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SINGAPORE UNIVERSITY APPOINTS SWISS PROFESSOR GRAETZEL AS HEAD OF SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD @ ENERGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE AT NTU

Editor — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:41:20 +0000

Solar Pioneer Appointed Head Of Singapore Research Institute

Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is hoping that the appointment of Professor Michael Grätzel (often spelled “Graetzel”), will result in advancements in the manufacture of cheaper, more efficient solar cells.

The Swiss professor is the pioneer of applying artificial photosynthesis principles to solar technology

The University says Professor Graetzel will take the lead as Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Energy Research Institute at NTU and has established a new Centre for Nanostructured Photosystems aimed at further developing and commercialising Graetzel’s dye-sensitised solar cells; along with other innovations in solar technology.

A dye-sensitised solar cell mimics the ability of plants to absorb sunlight and produce energy. Special dyes are added to the surface of the cells which capture photons from different light wavelengths, like chlorophyll in plants. Also known as Graetzel cells, NTU say they “represent an exciting breakthrough and show great promise as an inexpensive alternative to costly silicon solar cells.”

The Professor’s work won him 2010 Millennium Technology Prize, and to honour the appointment of their VIP chairman, NTU have awarded Graetzel a Doctor of Engineering degree.

At the launch of the Energy Research Institute, NTU President Professor Bertil Andersson said it was vital to foster growth in alternative fields of solar cell technology in an environment of growing concern among governments and industry groups about the sustainability and security of global renewable energy supply.

“The new Centre will be, literally, “taking a leaf from nature” to produce energy harnessed from the sun. Development of sustainable energy solutions is today a sunrise industry, with solar energy being the most abundant and promising renewable energy source on our planet.”
Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

WORLD ENERGY HIGH PROFILE FINANCE SPEAKERS @ SUMMIT IN DUBAI

Editor — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 09:24:30 +0000

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

SOLAR WAFER FACTORY INSPECTED BY CHINESE AT BOSTON USA

Editor — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 07:01:12 +0000

Energy secretary tours solar disrupter

While in the Boston area, Steven Chu gets a tour of the labs

of 1366 Technologies, a solar start-up aiming to make solar

power lower than the price of coal.

Received & published by Henry Sapiecha

FREE ENERGY WEBINAR SUMMIT-REGISTER NOW FOR THE EVENT HERE…

Editor — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 10:25:21 +0000

Reminder: register now

New webinar in association with

Dear Mr Sapiecha,

The latest Renewable Energy Focus interactive webinar, in association with the World Future Energy Summit – Abu Dhabi, 2011.

Topic	:	Building blocks: how can renewable energy reach its potential?
When	:	Wednesday 1 December 2010
Time	:	14:00GMT, 9:00EST, 18:00 UAE
Duration	:	1 hour
Where	:	Registration is FREE. Simply, follow this link and reserve your place NOW !

Speakers include Mark Fulton of Deutsche Asset Management, Paula Mints of Navigant Consulting and Ilian Iliev, Cambridge IP.

Moderator: David Hopwood, Editor, Renewable Energy Focus

Description:

Few would deny that the age of renewable energy is now here…

Annual Investment in new renewable energy capacity has grown from US $20 billion in 2004 to US $150 bn in 2009 (in just 6 years); Total wind power installed capacity has increased from 20 GW in 2000 to 159 GW at the end of 2009; grid-connected solar PV has grown by an average of 60% every year for the past decade, increasing 100-fold since 2000.

But the industry can’t afford to rest on its laurels if it really wants to compete with cheaper, conventional forms of energy.

Especially in the current economic climate, funding is harder to come by and Governments are finding it increasingly difficult to justify subsidy programs. In this environment access to funding, and innovation – right along the value chain – becomes more and more important.

So how should the renewable energy industry approach the next 10 years of its development?

What will the webinar cover ?

What needs to be put in place to enable renewable energy technology companies to innovate more effectively?
What role should Governments play in stimulating new markets?
Which regions will be at the forefront of technology and manufacturing development?
What are the best ways that government and industry can work together to advance a new energy economy?

Who should attend:

Anyone with an interest in renewable energy and its market development worldwide.

Remember – Registration is Free and only takes a few minutes of your time to fill in your details.

We hope you enjoy this Renewable Energy Focus webinar in assocation with the World Future Energy Summit. Look out for details of future webinars for 2010 on the Renewable Energy Focus website.

Yours sincerely,

The Renewable Energy Focus team

Received & published by Henry Sapiecha

BURIALS BY ACID BATH CALLED FOR IN SOME COUNTRIES

Editor — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 07:30:07 +0000

Going Green In Death. Resonation.

The process of dissolving human remains

Has a lower carbon footprint than cremation.

You think you have bad acid reflux, then check this out>>>

Want to go green in death? Here’s a process that may allow you to do just that. Resomation involves an alkaline hydrolysis process that dissolves a body into both a liquid and a powdery white mass. Experts call it the green alternative to cremation, which notoriously releases nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. The process is legal in several U.S. states, and one undertaker wants to bring it to Belgium. But as American Public Media Marketplace reports, resomation is being met with some trepidation in Europe.

The process, which emits none of the toxic carbon ash common with crematoriums, uses much less energy than other death preparation practices. It is a zero-emissions process. The body is placed in a bag and lowered into a resomator. The resomator is filled with water and potassium hydroxide, which is heated to around 160 degrees Celsius. The result is a greenish, DNA-free liquid and a powdery mass of white bone. In the U.S. it is a common way to dispose of bodies donated to medical science.

Now Belgian undertaker Bruno Quirijnen wants to bring the process, which was developed by a Scottish firm, to Antwerp. Quirijnen hopes city officials will approve the process. As he told American Public Media, “People don’t like to have chimneys in their backyard. So with resomation, you don’t have that problem. It’s very natural and it’s more eco-friendly.”

But not everyone sees resomation as a viable solution for their post-mortem existence on Earth. Many everyday citizens are completely opposed to the idea of dissolving their body after death. When people were interviewed about the idea, their responses were vehement. One man retorted, “I don’t like it. It’s not so … No. Not to be dissolved in a liquid or something like that, no. I don’t see it as a good solution.” Others erroneously felt cremation was the better eco-solution.

But cremation and embalming are both notoriously toxic. More than 800,000 gallons of embalming fluid is interred in the earth annually and most of it is swimming in formaldehyde. Why is this bad? Formaldehyde is listed as a probable carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency and as a known carcinogen by the World Health Organization. In the U.S. alone, the death industry buries 1.6 million tons of reinforced concrete, 827,060 tons of toxic embalming fluid, 90,000 tons of casket steel and 30 million tons of hardwood board each year.

Ultimately, it may be the high cost of resomation that keeps it from catching on in Belgium. The Belgian government covers the cost of cremation and would likely be expected to pick up the tab for resomation–something critics are likely to resist. So for now, the U.S. will remain at the forefront of resomation.

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

SMASHING GOOD SORTS SAY THE INSURANCES COMPANIES – WOMEN ARE TO BLAME, BUT MEN ARE PIGS

Editor — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 06:57:34 +0000

Short skirts and fender benders

Do wandering eyes lead to traffic accidents?

A British insurance company says so — they say they have the numbers that prove men are destructive pigs. In fact, the company — Sheilas’ Wheels — says accidents among men rise when the short skirts come out.

A company survey finds that 29 percent of men say they’re distracted by short skirts and revealing tops. To which I say… bull! One hundred percent of us are distracted by them — but apparently, 71 percent had a wife or girlfriend present when they answered the survey.

Sheilas’ Wheels also says that in 2009, men made 16.4 percent more insurance claims in summer than during any other time of year… and that around 25 percent of men say they had either a summer crash or near miss over the last five years, compared to 17 percent of women.

Now, if you think “Sheilas’ Wheels” is a funny name for an insurance company, you’re right. It’s an insurance company aimed at women… so naturally, the men-are-pigs approach to marketing will appeal to its clientele.

And hey, maybe we are pigs.

But the numbers here don’t really prove anything. Women are always commenting on how other women are dressed — so how many of them are distracted by short skirts? How many men and women are distracted by other things, like puppies, clouds or the radio? How many men are on British roads versus women?

So there’s not a lot of science behind this one. But maybe it’s true — I know I’ve certainly turned my head to gaze at a pretty gal, and a short skirt might even get a second look.

But let’s be fair here: Maybe male drivers are distracted by pretty gals. But on the other hand, I’ve never seen a man put on makeup while driving.

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

GET ON AN INTERNATIONAL FREE CONFERENCE WEBINAR CALL ABOUT ENERGY

Editor — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 08:44:44 +0000

Reminder: register now

New webinar in association with

Dear Mr Sapiecha,

The latest Renewable Energy Focus interactive webinar, in association with Lectrus is only two week away. Don’t forget to reserve your place, register now.

Topic: Design & Construction of Solar Inverter Substations

When: Tuesday 22nd June 2010

Time: 6.30pm BST. 1.30pm EDT

Duration: 1 hour

Moderator: David Hopwood, Editor, Renewable Energy Focus

Speakers:

Mike Sutley,Lectrus
Jack Ring, LGE Sales
Paula Mints, Navigant Consulting

Registration is FREE. Simply, follow this link and reserve your place NOW!

