In addition, to the 500-MW wind power plants that are expected to be finished by 2013; Pakistan’s Alternative Energy Board (AEDB) has been having more than 17 companies providing offers for a total installed capacity of 3,000 MW of wind energy, which will support the country to increase its use of clean energy.

There is strong will to invest in wind energy in Pakistan. This is what AEDB has been seeing with more than 17 investors suggesting to install above 3,000 MW of wind energy. There seem to be several other investors willing to engage in investing in wind power projects as well.

The Zorlu wind power project has currently completed its first phase with 6 MW being operational. However, there is still 5.6.4 MW to be completed by FCC Energy.

There are also official documents saying that Nepra has already established a tariff for 5 projects. Yet, some eight IPPs have been reported in the form of tariff petitions as well as generation licence application to Nepra after signing of the EPC contracts.

According to AEDB, there are already 18 financially feasible projects that have been finished by IPPs. These projects are all in different phases of approval. Moreover, there are 35 IPPs which are holding LOIs with AEDB for the go-ahead with construction of wind power projects.

For the 18 IPPs, land has already been allotted for these projects which will each generate more than 50 MW. This means that the cumulative installed capacity of all the 18 projects is above 900 MW.

There are already 6 IPPs licenses that have been provided, suggesting that above 500 MW of wind power will be installed by 2013. Before it seemed difficult to attract wind turbine manufacturers to Pakistan; Now with the first 6 MW project operating successful in the country AEDB has been able to overcome the lack of suppliers of machinery to the country.

According to AEDB, world’s largest Wind Turbine Manufacturers are now willing to do business in Pakistan such as:

1. Vestas
2. SUNEC
3. GE
4. SIMENS
5. NORDEX
6. GOLDWIND

The companies are also providing very fast delivery periods to finish turnkey EPC deals. In addition, local manufacturers are also starting to produce wind turbines such as Descon (already started the construction of wind turbine towers) and in the heavy industries, Taxila is making deal with the international wind turbine manufacturers to act as a partner in the assembly of wind turbines.

For the future of Pakistan, wind energy might be good solution for the lack of power supply to the national grid. However, it will take several years to have thousands of MW of wind energy produced in the country.

Currently, in Pakistan hydropower is the cheapest source of energy and is also a very effective tool in tackling water hurdles linked with the agricultural sector. Yet, wind power projects have been noticed to be highly cost effective per unit of output when check-against the Rental Power Plants.

Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, presents RPPs new idea to expand wind energy projects across the country, which can start to generate electricity shortly.

Source: Nation and REVE

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The event showcased three main research directions:

Yeasts as bio-fuels. The Japanese company has developed a new yeast designed to increase ethanol bio fuel yield from cellulose. Using genetic engineering, the Japanese scientists have modified a Saccharomyces strain used in xylose fermentation. The new strain is expected to better decompose cellulose during the saccharification enzymatic process, and raise the ethanol production to yield up to 47 g/liter, which is by far the best result in the world. Toyota bio fuel specialist also managed to reduce the acetic acid inhibiting influence over the fermentation process. The improved ethanol production will significantly lower production costs for xylose ethanol, making it gasoline-competitive.

The Japanese research aimed not only at improving saccharification, but also at developing other technologies regarding the process: constant production of raw materials, and fiber pretreatment for improved enzymatic saccharification and yeast fermentation.

Cellulosic ethanol has been chosen as an alternative for fossil fuels because it can be produced on a large scale, with practically no effect over the environment; the cellulosic byproduct can then be used as raw material for different industries. In addition, since cellulosic ethanol is produced from non edible plants, it will have a lower impact over food supply world crisis.

For green technology purposes, Toyota is also financing researches in reducing CO2 emissions, as well as in renewable fuels (bio fuel), and also in hybrid vehicles.

Second Revolutionary Progress: Computerized analysis and simulation of “cool spots.” The Toyota Biotechnology and Afforestation Laboratory, in cooperation with the Tokyo Institute of Technology, have worked on a so-called “cool-spot creation technology.” The combined research has led to a way to measure the cooling effect of both tree transpiration and shade, as a premise for greening open spaces.

Starting from tree transpiration, the co-working institutes have built a mathematic model used in predicting tree surface temperatures. This factor, together with different assumptive environment temperatures, will help designing greening projects; the computer will simulate maximum cooling effect, also showing the number of trees, their positioning and the most appropriate type of wood to be planted. The “cool-spot creation technology” will be launched on the market by the end of the next year.

Third innovation: Greening parking lots and walls. The urban island heat effect is another Toyota research direction, in which two greening products were created: the Smart Green Parking, for both roof top and indoor plants, and the Smart Green Wall – based on wall-wiring and climbing plants. The green parking projects are designed to reduce parking lots and walls temperatures, and they use the same effects of tree transpiration and shade. Toyota Roof Garden Corporation announced the two products on sale since last week.

