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5. Efficiency and low-waste strategies in the lower right column.

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

The Top 50 ways to save the planet

http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/articles/general/news/071105_eapoll.html

The Top 50 ways to save the planet

London, UK, November 6, 2007. The UK Environment Agency has polled a group of environmental experts for their suggestions on how to save the planet.

The renewables field makes a strong showing at number 14 with an entry entitled 'A Surge in Renewables.' It points out that Britain has some of the best renewable energy resources on its own doorstep, including 40% of Europe's windpower. The sea comes in for particular praise, with Paul Brown, former Guardian correspondent and author of global warming, and Chris Goodall, Independent on Sunday writer and author of How to Live a Low Carbon Life, enthusiastic about undersea turbines that harness tidal power. Ocean energy conversion - which uses the difference in temperature between surface and deep sea water to extract heat and turn turbines - is also favourably mentioned.

Incentivising green products is enthusiastically endorsed, ranking at number six in the Top 100. "Every product that reduces the nation's carbon dioxide footprint (for example, insulation) should be zero rated for VAT and clearly labelled as such," says Paul Brown. One intriguing idea put forward by David Boyle, an associate at the New Economics Foundation, is for local, regional and city currencies. "This means we use resources more efficiently," he says.

At number four the unbundling of electricity generation and distribution is a revolution waiting to happen, according to the experts. Noel Wheatley, Head of International Relations at the Environment Agency, believes that EC member states need to accept that electricity production and distribution can be owned separately. From there it's a short step to 'small scale electricity generation that is cost effective and works well, particularly wind turbines and solar panels.'

Also in the top five are demands for a major post-Kyoto treaty, 'based on support from citizens, businesses, local authorities, NGO's and faith groups.'

Solar power is ranked near the top of the list at number three with Jonathan Porritt, Chairman of the UK Sustainable Development Commission, enthusiastically endorsing large scale solar power. According to Paul Brown, "using giant mirrors in tropical and desert regions to direct the sun's rays onto a liquid so it boils and turns turbines to make electricity." Chris Goodall observes that the very high cost of producing large slabs of silicon may fall sharply because of recent advances in nanotechnology. "We can expect very thin layers of photovoltaic material to cover large parts of buildings at a reasonable price" says Goodall.

A notable arrival at number two is what might be termed a matter of faith. That is, the need for religious leaders to make the planet, rather than their respective gods, the priority. "The world's faith groups have been silent for too long," says Nick Reeves, Executive Director, CIWEM. "It is time that they fulfilled their rightful collective role in reminding us that we have a duty to restore and maintain the ecological balance of the planet."

At number one pride of place goes to powering down the profusion of white goods that are estimated to waste the equivalent of two electrical power stations every year. Friends of the Earth Director, Tony Juniper sums it up as, "All electrical products to embody the most energy efficient technology."

The report makes fascinating reading. Amongst other things it reads like a wish list for the renewables industry as it highlights familiar demands such as the need for better biofuels, increased use of solar power, tougher post-Kyoto targets, decentralisation of power supplies and the abandonment of the fossil fuel habit. Surprisingly for a report from an official government body there is no mention of nuclear power and overpopulation is oddly passed off as the responsibility of Governments not couples.

Of course it's not all plain sailing for renewables. For example, although biofuels make the list at number 15 they are strongly criticised by one of the contributors, Chris Goodall. He says "Conventional biofuels are a complete disaster, financially and environmentally," but then dispels the gloom by making a plea for better biofuels. "We may see cost competitive technologies for breaking up the cellulosic material of plants within ten years or so. This means we will be able to use most organic wastes to make fuels much more efficiently."

One thing that comes through strongly in reading the list is the emphasis on individuals generating their own power either at home or in the community and the need to ‘spread the word’.

Each contributor was able to nominate up to five things in the following categories - consumer and domestic, groups and networks, ideas and belief systems, policies and agreements and science, technology and education.

http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/pdf/GEHO0907BNFQ-e-e.pdf?lang=_e
http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/articles/general/news/071105_eapoll.html

The Top 50 ways to save the planet

London, UK, November 6, 2007. The UK Environment Agency has polled a group of environmental experts for their suggestions on how to save the planet.

The renewables field makes a strong showing at number 14 with an entry entitled 'A Surge in Renewables.' It points out that Britain has some of the best renewable energy resources on its own doorstep, including 40% of Europe's windpower. The sea comes in for particular praise, with Paul Brown, former Guardian correspondent and author of global warming, and Chris Goodall, Independent on Sunday writer and author of How to Live a Low Carbon Life, enthusiastic about undersea turbines that harness tidal power. Ocean energy conversion - which uses the difference in temperature between surface and deep sea water to extract heat and turn turbines - is also favourably mentioned.

