New Tidal Energy Farm
January 30, 2006 at 5:31 pm
A tidal energy farm has been proposed by Marine Current Turbines (MCT) for the Bristol Channel. The possible 10MW development will have the capacity to supply energy to 5,500 homes in the area.
A 1MW prototype was installed in Northern Ireland’s strangford Lough last month and the company in now planning environmental impact assessment to see whether the new energy farm can be given the go ahead.
There is already a Seaflow device off the coast of North Devon so this development in nearby waters could also be a success.
Wave Power for the Future
January 25, 2006 at 5:31 pm
A new report from the Carbon Trust states that wave power could provide up to a fifth of the UK’s energy.
Wave power technology is currently expensive as it is in the early stages of development but costs are likey to fall in the future and the Trust are trying to encourage the government to invest in tidal energy now.
Their report states that around 3% of the UK’s energy supply could be generated by wave power by 2020.
Will we Pay for our own Pollution in the Future?
January 24, 2006 at 5:31 pm
A proposed scheme could see us paying for our own pollution by having points deducted from a plastic ‘carbon card’ each time we contribute to the greenhouse gas emissions. Everyone would start the year with say, 1000 points and deductions would be made each time we fill up our cars with petrol or book a flight.
These points could be traded on the ‘carbon market’ so that frequent fliers could buy more when necessary and poorer household could profit from selling their unused points.
This scheme was put before parliament 18 months ago in a private member’s bill sponsored by Labour MP for Morley and Rothwell. He hopes that a national scheme will be in place by 2009 and is currently setting example along with over 40 other MPs by trying to reduce his own carbon emissions by 25% by 2010.
Energy Review Consultation Document Published
January 23, 2006 at 5:30 pm
The publication of a 3 month consultation document marks the beginning of the UK Energy Review. The document outlines the impact of climate change and the need to lessen emissions; the UK’s future import situation which is set to increase dramatically by 2020 and the issue of energy prices.
The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry remarked that action needs to be taken now and "there is not a ‘do nothing’ option"
With many nucleur power stations planned to be shutdown, there is a large percentage pf electricity generation will need replacing. Tony Blair has said he will look specifically into the possibilty of new nuclear build.
The results of the consultation will be incorporated into the full energy review and the government will consider any recommendations after it has been delivered in July. A new White Paper could be produced as a result.
Turn Your TV Off!
January 22, 2006 at 5:30 pm
A huge amount of energy is lost through leaving electrical appliances on standby which not only wastes money but also has a detrimental effect on the environment.
Environment Minister Elliot Morley remarked last year that equipment left on standby emits 800,000 tonnes of carbon and uses 7TWH of energy. This is set to rise as by 2020 it is estimated that there will be 74 million television sets in the UK – more than the population to actually watch them.
There is an argument as to whether we really need standby buttons at all and whether appliances could automatically turn off shortly after they are switched off by remote. This could however mean costs of appliances could increase as special models would have to be made with this function.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has launched an initiative called the "One Watt Plan" which is supported by the UK government. It aims to reduce standby requirements for new appliances to below one watt by 2010.
Education is also an important factor as many consumers are unaware of the energy wasted by leaving their televisions and monitors on. For more information on energy wasted by standby mode and other energy saving advice, see our tips section.
Union Campaigns for Support for Nuclear Power
January 16, 2006 at 5:28 pm
Britain’s Largest manufacturing Union – Amicus are backing nuclear power development stating that urgent action is needed to get the country out a possible ‘energy crisis’.
Blair announced last year that there would be a wide ranging review of energy needs and this is expected to recommend developing renewable energy and building new nuclear plants.
The general secretary of Amicus says that action needs to be taken to prevent future energy shortages and continually rising bills. He remarked that it is important for the government to address nuclear energy so we are not reliant on politically unstable states for our energy in the future.
The union officials are planning a campaign to get the public to support nuclear power and clean coal technology.
UK's Largest Windfarm Opens
January 12, 2006 at 5:28 pm
Blacklaw Wind Farm has opened in South Lanarkshire in Scotland and is the biggest to begin operating in the UK.
Scottish Power created the project which sees 42 turbines operating in phase 1 and a further 12 being built for phase 2. The current turbines produce enough energy to power a town of 70,000 people.
Not only is the project providing green energy and contributing towards Scotland’s renewables targets but it has been praised by conservation groups -The site is an abandoned mine and has now been restored to wetlands, improving the once damaged landscape.
New Wind Farms in Ireland for Airtricity
January 11, 2006 at 5:28 pm
Leading renewable energy company Airtricty – who generate electricity exclusively from natural resources – have announced that they will start building wind farms in Ireland again for the first time in two years.
�130m has been raised by the company to help fund developments both at home and abroad. At existing sites in Limerick, Cavan and Wexford, electricity generation will double.
This new development will ensure that Airtricity’s 50,000 customers are supplied with renewable energy without the worry of importing competitively priced green energy from the UK.
Renewable projects commended
January 4, 2006 at 5:27 pm
A number of green energy projects started generating electricity in 2005 and the governemt has praised them. The projects include the wind farm at Kentish Flats, the Eden Centre’s solar facilities and Wind turbine scheme in Sunderland which have not only contributed towards the government targets to lower emissions but have also been great for raising public awareness, showing people exactly what green energy is and how it works.
Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks noted that it is essential that the UK make continual progress such as this if we want to hit the target of 10% of energy supplied by renewable energy by 2010.
