Report doubts future of wind power
Wind farms are an expensive and inefficient way of generating sustainable energy, according to a study from Germany, the world’s leading producer of wind energy.
Electricity
Hydroelectric power’s dirty secret revealed
Contrary to popular belief, hydroelectric power can seriously damage the climate. Proposed changes to the way countries’ climate budgets are calculated aim to take greenhouse gas emissions from hydropower reservoirs into account, but some experts worry that they will not go far enough.
Coming Down from the Peak
For too long religions have been silent on this important matter. Despite the huge resistance to change, the ridicule, and the censorship awaiting those who publically espouse limits to material growth, we must together put aside our fears and move metaphorical mountains, even eventually without oil.
Low-Energy Lifestyle: Lessons from Cuba
Text-only version.
Low-Energy Lifestyle: Lessons from Cuba
I gave my first talk on peak oil in this room a little over two years ago. Like many people, when I first learned about it, I was very upset. I noted in my talk then that the problem looked serious and no one had any idea what to do. An Antioch attending said, “you should go to Cuba. They’ve already solved the problem.”
Pumped up about cleaner fuel
Biodiesel is all around us — in our ferries, buses, garbage trucks, passenger cars, tractors, Army trucks, sailboats and more — yet surveys show that only one in four people knows about this alternative, non-toxic fuel made from vegetable oil.
But biodiesel is poised for liftoff…
Climate fears prompt energy U-turn in China
China has abruptly slowed and halted work on building 22 major dams
and power stations in a dramatic greening of the policies of the
world’s most populous nation.
Ethanol Research Breakthrough: Wood Feedstock
As oppossed to an annual crop like corn, wood could offer a year-round source of ethanol, and still supply a feedstock for biomass thermal energy, or co-fired plants.
Japan and Brazil Sign Biofuel Deal
Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and the Japanese Bank for International Cooperation have signed the first phase of a term of reference for the future implementation of a bilateral biofuel program aimed at exporting ethanol and biodiesel fuel to the Japanese market.
Peak Oil – Peak Technology
It would seem that – in addition to Peak Oil – we are at a time of Peak Technology… there are no new technologies we can look to for solutions to the end of fossil fuels.
N.Z. Grid boss warns of blackouts
National grid boss Ralph Craven is predicting blackouts if the $500 million upgrading of transmission lines into Auckland is thwarted.
The Case for Decentralized Generation of Energy
Highly centralized generation of electrical power is a paradigm that has outlived its usefulness. Decentralized generation could save $5 trillion in capital investment, reduce power costs by 40 percent, reduce vulnerabilities, and cut greenhouse gas emissions in half.