:: Latest news
A World without Bees
“If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe then man would only have four years of life left.” –Albert Einstein
Iceland Ranks at Top of 2010 Environmental Performance Index
Iceland leads the world in addressing pollution control and natural resource management challenges, according to the 2010 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) produced by a team of environmental experts at Yale University and Columbia University.
Photovoltaic Manufacturing Equipment Market - Automation Opportunities Galore
The world market for PV manufacturing equipment – more than $5bn in 2008 – is projected to exceed $9bn in 2013.
Ted Turner Gets Back Into Solar
Flamboyant billionaire Ted Turner has joined forces with Southern Company, an Atlanta-based utility with 42 gigawatts of capacity, to seek out alternative energy projects.
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority Announces $10 million in Stimulus Funding for Solar Energy Installations
Funding for Renewable Energy Technology Will Make Solar Systems More Affordable for Homeowners and Businesses and Support - Continued Growth of Clean Energy Economy
European offshore wind power market grew 54% in 2009
In 2009, a total of eight new wind farms consisting of 199 offshore wind turbines, with a combined power generating capacity of 577 MW, were connected to the grid in Europe.
More than 200 international experts pave the way for photovoltaic module recycling
More than 200 experts in photovoltaic (PV) energy, waste management and recycling participated today in the 1st International Conference on PV module recycling organized by PV CYCLE and EPIA in collaboration with the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre.
First Solar Sign Contract for 22 Megawatts of Utility Scale Solar Power for New Mexico
PNM, New Mexico’s largest electric utility, has signed a contract with First Solar (Nasdaq: FSLR) to construct 22 megawatts (MW) AC of utility scale photovoltaic (PV) solar power plants in New Mexico.
System to ‘Spray’ Solar Cells onto See-Thru Windows to Generate Electricity
The production of solar-generated electricity on glass is made possible by the world’s tiniest working solar cells, which along with their related components, have now been successfully sprayed on to glass surfaces by researchers currently developing the Company’s SolarWindow™.
Massive grid planned in the North Sea is moving wind power deployment in wrong direction
EUROSOLAR president Hermann Scheer on proposed €30bn electricity grid to run under the North Sea.
:: Readers comments
Putting a stop to the Arctic Meltdown
Should the oil companies be allowed to take advantage of melting ice to drill for more oil in the warming Arctic? Should industrial fishing fleets be allowed to chase the last remnants of fished-out stocks into the areas where ice has previously stopped their ships? We say no: as should anyone who believes you don't put out a fire with gasoline.
2009: Second Warmest Year on Record; End of Warmest Decade
2009 was tied for the second warmest year in the modern record, a new NASA analysis of global surface temperature shows. The analysis, conducted by the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York City, also shows that in the Southern Hemisphere, 2009 was the warmest year since modern records began in 1880.
The New Solar Challenge: Quality and Price
After a difficult business year 2009 with heavy declines in the solar market in the first half of the year and a noticeable relaxation in the second half, many experts predict a revival of the industry for 2010 and beyond.
:: The latest from Franz Alt
Rupert Neudeck: Humanitarian work is a beautiful endeavor!
In 1979, German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt stated: "Whoever has visions should go to a doctor." In the same year, Rupert and Christel Neudeck believed: "Whoever has visions should go out and establish Cap Anamur to save boat people from drowning in the South China Sea." To the benefit of ten thousand refugees, the Neudecks turned to the bible rather than official German policy for guidance. As the Old Testament says: "Without a vision the people perish." Laudation of Franz Alt at the Einstein Award.
Mental barriers were the main obstacles on the way to IRENA
Interview by Franz Alt with Dr. Hermann Scheer on the long way to IRENA. Published in
Electricity from the Sahara for Germany?
This week, several German firms announced the biggest investment ever for renewable energies. They aim to attract 400 billion euros to generate solar electricity for Europe in sunny Africa. The idea sounds convincing. But is it thoroughly thought-out?
