Obama opens door for renewable energy push in US

In his inaugural speech for his second term in office, U.S. President Barack Obama has upped the ante, promising to show global leadership on climate change and support the development of clean energy...

In his speech, Obama said he would double the production of alternative energy in the next three years. He added that his administration would focus on efficiency as a way to reduce energy demand, by modernising more than 75 percent of federal buildings and improving the energy efficiency of 2 million American homes.

It was the most Obama had said on climate change for some time, and it was a stronger affirmation of the science underlying climate change than Obama has offered on other occasions: "Some may still deny the overwhelming judgment of science, but none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires and crippling drought and more powerful storms," Obama said.

On renewable energy, Obama spoke with an almost religous zeal: "The path towards sustainable energy sources will be long and sometimes difficult. But America cannot resist this transition; we must lead it. We cannot cede to other nations the technology that will power new jobs and new industries - we must claim its promise. That is how we will maintain our economic vitality and our national treasure - our forests and waterways; our croplands and snowcapped peaks".

Reaction

Not surprisingly, the speech has been widely heralded by clean energy groups: The Sierra Club commended Obama “for his vision of an economic recovery plan that recognises the vital role of clean energy.”

http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/30393/obama-opens-door-for-renewable-energy-push-in-us/

BREE forecasts $189 billion and then some

The Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE) has published its quarterly forecasting of the country’s resources and energy commodity export earnings for the 2012-13 year, which are now tipped to be in excess of $189 billion.

The Resources and Energy Quarterly September Quarter report shows increases across the majority of major minerals and energy commodities, with the largest increases in volumes projected for LNG (21 per cent), thermal coal (14 per cent) and metallurgical coal (12 per cent).

"The latest forecasts of volumes and prices show two distinct trends. First, the prices of many resources have moderated from historic highs in 2011 and further declines are expected over the medium term in US$ terms relative to these peaks. Second, Australian export volumes, especially in terms of bulk commodities, are growing rapidly and are expected to do so for several years to come" said Professor Quentin Grafton, BREE's Executive Director and Chief Economist.

Growth in exports volumes of iron ore are also forecast to remain robust, increasing by 8 per cent to over 500 million tonnes in 2012–13.

According to the report, the robust growth in LNG exports in the coming year reflects the start up of major projects, such as the Pluto LNG project, which will increase the country’s LNG capacity from around 20 million tonnes to over 24 million tonnes.

"This forecast, as emphasised in the macroeconomic outlook, is based on assumed improvements in world, OECD and Chinese economic growth in 2013 and the assumption that the Australian dollar will remain close to parity with the US dollar in 2013" said Professor Grafton.

The full report can be found here

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UK Tops Solar Race

First International Energy Efficiency Scorecard of 12 Major Economies Also Finds Germany, Italy, and Japan Ranking Highly; U.S. Behind Most Countries, Including China, France, and Australia.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United Kingdom comes in first in a new energy efficiency ranking of the world’s major economies, followed closely by Germany, Italy, and Japan, according to the first-ever International Energy Efficiency Scorecard published today by the nonprofit American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). The report finds that in the last decade the U.S. has made “limited or little progress toward greater efficiency at the national level,” putting it in 9th place out of 12 economies around the globe.

The rankings are modeled on ACEEE’s time-tested approach to energy efficiency ranking of U.S. states, and include 12 of the world’s largest economies: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union. These 12 economies represent over 78 percent of global gross domestic product; 63 percent of global energy consumption; and 62 percent of the global carbon-dioxide equivalent emissions.

On a scale of 100 possible points in 27 categories, the nations were ranked by ACEEE as follows: (1) the United Kingdom; (2) Germany; (3) Italy; (4) Japan; (5) France; (6) the European Union, Australia, and China (3-way tie); (9) the U.S.; (10) Brazil; (11) Canada; and (12) Russia.

ACEEE divided the 27 metrics across four groupings: those that track cross-cutting aspects of energy use at the national level, as well as the three sectors primarily responsible for energy consumption in an economically developed country—buildings, industry, and transportation. The top-scoring countries in each grouping are: Germany (national efforts); China (buildings); the United Kingdom (industry); and a tie among Italy, China, Germany, and the United Kingdom (transportation).

ACEEE Executive Director Steven Nadel said: “The UK and the leading economies of Europe are now well ahead of the United States when it comes to energy efficiency. This is significant because countries that use energy more efficiently require fewer resources to achieve the same goals, thus reducing costs, preserving valuable natural resources, and creating jobs. Unfortunately, our results show that nowhere is the vast potential for improvements in energy efficiency being completely realized. While many countries achieved notable success, none received a perfect score in any category – proving that there is much that all countries can still learn from each other. For example, the United States scored relatively high in buildings, but was at the bottom of the list in transportation.”

