The term 'global warming' broadly refers to the warming of the air temperature near the earth's surface and the ocean's temperature near the sea surface over the period from 1850 to the present day.
Scientific data shows that the average global air temperature has risen around three quarters of one degree centigrade over the last century. Recent data also shows that the last six years have been the warmest on record. Scientists have now overwhelmingly concluded that the observed temperature increase in the lower atmosphere since the 1950's has been due to the greenhouse effect, according to a recent UN Report.
The world is warming and the burning of fossil fuels is very likely to blame says the United Nations Climate Change Panel IRCC, a group of scientists from 180 countries. An increase in global air and sea surface temperatures can in turn cause changes in the patterns and amounts of precipitation and weather events intensity and frequency in different regions, the scientists say.
Effects of climate change may include changes in crop yields, increased melting of ice at altitudes and in polar regions, increased droughts, floods, extinction of some plant and living species, rising sea and increases in the prevalence of some diseases. Using cleaner sources of energy and cutting carbon emissions can yield health benefits that save lives and money World Health experts say.
Urban air pollution kills around 800,000 people annually says the World Health Organisation, WHO, the United Nations inter-Governmental panel on climate change. More than half these deaths will occur in China, the second largest greenhouse emitter after the USA, the Agency said at a recent meeting in Manila.
“Promoting walking and bicycling instead of driving could reduce the incidence of diabetes and heart disease”, said Campbell Lendrum an expert of the WHO speaking at a recent conference in Bangkok, Thailand.
A UN Report on the Bangkok conference said that world must stabilize the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at 445 parts per million by 2015 to keep global temperatures from rising more than 3.6 degrees centigrade over the pre-industrial levels.
The report covering a UN study by more than 2,000 scientists said that significant cuts in greenhouse emissions can be made through increasing the energy efficiency of buildings and transportation vehicles, shifting from fossil fuels to renewables and reforming the forestry and agricultural sectors.
Perhaps the strongest message in the report was that acceptable targets were affordable and achievable at less than 3% of world gross domestic product by 2030.
It should be noted that global growth has averaged 3% per annum since 2000, however, even a 3.6 degrees centigrade temperature increase by 2050 could still threaten water shortages to two billion people and threaten extinction of 25% of the world’s species, the IPCC report said.
An example of a good all round electrical energy efficiency device for commercial buildings, industrial situations, apartment blocks and houses.
Three years is the normal payback time when the Energy Saver timer is used for the control of lights, heaters and air-conditioners in commercial and industrial situations in Australia (a high 33% return on investment).
In a large educational facility in New South Wales, hundreds of lights were being continually left on in vacated lecture rooms, store rooms, plant rooms and lunch rooms.
After the Energy Saver timer was installed in place of the old light switch pads, the client reported an AUD20,000 saving in annual electricity costs.
“This was achieved with a once only capital cost of AUD60,000 giving the client a huge 33% return on their investment,” said Erwin Tischler, CEO of RE Development Company, the devices manufacturers.
Additionally, due to the much shorter hours of lighting use, the client reported a huge drop in the annual equipment maintenance bill for replacement of fluorescent lamps (tubes) and other light fitting parts. This then gave the client’s financial plan a huge boost by increasing their return on investment to well over 50% per annum Mr. Teschler reported.
For further information go to
This Smart Temperature Controller added on to any ducted system will save you up to 30% on running costs claim the distributors, Opals Air Tech Pty Ltd.
The Opal Smart Temperature Control System can temperature control up to seven rooms in a house or buildings ducted air conditioner or heat pump system and it will use up to 60% less power when operating in one room only.
Different rooms heating, cooling, temperature settings or closed modes are now conveniently operated by a small push button hand held remote controller.
“The control system can be set in automatic, manual or turbo modes for maximum comfort and energy efficiency” said Opals Air Tech. Manager, Mario Sharvellis, at the launch of the device at the Sydney Home Show.
For more information on this inexpensive super energy saver go to www.mrsolarenergy.com/aircontroller/
Figures produced by the United States Government give a typical US household spend on energy bills as $1,900 a year. Choosing energy star home products, you can save up to 30% or USD600 per annum according to US Government.
The Government has now developed criteria for the award of an Energy Star in more than 50 product categories.
The Energy Star is awarded to products that use less energy, save money and help protect the environment. Look out for the Energy Star label when shopping for home appliances and products.