Source: Tokyo Times

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It is an established fact that wind turbines does not always run on 100 percent, there are moments of intermittence. Yet, there are already clear that other sources of energy have severe shortcomings as well.

Earthquakes have not only affected nuclear power plants in Japan, very recent in eastern U.S there was an earthquake that affected a nuclear power station.

There have been several of threats for energy sources:
1. Japan’s Fukushima nuclear power station.

4. According to the ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas) spokesman, it is fundamental that the drought stops, if it doesn’t than several power plants will have to be suspended due to the absence of sufficient water for cooling.

5. In Alabama, the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Brown Ferry nuclear power plant might have to reduce it capacity by half if the temperature remains hot in the region. Four years ago, the plant was equally halted due to the high temperature.

In this same wavelength, the intermittence of wind energy cannot be criticized as other sources of energy such as nuclear power does also risk short-term stoppage in supply. The thing that really matter is the predictable supply of the energy sources.

In addition, meteorology has made substantial progress in the recent 10 years, and now it is even possible to plan and forecast the weather conditions and therefore, wind power supply. Advance weather forecast helps to plan how air condition system as well as electric heating is used.

In the generation of wind power, practically no water is required. It uses purely wind. The availability of wind energy can be planned so that wind farms are established in a different region, giving a more reliant supply of electricity from either the regions.

Offshore and coastal wind farm sites are ideal to capture the maximum wind during peak summer periods.

Wind energy is an abundant resource that investors have to continue to tap into. According to EIA (Energy Information Administration), wind, power represents the following percentage of the total energy supply.

1. North Dakota – 16 %
2. Kansas 10 %
3. Iowa 21 %
4. South Dakota 19 %
5. Minnesota 14 %
6. Colorado 9 %
7. Wyoming 13 %
8. Texas 8 %

Source: Ev-wind

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From an account of a woman who travelled in a car between two wind farms, the story of wind farm turned into a headache. She was perfectly fine before reaching the first wind farm, but as soon as she approached the first wind farm, she really felt uncomfortable and dizzy. The effect was turned off as soon as she had passed through the wind farm.

Reaching the second farm, the same problem happened, she got light-headed again. These are serious cases; now imagine that this same lady would live near wind turbines.

Environmentalist and Environment ministers are supporting the giant distribution of subsided funds for wind farms. Yet, there seem to be plenty of victims. Who is to cater for the needs of the victims, maybe it would be good have the supporters of wind energy in a house near these massive propellers?

People are very positive about wind turbines. However, when it comes to having wind farms constructed near to their residence the opinion of these people drastically changes.

There are several concerns associated with wind turbines, such as their footprint. Is it really wise to constructed wind farms on our fast depleting agricultural land? Here comes the question, is ‘food’ more important or are the ‘turbines’ better?

People have varied opinion; there are some that suggest that the government is purposely encouraging the expansion of wind farms in rural areas, to promote the mobilisation of people to cities. In this sense, there would be less necessary to do road maintenance and lower cost on school buses.

Wind energy is a strong source of renewable energy but how good is it to the environment and community.

Source: Stratford Beacon herald

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Metso’s paper technology is well known to the world for it refined covers of pulp and fibre technology. Metso’s Paper production systems are used to perform paper production to a one third of the global paper production domain. Their principal market area covers Europe, Asia and North America. The company operates in more than fifty countries across the globe and its production occurs in more than seventeen countries or so. Metso’s services or business line mainly focuses on the maintenance of machinery, supply of spare parts, equipment and so on. Metso’s acquisition programme follows the company’s rigorous and strategic aim to sustain stable growth and compatibility between customers for their most valued products and services across the globe.

Metso Corporation had come up with a new speculation most recently in order to renew energy projects for the US, reckoning smooth supply of electricity to 70,000 households. It has planned to supply a 100 MWe biomass boiler island and plant automation system to GREC, which is most commonly known as Gainesville Renewable Energy Centre and situated in Gainesville FL, USA. GREC has collected approximately $500 million while 25 percent comes from Metso. Metso agreed to deliver a 30 year smooth power supply to Gainesville for a new power plant installation.

Jim Gordon, president of GREC remarked says that GREC is going to evolve at a faster pace henceforth ensuring benefits in both environmental and financial aspects of Gainesville by adopting renewable energy facility.

The plant is planned for the year 2013 for commercial operations. And this 100 MW biomass boiler is going to be one of the world’s largest & most efficient biomass generators of electricity. Thereby employment opportunities within the community will definitely be increasing.

