“Two blocks can power the average high-consumption American home — one block can power the average European home. At least that’s the claim being made by K.R. Sridhar, founder of Bloom Energy, on 60 Minutes last night. The original technology comes from an oxygen generator meant for a scrapped NASA Mars program that’s been converted, with the help of an estimated $400 million in private funding, into a fuel cell. Bloom’s design feeds oxygen into one side of a cell while fuel (natural gas, bio gas from landfill waste, solar, etc) is supplied to the other side to provide the chemical reaction required for power. The cells themselves are inexpensive ceramic disks painted with a secret green “ink” on one side and a black “ink” on the other. The disks are separated by a cheap metal alloy, instead of more precious metals like platinum, and stacked into a cube of varying capabilities — a stack of 64 can power a small business like Starbucks.”

This does seem to bonafide… and we will be watching this space.

There are some parallels betten this and Daniel Nocera’s work at MIT, although they are two distint system.

It looks more an more likely each day that we will soon be living a cleaner world. The big questions is, how do the big energy suppliers meter these progressive energy sources???

Physical and mechanical properties

Thermal conductivity	7.7 kcal/m-h-°C
Young’s modulus	1.7 x 104 kg/mm2
Bending strength	24 kg/mm2
Compressive strength	80 kg/mm2
Electrical resistivity	160 µ-ohm-cm/cm2
Density	7.4-7.5 g/cm3
Vickers hardness	500 – 600

How can something so small can have powers so strong? Well, that is beyond the scope of this post but intend to come back to that in the coming weeks. In the mean time, suffice to say that I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm with others.

Check out some of these perpetual motion applications of these magnets which demonstrate their potential as a free energy source to get the juices flowing – curtesy of youtube!

There is a small problem in using these as a free energy source however. The First Law of Thermodynamics – i.e. the Law of Conservation of Energy, which essentially stated that the total energy of an isolated system remains constant despite any internal change. This is in effect the arch nemisis to the notion of free energy of any kind. I’m sure that the vast majority of those experimenting with Magnet Motors are aware of this however are brave and stubborn enough to continue to try to find ‘that little as yet unknown factor’ that could possibly make the damn thing work… good luck to you, and if you are one of those people, please do join in with the discussion.

A green car is a vehicle that is considered to be environmentally friendly and have less of a damaging impact on the environment as conventional cars. A green car consumes less petroleum than conventional cars or use renewable energy sources to fuel its engine. There are a number of green cars available today:

* Electric cars
* Hybrid cars
* Hydrogen cars
* Solar cars

Conventional cars can become more environmentally friendly if used in the correct manner. You can save money, improve your cars fuel efficiency and help the environment by following some simple tips:

* Drive in the highest possible gear.
* Drive smoothly.
* Switch off the engine if you are stationary for more than a few minutes.
* Don’t load unnecessary items.
* Keep the windows closed.
* Check your tyre pressure, your car will have better fuel efficiency with higher tyre pressure.
* Don’t use the car on short journeys, walk instead.

I have just been on the the ASDA Finance website getting a home insurance quote as I was told that they are the best and have won an award for their home insurance services. I was please to discover that if I take out ASDA Home Insurance not only do I pay less than any of my other quotes, but I also get to save some money on your electricity bill as they are giving away one energy saving lightbulb which could save me £9 each year.

I commend this sort of thing, and will end my search for a new policy right here.

The Mayor of London joined with President Clinton and mayors from cities across the world to announced the creation of a global Energy Efficiency Building Retrofit Programme – to cut carbon emissions by making existing commercial buildings more energy efficient.

With nearly three quarters of emissions in the capital come from energy use in buildings, it makes very good sense to improve energy efficiency although I suspect that the building and construction sector may not be too compliant.

According to Ken Livingstone, who spoke at the C40 cities climate summit in New York, London could save millions of pounds and five million tonnes of CO2 each year – about ten per cent of London’s total emissions – if every commercial and public sector building takes up the offer to become more energy efficient. The 900 buildings run by the Greater London Authority group alone, could save more than 50,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year, and save at least one million pounds through lower energy bills, providing more money for investment in public services. This is an attractive prospect indeed.

