Category: Energy Matters

Kite-Powered Generator to Rival Nuclear

admin /17 January, 2008

Italian researchers are developing a wind-powered generator called KiteGen that uses kites instead of propellers, theoretically producing as much energy as a nuclear power plant

Developed by Sequoia Automation, the KiteGen deploys kites from metal poles when a sizable wind approaches. After deployment each kite, similar to those used in Kite surfing, uses a pair of high-tension cables to adjust height and angle for maximum wind resistance. After the Kites set the KiteGen in motion an alternator at the core of the device harnesses current in a very efficient manner.

It’s been called revolutionary, but I see it as part of a new energy future, said Massimo Ippolito, head of R&D for Sequoia. With the right mix of photovoltaic, solar thermal power, plus wind power from KiteGen, we can try to meet the needs for rising global electricity consumption.

Oregon funds wave energy group

admin /12 January, 2008

The Oregon Wave Energy Trust, or OWET, has received the first part of its $4.2 million budget approved by the 2007 state legislature, and is moving ahead with plans and activities to make Oregon a global leader in this emerging industry.

France Sets Ambitious Renewable Energy Targets

admin /3 January, 2008

by Jane Burgermeister, European Correspondent. Renewable Energy Access

Wind and solar power are at the heart of a big new push by the French government to increase the renewable share of the country’s total energy consumption from 6.7 percent in 2004 to 20 percent by 2020.

The government has set the target of raising its installed capacity for wind power from 810 megawatts (MW) in 2006 to 25,000 MW by 2020. Also, installed capacity for photovoltaic (PV) power is to increase from 32.7 MW in 2006 — about 100 times less than Germany — to 3,000 MW by 2020.

In addition, 5 million solar thermal units are to be installed in buildings by 2020, 80 percent of these in homes.

Biomass accounts for two thirds of all the renewables used in France today and hydro power for another third. Solar and wind power still play a marginal role.

Energy Matters News – Dec 31

admin /29 December, 2007

Environment headlines online
In this bulletin

Europe tests solar tree as renewable street light

Italian pasta strike demands more farmers markets

Lovins lecture proposes lighter cars to limit oil load

Australian PM praises US flexibility on Climate policy

Fruit fly tests indicate that cannibal cells may be good for us

Canadian Traditional Owners Generating Power

admin /22 December, 2007

At the recent Independent Power Producers (IPP) of British Columbia (BC) annual conference, approximately 500 attendees participated in a range of presentations and discussions relevant to the growing private power generation industry in the province. One issue of interest to many was the proper consultation with the province’s aboriginal governments. Hundreds of different groups of native peoples, known as First Nations, live throughout BC, with most of them tracing their heritage back two to three thousand years.

"These projects are not only bringing revenue, but pride, capacity, and hope, to a community that had absolutely nothing 10 years ago."

Chief Judith Sayers, Hupacasath First Nation

Consultation is now legally required for any type of industrial development in First Nations’ traditional territory. This is a marked departure from the recent past, when resources were taken with little or no consultation. Now, power developers are learning to communicate and share the benefits of their proposed projects, and there have been some compelling examples.

NSW opposes power sell off

admin /22 December, 2007

Source: ABC   A survey conducted for Unions New South Wales shows 85 per cent of people in the state are opposed to the privatisation of the electricity sector. Unions NSW secretary John Robertson says the survey found 96 per cent of the 1,011 respondents feared the State Government’s plan would push electricity costs higher, Continue Reading →