Blogger's Note: Where's Digby's scuba school or renewable energy tech school?? We could use those here!They would provide training and employment.
Scuba program expecting big growth
Last Updated: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 | 11:30 AM AT Comments1Recommend4CBC News
With a new facility and a growing demand from industry, P.E.I.'s Holland College is expecting big increases in enrolment at its commercial diving program.
'I heard about it when I was actually in Australia.'
— student Evan PalmerThe program relocated from Georgetown to the Marine Centre in Summerside this month. There is more space and they no longer have to use a diving tank for instruction, because they're only 100 meters from the water.
This year there are 12 students in the program, but next year they expect as many as 32. Instructor Stephen White said part of that increase will come from the increased exposure of being in the Marine Centre.
"Somebody that's a captain of a ship, he knows other dive companies. These are people that use divers, so word gets out amongst the industry," said White.
But the school is also developing an international reputation. Student Evan Palmer, a native of Moncton, decided to return to Canada to take this particular course. "They've a good reputation; they're known all around the world," said Palmer.
"I heard about it when I was actually in Australia."
White said the push for alternative energy in the Maritimes will create a lot of work for commercial divers in the coming years.
"Offshore wind farms, for instance, is a big one that's coming up now. Tidal power in the Bay of Fundy, there's a big project there," he said.
Despite the increase in enrolment and graduates, White does not expect his students will have any trouble finding work they have finished the course.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2010/01/27/pei-scuba-course-college-584.html#ixzz0drhPe2Qq
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Renewable Energy News from Australia
Renewable energy news
Trev - Another Aussie Electric Car
Meet Trev, the two-seater renewable energy vehicle; designed and built by staff and students at the University of South Australia.
How Many Solar Panels To Power Australia?
Supporters of solar power often wonder how many solar panels it would take to power Australia and if grouped together, how much land would they occupy?
Hawthorn Supermarket Goes Solar
The Renaissance Supa IGA supermarket in Hawthorn, Victoria, is leading the Australian retail sector in reducing its carbon emissions by installing a solar power system provided by Energy Matters.
The Solar Royals
Some members of the Royal Family have been dabbling in solar power for over 30 years.
France, Germany To Reduce Feed In Tariffs
Two major markets for solar power are about to face interesting times. France and Germany will be cutting the rates paid to solar power system owners for generating electricity under their respective feed in tariff programs.
NSW Solar Scheme Loophole To Be Closed
A loophole revealed in New South Wales' Solar Bonus Scheme that could see electricity retailers offering credit instead of cash will be closed.
Suntech Panels To Power Shanghai World Expo
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. recently announced the commissioning of two Suntech solar panel powered grid connected solar energy systems on the China Pavilion and the Theme Pavilion of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.
Solarfun - Odd Name, Great Solar Panels
The name Solarfun to some people is reminiscent of good times at the beach rather than high quality solar power components. Nevertheless, that's exactly what Solarfun products are - and at a very economical price.
Trev - Another Aussie Electric Car
Meet Trev, the two-seater renewable energy vehicle; designed and built by staff and students at the University of South Australia.
How Many Solar Panels To Power Australia?
Supporters of solar power often wonder how many solar panels it would take to power Australia and if grouped together, how much land would they occupy?
Hawthorn Supermarket Goes Solar
The Renaissance Supa IGA supermarket in Hawthorn, Victoria, is leading the Australian retail sector in reducing its carbon emissions by installing a solar power system provided by Energy Matters.
The Solar Royals
Some members of the Royal Family have been dabbling in solar power for over 30 years.
France, Germany To Reduce Feed In Tariffs
Two major markets for solar power are about to face interesting times. France and Germany will be cutting the rates paid to solar power system owners for generating electricity under their respective feed in tariff programs.
NSW Solar Scheme Loophole To Be Closed
A loophole revealed in New South Wales' Solar Bonus Scheme that could see electricity retailers offering credit instead of cash will be closed.
Suntech Panels To Power Shanghai World Expo
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. recently announced the commissioning of two Suntech solar panel powered grid connected solar energy systems on the China Pavilion and the Theme Pavilion of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.
Solarfun - Odd Name, Great Solar Panels
The name Solarfun to some people is reminiscent of good times at the beach rather than high quality solar power components. Nevertheless, that's exactly what Solarfun products are - and at a very economical price.
With-It Royals
Renewable Energy NewsFRIDAY 22 JANUARY, 2010 | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Solar Royals
by Energy Matters
Attention has certainly been drawn to the Royal Family again in Australia with the recent visit of Prince William.
