www.ecoseed.org
15 May 2013
Morocco has officially commenced the construction of a 160 MW concentrated solar power plant near the desert city of Ouarzazate.
The 7 billion dirhams ($817.55 million) project is expected to become the world's largest solar facility of its kind when finished by 2015, surpassing the 100 MW Shams 1 solar thermal plant in the United Arab Emirates (see related story).
A consortium led by Saudi developer ACWA Power, won the contract to develop the plant last September. Construction of the project will employ around 1,000 employees while operation will generate 60 permanent jobs.
The Noor 1 C.S.P, project is part of the two-phase Noor 1 Solar Complex, due for completion by 2020. The complex is expected to cover 3,000 hectares and have an overall capacity of 500 MW-enough to provide electricity for Ouarzazate's 1.5 million people.
The Moroccan Agency for Solar Energy is developing the Noor 1 C.S.P, project as well as several other utility-scale solar power projects using various solar technologies at the Noor 1 Solar Complex. In addition, they have already identified five sites for solar power stations including Ouarzazate, Ain Bni Mathar, Foum Al Oued, Boujdour and Sebkhat Tah.
In its bid to ease dependence on fossil fuel imports, the Morocco is exploring the use renewable energy sources particularly solar power. It has one of the highest rates of solar insulation of any country, amounting to around 3,000 hours per year of sunshine.
In 2009, the North African nation launched what has been touted as the world's largest solar power plan costing around $9 billion. It aims to generate 2,000 MW of solar capacity by 2020 and contribute 18% to the country's annual electricity generation. Significantly, the entire solar plan will help the country save 1 million ton oil equivalent per year and prevent 3.7 emissions of CO₂ equivalent.
According to the International Energy Agency, Morocco is the "largest energy importer in North Africa with limited resources of its own". It is already spending more than $3 billion a year on fuel on electricity imports and is experiencing power demand growth of 6.5% average a year.
Showing posts with label Insulation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Insulation. Show all posts
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
Thursday, 17 January 2013
Superconductors for efficient wind power plants: Researchers develop cooling system for novel generator
http://phys.org
January 4, 2013
Wind power will make a major contribution to the energy turnaround. Efficient power generation by means of offshore power plants requires powerful, reliable generators that do not cause disproportionately high logistic efforts and do not require complex foundations. Using generators with superconductors, performance can be increased to 10 MW while at the same time reducing the units' weights and sizes. Besides, superconducting generators can be built with less than one hundredth of the quantity of rare earths required for manufacturing the currently most frequently used permanent magnet generator. Superconduction, hence, allows setting up of efficient, robust, and compact wind power plants at reduced building, operating, and maintenance costs.
It is the objective of the EU-supported project SUPRAPOWER (SUPerconducting, Reliable, lightweight, And more POWERful offshore wind turbine) to use the high potential of supraconduction for expansion of wind power. In the four-year project that has started now nine partners from industry and science cooperate under the coordination of Fundacion Tecnalia Research & Innovation, Spain. Together, the partners develop a wind power plant with direct-drive superconducting generator. The innovative direct drive, in addition, reduces transport and maintenance costs and extends the service life of the turbine.
The Cryogenic Engineering Division at KIT's Institute for Technical Physics (ITEP) contributes the cooling system: Below a certain temperature, superconductors have no electrical resistance and conduct electricity without loss. To ensure proper operation of the superconducting generator, the coils must be cooled below this so-called transition temperature. The researchers at ITEP are developing a rotating low-loss cryostat that cools down the superconducting coils to 20 Kelvin (minus 253.15 °C) through pure heat conduction by means of small Gifford-McMahon coolers provided by the project partner Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum.
"Since the cooling performance of such coolers is limited, we must ensure that heat between them and the superconducting coils is conducted well. Besides, we must consider the influence of rotation on the heat pipes we may use. On the other hand, the cryostat needs a highly effective thermal insulation", explains Head of the Cryogenic Engineering Division Dr. Holger Neumann. Work on the cooling system translates the findings from fundamental research to practice and, hence, is most attractive to young scientists.
January 4, 2013
Wind power will make a major contribution to the energy turnaround. Efficient power generation by means of offshore power plants requires powerful, reliable generators that do not cause disproportionately high logistic efforts and do not require complex foundations. Using generators with superconductors, performance can be increased to 10 MW while at the same time reducing the units' weights and sizes. Besides, superconducting generators can be built with less than one hundredth of the quantity of rare earths required for manufacturing the currently most frequently used permanent magnet generator. Superconduction, hence, allows setting up of efficient, robust, and compact wind power plants at reduced building, operating, and maintenance costs.
It is the objective of the EU-supported project SUPRAPOWER (SUPerconducting, Reliable, lightweight, And more POWERful offshore wind turbine) to use the high potential of supraconduction for expansion of wind power. In the four-year project that has started now nine partners from industry and science cooperate under the coordination of Fundacion Tecnalia Research & Innovation, Spain. Together, the partners develop a wind power plant with direct-drive superconducting generator. The innovative direct drive, in addition, reduces transport and maintenance costs and extends the service life of the turbine.
The Cryogenic Engineering Division at KIT's Institute for Technical Physics (ITEP) contributes the cooling system: Below a certain temperature, superconductors have no electrical resistance and conduct electricity without loss. To ensure proper operation of the superconducting generator, the coils must be cooled below this so-called transition temperature. The researchers at ITEP are developing a rotating low-loss cryostat that cools down the superconducting coils to 20 Kelvin (minus 253.15 °C) through pure heat conduction by means of small Gifford-McMahon coolers provided by the project partner Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum.
"Since the cooling performance of such coolers is limited, we must ensure that heat between them and the superconducting coils is conducted well. Besides, we must consider the influence of rotation on the heat pipes we may use. On the other hand, the cryostat needs a highly effective thermal insulation", explains Head of the Cryogenic Engineering Division Dr. Holger Neumann. Work on the cooling system translates the findings from fundamental research to practice and, hence, is most attractive to young scientists.
Thursday, 15 November 2012
Solar capability enhanced with battery ‘smoother’
www.sciencewa.net.au
3 Nov 2012
WESTERN Australian based company Magellan Power has developed a unique device to address electricity fluctuations that occur with some alternative energy technologies. Renewable energy sources like solar, wind and geothermal are growing industries in Australia and research is focused on the pursuit of more efficient energy transmission. In particular, solar farms have an issue with power surges and lulls that occur due to changeable weather conditions.
"When the grid experiences large changes in the injection of solar power, for example on cloudy days, the generators work hard to keep up", Magellan Power's Jolleh Abshar says. "If a large cloud passes by, then the solar injection level will suddenly drop and generators will need to work hard to keep the power flowing".
This lack of reliability has caused WA electricity utility, Horizon Power to bring in new specifications, effective from July this year requiring solar farms to have 'smoothing devices'--a relatively new technology, installed. Chief Technical Officer for Magellan Power, Lindsay Meek says their Solar Smoother uses an integrated cell battery management system. "Our system consists of batteries and a bi-directional inverter and the lithium ensures that the batteries aren't compromised by the heavy work load", she says.
It uses similar battery technology to hybrid powered vehicles. A number of similar units called Grid Power Support Systems have already been sold to Ergon Energy in Queensland, to solve issues with their solar power and to smooth electricity flow in old single earth return (SWER) lines. The success of these first commercial placements has seen Magellan Power refining their product to the point where they now also offer smaller residential units (RUSS).
The Solar Smoother is a key solution for a 45KW solar project at the Carnarvon Police and Justice Complex, which is currently under tender. Plans are underway for another project for a local council in the Pilbara, where a Solar Smoother is again the preferred solution. Magellan believes it has the only Solar Smoother specifically designed to smooth solar power. The technology can be applied to both existing and prospective electricity supply sources in Australia and internationally.
3 Nov 2012
WESTERN Australian based company Magellan Power has developed a unique device to address electricity fluctuations that occur with some alternative energy technologies. Renewable energy sources like solar, wind and geothermal are growing industries in Australia and research is focused on the pursuit of more efficient energy transmission. In particular, solar farms have an issue with power surges and lulls that occur due to changeable weather conditions.
