UK/US To Collaborate On Floating Wind Turbines
A new agreement between the UK and US governments will see an increased focus on developing floating wind turbines for use in offshore areas that have substantial wind resources, but which are off-limits to fixed-structure wind turbines due to water depth.
The USA’s Biggest Green Electricity Users
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has updated its Top 50 Green Power Partnership rankings, with Microsoft entering the top 5 and McDonald’s USA also making its debut appearance on the Top 50 list.
Greener, Cheaper Solar Grade Silicon From Cambridge Uni
Researchers at Cambridge University are working on a new process for creating solar-grade silicon that will be far more efficient in terms of energy consumption, cost and emissions intensity.
Australia’s Renewable Energy Target Under Threat
A new study states electricity generation from renewable sources may fall well short of the Australian government’s mandatory target of 20% by 2020.
Solar Power Subsidies Pale Beside $4 Billion Mining Support
While some fret and fuss over financial incentives for solar power, a rogue elephant in the room – mining subsidies – have remained comparatively ignored.
11 Year Old Kenyan’s Solar Invention Saves Livestock
A boy from Kenya has created a system powered by solar energy that protects his family’s cattle from attack by lions.
‘Turbo’ For Solar Cells Developed
Solar cells for home solar power systems with conversion efficiencies approaching 40% are on the horizon thanks in part to Australian ingenuity.
Repowering Port Augusta With Solar And Wind – Blueprint
Non-profit think-tank Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) has released ‘Repowering Port Augusta’; a blueprint for replacing South Australia’s emissions intensive Northern and Playford B brown coal-fired power stations with wind power and solar energy facilities.
Carbon Tax Related Electricity Price Rises – Latest Estimates
With a carbon tax just a few months away, researchers from the University of Queensland say they have arrived at the most accurate predictions for associated electricity price rises in Australia’s eastern states.
Energy Matters Video News – Episode 65 – April 18, 2012
Virginia reports on Australia’s solar rebate rush, major electricity price hikes on the horizon, and Energy Matters attending Tasmania’s Agfest again this year.
