, dependence on foreign oil. Pickens said Tuesday he believes the U.S, has enough natural gas reserves to "replace dirty foreign oil." Speaking at the Sustainable Innovation Summit in Dallas, Pickens reiterated his belief that wind and solar power also are keys to energy independence. The Texas oilman said nothing has happened in the two years since Obama pledged to implement a 10-year plan for exploring alternative energy sources.
Pickens also criticised the U.S, for being behind China in trying to solve energy problems. "America has never had a plan," Pickens said. "They have a plan to solve their problem, we don't." Pickens said the money that would be saved by using the alternative energy he proposes would far outweigh any initial costs. His plan includes creating new jobs from expanding on the wind and solar power industry, providing incentives for homeowners and commercial building owners to upgrade their insulation and other energy saving options and to use the country's natural gas reserves to replace imported oil as fuel until another more viable option is available.
Pickens does not think using natural gas reserves is a permanent solution. He said it is a bridge to help buy the U.S, time to further develop alternative strategies for fuel. "We can save two and a half million barrels of fuel a day by changing 18-wheelers to natural gas," Pickens said. Switching to natural gas would also help the U.S, keep more of the $350 to $430 billion spent on imported oil every year, Pickens said. In January, Pickens bought about 300 wind turbines -- less than half of what he planned to order to build the world's largest wind farm in Texas. The wind farm initially called for 687 turbines.
23/06/10
DALLAS -- Texas billionaire T. Boone Pickens said Americans are ready for the challenge if President Barack Obama will commit to a 10-year plan to reduce U.S, dependence on foreign oil. Pickens said Tuesday he believes the U.S, has enough natural gas reserves to "replace dirty foreign oil." Speaking at the Sustainable Innovation Summit in Dallas, Pickens reiterated his belief that wind and solar power also are keys to energy independence. The Texas oilman said nothing has happened in the two years since Obama pledged to implement a 10-year plan for exploring alternative energy sources.
Pickens also criticised the U.S, for being behind China in trying to solve energy problems. "America has never had a plan," Pickens said. "They have a plan to solve their problem, we don't." Pickens said the money that would be saved by using the alternative energy he proposes would far outweigh any initial costs. His plan includes creating new jobs from expanding on the wind and solar power industry, providing incentives for homeowners and commercial building owners to upgrade their insulation and other energy saving options and to use the country's natural gas reserves to replace imported oil as fuel until another more viable option is available.
Pickens does not think using natural gas reserves is a permanent solution. He said it is a bridge to help buy the U.S, time to further develop alternative strategies for fuel. "We can save two and a half million barrels of fuel a day by changing 18-wheelers to natural gas," Pickens said. Switching to natural gas would also help the U.S, keep more of the $350 to $430 billion spent on imported oil every year, Pickens said. In January, Pickens bought about 300 wind turbines -- less than half of what he planned to order to build the world's largest wind farm in Texas. The wind farm initially called for 687 turbines.
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