Renewable Power News » Renewable Energy

Construction of the Most Hygienic Coal Plant on Earth

Jimmy Eriksson — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:03:07 +0000

The most hygienic coal plant on earth is actually being built. Even though the majority of people in the field are claiming that the capture and sequestration of carbon is way too costly to be practical, this technology seems to be quite remarkable.

The Texas Clean Energy Project, also commonly known as the TCEP is one of the demonstration project regarding clean coal, has made an announcement that the primary agreement of power purchase for carbon capture, on a commercial scale, has already taken place in the United States.

United States biggest utility owned by the municipal; the CPS Energy, will purchase 200 megawatt of energy on a yearly basis from TCEP as soon as it becomes online in the year 2015.

The TCEP is among the very first in the United States to have combined technologies related to the capture and storage of carbon with Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle, IGCC .

In accordance to the DOE, with the use of Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle, the plant will be able to reduce its emission of carbon that is generated by an alike traditional coal plant by ten percent and less than twenty-five percent compared to a highly efficient natural gas plant.

The plant will be able to capture 90 percent of the generated carbon. It will also be able to capture 90 percent of nitrogen oxide as well as 99 percent of mercury.

As an alternative to burn coal, the latter will be preserved in a gasifier. A gasifier can be described as an hermetically sealed chamber which permits only controlled quantities of oxygen to come in. with the minimization of oxygen, instead of caused ignition, the coal bakes. As a result, sufficient pressure and heat is produced to squeeze carbon monoxide and hydrogen from the coal. These gases are subsequently turned into synthetic gas, most commonly known as syngas.

After that the syngas is mixed with water vapor. This causes a chemical reaction with the gas carbon monoxide in order to form additional carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Upon the removal of contaminations from the gas, the latter is separated into clean streams of carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

The hydrogen gas is utilized to power the turbine to produce electricity. The exhaust heats water that are free from any carbon is used to produce steam which is fed to the turbine to generate greater amount of electricity.

The amount of carbon dioxide captured in a yearly basis by the plant is approximately 2.9 million metric tons. 83 percent of it will be utilized to enhance the recovery of oil. The remaining will be employed to produce urea as it has various industrial uses.

The plant is costing 2.4 billion US dollars. 450 million US dollars ofit is being sponsored by the Department of Energy’s Clean Coal Power Initiative.

Source: Sustainable Business

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Alternative Sources Of Renewable Energy

Jimmy Eriksson — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:42:20 +0000

Renewable energy’s future seems to be shining even though the near future appears to be dark. As global warming effects are growing clearer, it appears rather sure that the sources of renewable energy will have an increasingly big role to play in the generation of global power.

One very good example might be the purchase of Warren Buffett; last year the latter bought First Solar, a Californian solar plant, by the means of his company, known as Berkshire Hathaway.

This transaction was turned even more alluring due to the profitable contracts which were made a reality through the government laws in California requiring a 0.33 percent of the government’s electricity to be provided by renewable sources by the year 2020. Nevertheless, this does not simply imply more wind, biofuels and solar. Renewable energy is obtainable from range of varied sources; several of which have not yet come into general consciousness.

Geothermal Power

People who do not have any particular interest in science matters are less prone to know about geothermal energy, however, global installed capacity has exceeded 10,000 MW, with the US which has taken the lead worldwide through the generation of geothermal power of capacity greater than 3000 MW.

This model is rather simple. The globe’s heat content varies from ten to thirty-one power joules; a big amount of energy. While the exploitation of that energy is rather hard due to the globe’s crust, there are still ways to make use of the naturally happening heat of the globe in order to produce electricity by the means of an array of different techniques.

The majority of these methods consist of drilling wells in regions that are volcanically active and subsequently empowering a turbine by the means of steam that is produced from the underground heat. The most familiar plant which is in use is what is commonly known as “a flash steam power plant”. The latter is powered through highly pressurized hot water obtainable from the underground.

Ocean Power

Also known like “Marine Power” or even “Marine Energy”, making use of the sea’s natural heat and movements to produce electricity can prove to be rather an alluring proposition (in case particularly less thrilling to any person staying in Kansas).

In accordance to the yearly report of International Energy Agency for the year 2007, the sea has the capability to generate upto 15,000 GW of electricity by the means of thermal power, currents, waves and tides. One of the greatest problems with solar and wind power is the fact that they are rather unpredictable in nature. Solar plants’ output and that of wind farms can easily be affected by weather patterns and consequently the solar plants will be unable to generate power at night.