GREC’s success is mainly due to the high watts boiler power project called the Nacogdoches Power situated in east Texas for which Metso was selected as the sole producer of boiler island and plant automation systems. Fagen Inc. which is one of the leading green energy design-builders forms a team will work with GREC to realise the project.

GREC and the Fagen Inc., have developed high confidence in Metso as a strong business partner. These two companies expected Metso to provide them with another 100 MW BFB boiler project in North America. Once built, it is going to be one of the biggest and cleanest power supply plants in the history of biomass combustion. Dave King, president of the Metso in North America declared Metso, which has the long standing strength to continue to be the leader in the supply of power production.

Source: Reuters

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Furthermore winners from Pakistan and India participated in the event VIP ceremony, presented by the British Minister for Change of Climate Greg Barker.

The Ghana News Agency in Accra last Friday mentioned that the Prince of Wales, who personally congratulated all winners at a meeting, said that with Ashden Awards, we all know what exactly can be done with energy and how to reduce emissions worldwide.

They have shown us how we can manage a lot in this world and that local activity in fact means global results.

Through Ashden Awards, reminds us how important constant adaptation to climate change is, to a country and to all over the world. Saving energy resources for poor people, is a way of compensating a whole developing world, in regard to new solutions in energy, included United Kingdom.

The Company Toyota Energy Limited Ghana was awarded with $ 340.000 being thus compensated for its great efforts in producing over 150, 000 charcoal stoves and launching them in the market for poor families at good prices.

Mrs Sarah Butler Sloss, Director and ’’Chairman’’ of the Ashden Awards said: The Toyota Energy Limited Ghana’’ has started with low technology, but has managed to produce high technology strong stoves, for poor people at an affordable price.

Forests of Ghana are protected and greenhouse emissions have been cut down. This is just a small sample of how much can be achieved in the field of clean energy, when strategies are applied.

The Toyota’ stoves use only a third of contemporary charcoal stoves. Enormous savings are thus generated to poor families.

These kinds of stoves are much better in quality, then the ones before, as the traditional ones, can cause breathing problems or irritation to eyes. Of course, these stoves are much more practical to everybody, by lowering the possibility of accidents by 90% compared to traditional stoves.

These stoves are affordable by the poor; they can be paid by credit as well, and the amount saved can be reused for paying charcoals.

Josephine Adjolojo, a user of Toyota stoves said that she was able to save enough upon getting the stove and the money box initially. When she opened the money box, she already had enough money saved for repurchase.

By using Toyota stoves in a country like Ghana, saving money and mostly cooking in an efficient and practical way is too important. Toyota’s stoves can save up to 26,000 tons of energy yearly, a figure applicable to the best quality of charcoal energy.

The reduction of around 150, 000 of carbon per annum has been luring investors such as Goldman Sachs, and who buys carbon materials, and selling them on the international market.

Toyota has opened already a center of production in Togo, planning to open two more centers in Benin and Sierra Leone in the following two years, estimates to increase its sales by up to 140000 stoves by the end of 2013.

Charcoal is used by round 1.3 million families in Ghana. This represents roughly 31% of the population. In Accra round 70% of households prefer charcoal for cooking.

Source: Ghana Web

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The Clean Energy Patent Growth Index analysis revealed that nearly 14 percent of the 1881 United States patents awarded to organizations last year were represented by General Motors; One hundred and thirty-five (135) to be exact.

Despite forceful restructuring in the previous years, major investments and a bankruptcy, that the company was forced to fill in by the government in 2009. GM came through with its patent applications that were successful.

Specializing in intellectual property, the publisher of the index, Co-chairman, Victor Cardona representing the Cleantech Group at the Albany and with a law firm of New York in Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti stated that in the year 2010 the US patents for clean energy were at an all-time high.

A lot of effort on a range of technologies regarding clean energy has been clearly put forth by GM, resulting in ranking first on the top list in its history.

Company officials stated that solar energy, fuel cells, hybrid electric motor vehicles, focus on the current and future technologies’ improvement are covered by GM’s patents.

According to the vice president of global research and development at GM, Alan Taub, GM has embarked on a journey of reinventing automotive DNA, and that powers a great amount of technological innovation and breakthroughs.

Advanced propulsion technologies will be a top priority for the company. This as a result will be highly beneficial for first the environment and secondly to our customers.

In 2010, the total US patents received by GM was 940. It did thereby establish a spot in the top 25 of all the companies. Sectors such as consumer electronics and information technology were also included in the list.

Issuing of US patents on fuel cells, wind, geothermal energy, solar, bio fuels, electric and hybrid vehicles and other alternative forms of renewable clean energy is monitored and tracked by the Clean Energy Patent Growth Index.

