tagged w/ Green Technology
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CNN...
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New nuclear reactors set to be OK'd for Georgia
By Steve Hargreaves @CNNMoney
February 8, 2012: 3:33 PM ET
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The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is set to approve the construction of two new reactors at Georgia's Vogtle plant, seen here. It would be the first new construction license for a reactor granted in over 30 years.
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NEW YORK (CNNMoney) --
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The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is expected to approve licenses to build two new nuclear reactors on Thursday, the first approvals in over 30 years.
The reactors are being built in Georgia by a consortium of utilities led by Southern Co. (SO, Fortune 500) They will be sited at the Vogtle nuclear power plant complex, about 170 miles east of Atlanta. The plant already houses two older reactors.
Spokespeople for Southern Co. and the NRC were quiet on the matter Wednesday ahead of the vote set for Thursday at 1 PM ET. If approved, NRC staff would likely issue a construction and operating license within the next few days.
Although new nuclear reactors have been built in this country within the last couple of decades -- the last one started operation in 1996 -- the NRC hasn't issued a license to build a new reactor since 1978, a year before the Three Mile Island accident in Pennsylvania. The reactors that have opened in the last decades were approved before 1978.
The combination of the Three Mile Island incident and the high costs of nuclear power turned many utilities away from the technology.
There are currently 104 operating nuclear reactors at 64 plants across the country that provide the nation with roughly 20% of its power. Half are over 30 years old.
The utilities building the new Vogtle reactors submitted their application seven years ago. Prep-work at the site has been under way for some time, but the actual reactors can't be built until NRC issues the final license.
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How close is your home to a nuclear plant?
The new reactors are a Westinghouse design called the AP 1000. Together they are expected to cost $14 billion and provide 2200 megawatts of power, according to a spokesman for Southern Co. That's enough to power 1 million homes.
The plants are being built with the help of a conditional $8.3 billion loan guarantee from the Department of Energy. The loan guarantee is part of DOE's broader loan program that has been criticized for backing companies like Solyndra, the bankrupt maker of solar panels.
The Southern spokesman said the loan guarantee, combined with other regulatory measures, enable the project to receive cheaper financing that will ultimately save ratepayers $1 billion.
The first reactor is expected to come online in 2016 and the second one in 2017, according to Southern Co.
The AP 1000 is the newest NRC-approved nuclear reactor. This would be the first one built in the United States, although four are already under construction in China, said Scott Shaw, a Westinghouse spokesman.
Critics have said the containment walls of the AP 1000 aren't strong enough to withstand a terrorist attack, but Shaw says they were redesigned after September 11, 2001 and have held up during simulations.
He also said the design's passive cooling system makes it much safer than older designs. The AP 1000 uses gravity and condensation -- not electricity -- to cool the fuel rods.
It was the loss of electric power that led to the meltdown of Japan's Fukushima Daiichi reactors following the tsunami in 2011.
Still, a coalition of nine mostly regional environmental groups say the current design is not safe. They are asking the NRC to delay its decision Thursday until they can file a challenge in federal court.
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First Published: February 8, 2012: 2:20 PM ET
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The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is set to approve the construction of two new reactors at Georgia's Vogtle plant, seen here. It would be the first new construction license for a reactor granted in over 30 years.
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New nuclear reactors set to be OK'd for Georgia
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By Mike Seifert, president, Ecotech Institute
Where will green technology take us in 2012? Ecotech Institute is keeping a close eye on that very big question. We are constantly monitoring cleantech industry growth and innovation, and looking for ways to align our environmental sustainability curriculum with employer and marketplace demands. Every day we read up on the latest research regarding solar power, wind energy, smart grid and other relevant industries. We want to make sure our students are up to speed when they graduate so their employers truly get the best, most knowledgeable employees.
In 2011, cleantech venture investment had an incredible year. As a result of financial backing, we saw an infusion of green start-up companies, new jobs and a growing belief in the future of cleantech industries. However, the challenges of this relatively new space also came to light as some companies met very public criticism.
