Energy World - February 2010
Editorial
Vested interests prevent agreement on climate change
Steve Hodgson
Viewpoint
New year and a new direction
Louise Kingham FEI
News
International news
- COP15 ends with a 'letter of intent' rather than a new treaty
- Policy stimulates renewables growth in the US
- Cities can lead the way with renewables
- Largest win farm in US, MW direct-drive turbine prototype unveiled
- US emissions fell in 2008, world temperatures hit record levels
- Marine energy in Scotland, India, US
- North Sea grid one step closer
- Fossil plant capacity increases in South Africa, the US, Europe
Home news
- Pre-budget 'boost for green growth' includes boiler scrappage scheme
- BWEA becomes RenewableUK
- Wind power peripherals – cables, gearboxes, connections
- Onshore wind for on-site power as well as grid export
- Aviation demand growth to 2050 'should be limited to 60%'
- Underground coal gasification at five UK sites
- ETI projects for carbon reduction
- Smart meters in all homes by 2020
- More support for biomass-fuelled energy
- Peak energy demand could outstrip supply by 2017
Features
Solar energy in Europe – the potential for PV and thermal technologies
We read a lot about the potential for wind power to contribute quite large proportions of electricity demand in Europe in just a few year’s time – figures of 20% and more are often quoted. So what are the corresponding estimates for the main solar technologies: photovoltaics (PV) and solar thermal? The two European trade associations, EPIA for photovoltaics and ESTIF for solar thermal, have recently published data in this area.
Counting on Europe for renewables
Global recession and no deal at Copenhagen were setbacks last year, but Europe’s green energy leadership still lights the way for the UK renewables industry – write Leonie Greene and Tricia Wiley of the Renewable Energy Association.
Monitoring at biomass plants should be 'future proof'
The recent rise in approvals for the construction of biomass-toenergy plants has highlighted the need for monitoring equipment to be both cost-effective and flexible. Monitoring systems need to be ‘future proof’ – able to measure new parameters, such as greenhouse gases, in future years – writes Dominic Duggan.
Can the grid cope with a large expansion of renewables – a Cornish perspective
With expansions of renewables such as wind and biomass in the pipeline for the UK, is the current electricity grid able to accommodate them? Dr Ian Billington shares his research findings and assesses the case for the southwest.
Renewables
Marine installation work, biomass and solar heating
A good display is the smartest way to save energy
The Government has recently published the response to its consultation on smart meters, paving the way for the rollout of the technology to reach every home by 2020. Research suggests that, in order to have the most impact on saving energy, effective home display units are critical. Marc Height takes a look.
EI Technical Programme 2010 – working for industry
The Energy Institute’s Technical Programme plays a central role in achieving the organisation’s key aims in supporting the energy industry. Martin Maeso MEI, the EI’s Technical Director, explains how the technical programme is defined and operated, and how the central objectives for the programme underpin the future strategy of the Energy Institute.