Edward Davey, British Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change said: “I welcome today’s publication of the first International Energy Efficiency Scorecard by ACEEE. Energy efficiency sits at the heart of our policies to encourage low-carbon growth, and I am particularly pleased that the UK is ranked first of the 12 economies considered by the study. Making our buildings and industries more energy efficient is a significant challenge, one that will take years to meet; doing so cost effectively will mean drawing on the experiences of others. This study is a fascinating collection of best practice, setting out the innovations which can accelerate economic growth, enhance energy security – and save our households and businesses money.”

Report author and ACEEE Senior Researcher Sara Hayes said: “While energy efficiency has played a major role in the economies of developed nations for decades, cost-effective energy efficiency remains a massively underutilized energy resource. Fortunately, there is a lot countries can do to strengthen their economic competitiveness through improvements in energy efficiency.”

The ACEEE ranking system looks at both “policy metrics” and “performance metrics” to measure a country’s overall energy efficiency. Examples of policy metrics include the presence of a national energy savings target, fuel economy standards for vehicles, and energy efficiency standards for appliances. The “performance metrics” measure energy use and provide quantifiable results. Examples of performance metrics include the amount of energy consumed by a country relative to its gross domestic product, average miles per gallon of on-road passenger vehicles, and energy consumed per square foot of floor space in residential buildings.

For the finest range of solar hot water and solar energy in Perth WA visit www.gewa.com.au

Thanks to http://aceee.org/ for this story

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Solar Energy: The "Grandmothers" Who Decided To Illuminate 600 Households

After spending six months in India where they received training on solar energy techniques and technologies, "grandmothers" have decided to put their talents into local development. Thus on 1 March 2012, they launched the lighting projects of 600 households with solar energy. It was in the village of boala, about fifty miles of Kaya, in the Namentenga province.

The purpose of these six projects, costing a total of 375 million CFA francs, is to allow each willing household to supply solar energy for their fixed lamp, solar light lantern and a socket (for charging mobile phones) etc.., according to the Minister of the Environment and Sustainable Development, Jean Kouldiaty, head of the launching ceremony. The "grandmothers" union formed, will have to install and manage small units of solar energy in their villages while maintenance costs of solar equipment will be managed by communities. “This training allows these women to become role models for youth in the community, both girls and boys”. Added the Minister for Kouldiaty, "My wish is to see this event as a springboard to strengthen state efforts and technical and financial partners and promoting the use of alternative energy by creating a training in solar energy at schools.”

For Pascal Karorero, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Burkina Faso, "this initiative is of particular interest for our organization and the UN." He said the lighting of 600 rural households contribute to the preservation of biological diversity, children's education, promotion of income generating activities and reducing the rural exodus. "The initiative also aims to achieve three interrelated goals for 2030 which are universal access to modern energy services and doubling the rate of improvement of energy efficiency and the share of renewable energy in the energy mix, "said Mr. Karorero.

Basma Jalloul – International Green Energy Perth WA Correspondent – 07/03/2012

Solar Energy: It’s Not About Solar Panels Only

Wanting to save energy is always a good idea. Indeed, electricity generation, according to the methods of production, can be added to the list of factors that deplete the planet. The financial aspect is also taken into account, and electricity prices, like most other energy sources (especially fossil fuels like oil, which we derive most of our fuels) end to always increase.

In response, more and more solutions are emerging; the most famous one is that of the purchase of photovoltaic panels. But even if subsidies are available to assist in this investment, this is an option that is only available to those who own a home that enables the installation of such panels. Tenants, living in apartments or whose roof exposure is not appropriate will not benefit. Fortunately, alternatives exist for those who cannot afford a photovoltaic kit.

The wind generator is a particular alternative for the proud owners of large gardens, but not only! Indeed, there are now small models that can be installed on the house roof to produce at least part of the electricity consumed by the household. Newer models are more productive while being quieter, and allow for constant use in particularly windy areas, even if they are not sunny.

But for those who cannot afford to invest in such facilities, there are still alternatives to save electricity on a daily basis. Ideas abound, and manufacturers creativity and competition offered u really ingenious gadgets and practices. For example, a solar battery, which is recharged by placing it directly in the sunlight, will charge many electronic devices such as mobile phones, mp3 players or even, for a little more powerful model, your laptop. By the same principle, you will also find battery chargers or laptops equipped by a solar panel. That said, the system of the outer solar battery is preferable since a single battery allows you to charge many devices as long as you have the necessary adapters. A solar backpack can also fulfill this role.