While the media focus on the Prince's visit has been on photo opportunities and the ongoing republican debate murmuring in the background, there's more to William than barbecues, chatting with music stars and toting machine guns. It seems Prince William has a green streak too and recognises the crossroads that society has found itself at.
In a recent speech to mark the 20th anniversary of the Tusk Trust, an organisation that protects endangered species in Africa, he commented, "The imperative of balancing conservation of wildlife and natural resources with the ever-growing needs of the human race is at the heart of the great challenge facing mankind today."
While the Royal Family has often endured criticism for what is viewed as a privileged and consumptive lifestyle, some members haven't just been talking about the environment, but also making attempts to "go green" for years - decades in fact.
Prince Charles' passion for the environment is well known and last year he began investigating the possibility of installing solar panels on his London residence, Clarence House. Prior to that his household had become carbon-neutral through energy efficiency and carbon offsetting measures. Prince Charles also recently converted two of his vehicles to run on biodiesel and another on bio-ethanol fuel.
But Charles isn't the first "Solar Prince" - his father can lay claim to that title. Prince Philip installed a solar hot water system over 30 years ago at Sandringham.
Other efforts by the Royal Family include initiatives by the Queen herself. An organic vegetable garden was added to the grounds at Buckingham Palace last year - the first time such a garden has been in place since the push for "victory gardens" during World War 2; a concept that helped the nation feed itself through some very dark years.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Solar Royals
by Energy Matters
Attention has certainly been drawn to the Royal Family again in Australia with the recent visit of Prince William.
While the media focus on the Prince's visit has been on photo opportunities and the ongoing republican debate murmuring in the background, there's more to William than barbecues, chatting with music stars and toting machine guns. It seems Prince William has a green streak too and recognises the crossroads that society has found itself at.
In a recent speech to mark the 20th anniversary of the Tusk Trust, an organisation that protects endangered species in Africa, he commented, "The imperative of balancing conservation of wildlife and natural resources with the ever-growing needs of the human race is at the heart of the great challenge facing mankind today."
While the Royal Family has often endured criticism for what is viewed as a privileged and consumptive lifestyle, some members haven't just been talking about the environment, but also making attempts to "go green" for years - decades in fact.
Prince Charles' passion for the environment is well known and last year he began investigating the possibility of installing solar panels on his London residence, Clarence House. Prior to that his household had become carbon-neutral through energy efficiency and carbon offsetting measures. Prince Charles also recently converted two of his vehicles to run on biodiesel and another on bio-ethanol fuel.
But Charles isn't the first "Solar Prince" - his father can lay claim to that title. Prince Philip installed a solar hot water system over 30 years ago at Sandringham.
Other efforts by the Royal Family include initiatives by the Queen herself. An organic vegetable garden was added to the grounds at Buckingham Palace last year - the first time such a garden has been in place since the push for "victory gardens" during World War 2; a concept that helped the nation feed itself through some very dark years.
The People are the Economy- Dan Mills
Dear Editor:
I have pastored many Churchs'. I wish to tell my story of two which I shall
both call St.James.
St.James 1 was an older smaller one and cosmetically deprived.I attended my
first meeting, and heard the Chair plead for a "runner" for the aisle. Long
discussion, and then a yes for such purchase. With a great sigh, the Chair
expressed with almost jubilation:"There now,we're getting somewhere!" We all
were relieved and never thought we'd hear of it again.
Subsequently, as if an opening prayer we were to hear: "Now we have the
runner; we're getting somewhere." A short few years later a major renovation
was engaged, and I saw the runner lying on the ground in someones back yard.
St.James 11 preceded several years the one above. The little Church was a
work in progress built by the people as time and resources were available.
When I arrived, they had just accessed a large roll of carpet for the
sanctuary but had not yet had time to lay it.
In my early days of getting around to find and meet the people, I offered a
hitchhiker (who was quite ill) a drive to his home a distance from the
highway. When we arrived at his home in a small fishing village, he invited
me to come in to meet his wife and family, five children all of school age.
The main floor, though clean, was as bare-bones as you could get.
The couple told me of their struggles, and offered to show me the upper
floor where all the children slept. Bare walls and studs,one could see the
daylight through the outside walls. Not a speck of insulation to be seen.
But even worse ? The old rough floor with cracks and splinters upon which
these children had to walk!
A day or two later, I met a young UCC Minister whose Charge covered pretty
much the same as mine. I asked if he knew these people, and of their
situation. He had recently heard of it, but like me,knew not what he could
do.