Incentivising green products is enthusiastically endorsed, ranking at number six in the Top 100. "Every product that reduces the nation's carbon dioxide footprint (for example, insulation) should be zero rated for VAT and clearly labelled as such," says Paul Brown. One intriguing idea put forward by David Boyle, an associate at the New Economics Foundation, is for local, regional and city currencies. "This means we use resources more efficiently," he says.

At number four the unbundling of electricity generation and distribution is a revolution waiting to happen, according to the experts. Noel Wheatley, Head of International Relations at the Environment Agency, believes that EC member states need to accept that electricity production and distribution can be owned separately. From there it's a short step to 'small scale electricity generation that is cost effective and works well, particularly wind turbines and solar panels.'

Also in the top five are demands for a major post-Kyoto treaty, 'based on support from citizens, businesses, local authorities, NGO's and faith groups.'

Solar power is ranked near the top of the list at number three with Jonathan Porritt, Chairman of the UK Sustainable Development Commission, enthusiastically endorsing large scale solar power. According to Paul Brown, "using giant mirrors in tropical and desert regions to direct the sun's rays onto a liquid so it boils and turns turbines to make electricity." Chris Goodall observes that the very high cost of producing large slabs of silicon may fall sharply because of recent advances in nanotechnology. "We can expect very thin layers of photovoltaic material to cover large parts of buildings at a reasonable price" says Goodall.

A notable arrival at number two is what might be termed a matter of faith. That is, the need for religious leaders to make the planet, rather than their respective gods, the priority. "The world's faith groups have been silent for too long," says Nick Reeves, Executive Director, CIWEM. "It is time that they fulfilled their rightful collective role in reminding us that we have a duty to restore and maintain the ecological balance of the planet."

At number one pride of place goes to powering down the profusion of white goods that are estimated to waste the equivalent of two electrical power stations every year. Friends of the Earth Director, Tony Juniper sums it up as, "All electrical products to embody the most energy efficient technology."

The report makes fascinating reading. Amongst other things it reads like a wish list for the renewables industry as it highlights familiar demands such as the need for better biofuels, increased use of solar power, tougher post-Kyoto targets, decentralisation of power supplies and the abandonment of the fossil fuel habit. Surprisingly for a report from an official government body there is no mention of nuclear power and overpopulation is oddly passed off as the responsibility of Governments not couples.

Of course it's not all plain sailing for renewables. For example, although biofuels make the list at number 15 they are strongly criticised by one of the contributors, Chris Goodall. He says "Conventional biofuels are a complete disaster, financially and environmentally," but then dispels the gloom by making a plea for better biofuels. "We may see cost competitive technologies for breaking up the cellulosic material of plants within ten years or so. This means we will be able to use most organic wastes to make fuels much more efficiently."

One thing that comes through strongly in reading the list is the emphasis on individuals generating their own power either at home or in the community and the need to ‘spread the word’.

Each contributor was able to nominate up to five things in the following categories - consumer and domestic, groups and networks, ideas and belief systems, policies and agreements and science, technology and education.

Click here for more info...

Sunpower era rising

http://www.reuters.com/article/reutersEdge/idUSL3081274120071101?sp=true

$100 oil prospect fuels clean energy stocks

Thu Nov 1, 2007 11:54am EDT
By Gerard Wynn - Analysis

LONDON (Reuters) - Clean energy stocks worldwide, and especially solar, have roared upwards in the past 10 weeks following the latest spiral in oil prices, but proving a direct link with oil is elusive, analysts say.

U.S. crude oil futures have hit a succession of all-time highs, on Thursday hitting $96 a barrel, and the spectre of $100 now looms large.

That should be good news for clean energy companies that supply alternatives to fossil fuels such as wind and solar.

Worldwide, companies specializing in various climate change strategies including renewable energy, waste and water management are up an average 18-27 percent since late August, versus a 32 percent-plus hike in crude, various research shows.

But a definite link between the two is elusive.

"If the market perceives this is... a sustained oil price increase it should impact sentiment for clean energy," said Merrill renewable energy analyst, Asari Efiong.

Most low carbon, fossil fuel alternatives such as wind and solar are still more expensive than oil and coal, and so should benefit from higher oil and power prices.

"It's not as obvious a correlation (with oil) as you'd expect," said Ian Simm, chief executive at Impax Asset Management, which has some 1 billion pounds ($2.08 billion) invested in environmental companies.

"Government support is much more important," Simm added, who attributed current renewable energy optimism to stronger government backing.

