Alternative Clean Energy Roundup: 16 June 2013

Producing Cheaper and More Flexible Multiple Thin Crystalline Silicon Wafers

June 12, 2013 - A team of researchers from the Nanoengineering Research Centre (CRNE) and the Department of Electronic Engineering at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech (UPCn has found a way to make the manufacture of crystalline silicon materials faster and more affordable. The results of their research have recently been published in the online version of the landmark journal Applied Physics Letters.

Thin crystalline silicon wafers measuring around 10 µm (micres) are costly but also very sought after in the field of microelectronics, especially in view of the growing demand for 3D circuit integration with microchips. Silicon wafers also have potential photovoltaic applications in the medium term in the conversion of sunlight to electricity and the production of more affordable, more flexible and lighter solar cells. read more>>>

Solar Sphere Now Offering Solar Parking Lot Lights

June 12th, 2013 - Solar Sphere, a leading provider of Solar Power Kits and Solar Panels since 1998, is pleased to announce the addition of solar parking lot lights to their ever-expanding catalogue. Gradually increasing its popularity in America and Europe, solar power lights have become the number one way to produce energy. Presenting multiple advantages, solar technology can now produce electricity during the night time, and on cloudy days. The disadvantages have disappeared over the years, with solar power becoming as efficient as older methods or energy generation.

The advantages of having solar parking lot lights installed on commercial properties are endless. read more>>>

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Renewable Energy: World invests $244 billion in 2012, geographic shift to developing countries

Jun. 12, 2013 - For only the second time since 2006, global investments in renewable energy in 2012 failed to top the year before, falling 12% mainly due to dramatically lower solar prices and weakened US and EU markets.

However, 2012 was the second highest year ever for renewable energy investments, which total $1.3 trillion since 2006. read more>>>

With power from the sun and energy from chocolate

Jun. 6, 2013 - Since May 2013 an international chocolate company produces its chocolate bars at the production facility in Abu Dhabi with Austrian solar energy technology. With a reduction of 60,000 litres of oil in the production process through the usage of solar technology developed by TiSUN (Austria), the company not only focuses on cost reduction, but also on sustainability in the chocolate manufacturing process.

'A rethinking from fossil fuels to renewable energy is very noticeable even with the strongest oil export markets in the Middle East. read more>>>

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Smart buildings 2.0--Business continuity drives microgrids for corporate campuses

One could argue that building automation and the utility-to-commercial building space--let's call it Smart Buildings 1.0--has matured. The initial concept focused on energy efficiencies, demand response opportunities and how enlightened practices, aided by technology, can improve the bottom line.

The next iteration of this idea--let's call it Smart Buildings 2.0--is when business continuity assumes greater importance. This is less about efficiencies and more about corporate energy destinies. That implies greater control over a commercial entity's generation sources, the ability to island and net-zero energy use. This approach includes the ability to maintain operations, and thus productivity, in the face of events such as natural disasters, extreme weather, attacks on the grid, accidents, mistakes and other disruptions. read more>>>

Virginia Senators Seek to Expand Offshore Energy Leasing

May 23, 2013 - Senators Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) introduced legislation Wednesday that would revise the Obama administration’s proposed 2012-2017 offshore oil and gas leasing plan to include acreage offshore Virginia.

The Virginia Outer Continental Shelf Energy Production Act of 2013 would bolster the state's energy security, create jobs and direct revenue to Virginia that will support important priorities across the state, Kaine said in a May 22 statement.

"Virginia is well positioned to be a national leader in offshore energy exploration," Kaine added. read more>>>

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“Once in a Generation” opportunity could slip away warns RenewableUK

14 June 2013 - A report published by RenewableUK and The Crown Estate has urged the UK to grasp the current opportunity offered by offshore wind to attract major companies into the country

The two organizations describe the manufacturing possibilities offered by the UK’s offshore wind sector as a “Once in a Generation” opportunity to attract major companies into the country. However, their report also warns that if this opportunity isn’t grasped by the government it could slip away to the benefit of the UK’s European competitors. read more>>>

Global Wind Day organizers seek to put pressure on G8 leaders

13 June 2013 - Global Wind Day, the five year old annual even jointly organised by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), will be observed Saturday with an extra emphasis on putting pressure on world leaders to fulfill their clean energy promises.

This year's observance coincides with 17-18 June G8 summit in Northern Ireland. To make the connection between the two events even tighter, Wind Day advocates have set up a Facebook page through which interested parties can directly message either their respective leader or the summit itself. read more>>>