Exxon Embracing Algae Biofuels

Greenwash or serious? Just another away of making money, or a real attempt to save the planet? Those are the questions... Frank

http://ecogeek.org/biofuels/2879-exxon-embracing-algae-biofuels

Incredible Shadow Art Created From Junk

Wouldn’t it be amazing if junk could not be turned into amazing art, but put to good use as inputs to other processes, and thus become beautiful again? Frank

http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/featured/incredible-shadow-art-created-from-junk/12265

Asia Challenges the U.S. for Green-Tech Supremacy

The space-race is now the green-race. Maybe the East will win this one? Frank

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1906704,00.html

ESKOM comments on everything of interest!

This is a very interesting interview, with comments about Coal, Renewables and IPPs that make for very interesting reading! A few highlights below. Frank

From: http://www.eepublishers.co.za/view.php?sid=18119 Coal is cheap, and this has been a driving force in developing the industrial economy that we have in South Africa today. Now we should diversify, and we are serious about reducing our carbon footprint and introducing renewable energy. But we all know that this is more expensive, and that we cannot deal with the current energy deficit through the provision of renewable energy now. Of the renewable energy resources that we have in the country, the most abundant one, solar, is certainly not at a stage of development that it could meet the country’s current energy deficit. Eskom is still committed to nuclear energy, and we believe that there is a policy in the country that is very clear about nuclear energy and its future, and that nuclear energy should play a role in South Africa. Water is going to become a significant restraining resource, and you have already spoken about our carbon footprint. My personal view is that nuclear energy is South Africa’s best response. Eskom supports that it should have a nuclear programme, and that it should be based on the pressurised water reactor technology that we have at Koeberg, which is our existing skills base in South Africa. We have decided to put the 100 MW wind farm project on hold. In terms of Cahora Bassa, we have worked on the purchase of a fifth generator at Cahora Bassa, we have upgraded our Apollo substation to be able to import more power, and certainly we would be looking for the upgrade of the Tsonga substation in Mozambique to then facilitate the increased import through the HVDC line. There is no specific plan in Eskom to keep IPPs out. But the one debate that nobody has is how much do you pay for this lot? And I can say to you, it’s not the price we have just got from the Regulator, and it’s not what we asked for – it is at least double. But that debate is never had. Unless we deal with how to fund, not only Eskom’s operation, how to deal with IPPs, and pay for this, and fund this as an industry, we cannot commit. You cannot expect us to commit into an agreement without having the money to pay for it. You will agree with me – like you said for the build programme – that would be irresponsible.

Maties Join Global Bioenergy Project

It is indeed important to have a global view on bio-energy, especially with the scare last year around the impacts of ethanol biofuels on food production. Great that Stellenbosch University is a leader in this field. There will also be a seminar by some of the esteemed individuals mentioned below on the 3^rd of August in Cape Town. If you are interested in going, let me know, and I’ll put you in touch. Frank

http://www.cbn.co.za/dailynews/3916.html

At Wal-Mart, Labeling to Reflect Green Intent

Tesco in the UK has started labeling products with their Carbon Footprint, and now even the US Wal-Mart is considering doing something – only bigger and better! Frank

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/16/business/energy-environment/16walmart.html

Solar powered flower ad's for the New Toyota Prius

These oversized flower sculptures are partially powered by solar panels on the back of their petals and the base of their stems. Each of the five Solar Flowers provides seating for up to 10 people, access to free Wi-Fi service and power to charge cell phones and laptops.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/toyotausa/sets/72157621338986277/

Frank

The demise of the pebble bed modular reactor

Bye bye nasty PBMR nuke. Yippee! Frank

http://thebulletin.org/web-edition/features/the-demise-of-the-pebble-bed-modular-reactor

Why America is flunking science

This article makes you think....

Makes you also wonder what our scholars (learners?) think of scientists, if they think of them at all....

http://www.salon.com/env/feature/2009/07/13/science_illiteracy/

Frank

Climate Negotiations

Seems that the politicians are at in again. Prepared to agree to a fuzzy “we can’t let global warming go over 2 degrees” but are not prepared to even consider targets that would remotely get us in that space. Guess we are heading for 3 degrees. 2 was bad enough, 3 will be catastrophic. Developing countries have the most to lose.

The saddest part of it is, nobody really believes it will happen.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/09/world/europe/09prexy.html?_r=2&th=&emc=th&pagewanted=print

What South African Fleets should be doing

Now THIS is what we should be doing with government fleets in South Africa - going electric! When will they order from Optimal Energy, our very own Electric Car company??? Let’s wait and see...

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/06/redefining-e-mail-japan-post-to-start-testing-40-electric-ve/

The safest Nuclear Power Station in the World

I have finally been persuaded that at least ONE nuclear power station is safe. It look a while, but I am now a believer that indeed a nuclear power station can be safe. Before jumping on me, please read the article below:

http://blog.reegle.info/blog/the-safest-nuclear-power-station-in-the-world.htm

:)