http://www.reegle.info/ reegle.info, your search engine for clean energy provides up-to-date news on sustainable energy related topics en REEEP - The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership, Vienna International Centre, A-1400 Vienna, Austria REEEP - The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership, Vienna International Centre, A-1400 Vienna, Austria Copyright 2013 REEEP hourly 1 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z http://energy-l.iisd.org/news/world-bank-launches-second-phase-of-water-partnership-program/ 2013-05-24T18:50:52Z The World Bank has strengthened its Water Partnership Program (WPP) by launching a second phase (Phase II) with the goal of fostering water management and water services, along with climate-resilient policies. WPP is a partnership among the World Bank, the Netherlands, Denmark and the UK. http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/matter_energy/energy_policy/~3/2pCVgSDS8Ao/130524104158.htm 2013-05-24T16:41:41Z Researchers have patented a new device that allows more efficiently to cultivate microalgae and can be used as raw material for biofuel or for other valuable substances in the agri-food or pharmaceutical industry. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305241377.html 2013-05-24T16:00:13Z [Zimbabwe Independent]Zimbabwe Electoral Commiss-ion (Zec) chairperson Justice Rita Makarau  has challenged critics who have accused Zec of being run by state security operatives and incompetent officials to prove it. http://www.energy-enviro.fi/index.php?PAGE=5&NODE_ID=7&LANG=1&ID=4655 2013-05-24T15:11:54Z Germany has successfully implemented a broad suite of robust energy policies across all sectors notably in energy efficiency and climate change, says IEA in its review of German energy policies. But further action is needed if Germany's energy transformation (Energiewende) is to maintain a balance between sustainability, affordability and competitiveness. In the report, IEA calls for cost reductions, investment in networks and closer regional co-operation. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/geothermal-exploratory-fund-may-spur-9-6-billion-investment?cmpid=rss 2013-05-24T15:11:00Z A proposed $500 million fund to help developers of geothermal power explore new sites for projects may leverage about $9.6 billion of new investment, unleashing as much as 2,400 megawatts of capacity, a report found. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305241281.html 2013-05-24T15:05:37Z [Focac]On May 3, the first turbine of the Bui Hydroelectric Power Station in the Republic of Ghana, financed and built by China, started generating electricity, adding 133 megawatts to Ghana's electricity grid. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305241128.html 2013-05-24T14:10:53Z [Namibian]ELECTRICITY consumers in Namibia will pay on average 12% more from the beginning of July. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/how-to-generate-better-intelligence-more-wind-power-and-increased-profits?cmpid=rss 2013-05-24T14:00:00Z Since 2007, more than 40,000 MW of new wind generation has been built in the U.S., according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). Tens of thousands of new turbines are operating, a testament to the entrepreneurial and engineering spirit of renewable development firms, equipment suppliers and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) companies. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/solar-tax-credit-opportunity-for-indian-tribes?cmpid=rss 2013-05-24T14:00:00Z Many American Indian tribes have been considering business opportunities in connection with solar projects. To date, most of the focus has been with respect to the siting of utility scale solar projects on tribal land in the desert. For instance, the Moapa Band of Paiute Indians have leased land on their Nevada reservation for a 250 MW solar project being developed by kRoad Solar. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305241052.html 2013-05-24T13:51:51Z [New Era]Windhoek -Consumers will have to dig deeper into their pockets as from July, because NamPower bulk electricity tariffs are set to increase by 13 percent, leading to an effective average of 12 percent increase for consumers, the Chief Executive Officer of the Electricity Control Board (ECB) Siseho Simasiku announced yesterday. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/letter-from-gregory-barker-minister-of-state-for-climate-change 2013-05-24T13:18:00Z Dear Sir, Matt Ridley is wrong to suggest that the latest Nature Geoscience paper on climate change means we should take the foot off the pedal in the fight against dangerous global warming (Opinion, 20 May). This paper is important but uses one of several methods available to estimate climate sensitivity to carbon dioxide (which Dr Otto is keen to point out). This research will add to the overall evidence base and the IPCC will report on recent research in its Fifth Assessment Report later this year. Lord Ridley’s analysis also focuses in on the last decade and ignores longer term temperature changes over the last century and other known climate changes, such as increasing ocean heat content, rising sea level, declining Arctic sea-ice cover and retreating mountain glaciers all of which demonstrate that the Earth’s climate system as a whole is continuing to heat up. There is also increasing evidence of the risk of extreme weather events. He also undersells the value of the global market for low carbon and environmental goods and services – worth £3.3trillion in 2010/11. There is similarly a failure to recognise the benefits of exploiting home-grown energy sources and cushioning consumers from wholesale fossil fuel prices. Reducing global dependence on volatile fossil fuels is a huge challenge but one which will also create many opportunities. Waiting to see how the climate actually changes is not an option – by then it will be too late to reverse the damage. Yours sincerely Rt. Hon Gregory Barker Minister of State for Climate Change http://allafrica.com/stories/201305240991.html 2013-05-24T13:09:14Z [Namibia Economist]Confusion surrounds the extension of the controversial power purchase agreement between NamPower and Zimbabwean power utility, ZESA. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/galloper-offshore-wind-farm-gets-green-light 2013-05-24T12:39:00Z Press release 2013/052 Galloper Wind Farm Limited have been granted permission by Government to construct a 504MW wind farm off the coast of Suffolk and related infrastructure at Sizewell which will connect the wind farm to the electricity grid system. The developer estimates that the 140 turbine development will provide enough electricity to power the equivalent of as many as 500,000 homes a year when completed in 2017. The project could generate around £18 to 20 million of investment in Suffolk and create around 600 jobs across the country. A Department of Energy and Climate Change spokesperson said: “Galloper wind farm will provide large amounts of clean energy, support jobs and generate major investment in Suffolk. “Offshore wind has an important role to play as part of a balanced energy mix. This development will enhance our energy security and help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” Notes for editors The full documentation can be found on the National Infrastructure Planning website http://allafrica.com/stories/201305240888.html 2013-05-24T12:24:11Z [Namibia Economist]The Gobabeb Research and Training Centre recently received an upgrade to their solar system, funded through the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The official handover took place at the centre during the national Biodiversity Action Day hosted by the centre in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305240876.html 2013-05-24T12:19:06Z [UN News]Experts from the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are heading to Japan to launch an emergency preparedness and response centre in Fukushima, the coastal city devastated two years ago when a massive earthquake and tsunami set off meltdowns at a nuclear power plant. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2013/05/gms-commitment-to-solar-going-strong?cmpid=rss 2013-05-24T12:02:00Z With the amount of energy required to produce a vehicle, it makes sense that automobile manufacturers are exploring solar power to help cut costs and position themselves as environmentally-conscious companies. Incorporating solar energy into their operations is already popular among European vehicle manufacturers: from SEAT’s 10.6 megawatts (MW) of http://allafrica.com/stories/201305240714.html 2013-05-24T11:16:59Z [Vanguard]Warri -THE two gas turbines and accessories, manufactured by Rolls Royce, United States of America, USA, for the controversial N23.2 billion Delta State Independent Power Project, IPP, Oghara, Ethiope-West Local Government Area, have been in Oghara for more than one year, awaiting installation. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305240667.html 2013-05-24T11:13:27Z [The Herald]Beitbridge Bureau -The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority has engaged their internet service provider to attend to the technical fault at Manica Transit Shed in Beitbridge where the processing of vehicle imports has been seriously affected by connectivity problems. The development follows an outcry by car importers forcing the parastatal to revert to calculating duty for vehicle imports at Beitbridge border post after their information and technology officers failed to address the internet connectivity system at the Manica Bonded Wa http://allafrica.com/stories/201305240615.html 2013-05-24T11:04:44Z [Namibia Economist]Power utility, NamPower has warned of the possibility of load shedding this winter after main supplier, Eskom refused to give the country a guarantee for continued supply of electricity. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2013/05/marthas-vineyard-cape-cod-going-solar-thanks-to-120m-in-financing?cmpid=rss 2013-05-24T10:51:00Z Rockland Capital has raised $120 million in financing to support solar installations in nine towns along Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts. The financing will allow Broadway Electrical to install more than 37 megawatts of photovoltaic (PV) projects throughout the region, including projects on landfills and rooftops. The projects have http://allafrica.com/stories/201305240515.html 2013-05-24T10:48:37Z [Sabahi]Djiboutian Minister of Energy Ali Yacoub Mohamoud and Japanese Ambassador to Djibouti Atsushi Nishioka discussed the possible joint development of geothermal energy in Djibouti Wednesday (May 22nd), the Djiboutian Information Agency reported. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305240459.html 2013-05-24T10:29:23Z [Times of Zambia]GOVERNMENT has urged the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) to speed up the process of electrifying chiefs' palaces. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305240244.html 2013-05-24T08:14:03Z [Leadership]The federal government has set the timeline for the handing over of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) successor companies for July ending. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305240230.html 2013-05-24T08:11:37Z [This Day]The federal government has disclosed that it will hand over 15 of the successfully privatised successor companies heaved off the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to their winning investors by the end of July 2013. http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/matter_energy/energy_technology/~3/xuvf-BvxqYU/130523180320.htm 2013-05-24T00:03:03Z From the high-resolution glow of flat screen televisions to light bulbs that last for years, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) continue to transform technology. The celebrated efficiency and versatility of LEDs -- and other solid-state technologies including laser diodes and solar photovoltaics -- make them increasingly popular. Their full potential, however, remains untapped, in part because the semiconductor alloys that make these devices work continue to puzzle scientists. Scientists have now used electron microscopy imaging techniques to settle a solid-state controversy and raise new experimental possibilities. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/google-reels-in-wind-kite-firm-makani?cmpid=rss 2013-05-23T18:28:00Z Extending its already deep reach into renewable energy, Google reportedly has acquired a startup and its flying-kite wind turbines that promise to tap better wind energy resources at higher altitudes with far lower costs and more efficient output. http://energy-l.iisd.org/news/imo-environment-committee-makes-progress-on-energy-efficiency-ghg-estimates/ 2013-05-23T18:24:19Z The 65th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has made progress on energy efficiency regulations, technology transfer, and the measurement of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305231459.html 2013-05-23T18:13:27Z [Heritage]Several community dwellers, mostly youth from the GSA Road Community, on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 stormed the offices of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), demanding the restoration of city power in their community (GSA Road). http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/tracking-and-analyzing-energy-legislation-across-the-us?cmpid=rss 2013-05-23T17:02:00Z A new online database created by Colorado State University's (CSU) Center for the New Energy Economy (CNEE) aims to serve anyone interested in clean energy legislation in any state in the U.S., or even those who are crafting policy themselves. http://www.energy-enviro.fi/index.php?PAGE=5&NODE_ID=7&LANG=1&ID=4654 2013-05-23T16:10:05Z The International Energy Agency praised Finland for its commitment to a sustainable energy future in a review launched today. The IEA recommended energy efficiency improvements in the transport sector and developing a regional gas market. Finland should also actively contribute to finding a mutually acceptable solution at an EU level regarding the discussion on sustainability criteria for biomass and the development of a robust certification scheme. http://energy-l.iisd.org/events/third-global-green-growth-forum/ 2013-05-23T15:50:22Z The third Global Green Growth Forum (3GF) aims to be a platform for developing new or enhancing existing public-private partnerships for promoting green growth and will be hosted by the Danish Government in partnership with the Governments of China, Kenya, Korea, Mexico and Qatar. With an overall focus on improving resource efficiencies in the value chain, the event will also focus on the following thematic areas: energy, water, food and greening the value chain. It will also provide an opportunity for green growth leaders to discuss ways to finance green growth, create demand for green growth and enhance economic incentives for the transition to a green economy. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305231167.html 2013-05-23T14:42:44Z [Namibian]A total of 46 tender submissions were received for the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of the Kudu Gas Power Station. The tender closed last week Friday. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/u-k-urged-to-boost-clean-energy-over-natural-gas?cmpid=rss 2013-05-23T14:25:00Z Britain, under pressure to build new power stations, could save as much as 100 billion pounds ($150 billion) through 2050 by spending on wind, nuclear and carbon capture rather than gas, the government’s climate adviser said. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/eu-solar-import-duties-seen-hurting-china-u-k-companies?cmpid=rss 2013-05-23T14:00:00Z The European Union is poised to penalize imports of Chinese solar products, a move that would increase Europe’s cost for most photovoltaic panels an estimated 45 percent overnight. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/lead-acid-batteries-merely-a-launch-pad-for-something-better?cmpid=rss 2013-05-23T14:00:00Z There’s finally been some good news for a change: According to a recent analysis performed by market research company IHS, the market for photovoltaic storage systems is about to boom. In Germany alone, the total capacity is set to increase from eight to 4,900 megawatts (MW) between now and 2017. The success of storage systems is dependent on one condition, however: They must be able to pay for themselves within the estimated 20-year lifetime of a solar plant, as well as operate reliably in basements throughout the year. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2013/05/streamlined-permitting-processes-can-significantly-reduce-costs-time-for-installing-residential-solar?cmpid=rss 2013-05-23T14:00:00Z A recent report from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBL) looks at how the permitting process can impact the costs and time it takes to install solar. The report, “The Impact of City-level Permitting Processes on Residential Photovoltaic Installation Prices and Development Times: An Empirical Analysis of Solar Systems in California Citie http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/us-equipped-to-grow-serious-amounts-of-pond-scum-for-fuel?cmpid=rss 2013-05-23T14:00:00Z A new analysis shows that the nation's land and water resources could likely support the growth of enough algae to produce up to 25 billion gallons of algae-based fuel a year in the United States, one-twelfth of the country's yearly needs. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305231066.html 2013-05-23T13:26:20Z [Namibian]NAMPOWER has warned consumers to reduce their electricity usage by at least 10 per cent or face load shedding. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305231060.html 2013-05-23T13:21:45Z [Namibian]IT may turn out to be a Winter of Discontent for power utility, NamPower, if individuals and companies don't reduce power consumption by 10 percent this winter. This week, NamPower made another passionate plea, as it does every winter, that electricity consumption must be reduced during peak hours if we are to avoid load shedding. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305231045.html 2013-05-23T13:13:50Z [This Day]The Minister of State for Power, Hajia Zainab Kuchi, has disclosed that power generation will increase from its current 4,500 to 6,000MW in July and rise further to 10,000MW by December. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305231020.html 2013-05-23T13:06:27Z [The Herald]THE bio-diesel plant in Mt Hampden, about 15 kilomtres northwest of Harare, could remain a white elephant after experiments showed that the jatropha plant cannot be sustainably run on a commercial basis. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305230984.html 2013-05-23T12:48:29Z [Times of Zambia]MERIWETHER Foundation, a South African entity, has expressed interest to set up a solar power plant in Mukuni chiefdom in Kazungula District of Southern Province at a cost of more than US$250 million. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305230978.html 2013-05-23T12:43:39Z [Vanguard]Abuja -THE federal government, yesterday, disclosed that plans had been concluded to move from the present position of power generation of 4,500 to 10,000 megawatts by December. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305230953.html 2013-05-23T12:42:47Z [Daily Trust]The Federal government will be able to generate 10,000 mega watts of electricity by December this year, Minister of State for Power, Hajiya Zainab Kuchi, has said. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305230699.html 2013-05-23T11:58:00Z [Leadership]The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, says the power sector is bedevilled primarily by old and wreck infrastructure, which experience frequent break downs and result in power outage. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305230485.html 2013-05-23T10:48:16Z [The Star]The monopoly enjoyed by electricity distributor Kenya Power may soon end if Parliament passes a motion compelling the government to liberalise the industry. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305230433.html 2013-05-23T10:30:48Z [Daily News]Dodoma -CONSTRUCTION of a gas pipeline to Dar es Salaam from Mtwara will be implemented as planned with consideration on it benefiting locals in Mtwara and Lindi, the Minister for Energy and Minerals, Prof Sospeter Muhongo has said. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305230431.html 2013-05-23T10:30:10Z [Daily News]AS the Mtwara and Lindi gas saga rages on, the first ever Tanzania Oil and Gas Suppliers Conference (TOGSC) has been scheduled for late July, aimed at addressing issues pertaining to the value chain. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305230420.html 2013-05-23T10:27:05Z [Daily News]ENERGY and Minerals Minister Prof Sospeter Muhongo has expressed optimism that the 400MW gas-fired power project in Mtwara, to provide a big relief to the region's residents, will be successfully implemented. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305230418.html 2013-05-23T10:25:51Z [Daily News]Dodoma -THE Ministry of Energy and Minerals yesterday asked the National Assembly to endorse its 1.1tri/- budget estimates for the financial year 2013/14 out of which 90 per cent will be spent on development projects. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305230197.html 2013-05-23T08:08:17Z [The Star]National Oil plans to play a bigger role in the oil and gas exploration and production through driving expertise in the field. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305230077.html 2013-05-23T06:16:14Z [New Vision]Rwakitura -President Yoweri Museveni met and held discussions with Chinese investors from the China Gezhouba Group Corporation based in Beijing, China on Tuesday. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/fallon-hails-horizons-boost-to-nuclear-investment-and-jobs-in-the-uk 2013-05-23T01:01:00Z The Business and Energy Minister, Michael Fallon will today meet executives from Hitachi and Horizon, who are planning to invest £20 billion in new nuclear plants at Wylfa in Anglesey and Oldbury in Gloucestershire. Speaking ahead of the visit, Michael Fallon said: “Nuclear in the UK is about more than just one project. Three ventures – including the Horizon project I’m visiting – are making serious progress. “Momentum is building, and when companies across the globe are thinking nuclear, I want them to think Britain. “I want to be clear that we are firmly committed to ensuring that new nuclear goes ahead in this country. Nuclear already provides around a fifth of our electricity, so it is vital for our energy security now, and in future. “While new build is hugely important, UK nuclear is also about developing and exporting our world-leading decommissioning expertise, and boosting the domestic supply-chain, creating new skilled jobs across the country. “Today, I am delighted to be meeting senior executives from Hitachi and Horizon to get an update on their new nuclear build programme and to meet businesses that will be bidding for supply-chain contracts. “Our industrial strategy has set out a long- term plan and commitment to the UK’s nuclear industry, to foster exactly this sort of investment. By working in partnership with industry, we can give that confidence to invest, help build the supply chain and create high-skilled jobs here in Britain. “Hitachi has made a 100-year commitment to investing in nuclear in the UK, with £20 billion planned investment in reactors at Wylfa and Oldbury. “We welcome international investment in our energy infrastructure, but this project is particularly exciting because it will provide thousands of jobs for British workers and hundreds of contracts for British businesses. “Hitachi has said that about 60% of the value of their first nuclear plant is expected to be sourced locally and already, agreements have been signed with two of our best known brands, Babcock International and Rolls Royce to provide parts for the new reactors. “But it is not just engineering businesses that stand to benefit. Today, local companies will find out about a whole host of contracts that will become available from major construction and engineering contracts through to supply-chain and service contracts for facilities on-site in things like equipment, fencing, cleaning and catering. “So, the knock-on effects of this development could be massive, providing a welcome boost for the local economy and community. “Hitachi expect that up to 6,000 jobs will be directly supported during construction at each site, with a further 1,000 permanent jobs at each site once operational. “We are also working with the Nuclear National Skills Academy to ensure that we train UK apprentices and graduates to benefit from the skilled jobs that become available. “Hitachi plan to build 2-3 reactors at each site with the first station in Wylfa coming online in the first half of the 2020s. “Horizon will provide enough clean energy to power 10 million homes over 60 years, ensuring we can keep the lights on and people’s bills down”. Alan Raymant, Horizon Chief Operating Officer said: “Our projects at Wylfa and Oldbury represent an investment of around £20billion in the UK, and can provide a much-needed boost to the national economy”. “We are delighted to be able to lay out our plans today, and discuss how we can work alongside government and potential suppliers to ensure UK firms are well placed to take advantage of the opportunities our project will create, and to maximise benefits for the UK economy”. The Minister will meet senior executives from Horizon and Hitachi on Thursday 23 May, plus representatives from the Nuclear National Skills Academy, before addressing an event attended by hundreds of businesses who are hoping to bid for contracts that will become available. This comes ahead of a visit by the Secretary of State, Edward Davey next week to Japan and South Korea, where he will meet a number of businesses and investors in energy, as well as executives from Hitachi. Notes for Editors The Government’s Nuclear Industrial Strategy sets out shared commitments with industry. It takes a long-term approach to the opportunities for economic growth and job creation from the nuclear industry: There are three new nuclear ventures under way in the UK. Horizon Nuclear Power’s plan sit alongside plans by EdF to build initially at Hinkley Point in Somerset, and plans by NuGen to build at Sellafield: Horizon owns two new nuclear sites at Wylfa in Anglesey and Oldbury-on-Severn in Gloucestershire and was acquired by Hitachi in November 2012. The Government’s Nuclear Supply Chain Action plan sets out what Government is doing to ensure the UK supply chain is competitive and ready to deliver A new Nuclear Industry Council has also been established to ensure that the UK’s nuclear industry can develop the capabilities it needs to compete in a competitive global market Nuclear National Skills Academy Two to three Advanced Boiling Water Reactors (ABWR) will be built at each Horizon site, beginning with two at Wylfa. This will be the only Generation III + reactor in operation anywhere in the world, with four ABWRs in Japan, and three others under construction in Japan and Taiwan. For more information about the Generic Design Assessment for new nuclear reactors, please visit: [www.hse.gov.uk] http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/tesla-motors-repays-doe-loan-9-years-early-with-451-8-million-cash?cmpid=rss 2013-05-23T00:25:00Z U.S. electric vehicle maker Telsa Motors has paid back its 2010 loan awarded by the Department of Energy. Following payments made in 2012 and earlier in 2013, the May 22 payment of $451.8 million repays the full loan amount with interest. http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/matter_energy/alternative_fuels/~3/pdlZgsP6YNw/130522160355.htm 2013-05-22T22:03:03Z Researchers working to improve durability in fuel cell powered buses have discovered links between electrode degradation processes and bus membrane durability. The team is quantifying the effects of electrode degradation stressors in the operating cycle of the bus on the membrane lifetime. