Tel Aviv University's Department of Physical Electronics and its innovative new Renewable Energy Center are now developing a solar panel composed of nano-antennas instead of semiconductors. By adapting classic metallic antennas to absorb light waves at optical frequencies, a much higher conversion rate from light into useable energy could be achieved. Such efficiency, combined with a lower material cost, would mean a cost-effective way to harvest and utilize "green" energy.
Traditionally, detectors based on semiconducting materials like silicon are used to interface with light, while radio waves are captured by antenna. For optimal absorption, the antenna dimensions must correspond to the light's very short wavelength. Initial tests indicate that 95 percent of the wattage going into the antenna comes out, meaning that only five percent is wasted.
The solar spectrum is very broad with UV or infrared rays ranging from ten microns to less than two hundred nanometers. No semiconductor can handle this broad a spectrum, and they absorb only a fraction of the available energy. A group of antennas, however, can be manufactured in different lengths with the same materials and process, exploiting the entire available spectrum of light.
When finished, the team's new solar panels will be large sheets of plastic which, with the use of a nano-imprinting lithography machine, will be imprinted with varying lengths and shapes of metallic antennas.
Solar sees innovations every day, and that despite disappointing news like the cut in feed in tariff in UK which has many householders vexed about their plans to generate energy at home.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Impasse
Following the release of a European Commission report on critical raw materials in 2010, scientists at the Joint Research Centre (JRC) highlighted in a new report that five metals, essential for manufacturing low-carbon technologies, show a high risk of shortage. Reasons for this lie in Europe's dependency on imports, increasing global demand, supply concentration and geopolitical issues.
The JRC has now carried out an in depth analysis of the use of raw materials, especially metals, in the six priority low-carbon energy technologies of the Commission's SET-Plan: nuclear, solar, wind, bio-energy, carbon capture and storage and electricity grids.
It reveals that five metals commonly used in these technologies -- neodymium, dysprosium, indium, tellurium and gallium -- show a high risk of shortage. A large-scale deployment of solar energy technologies, for example, will require half the current world supply of tellurium and 25% of the supply of indium. At the same time, the envisaged deployment of wind energy technology in Europe will require large amounts of neodymium and dysprosium, (about 4% of the current global supply each) for permanent magnet generators.
Almost over 90 percent of rare earths are imported from China which sits on the world's deposits of these. The dilemma for manufacturers the world over will be the same. And considering yesterday's blockbuster report from IEA on the crisis we are sure headed into unless we shuft to low carbon lufetsyle, this is grim news.
Is there a way out? Is energy conservation and using less of limited resources the answer?
The JRC has now carried out an in depth analysis of the use of raw materials, especially metals, in the six priority low-carbon energy technologies of the Commission's SET-Plan: nuclear, solar, wind, bio-energy, carbon capture and storage and electricity grids.
It reveals that five metals commonly used in these technologies -- neodymium, dysprosium, indium, tellurium and gallium -- show a high risk of shortage. A large-scale deployment of solar energy technologies, for example, will require half the current world supply of tellurium and 25% of the supply of indium. At the same time, the envisaged deployment of wind energy technology in Europe will require large amounts of neodymium and dysprosium, (about 4% of the current global supply each) for permanent magnet generators.
Almost over 90 percent of rare earths are imported from China which sits on the world's deposits of these. The dilemma for manufacturers the world over will be the same. And considering yesterday's blockbuster report from IEA on the crisis we are sure headed into unless we shuft to low carbon lufetsyle, this is grim news.
Is there a way out? Is energy conservation and using less of limited resources the answer?
Thursday, November 10, 2011
IEA warns of irreversible change
If fossil fuel infrastructure is not rapidly changed, the world will 'lose forever' the chance to avoid dangerous climate change. We must start aggressively deploying clean energy now through myriad policies, including a price on carbon. Waiting for breakthrough technologies are urging us on a path that is unsustainable, irreversible, potentially catastrophic, and economically indefensible, according to the IEA.
For every $1 of investment in cleaner technology that is avoided in the power sector before 2020, an additional $4.30 would need to be spent after 2020 to compensate for the increased emissions
"As each year passes without clear signals to drive investment in clean energy, the 'lock-in' of high-carbon infrastructure is making it harder and more expensive to meet our energy security and climate goals," said Fatih Birol, IEA Chief Economist.
The WEO presents a 450 Scenario, which traces an energy path consistent with meeting the globally agreed goal of limiting the temperature rise to 2 degrees C. Four-fifths of the total energy-related CO2 emissions permitted to 2035 in the 450 Scenario are already locked in by existing capital stock, including power stations, buildings and factories. Without further action by 2017, the energy-related infrastructure then in place would generate all the CO2 emissions allowed in the 450 Scenario up to 2035.
