An op-ed about recent calls for privatization of the state-run Taipower and CPC companies, which control electricity and petroleum respectively, as a result of recent economic strains, increased prices, and complaints of inefficiency.
A positive call to action amid rising energy costs, but upon completion in 2018 the 815,000 new LED bulbs nationwide will cut national energy consumption in Taiwan a mere .04%. The $3.34USD billion loan program for companies to purchase more efficient equipment seems likely to be more effective.
In reaction to increased fuel prices and anticipation of higher electricity prices planned for March, business are beginning to increase their prices. The rice industry is considering an increase in prices of "at least 20 to 30 percent" to compensate farmers" additional costs.
Taiwan gas prices increase as a result of large losses to Taiwan's petroleum company, CPC, though less than the market demands because of the government's price stabilization policy. To counteract the price hike, CPC recommends people "watch their tire pressure" among other things to save on fuel costs.
The UK's bold plan to put up an additional 16 gigawatts of solar in the North Sea by 2020 is impressive, even if the idea for submerged carbon storage facilities seem a bit more short-sighted.
A convincing argument out of Vermont of the current problems with renewables, namely intermittent energy supply and the market forcing higher cost clean solutions like solar and wind out of contention.
If ever green energy needed a strong candidate to become the whipping boy representing all the stupidity and selfishness that sometimes goes into fighting renewable energy adoption, consider Trump a shoe-in. Out of all the legitimate reasons to avoid wind power, Trump mentions none and twice as loudly.
A pretty ignorant take on the uselessness of alternative energy and the necessity of eliminating any financial incentives for green energy. Still, it's worth remembering that we are going to be working with fossil fuels for a long time and they should be made more efficient.
Offshore oil developers are seeking a piece of the new large investments in offshore wind and finding that many engineering and management skills are easily transferable to this new technology. The US market is mentioned as one of the countries avoiding offshore wind.
GE has apparently doubled its investment in this industry in both 2010 and 2011. The appointment of Andy Holt doesn't seem as dedicated a move as GM giving its electric car division to Bob Lutz in 2006, but worth noting.
As companies are buying up credits in alternative energy to proclaim themselves "green", Intel stays on top with 88% of its massive energy needs provided by clean sources. It seems as though being able to market yourself as a green company is worth the extra costs, see what they pay here.
This small liberal arts school in Ohio is joining the ranks of those with small(ish) local installations. The 2.27 megawatt installation provides enough energy to power 400 homes and will likely be sold back into the grid.
This small town is considering putting a solar installation on top of an old landfill. Opens the question of what other "unusable" land can be reassigned for solar or wind installations.
Thin-film solar is a cheaper and less efficient alternative to standard "bulk" solar panels, but this application takes it to the next level with printed transparent solar panels on windows and the possibility of taking it home in a spray bottle! It absorbs infrared too. Check out "SolarWindow" here.
A floating wind turbine suspended at 350 feet pumping energy to the ground over cables. Mad scientists gone private from some of the most elite universities built this ridiculous contraption. Enjoy the video!
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