We decided on a plan to reach out to our respective faith communities, and
to the personnel at a small Military Stn.nearby. In a few short days,
Rev.Don and I had a team in place worth more than its weight in gold.In a
week or so, people had traversed two counties solliciting materials and
furnishings, and in free evenings and a weekend or so,the job was all but
done except for that splintered floor.
I took it back to my small community with an update, and this still one
need. They looked at each other; they looked at me;they looked at their roll
of carpet, and without a blink in unison,almost, they said: "We'll use
this!"
I struggle with the misguided notion by our leaders that our first need is
to "build the economy" no matter what the cost to the people. I, to my dying
breath,will submit that "people are the economy of a Municipality,a
Province,or a Nation! Look after people, and the economy will find itself!"
My two St.James communities saw economy with far different eyes. Which one
do you think was right? Which one understood the mission?
Daniel Mills
I have pastored many Churchs'. I wish to tell my story of two which I shall
both call St.James.
St.James 1 was an older smaller one and cosmetically deprived.I attended my
first meeting, and heard the Chair plead for a "runner" for the aisle. Long
discussion, and then a yes for such purchase. With a great sigh, the Chair
expressed with almost jubilation:"There now,we're getting somewhere!" We all
were relieved and never thought we'd hear of it again.
Subsequently, as if an opening prayer we were to hear: "Now we have the
runner; we're getting somewhere." A short few years later a major renovation
was engaged, and I saw the runner lying on the ground in someones back yard.
St.James 11 preceded several years the one above. The little Church was a
work in progress built by the people as time and resources were available.
When I arrived, they had just accessed a large roll of carpet for the
sanctuary but had not yet had time to lay it.
In my early days of getting around to find and meet the people, I offered a
hitchhiker (who was quite ill) a drive to his home a distance from the
highway. When we arrived at his home in a small fishing village, he invited
me to come in to meet his wife and family, five children all of school age.
The main floor, though clean, was as bare-bones as you could get.
The couple told me of their struggles, and offered to show me the upper
floor where all the children slept. Bare walls and studs,one could see the
daylight through the outside walls. Not a speck of insulation to be seen.
But even worse ? The old rough floor with cracks and splinters upon which
these children had to walk!
A day or two later, I met a young UCC Minister whose Charge covered pretty
much the same as mine. I asked if he knew these people, and of their
situation. He had recently heard of it, but like me,knew not what he could
do.
We decided on a plan to reach out to our respective faith communities, and
to the personnel at a small Military Stn.nearby. In a few short days,
Rev.Don and I had a team in place worth more than its weight in gold.In a
week or so, people had traversed two counties solliciting materials and
furnishings, and in free evenings and a weekend or so,the job was all but
done except for that splintered floor.
I took it back to my small community with an update, and this still one
need. They looked at each other; they looked at me;they looked at their roll
of carpet, and without a blink in unison,almost, they said: "We'll use
this!"
I struggle with the misguided notion by our leaders that our first need is
to "build the economy" no matter what the cost to the people. I, to my dying
breath,will submit that "people are the economy of a Municipality,a
Province,or a Nation! Look after people, and the economy will find itself!"
My two St.James communities saw economy with far different eyes. Which one
do you think was right? Which one understood the mission?
Daniel Mills
New Flights to Atlantic Canada
New flights to Atlantic Canada 1/26/2010 11:17:00 AM
Atlantic Canada is now even closer with two new direct flights to St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador and an additional flight to Halifax Nova Scotia
Reaching the spectacular Canadian provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, which make up Atlantic Canada, will be even easier in Summer 2010 as two new flights launch to, St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador and one new flight commences operation to Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Air Canada will be introducing a daily non-stop flight between London Heathrow and St. .John’s. The new service will be the only daily non-stop flight between London and Newfoundland & Labrador and will operate from 27th May 2010 until 26th September 2010. Flights to this stunning area, renowned for its wildlife, beautiful scenery, whale-watching, icebergs, national parks and friendly people will start from £618.50. To book see www.aircanada.com.
Leading Canadian direct-sell tour operator, GO Travel Direct, has launched a low-cost, transatlantic air charter service to Halifax, Nova Scotia and St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. The new flights will be operated by Monarch, the UK's largest independent charter airline and sold in the UK by tour operator Jetaway 2 Canada.