Source: Yahoo News

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CO2RRECT is a project that is headed by Siemens, together with their partners: Bayer, RWE, and other institutes and universities. The project is also being supported by Germany’s Federal Research Ministry, for three years or more. They have alloted a budget of 11 million Euros. One important element of this program is the electrolyzer provided by Corporate Technology, Siemens central research department, which will be responsible for the industrial-scale hydrogen generation.

Most industries are now shifting their focus on renewable resources, which have become apparent on the enormous investments being made on solar and wind power. However, the output of these resources is quite inconsistent, since they are heavily dependent on weather conditions. One of the main objectives of the industry is to find an alternate use of the excesses from the renewable resources.

When a renewable resource, like a wind farm, does not have any consumers to provide energy for, it is only reasonable to detach the wind farms from the grid. The initial procedure is to apply this power to separate the basic chemical elements of water, which would break down into hydrogen and oxygen. The electrolyzer prototype which Siemens has assembled would be responsible for this process. The goal is to generate a 100-kilowatt unit per container. As part of the implementation, this electrolyzer will be attached to the power grid and will only generate power when there is an available surplus or extremely low-cost power in the system.

Hydrogen generated in this manner when added to the carbon dioxide will react. The process continues as it is converted into fundamental by-products like formic acid or carbon monoxide. These chemical products can then be utilized in the manufacturing of usable plastics or even fuels. RWE brown-coal fired power station, located in Niederaußem, provides the carbon dioxide used in this project, through the process of flue gas scrubbing. In addition, the team of Siemens is looking into the likelihood of maximizing the potency of hydrogen on an industrial magnitude. Their objective is to utilize the turbines to revert the hydrogen once again into its original form: power.

The Siemens team, with their Russian colleagues, is presently investigating combustion techniques that would create little to zero nitrogen oxide. Since hydrogen, when burned, generate significantly higher temperature compared to natural gas, the equipment should be able to handle particular conditions required for this process.

Source: Physorg

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The County Operations Center Parking Structure is located on 5550 Overland Avenue. It comprises of twenty-four panels on the top of a seven-story multiplex. In accordance to April Heinze, the director of County of San Diego of General Services, it provides two main advantages; providing energy amounting to 627,000 kilowatts in addition to plenty of parking shade.

Furthermore, Heinze stated that the system is also helpful in being in bringing a reduction in greenhouse by 376 tons annually. This is equivalent to not driving approximately a million miles per year or sowing more than 11,000 trees.

This site will be used by nine county departments, such as, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and the Public Works, Park and Recreation.

During a press conference, Heinze explained that SDG&E is the owner of this system; it is the one which sends the electricity that is generated right into the grid. This implies that the community can make use of this energy resource.

This system will be hosted for ten years by the county. It will be receiving more than $60,000 through the lease payments.

The county supervisor, Ron Roberts, referred to the building as a “good thing”. In line with him, the building is much more than a parking garage; it provides a foretaste of what the future holds. He is of view that in the future every parking garage will resemble to the latter.

In fact this parking complex is among the several green infrastructural initiatives that have been taken this year. Roberts affirmed that the county will be opening a 45-kilowatt solar energy system shortly, followed by a 30-kilowatt system. Its biggest project will see light in September.

He pursued that they will be making use of less energy and thus promoting lot of cleaner air. This will not only benefit this generation but the upcoming generation of San Diego as well.

Source: County’s New Solar Energy System Unveiled | NBC San Diego

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1. The first step is to filter used cooking oils through the wire mesh to get rid of food particles and other impurities. The oil is set aside and left to stand for a number of hours for any residue to settle in the liquid.

2. Second step is to pour the oil using a funnel-shape vessel. During this step, a titration test is done to determine the concentration of free fatty acids found in the oil, which is important in the preparation of catalyst required for the process.

3. The next step is to trigger a transesterification reaction. Sodium hydroxide, a catalyst, is added slowly to methanol to form sodium metaoxide. This is being infused to the oil container, which is being heated with a temperature of 55 degrees Celsius. This mixing together of oil and catalyst would last for about four to five hours to completely synthesize the mixture.

4. After eight to 10 hours, the glycerin would simply descend at the bottom of the settling vessel, separating itself from the biodiesel in the oil.

5 When glycerine is taken out, the next step would be purifying the biodiesel. To remove the methan

6 Old deposits, air bubbles are administered through the substance. For further eradication of contaminants, the biodiesel goes through a process of a resin-contained filter called “dry wash”.

7 After an hour of the purification process, the production of biodiesel is accomplished. It is now transferred into large containers, which will be distributed to consumers. It takes between 12 to 16 hours to complete the whole transesterification process.

Source: The Star

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