The IEA has created an intermediate scenario between 2 degrees C (3.6 degrees F) and 6 degrees C (10.8 degrees F) warming -- "the WEO's central New Policies Scenario, which assumes that recent government commitments are implemented in a cautious manner": In the New Policies Scenario, world primary demand for energy increases by one-third between 2010 and 2035 and energy-related CO2 emissions increase by 20 percent, following a trajectory consistent with a long-term rise in the average global temperature in excess of 3.5 degrees C [6.3 degrees F]. A lower rate of global economic growth in the short term would make only a marginal difference to longer-term energy and climate trends.
For every $1 of investment in cleaner technology that is avoided in the power sector before 2020, an additional $4.30 would need to be spent after 2020 to compensate for the increased emissions
"As each year passes without clear signals to drive investment in clean energy, the 'lock-in' of high-carbon infrastructure is making it harder and more expensive to meet our energy security and climate goals," said Fatih Birol, IEA Chief Economist.
The WEO presents a 450 Scenario, which traces an energy path consistent with meeting the globally agreed goal of limiting the temperature rise to 2 degrees C. Four-fifths of the total energy-related CO2 emissions permitted to 2035 in the 450 Scenario are already locked in by existing capital stock, including power stations, buildings and factories. Without further action by 2017, the energy-related infrastructure then in place would generate all the CO2 emissions allowed in the 450 Scenario up to 2035.
The IEA has created an intermediate scenario between 2 degrees C (3.6 degrees F) and 6 degrees C (10.8 degrees F) warming -- "the WEO's central New Policies Scenario, which assumes that recent government commitments are implemented in a cautious manner": In the New Policies Scenario, world primary demand for energy increases by one-third between 2010 and 2035 and energy-related CO2 emissions increase by 20 percent, following a trajectory consistent with a long-term rise in the average global temperature in excess of 3.5 degrees C [6.3 degrees F]. A lower rate of global economic growth in the short term would make only a marginal difference to longer-term energy and climate trends.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Demand will peak, says study
Forget Peak oil that refers to peaking of oil supply, now a new study suggests that global oil demand will peak before 2020. With participation of some of the world's leading energy and technology companies and organizations, the research challenged the concept that "Peak Oil" will be a supply side phenomenon and predicts that the demand for oil may well peak before 2020 and then fall back to levels significantly below 2010 demand by 2035. It underlies a general underestimation of the future impact of government policies to improve fuel efficiency and promote alternatives to oil, according to the study.
The study findings suggest that there is a strong chance of oil demand reaching its peak before 2020, at no more than about 4 percent above 2010 levels, before falling into a long-term decline trend, with demand in 2035 back down to some 3 percent below 2010 levels.
The study predicts significant changes in future demand patterns, strongly influenced by global energy security policies, the technology change that they promote, and demographics. Evolutionary changes in automotive technology is predicted to bring revolutionary changes in fuel demand. The increasing disparity of demand between fuel types, diesel volumes are buoyed by heavy duty transportation use while gasoline declines due to increasing powertrain efficiencies and higher pump blends of bio-ethanol.
The study also predicts improved supply prospects for natural gas likely to lead to decoupling of oil and gas market.
That sure is a welcome trend if we can move with the reality of fossil fuels running out. But there are the cynics who do not believe any significant improvisation on vehicle efficiencies nor that biofuels will make any big impact. Time will tell.
The study findings suggest that there is a strong chance of oil demand reaching its peak before 2020, at no more than about 4 percent above 2010 levels, before falling into a long-term decline trend, with demand in 2035 back down to some 3 percent below 2010 levels.
The study predicts significant changes in future demand patterns, strongly influenced by global energy security policies, the technology change that they promote, and demographics. Evolutionary changes in automotive technology is predicted to bring revolutionary changes in fuel demand. The increasing disparity of demand between fuel types, diesel volumes are buoyed by heavy duty transportation use while gasoline declines due to increasing powertrain efficiencies and higher pump blends of bio-ethanol.
The study also predicts improved supply prospects for natural gas likely to lead to decoupling of oil and gas market.
That sure is a welcome trend if we can move with the reality of fossil fuels running out. But there are the cynics who do not believe any significant improvisation on vehicle efficiencies nor that biofuels will make any big impact. Time will tell.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Green Pilgrimages!
The newly formed Green Pilgrimage Network, of which the Sikh holy city of Amritsar is the only member from South Asia, has pledged to take a series of steps to turn pilgrim cities green.
A presentation on the Golden Temple and environment initiatives by SGPC and Amritsar city covered plantation drives, solar energy use and future water recycling programmes.
Among the initiatives agreed to by the group at its first convention in Assisi, Italy, are a ban on cars on pilgrimage routes, solar panels for cathedral roofs, provision of fresh clean water for pilgrims and planting of thousands of trees around sacred sites.
Now wouldn't that be great if more of the pilgrim cities and towns do a clean up? Especially in India, most of these places are ridden with plastic waste, bottles and cups and plates clogging streams and roadsides. Solar panels would be a good option while ban on cars would make it a real pilgrimage.
A presentation on the Golden Temple and environment initiatives by SGPC and Amritsar city covered plantation drives, solar energy use and future water recycling programmes.