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2013/05/re-igniting-americas-solar-impulse?cmpid=rss 2013-05-22T21:37:00Z First came the Wright Brothers. Then it was Charles Lindbergh crossing the Atlantic in the Spirit of St. Louis. In 1990, Eric Raymond made aviation history to much less fanfare with the first solar airplane crossing of the United States. Now it is Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg making history by flying across America in SOLAR IMPULSE, a 100 http://allafrica.com/stories/201305221636.html 2013-05-22T19:02:10Z [The Star]THE Energy Regulatory Commission has ruled possibilities of closing down the Kenya Petroleum Refinery Limited plant in Changamwe, Mombasa arguing that its role remains key in the petroleum sector. Speaking yesterday during a petrol regulatory awareness workshop in Mombasa, ERC director for petroleum Linus Gitonga termed any push to have the refinery closed as 'impossible'. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305221570.html 2013-05-22T18:37:46Z [New Vision]On May 21, 2013, the new vision news paper carried a story entitled "focus shifts to small power plants as fate of Karuma remains uncertain". First, we thank the Government for taking the initiative and deciding well on what is good for our electricity sector and our country at large. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2013/05/rumors-of-us-china-trade-settlement-talks-fuel-solar-stocks?cmpid=rss 2013-05-22T17:45:00Z If short-term traders really have hijacked the sector, which seems probable, it would mark a relatively big setback for stocks that were once popular among aggressive longer-term investors who liked the strong prospects of solar energy. Of course that doesn’t mean that serious investors will never return to the sector if it ever manages to stabiliz http://allafrica.com/stories/201305221478.html 2013-05-22T17:25:49Z [World Bank]KINSHASA, DRC, MAY 22, 2013 -On the first day of an historic joint United Nations/World Bank Group mission to the Great Lakes region, the World Bank Group announced $1 billion in proposed new funding to help countries in the region provide better health and education services, generate more cross-border trade, and fund hydroelectricity projects in support of the Great Lakes peace agreement that was signed by 11 countries in February. http://www.energy-enviro.fi/index.php?PAGE=5&NODE_ID=7&LANG=1&ID=4653 2013-05-22T16:23:57Z A new collaboration aiming to encourage the construction of one billion square meters of positive energy and affordable social housing by 2023 has been launched by the Global Buildings Performance Network (GBPN) and REEEP. The project's main challenge consists in reversing the mainstream trend around building performance by making buildings become net energy providers, instead of energy users, in all climates and for all consumers, rich and poor. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305221438.html 2013-05-22T16:16:44Z [New Vision]Focus has shifted to fast tracking the development of small renewable energy projects as a short-to-medium term measure to avert the imminent return to 48-hour load-shedding. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/uk-energy-secretary-warns-scotland-against-independence-renewables-will-suffer-says-ed-davey?cmpid=rss 2013-05-22T15:31:00Z UK Energy Secretary Ed Davey has warned that Scotland will damage its standing as a prime mover in renewable energy if it votes to become independent. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305221298.html 2013-05-22T14:54:30Z [SA Govt]The quality of electricity, network expansions and roll out of electrification projects are to feature prominently in the meeting between North West Premier Thandi Modise and Eskom to be held in Mahikeng today. http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/matter_energy/alternative_fuels/~3/wILjwtXXxFo/130522085213.htm 2013-05-22T14:52:52Z Tops and branches from tree-felling sites are reborn in the laboratory as compact pellets. However, the energy industry will not act until the price is right. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/despite-fears-new-renewables-are-not-bankrupting-california?cmpid=rss 2013-05-22T14:00:00Z Until recently, the potential rate impact of all the new contracts for renewable energy being added to meet California's Renewable Portfolio Standard since 2006 has been a matter of some concern. According to the Division of Ratepayer Advocates in early 2012, an estimated $20.8 billion will have been spent in California on contracts for new renewable generation by 2020, and the rate impact was a big unknown. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2013/05/evs-geely-revs-up-byd-enters-hong-kong?cmpid=rss 2013-05-22T14:00:00Z Let’s start with a look at the latest news from Geely, which has announced that Liu Jinliang has left his older role as head of the company’s car sales to focus exclusively on developing its EV business. (company announcement) In a bid to ease concerns that the move might represent a demotion, Geely is quick to add that Liu will retain his role as http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/geothermal-energy-interests-in-japan-growing-steadily?cmpid=rss 2013-05-22T14:00:00Z Japanese companies are renewing their interest in geothermal energy after the March 2011 nuclear crisis shut down reactors for safety checks and the introduction of an incentive program for clean energy encouraged investment. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/protecting-eagles-while-working-to-guide-wind-development?cmpid=rss 2013-05-22T14:00:00Z Recent reports of eagles being killed by wind turbines have stirred up a lot of emotion and controversy and understandably so. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/us-said-to-be-in-talks-with-china-eu-to-settle-solar-energy-trade-dispute?cmpid=rss 2013-05-22T13:44:00Z The Obama administration is engaged in preliminary talks with the European Union and China to settle a dispute over trade in solar-energy equipment and avoid a conflict among the world’s largest economies, according to people familiar with the discussions. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/outlook-for-us-energy-independence-gaining-confidence?cmpid=rss 2013-05-22T13:33:00Z A survey conducted by the KPMG Global Energy Institute shows that a majority of energy executives believe the U.S. can reach energy independence by 2030. The survey also showed a decrease in the number of executives who believe the U.S. will never gain energy independence. https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/edward-davey-address-to-the-all-energy-conference 2013-05-22T13:30:00Z Introduction It’s great to be here with you in Aberdeen. Since becoming Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change almost 16 months ago, I have been a regular visitor. I think this is my ninth trip to Scotland in that time and my fifth to the Granite City itself. And even over this short time I have seen things changing for the better. I have seen how Aberdeen Council is pioneering new ways to keep the city powered and running. I’ve just officially launched Aberdeen’s hydrogen strategy. I think that gives Aberdeen the largest fleet of hydrogen powered buses in Europe. This underlines Aberdeen’s status as an green innovation centre, an international energy super-city and the hub of the UK’s energy industry. In the Offshore Oil and Gas industry, there is growing optimism, with investment at record levels. In March, I was here to help launch the UK’s Oil & Gas Strategy that will help secure billions of pounds of investment and thousands of jobs. Later today, I will be joining with GDF and others to celebrate the signing of a new multi-million pound contact. Powering, protecting, prospering And every time I come here, I see how Aberdeen is becoming one of the powerhouses of the new renewable energy industry too; An industry that is bringing investment and jobs – not just here in Scotland, but across the United Kingdom. You know when you read some news commentators, you’d think the green energy revolution was unpopular. Far, far from it. Increasingly, the people of Britain are embracing renewable energy. My Department’s own surveys show that 4 in 5 people support our efforts to develop low-carbon, home grown forms of energy – wind, wave, solar, biomass. And this is not just because renewables are good for the planet. But increasingly, I believe, people are seeing the galvanising effect this drive for a green, low-carbon, sustainable society is having on the economy. Because this is not just about powering the country and protecting the planet. This is about prosperity too. This is about Green Growth. And that is what I want to talk about today. The role renewables are playing in driving Green Growth. Green Growth As Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, my responsibility is to make sure we have secure and affordable energy supplies as we act to meet the ambitions of the Climate Change Act, bringing down greenhouse gas emissions by decarbonising the power sector and reducing demand. But as a Secretary of State in the United Kingdom Government, I have another overarching objective: Maximising the opportunity for job creation and economic growth through our energy and climate change policies. All these objectives come together in the Energy Bill going through Parliament in Westminster. The most radical reform of the UK energy system since the 1980s, and privatisation. Creating a market that incentivises clean energy. Designed to bring security and certainty in this age of transition to a low-carbon future. By acting to replace the power stations which will close over the next decade (around a 5th of our current electricity generating capacity), we will drive £110 billion of investment in our energy infrastructure: In low-carbon – nuclear and renewables; In gas and in other energy security measures. Reducing, over-time, our exposure to volatile international energy prices, and reducing green house gas emissions too. Boosting energy security, and boosting jobs and growth at the same time. As the CBI has pointed out, the UK’s green businesses already account for more than £120bn of annual sales and employ nearly a million people. And new research by Shell and the Carbon Trust published this week shows that the small businesses that make up more than 90% of the low-carbon sector are bullish about the future. Three quarters are planning to raise funding and expand into new markets in the year ahead, with two thirds planning to recruit. The Renewable Energy Association estimates that we already have 110,000 jobs in the renewables sector which could rise to 400,000 by 2020. This is because the investment environment for renewables is dynamic. New research by my Department estimates that, since 2010, across the UK, over £29bn of private sector investment in renewables has been announced, supporting almost 30,000 jobs. This is a fantastic record of success. And there will be more such green jobs in the supply chain and in the local communities. And the passage of the Energy Bill will fuel this growth. The commitment of the UK Government to a vision of a low-carbon future is building up a bow wave of new jobs and investment in the economy. And we can make this investment without adding to the Government’s balance sheet, by attracting private funds. Energy is the largest infrastructure pipeline in the UK, dwarfing all others, more than transport, water and communications put together. My fellow Ministers and I are committed to going out and getting the capital investment required to build the infrastructure that we need. We have been spearheading a drive over the last few months to sell the benefits of investment in Britain. This is a drive that includes the Prime Minister and the Chancellor, that includes my fellow Cabinet Members, that includes organisations like UKTI, working closely with devolved administrations, including the government here in Scotland. From Treasury guarantees to the Green Investment Bank, we’ve found new ways to make the case: Scotland, Britain, we are now the best and safest place to invest in clean, green energy in Europe and the world. Treasury guarantees and the Green Investment Bank all support the reforms of the Energy Bill. Contracts for Difference will give investors a stable and predictable income – not just for a couple of years, but for over a decade. What other industry or business anywhere in the world provides that level of long-term certainty for investors in the green economy? So this is a powerful pitch we are making. The United Kingdom offers a uniquely attractive stable, transparent and supportive environment for investment in low-carbon generation. Renewables And it is in the renewables industry that all of my objectives - for energy security, for reducing greenhouse gas emissions – and for investment and growth - come together. I am clear, the cleaner the energy the better, the greener the growth the better. The transition to the low-carbon future must happen – and that makes the generation of renewable energy an indispensible part of our strategy and a priority for investment. Between now and 2020, the support we give to low-carbon electricity will increase year on year to up to £7.6 billion - a tripling of the support available for renewables and a record the Government can be proud of. Our long-term vision is for a competitive market where renewables and other low-carbon technologies participate