On the contrary, sources that are related to the sea are much more stable as well as reliable, thus turning them much more attractive potential as power sources. Oceanic current energy is produced by exploiting kinetic energy of marine currents such the Gulf Stream. Power sources that come from the tide and wave are very familiar hypothesis, searching ways to empower turbines through the use of naturally happening kinetic releases of the sea.

Marine thermal energy makes use of the heat difference between cold profound waters and hotter shallow waters. Nonetheless, probably the most fascinating type of electricity drawn from the sea is salinity or osmotic gradient energy. This consists of using a technique that makes use of the salinity difference between the river and ocean water in order to power osmosis by ion specific membranes which produces energy.

Varied Solar Techniques

Solar remains probably the most familiar type of renewable energy. However, it is not so famous that there exist various different methods of collecting solar power farther than the photovoltaic cell. There are solar plants which are being constructed which utilize an array of novel techniques which are beyond the traditional range of panels. Methods, which comprise of lens and mirrors for focusing on solar power onto a tiny area and exploiting the thermal energy it carries, are the most common ones. Turbines are then empowered by the concentrated heat to produce electricity. The most advanced among these methods is known as the parabolic trough. The latter makes use of curved mirrors which concentrate the solar power towards a pipe found in the middle that consists of a working liquid which is heated and after that used to warm water to empower a turbine. Apart from these types of plants, the other plants comprise of focusing solar power onto a tower in the center of a range.

Source: Equities Editorial

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There Is an Abundance of Renewable Sources Of Energy

Jimmy Eriksson — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:54:32 +0000

Currently, United States is still heavily reliant on non-renewable energy sources such as coal, natural gas and oil. These sources of energy are also known as fossil fuel Yet, governments are realizing that fossil fuel is a finite source of energy, which is deemed to come to an end, and the cost of extracting these non-renewable is constantly rising. On the brighter side, renewable-energy sources are infinite and have experienced a steady reduction in cost during the recent years.

The key sources of alternative energy come either directly or indirectly from the sun. Directly, from the sun thermal energy (heating) or lighting energy can be harnessed to generate electricity. The typical water heating systems found on rooftops are examples of thermal energy.

The sun does also generate heat, which stimulates winds. The energy generated by winds is captured using wind turbines.

In addition, heat emitted by the sun and stimulated by winds cause water to evaporate. This water comes back to surface in the forms of snow or rain. The water currents in rivers depend on the amount of rain, and the speed of water flow can be used to generate hydro energy.

The contribution of the sun doesn’t end with only generating rain; the rain and sunlight are also required by plants to grow. The organic matters present in the growing of plants are called biomass. Biomass is another form of renewable energy, which can be used to generate electricity or converted into bio-energy.

In organic compounds, we can find Hydrogen. It is also present in water, not to mention that hydrogen is the most abundant chemical element present on Earth. It is a gas which is always mixed with other sources such as water and oxygen. It is only when hydrogen is separated from it’s combined element, that it can be burned to generate electricity.

However, a source of energy that isn’t really associated with the sun is geothermal energy. The heat of the earth can also be used to produce electricity and for purposes such as heating and cooling buildings. Also, ocean tides which operate on the gravitational pull of the
Earth, influenced by the moon and sun, is commonly exploited using underground ocean wave turbines.

The sea can provide an abundance or alternative energy sources such as tides, temperature difference in the sea, as well as osmosis (where sea water meets – river water) energy.

Source: Renewable Energy World

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World Future Energy Summit 2012 Reveals Renewable Energy Ambitions

Jimmy Eriksson — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:49:48 +0000

World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi attracted approximately 26,000 people, including the world’s most advance innovative green companies.

Key points revealed at Abu Dhabi’s World Future Energy Summit 2012.

1. United Arab Emirates – Motivated To Promote Renewable Energy

In the Arab world, only a few countries are embracing renewable energy. UAE is steadily becoming a strong supporter of building eco-friendly-cities. An example is the Masdar City, which is an evident attempt to go for green cities.

According to the Chief Executive of Masdar, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, says that UAE is constantly reinforcing their stance as a green energy exporter. He also mentioned at the summit, that green companies in Abu Dhabi are motivated to stand-out as a provider of clean energy solutions.

In other words, UAE isn’t a gas and oil exporter; they are an energy exporter.

