Morocco to host first solar farm in €400bn renewables network

The vast solar and windfarm project across North Africa and the Middle East may provide 15% of Europe's electricity by 2050.

Morocco has been chosen as the first location for a German-led, €400bn project to build a vast network of solar and windfarms across North Africaand the Middle East to provide 15% of Europe's electricity supply by 2050.

The Desertec Industrial Initiative (DII), a coalition of companies including E.ON, Siemens, Munich Re and Deutsche Bank, announced at its annual conference being held in Cairo on Wednesday that "all systems are go in Morocco", with construction of the first phase of a 500MW solar farm scheduled to start next year. The precise location of the €2bn plant is yet to be finalised, but it is expected to be built near the desert city of Ouarzazate. It will use parabolic mirrors to generate heat for conventional steam turbines, as opposed to the photovoltaic cells used in the UK.

Solar-powered internet school set to benefit children in rural Africa

Resilient mobile classroom incorporating laptops, video camera and electronic blackboard will work in areas without electricity.

Their days of sitting in a ramshackle, sweltering school building, or taking lessons under the shade of a tree, could be about to change.

Children in the farthest corners of rural Africa are the target of a mobile, solar-powered classroom that was launched in Johannesburg this week.
The classroom, built inside a 12-metre-long shipping container by electronics firm Samsung, has an array of gadgets including laptops, a video camera and a 50-inch e-board in place of a blackboard.
According to the manufacturers, the "solar powered internet school" can easily be carried by truck to remote areas, survive harsh weather conditions and, crucially, operate where there is no electricity supply.
Foldaway solar panels provide enough energy to power the classroom's equipment for up to nine hours a day, and for one and a half days without any sunlight at all. The panels are made from rubber instead of glass to ensure they are hardy enough to survive long journeys across the continent.
Samsung said: "Electricity remains Africa's largest economic challenge with the level of penetration lower than 25% in most rural areas.
"This lack of power isolates communities, and limits their access to education and information, both of which are key to fast-tracking a nation's development."
The classroom has space for 21 pupils and a teacher, and includes a ventilation system designed to maintain a "temperate environment".
It is fitted with a variety of computers including solar-powered laptops and tablets. It also has an energy-efficient fridge, a file server loaded with educational content, a router, a video camera and a "world first" Wi-Fi camera, all of which communicate via 3G.
This allows a central location, such as the department of education, to monitor classes and deliver curriculum-based content directly to the laptops of both pupils and staff.
If the best-laid plans are struck by a computer glitch, teachers can still use a regular built-in whiteboard and chalkboard.
The prototype is being piloted at the Samsung Electronics Engineering Academy in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg. It will then be sent to Qunu in the Eastern Cape to undergo further testing.
President and chief executive of Samsung Electronics Africa, KK Park, said: "We have set an ambitious goal for ourselves in Africa: to positively impact 5 million lives by 2015."

Among Many Uses Gold Nanoparticles Could Help Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

Gold nanoparticles could be used to make better Graetzel solar cells, among others, as a Queensland University of Technology scientist claims to have discovered.
The scientist is Adrian Fuchs, and he found out how gold nanoparticles can be dispersed into polymers or plastics, to make them more durable.
They could also be used in intensifying the colors of dyes: "Paint is essentially plastic so when gold nanoparticles are added it makes colours more intense across the whole visible spectrum.The paint also be more durable when exposed to a harsh environment."
The interesting part for us it that "if you put gold nanoparticles with titanium dioxide using a plastic mould, you can make every efficient catalyst to purify water: the titania absorbs the light and converts it into elctricity which is passed into the conductive gold."
Today's Graetzel (dye-sensitized solar cells) are very inefficient but cheap. Making better conducting layers for them wold accont for an increase in efficiency, which more than expected. You may think that if gold is involved in this process it may bring the prices up from where they were, but Fuchs only studies a gold nanoparticles approach, so i think high prices are out of the question here.

Fuel from bacteria, green future of transport

Scientists discover new and new ways of producing fuels, but unfortunately few come to be widely used, where, despite the promotion of cars "green", are preferred as solutions grown.

Rage in terms of bio-fuels is the technology to synthesize it by "recycling" of carbon dioxide.

How is it possible? Using a genetically modified bacteria that consume the gas and converts it into liquid.

The reaction occurs through photosynthesis, without the intervention of specialized devices - need only pure solar energy.

