Ecotoolbox » Alternative Energy

The world’s first bioclimatic holiday village

admin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:41:23 +0000

Spanish island of Tenerife, CNN reports here: Each of the 25 energy self-sufficient houses has been built to a different design using different technologies and will serve as a living experiment in sustainability.

Aviation Industry Harnesses Algae for Biofuel

admin — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 12:58:49 +0000

Spiegel Online reports here: There are plans within the aviation industry to replace kerosene with biofuel derived from algae. The new fuel comes with a surprising benefit: Planes will be able to fly farther on the same amount of fuel.

Solar-powered plane lands safely after 26-hour flight

admin — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:50:03 +0000

BBC News reports here: An experimental solar-powered aircraft launched on Wednesday has landed safely in Switzerland after successfully flying through the night.

Obama backs giant solar project

admin — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 12:59:33 +0000

BBC News reports here: Nearly $2bn (£1.3bn) in loan guarantees will be given to two companies to kick-start the US solar energy industry, President Barack Obama has announced.

Solar lamp wins award for helping developing countries

admin — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 13:26:39 +0000

Press Release from D.light: Design India: The world’s leading green energy prize has been awarded to D.light Design India for “its passion and dedication to the cause of ridding the developing world of the health and pollution problems associated with the use of kerosene lighting through the design, manufacture and promotion of durable and affordable solar lanterns in India and across the developing world.”

The Homeowner’s Guide to Renewable Energy: Achieving Energy Independence through Solar, Wind, Biomass and Hydropower

admin — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 12:24:56 +0000

The coming energy crisis caused by a peak in global oil and natural gas production will profoundly affect the lives of all North Americans. As the price of these vital fuels rises, homeowners will scramble to cut their fuel bills. Two options for meeting the upcoming challenge are dramatic improvements in home energy efficiency and efforts to tap into clean, affordable, renewable energy resources to heat and cool homes, to provide hot water and electricity, and even to cook. These measures can result in huge savings and a level of energy independence.

The Homeowner’s Guide to Renewable Energy tells you how. It starts by outlining the likely impacts of fossil fuel shortages and some basic facts about energy. It then discusses energy conservation to slash energy bills and prepare for renewable energy options. Focusing carefully on specific strategies needed to replace specific fuels, the book then examines each practical energy option available to homeowners:

• Solar hot water, cooking, and water purification
• Space heat: passive and active solar retrofits
• Wood heat
• Passive cooling
• Solar electricity
• Wind-generated electricity
• Electricity from microhydropower sources
• Emerging technologies—hydrogen, fuel cells, methane digesters, and biodiesel

The Homeowner’s Guide to Renewable Energy gives readers sufficient knowledge to hire and communicate effectively with contractors and, for those wanting do installations themselves, it recommends more detailed manuals. With a complete resource listing, this well-illustrated and accessible guide is a perfect companion for illuminating the coming dark age.

Honda adds another hybrid car, 2-seat CR-Z

admin — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:34:11 +0000

AP reports here at Yahoo News: Honda is at it again — building a fuel-sipping, two-seat gasoline-electric hybrid car. This time, though, the car is not just thrifty, it’s comfortable and lively.

Shoddy Parts Trip Up Major North Sea Wind Farm

admin — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:40:23 +0000

Spiegel Online reports here: Germany’s first offshore wind park was dealt a blow with the failure of two turbines due to inferior materials. The rough patch has energy executives scurrying to reassure Berlin and banks scrutinizing their billions in offshore wind energy investments.

Solar light bulb to shine on developing world

admin — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 01:31:21 +0000

CNET News.com reports here: The Nokero solar-powered LED light bulb is designed for the more than 1 billion people who rely on kerosene lamps due to limited or no electricity.

Swiss solar innovator wins Millennium Technology prize

admin — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 15:12:31 +0000

BBC News reports here: The inventor of a low-cost solar cell that could be used to build electricity generating windows has been awarded this year’s Millennium Technology Prize.