Ethanol Fuel in South Africa

photo (c) 2005 Julia Freeman Tumi Makgetla reports in South Africa’s Mail & Guardian that while an interest in alternative energy and green politics is often seen as the preserve of the chattering classes, working-class people in Johannesburg’s inner city are already using renewable energy in their homes. On a pavement in Joubert Park in Joburg (how Johannesburg is commonly called), shoppers cluster around Tumelo Ramolefis stall exclaiming and asking questions about his products. Ramolefi is not selling the usual inner-city hawker stock of facecloths and socks, or “smileys” (boiled sheep heads) and “runaways” (pigs trotters). Instead, it is his display of innovative renewable-energy gadgets that attracts the attention of passers-by, and often turns them into converts to the green-energy cause. His bestselling items are ethanol gel stoves and lamps, which offer a healthier, safer and more efficient fuel alternative to paraffin or coal fires. Ethanol gel is a renewable form of energy made by mixing ethanol with a thickening agent and water. The ethanol is extracted through the fermentation and distillation of sugars from sources such as molasses, sugar cane and sweet sorghum or starch crops, like cassava or maize. Ramolefi sells ethanol gel products and appliances for GreenHeat South Africa, which has branches in Durban, Joburg and Cape Town. The stoves and ethanol gel — produced from sugar cane — are manufactured in Durban. A two-plate stove sells for R160 (approx. $25 USD) and a lamp for R50 (around $8). “This stove is number one,” said Maria Ndlela, who works in a recycling centre in Joubert Park and has owned her stove for two months. She says it is easy to use and, while paraffin is cheaper than the gel, the gel is more cost-efficient in the long run. Five litres of gel costs about $9.70 and paraffin costs approximately $3.55 for the same amount. “Gel lasts. If you dont use it too much, five litres of gel takes you a month to use, but five litres of paraffin lasts only three days.” Ndlela says an added attraction of ethanol is that the paraffin price fluctuates. The price of paraffin is going up and down, up and down with the petrol price, she said, So now Im forgetting about paraffin. What I like about the stove is that it will conquer our unreliable electricity, said Florah Thulare. Safety is also a big selling point in favour of ethanol products, particularly for those who use coal or paraffin for heat and cooking. Paraffin stoves, which explode or are easily knocked over, cause fires, and poor ventilation can lead to asphyxiation. “Coal can actually kill you during the night,” says Ramolefi. “In this coming month, we know people are going to die, but theres no campaign.” Gel fuel burns with a carbon-free flame, so it does not cause respiratory problems such as asthma, which can be caused by emissions from paraffin, coal and wood fuel. The gel also does not produce any smoke or smell. Gel fuel will not ignite if spilt like gas or paraffin. The gel is non-toxic and thus is not poisonous if swallowed by children. The stoves are designed so they will not fall over if bumped and the stoves legs allow it to slide when pushed instead of toppling over. Even if an ethanol lamp is overturned, the gel will extinguish the wick. The stoves are designed for cooking, but about half of his customers buy them as heaters, said Ramolefi. Ramolefi has sold about 70 stoves in the past eight months and hopes the market will grow and prices will consequently drop, making the stoves more affordable for the poor. My latest post (July 2006) on Ethanol E85 Fuel Full article on how ethanol gel is replacing paraffin in South Africa

See more here:
Ethanol Fuel in South Africa

Austin Energy Excels as #1 Green Energy Electricity Utility in America

UPDATE: This is a list of the top ten green energy programs in the United States with the latest December 2005 figures and links to these electric utilities. One of the biggest differences we can make is to switch to “green energy” – energy generated from 100% renewable sources. Florida Power & Light is a new entry into the top ten at number four. The company recently announced the construction of the largest solar array in Florida on the site of a closed landfill in Sarasota. The 1,200 photovoltaic solar panels are each about 31 inches wide and 63 inches long. The facility is to be more than 28,000 square feet, or about half the size of a football field. “We sought a location that had a ground site large enough for 250 kilowatts of photovoltaic panels,” said Jeff Bartel, FP&L VP of external affairs. If you live in a part of the United States that is not served by an electric utility on this list please see this Map of Green Energy Providers by State . As our energy challenges are global I appreciate every assistance in compiling a similar list of renewable energy providers in other countries. Feel free to email or leave a comment. Returning to the United States, Austin Energy has shown its commitment to renewable energy by topping the list. The U.S. Department of Energy said Austin Energy’s Green Choice program sold more than 334 million hours of renewable energy last year. More than 350 businesses in Austin get their power from renewable sources as an alternative to fossil fuels. Austin Energy uses electricity from 61 West Texas wind turbines. Here’s the top ten green energy programs in the United States (as of December 2005). 1. Austin Energy – areas served include Austin, Texas green energy from Wind Power, Land Fill Gas, Small Hydro – 435 MWh/year 2. Portland General Electric (PGE) – areas served include Portland, Oregon green power from existing Geothermal, Wind Power, Small Hydro – 340 MWh/year 3. PacifiCorp – includes Pacific Power and Utah Power areas served include: Oregon , Washington , Wyoming , California , Utah , Idaho green energy from Wind Power, Biomass, Solar Energy – 234 MWh/year 4. Florida Power & Light – green power from Biomass, Wind Power, Solar Energy – 225 MWh/year 5. Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) – green power from Landfill Gas, Wind Power, Small Hydro, Solar Energy – 195 MWh/year 6. Xcel Energy – areas served include: Denver,Colorado; Elkhart, Kansas; Wakefield, Michigan; Saint Paul, Minnesota; Roswell, New Mexico; Fargo, North Dakota; Boise City, Idaho; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Amarillo, Texas; Eau Claire, Wisconsin green electricity from Wind Power – 148 MWh/year 7. National Grid – areas served include: New York , Massachusetts , Rhode Island , Nantucket green power from Biomass, Wind Power, Small Hydro, Solar Energy – 128 MWh/year 8. Basin Electric Power Cooperative (SMUD) – green power from Wind Power – 114 MWh/year 9. Puget Sound Energy (PSE)- area served Washington state green energy from Wind Power, Solar Energy, Biogas – 71 MWh/year 10. OG&E Electric Services – area served Oklahoma green electricity from Wind Power – 64 MWh/year (source: NREL ) MWh/year = million kWh/year rounded down List of Green Energy Providers by State One of the single biggest ways we as individuals can encourage the use of alternative energy and help aid the transition to a post fossil fuel age is to buy electricity partly, or preferably completely, generated using alternative energy. Switching your electricity utility provider may be as simple as requesting a form or filling one in online. That’s exactly how I switched to 100% renewable energy (generated mainly from wind power with some solar power and small scale hydro thrown into the mix). Renewable energy options are available throughout the U.K. and in many other countries. To find out if you can switch to renewable energy in your area look on your search engine of choice for ” green energy “, ” green power ” or ” green electricity “. You may also need to add your location to the search. If your local utility doesn’t provide a renewable energy option yet, email or call them and ask why. Original News 8 Austin Article Green-e Certified Electricity Products

Read more:
Austin Energy Excels as #1 Green Energy Electricity Utility in America