David Crane, CEO of NRG Energy spells it out on decentralised renewable energy

A Power Company President Ties His Future to Green Energy ENVIRONMENT 360 09 NOV 2011: INTERVIEW David Crane, the CEO of one of the nation’s largest electric companies, has become a leading proponent of renewable energy. In an interview with Yale Environment 360, he explains how, in the face of government paralysis, the private sector can help lead the shift away from fossil fuels.
Favourable report for Scotland’s renewable energy

Report backs Scottish renewables under independence, BBC News 6 Nov 11
A new bank report has backed Scotland’s renewable energy policies, just days after a major finance company warned businesses against investing in the renewables sector in Scotland. Citigroup had said the independence referendum process would create huge uncertainty when major decisions on green projects were needed.
But investment bank Altium Securities dismissed the warning. Energy Minister Fergus Ewing welcomed the Altium report….. In its report, Altium Securities said it “did not share recent competitor analysis that utilities developing renewable energy assets were exposed to stranded asset risk from an independent Scotland”.
It also argued Scotland had the potential to be the lowest-cost generator of wind energy in Europe due its “unique wind characteristics”….. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-15608107
Florida schools save money while kids manage mini solar power plants
The systems also will be used year-round to save schools an estimated $1,200 a year in electricity costs. Schools are already thrilled with the educational prospects.
the newest program has created several much-needed small-business and contractor jobs.
Solar power is coming to a school near you, $10 million federal project will be educational, ease utility costs By Erica Rodriguez, Orlando Sentinel, November 3, 2011 Schoolchildren across Florida will soon be managing mini solar-energy power plants this fall designed to ease utility costs, educate kids and supply campuses with power during natural disasters. Continue reading
2012 will by United Nations international year of sustainable energy

UN calls for universal access to renewable energy, Guardian UK 2 Nov 11, UN’s annual Human Development Report backs drive towards sustainable energy for all and says empowering women will help to meet world’s environmental challenges
The UN has called for a high-profile initiative to promote universal access to power such as electricity in developing countries based on a global advocacy campaign and investments on the ground for clean energy.
In its annual Human Development Report, the UN Development Progamme (UNDP) said the time is right for such a drive as the UN has designated 2012 as the international year of sustainable energy for all. Meanwhile, next year’s Rio+20 Earth summit will provide an
opportunity to define a global approach for universal access to energy
– about 1.5 billion people worldwide, more than one in five, lack electricity. Continue reading
The REAL renaissance – renewable energy
The rebirth of renewable energy, October 27, 2011|By Daniel Yergin, Special to CNN Renewable energy is generating a lot of political heat. The bankruptcy of solar-panel manufacturer Solyndra, after a half billion dollar loan from the Federal government, has set off a hot debate on Capitol Hill. And a group of American-based solar companies are demanding 100% tariffs on imports of Chinese solar panels. They charge that China unfairly competes by subsidizing the Chinese industry, which Beijing resolutely denies.
All this, however, is occurring against a larger backdrop. Around the world renewable energy is going through a rebirth. It is becoming a big business. It is also becoming a more established part of the world’s overall energy supply. Last year, $120 billion was spent to install renewable electricity generation worldwide. Yet it is still a relatively small business compared to the overall energy business, and one that still faces big challenges in getting to scale on a global basis….. http://articles.cnn.com/2011-10-27/opinion/opinion_yergin-renewable-energy-rebirth_1_renewable-energy-renewable-electricity-generation-energy-policy?_s=PM:OPINION
Quiet wind turbine for decentralised energy systems
Suited to grid and non-grid connections, the turbine is extremely versatile and has great
appeal for commercial sites, urban environments, such as industrial parks, airports, community groups, universities, councils, ports and manufacturing facilities…..
VIDEO
http://www.azocleantech.com/news.aspx?newsID=15749 Australian Company Launches World’s Quietest Wind Turbine, AZO CleanTech October 26, 2011 Australian renewable energy innovation continues to lead the way with the launch of the worlds’ quietest wind turbine, released to market this week. The cutting edge turbine stands 21 metres high and features a unique, intuitive blade design that is virtually silent.
