Wind Energy in Ireland Builds Strong Community Spirit
Like many others, Pat Blount’s life changed on a barstool. Striking up a conversation with the individual beside him, Pat was soon deep in discussion with a representative from wind turbine manufacture Vestas. Pat proceeded to pepper his new companion with question after question about the wind industry and when he left that bar, he set off on a … Read More
‘Golden Age of Gas’ Threatens Renewable Energy
A "golden age of gas" spurred by a tripling of shale gas from fracking and other sources of unconventional gas by 2035 will stop renewable energy in its tracks if governments don't take action, the International Energy Agency has warned. Gas is now relatively abundant in some regions, thanks to the massive expansion of hydraulic fracturing “ frack… Read More
A Mayor with a Vision Transforms Rural Czech Community
“I tried to change things but I had to recognize that it wasn’t possible, says Petr Pavek, leaning against his adobe straw bale house. He gazes out on his property over-looking the little town of Jindřichovice pod Smrkem in the Czech Republic. In the fields below grow organic vegetables, and cows for organic beef graze in the pasture. A totem … Read More
Princeton Senior Exploring Solution of Bamboo as Biofuel
Princeton University senior named Amanda Rees may have come up with the most promising solution so far. Rees, 22, is convinced that an important part to the world’s energy future may lie in a fast-growing, nearly indestructible weed that makes homeowners tremble and pandas salivate: bamboo. “It comes in over 1,200 species, she said with unabashed … Read More
Dreaming of Wind Energy in the Shadow of the Himalayas
Amrit points it out as we zoom past on his motorbike. If you look closely, past the Nokia sign, past the other motorbikes, over the jumble of electric wires, and let your eyes drift upward, you might see it. It is a solution to the energy problems of Nepal, turning in the wind. Amrit turns a corner, jokes with a security guard and drives into the … Read More
Small Island States in Clean Energy Race
A new United Nations analysis of the most recent energy plans of 52 low lying poor countries - traditionally heavily dependent on imports of petrol and oil - shows the Caribbean island of Dominica leading the world with plans to become carbon "negative" by 2020. The Maldives is not far behind, hoping to be carbon neutral by 2020. Tuvalu and the Coo… Read More
“I Love Windpower” Brings Energy and Identity to Mali
The windmills deliver energy to local homes, but they also had some unexpected impacts. Two men participating in the workshop were from different tribes that for the last 20 years had not spoken to each other. During the workshop the two men became great friends, and now the tribes are talking again. The sense of identity and ownership derived from… Read More
Orthodox Community Embraces Renewable Energy
Mr. Juriga established the Akademie, with the support of the church and Orthodox Monastery, in the little village of Vilemov. Through small scale solar, wind, and hydro power, the Akademie educates kids and adults about renewable energy and climate change. The reaction has been incredibly positive from all groups, especially the secondary school st… Read More