Remember, You Reward Yourself Big $$$ When You Choose an Energy Star Product
| Appliances | Battery chargers, clothes washers, de-humidifiers, dishwashers, refrigerators and freezers, room air conditioners, room air coolers, water coolers |
| Heating and Cooling | Air source heat pumps, boilers, central air conditioning, ceiling fans, de-humidifiers, furnaces, geothermal heat pumps, home sealing insulation, light commercial programmable thermostats, small air conditioning systems, ventilating fans |
| Home Envelope | Home sealing insulation and air sealing, roof products, windows, doors and skylights |
| Home Electronics | Battery charging systems, cordless phones, combination units, digital to analog converter boxes, DVD products, external power adaptors, home audio televisions, VCRs |
| Home and Office Equipment | Computers, copiers, digital duplications, external power adaptors, fax machines, laptops, mailing machines, monitors, multi-function devices, printers, scanners, compact fluorescent light bulbs, residential light fixtures, ceiling fans, exit signs, traffic signals. |
| Oil | 34% |
| Coal | 25% |
| Gas | 21% |
| Wood | 11% |
| Hydro | 6% |
| Nuclear | 2% |
| Other | 1% |
Other includes Geo-thermal 0.4% - Wind 0.06% and Solar 0.04%
Two of India's biggest banks, Syndicate Bank and Canara Bank, in partnership with Grameen Bank are helping to finance the rapid expansion of solar home systems in Southern India.
Also, the Indian Government is allowing up to 100% direct foreign investment in solar energy and clean energy projects.
Spain has the dual advantages of ample sunshine and an impressive new feed in law which pays photovoltaic investors a feed in tariff of E44 per kw indexed to inflation. Analysts forecast that the solar energy market in Spain and other European countries will increase by up to 1,000% in the next 5 years.
The European Photovoltaic Industry Association estimates that E2.6B will be invested in new production facilities worldwide in 2007 rising to 14B in 2010.
By 2020, 26 million homes in Spain, Italy and Greece are expected to be powered by solar energy.
Leading banks are now directing billions of dollars towards climate change investments and financings. In New York, CITI CEO Charles Price announced that $50 billion would be earmarked towards market activities and transactions with clients in green energy and energy saving projects over the next 10 years.
Solar energy now accounts for a mere 0.2% of India's energy production. Coal and oil presently power the bulk of India's energy needs.
High oil price volatility, reliance on imports, affordable energy, environmental concerns and global warming are all major concerns.
The Indian Government now plans that renewable energy sources will account for 5% of India's grid connected electricity mix by 2012. This will be achieved through a variety of Federal, State and local Government agency programs and investments by the private sector.
Government incentives initiated by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to assist the exploitation of renewable energy include subsidies, soft loans, accelerated depreciation and concessional import duties on renewable energy materials and products and excise exemption on certain devices and systems.
The Indian Planning Commission has prepared an integrated renewable energy policy that includes:
- Augmented cooking, lighting and motive power generation for 10,000 off-grid villages by 2012 increasing to 600,000 renewable energy villages by 2032.
- A rural application program including numbers of water pumping, heating and lighting services.
- Energy saving education measures generally throughout the country.
One of the biggest challenges for India is to come up with cheaper and better solar cells to accelerate the shift to renewable energy.
Significant breakthroughs in new technology promise to increase solar cell efficiencies from a present 15% to 50% in the very near future. Economies of scale also promise to significantly reduce future solar PV cell production costs.
Advantages of solar power systems are that they generate no air pollution, have a long life, reliability, low maintenance costs, and no recurring or rising fuel costs.
When considering investment in solar power or other energy systems, a total cost approach including initial capital cost, estimated ongoing and operating costs over a nominated life cycle is suggested.
India is now one of the world's major manufacturers of solar cells, solar thermal energy products and wind turbines.
Along with local companies, some of the world's major energy companies are now investing in productive capacity in India.
As well as this, some of India's leading universities and research facilities are particularly focusing on the country's photovoltaic cell research challenges.
- The toaster is more energy efficient than the grill for toasting bread.
- When making tea or coffee, boil only the amount of water required, but make sure the heating elements of electric kettles are covered!
- When drying clothes in a dryer, dry heavy articles separately from light articles
- Turn off the dryer as soon as the clothes are dry – don't over dry the clothes!
- The washing cycle selected on a washing machine should have the lowest water temperature required for the items being washed.
- A full load of washing is more energy efficient than two half loads. Use a cold rinse for your clothes.
- Stop the dishwasher before the drying cycle and open the door to let the dishes air dry.
- Always use the economy button where possible.
- Switch on electric blankets no more than half an hour before you go to bed.
Q..What is solar thermal power?
A..Solar thermal power plants use superheated steam to generate electricity
Q..What is a heat storage vault?
