Features for May 2010

Features Archive

Using CPV to deliver fresh water Using CPV to deliver fresh water

Could a combination of concentrated photovoltaics (CPV) and micro-generation provide clean, fresh water to places where it is needed most?

EU renewables: will the decade belong to onshore wind? EU renewables: will the decade belong to onshore wind?

Onshore wind is set to be the star technology in helping the EU’s 27 Member States to meet their mandatory targets for 20% of the EU’s energy to come from renewable energy sources by 2020. Gail Rajgor speaks to Christian Kjaer, Chief Executive Officer of the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA), about where the biggest markets will be and which other countries are worth watching for some potential surprises.

Comment: District heating and beyond – bioenergy lessons from Finland Comment: District heating and beyond – bioenergy lessons from Finland

These days residents of Finnish cities, towns and villages, nestled among thick forests and thousands of cold lakes, are kept warm by wood. Bioenergy from wood pellets, chips or biofuel fuels a central boiler and pipes the heat into the local hospital, schools, and homes. For many of these towns, cooperative district heating models have brought not only a lower carbon footprint, but the foundation for a thriving, local economy.

Comment: Norfolk engineering firms gear up for “wind-fall” Comment: Norfolk engineering firms gear up for “wind-fall”

Norfolk’s energy and engineering companies are determined to reap the benefits of Round 3 of offshore wind licensing in the UK, according to regional energy chiefs.

Comment: Australian solar shines in 2009 - updated Comment: Australian solar shines in 2009 - updated

Despite the global financial crisis, the Australian solar power industry grew a phenomenal 366% in 2009. Driven by a rebate that enabled ‘free’ solar power systems to be sold, installations of grid connected solar power systems grew even eclipsed past-years’ 200% growth. Will Australia be able to repeat these figures in 2010, now that the Federal Government’s rebate has been substituted for a far less generous point-of-sale discount?