2. Importance of Renewable Energy Growing Across the World

The Slogan ‘going green’ is a big business. However, in people’s mind, supporting green energy and economies, includes additional expenditures.

Large economies such as China, Japan and Germany as well as smaller countries such as Belgium, Sweden and Serbia are displaying their commitment towards green growth. At the summit, several Emirati leaders were present, not to forget, Chinese Premier, Wan Jiabao and South Korean PM Kim Hwang-sik Affluent people say that emerging economies need renewable energy.

In addition, UN Chief Ban Ki-moon was present and highly interested about Masdar, which was promoted by GE, Siemens, Vestas and Mitsubishi.

3. Great Britain Strong in Green Innovation

In Britain, there is strong innovation in renewable technology. The famous Solar Impulse (solar-powered plane) had Bertrand Piccard and PlanetSolar boat, and various cars with solar panels were displayed; just mention the machine and soon you will find solar panels sticked unto it.

‘Pauley, a UK designed company’ have created the Solar Cucumber. It is a floating de-salination device, that reverses osmosis in order to segregate salt from water, and the apparatus is powered by solar energy. The device has been designed to provide fresh consumable water to coastal communities. The Solar Cucumber provides fresh water at source.

Apple Green Home has provided a very effective home energy solution. A house strongly insulated and operating on energy produced on site. The running cost of such an energy system is not more than £400 a year. Countries’ social housing institutes such as in New Zealand and Brazil have all showed great interest.

4. Global Warming Stirring Investment Into Alternative Source of Energy

According to Birol, the global temperature has a predicted trajectory rise in temperature by six degrees. Fatih Birol is the chief economist of IEA. It is fundamental to invest in renewable to avoid the worse potential climate effects.

The 85 percent of emissions have already led to an increase in temperature by 2 degrees. According to Birol, if investors don’t gear towards clean energy systems, the temperature rise will become a global pandemic.

Yet, financial restriction might make the growth in the green sector rather gloomy. Still in this strive towards a cleaner and greener economy, innovation stands as the genuine solution to overcome hurdles such as cost and climate changes.

Source: business Green

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Toshiba, Sojitz Selected for Renewable Energy in Regions Affected by Quake

Jimmy Eriksson — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:46:46 +0000

In order to join hands in the efforts that are being made by Japan to encourage the use of renewable energy in regions that were recently hit by tsunami and earthquake, Toshiba Corp. will be conducting a feasibility study based on solar energy along with Taisei Corporation and Sojitz Corporation.

The above mentioned companies were the winners of an order offered by the Ministry of Environment. It consist of conducting a research to determine whether or not the Minamisoma city, located in Fukushima, is appropriate to generate twenty megawatts of solar energy, stated Toshiba in a shared statement. Minamisoma is found approximately 30 kilometers from the nuclear plant Dai- Ichi. The plant found in Fukushima was demolished during the recent catastrophe.

The project obtained by Toshiba is not the sole one that the Ministry is planning. According to the announcement made by the Ministry there are seven other such feasibility study projects. Three of these projects will be based on solar energy, one will focus on geothermal and the remaining will deal with wind energy.

The Ministry further stated that another study in solar power will be carried out in Kesennuma city by Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting Co.

Moreover the Ministry explained that the quick introduction of renewable energy in regions hit by disasters forms part of the government’s reconstruction efforts.

When contacted by phone, one of the officers from the government’s climate-change policy division, Yasuhiro Muroishi, said that a budget of $5 million has been allocated to these studies by the Ministry.

It is expected that Toshiba along with the two additional companies will bring together the end results of their studies by the end of March.

Source: business Week

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India’s Ambition To Use Renewable Energy

Jimmy Eriksson — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:22:47 +0000

India is a country known for its dense population and its marvelous progress in informative technology. However, if we look back 7 years, and evaluate the slogan ‘Power for All by 2012’, the progress is ridiculous. In November 2011, the International Energy Agency reported that there are still 288 million people in India, who do not even have access to electricity.

It was an over-promised goal, but renewable energy is an exception. The country produced more than twice of the forecast renewable-energy supply. Clean energy in India has been growing steadily since the slogan ‘Power for All’. In the first quarter of 2007, the country had a total installed renewable-energy capacity equivalent to 10.2 GW. AS at the last quarter of 2011, the amounts rouse to 22 GW. Renewable energy currently supplies 11 percent of the country’s total demand.