"When the grid experiences large changes in the injection of solar power, for example on cloudy days, the generators work hard to keep up", Magellan Power's Jolleh Abshar says. "If a large cloud passes by, then the solar injection level will suddenly drop and generators will need to work hard to keep the power flowing".
This lack of reliability has caused WA electricity utility, Horizon Power to bring in new specifications, effective from July this year requiring solar farms to have 'smoothing devices'--a relatively new technology, installed. Chief Technical Officer for Magellan Power, Lindsay Meek says their Solar Smoother uses an integrated cell battery management system. "Our system consists of batteries and a bi-directional inverter and the lithium ensures that the batteries aren't compromised by the heavy work load", she says.
It uses similar battery technology to hybrid powered vehicles. A number of similar units called Grid Power Support Systems have already been sold to Ergon Energy in Queensland, to solve issues with their solar power and to smooth electricity flow in old single earth return (SWER) lines. The success of these first commercial placements has seen Magellan Power refining their product to the point where they now also offer smaller residential units (RUSS).
The Solar Smoother is a key solution for a 45KW solar project at the Carnarvon Police and Justice Complex, which is currently under tender. Plans are underway for another project for a local council in the Pilbara, where a Solar Smoother is again the preferred solution. Magellan believes it has the only Solar Smoother specifically designed to smooth solar power. The technology can be applied to both existing and prospective electricity supply sources in Australia and internationally.
Saturday, 27 October 2012
Yallourn Power Station downsize shows Renewable Energy Target is working
Clean Energy Council
17 Oct 2012
The peak body for Australia's clean energy industry said today's announcement that part of the coal-fired Yallourn W power station would be mothballed showed that cleaner sources of power were gradually replacing the country's highest-polluting power generation. Clean Energy Council Chief Executive David Green said if Australia was serious about transitioning to a clean energy future, then such shifts in the way electricity was generated were to be expected.
"Six weeks ago renewable energy was wrongly criticised in some quarters for not reducing emissions, and now Australia's 20% Renewable Energy Target has been criticised for being too effective", Mr Green said. "The fact is, the Renewable Energy Target is doing exactly what it is supposed to: aiding Australia's transition to a cleaner energy system and hunting out the least-cost ways of doing this.
"Not only that, while providing the country with clean energy such as solar, wind, bioenergy and hydroelectric, it has also delivered billions of dollars in investment and thousands of jobs, along with increased protection against the volatile costs of fossil fuels. And it has the potential to deliver much more if kept in place and not tinkered with".
However, the policy is currently under review by the Climate Change Authority, which is under pressure from some energy companies who want it scaled back in order to maintain their dominance of the market.
"People are using less fossil fuelled electricity because of the increased contribution of large-scale clean energy such as wind, rising power prices, mild weather and better energy efficiency at home as well as through technologies like solar power. Contrary to the predictions of some doomsayers, the lights are still on and our energy sources are still secure. "It's not surprising the impact of all this is being felt by some of the big fossil fuelled power generators.
"But it is too early to say whether any forecast reduction in demand for energy will be a long-term trend or whether it will increase again if we all turn the air conditioning on over a few hot summers, or the exchange rate changes and manufacturing picks up", he said.
17 Oct 2012
The peak body for Australia's clean energy industry said today's announcement that part of the coal-fired Yallourn W power station would be mothballed showed that cleaner sources of power were gradually replacing the country's highest-polluting power generation. Clean Energy Council Chief Executive David Green said if Australia was serious about transitioning to a clean energy future, then such shifts in the way electricity was generated were to be expected."Six weeks ago renewable energy was wrongly criticised in some quarters for not reducing emissions, and now Australia's 20% Renewable Energy Target has been criticised for being too effective", Mr Green said. "The fact is, the Renewable Energy Target is doing exactly what it is supposed to: aiding Australia's transition to a cleaner energy system and hunting out the least-cost ways of doing this.
"Not only that, while providing the country with clean energy such as solar, wind, bioenergy and hydroelectric, it has also delivered billions of dollars in investment and thousands of jobs, along with increased protection against the volatile costs of fossil fuels. And it has the potential to deliver much more if kept in place and not tinkered with".
However, the policy is currently under review by the Climate Change Authority, which is under pressure from some energy companies who want it scaled back in order to maintain their dominance of the market.
"People are using less fossil fuelled electricity because of the increased contribution of large-scale clean energy such as wind, rising power prices, mild weather and better energy efficiency at home as well as through technologies like solar power. Contrary to the predictions of some doomsayers, the lights are still on and our energy sources are still secure. "It's not surprising the impact of all this is being felt by some of the big fossil fuelled power generators.
"But it is too early to say whether any forecast reduction in demand for energy will be a long-term trend or whether it will increase again if we all turn the air conditioning on over a few hot summers, or the exchange rate changes and manufacturing picks up", he said.
Thursday, 4 October 2012
New cobalt catalyst can split hydrogen from water
resourceinvestingnews.com
26 Sep 2012
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have produced hydrogen from water using an inexpensive cobalt catalyst, the university said. The research is gaining attention because hydrogen can be used as a fuel in combination with fuel-cells, which are seen as a growing source of green energy.
The scientists' work is also noteworthy because the cobalt catalyst will work in conditions useful to industry. That means the catalyst uses fresh water, tolerates oxygen in the atmosphere and runs at room temperature.
Hydrogen is currently produced from fossil fuels, creating the greenhouse gas CO₂ as a by-product. Hence it is neither renewable nor clean. "A green process such as sunlight-driven water splitting is therefore required to produce 'green and sustainable [hydrogen],'" the University of Cambridge said in a statement.
The cobalt catalyst comes in handy because until now scientists have had a tough time finding an efficient and inexpensive catalyst that can function under real-world conditions--using pH neutral water, surrounded by oxygen and at room temperature. Currently, highly-efficient catalysts such as platinum are too expensive and cheaper alternatives are inefficient, the researchers said.
"Our research has shown that inexpensive materials such as cobalt are suitable to fulfil this challenging requirement", Dr. Erwin Reisner, the lead author of the research and head of the Christian Doppler Laboratory at the University of Cambridge, said in a university circular. "Of course, many hurdles such as the rather poor stability of the catalyst remain to be addressed, but our finding provides a first step to produce 'green hydrogen' under relevant conditions".
While it is too early to tell what impact this development will have on demand for cobalt, new applications for cobalt are generally seen as positive for the mineral, which is in oversupply; new uses could boost demand.
Global mine production of cobalt was 98,000 tonnes in 2011, according to the US Geological Survey. With two more mines coming on board in the next few years, London-based CRU has estimated that demand for cobalt will rise to over 100,000 tonnes of refined consumption a year by 2016. The market is expected to remain in oversupply at least until then.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) sources nearly two-thirds of the world's cobalt, most of which is refined in China. Zambia, Russia, Australia, Brazil and Canada also produce some cobalt, but the main players are the DRC and China. The Cambridge researchers, in the meantime, look forward to creating a sunlight-driven hydrogen system.
Fezile Lakadamyali and Masaru Kato, co-authors of the study, told New Energy and Fuel, "[w]e are excited about our results and we are optimistic that we will successfully assemble a sunlight-driven water splitting system soon". New Energy and Fuel added that it would be a breakthrough if the team "could get the hydrogen ready to store or reconnected to a carbon atom".
26 Sep 2012
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have produced hydrogen from water using an inexpensive cobalt catalyst, the university said. The research is gaining attention because hydrogen can be used as a fuel in combination with fuel-cells, which are seen as a growing source of green energy.
The scientists' work is also noteworthy because the cobalt catalyst will work in conditions useful to industry. That means the catalyst uses fresh water, tolerates oxygen in the atmosphere and runs at room temperature.
Hydrogen is currently produced from fossil fuels, creating the greenhouse gas CO₂ as a by-product. Hence it is neither renewable nor clean. "A green process such as sunlight-driven water splitting is therefore required to produce 'green and sustainable [hydrogen],'" the University of Cambridge said in a statement.
