June 21st, 2010
There has been a lot of press recently concerning the UK wind farms and the need for more wind turbines in the aim to tackle global warming and to increase the use of green energy.
Harnessing the winds power can and does ganerate a huge amount of useable energy. However, it has now been reported that there could be an overload of energy onto the National Grid if it gets too windy.
Too windy? Surely, this would be a good condition considering how unstable and infrequent the weather can be. To store up lots of wind-generate electricity cant harm us can it? Apparently, according to those at the National grid, too much wind and too much wind-generated electricity is not a good thing.
Owners of wind farms are now going to be awarded a payment to switch off thier turbines if it does become ‘too windy’. This seems all well and good in the grand scheme of helping the country to use more sustainable energy sources but this payment to the wind farm owners is going to come from the tax payers.
The National Grid is constantly working to match the need for electricity with supply and this can often be determined by weather predictions and TV schedules. Plant failures and erratic weather changes are also a factor when the National Grid juggles electricity use across the nation. They feel that the balance between using the wind famrs and deciding to turn them off in adverse weather conditions will prevent the network from being overloaded.
Tags: Global Warming, green energy, national grid, renewable energy, Sustainable Energy, wind farms, wind power, Wind Turbines | Posted in Energy Efficient, News, Sustainable Energy, renewable energy
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May 27th, 2010
The new buzz word that is being used all over the world is upcycling!
def:// upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value.
Now you would be among the many that will be thinking this is just the same as recycling. It is very similar to recycling but the major difference with upcycling is that no energy has gone into developing the new product from the old one. When recycling paper, plastic, cardboard etc processes are in place to melt, cut and re-make the new products thus using energy. Upcycling products use man-power and time to produce pieces such as artwork, luggage, furniture, useful materials etc.
Several successful businesses have come from being based on upcycling and the huge benefits it offers. Rebagz is an eco-chic handbag company that use great design and sustainability to produce their fabulous products all by upcycling. The ‘Juicy handbag’ (picture) is made from weaving sections of juice cartons and is one of their biggest and most popular sellers. Rebagz is best know for being both eco and human friendly and only re-use materials to make their products.
Resurf, another well established company that is promoting and using upcycling is based in the US and re-uses broken surfboards and turns them into asphalt filer. The Resurf, surfboard waste recycling centres find solutions and homes for the communal waste as an industry.
There is a lot to be said for what one person considers to be junk and useless, to be another persons piece of artwork or furniture.
Tags: energy efficiency, Recycling, Sustainability, upcycling | Posted in Energy Efficient, Recycling, Sustainability
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April 30th, 2010
This month saw the launch of the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme. Formally known as The Carbon Reduction Commitment Scheme, it is the UK’s mandatory climate change and energy saving initiative.
This scheme has been specifically designed to hit the top senior levels of large organisations to educate and bring awareness to the growing improvements to reduce energy use and therefore cutting back on carbon emissions. These targeted carbon emissions are separate to those already covered by climate change agreements and the EU emissions trading scheme.
For those wanting to participate and join the CRC the scheme is going to be run as a ‘cap and trade’ directive and will provide financial incentives to reduce carbon emissions from energy use. Based on annual emissions, there will be allowances for each organisation which can be purchased, and on reducing the emission there funds get directly recycled back into the organisations.
Already in partnership with the Scottish Government, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Department of Environment Northern Ireland, this newly named scheme is going to influence around 20,000 UK public and private sector organisations who are responsible for around 10% of the UK’s emissions.
As the scheme moves forward the registration for organisations to join is now open. Click HERE to find out what the scheme is going to achieve and how you can be part of it.
Tags: carbon emissions, carbon reduction commitment, Climate Change, CRC energy efficiency scheme, energy, energy efficiency | Posted in Energy Efficient, News, carbon emissions
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April 12th, 2010
It has come time for sailors to stop saying that all ’stink pots’ aka motorboats pollute the seas with their fuel guzzling engines.
It is all about the environment and conserving the world’s seas and oceans for boat designing company J&J Design. Brothers Jernej and Japec Jakopin have designed over 250 boats both power and sail for manufacturers all over the world and have won over 30 Boat of the Year Awards in several different countries.