According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, it was found that India was the leader in 2011 in terms of growth in renewable-energy investments. They experienced a growth of 52 percent, to a total of $10.3 billion; mainly supported by the galloping growth in the solar and wind market.

Indian businessmen have since long been waved as strong players, by the western world, since they developed the Tulsi Tanti, a giant wind turbine by Suzlon. However, nowadays entrepreneurs are exploiting rural areas For instant, Selco is currently providing rural areas, where there was no access to electricity, power from solar lighting.

The winner of 2011’s Magsaysay Award, Harish Hande is driving this program. The prestigious Magsaysay award is given to people who are devoted to solve systemic poverty, lack of opportunity and poor health in Asia. Investors such as Draper Fisher Jurveston, Shell Foundation, International Finance Corporation, ReNew Wind Power, and Goldman Sachs are helping villages such as Gyanesh Pandey to operate Husk Power systems. It is a system which can generate electricity at a low rate, and can be sold to rural households.

The main buyer of this renewable energy is power distribution companies, and the financial helps are worsening over the years. It is essential that the grid is modernized, so that additional large-scale projected can be connected to the system. To support the slogan ‘Power for All’ it is essential that this modernization to the grid is effected, which can thereafter be concretized with renewable energy.

Currently, interest rates and inflations are alarming, yet, the $4.2 billion invested in India’s solar market in 2011, suggests that 2012 can be a sustainable year.

Source: Bloomberg

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Renewable Energy Outlook For Asia Pacific 2012

Jimmy Eriksson — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 12:51:04 +0000

For Asia Pacific, the top six predictions for 2012 are:

1. Conventional Power Generation & T&D Infrastructure Development will be the strongest and largest source of revenue for power equipment industry.

2. There will be a 20 % growth in the renewable energy markets in 2012, in terms of total investments.

3. There will be a 10 percent increase in capital expenditure on Oil & Gas for refining capacity in 2012

4. Government support will assure 13.7 percent growth in the energy markets.

5. Large companies will continue to find mergers for smart grid solutions, but utilities will only slowly adopt smart grid technologies in Asia Pacific.

6. Some major policies emerging from the Durban Climate Change Talks

According to Frost & Sullivan report, in Asia Pacific the strongest driver for renewable energy will be; Energy Security & fuel Diversity; Emphasis on Smart Energy; Growth in Energy Demand and Investment in new Infrastructure. These 4 drivers are going to support a 20 percent growth in renewable energy in the Asia Pacific markets in 2012.

Yet, there are some key restraints such as; economic uncertainty; project cost & currency fluctuation and delayed market liberalization, which is going to act as challenges for a constant growth. Efficient government support will, however, help to tackle a high degree of the restraints.

Source: Frost & Sullivan (Slide 5)

For the field of solar energy, China will act as powerful global manufacture of solar-energy solutions. She will also be one of the fastest growing solar markets in Asia, particularly for on-grid Solar PV. Other markets such as Malaysia have had Panasonic and Bosch investing heavily in PV manufacturing plants. Yet, Thailand is expected to have a weak progress in the solar market due to floods.

In Japan feed-in tariff is will help solar PV to be sustained, and experience a favorable growth. In other countries such as Australia, government policies such as imposition of ‘Carbon Tax’ will support the solar market to grow.

Forecast for Solar PV Installed Capacity in 2012

- Total Capacity installed 5,330 MW
- Market growth of 38.6 percent
- Japan represent 2,600 MW
- China Representing 1,360 MW
- India Representing 450 MW
- Australia representing 450 MW
- Korea representing 150 MW

In 2012, Asia Pacific will remain the world’s fastest growing market, in relation to its new installed capacity followed by North America and thereafter Europe. Besides, in Asia Pacific, china will be the largest consumer of renewable energy due to its strong demand of power. In the China, there will be drive to go towards offshore wind power.

Forecast for Solar PV Installed Capacity in 2012

- Total World Capacity Installed 21, 257 MW
- A Capacity growth of 26.7 percent
- China representing 15,000 MW

Nevertheless, coal fired power plants will maintain the strongest capacity creation. But, the emphasis will be on ultra supercritical boilers and other systems where pollution can be controlled and minimized. In countries like India, China, Indonesia, Vietnam and Mongolia there will be an attractive demand for coal power in 2012. In overall, conventional power can expect an anticipated investment of $130 to $140 billion which represents a growth of 4 to 5 percent, but as mentioned the focus will be on clean coal fired generation plants.

