Energy and Climate Change


Professor Comes Up With Way to Neutralize Radioactive Iodine – In the Microwave

A University of Sheffield professor has found a way of locking up iodine radioisotopes in a durable, solid material suitable for ultimate disposal, such as lead iodovanadinite(Pb5(VO4)3I).

SUNY Researchers Evaluate Biobutanol as a Vehicle Fuel

Researchers in the college’s department of paper and bioprocess engineering are experimenting with different strains of bacteria that can ferment sugars extracted from wood into biobutanol that can be pumped into automobile gas tanks. They believe that biobutanol — more efficient than ethanol in producing energy and easier to add to the existing gasoline distribution infrastructure — could be the emerging biofuel of the future.

GE Secures 630 MW of Commitments For its New Wind Turbine

GE unveiled its latest wind turbine technology, the 1.6-100, at the American Wind Energy Association’s (AWEA) Windpower 2011 Conference & Exhibition. The company has already secured nearly 630 megawatts of commitments for the evolutionary 1.6-100, which has been designed for increased performance in areas with lower wind resources

Santa Clara University Partners with Ayllu to Create Map of Off-Grid Energy Solutions

The map provides detailed graphs and analysis of 40 social enterprises in 16 countries that are overcoming vast hurdles in their respective markets to bring electricity or alternative fuel to 500 to 500,000 people apiece.

One of U.S.’s Largest Public Utilities Adopts energyOrbit Cloud Computing Solution

energyOrbit, a cloud-computing company in the Demand Side Management sector, announced the successful Implementation and roll out of energyOrbit at Santee Cooper, one of the country’s largest public utilities.

World Bank to Loan Ukraine $200M for Energy-Efficiency Project

The World Bank’s board of directors has approved a $200 million loan to finance investments in energy-saving programs in industrial companies, municipalities and municipal-owned companies, as well as energy service companies in Ukraine, reports the World Bank on its website.

Fukushima Affect on Ocean Bigger than That of Chernobyl

Radionuclides in seawater have been reported from the Fukushima plant's discharge canals, from coastal waters five to 10 kilometers south of the plant, and from 30 kilometers offshore, that are at least an order of magnitude higher than the highest levels in 1986 in the Baltic and Black Seas, the two ocean water bodies closest to Chernobyl.

Study Predicts Cellulosic Ethanol Won't Contribute to Renewable Fuel Targets by 2022

The study details 12 technologies and 36 projects that convert wood to fuels including ethanol, butanol, diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel.



Biofuel Industry Urges Congress to Leave Biofuels Provision in Energy Law

Advocates of the biofuels industry sent Congress a letter urging lawmakers "to stand firm in the face of calls to waive or repeal the groundbreaking biofuels provisions included in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA), including the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS)."

Radiation Protection Expert Criticizes Comparison of Fukushima to Chernobyl

Taking a close look at information disclosed by Japanese government ministries, the World Health Organization, the International Atomic Energy Agency and others, Professor Wakeford details events at the six different reactors, and the consequent releases of radioactivity.

G-OIL Makes its NASCAR Debut With Kenny Wallace at Dover International Speedway

Green Earth Technologies Inc. has entered a multi-race partnership with RAB Racing with Brack Maggard, promoting G-OIL motor oil at Dover International Speedway. RAB Racing will showcase G-OIL on the No. 09 Toyota Camry driven by Kenny Wallace for four NASCAR Nationwide Series events in 2011.

Pa. DEP Levies Biggest Gas Drilling Fine Ever on Chesapeake Energy

Chesapeake Energy agreed to pay the penalty for using faulty well casings that allowed natural gas to seep into the water supply and for improper handling of a wet gas that resulted in a fire.

New Solar Product Captures up to 95 Percent of Light Energy

A University of Missouri engineer has developed a flexible solar sheet that captures more than 90 percent of available light, and he plans to make prototypes available to consumers within the next five years.

Russian Power Plant's Capacity-Expanding Upgrades Include GE Technology

The project is part of the Russian government’s development plan for St. Petersburg and also supports the country’s overall strategy to expand and continue to modernize its energy infrastructure.

Energy Harvesters Transform Waste into Electricity

Billions of dollars lost each year as waste heat from industrial processes can be converted into electricity with a technology being developed at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Calif. Students Vie for Top Awards in Solar-Powered Boat Races

Solar-powered boats built and raced by students from California high schools captured the top awards at the ninth annual Solar Cup competition sponsored by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and local water agencies.

Researchers Identify Extensive Methane Leaks Under Streets of Boston

Earlier this year, Boston University researchers and collaborators conducted a mobile greenhouse gas audit in Boston and found hundreds of natural gas leaks under the streets and sidewalks of greater Boston.

Autocar Debuts Hybrid Waste Disposal Truck

Autocar announced the launch of its E3 advanced series hybrid cab/chassis, the culmination of a rigorous testing and validation program that follows the successful implementation of a pre-production E3 fleet in service in the greater Miami area.

NREL Releases 2010 Green Electric Utility Ranking

The U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) released its annual assessment of leading utility green power programs.

Tests Show Biosensor Can Guide Environmental Cleanups

Tests of a new antibody-based “biosensor” developed by researchers at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science show that it can detect marine pollutants like oil much faster and more cheaply than current technologies. The device is small and sturdy enough to be used from a boat.

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