Category: energy
German Solar Cell Maker Bites the Dust
Deutsche Welle reports that cell maker Q Cells is filing for bankruptcy. Boosted by state funding, Chinese solar firms have recently gained a financial edge over German manufacturers, allowing them to offer solar panels up to a third cheaper. “The fall in prices in recent months has exceeded our expectations,” Frank Asbeck, head of Solarworld [...]
How the Energy Market will Change in the 21st Century
The McKinsey Quarterly has an interview with energy expert Daniel Yergin that covers major trends in energy supply and demand in the 21st Century, the “world of $100/barrel oil.” Some of his major points: Fracking may be here to stay for a generation or more The rivalry between the US & China for energy resources [...]
Suddenly it’s 1978 All Over Again
It must be time to break out the mood rings and platform shoes. The Wall Street Journal reports that the nascent recovery could be threatened by a spike in oil prices. Prices at the pump have risen sharply in recent weeks. The average price of a gallon of regular gasoline has jumped 13.5 cents to [...]
Want to Go Green? Get Old. . .
. . . Buildings, that is. According to a recent study released by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, older buildings may make the best green investment: The Greenest Building explores the environmental impacts associated with the decision to demolish and replace existing buildings – and especially the carbon dioxide savings that might be offered [...]
Use of Smart Meters on the Increase
Kind of a follow up on yesterday’s post: Electronics Engineering Times reports that sales of the chips for smart meters are expected to double: The rollout of smart meters is being propelled by government support and regulations, IHS said. In the U.S., stimulus money from the Smart Grid Investment Grant program is driving the replacement [...]
When One Thinks of Lively, Upcoming Green U.S. Cities. . .
probably the last city you think of is Buffalo. Well, over at Next American City, Chris Hawley thinks you’ve got it all wrong: When gas is $8/gallon, living in Buffalo will be a luxury. Buffalo is compact, diverse, and connected. Thanks to a new zoning code in the words, we will continue to develop smart [...]