In the expansion of smart grids, companies such as Schneider, CISCO and Toshiba will start to invest more attention. They will foster strategic international partnership to deploy new smart grid technology into countries. The expected investment is US$ 10 billion, which represent a growth of 60 to 70 percent, since 2011. The key markets for smart grid in Asia Pacific will be China, Australia, Korea and Thailand. There are currently smart grid projects which are reaching its completion stage in Korea and Australia.

Source: Frost & Sullivan (Slide 15)

Source: Frost & Sullivan

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Google Investing 94 Million In Solar Farms

Jimmy Eriksson — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 06:13:41 +0000

Google is investing 94 million in 4 solar energy farms located close to Sacramento in California. This is a joint investment with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. The total investment of the company has now reached $ 1 billion.

Recently, on Google’s Green Blog, they communicated their intent to invest 94 million in 4 solar projects. Some equity was also provided by SunTap Energy RE LLC as well as a venture with KKR for the investment.

Three of the project already have 20-year contracts with the utility district. In total, more than 13,000 households will be powered.

Three out of the 4 projects will be completed in early 2012 while the 4th one will be completed within the same year. For KKR, it is their first US renewable-energy investment. It has in the past invested in Spanish solar-energy company as well a French wind farm operator.

Google has now invested 915 million in renewable energy, while in 2011, they invested a total of 800 million. This included investment in wind farms in Oregon, California and North Dakota and solar projects in Germany and California, as well in US’s East coast in offshore wind farms.

Google has had a lucrative year in the growth of clean energy investments. This includes projects such as Brightsource Ivanpah Project – 450 MW Tall Solar Tower at Mojave Desert, which cost 168 million, and constitutes the company’s largest single investment in renewable energy.

For Google, investing in green energy is one of their continuous initiatives to reduce dependency on coal, and to be able to be entirely powered by clean energy 2030.

Axel Martinex who is Google Treasury Assistance says that they believe in the renewable energy sector, and that it will generate a new source of capital as well as reliable solution for a sustainable future.

In addition, Google has been donating a total 40 million in grant to various organisations during the holiday season.

Source: Zee News

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“Dark State” Increasing Solar Efficiency by 44 %

Jimmy Eriksson — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 20:29:16 +0000

Xiaoyang Zhu a chemist at University of Texas at Austin says that the conversion efficiency of traditional solar cells can be radically improved based on new ways of converting solar energy.

According to Zhu’s team, it was found that the efficiency of harnessing electrons from a single photon of sunlight could be doubled by the use of organic plastic semiconductor material.

Zhu says that plastic semiconductor solar cell has several advantages such as low cost, capability for synthesis thanks to molecular design and this makes it possible to exploit solar energy at far more efficient levels than currently.

This break-through was published by Zhu and his team in Science, 16th of December 2011.

Currently, conventional silicon solar cell can reach a maximum theoretical efficiency rate of 31 percent, and this is because most of the sunrays that struck the cell are too strong to be converted into electricity. The ‘hot electron’ is heat energy that is practically lost. Solar cells that could capture hot electrons could boost up the energy conversion rate of solar energy from 31 to 66 percent.

Recently, in 2010, Zhu and his team showed that it is possible to harness hot electrons by the use of semiconductor nano-crystals. However, Zhu admits that introducing such technology is extremely complex.

According to Zhu, an efficiency rate of 66 percent can only be captured when sunlight is focused on the solar panel not only raw sunlight. So there is a need to develop a new engineered device that ensures higher concentration of sunlight.

The team found a solution to this, when they found that a photon can make a dark quantum or so called ‘shadow state’ whereby two electrons can be captured via the use of a semi-conductor pentacene.

The use of this simple mechanism would practically increase converstion rate of solar cells by 44 percent. There would also be no need to develop a new device to have a concentrated solar beam. According to Zhu, it is a technology that could be pervasively used by the public.

Main Facts in the Findings:

1. When a photon is absorbed in a pentacene semi-conductor, it makes a so called excited electron-hole pair, which is known as an exciton.
2. An exciton is practically a pair of quantum forming a dark ‘shadow state’ which is known as multiexciton.
3. When an electron material is used like fullerene, the dark shadow state can very efficiently absorb two electrons.
4. The Dark Shadow state can increase the efficiency of solar cells by as much as 44 percent.

