Home: Renewable Energy News: Energy Matters Video News - Episode 71 - August 8, 2012

Renewable Energy News

WEDNESDAY 08 AUGUST, 2012 |

Energy Matters Video News - Episode 71 - August 8, 2012

by Energy Matters

Presented by Energy Matters team member Virginia, we take a look at some of the stories from Australia and around the world recently added to our renewable energy news section.

This week, Virginia reports on solar to the rescue during India's massive blackout, solar to be cheaper than brown coal by 2030, the Australian Solar Institute providing funding for research into solar solutions for rural areas and the Saphonian - a wind turbine without blades.

In this episode:

- In what has been described as the world’s largest blackout event, solar panels have again proved their worth. The recent blackout in India set a new record when over 600 million people simultaneously found themselves without power. However, many households in affected rural areas kept the lights on thanks to their small off grid solar power systems that incorporated deep cycle battery storage. Read more.

- A new report from Australia’s Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics predicts a major shake-up in Australia's energy mix by 2030. Some renewables, such as solar PV and onshore wind, are expected to have the lowest levelised cost of electricity of all assessed technologies; including brown coal. Read more.

- The Australian Solar Institute is providing $500,000 to the Northern Territory’s Power and Water Corporation to investigate ways to increase solar energy sourced electricity in Daly River. According to the Institute, mini grid solar systems located in areas with lots of sunshine can provide reliable, competitively priced power. The Power and Water Corporation will perform a feasibility assessment and develop a handbook, to serve as a platform for roll out of solar across the Territory. Read more.

- Inspired by sailboats, the Saphonian Energy Zero Blade turbine utilises a sail-shaped body, without the blades, rotor and gearbox. According to the company, performance tests have demonstrated the Saphonian efficiency’s level is 2.3 times higher than that of a bladed wind turbine. Read more.