Features for January 2010
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo get help from COWI to generate electricity from the methane dissolved into the waters of Lake Kivu.
28 January, 2010
The offshore wind industry has already garnered government support and is increasingly piquing the interest of the private sector thanks to its ability to contribute significantly to the European renewable energy targets of 2020. As installed capacity continues to grow, and market share increases, the banking sector will continue to become progressively more involved in this industry.
25 January, 2010
A new low-energy concept focusing on solar energy promises energy savings of up to 70 % in villas in the Gulf.
22 January, 2010
Several policy frameworks to mandate more environmentally responsible building methods are being developed at both the European Union (EU) and national levels, especially with climate change moving up the policy priority agenda, reports Hriday Malik.
20 January, 2010
For a decade, the members of the California Fuel Cell Partnership have been working together to successfully navigate the early stages of fuel cell vehicle and hydrogen station deployments. As of June 2009, CaFCP members have placed more than 300 fuel cell passenger vehicles and transit buses, and 26 hydrogen stations, into California communities.
19 January, 2010
The future of green building is blue sky and beyond if the numbers from the US Green Building Council (USGBC) continue to hold true. It released its first leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED) third-party certification tool for commercial buildings in the year 2000, and already there are over 6,900 LEED certifications in the US alone. Lyn Corum spoke to David Gottfried, founder of the USGBC and the World Green Building Council.
18 January, 2010
Technicians dealing with operation and maintenance (O&M) at wind farms often feel that the ‘high voltage’ distribution system within the wind farm is outside their area of expertise. But, says Jack Wallace Jr., high voltage brings with it important safety considerations. So what are the current HV safety concerns inherent in wind farms today and how can they be addressed?
15 January, 2010
As the world reels from the major economic crisis of the past two years, a great deal of the political and business focus has been placed on finding the next generation of economic growth opportunities, and the further development and commercialisation of clean energy sources is key to that. So is this the time for the fuel cell to come in from the margins and play a key role? Dr. Jonathan Butler and Dr. Kerry-Ann Adamson of Fuel Cell Today (FCT) think the time is right.
14 January, 2010
There are many potential challenges for utilities that look to integrate a larger share of renewable power into their generation mix. But none is more significant than whether a utility has the strategic will. Don C. Smith spoke with Roger Duncan, General Manager of Austin Energy about why it is undertaking an aggressive increase in the percentage of renewable energy in its generating portfolio.
12 January, 2010
In terms of carbon emissions, how do we get deliver solutions to our climate and energy challenges? For those who simply wish to get there quickly, it may look easy in terms of technology. However, Miguel Mendonça of the World Future Council is convinced that getting there requires more agreement, more collaboration and more action.
07 January, 2010
Companies in the energy sector, ranging from oil majors to start-ups, have long been looking for clean, sustainable sources of energy. In this sector, a start-up can face particular challenges in its quest to develop the “next big thing”. Even if it succeeds, a long road awaits. Connie Carnabuci, Stuart Grider, and Chester Toh chart the legal course of a small renewable energy start-up.
07 January, 2010