on a level playing field. Where people get value for money because the market is responsive to competition – not just to volatile international fossil fuel prices. At the moment the current electricity market is skewed to fossil fuel capacity. And the current system in which we bring on low-carbon doesn’t deliver best value for consumers. The Energy Bill will encourage investment in renewables and other forms of low-carbon generation, by guaranteeing contract prices for low-carbon generators. And because I recognise that more certainty is required right now, I set out further detail on the Final Investment Decision Enabling Programme for renewables, two months ago. Developers of renewable electricity projects are able to apply for support, thereby enabling investors to make final investment decisions this year ahead of changes to the electricity market next year. This will encourage construction on a number of projects to start sooner rather than later. But my main message is this. The main shape of Electricity Market Reform is agreed. In July we intend publish a draft Delivery Plan and draft strike prices for renewables for consultation. We expect that, subject to the will of Parliament, we will receive Royal Assent on the Bill by the end of the year, when we will publish a final Delivery Plan and strike prices. Contracts For Difference will then become available in mid 2014 – on time, on schedule. So now is the time to prepare to take advantage of the new certainty that will be on offer. Attracting the investment. Building the infrastructure. Creating the jobs. Developing the technology. So we can build, over time, the secure, affordable low carbon future that we have committed to – and contribute to a prosperous economy. Interdependence Of course, here in Scotland, there is a debate about whether Scotland could go it alone – leave the United Kingdom. Well of course it could. Just as the United Kingdom could go it alone outside the EU. But in both cases our respective citizens would be less secure, less prosperous, and less influential. The Scottish Government’s economic paper, published yesterday, rightly pointed to renewables as one of Scotland’s key growth sectors. With over £13bn of new investment announced since 2010 supporting over 9,000 jobs, this is definitely a fantastic success story. But you cannot ignore the critical role the wider United Kingdom plays in supporting Scottish renewables. Take the case of the support provided to renewables. Under the current UK Renewables Obligation system some 37% of the support – around £530m annually - goes to Scottish renewables projects. But only 9% of UK electricity sales are here in Scotland. So would an independent Scotland be able to deliver a similar level of support to renewables on the back of a domestic electricity market that is only one 10th the size of the UK? At present Scottish renewables benefit from the ability to spread investment costs across the whole of the UK consumer base. But an independent Scotland would be just that – independent. We cannot assume that English, Welsh and Northern Irish consumers would still be willing to subsidise Scottish renewables. It would be more natural to assume that the rest of the United Kingdom would rather see the benefit of such investment fall within its borders. And if the UK did look further afield to source renewables, Scotland, as a separate country, would be just one of a number of places it could buy renewables from. Yes, it could be from Scotland, but it could also be from Ireland, from Norway or elsewhere. Now, I am not saying Scotland won’t be able to compete. But as part of the British energy market, Scotland and its energy industry, as net exporters of energy, have immediate, unquestioned access to a market of over 23 million households and the integrated energy networks that deliver to them. But it will be much harder for a nation potentially having to spread the costs of investment in renewables across just two and a half million households to keep their green energy prices competitive. So far from holding Scotland back, being part of the UK helps Scotland to prosper. And Scottish renewables have flourished precisely because Scotland is part of the United Kingdom. As the Scottish Government itself admits: ‘Scotland is already one of the best places in the world to invest in renewable technology’. To continue that success, we need to build on the UK framework of support, not break it up. We can achieve more working together as the United Kingdom, than we ever would apart. Conclusion So let me conclude by saying this. If we stick together and maintain the attractive environment for investment in renewables and other low-carbon technologies, we will see our energy infrastructure overhauled, modernised and decarbonised and our energy security enhanced at a cost that is affordable to our people. We will be living up to our responsibilities to pass on to our children an economy that is prosperous and a planet that can sustain them. And I have set out today Green Growth, with investment in renewables at its heart, is a central plank of our future prosperity. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305220885.html 2013-05-22T12:59:39Z [The Star]Machakos senator Johnson Muthama has said Machakos county should retain at least 30 per cent of the proceeds generated from the Masinga dam power generation facility. Muthama said locals living in the vicinity should benefit. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305220878.html 2013-05-22T12:54:59Z [New Era]Windhoek -This winter, Namibians should expect major uncertainties when it comes to electricity provision as Namibia's largest supplier of power, Eskom, is experiencing a power deficit and electricity outages, according to NamPower. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2013/05/wind-potential-all-about-the-data?cmpid=rss 2013-05-22T12:40:00Z When it comes to the deployment of wind power, data plays an important role in the design and operations of a wind farm. Is there enough wind? Where should the turbines be placed? How will the placement of turbines impact performance? Are the turbines in need of maintenance? Data collected from technologically advanced monitoring devices answers th http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2013/05/creating-awareness-geothermal-for-a-cleaner-sustainable-future-in-new-york-city?cmpid=rss 2013-05-22T12:25:00Z The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has called ground source heat pumps the “most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective space conditioning systems available.”  Geothermal heat pumps or exchangers, also known as geo-exchange, require no fossil-fuel burning on-site, use 70 percent of their energy from Earth’s renewabl http://allafrica.com/stories/201305220583.html 2013-05-22T11:41:29Z [Daily Trust]The federal government has said that its gas infrastructure development would attract investment outlay of over $16billion within the next four years. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305220347.html 2013-05-22T10:56:39Z [The Star]Experts from India have approved an investment of Sh10 billion in the Turkwel Sugar Project. The government of India will finance the project which is the last phase comprising an irrigation scheme near the Turkwel Hydroelectric project. http://www.buildup.eu/news/36512 2013-05-22T09:43:41Z Type of News | Other newsAbstract : Within a few days the 8th International BUILDAIR Symposium will commence on Friday June 7th in Hannover, Germany. Please have a look at the widely varied and very interesting program: http://buildair.de/images/stories/8EBDS_en4s.pdfWe'll be glad to see you in Hannover - if you ... read more https://www.gov.uk/government/news/davey-announces-29-billion-boost-to-economy-and-makes-the-case-for-scotland-to-remain-in-the-united-kingdom 2013-05-22T09:15:00Z Press notice: 2013/050 At the All Energy Conference today in Aberdeen, Energy and Climate Change Secretary Edward Davey will: Announce new regional renewables job and investment figures for the UK Call on Scotland to remain in the UK to protect current high levels of renewable investment Renewables jobs and investment New research shows that since 2010 more than £29 billion worth of investment has been announced in renewable energy with the potential to support around 30,000 jobs. The figures produced by the Department of Energy and Climate Change show that between January 2010 and April 2013 industry has announced: 18,613 jobs and £14.5 billion investment in England, 9,143 jobs and £13.1 billion investment in Scotland, 1,952 jobs and £1.4 billion investment in Wales, 239 jobs and £304 million investment in Northern Ireland. Mr Davey will say to the All Energy Conference: “The UK offers a uniquely attractive, stable, transparent and supportive environment for investment in low carbon generation. “Between now and 2020, the support we give to low carbon electricity will increase year-on-year to £7.6 billion – a tripling of the support for renewable energy. “The investment environment for renewables is dynamic. “New research by my Department estimates that, since 2010, across the UK, over £29 billion of private sector investment in renewables has been announced supporting almost 30,000 jobs. “Many of these jobs are highly-skilled and well-paid positions and employees can be proud to be a part of securing the UK’s energy supply. “The commitment of the UK Government to a vision of a low carbon future is building up a bow wave of new jobs and investment in the economy.” Table of UK renewables investment and jobs from January 2010 to April 2013. By country Recorded Investment Jobs announcement has the potential to support England £14.5 billion 18,613 Scotland £13.1 billion 9,143 Wales £1.4 billion 1,952 Northern Ireland £304 million 239 Total £29.3 billion 29,947 By English region     East £7.7 billion 7,706 Yorkshire £2.9 billion 3,801 South West £1.5 billion 1,643 North East £1.3 billion 2,190 North West £486 million 1,110 East Midlands £435 million 1,310 London £85 million 225 South East £80 million 488 West Midlands £17 million 140 Examples of renewables projects by region can be found in the Notes for Editors. Scottish independence Mr Davey will tell the All Energy Conference that independence will bring uncertainties for Scottish renewable investment: “Scotland could go it alone. Just as the United Kingdom could go it alone outside the EU. “But in both cases our respective citizens would be less secure, less prosperous and less influential. “Under the current Renewables Obligation system some 37% of the support – around £530m annually – goes to Scottish renewables projects. “But only 9% of UK electricity sales are here in Scotland. “So would an independent Scotland be able to deliver the same support to renewables on the back of a domestic electricity market that is only one 10th the size of the UK? “At present Scottish renewables benefit from the ability to spread investment costs across the whole of the UK consumer base. “As part of the British energy market, Scotland and its energy industry, as net exporters of energy, have access to a market of more than 23 million households and the integrated energy networks that deliver them. “We cannot assume that English, Welsh and Northern Irish consumers would still be willing to subsidise Scottish renewables. “But it will be much harder for a nation potentially having to spread the costs of investment in renewables across just two and a half million households to keep prices competitive. “I believe Scottish renewables have flourished precisely because Scotland is part of the United Kingdom. Our collective energy system has underpinned the success seen to date.” Notes for Editors Renewables investment and Jobs 2013 – Examples Scotland Project: Harestanes - Forest of Ae, Dumfries and Galloway Energy: Onshore wind Investment: £160m Jobs: 150 Project: Helius CoRDe - Speyside Energy: Biomass Investment: £50m Jobs: 120 Project: Kilgallioch - border between Dumfries and Galloway and South Ayrshire Energy: Offshore wind Investment: £297m Jobs: 250 England Project: Aesica - Cramlington Northumberland Energy: Biomass Investment: £80m Jobs: 140 Project: Ferrybridge - Wakefield, North Yorkshire Energy: Energy from waste Investment: £250m Jobs: 350 Project: Keadby - Lincolnshire Energy: Onshore wind Investment: £85m Jobs: 60 Project: Sleaford - Lincolnshire Energy: Biomass Investment: £155m Jobs: 230 Project: Kencot Hill - Oxfordshire Energy: Solar PV Investment: £14m Jobs: 2 Project: Iggesund - Workington, Cumbria Energy: Biomass Investment: £108m Jobs: 300 Project: Tees Valley - Teesside Energy: Gasification Investment: £300m Jobs: 750 Project: Humber Gateway - 8km off the Yorkshire Coast close to the mouth of the Humber Estuary Energy: Offshore wind Investment: £736m Jobs: 1,300 Project: Frodsham Marsh - Cheshire Energy: Onshore wind Investment: £50m Jobs: 50 Wales Project: Brechfa Forest West - Carmarthenshire Energy: Onshore wind Investment: £19m Jobs: 150 Project: Pen Y Cymoedd - South Wales (in the county boroughs of Neath Port Talbot and Rhondda Cynon Taf). Energy: Onshore wind Investment: £365m Jobs: 300 Northern Ireland Project: Brockaghboy - Garvagh, Co Londonderry Energy: Onshore wind Investment: £60m Jobs: 45 Project: Tyrone Energy - Artigarvan near Strabane, County Tyrone Energy: Biomass Investment: £9.5m Jobs: 108 Project: Ecoventi - County Tyrone Energy: Anaerobic digestion Investment: £30m Jobs: 28 http://www.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=19308 2013-05-22T09:00:00Z The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the six regional winners of its National Clean Energy Business Plan Competition. http://www.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=19309 2013-05-22T09:00:00Z Ernest Moniz was sworn in as the new energy secretary after being unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate. http://www.