Besides photovoltaic electricity generation, there are other ways to utilize solar energy, for example by using solar thermal panels, which can heat water in your home, or devices like the solar cooker allowing you to cook entire meals with nothing but solar energy, for a much healthier food than the one you can get with a barbecue, well known for introducing harmful elements in food!

Basma Jalloul – International Green Energy WA Perth Correspondent – 07/03/2012

Charging Your Tablet Using Solar Energy Is Possible!

The idea is simple: you're not at home, you are not in the office, you are not in a civilized place, you are camping, hiking, or in a race to circumnavigate the world.... Yes, but now, how to communicate with others if you cannot charge your smartphone, tablet or even your favorite game console (PSVita)?

The solution lies in a boundless energy: solar energy. The whole question is therefore in our (us as humans) ability to capture, to store and distribute it in the form of more conventional energy, electrical energy.

Now it's pinnacle with Solariflex marketing of several products including flexible solar panels of different sizes: the “Power 6 USB” allows you to recharge small devices such as smartphones and to power equipment electrical appliances.

The “USB 6 Power” can charge tablets such as iPads or recharge a small battery of 4400 mAh (which serves as storage) that will allow you to recharge your iPad at the right time.

Basma – International Green Energy Correspondent – 28/02/2012

EDF Acquires Photowatt, French Pioneer Of Solar Energy

The Commercial Court of Vienna (Isère) confirmed Monday the takeover bid by EDF Photowatt. This avoids the liquidation of the only French manufacturer of photovoltaic cells.

It was a happy ending for the employees of Photowatt. The Commercial Court of Vienna, near Grenoble, has selected the offer presented by EDF on Monday that aims to maintain the activity of this company as it is.

Of the 425 people currently employed by Photowatt, EDF offers to 345 employees and over 10 apprentices to continue their activity in the company. The other 70 will be offered redeployment within the EDF Group.

"This operation is part of the Group's strategy to be a leader in renewable energy, including photovoltaics, thereby contributing to the development of better technologies," said EDF in a statement.

Photowatt was placed in receivership after filing for bankruptcy in November. The sole French manufacturer of photovoltaic cells has undergone in recent years the rise of Chinese manufacturers. In 2011, the decrease in tariffs for solar electricity in France has exacerbated the difficulties of SMEs, which showed a net loss of 80 million euros.

EDF has agreed to inject 75 million euros as part of the recovery of the company. "This transaction will enable the Group, through its subsidiary EDF, to take over the assets of Photowatt and 100% of its subsidiary PV Alliance2 and get an exclusive worldwide license to the heterojunction technology, currently under development, "said the electrician in a statement.

Basma – International Green Energy Correspondent – 28/02/2012

Guinea To Produce Solar Panels

More than 20 000 jobs and an investment of over U.S. $ 3 billion, is the benefit to come from the solar energy project as announced the DACC Associates LLC MAMSKA Guinea-LTD and the utility of Guinea (EDG) announced on Tuesday, January 24 in Conakry.

The solar power project of 1000 MW is 100% funded by the U.S. partner DACC. In its activities, it will be assisted by international financial companies involved in the sector of renewable energy, said the president of Guinea Mamaska. This project, adds Mamady Kaba Sinkoun, will produce energy to sell to the EDG. After reaching the objectives of the project on an area of ​​about 6 to 7 years, plants and materials will return to the Guinean government.

However, the partner has set up a factory manufacturing solar panels with international standards to meet the demands at the country and export to the nearby regions. An ambition of size that is! In the future, we can see with how Guinea will become, if this project to be realized, the first African country to have a manufacturing facility on its soil.

In the first instance, or the pilot phase, the project wants to put in the Boke region a production of 50 MWC that will be distributed as follows: Boke 5 MWp with an annual production of 43,200 MWh, the village of Kamsar 5 MWp for annual production of 43,200 MWh and the mines 40 MWp for an annual production of 345,000 MWh.

Second, Mamska-DACC plans to install solar photovoltaic for all the mines in Guinea. Then, build solar power plants in the prefectures and Rural Communities Development (CRD). It should also notice that the power to be installed in each prefecture will vary between 3 MWp to 5 MWp, depending on the size of the region concerned and the needs of application.

The work on this project will soon begin to allow Guinea to have electricity 24/24 when we know that the electric current service, even in Conakry, remains to be desired.

Basma- International Green Energy News Correspondent – 25/01/2012.

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Government launches renewable energy fund

The Federal Government has announced the establishment of the Renewable Energy Venture Capital Fund.

Half of the $200 million fund will be provided by the Commonwealth, with the remainder to come from Asian investor Softbank China Venture Capital.

Southern Cross Venture Partners has been appointed to manage the fund, which will invest in renewable energy projects and promote energy innovation.