Researchers say that this method is less costly than other ways of obtaining fuel, such as the plant.

China surprises with a huge building powered by the sun

The construction of the image shows the development of China's true power - the "Sun Dial", the largest business center in the world with solar power.

Roof with solar panels has an area of 75,000 square meters, and below it are huge spaces for exhibitions, research laboratories, conference and training rooms, offices and even a hotel.

In making the imposing steel structures used very little, only 1% of the amount used for raising the famous stadium "Bird's Nest" (Bird's Nest), who hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics.

To save as much energy, the walls were isolated using cutting-edge technologies. The official inauguration of the building, located in Dezhou city, event happened during the 4th World Solar City Congress in the autumn.

The primacy of this achievement but it might take less, because the Arabs are ready to close in February 2010 an entire solar city - Masdar City. Their plans may still be foiled by the economic crisis, felt even in the emirate of luxury and extravagant - Abhu Dhabi.

Solar panels on roofs, parking lots

Several French players and / or European energy looking for parking uncovered implant devices to support solar panels for electricity production. Alter-negotiation company was mandated by these operators to negotiate with owners of parking was to be interlecutor and make technical and administrative feasibility studies. The parking area must have a minimum of 90 parking spaces and a south exposure.

Parking for each owner advantage of the operation are not insignificant:

- Improve parking by installing a structure (whose investment is made by the operator) that protects users and vehicles against adverse weather conditions and sun rays;

- Sun protection vehicle generates a minimal use of air conditioning, responsible mostly for the production of carbon dioxide, and reduce fuel consumption;

- Promoting your image as Secretary of the Environment;

- Providing a down payment for rent. Furthermore, a photovoltaic installation is not any risk in terms of safety goods and people, the noise or smell, the issue of toxic pollution into the atmosphere or groundwater blades. Facilities made are reversible (can always be removed). As the owner does not take care of nothing more than to provide parking and to sign a concession contract for 20 years. No fee (feasibility study, impact) do not enter your obligations or the beginning of operation or during operation of the plant.

Installation of photovoltaic electricity production last generation

The department Green Power, ELECTRO - VOX has put into operation at the plant in Ploiesti (Roumania) a photovoltaic electricity production last generation.
Installation of 2 025 (w), is composed of high quality components produced by companies SunPower SMA USA and Germany, making exceptional electrical parameters: yield 18.5% and solar power panels 200w/mp * for power, and over 95% of the inverter coupling network.

Unit is dedicated to demonstrations and has already been put into operation on September 20, with modern monitoring capabilities through the Internet and has automatic guidance system for maximum efficiency zone.

2.5 XL Wind turbines from GE Energy have the capacity for extremely low temperatures

The most advanced wind turbine from GE Energy 2.5-XL, is now available with a package for extremely low temperatures (CWE).
Adding package CWE guarantee operation of 2.5 xl wind turbines at low temperatures up to -30 ⁰ C, and in regime survival, without being put to work at temperatures up to -40 ⁰ C. CWE package is particularly important for wind turbines to work in Canada, where low temperatures are common.


Earlier this year GE announced that turbines of 2.5 xl, already enshrined in applications in Europe and Asia, will be released in North America in 2010. Initially, CWE package was developed for wind turbines of 1.5 megawatts (MW) and was adapted for turbines 2.5 XL, that the latest product of technology developed for wind turbine company.
"With over 4,400 wind turbines installed in locations characterized by low temperatures, GE has a long experience on the implementation of the turbines in adverse conditions," said Victor Abate, vice president of renewable resources, GE Energy. 2.5xl turbines are the most advanced technology of GE wind turbines in terms of efficiency, reliability and ability to connect to the network.

They are designed to ensure the highest annual energy production of their class and builds on the success of the 1.5 MW wind turbines from GE, that is most commonly used wind units in the world, currently being installed over 12,000 such turbines. The generator 2.5 MW turbines of 2.5 xl can provide a higher production projects on a smaller field and the High performance thanks to their sound over distances of kickback noise receptors can be minimized, allowing the installation of a number more units on a given area of land.

"Despite global economic challenges, we see further opportunities for sustainable growth in North American wind industry," said Abate. "Adding the package for extremely low temperatures in our model of 2.5 xl greatly expanded our ability to handle various needs of our customers.