The cobalt catalyst comes in handy because until now scientists have had a tough time finding an efficient and inexpensive catalyst that can function under real-world conditions--using pH neutral water, surrounded by oxygen and at room temperature. Currently, highly-efficient catalysts such as platinum are too expensive and cheaper alternatives are inefficient, the researchers said.
"Our research has shown that inexpensive materials such as cobalt are suitable to fulfil this challenging requirement", Dr. Erwin Reisner, the lead author of the research and head of the Christian Doppler Laboratory at the University of Cambridge, said in a university circular. "Of course, many hurdles such as the rather poor stability of the catalyst remain to be addressed, but our finding provides a first step to produce 'green hydrogen' under relevant conditions".
While it is too early to tell what impact this development will have on demand for cobalt, new applications for cobalt are generally seen as positive for the mineral, which is in oversupply; new uses could boost demand.
Global mine production of cobalt was 98,000 tonnes in 2011, according to the US Geological Survey. With two more mines coming on board in the next few years, London-based CRU has estimated that demand for cobalt will rise to over 100,000 tonnes of refined consumption a year by 2016. The market is expected to remain in oversupply at least until then.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) sources nearly two-thirds of the world's cobalt, most of which is refined in China. Zambia, Russia, Australia, Brazil and Canada also produce some cobalt, but the main players are the DRC and China. The Cambridge researchers, in the meantime, look forward to creating a sunlight-driven hydrogen system.
Fezile Lakadamyali and Masaru Kato, co-authors of the study, told New Energy and Fuel, "[w]e are excited about our results and we are optimistic that we will successfully assemble a sunlight-driven water splitting system soon". New Energy and Fuel added that it would be a breakthrough if the team "could get the hydrogen ready to store or reconnected to a carbon atom".
Tuesday, 2 October 2012
Gorgon gas project tugs save fuel using battery power
shipandbunker.com
25 Sep 2012
Four new tugboats being built for use in the Gorgon gas project off Australia's West Coast will run on more than two MWs worth of lithium-polymer batteries, reducing both fuel use and emissions according to Corvus Energy, the Canadian company that makes the batteries.
The project, which will be the largest natural resources extraction effort in Australian history, is located in an environmentally sensitive area, and the battery-powered vessels are intended to help minimise pollution. Corvus Energy said its 48 volt AT6500 batteries are about a quarter the weight of conventional batteries, making them the world's most energy-dense batteries.
"Corvus Energy is thrilled to be part of this major project and have our industrial lithium-polymer battery technology featured in the hybrid tugs", Corvus Energy CEO Brent Perry said in a statement. "We are confident that our 48 volt batteries will provide many years of economical operation as well as significantly reducing the environmental impact of such a large and important project", he added.
The batteries, which shipbuilder Siemens AS is using as it builds the tugboats, offer a fuel savings payback in about three years. The tugs, which have a maximum bollard pull of 75 tonnes, will be used in general offshore operations as the gas field is developed.
The Gorgon project is being developed by a joint venture of ChevronTexaco, Shell, and Exxon-Mobil, according to Offshore Technology. The first gas from the area is expected in 2014, and Chevron has supply agreements for 4 million tonnes of natural gas a year. Chevron Australia says the project includes the construction of a 15 million tonne per annum liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant on Barrow Island.
25 Sep 2012
Four new tugboats being built for use in the Gorgon gas project off Australia's West Coast will run on more than two MWs worth of lithium-polymer batteries, reducing both fuel use and emissions according to Corvus Energy, the Canadian company that makes the batteries.The project, which will be the largest natural resources extraction effort in Australian history, is located in an environmentally sensitive area, and the battery-powered vessels are intended to help minimise pollution. Corvus Energy said its 48 volt AT6500 batteries are about a quarter the weight of conventional batteries, making them the world's most energy-dense batteries.
"Corvus Energy is thrilled to be part of this major project and have our industrial lithium-polymer battery technology featured in the hybrid tugs", Corvus Energy CEO Brent Perry said in a statement. "We are confident that our 48 volt batteries will provide many years of economical operation as well as significantly reducing the environmental impact of such a large and important project", he added.
The batteries, which shipbuilder Siemens AS is using as it builds the tugboats, offer a fuel savings payback in about three years. The tugs, which have a maximum bollard pull of 75 tonnes, will be used in general offshore operations as the gas field is developed.
The Gorgon project is being developed by a joint venture of ChevronTexaco, Shell, and Exxon-Mobil, according to Offshore Technology. The first gas from the area is expected in 2014, and Chevron has supply agreements for 4 million tonnes of natural gas a year. Chevron Australia says the project includes the construction of a 15 million tonne per annum liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant on Barrow Island.
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
Energy efficiency minimum standards a win for consumers
Clean Energy Council
13 Sep 2012
The availability of low quality, energy-intensive appliances imported from overseas will be reduced under new legislation passed through the Federal Senate today, in a move applauded by the Clean Energy Council. Clean Energy Council Chief Executive David Green said the Greenhouse Energy Minimum Standards legislation would help protect households from power price pain by increasing the energy efficiency levels of new appliances and streamlining the energy star rating labelling system across Australia.
"Today's decision to limit the use of poor quality appliances is good news for people who are struggling with rising electricity costs. Some of these devices have a low upfront cost that can seem appealing, but end up hurting you every time you open your power bill", he said. "Loopholes in the current system mean that in some states inferior imported products are able to slip through the net and be sold to unsuspecting customers".
Mr Green said the current energy rating labelling system-the Equipment Energy Efficiency program-would be streamlined and expanded to include more products such as insulation, window glass and gas-powered products. "At the moment there are different arrangements for placing standards and energy ratings on appliances in different states, which can be confusing for consumers. The changes introduced today will include moving to a single national regulator, cutting down on red tape for businesses and reducing fees for registering products", he said.
"With these improvements, people can be confident they are getting consistent information when purchasing large appliances like air-conditioners, washing machines and dryers". Mr Green stressed that sustained dialogue and engagement with both consumers and the industry was now important in order to ensure the program was able to deliver the maximum benefits.
13 Sep 2012
The availability of low quality, energy-intensive appliances imported from overseas will be reduced under new legislation passed through the Federal Senate today, in a move applauded by the Clean Energy Council. Clean Energy Council Chief Executive David Green said the Greenhouse Energy Minimum Standards legislation would help protect households from power price pain by increasing the energy efficiency levels of new appliances and streamlining the energy star rating labelling system across Australia."Today's decision to limit the use of poor quality appliances is good news for people who are struggling with rising electricity costs. Some of these devices have a low upfront cost that can seem appealing, but end up hurting you every time you open your power bill", he said. "Loopholes in the current system mean that in some states inferior imported products are able to slip through the net and be sold to unsuspecting customers".
Mr Green said the current energy rating labelling system-the Equipment Energy Efficiency program-would be streamlined and expanded to include more products such as insulation, window glass and gas-powered products. "At the moment there are different arrangements for placing standards and energy ratings on appliances in different states, which can be confusing for consumers. The changes introduced today will include moving to a single national regulator, cutting down on red tape for businesses and reducing fees for registering products", he said.
"With these improvements, people can be confident they are getting consistent information when purchasing large appliances like air-conditioners, washing machines and dryers". Mr Green stressed that sustained dialogue and engagement with both consumers and the industry was now important in order to ensure the program was able to deliver the maximum benefits.
Energy efficiency minimum standards a win for consumers
Clean Energy Council
13 Sep 2012
The availability of low quality, energy-intensive appliances imported from overseas will be reduced under new legislation passed through the Federal Senate today, in a move applauded by the Clean Energy Council. Clean Energy Council Chief Executive David Green said the Greenhouse Energy Minimum Standards legislation would help protect households from power price pain by increasing the energy efficiency levels of new appliances and streamlining the energy star rating labelling system across Australia.
"Today's decision to limit the use of poor quality appliances is good news for people who are struggling with rising electricity costs. Some of these devices have a low upfront cost that can seem appealing, but end up hurting you every time you open your power bill", he said. "Loopholes in the current system mean that in some states inferior imported products are able to slip through the net and be sold to unsuspecting customers".