The Eco Whisper Turbine is set to revolutionise delivery of renewable electricity supply for urban and rural applications, Continue reading
Germany putting serious money into renewable energy
Germany sets aside $130 billion for renewable energy, Online Opinion, By John Daly -, 24 October 2011 German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced on 30 May that Germany, the world’s fourth-largest economy and Europe’s biggest, would shutter all of its 17 nuclear power plants between 2015 and 2022, an extraordinary commitment, given that they currently produce about 28 percent of the country’s electricity.
Underlining the government’s seriousness in changing the country’s energy matrix, Germany’s Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau (German Development Bank) is to underwrite renewable energy and energy efficiency investments in Germany with $137.3 billion over the next five years, Germany Trade and Invest reported. Overall, the German government’s 6th Energy Research Program has made an extraordinary $274.6 billion available for joint funding initiatives in energy storage research over the next three years. Continue reading
Breakthroughs in electric car design
Charge a car in time it takes for a coffee, SMH, Stephen Ottley, October 22, 2011 ELECTRIC cars are a big step closer to mainstream acceptance thanks to two breakthroughs. Long battery recharging has been the biggest hurdle for the car industry to overcome. But a technology being developed by Nissan and Japan’s Kansai University could solve the problem.
It has reportedly created a charger that can replenish a car’s batteries in 10 minutes, without any adverse affect on the batteries. Currently it can take up to eight hours to recharge an electric car…..
At present so-called fast chargers require 30 minutes to restore batteries to just 80 per cent capacity and cost more than $30,000.
The industry has been struggling to come up with a solution to long charging times as electric cars fight to become a viable alternative to petrol cars….Another hurdle cleared by the industry is an agreed standard of recharging plugs.
The move is seen as crucial to the implementation of public charging infrastructure. Volkswagen, General Motors, Ford, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche have all agreed to work together on the universal system for plug outlets, voltage and cables….http://smh.drive.com.au/charge-a-car-in-time-it-takes-for-a-coffee-20111021-1mcaf.html
With Federal govt paralysed, USA States take up renewal energy challenge
While Washington bickers, green tech goes local, CNet News, by Martin LaMonica October 16, 2011 As dark clouds form over solar in Washington, a handful of U.S. states are taking the lead in a global economic race to develop green technologies. Continue reading
Solar feed in tariffs working for Germany, Japan, China
Feed in Tariffs: Investing in a Renewable Energy Future, Policy Shop, 16 Oct 11 Mijin Cha Clean energy skeptics have seized on the failure of Solyndra to argue that scaling up renewable sources is a pipe dream.
They should visit Germany.
In the first quarter of 2011, Germany’s renewable energy output accounted for 19.2 percent of its total electricity consumption. Germany installed more solar PV in 2010 than the whole rest of the world and is well on its way to meeting the target of 35 percent of its electricity coming from renewables by 2020. And, in 2010, almost 370,000 people were employed in the renewable energy sector.
So how does Germany gets lots of clean energy and green jobs?
The key to this success is an incentive called a feed-in-tariff. Continue reading
Employment prospects bright in renewable energy and sustainability
Focus on Renewable Energy May Be One Bright Spot in Today’s Job Market Market Watch, HOUSTON, Oct. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — The 2011 jobs market has certainly left much to be desired for many Americans. Rising jobless reports and a bleak economic forecast can make finding a career that feeds a person’s passion and their wallet seem beyond reach. However, for those committed to the environment, green living and sustainability, the outlook may be brighter than you might think, according to MXenergy, a Constellation company and leading energy provider.
“The focus on renewable and clean energy and sustainability has led to tremendous growth in these industries over the past several years,” says Marjorie Kass, MXenergy managing director of marketing. “All indications are that growth is expected to continue which will mean the need for trained, experienced personnel.”
According to the Rocky Mountain Institute, U.S. solar photovoltaic installation increased 64 percent between 2005 and 2010. The institute estimates that the U.S. already has more than 90,000 direct or indirect jobs in the manufacturing and installation of solar panels, with another 85,000 jobs in wind power.
Previously solar panel installation was too cost prohibitive for most homeowners. However many energy providers, including MXenergy’s parent company Constellation Energy, are now launching residential solar panel leasing programs making the transition to solar financially attainable to many homeowners for the first time.