The National Science Foundation as well as the Department of energy sponsored this research that was spearheaded by Wai-lun Chan; One of Zhu’s postdoctoral fellows. In the team, other postdoctoral fellows were involved including Luis Miaja-Avila, Loren Kaake, Manuel Ligges and Askat Jailaubekov.

Source: Science Daily and Zeitnews

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China is Going Green & There Are Strong Reasons For Doing So

Jimmy Eriksson — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 23:27:09 +0000

China is steadily encouraging environmental improvement as a strategy to reduce the healthcare cost associated with thousands of people falling sick due to pollution levels.

Apparently, the world’s largest polluter is investing most in green technology. This shows the country’s intention to rapidly reduce greenhouse gases. And to change her reputation as a polluter to a green economy.

A country with 1.5 billion inhabitants is spending an unprecedented sum on the spurring green industry.

This is an important footstep for Beijing residents who are seldom able to see the sky, due to thick layers of smog emitted by coal-fired power plants, transportation, industrial pollution as well as the construction sector. This thick cloud of polluting particles is common for most cities in China.

The greenhouse gas has reached an alarming level in China. It is even affecting productivity and attendance rate of workers. In other words, it is affecting corporate performance. On a yearly basis, it was estimated that 410,000 Chinese people decease from pollution according to CLPmag.org.

The crisis of pollution is an ongoing challenge, acting as a vicious circle; works fall sick due to high pollution levels; this reduces productivity and also profit levels. As a result, companies are pushing the government to induce severe environmental regulations. The cost of investing in green energy is clearly higher than inaction.

The progress is fascinating; China has become the World’s largest manufacturer of solar panels, as they exceed U.S in the End of 2011. Only a minor percentage is being exported, most solar panels are being used to replace the typical coal-fired power plants.

Yet, the astounding rise in demand for electricity is forcing the country to build a new coal-burning power plant every week. So has the trend been since 2008. A figure that is alarming as every one tonne of coal burned in the power plant emits 2.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

The Chinese government has plans to generate 100 MW of electricity, which will be able to power up to 62,000 households by:

1. Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) -100 MW plant cost around $ 700 million

The cost of having the sun generating energy from curved mirrors is practically zero after the initial investment has been done. In modern CSP plants, it has been noted that energy can be produced on a 24-hour basis, as molten salt can be used to store thermal energy. It is a technology with practically no greenhouse emission and the cost of maintaining a CSP plant is relatively cheap.

A CSP plant generating 100 MW reduces annual carbon emission by 164,000 tons.

2. Photovoltaic Solar Power Plant – 100 MW cost roughly $300 million
The cost of photovoltaic is steadily falling and in addition is becoming more efficient. There is practically no fuel emission involved in generating electricity via Photovoltaic cells. The only huge cost is the initial investment, after that, the maintenance cost is extremely low.

A photovoltaic solar power plant generating 100 MW reduces annual carbon emission by 164,000 tons.

For a coal-burning power plant of 100 MW – the cost is $250 million, and this is a cost which is increasing; in contrast to green technology having a falling price. There are also a constant maintenance cost and new technology to make coal-fired power plants greener is adding additional millions to the power plants.

For coal generated electricity, the cost of construction is only one of the various costs involved. The real effect is transcended to the consumer.

China had 620 – coal power station as at the end of 2010, which burned above 3 billion tons of coal a year. In other words, it is an excessive amount of sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide, airborne mercury, nitrous oxide as well as other toxins emitted. The construction and manufacturing industry emits only 7.2 billion tons of carbon emission per year.
The Chinese government has effectively lowered the emission of nitrous oxide, yet all the emission levels will at least experience a one-fold increase by 2020.

In China, the annual cost on coal is as much as $375 billion only for coal power plants, while shipping and railway are in addition to that figure. The supply of the coal comes as far as from U.S and western Canada.

All figures are expected to increase significantly by 2020. So if nothing is done to the energy sector, the expenditure on power will reach alarming heights.

China’s Ultimate Solution: Green Technology

Not only is the cost of coal power high in China – it is causing 410,000 death per year, together with deteriorating air, food, land and water. There are strong reasons why China is firmly determined to promote green-tech solution so as to enhance the environment.

For China to go Green represent a step to save hundreds of thousands of lives per year, while equally lower the healthcare cost.

China’s government understands the various importance of clean energy; for people and the economy – and they are now clearly displaying their interest as they are becoming a world-top investor in solar and other green technologies.

Source: Huffington Post & EVwind

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