Mr Green said the current energy rating labelling system-the Equipment Energy Efficiency program-would be streamlined and expanded to include more products such as insulation, window glass and gas-powered products. "At the moment there are different arrangements for placing standards and energy ratings on appliances in different states, which can be confusing for consumers. The changes introduced today will include moving to a single national regulator, cutting down on red tape for businesses and reducing fees for registering products", he said.
"With these improvements, people can be confident they are getting consistent information when purchasing large appliances like air-conditioners, washing machines and dryers". Mr Green stressed that sustained dialogue and engagement with both consumers and the industry was now important in order to ensure the program was able to deliver the maximum benefits.
13 Sep 2012
The availability of low quality, energy-intensive appliances imported from overseas will be reduced under new legislation passed through the Federal Senate today, in a move applauded by the Clean Energy Council. Clean Energy Council Chief Executive David Green said the Greenhouse Energy Minimum Standards legislation would help protect households from power price pain by increasing the energy efficiency levels of new appliances and streamlining the energy star rating labelling system across Australia."Today's decision to limit the use of poor quality appliances is good news for people who are struggling with rising electricity costs. Some of these devices have a low upfront cost that can seem appealing, but end up hurting you every time you open your power bill", he said. "Loopholes in the current system mean that in some states inferior imported products are able to slip through the net and be sold to unsuspecting customers".
Mr Green said the current energy rating labelling system-the Equipment Energy Efficiency program-would be streamlined and expanded to include more products such as insulation, window glass and gas-powered products. "At the moment there are different arrangements for placing standards and energy ratings on appliances in different states, which can be confusing for consumers. The changes introduced today will include moving to a single national regulator, cutting down on red tape for businesses and reducing fees for registering products", he said.
"With these improvements, people can be confident they are getting consistent information when purchasing large appliances like air-conditioners, washing machines and dryers". Mr Green stressed that sustained dialogue and engagement with both consumers and the industry was now important in order to ensure the program was able to deliver the maximum benefits.
Thursday, 13 September 2012
New hydrogen filling stations in Europe and Japan
www.4-traders.com
7 Sep 2012
The automotive industry has announced that vehicles powered by fuel-cell technology will be on the market by 2015. Air Liquide is preparing for the emergence of hydrogen in transport by supporting the rollout of the necessary filling station infrastructure globally. These developments have recently received strong government backing in Europe and Asia.
Today, Air Liquide officially opened its first public hydrogen filling station for passenger cars in Germany, in the city of Duesseldorf. This state of the art station will be followed by 10 new hydrogen filling stations that will be designed, built and rolled out in the next three years under the auspices of the German government's major demonstration project. By 2015 Germany will have a supply network of at least 50 public filling stations.
Those new steps are in line with the Group's announcement in October 2011 that it would invest in 20 new stations in Europe. Driven by the same dynamic, two other stations have been installed recently by Air Liquide in Oslo, Norway, and in the Swiss city of Brugg.
In Japan, the government sees hydrogen as a promising major energy source for cars and expects to install about 100 hydrogen distribution stations for fuel-cell vehicles by 2015. Air Liquide Japan intends to build a significant number of them and, in support of this goal, has recently set up a specialized team focused on the hydrogen business. The Group is already very active in Japan in this field, having so far installed 3 hydrogen energy stations (in Tokyo, Kawasaki, and Saga). One of these stations demonstrated the feasibility of a complete "Blue Hydrogen" chain, from wood chips to clean mobility.
Read More…
7 Sep 2012
The automotive industry has announced that vehicles powered by fuel-cell technology will be on the market by 2015. Air Liquide is preparing for the emergence of hydrogen in transport by supporting the rollout of the necessary filling station infrastructure globally. These developments have recently received strong government backing in Europe and Asia.
Today, Air Liquide officially opened its first public hydrogen filling station for passenger cars in Germany, in the city of Duesseldorf. This state of the art station will be followed by 10 new hydrogen filling stations that will be designed, built and rolled out in the next three years under the auspices of the German government's major demonstration project. By 2015 Germany will have a supply network of at least 50 public filling stations.
Those new steps are in line with the Group's announcement in October 2011 that it would invest in 20 new stations in Europe. Driven by the same dynamic, two other stations have been installed recently by Air Liquide in Oslo, Norway, and in the Swiss city of Brugg.
In Japan, the government sees hydrogen as a promising major energy source for cars and expects to install about 100 hydrogen distribution stations for fuel-cell vehicles by 2015. Air Liquide Japan intends to build a significant number of them and, in support of this goal, has recently set up a specialized team focused on the hydrogen business. The Group is already very active in Japan in this field, having so far installed 3 hydrogen energy stations (in Tokyo, Kawasaki, and Saga). One of these stations demonstrated the feasibility of a complete "Blue Hydrogen" chain, from wood chips to clean mobility.
Read More…
Tuesday, 7 February 2012
The hidden cost of infinite energy (Part 2)
www.theglobalmail.org
7 Feb 2012
The chief of Australia’s largest electricity network decries that he has no incentive to rein in our demand for power. Well, academics led by economist Chris Dunstan are touting a detailed plan to slow Australia’s energy spending, drive down prices and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The energy bosses are listening. But is Canberra ready to act?
Read more…
7 Feb 2012
The chief of Australia’s largest electricity network decries that he has no incentive to rein in our demand for power. Well, academics led by economist Chris Dunstan are touting a detailed plan to slow Australia’s energy spending, drive down prices and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The energy bosses are listening. But is Canberra ready to act?Read more…
The hidden cost of infinite energy (Part 1)
www.theglobalmail.org
6 Feb 2012
Australian power bills are soaring, and much of the cost is not about the actual electricity, but building the gargantuan infrastructure to deal with our unchecked energy use.
Read more…
An excellent two-part series from Ellen Fanning explaining what is wrong with Australia's electricity generation and distribution system and how we can improve its efficiency and lower costs.
6 Feb 2012
Australian power bills are soaring, and much of the cost is not about the actual electricity, but building the gargantuan infrastructure to deal with our unchecked energy use.Read more…
An excellent two-part series from Ellen Fanning explaining what is wrong with Australia's electricity generation and distribution system and how we can improve its efficiency and lower costs.
Monday, 17 October 2011
CSR House cuts energy costs
Summaries - Australian Financial Review
13 Oct 2011, Page: 56
CSR group chief executive Rob Sindel said he believes his firm is close to building an eight star energy efficiency-rated house for the same price as a five-star dwelling. The company recently built an eight-star display home at Schofield in Sydney, using more energy-efficient glass, aerated concrete and insulation, which Mr Sindel said uses 80% less energy on cooling and heating. Mr Sindel said the advent of the federal government's carbon tax and rising electricity prices were making consumers more energy-aware. The house was designed by Gareth Cole Architects using Monier roof tiles. Viridian Glass, Bradford insulation, CSR gyprock and PGH Bricks.
13 Oct 2011, Page: 56
CSR group chief executive Rob Sindel said he believes his firm is close to building an eight star energy efficiency-rated house for the same price as a five-star dwelling. The company recently built an eight-star display home at Schofield in Sydney, using more energy-efficient glass, aerated concrete and insulation, which Mr Sindel said uses 80% less energy on cooling and heating. Mr Sindel said the advent of the federal government's carbon tax and rising electricity prices were making consumers more energy-aware. The house was designed by Gareth Cole Architects using Monier roof tiles. Viridian Glass, Bradford insulation, CSR gyprock and PGH Bricks.
Sunday, 4 September 2011
Sustainable building system can cut carbon emissions
Weekend Australian
20 August 2011, Page: 1
CHRIS Bamett's claim that his homes have "twice the insulation of a normal house and can reduce heating and cooling needs by two-thirds" would be impressive enough, but when you learn he's talking about a two-thirds reduction on the existing five-star benchmark you really sit up and take notice. Habitech is a sustainable building system designed to create custom designed homes with an energy efficiency rating of 7.5 stars or more.