Operating during the peak summer season, from June to October 2010, UK travellers can make the short hop from London Gatwick to St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador and Halifax, Nova Scotia in just 4 hours and 45 minutes. Return flights from Gatwick to St. John’s will start from just £350 and from Gatwick to Halifax from £350. Jetaway2Canada.com is ATOL bonded and a member of the Travel Trust Association. To book visit www.jetaway2Canada.com
The new flights are an exciting development for the region and bring a wider choice of flights to holidaymakers looking to head to the Atlantic Canada region, Canada’s nearest provinces to the UK. Halifax, Nova Scotia is already serviced by a range of flights provided by Air Canada, Canadian Affair and Icelandair providing a convenient gateway to New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
For more information on Atlantic Canada visit www.AtlanticCanadaHoliday.ca
Atlantic Canada is now even closer with two new direct flights to St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador and an additional flight to Halifax Nova Scotia
Reaching the spectacular Canadian provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, which make up Atlantic Canada, will be even easier in Summer 2010 as two new flights launch to, St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador and one new flight commences operation to Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Air Canada will be introducing a daily non-stop flight between London Heathrow and St. .John’s. The new service will be the only daily non-stop flight between London and Newfoundland & Labrador and will operate from 27th May 2010 until 26th September 2010. Flights to this stunning area, renowned for its wildlife, beautiful scenery, whale-watching, icebergs, national parks and friendly people will start from £618.50. To book see www.aircanada.com.
Leading Canadian direct-sell tour operator, GO Travel Direct, has launched a low-cost, transatlantic air charter service to Halifax, Nova Scotia and St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. The new flights will be operated by Monarch, the UK's largest independent charter airline and sold in the UK by tour operator Jetaway 2 Canada.
Operating during the peak summer season, from June to October 2010, UK travellers can make the short hop from London Gatwick to St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador and Halifax, Nova Scotia in just 4 hours and 45 minutes. Return flights from Gatwick to St. John’s will start from just £350 and from Gatwick to Halifax from £350. Jetaway2Canada.com is ATOL bonded and a member of the Travel Trust Association. To book visit www.jetaway2Canada.com
The new flights are an exciting development for the region and bring a wider choice of flights to holidaymakers looking to head to the Atlantic Canada region, Canada’s nearest provinces to the UK. Halifax, Nova Scotia is already serviced by a range of flights provided by Air Canada, Canadian Affair and Icelandair providing a convenient gateway to New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
For more information on Atlantic Canada visit www.AtlanticCanadaHoliday.ca
Responsibility and Wind Turbines
From the Oklahomawatchdog.org
The responsibility of operating wind turbines
By Andrew Griffin on January 26, 2010
Print This Article OKLAHOMA CITY — Despite the “air” being taken out of the recent wind power craze as America struggles in the midst of a recession, companies across America see wind power as a safe, clean alternative to dirtier methods of generating power.
In fact, for many years now, particuarly in the western United States, wind turbines have sprouted across the landscape. During a recent drive from Oklahoma City to Big Bend National Park in Texas, an area of west Texas near Abilene, was awash in massive wind turbines and wind farms. Most were spinning in the wind. Some were not. So, what happens when a wind farm stops generating electricity and is effectively abandoned by its owner?
Here in Oklahoma, wind farms are appearing in many areas of the western portion of the state. While most are operating, there are undoubtedly some wind turbines that are no longer operating. In Oklahoma, interestingly enough, Ted H. Smith, a columnist writing for Red Dirt Report, Oklahoma Watchdog’s sister website, wrote a column this week addressing this issue titled “Why no plugging bonds for wind turbines?”
Smith notes that while oil wells drilled in Oklahoma, a “plugging bond” or “decommissioning bond” is not required for builders who abandon wind turbines. Writes Smith: “If we know that someday wind turbines will wear out and need to be taken down, why don’t we require the builders of these towers to post a decommissioning bond with the state for every tower they build?”
A good question indeed.
The responsibility of operating wind turbines
By Andrew Griffin on January 26, 2010
Print This Article OKLAHOMA CITY — Despite the “air” being taken out of the recent wind power craze as America struggles in the midst of a recession, companies across America see wind power as a safe, clean alternative to dirtier methods of generating power.
In fact, for many years now, particuarly in the western United States, wind turbines have sprouted across the landscape. During a recent drive from Oklahoma City to Big Bend National Park in Texas, an area of west Texas near Abilene, was awash in massive wind turbines and wind farms. Most were spinning in the wind. Some were not. So, what happens when a wind farm stops generating electricity and is effectively abandoned by its owner?