As the president of Ecotech Institute, it’s my job to take a hard look at opportunities in cleantech now and into the future. Our career services team needs to accurately predict where Ecotech graduates will be able to make a living and make a difference in the world. Frankly, there is a lot of enthusiasm as we enter 2012 with a promising outlook about environmental sustainability’s growing role in the world.
This is a very exciting year for Ecotech because we will graduate our first group of students in June. As we continue to prepare them for the workforce this year, we are collectively interested in what industry leaders are predicting.
Here are some predictions of note:
1. According to a December 28, 2011 article by Michael Kanellos on www.greenbiz.com, “Renewables will start to win over the jobs argument.”
He states, “The 2012 Presidential election will be only about one thing: jobs. In the energy and sustainability context, the debate boils down to whether you think more jobs can be created through pipelines and offshore drilling or through erecting solar farms and retrofitting buildings.”
“But here is where renewables win: they don't take years….Many fossil projects, meanwhile, are bogged down in land use hearings….If renewables get results quicker, they become the better solution.”
My takeaway: Green jobs will continue to grow and companies need educated people to fill them.
2. The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) says this year is going to be a big year for wind power, both in the field and in policy. The association notes that unlike the volatile prices of fossil fuels, wind power has a fixed fuel cost of zero, making it a very appealing form of energy. However, Congress needs to act quickly to protect the future of wind energy in the U.S. If lawmakers do not extend the Production Tax Credit that is due to expire at the end of this year, taxes on wind will go up and jobs could go overseas.
My takeaway: Wind energy will continue to grow this year, however Congress needs to take action to make sure that growth continues in 2013 and beyond. Please contact your lawmakers to let them know the importance of extending the Production Tax Credit.
3. According to predictions from www.EnvironmentalLeader.com, solar innovation will serve as a perennial driver.
“Investment into good old solar innovation and projects is still strong, and has remained so for years, while other clean technologies have risen and fallen in and out of investment fashion.”
My takeaway: As money continues to be filtered into solar power innovation, we must keep a close eye on how these technologies will be built and maintained.
4. Jesse Berst with gigaom.com listed top predictions based on his takeaways from a webinar offered by renowned research firm IDC. He stated the following, “Smart buildings will become important to utilities. 25 states have energy efficiency standards or targets. Smart buildings can help meet such goals. The building energy analytics market will double between 2012 and 2015, jumping from $193 billion to $402 billion.”
My takeaway: The growth of smart buildings requires savvy energy efficiency experts.
5. In “10 solar trends to watch for in 2012,” Ucilia Wang, another contributor to gigaom.com, discusses solar energy’s impact on the grid. The article states that, “The increase in solar energy generation has nudged utilities and electric grid regulators to give more thought and investment to the impact of solar in their mission to deliver electricity reliably.”
“Since solar production can ebb and surge depending on the time of the day and the weather, new technologies and policies are cropping up to monitor solar energy production and minimize interruptions of power delivery.”
My takeaway: The marketplace needs educated professionals who understand the interplay between solar technology and the current energy grid system.
The green landscape will continue to shift and it is important to watch, learn and prepare future leaders. The excitement of clean technology innovation in 2012 and beyond ought to be celebrated by everyone who has a stake in making our world a better place to work, play and live.By Mike Seifert, president, Ecotech Institute
Where will green technology take us... more
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At the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, which opens to the public this weekend, advances in fuel economy are taking center stage. Thanks to aggressive leadership by the Obama administration, working in concert with the state of California and the unions and carmakers of the American auto industry, fuel economy standards are zooming toward an average of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. A Detroit Free Press editorial reports that the "new fuel economy standards have breathed new life into American automobile manufacturers, spurring them to innovate new technologies and new styles. Their new cars — which reduce our vulnerability to the whims of Big Oil and lessen dangerous pollution — will be able to compete on the international stage, which has much higher standards for fuel efficiency:
“Against the backdrop of the North American International Auto Show, which opens to the public Saturday, anything seems possible, including fuel efficiencies that seemed out of reach just a few years ago. The stylish introductions focused as much on engine and power configurations (hybrid, plug-in, turbocharged, direct injection, etc.) and weight-savings as they did on appearance.”