According to the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA), Canada has surpassed last year's installed wind energy capacity of 2,000 megawatts and is expected to exceed 3,000 megawatts in 2009. Currently, wind power provide about 1% of Canada's electricity needs, wind turbines in this country representing a production capacity of over 2,800 megawatts, enough to meet the needs of over 860,000 homes. Province of Ontario is currently the leader in wind energy segment in Canada, with an installed capacity of 1162 megawatts, providing clean electricity for 300,000 homes.
Currently, GE has a strong presence in the wind industry in Canada, with an installed base of 938 MW (39%) nationwide and 780 MW in Ontario (62%). Also, GE is a major supporter of the initiative "WindVision 2025" the association CanWEA collaboration with federal and provincial partners in order to ensure the 20% of Canada's electricity on wind power by 2025, thereby reaching a total of approximately 52,000 new jobs "green" and new investments worth 79 billion nationwide.
About GE Energy
GE Energy (www.ge.com / energy) is one of the largest providers of technology for producing and delivering energy in the world, posting total revenues of 29.3 billion USD in 2008. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, GE Energy operates in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy, but renewable resources such as water, wind, sun and biogas, among other alternative fuels. Numerous GE Energy products are certified under "ecomagination" initiative GE corporate-wide to aggressively bring to market new technologies that will help customers align more demanding environmental requirements.

Green buildings, energy efficiency

How would you protect the environment to sit in the house? It sounds impossible, but it is not. It would be very easy if you live in a green building.
How would you protect the environment to sit in the house? It sounds impossible, but it is not. It would be very easy if you live in a green building.
Such construction requires, in short, use of renewable energy sources and protecting the environment by using recyclable materials and adopting a system of heating water using solar energy.
What is a green building?
The term "green" defines any new or old construction that minimizes or eliminates the risk of harming the environment. Manufacturers can use modern technical solutions, such as specialized windows or traditional solutions, like natural ventilation.
The most important advantage is to reduce energy costs and the recycling Borncamp Steven explains, adding that studies show that natural light buildings improve employee productivity.
Another advantage is that, unlike traditional buildings where the costs increase as construction is gaining momentum, raising the green homes cost more to level design, but the amount decreases as the building is constructed.
How to have a house "green" :
* Use low energy bulbs
* Change your old windows that do not isolate well
* Insulates your home, especially the attic or bridge
* Buy appliances with low power
* Install your solar panels to produce energy
* Use natural ventilation solutions instead of air conditioning
* Natural stone paving garden
* Change sanitation old with some new, recyclable materials
* Triaza and recycling waste
* Ideal is to build the house of polystyrene insulation encasing the concrete is poured, allowing a double insulated.

1 billion dollars in renewable energy

Billionaire George Soros said it would invest 1 billion U.S. dollars in renewable energy technologies and create an organization that would advise the authorities on environmental issues, reports Bloomberg.
Soros, founder of Soros Fund Management LLC Fund, was announced Saturday in Copenhagen, during a seminar on climate change.

"I want to apply clear criteria such investments will be profitable, but to and contribute to solving problems (climate change)," Soros said in an e-mail quoted by Bloomberg News Sunday.

Soros, aged 79 years, not given, but details about the type or purpose investments that could be done, but said that the organization will establish Climate Policy Initiative, which will donate 10 million U.S. dollars each year in next ten years.

The organization will provide "Partial advisory services, partly to develop environmental policies and partly to carry out surveillance", he said the initiative, Thomas Heller, who is a professor at Stanford University Law School and an expert in energy and environmental legislation applicable.

The organization will develop programs on climate change and will operate in the U.S., Europe, China, India and Brazil.

"Matter with global warming is primarily a political today," Soros said, adding that the organization will deal with issues such as trade and the carbon rights.

Soros said he prefers the taxes applied to emissions of greenhouse gas trading system for carbon emissions, which is practiced in Europe, because it can be manipulated by investors.

Will the world become better, in the sense that we looked to what surrounds us .... to nature???

How to Build Your Own Solar Heating System

Pressurized Solar Panels Available in all Specialty Stores

In Solar Panels field,science get bigger rank once with the passage of time and today appeared pressurized solar panels, which are based on the newest technology in this domain.This pressurized solar panels can generate electricity for free, and a big advantage of these systems is that cause they use diffuse and direct radiation converting them into electric or thermal energy.This kind of solar panels consist: borsilicat tubes with thick walls (like a thermos) and the copper pipe in which solar energy is transformed into thermal energy.Those systems are easily used in many fields and have the advantage of small size compared to other devices used by now.All this device is monitored by a computer which controls and maintains the optimum temperature for proper functioning of our solar system.Advantages: the energy is free, each square meter of solar panel reduced 850 cubic meters of gas per year, costs 0; best quality-price, not pollute the environment, is easy to install and does not require stringent care.