J&J Design have teamed up with VW Marine and renowed boat builders Seawayto bring their ideas for the future of motor boating into being in the form of the Greenline 33 (pic left)
The Greenline 33 is dedicated to efficiency producing four times less fossil fuels in a year than any other planing powerboat and is completely emission-free in the electric mode. These great features of the Greenline 33 means that for a boating family they are hugely reducing their carbon footprint by going green out at sea.
Not only for people out using the Greenline but for others enjoying the seas and boating areas there will be the added bonus of no smoke, no wake and no noise. The lithium batteries can have up to a 10 year life expectancy and the solar panelled roof will keep batteries charged and provide additional energy supply to the electric drives on board. This is all encompassed in a beautifully designed layout with comfortable and attractive features to appeal to any boating family, couple etc.
The mission is to preserve the world and its top boating areas for future generations. There is no reason why a motorboat cannot be enjoyed out on the water without it causing any damage to the environment or the water it is in. Already exceeding expectations, the Greenline 33 has gained J&J Design another Boat of the Year Award by winning the title at the HISWA (Dutch Boat Show) 2010. For all information and the design behind this new green creation go to www.greenlinehybrid.com
Tags: Economical, Energy Efficient, Greenline | Posted in Energy Efficient, News, Self sufficiency, Transport
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March 17th, 2010
- Tidal Turbine
This month saw David Kidney MP, Under secretary for energy and climate change speak at the Renewable UK Conference in Westminster. The topic of the talk was on the growing productivity of wave and tidal energy in the UK. He commented “Harnessing electricity from our wave and tidal resources not only plays a crucial part in meeting our climate change target; but also presents a significant economic opportunity for the UK.”
Wind power is now the top renewable source, due to the expansion of offshore wind farms and this is an encouraging move towards harnessing weather elements. David Kidney has pledged to support the wave and tidal power projects and it is now said that the UK are seen as the leaders in marine energy technology.
In April 2008, the world’s first commercial tidal current power system with a capacity of 1.2MW was put into action in Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland. With the tide flowing at over 7.4 knots it was an ideal location to place this world’s first.
The SeaGen tidal turbine was installed by MCT (Marine Current Turbines Ltd) and is the largest grid-connected marine renewable system in the world. Similar to the wind turbines it is a modular technology and works on generating low carbon energy.
Strangford Lough’s turbine has recently reached the milestone marker of 1000 operational hours, being the first and only tidal turbine to have done so. This world’s largest ever tidal current device generates clean and sustainable electricity for 1000 homes and has so far delivered over 800MW into the Northern Ireland grid. With expectations being exceeded for this system it is leading the way in technology of this type and will shape the future of tidal current power. Martin Wright MCT’s MD reflected “We will build on the success ofSeaGen to develop a commercial tidal farm of up to 10MW in UK waters within three years.”
After recently being granted the lease, MCT are going to deploy the award-winning SeaGenturbines off Brough Ness, on the southernmost tip of the Orkney Islands and north east of John O’Groats. By 2017, 66 SeaGen tidal turbines are going to be placed in three phases with a total generating capacity of 99MW. That’s enough power for almost 100,000 homes.
Tags: Climate Change, Marine Turbines, renewable energy, renewable resource, SeaGen, tidal power | Posted in Climate Change, Energy Efficient, Sustainable Energy, carbon emissions, environment, renewable energy
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March 12th, 2010
March 3rd, US President Barack Obama urged congress to consider his Homestar Program to promote greener homes in the US.
Now being nicknamed “Cash for Caulkers”, the Homestar program outlines plans for a government rebate to US businesses and homeowners who refit their homes to become more energy efficient. This includes replacing windows, doors, insulation and using other resourceful materials from an approved list.
Obama believes this initiative is going to revitalise the US construction industry, creating more jobs and lowering household energy bills. It could cost $6 billion to put into place but will pay back rebates to some 3 million homeowners direct from hardware stores or contractors. The incentives are attracting attention already with promised instant payouts of up to $1500 for an upgrade and up to $3000 for a home refit.
However, this is still being discussed by congress and has not yet been passed as law, but the Homestar Coalition have put in to place some strategies to help senators and congressional representatives to see the light.
Tags: Energy Efficient, government rebate, Homeowners, Homestar, lower energy | Posted in Energy Efficient, News, Politics, Sustainable Energy, carbon emissions, environment
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