Among the initiatives agreed to by the group at its first convention in Assisi, Italy, are a ban on cars on pilgrimage routes, solar panels for cathedral roofs, provision of fresh clean water for pilgrims and planting of thousands of trees around sacred sites.
Now wouldn't that be great if more of the pilgrim cities and towns do a clean up? Especially in India, most of these places are ridden with plastic waste, bottles and cups and plates clogging streams and roadsides. Solar panels would be a good option while ban on cars would make it a real pilgrimage.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Puffing away
The world pumped about 564m more tons (512m metric tons) of carbon into the air in 2010 than it did in 2009, an increase of 6%, according to the US department of energy.
That amount of extra pollution eclipses the individual emissions of all but three countries, China, the US and India, the world's top producers of greenhouse gases. Extra pollution in China and the US account for more than half the increase in emissions last year.
In 2010 people were travelling more, and manufacturing was back up worldwide, spurring the use of fossil fuels, and hence emissions.
In 2007, when the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued its last large report on global warming, it used different scenarios for carbon dioxide pollution and said the rate of warming would be based on the rate of pollution. But the latest figures put global emissions higher than the worst case projections from the climate panel.
There is something 'good' in recent emissions figures. The developed countries that ratified the 1997 Kyoto Protocol greenhouse gas limiting treaty have reduced their emissions overall since then and have achieved their goals of cutting emissions to about 8% below 1990 levels. In 1990, developed countries produced about 60% of the world's greenhouse gases, now it's probably less than 50%.
Well, Durban is to happen and will it rove just another exercise in 'shadow-boxing'? Just another mega event that produces its own emissions?!
That amount of extra pollution eclipses the individual emissions of all but three countries, China, the US and India, the world's top producers of greenhouse gases. Extra pollution in China and the US account for more than half the increase in emissions last year.
In 2010 people were travelling more, and manufacturing was back up worldwide, spurring the use of fossil fuels, and hence emissions.
In 2007, when the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued its last large report on global warming, it used different scenarios for carbon dioxide pollution and said the rate of warming would be based on the rate of pollution. But the latest figures put global emissions higher than the worst case projections from the climate panel.
There is something 'good' in recent emissions figures. The developed countries that ratified the 1997 Kyoto Protocol greenhouse gas limiting treaty have reduced their emissions overall since then and have achieved their goals of cutting emissions to about 8% below 1990 levels. In 1990, developed countries produced about 60% of the world's greenhouse gases, now it's probably less than 50%.
Well, Durban is to happen and will it rove just another exercise in 'shadow-boxing'? Just another mega event that produces its own emissions?!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
UN seeks high-profile drive for clean energy
The UN has called for a high-profile initiative to promote universal access to power such as electricity in developing countries based on a global advocacy campaign and investments on the ground for clean energy.
In its annual Human Development Report, the UN Development Progamme (UNDP) said the time is right for such a drive as the UN has designated 2012 as the international year of sustainable energy for all. This year's report, Sustainability and Equity, published on Wednesday, focuses on environmental degradation and its potential impact on human development. Environmental trends over recent decades show deterioration on several fronts, the report says, with adverse repercussions for human development.
As to the cost in moving to clean energy, the report cites estimates of total annual mitigation and adaptation costs by 2030 as ranging from $249bn to $1,371bn. While the amounts are large, the UNDP points out they are below current spending on defence, on recent banking bailouts and on "perverse" subsidies.
It points to "innovative" sources of financing such as a currency transaction tax – an idea it first mooted in 1994, which is gaining traction. The EU backs such a tax, although it is opposed by the UK which fears that such a move would undercut London's status as a financial centre. A tax of 0.005% would yield around $40bn a year worldwide, according to the report, while even a unilateral currency transaction tax limited to the euro could raise $4.2bn to $9.3bn in additional financing.
The report also puts particular emphasis on the need to empower women as a way of meeting the world's environmental challenges.
In its annual Human Development Report, the UN Development Progamme (UNDP) said the time is right for such a drive as the UN has designated 2012 as the international year of sustainable energy for all. This year's report, Sustainability and Equity, published on Wednesday, focuses on environmental degradation and its potential impact on human development. Environmental trends over recent decades show deterioration on several fronts, the report says, with adverse repercussions for human development.
As to the cost in moving to clean energy, the report cites estimates of total annual mitigation and adaptation costs by 2030 as ranging from $249bn to $1,371bn. While the amounts are large, the UNDP points out they are below current spending on defence, on recent banking bailouts and on "perverse" subsidies.
It points to "innovative" sources of financing such as a currency transaction tax – an idea it first mooted in 1994, which is gaining traction. The EU backs such a tax, although it is opposed by the UK which fears that such a move would undercut London's status as a financial centre. A tax of 0.005% would yield around $40bn a year worldwide, according to the report, while even a unilateral currency transaction tax limited to the euro could raise $4.2bn to $9.3bn in additional financing.
The report also puts particular emphasis on the need to empower women as a way of meeting the world's environmental challenges.
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