3 Decades of Using Solar Systems for Heating Water

Solar systems were used in states "with a developed economy" still from many years ago.For example in U.S. solar systems that heat water were used 30 years before now.When I was born ,from almost 22 years ago, all the houses around Los Angeles have installed solar systems for water heating.Then started a period when this technology has decreased and started to disappear from the market but it seems that with this "global economic crisis" solar systems used for water heating occur again in order to reduce electricity consumption.This systems have to evolve and now is present in some word's deserts using the old principle of a solar-water-heating system.Some mirrors concentrate solar energy to an container with water, it Boil that water at a high temperature, producing steam that is taken by a turbine wich produces electricity.Those systems are known more briefly: Solar-Thermal Central.Those centrals could represent the future of this solar technology.The power give from this central is the most important thing, for example in California those solar centrals power 400,000 homes.An other similar system is the solar tower similar to solar-thermal central.This works like that: towers are surrounded by mirrors, transmitting energy to tower where it heats a special fluid, which moves a turbine connected to a generator.

Solar Energy:Mythology-Past.Technology-Present.Success-Future

The Sun is an important symbol in the mankind culture since from beginning.Many years ago (about 5000 years) Egyptians believed the sun is very important god named "Ra". The sun was called Shamash in Mesopotamia, he represents the supreme court power and justice.Nowadays the sun is seen not in the same way.He represents one of the factors without life could not be possible on earth, and he is also considered as a star (the nearest star).Solar systems found more often in people's homes, tend to cover the entire energy market in the alternative energy field.Personal i am a fan of these systems and I hope in a few years everyone could have access to these systems in order to create ecological Landscapes,green world and to reduce consumption power to 0, the disappearance of electricity bills.

Solar Powered Bikini with USB and Smart Swim Suit for Women

Solar Powered Insect Used for Espionage Missions

This small insect that you can see in the next picture is actually a robot that has attached two devices that makes from it an unique robot.First device helps to fly and the second device is a mini solar panel that supply with energy all robot's system, keeping it in the air for a long period.This solar insect could be used easily to research actions, espionage or surveillance.

Solar Powered Kitchen Scale Reduce Electricity Consumption To 0

In people's homes are more and more devices that use solar energy.Now in women's cuisines we could find all sorts of robots and solar gadgets wich help at daily work.This scale is powered by the sun and is similar to a normal scale but only difference is that it uses small solar panels to reduce electricity consumption to 0.

Solar Powered Underwear for Women

New Solar Refrigerator Cools Faster and Consume Less Energy

The cooling system that we use in our refrigerators at home require a lot of electricity and electricity as it is know today is quite expensive :D.For that reason some students from Chile have built a prototype that uses sunlight to make the cooling process.Classical cooling process used by now was based on the fact that turn liquid ammonia in the hydrogen gas and the evaporation of liquid ammonia in the presence of hydrogen gas produced the cooling.Those new refrigerators will function in other way:Is formed the next cycle : ammonia is sent in a cylinder which is filled with water, and the cylinder is heated by some powerfull solar panels.Ammonia liquid will vaporize from water and cause in contact with hydrogen gas,the cooling.Then by condensation the ammonia gas is sent back and in water.This cycle repeats, using solar energy, these refrigerators can work longer, more efficient, and with a reduced consumption of electricity.

Solar Panels combined with Melted Salts lead to a maximum capacity of Solar Energy Storage

As you can see from the last posts you may realize that I am one of those people that support the development of solar systems and try to make "light"in each project of this kind.In solar panels field, researchers have discovered a new technology that is combined with mineral salts, melted salts that could lead to some more advanced solar systems more effective.This new system is based on some mirrors attached in circles that have in the middle of them a reflector.Inside it this reflector has salts, which can reach a high temperature and then are transmitted to a turbine that produces electricity (used salts: potassium nitrate and sodium). Such systems have been used before, but their advantage is that cause replacement water with those salts could lead to a temperature of aproximately 390 degrees.This receptor is situated at the same level with the earth and the size of this receptor would reach a maximum limit(no size limit).Those solar systems are already available in stores from Spain and the researchers say that are much cheaper than other solar panels.