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=19310 2013-05-22T09:00:00Z The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced funding for four rural electric projects in eight states—Colorado, Georgia, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, and Wyoming, and includes more than $20 million in Smart Grid funding. http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/matter_energy/alternative_fuels/~3/pE0368Szr9U/130521153938.htm 2013-05-21T21:39:39Z Engineers have developed a novel method for producing clean hydrogen, which could prove essential to weaning society off of fossil fuels and their environmental implications. http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/matter_energy/energy_policy/~3/Z4rjrZ05yEQ/130521140916.htm 2013-05-21T20:09:09Z A new analysis shows that the nation's land and water resources could likely support the growth of enough algae to produce up to 25 billion gallons of algae-based fuel a year in the United States, one-twelfth of the country's yearly needs. For the best places to produce algae for fuel, think hot, humid and wet. Especially promising are the Gulf Coast and the Southeastern seaboard. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305211736.html 2013-05-21T18:51:14Z [The Star]Power generator KenGen will invite financing bids for a new US$2billion (Sh165billion) geothermal power project expected to generate 560 megawatts of power, by far the largest in the world. http://www.esmap.org/node/3044 2013-05-21T18:26:44Z Among small island developing states, the Indian Ocean nation of the Seychelles is far along towards the goal of universal energy access.  All told, 99.5 percent of the population is connected to the electricity grid.  This is no mean feat for a country where citizens are spread over ten islands, in an archipelago comprising 115 islands.     Mauritius and the Seychelles sign technical assistance agreements under the SIDS DOCK support program. read more http://energy-l.iisd.org/news/cif-backs-waste-to-energy-bazaar-in-nepal/ 2013-05-21T17:56:27Z The Climate Investment Funds (CIF) provided financial support to Nepal, one of the pilot countries of the Program for Scaling Up Renewable Energy in Low Income Countries (SREP), to sponsor the first Waste to Energy (W2E) Bazaar, which took place on 26 April 2013, in Kathmandu. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/argentina-understanding-the-political-and-economic-risks-of-solar-energy-development?cmpid=rss 2013-05-21T16:57:00Z At a first glance, it would appear that Argentina has all of the characteristics of a solar market still in its infancy yet poised to take-off at any moment. Combined, a strong policy framework, demonstrated political willpower, an excellent solar resource and a growing demand for energy all appear to provide the necessary conditions for Argentina to become a major growth opportunity within the Latin American market. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305211567.html 2013-05-21T16:30:03Z [New Vision]ESKOM Uganda Ltd (EUL) was incorporated on November 22, 2002, and was awarded a concession to operate and maintain Nalubaale and Kiira Hydro Power stations in Jinja for 20 years. EUL took over operations and maintenance of the complex from Uganda Electricity Generation Company Ltd on April 1, 2003. Ronald Kalyango talked to Nokwanda Mngeni, Eskom's CEO about their 10th anniversary. Below are the excerpts.: http://blog.reegle.info/blog/energy-hackathon-helsinki-review.htm#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=feed 2013-05-21T16:04:24Z I have spend most of last week in Finland’s lovely capital, Helsinki. My main reason to visit was to attend and present our work at the Energy Hackathon. This event was staged at the Aalto University’s Media Lab and drew together a pretty wide range of interesting people. Backgrounds included developers, energy companies, journalists and [...] http://www.reeep.org/news/gbpn-and-reeep-launch-%E2%80%9C1-billion-m2%E2%80%9D-initiative-effort-promote-residential-positive-energy 2013-05-21T15:38:08Z The Global Buildings Performance Network (GBPN) and REEEP announced today at an EE Global Intensive Learning Session in Washington, D.C. the launch of a new collaboration aiming to encourage the construction of 1 billion m2 of positive energy and affordable social housing by 2023. The session is designed to gain stakeholder feedback on the initiative. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305211452.html 2013-05-21T15:24:46Z [Daily Trust]Nigeria has begun plans to secure $500 million in loan from the African Development Bank. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/offshore-wind-farm-has-lack-of-significant-impact-on-marine-life-study-finds?cmpid=rss 2013-05-21T15:00:00Z Renewable energy consultancy Natural Power has published the results of a post-consent ecological study, called the Marine Environment Monitoring Programme (MEMP), that monitored marine life on a UK offshore wind farm. The study has been ongoing since 2007. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2013/05/3-engagement-strategies-for-solar-installers-to-being-liked-and-on-facebook?cmpid=rss 2013-05-21T14:00:00Z Facebook’s new Graph Search is still in a testing phase right now, but it will launch sitewide in the coming months. And when it does, your solar company had better be “liked” by your customers. What is Graph Search? Very simply, it’s an internal Facebook search engine that will allow your potential customers to search Facebook for people, places, http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/poll-87-percent-of-illinois-voters-want-more-renewable-energy?cmpid=rss 2013-05-21T14:00:00Z Wide majorities of likely Illinois voters believe it is important that the state maintain its commitment to increase its use of renewable energy and support legislation that would achieve that goal by fixing the state's broken renewable portfolio standard (RPS) law, according to a Zogby poll released this week. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/renewable-energy-research-initiative-launched-in-uk?cmpid=rss 2013-05-21T14:00:00Z A new inquiry investigating the role of renewable power generation in the UK’s future energy mix has been launched. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/wind-turbine-lubrication-and-maintenance-protecting-investments-in-renewable-energy?cmpid=rss 2013-05-21T14:00:00Z Like any other piece of major equipment in the power industry, wind turbines represent a large investment for the companies that rely on them to generate both electricity and revenue. Unlike gas turbines or boilers in coal-fired power plants, however, wind turbines present some unique challenges. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/dont-miss-the-great-solar-debate-where-does-the-global-solar-industry-stand?cmpid=rss 2013-05-21T13:35:00Z http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/partner/RenewableEnergyWorld/events/the-great-solar-debate-where-does-the-global-solar-industry-stand http://allafrica.com/stories/201305210920.html 2013-05-21T12:56:55Z [SA Info]The National Energy Regulator of South Africa has given state company Eskom a licence to go ahead with its Sere wind farm near Koekenaap in the Western Cape. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305210594.html 2013-05-21T11:23:27Z [Daily Trust]Benin -Tragedy struck yesterday in Igbanke area of Orhionmwon local government area in Edo State when two persons were electrocuted and died on PHCN high tension cables. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305210363.html 2013-05-21T09:56:33Z [ANGOP]Lubango -The supply of electricity and drinking water to Lubango city, southern uila province, will improve significantly with the start of the thermal stations and completion of the ongoing rehabilitation works on the existing network. http://www.buildup.eu/news/36494 2013-05-21T09:55:11Z Type of News | Other newsAbstract : "The perception of energy security risk varies across countries, yet disruptions to primary energy supplies remain a major threat to energy import-dependent economies such as almost all of the IEA member countries. The oil crisis of 1973-1974 and the need to reduce oil dependency were ... http://allafrica.com/stories/201305210361.html 2013-05-21T09:46:59Z [Arusha Times]The East African Community plans to speed-up the Arusha Singida power interconnection project which will also link Arusha to Nairobi at the Isinya point of Kajiado District. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305210347.html 2013-05-21T09:38:47Z [ERTA]Solar energy provider BBOXX has partnered with Brighterlite Kenya and Rural Development Solutions (RuDeSo) in order to help it provide 2.5 million off-grid customers in Kenya with an on-grid experience by 2018, African Review reported. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305210317.html 2013-05-21T09:19:53Z [ERTA]The Metal and Engineering Corporation said on Wednesday the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is expected to start pre-generation work in August 2014. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305210288.html 2013-05-21T09:03:43Z [ERTA]Installation of the Ethio-Kenya power transmission line is to be launched, Ministry of Water and Energy has disclosed. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305210271.html 2013-05-21T08:56:40Z [ERTA]The European Union (EU) will provide a financial boost of nearly US$49mn for the commencement of the construction of a 143km 220kV transmission line from Rwanda's Kigoma to Burundi's Gitega http://allafrica.com/stories/201305210207.html 2013-05-21T08:29:13Z [ERTA]The Water and Energy Ministry said more than 823,000 fuel-efficient biomass stoves were distributed among the public during the last nine months. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305210198.html 2013-05-21T08:27:19Z [Vanguard]The management of PHCN Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company has said that the fire incidence that occurred at the Ikeja West Transmission station was as a result of some defective transmission transformers. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305210192.html 2013-05-21T08:27:09Z [This Day]Matrix Energy Limited has empowered 340 host community indigenes made up of 183 women and 157 undergraduates in Warri, in Delta State, the headquarters of its oil operations. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305210185.html 2013-05-21T08:26:10Z [New Times]ROUTINE is the word that describes Emmanuel Uwizeyimana's everyday life. Every morning after his breakfast, he puts on his overalls and heads to Huye town where he works as a welder. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305210166.html 2013-05-21T08:19:39Z [This Day]The ministry of power has disclosed that the total annual earnings from the sectors three major value chains of generation, transmission and distribution for the year 2012 was about N189 billion. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305210165.html 2013-05-21T08:19:32Z [This Day]Following a recent fire outbreak at the Ikeja West Transmission Station, the biggest transmission facility in the country, both the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company have rearranged the affected network. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305210164.html 2013-05-21T08:19:28Z [This Day]Following the imminent transition from public to private sector managed electricity industry; the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has asked electricity consumers across the country to demand fair service delivery from distribution networks with the commissioning of its forum offices to oversee complaints of poor service delivery. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305210119.html 2013-05-21T07:54:58Z [Leadership]Skye Bank on Monday said that it had concluded arrangements to inject about 150 million dollars (N24 billion) in the power sector in 2013. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305210073.html 2013-05-21T06:48:47Z [SA Info]With South Africa confirmed as a key partner, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced October 2015 as the launch date for construction of the first phase of what could eventually be the largest hydroelectric plant in the world. http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/matter_energy/energy_technology/~3/mb3lmNXBYK8/130520142823.htm 2013-05-20T20:28:28Z A comprehensive study into the potential for compressed air energy storage in the Pacific Northwest has identified two locations in Washington state that could store enough Northwest wind energy combined to power about 85,000 homes each month. http://energy-l.iisd.org/news/eea-study-highlights-green-growth-benefits-of-environmental-tax-reform/ 2013-05-20T18:16:11Z According to a series of studies that the European Environment Agency (EEA) undertook on the potential for fiscal reform in Spain, Italy, Ireland and Portugal - EU countries affected by the current economic crisis - environmental taxes can achieve environmental objectives while raising revenues and they have a "less negative effect on GDP compared to other types of taxes, such as direct taxes." http://energy-l.iisd.org/news/first-sids-dock-pacific-meeting-reviews-progress/ 2013-05-20T18:16:09Z The first SIDS DOCK Pacific Regional Meeting reviewed the current work of the first phase of the SIDS DOCK Support Programme and discussed its next phase. SIDS DOCK is an initiative developed by small island developing States (SIDS) for SIDS to promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, and contribute towards sustainable development with support from the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305201805.html 2013-05-20T18:10:53Z [Ghanaian Chronicle]The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), in an effort at bringing its services closer to customers at the district level, has constructed an ultra-modern office complex at Dansoman, a suburb of Accra. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2013/05/french-and-german-ministers-call-for-2030-renewable-energy-targets?cmpid=rss 2013-05-20T17:25:00Z Writing in France’s prestigious centre-left daily newspaper Le Monde, Peter Altmaier, the German environment minister, and Delphine Batho, his French counterpart, underlined the need for a 2030 renewable energy target and highlighed the importance of renewables in transforming the European economy, improving energy security and reducing greenhouse http://www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?id=24630 2013-05-20T16:42:00Z Clarke Energy, supported by the Combined Heat and Power Association will, on the 6th June 2013, be presenting an informative and educational webinar on combined heat and power (CHP) systems and their applications. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305201631.html 2013-05-20T16:13:36Z [This Day]Abuja -The Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has sought the support of Nigeria's government towards transforming the body into an organ with full legislative powers rather than its mere current advisory role. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305201572.html 2013-05-20T16:02:20Z [The Star]A section of ranchers in Laikipia county are opposing the routing of a high voltage power line from Ethiopia through their land. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305201570.html 2013-05-20T16:01:05Z [SAPA]The National Energy Regulator of SA (Nersa) has granted Eskom a licence for its Sere wind farm in the Western Cape, the power parastatal said on Monday. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305201492.html 2013-05-20T15:31:50Z [The Star]THE Kenya Electricity Generating Company has dismissed claims that the Kedong Ranch, which will be used for the resettlement of the Maasai community living in Olkaria, is infertile and dry. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/compensation-scheme-for-energy-intensive-businesses 2013-05-20T15:00:00Z Energy intensive businesses are being told how to claim compensation to offset the cost of energy policy in their electricity bills with the publication of new government guidance today. The guidance is being published alongside the government response to its consultation on a £250 million Energy Intensive Industries Package. Eligible firms will be able to apply from 3 June as part of measures to reduce the impact of energy and climate change policies on the cost of electricity for energy intensive industries in the UK. The guidance sets out how businesses can claim compensation from the first tranche of the £250 million for the indirect costs of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). Up to £113 million has been allocated for this scheme. Business and Energy Minister Michael Fallon said: “Energy intensive industries are a critical part of the UK economy. It is essential that as we put in place policies to generate the necessary investment in energy infrastructure we do not undermine the competitiveness of UK industry. “This compensation package will support firms, protect jobs and help reduce the risk of industries leaving our shores. “The energy intensive industries also provide many of the components for low carbon goods. For example, steel is vital for the manufacture of wind turbines”. The government has also committed to establishing a compensation scheme to address the indirect costs of the Carbon Price Support (CPS) mechanism, subject to state aid clearance. That scheme is currently being considered by the European Commission and will be announced later this year. Applications for the EU ETS scheme can be submitted from 3 June 2013, when the form will be made available on the GOV.UK website. The deadline for applications for compensation which includes costs incurred from the 1 January 2013 will be the end of July. Applications received after the end of July will not be considered for costs already incurred. Notes to editors Guidance on how businesses can claim indirect EU ETS compensation is being published today. Further guidance will be issued later in the year, providing details of the indirect Carbon Price Support compensation scheme, where we currently await clearance from the European Commission. The EU ETS compensation guidance can be found here [https:]] In the Autumn Statement on 29 November 2011 the Chancellor announced that the government intends to implement measures to reduce the impact of policy on the costs of electricity for the most electricity-intensive industries, beginning in 2013. Up to £250 million has been earmarked for this over the Spending Review period. As part of this commitment the government has decided to compensate those electricity-intensive industries most at risk of carbon leakage to help offset the indirect cost of the Carbon Price Floor and the EU Emissions Trading System, subject to state aid guidelines. A consultation was held between 5 October and 21 December 2012 to seek views on the proposed eligibility and design of the scheme. The government response to the consultation on Compensation for the Indirect costs of EU Emissions Trading System in 2013/14 and 2014/15 is being published today and can be found here [https:]] In addition, the Parliamentary Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) undertook an inquiry into the Energy Intensive Industries Compensation scheme. BIS Ministers attended an EAC hearing alongside BIS and DECC officials on 4 December 2012. The EAC presented their findings in their report which was published on 4 January 2013. The government response to the Committee is being published today and can be found here [https:]] The government’s economic policy objective is to achieve ‘strong, sustainable and balanced growth that is more evenly shared across the country and between industries’. It set four ambitions in the ‘Plan for Growth’ (PDF 1.7MB), published at Budget 2011: to create the most competitive tax system in the G20 to make the UK the best place in Europe to start, finance and grow a business to encourage investment and exports as a route to a more balanced economy to create a more educated workforce that is the most flexible in Europe. Work is underway across government to achieve these ambitions, including progress on more than 250 measures as part of the Growth Review. Developing an Industrial Strategy gives new impetus to this work by providing businesses, investors and the public with more clarity about the long-term direction in which the government wants the economy to travel. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/more-money-for-renewable-heating-kit 2013-05-20T15:00:00Z Press notice: 13/047 Householders across Great Britain will be able to get even more cash for renewable heating kit, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has announced today. The money off vouchers available under the Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) scheme have been increased to £2,300 for ground source heat pumps, £2,000 for biomass boilers, £1,300 for air source heat pumps and £600 for solar thermal systems. The RHPP scheme, first launched in July 2011, is designed to encourage householders to switch to renewable heat from traditional heating systems by offering money off the cost of the equipment. The scheme is targeted at those living off the gas grid, where most money on bills and carbon can be saved. Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said: “Over 10,000 householders have already taken advantage of money off renewable heating kit and we want to see even more consumers stepping up to the plate and getting on board. “But I want to go even further. I want to kick start this exciting new market for consumer renewable heat technologies. “This time limited, big increase in the value of vouchers for hardworking people who want to do something positive to install money saving green heating in their homes, should be a real boost for this growing green sector.” The scheme was extended in March this year until the end of March 2014 ahead of the launch of a Renewable Heat Incentive for householders, with around £12million up for grabs. Alongside changes to the voucher values, householders will now be required to undertake a Green Deal assessment before submitting a claim to the Energy Saving Trust to redeem their voucher. This will help householders think about how renewable heat could fit with energy efficiency improvements for their home and ensure they are advised on choosing the right technology for them. The additional voucher values are intended to reflect the cost of a Green Deal assessment, as well as the cost of getting these technologies installed in homes. Householders can also use the Green Deal to pay for some of the cost through savings on their energy bill. The increased voucher values and Green Deal assessment requirement will kick in for any applications submitted today onwards. Notes for Editors Householders can apply for the RHPP scheme on the EST website The new voucher values under the RHPP scheme will be: Ground Source Heat Pumps - £2,300 (up from £1,250); Biomass boilers - £2,000 (up from £950); Air Source Heat Pumps - £1,300 (up from £850); Solar Thermal - £600 (up from £300). More information on the RHPP scheme can be found on the GOV.UK website Since July 2011, DECC has run two phases of the household voucher scheme and has supported over 10,000 new renewable heat installations. DECC will announce the final details of the Renewable Heat Incentive for householders in summer 2013 and it is intended that the scheme will be up and running in spring 2014. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305201245.html 2013-05-20T14:47:00Z [New Times]The government has signed a $15 million (approximately Rwf9.7billion) energy agreement with a Swiss based company to develop hydro power plants in the Southern Province. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305201222.html 2013-05-20T14:41:43Z [This Day]Petrol and diesel are not in short supply in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States but kerosene is, as the commodity has remained scarce in the two states for eleven years running, THISDAY has learnt. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305201177.html 2013-05-20T14:29:31Z [The Point]A fourteen-year-old boy has died after being electrocuted in Tallinding. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/asia-report-tweaking-indias-domestic-content-policy?cmpid=rss 2013-05-20T14:00:00Z India's solar energy policy contains domestic content requirements for solar cells and panels, but initially these excluded thin-film technologies — a big help to First Solar among others. But as expected, new proposals aim to close that loop. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/texas-legislature-passes-commercial-and-industrial-pace-bill?cmpid=rss 2013-05-20T14:00:00Z The Texas House and Senate passed Senate Bill 385 in May. If Governor Rick Perry approves the bill, the state will break new ground by developing plans for commercial and industrial property assessed clean energy (PACE) programs. This bill will redesign Texas's approach to PACE, focusing on the commercial and industrial sectors rather than on residential programs. The legislation covers both energy efficiency and water efficiency. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305201006.html 2013-05-20T13:59:54Z [Leadership]Selling goods and services without receiving payment immediately is a recipe for disaster. NSE ANTHONY-UKO in this piece, examines how unpaid financial obligations crippled many government agencies and how Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is taking a strong stand to fight the trend. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305200683.html 2013-05-20T12:13:15Z [Namibian]INTERNATIONAL oil and gas exploration company, EnerGulf Resources is searching for qualified potential participants as the Namibian government is in the process to restructure the interests in its operations at Block 1711. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/eu-and-uk-action-on-environment-and-climate-change-review 2013-05-20T11:57:00Z Businesses and organisations are being asked for their views on European Union policies to find out whether being a part of the EU helps or hinders their work on the environment and climate change. In the first review of its kind, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) have launched a consultation into EU action on the environment and climate change to ask how businesses, experts and individuals feel they impact on the UK. Charities, think tanks and businesses will have an opportunity to put forward their views. The 12 week consultation is part of a wider review known as the Balance of Competences which was launched by the Foreign Secretary William Hague last July. Its aim is to take forward the Coalition commitment to examine the balance of power between the EU and the UK. Groups will be asked about issues such as how far they think the UK might benefit from the EU taking more or less action on the environment and climate change and whether EU legislation provides the right balance between protecting the environment and the wider UK economic interest. The consultation is open until 12 August 2013. The findings will be published next winter and will contribute to a national debate on the environment, climate change and the EU, but will not make specific policy recommendations. Environment Secretary Owen Paterson said: This is the first time that people are being asked directly how individual EU policies affect them and their businesses. It’s important that we understand how policies on the environment and climate change affect people living and working with them in everyday life. I look forward to hearing the views of businesses and others as they will help inform future discussions and debates on Europe. Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Edward Davey said: The Balance of Competences Review is an opportunity for people and interest groups from across the spectrum to have their say on how the action we take to tackle climate change in the EU and beyond impacts on the UK. I would strongly urge people to take advantage of this opportunity, make their views known, and help inform this important national debate. I look forward to hearing the views of interested parties during the course of the Call for Evidence. In total, the Government is expected to produce 32 reports by autumn 2014 on how we work with the EU. Defra has been asked to produce four reports on environment and climate change, agriculture, fisheries, and animal health an d welfare and food safety. More information The Balance of Competences Review process http://allafrica.com/stories/201305200632.html 2013-05-20T11:51:32Z [Times of Zambia]SOLAR energy is free although there is a cost in the building of collectors and other equipment required to convert the energy into electricity. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305200542.html 2013-05-20T11:20:29Z [State Department]The Solar Impulse is crossing the United States using advanced solar and battery technologies that enable it to fly both day and night. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2013/05/san-antonio-solar-fans-delay-introduction-of-suncredit-program?cmpid=rss 2013-05-20T11:12:00Z http://allafrica.com/stories/201305200527.html 2013-05-20T11:08:35Z [New Times]Thirty-five homes in Gakoni Sector, Nyarugenge District are set to benefit from an initiative that will extend electricity to the area. The initiative is supported by the continental Access Bank Rwanda. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/goldman-sachs-to-invest-486-million-in-japan-renewable-energy?cmpid=rss 2013-05-20T10:46:00Z Goldman Sachs Group Inc. plans to invest as much as 50 billion yen ($487 million) in renewable energy projects in Japan in the next five years, tapping demand for electricity produced from solar and wind-power generators. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305200393.html 2013-05-20T10:29:07Z [Leadership]The Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDC) has warned that it would punish of its staff involved in extorting money from customers. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305200205.html 2013-05-20T09:09:12Z [Daily News]Dodoma -THE Minister for Energy and Minerals, Prof Sospeter Muhongo, has said the government will open bids for gas and oil exploratory licences on May 9, 2014 at a time when the country will have the Natural Gas Policy and legislation. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305200197.html 2013-05-20T09:07:20Z [Daily Trust]Power Minister, Chinedu Nebo, yesterday sought legislative support to have funds appropriated for maintenance of power projects. He told a senate committee on power on oversight assignment that the power sector's primary trouble is old and weak infrastructure. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305200187.html 2013-05-20T08:56:30Z [Leadership]Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, has said that parts of Lagos within the supply range where fire razed power transmission facility would experience cut in electricity supply by 20 per cent. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305200158.html 2013-05-20T08:39:21Z [This Day]The dispute between the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Company (NLNG) over the payment of taxes and levies has been resolved in favour of NIMASA, THISDAY has learnt. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305200112.html 2013-05-20T08:06:18Z [Daily Trust]The board of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company has announced a target of 4,000 megawatts as its contribution to the national grid by December this year. http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/matter_energy/alternative_fuels/~3/3a3kqr5Cp7M/130519191102.htm 2013-05-20T01:11:11Z Researchers have engineered a strain of electricity-producing bacteria that can grow using hydrogen gas as its sole electron donor and carbon dioxide as its sole source of carbon. http://www.energy-enviro.fi/index.php?PAGE=5&NODE_ID=7&LANG=1&ID=4649 2013-05-19T17:48:42Z Ministers from the eight Arctic states (Arctic Council) and representatives of the Arctic indigenous peoples have adopted a vision for future cooperation in the Arctic. The states also signed a new, legally-binding agreement on cooperation on marine oil pollution preparedness and response. China, Japan, South-Korea, India, Singapore, and Italy granted observer status. Between 2013-2015, a Circumpolar Business Forum will be established to provide new opportunities for business to engage with the Council. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305190041.html 2013-05-19T08:33:48Z [Daily News]ACCORDING to Bariki Kaale who is Energy and Environmental Specialist based in Dar es Salaam, biomass fuels accounts for over 94 per cent of the total energy used for cooking with no affordable alternative energy sources in the foreseeable future. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305180042.html 2013-05-18T10:59:00Z [ANGOP]The Ministry of Energy will increase the country's electricity production capacity to 8,400 megawatt until the year 2025, against the current 1,200. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305180041.html 2013-05-18T10:57:22Z [ANGOP]Luanda -Domestic and foreign experts are gathered today, Friday in Luanda International Conference on Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development, to discuss about fuel efficiency and the influence it has in relation to the development of the country. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305180035.html 2013-05-18T10:51:17Z [ANGOP]Luanda -Energy and Water Ministry (Minea) will hold on 25-28 September in Luanda an International conference and fair on Energy and Water. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305180022.html 2013-05-18T10:34:11Z [ANGOP]Luanda -The global development necessarily depends on the supply and use of energy, said Friday in Luanda the Oil minister, Botelho de Vasconcelos. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305171584.html 2013-05-17T19:29:41Z [The Star]Power producer Kengen plans to increase output to the national grid by 70mw by December this year to address the high national demand, managing director Eddy Njoroge said on Wednesday. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/eu-should-scrap-energy-subsidies-to-fight-warming-poland-says?cmpid=rss 2013-05-17T17:36:00Z The European Union should scrap fossil fuel and renewable energy subsidies and set a target to cut oil imports to remain the leader in the fight against global warming, according to Poland's environment minister. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/senate-committee-passes-geothermal-leasing-measure?cmpid=rss 2013-05-17T16:28:00Z The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources met Thursday, May 16th, to vote on a series of measures that included S. 363, The Geothermal Expansion and Production Act. The legislation was sponsored by Senator Wyden (D-OR), and co-sponsored by Senators Murkowski (R-AK), Begich (D-AK), Crapo (R-ID), Risch (R-ID) and Merkley (D-OR). http://www.energy-enviro.fi/index.php?PAGE=5&NODE_ID=7&LANG=1&ID=4648 2013-05-17T16:15:48Z The global wind capacity reached 282 gigawatts (GW), out of which 44.6 GW (or 19 percent) were added in 2012, more than ever before, shows a new report from World Wind Energy Association (WWEA). The turbines installed by the end of 2012 can provide 580 terawatt hours (TWh) per annum, more than 3 percent of the global electricity demand. The WWEA expects a global capacity of more than 500 GW by the year 2016. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305171300.html 2013-05-17T16:06:47Z [Zimbabwe Independent]ZIMBABWE is expected to have more than 100 megawatts (MW) additional power on its supply grid by November this year after Zesa Holdings (Zesa) has expunged a US$40 million debt owed to Namibian state-owned electricity company NamPower, Energy minister Elton Mangoma said. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305171162.html 2013-05-17T14:53:55Z [Namibia Economist]The National Development Corporation (NDC) has invested N$850,000 in a solar energy project that will see a 30% to 40% monthly energy cost savings. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305171150.html 2013-05-17T14:47:45Z [Foroyaa]The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has said that the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) came up with the decision that domestic consumers, who consume electricity up to over 1000 units in a month, are liable to pay Value Added Tax (VAT). PURA also informs that if a consumer consumes 250 cubic metres of water in a month, she/he would also be liable to pay VAT. "That threshold has been determined by NAWEC and obviously consumers that consume above the threshold would have to pay VAT on that amount, http://allafrica.com/stories/201305171142.html 2013-05-17T14:43:32Z [Namibia Economist]The transformation of the Electricity Control Board to a broader Energy Regulator is well on track with the final industry adjustments taking place. The transformation was expected to be completed earlier this year but was delayed due to the inherent lengthy legal process. Although a final name for the new regulator and launch date is yet to be decided, members of the ECB remain optimistic that the transition will take place soon. http://www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?id=24623 2013-05-17T14:42:00Z The UK Green Investment Bank (GIB) has today announced a £4.9m investment into its first energy efficiency project, which replaces inefficient heating systems with biomass boilers. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2013/05/fracking-and-solar-friends-foes-or-the-bridge-to-clean-energy-adoption?cmpid=rss 2013-05-17T14:17:00Z Hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” has been widely criticized by environmentalists who cite concerns with water pollution and methane leakage from this high-volume method of extracting natural gas. However, the burning of natural gas is undoubtedly better for the planet than the burning of coal. Some experts are now saying that — toxic chemicals an http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/brazil-auction-rules-may-boost-price-of-wind-power-15?cmpid=rss 2013-05-17T14:00:00Z Prices for wind energy in Brazil, currently the lowest in the world, may rise at least 15 percent due to government policies designed to make the nation's power grid more reliable. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/penetration-of-renewable-energy-in-selected-markets?cmpid=rss 2013-05-17T14:00:00Z The penetration of renewable energy into the electricity supply mix has been much in the news recently. During the first quarter, Portugal generated three-quarters of its electricity with renewable energy. Meanwhile, in Germany, one-fifth of all electricity was generated with renewables, most of that from new sources of renewable energy, such as wind and solar. And recently, at a conference in San Francisco, attendees heard calls for generating not just 100 percent of electricity supply with renewable energy, but far more — 200 percent to 300 percent of generation — in order to meet the need for heating, cooling, and transportation as well. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/no-easy-fix-for-broken-wind-turbine-at-us-high-school?cmpid=rss 2013-05-17T14:00:00Z It's status quo for the Portsmouth High School wind turbine. On Monday night, town planner Gary Crosby informed the Town Council that negotiations ceased with two possible developers interested in fixing or replacing the 336-foot-high turbine, which has been broken since June 2012. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2013/05/solar-under-assault-in-louisiana?cmpid=rss 2013-05-17T14:00:00Z A slew of bills introduced in Louisiana’s legislature this year were challenging the state’s solar incentives. At least one of which, House Bill 705 to gradually phase out the state’s solar and wind tax credits by 2020, has moved forward. While that bill might make some sense, other bills, like a bill to eliminate tax credits immediately, seem to b http://allafrica.com/stories/201305171019.html 2013-05-17T13:43:38Z [New Vision]People are counting and cutting back on them and you would be hard-pressed to find something at the supermarket that does not list its calories on the package. But do you know what calories are? http://allafrica.com/stories/201305171006.html 2013-05-17T13:37:42Z [Focus]The government on Thursday signed a power-purchase agreement (PPA) between the Energy, Water & Sanitation Authority (EWSA) and Renewable Energy for Accelerated Development Rwanda (REFAD) to develop and manage a hydro-power plant. http://www.buildup.eu/news/36457 2013-05-17T13:06:11Z Type of News | News from European projectsAbstract : The international initiative IEE-PremiumLight has conducted product tests for current LED bulbs and spot lamps, due to fast technology development, the choice of LED-lamps for the household sector has ... read more http://www.buildup.eu/news/36455 2013-05-17T12:47:56Z Type of News | News from the EU, News from European AssociationsAbstract : Europe’s rules on the energy performance of buildings are beginning to affect the investment decisions of pension funds and other financial institutions, said Tatiana Bosteels, the head of Responsible Property Investments at Hermes Funds Managers. Source: EurActiv https://www.gov.uk/government/news/turning-non-switchers-into-savvy-switchers-davey 2013-05-17T11:29:00Z Press notice: 13/046 The Government is taking additional steps to make sure the 84% of households who don’t switch can get the best deal, Ed Davey announced today. Switching energy suppliers could save households as much as £158 a year but only 16% switched between March 2012 and March 2013. This builds on Ofgem’s reforms to create a simpler, clearer and fairer market for energy consumers, which Government is backing through the Energy Bill. These reforms will move people off poor-value “dead” tariffs, reduce the number of core tariffs to four per gas and electricity supplier, and make bills easier to understand. Publishing the Government’s response to the discussion document “Ensuring a better deal for energy consumers”, the Energy and Climate Change Secretary confirmed the Government’s backing for Ofgem’s market reforms and set out plans to: Ensure customers on uncompetitive legacy tariffs will be automatically moved to their supplier’s cheapest variable rate tariff. Of the estimated 650 “dead tariffs”, around a third could be poor value; Ensure customers who are on fixed deals will be automatically moved to their supplier’s cheapest variable rate tariff when their fixed deal ends; Make clear to all other customers what the cheapest deal is that suits their preferences (such as getting a green tariff, or a fixed term tariff) and give the opportunity to switch; Provide £900,000 to set up a new Big Energy Saving Network to co-ordinate and provide advice on switching, tariffs and government support to help the poorest get warmer homes and lower bills; Require energy suppliers to provide information to consumers in a format that would allow it to be read by an electronic device, such as a smart phone; Give powers to Ofgem to take action to protect against poor practice by switching sites; and Consider what more needs to be done to promote collective switching, which in two early schemes has shown average savings of £133 and £223 per household. Mr Davey said: “When consumers are feeling the pinch, it’s not right that 84% of households, including the most vulnerable, are put off switching or engaging in the energy market. “Fundamental to overcoming this is Ofgem’s reform of the retail energy market. This will make the market simpler and fairer, and we’re using the Energy Bill to make sure these reforms are not delayed or frustrated. “But we’ve got to do even more to put the best deals on a plate for people. “This is why I’m announcing a new network of outreach by trusted organisations to help the most vulnerable in our communities. Trusted experts will provide meaningful, comprehensive advice on getting the best deal and support from government programmes. “And I’m dragging energy bills into the 21st Century by requiring suppliers to include electronic information that will help millions compare and switch at the swipe of their smart phone. “I want to turn the non-switchers into savvy switchers.” Powers being taken in the Energy Bill will also give Ofgem the power to ensure that consumers can be directly compensated when energy suppliers break the rules. Notes for editors: Read the Government response to the discussion document “Ensuring a better deal for energy consumers” Ofgem set out proposals to reform the retail energy market on 21 February 2013. The Government is using the Energy Bill legislate to ensure Ofgem is not frustrated or delayed in implementing its reforms of the domestic retail energy market. DECC’s latest public attitudes tracker (published on 30 April 2013) found that 16% of those surveyed switched energy supplier in the last year Figures from Ofgem suggest consumers can save an average of £72 and a possible maximum of £158 per year by switching to the cheapest deal in the market for their payment method. Members of the Big Energy Saving Network will be Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Energy Saving Trust, Age UK, ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) and NEA (National Energy Action) The Which? Big Switch collective switching scheme estimated saving around 37,000 participants an average of £223 per year. The first phase of Cornwall Together recorded average savings of £133. http://www.buildup.eu/news/36449 2013-05-17T11:27:13Z Type of News | News from European projectsAbstract : Under the IEE funded programme, 17 partners from European countries gathered in Darmstadt- Germany for the kick-off meeting of the project EPISCOPE on April 11th and 12th 2013.In this project, a monitoring approach for systematic recording of actual retrofit activities of energy ... http://allafrica.com/stories/201305170550.html 2013-05-17T10:52:47Z [Daily Trust]The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) has handed over the administration of UNIDO-Regional Centre for Small Hydropower Development in Africa to the Energy Commission of Nigeria. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305170530.html 2013-05-17T10:50:22Z [Daily Trust]Indications emerged yesterday that President Goodluck Jonathan has instructed the ministry of power to seek an alternative means of funding the successor companies of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to give them stability till they are handed over to the preferred bidders. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305170324.html 2013-05-17T09:34:51Z [Leadership]Following envisaged challenges and changes that will be brought about by the on-going privatisation of the power sector, the federal government has disclosed plans to review the country's eight years old Electric Power Sector Reform (EPSR) Act to reflect current realities. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305170282.html 2013-05-17T09:18:53Z [This Day]The federal government has disclosed its plan to review provisions in Nigeria's eight year-old Electric Power Sector Reform (EPSR) Act to fully reflect existing challenges and changes in the country's power sector reforms route. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305170057.html 2013-05-17T06:03:45Z [New Vision]The shortage for cooking gas will soon be history in Uganda after Allied East Africa Limited, a Kenyan firm, undertook to invest in a $10m (about sh26b) gas plant in the region. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/moniz-unanimously-confirmed-as-new-doe-chief?cmpid=rss 2013-05-16T21:55:00Z Ernie Moniz has been unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the next Secretary of Energy, in a 97-0 vote (with three nonvoters). He succeeds Stephen Chu who held the position for four years. http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/matter_energy/solar_energy/~3/-H0oY-bg1xo/130516142654.htm 2013-05-16T20:26:26Z Researchers have created the first fully integrated artificial photosynthesis nanosystem. While "artificial leaf" is the popular term for such a system, the key to this success was an "artificial forest." http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/solarcity-scores-500-million-from-goldman-sachs-for-solar-leasing?cmpid=rss 2013-05-16T17:55:00Z SolarCity Corp. (SCTY), a solar-energy developer chaired by billionaire Elon Musk, won financing from Goldman Sachs (GS) Group Inc. for more than $500 million in rooftop solar systems that the company will complete this year. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2013/05/china-solar-update-trina-improves-suntech-scores-extension-beijing-awaits-eu-tariff-decision?cmpid=rss 2013-05-16T17:36:00Z Several news bits from the solar sector show more signs of stabilization after a 2-year-old downturn, even as an ongoing trade war looks set to escalate. The big picture in these news bits does seem to reflect some cautious optimism returning to the sector after the prolonged downturn due to massive oversupply. But that turnaround remains very tent http://allafrica.com/stories/201305161302.html 2013-05-16T17:14:29Z [Earthlife]In her budget speech on May 14, 2013, Minister Peters and the Department of Energy not only failed to seize the opportunity for a just transition to clean energy but also remained wedded to the planned new nuclear build. This shows both a lack of imagination but also a casual disregard for the facts and the financial strain it will place on South Africa. http://www.energy-enviro.fi/index.php?PAGE=5&NODE_ID=7&LANG=1&ID=4647 2013-05-16T16:44:21Z A solar cooker that harnesses the sun's energy to cook food and purify water would significantly improve the quality of life for rural communities in the developing world. As well as heating food, the cooker is able to store heat and could generate electrical power for essential mobile communications or air conditioning. People in developing countries are at risk of illness every day because of their inability to heat food or purify drinking water effectively. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/us-solar-2013-halftime-update-victories-and-ongoing-initiatives?cmpid=rss 2013-05-16T16:36:00Z 2013 is nearly halfway through, so we'd like to share an update of Vote Solar initiatives and notable industry happenings from net metering to innovative financing. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305161094.html 2013-05-16T15:26:28Z [State Department]As Prepared Remarks by Robert D. Hormats, Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, U.S. Department of State at the World Economic Forum in Pretoria, South Africa. http://www.buildup.eu/news/36437 2013-05-16T15:20:57Z Type of News | News from European projectsAbstract : THE AIDA PROJECT supports building professionals and local authorities all over Europe in designing nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEB). AIDA runs activities tailored to these target groups, such as study tours of innovative buildings, sessions to learn about best practices from operational ... http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/are-run-of-river-hydroelectric-systems-ready-to-ride-us-currents?cmpid=rss 2013-05-16T15:17:00Z Reaping renewable energy from un-dammed portions of great American rivers like the Mississippi, Ohio, or even the Columbia is an idea that has been bandied about for decades. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/05/sunpower?cmpid=rss 2013-05-16T14:00:00Z Distributed generation and international markets will be the twin focus for SunPower over the next few years as the company makes a big push for using its concentrating PV technology and selling residential leases abroad, SunPower executives said during its analyst day presentations Wednesday. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305160908.html 2013-05-16T13:41:04Z [New Era]Windhoek -The Namibian Development Corporation (NDC) is one of only a handful of state-owned enterprises that has embraced the green revolution after it spent N$940 000 to install a solar photovoltaic system at its premises. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305160872.html 2013-05-16T13:20:51Z [Daily Trust]Less than one percent of all patent applications relating to Clean Energy Technology (CET) have been filed in Africa, highlighting an opportunity for the continent to leap frog existing fossil-fuel energy sources and thus cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions and bring major health benefits. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305160796.html 2013-05-16T12:44:56Z [Times of Zambia]THE 600 megawatts Maamba Collieries Limited (MCL) thermal power plant currently under construction in Sinazongwe will bring load shedding to an end once the first phase is operational next year, Vice-President Guy Scott has said http://allafrica.com/stories/201305160674.html 2013-05-16T12:18:49Z [Vanguard]In this second instalment of his paper at the international conference of the Nigerian Association for Energy economics , Chief Philip Asiodu, CON, explains government's intention with the Petroleum Industry Bill http://allafrica.com/stories/201305160641.html 2013-05-16T12:06:36Z [This Day]A new United Nations study has revealed that less than one per cent of all patent applications relating to clean energy technology (CET) have been filed in Africa. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/greg-barker-comment-on-fuel-poverty-statistics 2013-05-16T11:18:00Z Commenting on today’s fuel poverty annual report and fuel poverty statistics for 2011, Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said: “I am very encouraged by this modest fall in the number of households living in fuel poverty. “But there is absolutely no room for complacency. There is still an unacceptably high number of people living in cold, damp, unhealthy conditions. “However after years of year on year growth in the number of fuel poor households we are starting to make progress, but the Coalition Government is determined to do even more. “While we can’t control volatile international energy prices, which always have the potential to undermine progress, it is clear that our determined focus on improving home energy efficiency is proving a highly effective weapon in this battle.” Read the statistical release Read the annual report and additional annexes http://allafrica.com/stories/201305160409.html 2013-05-16T10:56:50Z [The Herald]THE National Economic Conduct Inspectorate has instituted investigations into Zesa Holdings, which has resulted in the suspension of the top brass within the utility's subsidiaries. Sources at the company said the NECI probe, which began two weeks ago, covers a wide spectrum of issues, which include tenders and financial irregularities. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305160338.html 2013-05-16T10:23:03Z [Daily News]Dodoma -THE government yesterday condemned unnecessary delays by the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) in connecting power to customers who have already paid connection charges. http://allafrica.com/stories/201305160258.html 2013-05-16T10:02:53Z [Daily Trust]Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr Sam Amadi yesterday said electricity consumers will now pay between N20, 000 and N50, 000 to have meters installed in their homes.