The Energy Efficiency Building Retrofit Programme developed by the Clinton Climate Initiative with the C40 cities brings together four of the world’s largest Energy Service Companies (ESCOs), five of the world’s largest banks and fifteen of the world’s largest cities. The programme will offer building owners a package with three elements: (1) an energy audit to quantify current energy use and emissions from a building and recommendations on a full range of measures to reduce them, (2) a comprehensive, discounted offer of goods and services guaranteed to deliver the identified reductions, and (3) finance to pay for the works, paid back through the guaranteed energy savings.

This initiative will deliver a real economic benefit for participating public sector and commercial organisations, typically leading to annual energy savings between 20 and 50 per cent. The initiative also creates opportunities for London’s businesses that provide energy efficiency building services, since it will draw on subcontractors in each of the cities where the partnership operates.

You can read the full story in their press release here, or just join in the fun, buy solar panels and do your bit to save the world.

However, this service is getting so many hits that the Directgov servers are struggling to cope. (Typicall really:)

“The Act on CO2 calculator is currently seeing an overwhelming response and we’re working to fix the problems you may be experiencing,” reads a notice on the site.

I can just see all those people at their PCs, supposed to be working but spending the day trying to on, the churn from all the machines heating up offices where the air con is being switched up a notch or two. Employees frustrated at the futility of trying to measure their carbon foot prints are probably nipping out for a fag to calm down.

Call me a cynic but I find myself wondering just how much CO2 this system is contributing to the worked today and whether it’s really a pointless exercise – will it really make more of a difference that just being more sensible?

If you would like to take it for a spin and find out how much damage you are doing, ust go here for the carbon footprint calculator.

* UPDATE
I finally managed to try the site – I recommend that you leave it a week before trying as the site is really slow. I thought that my solar panels’ would be installed before I got through it! The verdict is that I am marginally kinder than most, which has come as a shock as I am careful, am switching to solar energy, will be buying a Smart Car, and have energy efficient bulbs. However, I think that I should recalculate once these have all come into effect. Also my trip to NY last Christmas may have been more irresponsible that initially thought

Bulgarian Dreams has worked with The CarbonNeutral Company who assist major companies around the world, to measure, reduce and offset their CO2 emissions. The company has calculated the scheme’s emissions including those from sources such as material lifestyle emissions, site energy consumption, deliveries, site vehicles and waste disposal. Bulgarian Dreams has offset all the development’s emissions during construction and operation of the site by sponsoring a new Hydro Power Station in Bulgaria, making Windows to Paradise fully Carbon efficient.

Robert Jenkin, Director of Bulgarian Dreams, comments: “We are very excited about the launch of our newest phase at Windows to Paradise. As the largest fully carbon neutral development, Windows to Paradise offers an ideal opportunity for both green-minded investors and second homebuyers. For the ‘green tourist’, we also provide an online apartment booking service and advertise buy-to-let apartments with the cost necessary to off-set the carbon emissions produced flying to and from Bulgaria.”

Windows to Paradise is located on a stunning hillside, offering a select collection of studios, one and two bedroom apartments and penthouses with the majority of the properties boasting incredible sea views. The facilities at the scheme include several outdoor swimming pools, full spa centre with indoor pool, steam bath, sauna, Jacuzzi and children’s pool. Set within landscaped botanical gardens, the scheme also features a restaurant and fully licensed bar, shops and a supermarket. A wine cellar, offering wine tasting evenings, provides free space for resident wine-buffs to keep their favourite bottles.

The exterior of the development is classic in design, expertly blending in with the architecture of rural Balchik with every property benefiting from either a balcony or a terrace. The interiors of the apartments reflect the luxurious environment encapsulated in the whole scheme. With free flowing, open plan, living spaces the properties will enjoy an excellent level of interior specification and layout, along with spacious bedrooms.