Here in Oklahoma, wind farms are appearing in many areas of the western portion of the state. While most are operating, there are undoubtedly some wind turbines that are no longer operating. In Oklahoma, interestingly enough, Ted H. Smith, a columnist writing for Red Dirt Report, Oklahoma Watchdog’s sister website, wrote a column this week addressing this issue titled “Why no plugging bonds for wind turbines?”
Smith notes that while oil wells drilled in Oklahoma, a “plugging bond” or “decommissioning bond” is not required for builders who abandon wind turbines. Writes Smith: “If we know that someday wind turbines will wear out and need to be taken down, why don’t we require the builders of these towers to post a decommissioning bond with the state for every tower they build?”
A good question indeed.
New Turbines Reduce the Cost of Producing Green Energy
Blogger's Note:
New turbine models are more efficient. They also reduce the cost of producing green energy - yes, there is a cost to producing green energy. The statement below says traditional turbines were only 50 percent efficient. Most data suggests they were only 20 - 30 percent efficient. Which models would you want, the new ones or the old ones?
Watch the video at treehuggers.com or youtube
Jet Engine Wind Turbine is 4X More Efficient, Will Hit Market Soon (Video)
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York on 01.26.10
A traditional wind turbine extracts only 50% of the available wind energy in the given area it occupies. So perhaps it's time to up the ante, and move past the towering turbines, as iconic as they may be for the clean energy revolution. This is the thinking behind FloDesign's idea--they've created a wind turbine based on the design of jet engine--and they say it's 3-4 times more efficient that the current standard. And thanks to $42 million in recently received funding, this jet engine wind turbine is about to hit the market. Video of the turbine in action after the jump.
Flodesign just received $34.5 million in venture capital, along with $8 million in grants from the DOE, allowing it to begin commercial production on its tested turbine.
Here's how the innovative design looks in action:
As explained in the video, the vast efficiency comes from the technology which "forces air through a small hole to create a pressure differential."
TreeHugger first reported on FloDesign's jet engine wind turbine a little over a year ago, before it had secured funding for large scale deployment. Back then, Matt was intrigued that the proposed unit would reduce the cost of generating electricity by wind power by half by effectively doubling the output from a single turbine.
And it's good to see an idea take off--even exceeding initial expectations in terms of efficiency. FloDesign has evidently garnered so much interest in their technology that it's ""aiming to transform itself from a research and development organisation into a mainstream renewables firm," according to Cleantechnica. Interest has been piqued, and venture capital firms have taken notice--FloDesign may be a major player in the clean energy sector in year to come. And who knows? Its jet engine wind turbine design may be the next pervasive icon of the wind power industry.
New turbine models are more efficient. They also reduce the cost of producing green energy - yes, there is a cost to producing green energy. The statement below says traditional turbines were only 50 percent efficient. Most data suggests they were only 20 - 30 percent efficient. Which models would you want, the new ones or the old ones?
Watch the video at treehuggers.com or youtube
Jet Engine Wind Turbine is 4X More Efficient, Will Hit Market Soon (Video)
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York on 01.26.10
A traditional wind turbine extracts only 50% of the available wind energy in the given area it occupies. So perhaps it's time to up the ante, and move past the towering turbines, as iconic as they may be for the clean energy revolution. This is the thinking behind FloDesign's idea--they've created a wind turbine based on the design of jet engine--and they say it's 3-4 times more efficient that the current standard. And thanks to $42 million in recently received funding, this jet engine wind turbine is about to hit the market. Video of the turbine in action after the jump.
Flodesign just received $34.5 million in venture capital, along with $8 million in grants from the DOE, allowing it to begin commercial production on its tested turbine.
Here's how the innovative design looks in action:
As explained in the video, the vast efficiency comes from the technology which "forces air through a small hole to create a pressure differential."
TreeHugger first reported on FloDesign's jet engine wind turbine a little over a year ago, before it had secured funding for large scale deployment. Back then, Matt was intrigued that the proposed unit would reduce the cost of generating electricity by wind power by half by effectively doubling the output from a single turbine.
And it's good to see an idea take off--even exceeding initial expectations in terms of efficiency. FloDesign has evidently garnered so much interest in their technology that it's ""aiming to transform itself from a research and development organisation into a mainstream renewables firm," according to Cleantechnica. Interest has been piqued, and venture capital firms have taken notice--FloDesign may be a major player in the clean energy sector in year to come. And who knows? Its jet engine wind turbine design may be the next pervasive icon of the wind power industry.
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