This is energy efficiency at the cutting edge of new house building design and building and its modelled on the modular housing innovations the US and Europe have been undertaking for a number of years (if you're a fan of the British TV series Grand Designs you'll have seen beautiful homes built using equivalent systems from Germany).
More than that though its also a glimpse at house construction systems that mean carbon tax cost pressures direct and indirect are simply a moot point because there's substantially less carbon emissions in its construction than conventional housing in this country and, if attached to photovoltaics generating its own solar power, a house built using such systems can sell electricity back to the grid.
The brainchild of architect-trained Barnett, Habitech Systems is a Melbourne-based venture that aims to make locally fabricated, environmentally sustainable, quick and easy-to-build homes that are modern and good value in the mid-market price range. Barnett says Habitech is the result of a two-year research and development process to create "better outcomes with current technology".
His demonstration building is an extension to a post-war cottage on the Mornington Peninsula, at Shoreham, east of Melbourne, and was built to the lock-up stage in 21/2 weeks. Much of the home was built in the factory and trucked in, but Barnett says this doesn't make it a "prefabricated building, our whole mentality is based on a component-based build". That is a system that allows homes to be custom-designed, rather than having to conform to a limited range of shapes and dimensions as many factory built options are, which can be factory built and assembled on site.
The technology builds houses that cut emissions by 70%, Barnett says, and have low embodied energy (minimal energy used in construction). As for the cost Barnett says, "our initial offer is three-quarters of the traditional architect-designed process". He adds that the company can "quantify the cost of the building fabric super accurately". This means no surprising cost blowouts in the structure of the building, although other costs, like how much you spend on the internal finishes, appliances, kitchen and bathrooms is up to the client.
Barnett quotes a figure of "about $2200 a m²" for the building cost. By comparison a mass-produced home now comes in at about $800-$900/m²; a draftsman designed master built home at $1500-$2500/m² and an average architect-designed home at $2500-$3500/m² (or more, depending on the quality of the materials, inclusions and finishing). "We're cheaper than architecture and our building fabric is much higher quality", says Barnett. "With volume we hope to drive the price down to $1800/m² in the future".
20 August 2011, Page: 1
This is energy efficiency at the cutting edge of new house building design and building and its modelled on the modular housing innovations the US and Europe have been undertaking for a number of years (if you're a fan of the British TV series Grand Designs you'll have seen beautiful homes built using equivalent systems from Germany).
More than that though its also a glimpse at house construction systems that mean carbon tax cost pressures direct and indirect are simply a moot point because there's substantially less carbon emissions in its construction than conventional housing in this country and, if attached to photovoltaics generating its own solar power, a house built using such systems can sell electricity back to the grid.
The brainchild of architect-trained Barnett, Habitech Systems is a Melbourne-based venture that aims to make locally fabricated, environmentally sustainable, quick and easy-to-build homes that are modern and good value in the mid-market price range. Barnett says Habitech is the result of a two-year research and development process to create "better outcomes with current technology".
His demonstration building is an extension to a post-war cottage on the Mornington Peninsula, at Shoreham, east of Melbourne, and was built to the lock-up stage in 21/2 weeks. Much of the home was built in the factory and trucked in, but Barnett says this doesn't make it a "prefabricated building, our whole mentality is based on a component-based build". That is a system that allows homes to be custom-designed, rather than having to conform to a limited range of shapes and dimensions as many factory built options are, which can be factory built and assembled on site.
The technology builds houses that cut emissions by 70%, Barnett says, and have low embodied energy (minimal energy used in construction). As for the cost Barnett says, "our initial offer is three-quarters of the traditional architect-designed process". He adds that the company can "quantify the cost of the building fabric super accurately". This means no surprising cost blowouts in the structure of the building, although other costs, like how much you spend on the internal finishes, appliances, kitchen and bathrooms is up to the client.
Barnett quotes a figure of "about $2200 a m²" for the building cost. By comparison a mass-produced home now comes in at about $800-$900/m²; a draftsman designed master built home at $1500-$2500/m² and an average architect-designed home at $2500-$3500/m² (or more, depending on the quality of the materials, inclusions and finishing). "We're cheaper than architecture and our building fabric is much higher quality", says Barnett. "With volume we hope to drive the price down to $1800/m² in the future".
Wednesday, 17 August 2011
Boom in rooftop solar panels 'extraordinary'
Sydney Morning Herald
8 August 2011, Page: 3
THE solar bonus scheme introduced last year was very successful in some suburbs, with more than 14% of homes installing rooftop solar panels, compared with a statewide average of about 3%. Figures provided to the Herald by three electricity distributors revealed the north coast had the highest number of solar schemes. In Dubbo, more than 2000 homes had also installed photovoltaic units.
Paul Myors, an energy efficiency specialist with Ausgrid, said the number of homes with solar panels had increased from 2000 18 months ago to 46,000, after the former NSW Labor government introduced the solar bonus rebate scheme that was scrapped in May by the new government.
Peak take-up rates are around the central coast and Lake Macquarie, where about 6% of homes in many suburbs have rooftop systems. Customers of Essential Energy, which supplies power to many country areas, installed more than 2200 systems in the post code covering Lismore and surrounding towns.
Data from the last census in 2006 said there were 18,500 dwellings in the Lismore postcode, which gives a rooftop solar system rate of more than 12%. In the Tweed Heads postcode, the rate is more than 14%, while Dubbo has a rate exceeding 13%, rates that Mr Myors described as "extraordinary".
Some of the high installation rates in certain towns are believed to be a result of intensive marketing campaigns conducted by solar panel companies. Mr Myors said the high percentage of detached homes with good solar access in some rural and regional areas was another factor behind the wide variations in take-up rates.
The chief executive of Strata Community Australia, Mark Lever, said more than 70% of residents in many Sydney local government areas live in apartments, as do more than 50% in North Sydney. He said while many of them wanted to install solar panels, the federal and state governments had not considered their needs while designing rebate schemes, leaving regulatory hurdles to be cleared.
"Body corporates are not eligible for federal Renewable Energy Certificates, and then they have to deal with the fact the Tax Office regards any income to the body corporate from solar schemes as mutual income that is taxable in the hands of individual owners", Mr Lever said. Ausgrid has started publishing details of solar panel installations and other data on its website to allow councils, consumers and other interested parties to compare trends in electricity consumption.
Mr Myors said the data showed that while electricity usage increased every year from the 1950s, it plateaued four years ago and had been declining by about 2% a year since then due to increased energy prices, improved energy efficiency in houses thanks in part to the home insulation scheme and more efficient appliances. However, peak demand was still increasing, especially on hot days. In 10 years, the percentage of houses with air-conditioning in NSW had increased from 30% to 70%, placing additional pressure on the system, he said.
8 August 2011, Page: 3
THE solar bonus scheme introduced last year was very successful in some suburbs, with more than 14% of homes installing rooftop solar panels, compared with a statewide average of about 3%. Figures provided to the Herald by three electricity distributors revealed the north coast had the highest number of solar schemes. In Dubbo, more than 2000 homes had also installed photovoltaic units.
Paul Myors, an energy efficiency specialist with Ausgrid, said the number of homes with solar panels had increased from 2000 18 months ago to 46,000, after the former NSW Labor government introduced the solar bonus rebate scheme that was scrapped in May by the new government.
Peak take-up rates are around the central coast and Lake Macquarie, where about 6% of homes in many suburbs have rooftop systems. Customers of Essential Energy, which supplies power to many country areas, installed more than 2200 systems in the post code covering Lismore and surrounding towns.
Data from the last census in 2006 said there were 18,500 dwellings in the Lismore postcode, which gives a rooftop solar system rate of more than 12%. In the Tweed Heads postcode, the rate is more than 14%, while Dubbo has a rate exceeding 13%, rates that Mr Myors described as "extraordinary".
Some of the high installation rates in certain towns are believed to be a result of intensive marketing campaigns conducted by solar panel companies. Mr Myors said the high percentage of detached homes with good solar access in some rural and regional areas was another factor behind the wide variations in take-up rates.