This webinar will cover:

PV market and technology trends
Power management for PV projects
Getting the right inverter station – structural, electrical and air flow requirements

For more information about the webinar, visit: www.renewableenergyfocus.com/webinars/

Who is the webinar aimed at:

Renewable energy developers
Public and private utilities
Electrical engineers
Inverter OEMs
Solar farm contractors

Don’t miss out on this lively interactive web-based seminar in association with Lectrus. Get involved with the renewable energy community in our live question and answer session.

Remember – registration is free and only takes a few minutes of your time to fill in your details.

We hope you enjoy Renewable Energy Focus webinar in assocation with Lectrus. Look out for details of future webinars for 2010 on the Renewable Energy Focus website.

Yours sincerely,

The Renewable Energy Focus team

Received and published by Henry Sapiecha 8th June 2010

MANDATORY DISCLOSURE – ECO STANDARDS FOR YOUR HOME

Editor — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 21:42:08 +0000

It is planned that all residences in Australia will have to conform to standards for eco worthiness by May 2011.

Mandatory disclosure will encompass the effective proof of the worthiness and compliance of all residences to standards set for the eco values that apply for an efficient use of energy throughout the home.

Greenhouse gases and global warming amongst other factors have determined our direction for ensuring we all comply.

This section of the site will elaborate on all aspects of the regulations that apply to mandatory disclosure for all residences in complying with eco regulations.

Watch this space as we populate it with relevant data.

More info here

or go to CATEGORY – MANDATORY DISCLOSURE

on the right hand side of this site.

We are qualified in ensuring your compliance, so contact us for our assistance @

Michelle Hislop. BA. Comm. JP Qual. [Qualified Assessor]

fistof curry@hotmail.com

INTEREST FREE MONEY NOW AVAILABLE – APPLY HERE FOR A GREEN LOAN

Editor — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 21:38:46 +0000

INTEREST FREE MONEY FOR THE TAKING -GOVERNMENT FUNDED

The Australian Government has allowed each householder to have their residence assessed for eco friendliness and if you qualify give you an interest free loan up to $10,000 for improvemnts to the residence in supplying and installing any such facilities that will ensure compliance to the latest eco friendly standards.

THIS SECTION WILL BE EXPANDED IN DUE COURSE AS INFO BECOMES AVAILABLE TO GIVE YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPLY FOR THESE INTEREST FREE LOANS.

WATCH THIS SPACE -more info

or GO TO CATEGORY-GREEN LOANS on right hand side of this site.

In the meantime if you have any queries about green loans address your enquiry to

fistofcurry@hotmail.com

Michelle HislopBA.Comm. JP Qual.[Qualified Assessor]

Don’t miss out-Apply now

WIND & WILDLIFE INSTITUTE HAS NEW PRESIDENT

Editor — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:48:29 +0000

American Wind and Wildlife Institute Names Kraig Butrum as President

The American Wind and Wildlife Institute (AWWI), a national organization committed to facilitating timely and responsible development of wind energy and the protection of wildlife and wildlife habitat, announces the selection of Kraig Butrum to serve as its first President.

“We are thrilled that Kraig has accepted our offer,” said Jan Blittersdorf, CEO of NRG Systems and AWWI vice chair. “His passion for the environment and commitment to transitioning this country to renewable wind energy, combined with his skills in engaging new constituents to our cause will be a tremendous asset as we build AWWI’s programs and membership.”

Alan Pollom, The Nature Conservancy’s Kansas State Director and AWWI treasurer notes, “Starting any new organization requires specific skills and insights. Kraig, an expert fundraiser and an accomplished manager, is a perfect fit for the job.”

Butrum brings 25 years of experience in non-profit administration to AWWI. As a first priority, he will hire a research director to prioritize and fund research so that developers can make informed siting decisions in relation to wildlife and conservation issues. Early in his tenure he will oversee the implementation and expansion of AWWI’s research, mapping, mitigation and outreach and education initiatives.

“The time is now for America to address global climate change, diversify its energy base and lessen its dependency on foreign sources of oil,” said Butrum. “I look forward to hitting the ground running in order to provide the research and information needed to meet our nation’s goal to triple development of wind energy in the next few years while protecting biodiversity and critical habitat.”

AWWI represents a unique opportunity to proactively and collaboratively plan for meeting the future energy needs of the country in a responsible and sustainable manner. “The AWWI set ambitious goals to meet the needs of the rapidly expanding wind industry,” said Butrum.

Butrum also plans to expand AWWI’s resources utilizing his extensive past experience managing non-profit organizations and campaigns. Working for the National Park Foundation and Conservation International, Butrum partnered with many of the nation’s top philanthropists including CNN founder Ted Turner, Warren Buffett, Gordon Moore, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and David Rockefeller Jr. Butrum will start his position with AWWI on March 9.

Sourced and published by Henry Sapiecha 24th June 2009