This exclusive scheme will also benefit from three international 18-hole golf courses; a Gary Player course located adjacent to Windows to Paradise and two nearby courses designed by Ian Woosnam and Gary Player. With golf being a popular new phenomenon in Bulgaria, these golf courses will satisfy the growing interest from the abundance of holidaymakers and second homebuyers. A stunning new yacht marina is also being built nearby increasing the desirability of this area. Set to become the most exclusive area on the Black Sea coast, Windows to Paradise will be an ideal centre for sailing and golfing, or just relaxing by the pool.

Bulgaria is a three-hour flight direct from the UK with two scheduled airlines currently flying to Varna International Airport once a day. Just 35 minutes drive from the airport, the combination of accessibility and unspoilt beauty with excellent sea views make Windows to Paradise a unique opportunity.

Prices at Phase III at Windows To Paradise start from €38,546.63 (£26,583.88) for a studio apartment, €57,902.13 (£39,932.50) for a one bedroom apartment and €81,769.50 (£56,392.76) for a two bedroom apartment.

Within five years, solar power will be cheap enough to compete with carbon-generated electricity, even in Britain, Scandinavia or upper Siberia. In a decade, the cost may have fallen so dramatically that solar cells could undercut oil, gas, coal and nuclear power by up to half. Technology is leaping ahead of a stale political debate about fossil fuels.

By Ambrose Evans-Pritchard
Last Updated: 11:31pm GMT 18/02/2007

The race is effectively on to develop and market a range of films or versatile solar cells that can power the homes and cities of tomorrow. One material is based on a CIGS (CuInGaSe2) semiconductor compound that absorbs light by freeing electrons. This is then embedded on the polymer base.

A leading company in the arena, Applied Materials is betting on both of the two rival solar technologies: thin film panels best used where there is plenty of room and the traditional crystalline (c-Si) wafer-based cells, which are not as cheap but produce a higher yield – better for tight spaces.

Good Energies and NorSun have established Sunfilm AG to manufacture the world’s first 5.7m2 tandem thin film photovoltaic modules on glass substrates on a production line supplied by Applied Materials, Inc.

“Sunfilm opens new frontiers; it goes beyond what today’s industry is projecting – in size and in performance – and could change the way solar energy is viewed. We believe that solar energy is of paramount importance for our energy future. However, we need to stay focused on bringing the cost down. This venture aims at grid parity. Applied Materials’ technological leadership is the key element for us in this project,” says Dr. Sven Hansen, Good Energies’ Chief Investment Officer.

Applied’s production line will feature new tandem cell technology—an innovative dual-junction approach that combines an amorphous silicon top film to absorb short wavelengths of light with a microcrystalline silicon bottom layer to absorb longer wavelengths. These tandem cells are expected to deliver significantly higher energy conversion efficiencies at a cost per Watt that is comparable to that of single junction technologies. By coupling tandem technology with ultra-large 5.7m2 substrates, Sunfilm expects to substantially reduce the cost of solar panel manufacturing.

“With this initiative we introduce second generation solar energy technology,” said Dr. Alf Bjørseth, founder and board member of NorSun. “Solar panels based on this tandem cell technology will provide clients with electricity at a very competitive price and have countless areas of application. This new technology will strongly support the continued growth of the solar energy market.”

“We are excited to work with Sunfilm, Good Energies and NorSun, whose people are among the most influential and respected leaders in the solar business,” said Dr. Mark Pinto, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Applied’s New Business and New Products Group. “The Good Energies and NorSun teams have proven that they can shape the industry – and we look forward to working with them to deliver leading-edge, cost-efficient PV module technology.”

Sunfilm AG is currently designing the building and facilities for its first PV line and will start construction work in Q2/2007 on its local site. This project will be supported with grants from the State of Saxony and is expected to employ about 180 people when the line is fully operational in 2008/2009.