The chief executive of Strata Community Australia, Mark Lever, said more than 70% of residents in many Sydney local government areas live in apartments, as do more than 50% in North Sydney. He said while many of them wanted to install solar panels, the federal and state governments had not considered their needs while designing rebate schemes, leaving regulatory hurdles to be cleared.
"Body corporates are not eligible for federal Renewable Energy Certificates, and then they have to deal with the fact the Tax Office regards any income to the body corporate from solar schemes as mutual income that is taxable in the hands of individual owners", Mr Lever said. Ausgrid has started publishing details of solar panel installations and other data on its website to allow councils, consumers and other interested parties to compare trends in electricity consumption.
Mr Myors said the data showed that while electricity usage increased every year from the 1950s, it plateaued four years ago and had been declining by about 2% a year since then due to increased energy prices, improved energy efficiency in houses thanks in part to the home insulation scheme and more efficient appliances. However, peak demand was still increasing, especially on hot days. In 10 years, the percentage of houses with air-conditioning in NSW had increased from 30% to 70%, placing additional pressure on the system, he said.
Thursday, 11 August 2011
Nothing fair or smart about solar bungling
West Australian
3 August 2011, Page: 20
The only thing saving the Barnett Government from a "pink batts" backlash over its comprehensive bungling of the rooftop solar panels scheme is scale. Luckily, the industry the Government poleaxed this week is smaller than that represented by the home insulation contractors the Rudd government ruined and there are fewer householders directly harmed.
But measuring your disasters against those of the past two Federal Labor governments can hardly be recommended as political best practice. The Liberal Party went to the last State election promising voters they would get a payment of 60¢ for every kW of electricity their rooftop panels fed into the power grid. It was the sort of political greenwash that has now become commonplace in Australian politics, playing on the good nature of those who want to "save the planet".
The essential difference was that this promise made commercial sense to those who liked the idea. It wasn't just green. It offered many people a real opportunity to cut their power bills. But the 60¢ tariff was such a fundamental misreading of the economics of our renewable energy future that it calls into question the Government's ability to deal with the new realities that the carbon tax will foist on the nation next year.
The renewable energy sector confirmed this week that the Australian Photo Voltaic Association told the WA Government in 2007 that a fair feed-in price was between 130-160. Why was that advice ignored? Who came up with the 60¢ tariff and why? When the promise finally made its way into the 2009 Budget, the Government set aside $13.5 million over four years.
By the time Energy Minister Peter Collier axed the program hastily on Monday morning, after this newspaper exposed its imminent demise "within weeks", its cost had blown out to $127 million. That is a massive bungle. And it was despite the fact that the Government had already dudded punters on its original tariff promise by reducing the starting price to 40¢ and then further cutting to 20¢ to try to contain its growth within the 150 MW quota.
Those people not frightened off by the Government's meddling who still want to go ahead with rooftop solar panels will now be offered a 7¢ return by wind.com/" target="_blank">Synergy Energy or Horizon. That tariff is laughably based on the cost of coal-fired power to the energy retailers and means that new entrants selling their solar electricity into the grid are effectively subsidising the State Government.
Why would anyone pay thousands of dollars for a solar system that feeds cheap electricity into the grid for negligible return while they are at work only to have to pay peak power rates for fossil fuelled energy when they come home in the evening and turn on their air-conditioning? Members of the WA solar panel industry met last week, fearing the 150 MW cap would be reached soon, not knowing whether the Government intended to extend the scheme on the basis of its unrivalled success.
"The Government has failed to consult with the industry on the ensuing changes, and this has made it very difficult for any business to plan effectively" Ray Wills, chief executive of the Sustainable Energy Association, said after Monday's brutal decision. "The renewable energy industry continues to be plagued by government decisions that lead to boom-bust cycles and fail to provide the conditions needed to grow the industry sustainably.
"While the SEA expects solar PV is likely to hit retail grid parity potentially by 2014-15, this interim period without some form of price support is likely to significantly erode the value and capability of the industry. The industry does not seek subsidies, just a fair price to be paid for consumers' exported electricity The provision of a fair price will create greater certainty and restore the confidence of solar installers to invest in growing their businesses, and consumers the confidence to buy". The raw politics of this decision are poisonous for the Barnett Government in the current economic climate.
Not only has it axed a program for being too popular a political non sequitur but it is seen to be stopping people from limiting their exposure to ever-increasing power price rises. Economic rationalists will rightly argue that home solar panels do not stack up in any direct comparison with commercial power generators.
The Productivity Commission found that a medium solar outfit produced power for around $400-$473/ MW compared with coal-fired electricity at $78-$91, combined-cycle gas turbines at $97 and wind turbines from $150-$214. But that doesn't take into account that private individuals are bearing the capital cost of the system and it frees up capacity in the existing low-cost State-owned generating system.
A well-priced feed-in tariff within a well-managed program with a realistic and expandable cap would have ensured a steady flow of privately sourced solar power at a lower cost than the Government could arrange through its own means to meet its renewable energy commitments. It is unlikely that the State will be able to extricate itself from ownership of its energy business any time soon. So its needs to get a lot smarter about how it handles the shift to renewables.
3 August 2011, Page: 20
The only thing saving the Barnett Government from a "pink batts" backlash over its comprehensive bungling of the rooftop solar panels scheme is scale. Luckily, the industry the Government poleaxed this week is smaller than that represented by the home insulation contractors the Rudd government ruined and there are fewer householders directly harmed.
But measuring your disasters against those of the past two Federal Labor governments can hardly be recommended as political best practice. The Liberal Party went to the last State election promising voters they would get a payment of 60¢ for every kW of electricity their rooftop panels fed into the power grid. It was the sort of political greenwash that has now become commonplace in Australian politics, playing on the good nature of those who want to "save the planet".
The essential difference was that this promise made commercial sense to those who liked the idea. It wasn't just green. It offered many people a real opportunity to cut their power bills. But the 60¢ tariff was such a fundamental misreading of the economics of our renewable energy future that it calls into question the Government's ability to deal with the new realities that the carbon tax will foist on the nation next year.
The renewable energy sector confirmed this week that the Australian Photo Voltaic Association told the WA Government in 2007 that a fair feed-in price was between 130-160. Why was that advice ignored? Who came up with the 60¢ tariff and why? When the promise finally made its way into the 2009 Budget, the Government set aside $13.5 million over four years.
By the time Energy Minister Peter Collier axed the program hastily on Monday morning, after this newspaper exposed its imminent demise "within weeks", its cost had blown out to $127 million. That is a massive bungle. And it was despite the fact that the Government had already dudded punters on its original tariff promise by reducing the starting price to 40¢ and then further cutting to 20¢ to try to contain its growth within the 150 MW quota.
Those people not frightened off by the Government's meddling who still want to go ahead with rooftop solar panels will now be offered a 7¢ return by wind.com/" target="_blank">Synergy Energy or Horizon. That tariff is laughably based on the cost of coal-fired power to the energy retailers and means that new entrants selling their solar electricity into the grid are effectively subsidising the State Government.
Why would anyone pay thousands of dollars for a solar system that feeds cheap electricity into the grid for negligible return while they are at work only to have to pay peak power rates for fossil fuelled energy when they come home in the evening and turn on their air-conditioning? Members of the WA solar panel industry met last week, fearing the 150 MW cap would be reached soon, not knowing whether the Government intended to extend the scheme on the basis of its unrivalled success.
"The Government has failed to consult with the industry on the ensuing changes, and this has made it very difficult for any business to plan effectively" Ray Wills, chief executive of the Sustainable Energy Association, said after Monday's brutal decision. "The renewable energy industry continues to be plagued by government decisions that lead to boom-bust cycles and fail to provide the conditions needed to grow the industry sustainably.
"While the SEA expects solar PV is likely to hit retail grid parity potentially by 2014-15, this interim period without some form of price support is likely to significantly erode the value and capability of the industry. The industry does not seek subsidies, just a fair price to be paid for consumers' exported electricity The provision of a fair price will create greater certainty and restore the confidence of solar installers to invest in growing their businesses, and consumers the confidence to buy". The raw politics of this decision are poisonous for the Barnett Government in the current economic climate.