“The increase in affordability and attainability through these programs is a benefit not only to homeowners but also to workers,” continues Kass. “As more people take advantage of solar leasing programs the need for licensed installers will increase as well.”…
Solar Energy Boom in Arizona
Solar-energy boom: Bright spot in Ariz. economy, Arizona Republic, by Barry Broome – Oct. 10, 2011 With more than 400 companies manufacturing, installing and distributing solar-energy products in our state, solar is one of the brightest spots in the Arizona economy, along with other renewable energies and clean technology.
In fact, in the last year alone about 6,300 jobs have been added to the more than 22,000 existing jobs in the renewable-energy and clean-tech industries – jobs helping families regain economic stability and helping Arizona claim its share of a bright, vibrant market.
Today, Arizona has about 160 megawatts of solar-energy capacity, enough to power more than 30,000 homes. Continue reading
Renewables, energy efficiency Florida and Georgia’s cheaper options than nuclear

Why Go Nuclear When Efficiency, Renewables Fit the Bill? UK IB Times.com 09 October 2011, What’s the likely result if the more than 20 applications for new or expanded nuclear plants are approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission? That’s the question addressed in the report, “Big Risks, Better Alternatives,” by Synapse Energy Economics on behalf of the Union of Concerned Scientists.
The main thesis of the report is that forecasts for energy demand growth in the U.S. are now much lower than they were when these projects were initially proposed.
The report focuses on two proposed nuclear projects in Florida and Georgia, states which rank among the worst in the nation in energy efficiency, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). If either state were to pursue even modest efficiency goals, peak load energy levels could remain below those of 2006. Continue reading
In 2011, UK’s record growth in renewable energy
UK Reports Record Level of Renewable Energy, October 10th, 2011 by Jenson Brayshaw According to new reports, the second quarter of 2011 has seen green energy contribute to about 9.6 percent of the UK’s total electricity supply. This is a huge rise on 2010 levels. This news was reported by the Department of Energy and Climate Change. Continue reading
Norway launches scheme to finance renewable energy in developing countries
Only clean energy is good enough Energy portal EU, 10 Oct 11 Today the Norwegian government will launch Energy +, a global initiative to finance access to renewable energy, energy efficiency and low carbon development in developing countries. WWF welcomes this effort to bring clean and safe light, heat and energy to the approximate 3 billion people in the world without access to reliable energy, and applauds Norway’s leadership.
Norway will launch Energy + at a high-level conference co-organized by the International Energy Agency and attended by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. The conference will include discussion of both renewables and fossil fuels as solutions to energy poverty.
Rasmus Hansson, CEO of WWF-Norway, says: “Ending energy poverty should be part of the solution to climate change, not part of the problem. WWF urges Norway, and other countries, to keep their focus on renewables, the energy of the future – not on the dirty fossil fuels of the past.”…
2012 will be the UN year of sustainable energy for all. “We urge the UN to focus on renewable energy, the only truly sustainable energy source. WWF’s Energy Report shows that we can meet all of the world’s energy needs with 100% renewable energy. We think this is a great focus for 2012, “said Samantha Smith.
-
Archives
- June 2026 (142)
- May 2026 (306)
- April 2026 (356)
- March 2026 (251)
- February 2026 (268)
- January 2026 (308)
- December 2025 (358)
- November 2025 (359)
- October 2025 (376)
- September 2025 (257)
- August 2025 (319)
- July 2025 (230)
-
Categories
- 1
- 1 NUCLEAR ISSUES
- business and costs
- climate change
- culture and arts
- ENERGY
- environment
- health
- history
- indigenous issues
- Legal
- marketing of nuclear
- media
- opposition to nuclear
- PERSONAL STORIES
- politics
- politics international
- Religion and ethics
- safety
- secrets,lies and civil liberties
- spinbuster
- technology
- Uranium
- wastes
- weapons and war
- Women
- 2 WORLD
- ACTION
- AFRICA
- Atrocities
- AUSTRALIA
- Christina's notes
- Christina's themes
- culture and arts
- Events
- Fuk 2022
- Fuk 2023
- Fukushima 2017
- Fukushima 2018
- fukushima 2019
- Fukushima 2020
- Fukushima 2021
- general
- global warming
- Humour (God we need it)
- Nuclear
- RARE EARTHS
- Reference
- resources – print
- Resources -audiovicual
- Weekly Newsletter
- World
- World Nuclear
- YouTube
-
RSS
Entries RSS
Comments RSS