Federal Energy Minister Martin Ferguson says the Government will have no say in which projects are funded.
“There is no suggestion that they should favour one form of clean energy over another, or segment the industry and decide x percentage has to be renewable or against station power or whatever,” Mr Ferguson said.
“It is about which proposals to the fund managers actually stack up.”

The fund is expected to begin operations early next year.

Story ABC News

The Truth Finally Surfacing

Electricity prices to rise 37% – solar power only a bit player

A report from the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) estimates residential electricity prices are projected to jump by 37 per cent in nominal terms on average by 2014.

Home solar power is yet again being made a scapegoat by some media outlets, but its contribution to the overall jump in electricity costs will be minor.

In June, the AEMC estimated residential electricity price increases of 30 per cent by 2013. According to the latest AEMC report, the contribution to the revised projected 37 per cent price increase from each component is as follows:

• Transmission: 6.0 per cent
• Distribution: 33.6 per cent
• Wholesale: 40.2 per cent
• Retail: 12.1 per cent
• Feed-in tariff: 2.8 per cent
• LRET (Large Scale Renewable Energy Target: 3.8 per cent
• SRES (Small Scale Renewable Energy Scheme):  -0.8 per cent
• Other state based schemes: 2.3 percent

While the AEMC’s findings clearly show small scale solar power is not the main villain in electricity price hikes over the next few years – less than 5 per cent of the 37 per cent national average – some in the media have again chosen to amplify its impact in the overall situation. Factors related to replacement of ageing infrastructure, gas-fired generation and the upcoming carbon tax appear to play a greater role.

The AEMC have also provided a breakdown of each state’s outlook.

Queensland – residential electricity prices forecast to jump by 42 per cent, with the main drivers being the wholesale electricity component and distribution.
New South Wales – increase of 42 per cent forecast, again primarily due to distribution and wholesale electricity price increases, with the latter being the result of a price on carbon and increases in gas-fired generation capacity.
ACT – 42 per cent jump in nominal terms.
Victoria – 33 per cent increase in residential electricity prices predicted.
Tasmania – 25 per cent electricity price hike forecast, mostly due to the wholesale component resulting from increased gas-fired generation and a minor wind component.
South Australia – residential electricity prices are forecast to increase by 36 per cent in nominal terms; driven in part by volatile demand, South Australia being a relatively small market and a high dependence on gas-fired power generation.
Western Australia – electricity supply to residential customers is forecast to increase by 30 per cent with over 80 per cent of the hike due to increases in distribution and wholesale factors.
Northern Territory – The AEMC predicts Northern Territory residential electricity prices will rise 16 per cent in nominal terms between the base year and 2013-2014.
Although elements of the media continue to make residential solar power a whipping boy, savvy Australian consumers are seeing through the slagging and installing rooftop solar panel arrays to buffer against recent major rises in electricity costs – and those to come.
According to recent estimates, over 500,000 Australian households are now reaping the many benefits of generating their own electricity
.
Story from Eco Business 

Bargain-hunters flock to Solyndra auction

Tags: Solar Energy Companies, Solar Energy Information
If you’re in the market for an office chair, an automated inline glass coating system, or a souvenir T-shirt from a defunct solar company, you’re in luck.

Solyndra , which filed for bankruptcy Sept. 6, is up for sale in bits and pieces. An auction of the Fremont-based solar company’s “non-core” assets, ranging from break room microwaves to computers to expensive manufacturing equipment, begins Wednesday.

Potential buyers were able to browse a vast array of offerings on Monday and Tuesday, and a steady stream of people meandered through the company’s warehouse spaces with auction guides in hand, circling items they wanted to bid on.

A full list of available items and information about bidding in person or online can be found online.

The rest of Solyndra, including its intellectual property and real estate, is scheduled to be auctioned on Nov. 18.

Solyndra hired auction firm Heritage Global Partners, a San Diego-based firm with offices in Foster City, to run this week’s sale. Kirk Dove, a managing partner at Heritage Global Partners, said he expects 1,000 people to attend the auction on Wednesday and Thursday in person, and another 2,000 to participate online.

“It’s just a big sale with a lot of recognition,” Dove said.

His company has handled many large sales in solar and other industries, including an auction earlier this year for BP Solar, which was closing a solar manufacturing facility. But Dove said this is his firm’s highest-profile sale since it auctioned off Enron’s assets.

Dove said he expects the auction to be a “multimillion dollar” event, though he couldn’t say more specifically how much he expects it to bring in since the list of goods to be auctioned off is still being finalized. Solyndra had $859 million in assets and $749 million in debt as of Jan. 1, according to court filings.

via Bargain-hunters flock to Solyndra auction – Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal.