Renewable Energy Continued Growth in 2010 Despite Recession

Share Renewable energy supplied an estimated 16% of global final energy consumption; Emerging and developing economies show rising share of renewables policies, investment, supply, and use Washington, D.C.—-The newly released REN21 Renewables 2011 Global Status Report shows that the renewable energy sector continues to perform well despite continuing economic recession, incentive cuts, and low natural gas prices. Authored by Worldwatch Institute Senior Fellow Janet Sawin in collaboration with a global network of research partners, the report shows that in 2010, renewable energy supplied an estimated 16% of global final energy consumption and delivered close to 20% of global electricity production. Renewable capacity now comprises about a quarter of total global power-generating capacity. Including large and small hydropower (an estimated 30 GW added in 2010), renewable energy accounted for approximately 50% of total added power-generating capacity in 2010. In 2010, existing solar water and space heating capacity increased by an estimated 25 gigawatts-thermal (GWth), or about 16%. The report was commissioned by the Paris-based Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century, or REN21 (www.ren21.net). Sawin was the lead author of the report, which in recent years has become the industry standard for information on the global renewable energy industry. Worldwatch staff Matthias Kimmel and Will Bierbower, Senior Editor Lisa Mastny, Senior Fellow Eric Martinot, and Director of Climate & Energy Alexander Ochs also contributed to the coordination, research, writing, and editing of the report. “The Global Status Report shows that despite the recession, renewables are growing at an enormous rate,” said Ochs. “Still, there are 1.5 billion people who don’t have any access to energy, and 3 billion people relying on traditional biomass sources and coal. If we want to prevent climate change from spinning out of control, we need to scale up our efforts to accelerate renewable energy development and deployment at all levels. Worldwatch will continue to provide guidance as to how this can be done.” Renewable energy policies continue to be the main driver behind renewables growth. By early 2011, at least 119 countries had some type of policy target or renewable support policy at the national level, more than doubling from 55 countries in early 2005. More than half of these countries are in the developing world. At least 95 countries now have some type of policy to support renewable power generation. Of all the policies employed by governments, feed-in tariffs remain the most common. Last year, investment in renewables reached a record $211 billion-about one-third more than the $160 billion invested in 2009 and more than five times the amount invested in 2004. Money invested in renewable energy companies, utility-scale generation, and biofuel projects increased to $143 billion, with developing countries surpassing developed economies for the first time, as shown in the Global Status Report’s recently released companion report, UNEP’s Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investment 2011. China attracted $48.5 billion, or more than a third of the global total, but other developing countries also experienced major developments in terms of policies, investments, market trends, and manufacturing. Further Highlights from the Report: * Renewable capacity now comprises about a quarter of total global power-generating capacity and supplies close to 20% of global electricity, with most of this provided by hydropower. * Developing countries (collectively) have more than half of global renewable energy power. * Solar PV capacity was added in more than 100 countries. * The top five countries for non-hydro renewable power capacity were the United States, China, Germany, Spain, and India. * In the United States, renewables accounted for about 10.9% of U.S. domestic primary energy production (compared with nuclear’s 11.3%), an increase of 5.6% over 2009. * In the United States, 30 states (plus Washington, D.C.) have Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). * China led the world in the installation of wind turbines and solar thermal systems and was the top hydropower producer in 2010. The country added an estimated 29 GW of grid-connected renewable capacity, for a total of 252 GW, an increase of 13% compared with 2009. * Renewables accounted for about 26% of China’s total installed electric capacity in 2010, 18% of generation, and more than 9% of final energy supply. * Brazil produces virtually all of the world’s sugar-derived ethanol and has been adding new hydropower, biomass, and wind power plants, as well as solar heating systems. * In the European Union, renewables represented an estimated 41% of newly installed electric capacity. While this share was significantly lower than the more than 60% of new capacity in 2009, more renewable power capacity was added in Europe than ever before. * The EU exceeded its 2010 targets for wind, solar PV, concentrating solar thermal power, and heating/heat pumps. Countries including Finland, Germany, Spain, and Taiwan raised their targets, and South Africa, Guatemala, and India, among others, introduced new ones. * Developing countries, which now represent more than half of all countries with policy targets and half of all countries with renewable support policies, are playing an increasingly important role in advancing renewable energy. * REN21 has also launched its Renewables Interactive Map, a streamlined tool for gathering and sharing information online about developments related to renewable energy, at www.map.ren21.net A full copy of the Global Status Report can be downloaded here.

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Renewable Energy Continued Growth in 2010 Despite Recession

The Advantages of Using Solar Electricity

There are a lot of misconceptions out there with home and business owners about switching to solar electricity . “It’s not cost effective,” “It’s unsightly,” and “It doesn’t save that much electricity” are just a few of them. However, most of those misconceptions simply aren’t true anymore, particularly with advances made in the technology and the accommodations being made for solar power as it becomes more mainstream. In fact, numerous advantages have been identified for using solar electricity. Here are just a few of them. It Really Does Save Money If you’re willing to invest up front and have a solar power system customized for your home or business, solar electricity really can save you considerably in the long run. The main point of having this system personalized is because the experts can design in such a way that you will be able to get the most out of it. When it’s done right, you can often generate more electricity per day than you can actually use. This does not only keep you from consuming electricity from the power grid but the extra power the you did not use can be sent back to the power grid and help you save money. Plus, the government is now encouraging the use of solar electricity by offering generous tax incentives for people who install solar in their homes and businesses-so even the initial investment is not as much. It is Environment Friendly This means that this kind of electricity does not generate harmful pollutants because it is a clean and renewable source energy. This energy source is very abundant and it is capable of providing electricity that can last four to five years. Remember that a kilowatt hour used using solar electricity is equivalent to a kilowatt hour produced without burning fossil fuels, which translates to reduced pollution and slows down the depletion of natural resources. The more difference it will make if more people will start using it. It is Stable Some people think you can only use solar energy on sunny days; that’s not really true. Solar energy can be collected on most cloudy days, as well, although not as much as in direct sunlight. If the panels are strategically placed you will be able to gather more energy that you can use and at times when gathering energy is not so good, you can always use the power produced by the local power grid. As you can see, there are actually many benefits to switching to solar electricity , and it is easier now to do than ever before. If you’re willing to make the investment, you’ll save money and help save the environment in the long run. Read more on The Advantages of Using Solar Electricity…

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The Advantages of Using Solar Electricity

Benefits of Switching to Solar Electricity

There are many myths surrounding the idea of proprietors choosing to use solar electricity . Examples of these misconceptions are the lines, “It’s ugly”, “It does not help you save money”, “It hardly saves electricity”. Nevertheless, with the new breakthrough in technology and the changes made in solar power, these misconceptions no longer hold any form of truth. There are actually a lot of benefits to switching to solar electricity. Here are some examples. It Really Does Save Money If you’re willing to invest up front and have a solar power system customized for your home or business, solar electricity really can save you considerably in the long run. The main point of having this system personalized is because the experts can design in such a way that you will be able to get the most out of it. When it’s done right, you can often generate more electricity per day than you can actually use. Not only does this stop you from using electricity from the power grid, but in many cases the extra power can be fed back through the power grid, rolling back your meter and saving you even more. To encourage people to make use of solar electricity, the government is offering unbelievable tax incentives. It is Environment Friendly Solar electricity is a clean and renewable source of energy-meaning it doesn’t send harmful pollutants into the environment, and you can’t run out of it. There’s enough energy in one full day of sunlight hitting the planet to provide 4-5 years of electricity to the world-that’s how abundant this energy source is. Every kilowatt hour you use of your own solar electricity is a kilowatt hour that didn’t get generated by burning fossil fuels-thus creating less pollution and reducing the depletion of earth’s natural resources. The more people do it, the more of a difference it makes. It Is More Reliable Than You Think A good number of people believe that the only time you can make use of solar energy is when the sun is out, but this not a fact. Even on cloudy days solar energy can still be collected but the amount may not be as much as what you can collect on a sunny day. If the panels are strategically placed you will be able to gather more energy that you can use and at times when gathering energy is not so good, you can always use the power produced by the local power grid. The fact is, there are many advantages to using solar electricity and doing the switch is much easier now. If decide to make the switch, you will not only save money but you will also help preserve the environment. Read more on Benefits of Switching to Solar Electricity… tramadol 100mg

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Benefits of Switching to Solar Electricity