Deutsche said last month it had invested nearly 6 billion euros ($8.66 billion) in climate change strategies, while Bank of America and Citigroup this year announced planned investments of $20 billion and $50 billion respectively in environmental markets.

SUN RISES

Solar stocks are up 49.9 percent since the start of the latest oil price surge, triggered by a U.S. interest rate cut on August 17, versus a 32 percent hike in U.S. oil futures, according to New Energy Finance data.

Global equities generally, as measured by the MSCI World benchmark, are up 12 percent and energy stocks 19 percent, over the same, late August time frame.

Solar stocks are up 125 percent over all this year, says NEF, which tracks 17 solar power companies.

"Clean energy stocks are not driven by the oil price, but are dependent on it," said NEF analyst Katya Grigorian.

Investment banks and others have issued a raft of indices this year to track "climate change stocks" in clean energy, waste, water management, energy efficiency and carbon markets.

Impax and ABN AMRO environment indices cover a range of sectors and each show a 23 percent hike since late August. The ABN AMRO index has tracked crude oil with about 16 percent correlation.

Standard & Poor's and Credit Suisse launched this year indices which focus on clean energy, and are up 24 percent and 18 percent respectively since August 22.

The only black spot on the clean energy score card is biofuels. The escalating prices of feedstocks such as palm oil, corn and rapeseed have squeezed profit margins for producers of the alternative transport fuel.

NEF's basket of biofuel stocks is down more than 15 percent this year, and up 3.7 percent since late August.

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Unique Financing Option For Solar

October 30, 2007

Berkeley Offers Residents Unique Financing Option for Solar

Berkeley, California [RenewableEnergyAccess.com]

The City of Berkeley, California is set to become the first city in the U.S. to allow property owners to pay for solar system installation and energy efficiency improvements as a long-term assessment on their individual property tax bill.

"Berkeley's proposal is brilliant because it removes the number one roadblock to solar, the high up front costs...If Berkeley makes this work, I have no doubt it will be replicated all over the state and the nation."

-- Dan Kammen, Professor, UC Berkeley Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory

Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates will ask the City Council to approve the framework for a "Sustainable Energy Financing District" at their November 6th Council meeting.

The City's plan eliminates the two major financial hurdles to solar electric and solar hot water systems—the high upfront cost and the possibility that those costs will not be recovered when the property is sold. If approved, the program could begin operating next year.

"Nearly every expert we have worked with on this financing initiative believes it can fundamentally change the market for solar," said Bates. "There are more than 400 solar installations in Berkeley today. With this program, I think we can install thousands of solar systems over the next decade and go a long way to meeting our greenhouse gas emission reduction targets."

UC Berkeley Professor Dan Kammen, who directs the University's Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory, will be assisting the City in developing the program.

"Berkeley's proposal is brilliant because it removes the number one roadblock to solar, the high up front costs. It also allows property owners to take advantage of the City's ability to find the best rates," said Kammen. "If Berkeley makes this work, I have no doubt it will be replicated all over the state and the nation."

The Sustainable Energy Financing District is being developed as part of the City's implementation of Measure G—last year's ballot measure setting greenhouse gas reduction targets for Berkeley and directing the Mayor to lead the development of a plan to meet those targets. The first complete draft of the Climate Action Plan will to be released for public comment in mid-November.

The financing mechanism is loosely based on existing "underground utility districts" where the City serves as the financing agent for a neighborhood when they move utility poles and wires underground.

In this case, individual property owners would contract directly with qualified private solar installers and contractors for energy efficiency and solar projects on their building. The City provides the funding for the project from a bond or loan fund that it repays through assessments on participating property owners' tax bills for 20 years.

No property owner would pay an assessment unless they had work done on their property as part of the program. Those who choose to pay for solar and energy efficiency work through this program would pay only for the cost of their project, interest, and a small administrative fee.

"Nearly every day we meet potential customers who think they can't afford a solar energy system. With Berkeley's financing plan in place, just about any home or business owner who can afford to pay their utility bill every month should be able to go solar," said Gary Gerber, President of Sun Light & Power, a solar installation company in Berkeley.

The Financing District solves many of the financial hurdles facing property owners. First, there would be little upfront cost to the property owner. Second, the total cost of the solar system and energy improvements may be less when compared to financing through a traditional equity line or mortgage refinancing because the well-secured bond will provide lower interest rates than is commercially available. Third, the tax assessment is transferable between owners.

Therefore, if you sell your property prior to the end of the 20-year repayment period, the next owner takes over the assessment as part of their property tax bill.

Property owners and their contractors would be required to agree to certain terms and conditions mandating energy efficiency steps, appropriate warranties, and other performance measures to take advantage of the financing.