Coal’s Legacy : Mercury Contamination
Australia has a set a target of just 20 percent renewable energy generation by 2020; so even after that date, coal will still feature heavily in our energy mix. The use of coal and its role in greenhouse gas emissions is well known, but an issue often overlooked is the subject of mercury.
Solar Power Assisted Bus Hits California Roads
California-based Sunpods Inc. has announced the first solar power-assist system for buses, designed to help transportation companies strict anti-pollution standards set by the State of California.
Caltech Creates Solar Cell Using Silicon Wire Arrays
Researchers at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have created a new type of flexible solar cell using arrays of long, thin silicon wires embedded in a polymer substrate; requiring a fiftieth of the silicon used by conventional silicon solar cells.
Prepare To Lose Off-Peak Electricity – And Solar Power Isn’t To Blame
Several media reports in the last week have stated that by making the switch to solar power, some householders are losing their off-peak electricity benefits. Solar power isn’t to blame and the loss of traditional off-peak rates is inevitable for all Australian households.
Solar Powered Marines? Ooh-rah!*
The US Marines are going GREENS. No, that’s not a typo. The Ground Renewable Expeditionary Energy System (GREENS) uses stackable solar panel arrays and deep cycle batteries to provide electricity for essential functions in the field.
Green Loans For The Rest Of Us
While the Australian Federal Government’s Green Loans program is headed for the scrap heap, Australian financial institutions are recognising there is an increasing demand for solar power systems and creating low interest green loan products for the purposes of purchasing solar power systems.
Solar Powered Rickshaws For 2010 Commonwealth Games
1,000 solar powered rickshaws are to help reduce transport related greenhouse gas emissions during the upcoming 2010 Commonwealth Games in India.
Government Announces Revamped Renewable Energy Target
Two days after the Australian Greens submitted a Private Members Bill with recommendations for a revised Renewable Energy Target, the Rudd Government has announced major changes that should please many solar energy supporters.
Australian Gross Feed In Tariff Petition Attracts 20,000 Signatures
A renewable energy topic to have largely disappeared from the Australian media spotlight is the issue of a national, uniform gross feed in tariff – however, it’s an issue that hasn’t been forgotten by the Australian public and some political forces.
Tasmania’s Solar Feed In Tariff Ignored As Election Issue
While feed in tariffs exist in most states and territories of Australia; Tasmania remains in the backwaters of solar power generation through lack of solid incentives. Even given the upcoming state election in just a couple of weeks; none of the parties appear to have addressed the lack of a suitable feed-in tariff in the state as an election issue.