Sunfilm’s contract with Applied is for a fully-integrated equipment line for an ultra-large panel tandem module factory with a nominal rated capacity of 60 megawatts per year. This is approximately three times the capacity of conventional thin film solar facilities.

“Our thin film production line will provide Sunfilm with the first combination of higher-efficiency tandem technology and the compelling cost-advantage of ultra-large scale panels. We’ve seen similar cost benefits in the flat panel display industry as our customers have transitioned to larger-area substrates,” added Dr. Pinto.

Sunfilm

Sunfilm AG is a newly established operating company located in Grossröhrsdorf Saxony/Germany.

Good Energies

Good Energies is a member of the COFRA group and one of the largest investors in the renewable energy industry. Its globally invested portfolio has a market capitalisation of over USD 3 billion. Good Energies contributes to the challenge of sustainable energy transition through its investments in leading solar photovoltaic companies, wind energy developers and other renewable energy technologies. Its policy aims to provide long-term strategic investments in partnership with companies developing the technologies of the future. .

NorSun

NorSun AS was established in December 2005 by Scatec AS, that serves as the point of origin for new business ideas within renewable energy and advanced materials. Scatec AS is still the largest owner in NorSun. The purpose of NorSun is to produce the lowest cost solar power components for the international solar energy market.

Applied Materials

Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT) is the global leader in Nanomanufacturing Technologyâ„¢ solutions with a broad portfolio of innovative equipment, service and software products for the fabrication of semiconductor chips, flat panels, solar photovoltaic cells, flexible electronics and energy efficient glass.

There is and increasing range of solar panels available on the market. The example highlighted here is one of the cheapest on the market, yet may be just what you need to reduce your carbon footprint enough to sleep better at night. Freehold permitting, I intend to schedule my install for late August 2007 and am currently working with architects to ensure that this project is completed as aesthetically as possible.

B&Q sell a variety of solar panel package to choose from. With only a modest home, the pack I have opted for contains 1 solar panel and compatible cylinder for a tiled roof only. The panel and cylinder come with full controls and fixing kits, 35 year life expectancy, Full European certification BS/EN 12975 Parts 1 & 2.

I have enlisted the help of several friend – two of which do not know yet – for the project. Two are engineers and one is a builder. If you chose to undertake such a project and are not particularly skilled at DIY, please do make sure you get some buddies and a qualified professional who are in to help you. On purchase of this product, you will be contacted for the installation service that B&Q recommend.

I hope to begin making large savings on my ever increasing energy bills by early September – but more importantly significantly reduce my family’s carbon footprints. As the boiler cycling is reduced increasing this will also increase the life of your boiler. These solar panels will even work below 0 degrees Celsius so I expect that they will continue to supply significant energy for heating throughout the winter.

My solar panels are suitable for domestic use and my particular type of roof but BYQ do provide quite a range.

I purchased my solar panels from B&Q in the in the UK for around £1800. Admittedly I may never recoup this in energy savings on my bills but that is not the point.

I live in the hope that my actions and others like me may actually make the world a better place for our children to live in and that’s the payoff for me…

In the late 1990s, BMW was worried if its hydrogen fueled will actually gain a following despite its obvious environmental advantage. People have gotten used to the ease of driving through a gas station for refueling, that same comfort is not available with the hydrogen car. And though hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, energy companies will not be easy to convince to build hydrogen stations if the market is minimal.

But BMW’s dedication and commitment to educate the public against preconceived notions such as vehicular performance and safety has paid of. Several years after the company first brought the idea to the public, BMW reports of unprecedented record sales in 2004.

2005 brought more success to the Bimmer as its H2R reaped accolades and awards proving that it can perform at par with its gas-guzzling contemporaries.

BMW is the world leader in the development of hydrogen cars with internal combustion engines,” said Tom Purves, chairman and CEO of BMW Group (U.S.). “We believe that in the output range above 140 horsepower, there is still no other clean, practical alternative to hydrogen.

“The H2R concept car is more than a mere exercise. We will offer customers a production car with a hydrogen combustion engine during the production period of the current BMW 7 series.”

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