Convert Car to Electric – Simple Tips to Get Started

Tammie Taylor asked: Electric Car Conversion involves the process of transforming how your car runs to use electrical power as its main source instead of gas. This process eliminates the need for you to fill up at the gas pump unlike hybrid vehicles which alternate between electrical power and gasoline. You can choose to hire a professional or perform the conversion yourself fairly easily. Many people are looking into the benefits of electric cars and searching for ways to begin the process of transforming their current vehicle to save the money that they are spending on gas. Provided are steps to make the transition to owning your very own electrical car: Convert Car to Electric – 1. Choose an ideal vehicle to convert When choosing a vehicle to convert, follow these guidelines: (a) Weight – The vehicle that is selected for conversion ideally should be able to support the extra weight that will be caused by installing the extra batteries and motor. Your vehicle may already be overloaded with miscellaneous items like the transmission, radiator, fuel pump, oil, and gas tank. (b) Power Consumption – Be aware of your power requirements for your vehicle before converting. (c) Proper Plan – Make sure that you put a proper plan in place prior to beginning your conversion. 2. Select equipment and tools needed Find a place to perform your conversion. This could be your home garage. Here is a summary of the list of equipment that you may need for your conversion: Motor adaptor, Motor, manual disconnects, power supply, battery ends, motor controller, batteries, battery charger and cables, battery ends, digital meters, vacuum pump, lugs, throttle box, and fuses 3. Select an electric motor and batteries Consider if your car is front, rear, 4 (WD) wheel drive. This will determine the number of motors required. Plan for the distance that you would like to travel before needing to recharge your car. Both the motor and the battery will play a significant part. For one, the electric motor will determine the speed of your vehicle and the usage of your battery. 4. Remove the transmission, engine, etc You will need to remove the transmission, engine, and other parts like gas tank to get started. You may need to refer to your owner’s manual to locate these parts on your particular car make and model. 5. Begin your conversion process Install your motor, batteries, and be sure to replace the equipment that was removed. Start it up and take your first test drive! You will never have to stop at a gas station ever again. Solar power Read more on Convert Car to Electric – Simple Tips to Get Started… Subscribe to the comments for this post? Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Post this on Diigo Post on Google Buzz Add this to Mister Wong Share this on Mixx Share this on Reddit Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Tweet This!

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Convert Car to Electric Simple Tips to Get Started

Geothermal Energy Information

Daniel Lanback asked: Geothermal energy is the energy taken from the heat stored inside the earth. This energy has been stored inside the earth from its very origination and even from the solar energy, which is absorbed by the surface of the earth. Geothermal energy has been widely used today to provide electrical power in countries. Industries have also been using geothermal power to produce industrial heating and other processes needed inside the plants. Geothermal power has been known for its cost – effectiveness, reliability and most importantly, for being environmentally – friendly. However, there are also some setbacks in using this energy source. Although it is known to be natural, it is not found almost anywhere in the earth. Areas which are near the boundaries of the tectonic plates are where the good source of geothermal energy can be found. That result was the result of earlier days’ study. Today, however, studies have shown that the area source of geothermal power has widen and expanded. There has been many theories and assumptions that the earth’s supply of geothermal power is more than enough to supply our needs for even a hundred year. However, today, as everybody may have noticed, geothermal energy is still not our main source of power. So, what could be the reason for this? Actually, the energy from beneath the earth is never that easy to get. Although it may sound like a regular and normal drilling is all that we just need, several manpower and machineries are needed to ensure that the drilling will not cause any damage to the earth’s surface. Therefore, getting the natural energy from underneath is costly, that no investors would risk their money for it. So, how does the interior of the earth produce electricity? Technically, the heat inside the earth is something like six thousand degrees centigrade. That hotness would be more than enough to melt rocks. The extent of the use of the energy from underneath the earth depends largely on how hot it is. Basically, the energy is taken from the steam produced when water is being pumped inside. The hotter it is, the more steam is being produced. Geothermal energy is considered not only as a natural source of power, but it also falls under the renewable sources of energy category. It is considered renewable because once the hole has been made, the rain pours into it, reproducing the steam over again. In the early years, the steam being produced from geothermal power is only used for hot spas and hot springs. It has helped more the tourism industry more than any other industries. As years passed, however, the people have discovered more efficient and useful usage of the steam and the energy being produced. Is producing geothermal power then safe for the environment? While the answer may not be something that is very much acceptable, you may be relieved with the fact that as a part of the social responsibility of the suppliers and developers, they try to block the emission of harmful gases to the air, thus preventing any damage to the people’s health. Water 4 Gas Read more on Geothermal Energy Information… Subscribe to the comments for this post? Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Post this on Diigo Post on Google Buzz Add this to Mister Wong Share this on Mixx Share this on Reddit Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Tweet This!

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Geothermal Energy Information

Advantages of an Electric Car

Sandra Maria Stammberger asked: With fuel prices soaring and no end in sight, it only makes sense to look for alternatives. Face it, you need to travel for work, school, or shopping and without a car, these tasks are almost impossible. Not all communities and areas provide public transportation, so what do you do? Converting your car or buying an electric car makes perfect sense. An electric car is a car that uses electric motors instead of an internal combustion engine. In essence, these cars are rechargeable. They have battery packs that are charged, thus powering the vehicle. You can even convert your already owned car to an electric. There are also cars that utilize both battery power and fuel power. These are known as hybrids and are widely available. Electric cars are not a new concept. Some of the first cars were electric. The improvement of battery storage helped the electric car to flourish. Many early electric cars hold speed and distance records. Don’t worry about electric cars being slow. They are not, this was proved on the popular show Mythbusters. Some of these vehicles can achieve speeds of up to 135 mph, and on a single charge can reach the fuel equivalent of 135 mpg U.S. The use of Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) batteries makes electric cars capable of distances of up to 245 miles. This is a great improvement from early batteries that could get up to 100 miles on a single charge. In December, 2007, Fortune announced 11 new companies that will begin producing electric cars in the future. There are several advantages to driving an electric car. It can save you thousands on fuel cost, and with our economy in the shape it’s in, this is reason enough. Electric cars are also cleaner, helping the environment. It costs about $1 to charge your electric car and gives you about 100 miles. Driving an electric car also makes you eligible for tax credits from the federal government for driving a car that hosts clean fuel. It’s not an expensive process to convert your car to electric. This can be achieved for about $300.00. With the process being cheap and all the money that you will save, an electric car is perfect for everyone. There are several resources available that tell you what types of tools you’ll need, along with easy to follow instructions on how to convert your car to electric. Among some of the first vehicles produced, electric cars are an economical solution to combat rising fuel costs. They are clean fueled vehicles which are good for the environment. You can get tax credits from the federal government for driving a clean fueled vehicle, and they save you money on rising fuel costs. They are not slow, and make perfect since when searching for an alternative! Solar Power for homes Read more on Advantages of an Electric Car… Subscribe to the comments for this post? Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Post this on Diigo Post on Google Buzz Add this to Mister Wong Share this on Mixx Share this on Reddit Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Tweet This!

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Advantages of an Electric Car

Homebuilt Electric Car

Timothy Truel asked: Everyone is looking to save on gas these days. Perhaps, you have considered creating a homebuilt electric car to save money. Will building a homemade electric car really help to lower your gas bills? It will totally cancel out your gas bill. Building an electric car will enable you to leverage the power of electricity as your main source of fuel. Before beginning, have you decided on your overall design for your vehicle? Are you considering building one from scratch like the little small homebuilt electric cars that we all have seen? Don’t get me wrong. They do sound like neat and fun projects. But, rather than spending the extra amount of time and effort that it would take to create a brand new vehicle, perhaps you have thought about using your own gas powered vehicle as an electric car. This option will enable your vehicle to run exclusively on electrical energy while allowing you to utilize the car that you have now. Transforming your car to an electric car is a seamless process that is becoming a new trend. The benefits to electric car conversion are being recognized as more people develop a serious interest in converting their vehicles. With all the great benefits that electric cars offer, you may still be wondering if converting your car will be too much of a challenge for you. In essence, you can complete the conversion rather quickly and easily. To make our homebuilt electric car, we only really needed to ensure that we had the mandatory items and necessary equipment. This information can be identified early in your conversion process. It only took the average amount of money that we spend for our monthly gas budget to completely convert our car. This too can also help you divert the money you are paying on gas to go into savings, kids’ college funds, or to help you get out of debt. Water 4 Gas Read more on Homebuilt Electric Car… Subscribe to the comments for this post? Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Post this on Diigo Post on Google Buzz Add this to Mister Wong Share this on Mixx Share this on Reddit Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Tweet This!

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Homebuilt Electric Car

Solar Power For Homes With Earth4Energy

Johnny Moon asked: The Myth: “Solar Power Is Too Expensive” Many people who are powering their homes with renewable energy such as solar power do not do so because they think it is cost prohibitive. But that’s not the case. With the proper guide you can actually build your own solar panels which you can use to start producing your own electricity. Save Money With Solar Power Once you have your solar panel system built you will be saving a huge amount of money on your electric bill. In fact you may be able to stop paying an electric bill altogether! If you are currently paying $1000 a year for electricity, think of what you could do with all of that extra money you will have left over? Because once you are powering your home with renewable energy you will no longer have to pay an electric bill at all! Help Conserve The Planet Besides it just being neat to build your own solar power system and the money you will be saving, you will also be doing more than share to help conserve the planet. Using renewable energy is one of the best ways you can help the environment. Think of all of the pollution you will be keeping out of the air! Solar Power For Homes Eventually many homes will be using this alternative energy source. Why not be the first on your block to do it? Isn’t it cool to be first? Plus it’s actually pretty fun to put together your own system. If you are into the “DIY” aspect, you will probably find the experience very enjoyable. Water 4 Gas Read more on Solar Power For Homes With Earth4Energy… Subscribe to the comments for this post? Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Post this on Diigo Post on Google Buzz Add this to Mister Wong Share this on Mixx Share this on Reddit Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Tweet This! alternative energy what does alternative energy resource do what does biofuels and solar energy have in common

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Solar Power For Homes With Earth4Energy

What Happens If Everyone Has His Own HomeMade Energy?

Everyone knows that they can find a good alternative source of power from wind turbines, solar panels and even magnet generator. But why is it that only a few people have any of these things installed in their homes or offices? The reasons are simple. Maybe, some of them don’t have the money to buy these. Bear in mind that although they are the ultimate solution for high rising cost of power these days, some people will just shrug off the idea of owning one because of financial constraint. But what if everyone has his own homemade energy ? Do you think everybody can save money and eventually, save the environment? Of course, that would be the result. Then, they’d be happy to know that there is a way for them to have these money-saving sources of power and all they need to do is to make one for themselves by themselves. Read more on What Happens If Everyone Has His Own HomeMade Energy?… Subscribe to the comments for this post? Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Post this on Diigo Post on Google Buzz Add this to Mister Wong Share this on Mixx Share this on Reddit Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Tweet This! Why is wind energy being promoted in the recent years what does alternative energy do? when will solar energy be woth the money

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What Happens If Everyone Has His Own HomeMade Energy?

How To Save Money On Heating Bills

In the UK, there is one man who is fighting back against high energy costs. Martin Lewis is revered as the Money Saving Expert, and if you haven’t heard of him then it might be worth checking what he has to say. For a start if you’re a central heating owner, he might be able to save you money and provide you with some great tips for reducing those bills. Once you have done a bit of research online, you can soon become your own money saving expert and know the best ways to free up some cash. Below you will find some invaluable tips to send you in the right direction. Shop around – here’s something everyone should try at least once in order to save money on things like heating. In order to make life easier, check out some price comparison sites and see what information they return to you. If you prefer to ‘shop around’ using the phone instead, call up some companies and see if you can get something like central heating quotes as a great starting point for saving money. Don’t fall into the trap of getting one quote and accepting it immediately. You want to make sure you get a really good deal. Get a new boiler – a new boiler could actually save you a lot of money in the long run. Indeed, it is a pricey expense to start with, because you need to pay for the appliance and installation, but you should find that your heating costs reduce considerably when a new boiler is put in place. A new boiler heats up much more quickly and the house will get warmer, meaning you don’t need to have the central heating turned on as long. Just repair it – not everyone can afford to splash out on a new boiler, so getting the boiler repaired may be the better solution for you. It can be hard to tell if the boiler is working perfectly, so get your trusty engineer to conduct a boiler service and see if he has any recommendations. The engineer should be honest with you about what needs doing. A boiler repair is going to be much cheaper than having a new boiler fitted, but the long term heating costs might not be so pleasing to the bank balance. Hopefully you have a few tips to use here, in order to become your very own money saving expert. Just remember that saving money on something like central heating is one of the most important things. Read more on How To Save Money On Heating Bills… Subscribe to the comments for this post? Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Post this on Diigo Post on Google Buzz Add this to Mister Wong Share this on Mixx Share this on Reddit Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Tweet This!

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How To Save Money On Heating Bills

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