Not only has it axed a program for being too popular a political non sequitur but it is seen to be stopping people from limiting their exposure to ever-increasing power price rises. Economic rationalists will rightly argue that home solar panels do not stack up in any direct comparison with commercial power generators.
The Productivity Commission found that a medium solar outfit produced power for around $400-$473/ MW compared with coal-fired electricity at $78-$91, combined-cycle gas turbines at $97 and wind turbines from $150-$214. But that doesn't take into account that private individuals are bearing the capital cost of the system and it frees up capacity in the existing low-cost State-owned generating system.
A well-priced feed-in tariff within a well-managed program with a realistic and expandable cap would have ensured a steady flow of privately sourced solar power at a lower cost than the Government could arrange through its own means to meet its renewable energy commitments. It is unlikely that the State will be able to extricate itself from ownership of its energy business any time soon. So its needs to get a lot smarter about how it handles the shift to renewables.
Monday, 18 July 2011
Green energy 'gives power firms £7bn windfall'
www.telegraph.co.uk
11 July 2011
Britain's biggest energy companies will be handed a £7 billion windfall by Government plans to boost "green" power generation, analysts have said. Power companies who are already putting up household bills are set to benefit from measures to encourage the building of new nuclear power stations and windfarms, according to Credit Suisse.
Chris Huhne, the Energy Secretary, will tomorrow set out plans to encourage low carbon energy generation techniques. The Electricity Market Reform White Paper will offer financial incentives to low carbon generators, guaranteeing them a fixed price for their power above the market price. Those incentives will be funded by households though their power bills.
According to a Credit Suisse report, higher prices will bring in an extra £24 billion for power companies between 2013 and 2020. Their costs are only forecast to rise by £17 billion, giving a profit of £7 billion. Companies' profits will be determined by the level the carbon "floor price" is set at, something the bank said was subject to "uncertainty". With energy firms already increasing household bills sharply this year, ministers are sensitive to suggestions that their plans will add to consumers' costs.
Mr Huhne yesterday insisted that the Government's plans will mean a long term reduction in household energy bills. Some estimates suggest Government "green" energy measures could add £200 to the average household's annual energy bill. Ofgem, the Government's energy regulator, has said it expects prices to rise by at least 10%.
Mr Huhne said that those estimates did not take account of other Government measures to reduce household energy consumption, such as encouraging insulation and "What it doesn't do is take account of the impact of that energy saving. That's the effect on gas and electricity prices, but once you take the effect on bills you actually find that we're getting overall bill down in the long run", he told the BBC.
Ministers believe that their plans will mean that British power stations will stop burning coal to generate power within the next three years. Mr Huhne insisted that such a shift away from fossil fuels was the only way to bring stability to household bills. Energy firms blame this year's price rises on growing demand for energy from Asia and uncertainty in the Middle East.
Britain must generate more of its energy from other sources, Mr Huhne said. "If we want to get off the vulnerability which we've got to these world markets, we've got to move to low carbon sources". According to the University of Cambridge Energy Policy Research Group, the Coalition's market reforms could increase household bills by 32% by 2030 and "send UK electricity prices towards being the highest in the European Union". Mr Huhne strongly rejected the Cambridge estimates.
11 July 2011
Britain's biggest energy companies will be handed a £7 billion windfall by Government plans to boost "green" power generation, analysts have said. Power companies who are already putting up household bills are set to benefit from measures to encourage the building of new nuclear power stations and windfarms, according to Credit Suisse.Chris Huhne, the Energy Secretary, will tomorrow set out plans to encourage low carbon energy generation techniques. The Electricity Market Reform White Paper will offer financial incentives to low carbon generators, guaranteeing them a fixed price for their power above the market price. Those incentives will be funded by households though their power bills.
According to a Credit Suisse report, higher prices will bring in an extra £24 billion for power companies between 2013 and 2020. Their costs are only forecast to rise by £17 billion, giving a profit of £7 billion. Companies' profits will be determined by the level the carbon "floor price" is set at, something the bank said was subject to "uncertainty". With energy firms already increasing household bills sharply this year, ministers are sensitive to suggestions that their plans will add to consumers' costs.
Mr Huhne yesterday insisted that the Government's plans will mean a long term reduction in household energy bills. Some estimates suggest Government "green" energy measures could add £200 to the average household's annual energy bill. Ofgem, the Government's energy regulator, has said it expects prices to rise by at least 10%.
Mr Huhne said that those estimates did not take account of other Government measures to reduce household energy consumption, such as encouraging insulation and "What it doesn't do is take account of the impact of that energy saving. That's the effect on gas and electricity prices, but once you take the effect on bills you actually find that we're getting overall bill down in the long run", he told the BBC.
Ministers believe that their plans will mean that British power stations will stop burning coal to generate power within the next three years. Mr Huhne insisted that such a shift away from fossil fuels was the only way to bring stability to household bills. Energy firms blame this year's price rises on growing demand for energy from Asia and uncertainty in the Middle East.
Britain must generate more of its energy from other sources, Mr Huhne said. "If we want to get off the vulnerability which we've got to these world markets, we've got to move to low carbon sources". According to the University of Cambridge Energy Policy Research Group, the Coalition's market reforms could increase household bills by 32% by 2030 and "send UK electricity prices towards being the highest in the European Union". Mr Huhne strongly rejected the Cambridge estimates.
Thursday, 23 June 2011
Australian households call for help on energy savings
Clean Energy Council
20 June 2011
Australian households want more support to save energy and money on their electricity bills but don't know where to turn, according to new research completed by Auspoll for the Clean Energy Council.
Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Matthew Warren said 95% of those polled said they were very concerned or quite concerned by rising energy costs. "It doesn't have to be this way. With the right support, households can be empowered to make big savings on their energy bills – and without comprising their quality of life," he said.
"The results are encouraging - 89% of people surveyed were willing to take actions to use less energy and 73% wanted more information on energy savings. But 57% of the population had little or no awareness of government programs and about half knew little or nothing at all about key aspects of their energy use. "The most effective way for governments to protect households from rising electricity costs is to implement effective energy savings programs, but these also need to be accompanied by targeted education campaigns," he said.
Mr Warren said introducing a carbon price in Australia was a first critical step towards de-carbonising the economy, but needed to be accompanied by national energy efficiency policies to support households and businesses through the transition. "Almost 90% of those polled said if the Federal Government implements a carbon tax it should make sure the community is supported and able to save on their bills. Australian households will be better off under a carbon price with the right support.
"Importantly, 74% of those polled support retailers being responsible for ensuring households use energy more efficiently. This confirms public support for the establishment of a National Energy Savings Initiative, an initiative which has been backed by a cross section of industry, welfare and environment groups," he said.
The Clean Energy Council has been calling on the Federal Government to implement:
The key findings from the Auspoll research are:
20 June 2011
Australian households want more support to save energy and money on their electricity bills but don't know where to turn, according to new research completed by Auspoll for the Clean Energy Council.Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Matthew Warren said 95% of those polled said they were very concerned or quite concerned by rising energy costs. "It doesn't have to be this way. With the right support, households can be empowered to make big savings on their energy bills – and without comprising their quality of life," he said.
"The results are encouraging - 89% of people surveyed were willing to take actions to use less energy and 73% wanted more information on energy savings. But 57% of the population had little or no awareness of government programs and about half knew little or nothing at all about key aspects of their energy use. "The most effective way for governments to protect households from rising electricity costs is to implement effective energy savings programs, but these also need to be accompanied by targeted education campaigns," he said.
Mr Warren said introducing a carbon price in Australia was a first critical step towards de-carbonising the economy, but needed to be accompanied by national energy efficiency policies to support households and businesses through the transition. "Almost 90% of those polled said if the Federal Government implements a carbon tax it should make sure the community is supported and able to save on their bills. Australian households will be better off under a carbon price with the right support.
"Importantly, 74% of those polled support retailers being responsible for ensuring households use energy more efficiently. This confirms public support for the establishment of a National Energy Savings Initiative, an initiative which has been backed by a cross section of industry, welfare and environment groups," he said.