A..A heat storage vault is a multi tank hot water storage system. Some systems use concrete to store heat collected from sunlight. Water is a good heat storage medium especially when held in insulated ponds or tanks. Dry earth is a good insulating material but wet earth on the other hand conducts the heat away.
Q..How much does a home solar system cost?
A..A small 6-12 volt solar light and battery system can be relatively inexpensive (say a few hundred dollars). However, a high quality professionally designed and installed home solar power system supplying mains power to the grid will cost AUD7-AUD10 per watt in Australia. For example for a 5kw system in Australia, you would expect to pay AUD35,000 - AUD50,000.
Q..Where can I get a grant or subsidy to put solar energy in my home and how much can I get?
A..Various grants and subsidies for installing home solar power systems are now available in most countries and local government areas. Check with your local government and utility authorities. Also, local professional solar equipment installers are usually well informed on any grants, subsidies and tax incentives available in your area.
Robert invites you to make your comments and rate his videos on Youtube. Solar Energy Ideas and Alternative Fuels are now showing at www.youtube.com.
If you have a point of view, go to Robert's Blog and have your say on any topics of interest or concern to you.
espana35 on Youtube re 'Solar Energy Ideas' - Awesome ideas man! thanks for posting! 5 stars!
peace1l762 on Youtube re 'Solar Energy Ideas' - Hmm I wonder if it's like this over in the US? Great job! I've heard a lot about changing the way we get energy now to more common sense approaches like your stating.
greyflcn on Youtube re 'Alternative Fuels' - The risk isn't when we run out. It's when it costs too much. Ethanol isn't going to do us much good. Brazil is a Red Herring, almost all of their fuel comes from domestic Oil. And they have plans to dramatically increase their oil production. Don't have to be rich, but thats only in the tropics. Ah yes, Palm Oil BioDiesel. Not like thats going to do us any good.
diamondsmajestic1 reply on Youtube re greyflcn comments on 'Alternative Fuels’ - Yes you are right. Cost is a driver of change. Do you believe that steps towards carbon emission reduction are a steps in the right direction? Destruction of wetlands and rainforests for fuel crops is a serious issue for the world. Maybe stored solar electricity from the sun will be used to power future transport. Maybe new technologies will emerge. Sometimes simple solutions from ordinary people work. Good luck with your 100% electric car project.
greyflcn response - Well 100% electric probably won't be for a while. Instead, something more like the Chevy Volt: A fully electric car, with a scaled down battery, and a lightweight gasoline generator for backup electricity. That way you can drive on 100% electric for all your commutes. And for those long range trips, or inbetween you got gasoline.
Phoenix Motors will probably be the first to deliver this tech. Clean power is good. And we're getting there. Oh, and a good thing to note. Driving on electricity from the dirtiest coal plants would be like driving a Prius in emmisions. That means existing nighttime charging capacity (plus extra power plant fuel) can support virtually an entire countries worth of electric cars. Without building even 1 new power plant.
Claudia Sandoval/Mexico, Playa del Carmen comments on Robert's post 'Water Road' - It is a very interesting issue here, imagine to be able to prevent the reduction of our water sources in the planet and at the same time preventing the grow of the levels of the oceans by using this ocean water and turn it to our vital suit liquid
Readers
Email from Uday Bapat, Mumbai India - Thank you for your news letter. I would like to manufacture solar panel and convert solar energy to electricity. Would you please guide me and mail me litrature which are the components used for solar panel and converters which convert solar energy to electricity.
Email from John Mensah - I have the honour to email you this words, sir, i want to learn more and dedicate my life to SOLAR WORK, so i am appealling to you to come to my aid with BOOKS that would lead me to SOLAR ENERGY. Help me to achieve my future, sir.
Email from Chibuzo Dennis - My name is Chibuzo Dennis an African leaving in Europe. I have some interest to be an enterprenuer and will like to know some basic tips of starting small scale solar energy business in Africa precisesly solar energy panel, roof, as there is abundant sunshine there. I will like to develope this business.I will be glad to have some tips from this issue. Thank you.
Email from Tom Toth, Editor in Chief of Croatian monthly magazine MAJSTOR - Dear Robert, How nice to get your news. I was surprised. But, where did you get my adress from? Because of this subject I am daily at least 1 hour on internet, surfing news from Sweden to New Zealand. I am publisher and editor, so I write a lot about this staff too. And I like to publish and print a good article with essential new approach, or original idea. Just to say something new, from the new angle - abuot old facts.... Thanks anyvay. Tom Toth Editor in Chief of croatian monthly magazine MAJSTOR