The Clean Energy Council has been calling on the Federal Government to implement:
- A National Energy Savings Initiative, which provides an incentive for energy retailers to deliver energy savings
- An energy efficiency program for low income households funded by carbon price revenue
- A co-ordinated education and behaviour change campaign with State Governments, energy retailers and welfare and industry groups to ensure there is a clear message reaching households.
- A mandatory assessment program for residential buildings.
- The polling also showed strong support for Government energy savings programs. Even with the intense negative media attention, 82% of people that participated in the Federal Government's home insulation program were happy they were involved.
The key findings from the Auspoll research are:
- 5% concerned or very concerned about rising energy costs
- 89% willing to take action to use less energy
- 73% wanted more information on how they could save energy
- 57% knew little or nothing about government programs available. 50% knew little or nothing about key aspects of their energy use
- 74% support energy retailers being responsible for ensuring households use their energy more efficiently
- 88% said if a carbon tax is introduced, the community should be supported and able to save on their bills.
Wednesday, 8 June 2011
Solar panels idle in race for rebate
Sunday Mail Brisbane
29 May 2011, Page: 12
THE solar panels are on but there's no electricity flowing to the homes of hundreds of families who have rushed to have systems installed before federal rebates are slashed by more than $1000. In a desperate attempt to qualify for extra cash, The Sunday Mail has learned some operators have guaranteed homeowners they will install the panels by the end of June. But operators have told them they will have to wait until the new financial year before the systems are operational.
That's because the homes need switchboard upgrades for the system to work, or checks by state electricity authorities. From July 1, the federal solar credits scheme will be reduced, with the average rebate to households installing a 1.5kW system in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide dropping from $6200 to $5000. The Gillard Government's Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator has confirmed the systems do not have to be operational by July 1 to qualify. They simply have to be on the roof and capable of generating electricity.
Opposition climate change spokesman Greg Hunt said that after the debacle of the home insulation scheme and Green Loans, the Government should launch an immediate investigation into the scheme. "We do not want unacceptable delays before the solar panels actually generate electricity", Mr Hunt said. "I call on Climate Change Minister Greg Combet to launch an urgent review into these allegations, to report by June 15. "The review should ensure consumer protection, and investigate whether there is any improper or collusive practice. "We don't want solar panels to go the way of Pink Batts".
29 May 2011, Page: 12
THE solar panels are on but there's no electricity flowing to the homes of hundreds of families who have rushed to have systems installed before federal rebates are slashed by more than $1000. In a desperate attempt to qualify for extra cash, The Sunday Mail has learned some operators have guaranteed homeowners they will install the panels by the end of June. But operators have told them they will have to wait until the new financial year before the systems are operational.
That's because the homes need switchboard upgrades for the system to work, or checks by state electricity authorities. From July 1, the federal solar credits scheme will be reduced, with the average rebate to households installing a 1.5kW system in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide dropping from $6200 to $5000. The Gillard Government's Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator has confirmed the systems do not have to be operational by July 1 to qualify. They simply have to be on the roof and capable of generating electricity.
Opposition climate change spokesman Greg Hunt said that after the debacle of the home insulation scheme and Green Loans, the Government should launch an immediate investigation into the scheme. "We do not want unacceptable delays before the solar panels actually generate electricity", Mr Hunt said. "I call on Climate Change Minister Greg Combet to launch an urgent review into these allegations, to report by June 15. "The review should ensure consumer protection, and investigate whether there is any improper or collusive practice. "We don't want solar panels to go the way of Pink Batts".
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
Panels glut clouds solar prospects
Summaries - Australian Financial Review
13 April 2011, Page: 10
The rush for households to have solar panels installed prior to a scaling back of government subsidies from July 1 has led to fears of a shakeout in the industry. Acil Tasman has provided modelling for the Office of Renewable Energy which suggests that 35 million Renewable Energy Certificates for solar panel installation will have been created by December.
While the opposition has raised comparisons with the failed home insulation scheme, the solar industry is concerned that installers will be left holding worthless certificates. They fear that the government has over regulated the industry, fearing a repeat of the botched insulation program. Warwick Johnston of Sunwiz consultancy warned of oversupply of certificates and Solar Shop retail general manager Daniel Edgecombe said it was important for consumers to have their site correctly assessed.
13 April 2011, Page: 10
The rush for households to have solar panels installed prior to a scaling back of government subsidies from July 1 has led to fears of a shakeout in the industry. Acil Tasman has provided modelling for the Office of Renewable Energy which suggests that 35 million Renewable Energy Certificates for solar panel installation will have been created by December.
While the opposition has raised comparisons with the failed home insulation scheme, the solar industry is concerned that installers will be left holding worthless certificates. They fear that the government has over regulated the industry, fearing a repeat of the botched insulation program. Warwick Johnston of Sunwiz consultancy warned of oversupply of certificates and Solar Shop retail general manager Daniel Edgecombe said it was important for consumers to have their site correctly assessed.
Saturday, 12 March 2011
Home lag in energy efficiency
Hobart Mercury
3 March 2011, Page: 14
A TASMANIAN building expert says the state is lagging behind the rest of the nation in energy efficiency and the State Government has some serious work ahead if it is to get homes up to standard. Energy efficiency advocate Phil Harrington said Tasmania had a lot of catching up to do with the rest of Australia, having been the last to adopt a five star energy efficiency policy, which is scheduled to become six stars nationwide in May.
"There just hasn't been enough vigilance on building regulations to ensure homes are being built up to the five star standard", he said. "That's not to say that builders are shirking their responsibility but there need to be secure measures to ensure that all homes are being built with five star energy efficiency". Mr Harrington said it would make little difference if the state was to move to a six star minimum standard, if homes still hadn't met the current five star standard.
"It's a bit of a moot point in the end", he said. "It would make little difference, as the rate of five star homes in Tasmania is already below par so how can we expect to move to six stars?" Archicentre regional manager David Hellett said it was in people's best interests to ensure builders had met the five star standard when building their homes. "Make sure you're satisfied that the standard has been met, because you don't want to find out it hasn't later down the hack", he said.
As power bills continued to rise, there was a concern the lack of energy efficiency in homes could drastically affect consumption. "The amount of homes in the state that are wasting power because of poor energy efficiency is staggering", Mr Harrington said. "If people just took a few measures to properly insulate and seal their homes, they would see a drastic difference in their power bills". He said effective insulation and weather stripping were two key components of ensuring an energy efficient home. "You can increase your home's insulation from one to four stars just by putting in proper insulation". Mr Harrington said.
3 March 2011, Page: 14
A TASMANIAN building expert says the state is lagging behind the rest of the nation in energy efficiency and the State Government has some serious work ahead if it is to get homes up to standard. Energy efficiency advocate Phil Harrington said Tasmania had a lot of catching up to do with the rest of Australia, having been the last to adopt a five star energy efficiency policy, which is scheduled to become six stars nationwide in May.
"There just hasn't been enough vigilance on building regulations to ensure homes are being built up to the five star standard", he said. "That's not to say that builders are shirking their responsibility but there need to be secure measures to ensure that all homes are being built with five star energy efficiency". Mr Harrington said it would make little difference if the state was to move to a six star minimum standard, if homes still hadn't met the current five star standard.
"It's a bit of a moot point in the end", he said. "It would make little difference, as the rate of five star homes in Tasmania is already below par so how can we expect to move to six stars?" Archicentre regional manager David Hellett said it was in people's best interests to ensure builders had met the five star standard when building their homes. "Make sure you're satisfied that the standard has been met, because you don't want to find out it hasn't later down the hack", he said.
As power bills continued to rise, there was a concern the lack of energy efficiency in homes could drastically affect consumption. "The amount of homes in the state that are wasting power because of poor energy efficiency is staggering", Mr Harrington said. "If people just took a few measures to properly insulate and seal their homes, they would see a drastic difference in their power bills". He said effective insulation and weather stripping were two key components of ensuring an energy efficient home. "You can increase your home's insulation from one to four stars just by putting in proper insulation". Mr Harrington said.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)