“This year’s auto show proves beyond all doubt that fuel efficiency is no longer just a euphemism for ‘econobox,’” writes the Detroit Free Press. “With the long-term planning horizon offered by the new fuel efficiency rules, automakers can do far more than survive. They can thrive, they can do it with style and — most important to everyone around here — build the cars that people want to buy.”
Links at websiteAt the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, which opens to the public... more
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Personal Rapid Transit systems, like the one found in London’s Heathrow airport, sound like the perfect solution to air and noise pollution caused by other forms of mass transit. The biggest hurdle to overcome, as noted by Vectus’ designer Christoffer Ogeus, is not the technology itself but the price-tag associated with constructing new PRT networks.
Costing nearly $80 million to build, systems like the PRT are not a top priority for most urban areas as policy makers are afraid to take risks on ‘unproven’ investments. As seen in previous Urban Mobility segments, the design and technology exist to build cleaner and safer means of transportation; however, getting the projects beyond the development phase is another story.
How would you convince your local policy-makers to consider systems like the PRT for your city? Or do you think there are other alternatives to government-funded transportation projects?Personal Rapid Transit systems, like the one found in London’s Heathrow airport,... more
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HOV lanes are designed to encourage ride sharing in passenger vehicles during peak driving hours. These lanes are typically reserved for vehicles carrying two or more passengers or busses only. Recently Ontario, Canada has come to the decision to allow electric vehicles to drive in the HOV lanes regardless of the number of passengers.
Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV’s) and full battery electric vehicles (BEV’s) are both eligible to apply for special green license plates which would allow them to drive in HOV lanes. Though scooters like the Libert-E, which are restricted to local roads, are ineligible, cars like the T.25 would be allowed to drive in these lanes. The model is being applied to promote the sale and use of electric vehicles across the province.
Do you think electric vehicles should be allowed to drive in HOV lanes even if they are only carrying one passenger or should they be forced to follow the same rules as petrol-fueled vehicles?
HOV lanes are designed to encourage ride sharing in passenger vehicles during peak... more
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As populations of urban areas become denser, traffic becomes more problematic. In Paris alone, 30% of all traffic congestion is the result of drivers searching for parking spots. Car owners in urban areas understand the risks and expense of parking a car in a city; from high priced garages to expensive parking tickets, (the average cost of a parking ticket in New York City is currently $125) which is where concepts like SmartGrains come in, technologies such as these help reduce the hassle and travel time for urban drivers.
Wireless sensors like the SmartGrains aim to reduce carbon emissions caused by traffic congestion by alerting drivers of available parking spots. These alerts are sent via text, mobile application or a website in real time and are highlighted on a map of the general area. The map can be zoomed or expanded to show the number of parking spots in any given location.
Do you drive in an urban heavy traffic area? If so, are there any technologies you rely on to find a parking space? Tell us about them below.As populations of urban areas become denser, traffic becomes more problematic. In... more
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Traffic congestion is a major factor affecting the air quality in urban areas. With the average driver spending up to one year of their lifetime searching for a parking space, it is no surprise that vehicles in Paris emit 2 million tons of Co2 annually. Roughly 30% of all traffic in Paris is the result of cars looking for a parking spot.
How do you deal with traffic congestion?
Be sure to check out current.com/urbanmobility for more news, community discussions and upcoming videos about Urban Mobility.
Traffic congestion is a major factor affecting the air quality in urban areas. With... more
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Housing is the largest concern for architects in urban areas with continual population increases. Keeping up with the demand for affordable and energy efficient habitats has become a major design challenge. In the Terreform segment, Dr. Mitchell Joachim and his team have come up with a design concept for movable houses, which would decrease energy consumption while increasing urban mobility.
However hi-rise apartment buildings are more the norm in urban areas than single or two-family houses. What if instead of movable houses someone designed an apartment with movable walls? In Hong Kong, Architect Gary Chang has developed the “Domestic Transformer” apartment unit, which converts a small 344-square-foot apartment into 24 different rooms. With movable partitioned walls, Mr. Chang’s space can transform into any number of living spaces including a large gourmet kitchen, a game room, master bedroom and home spa. At a cost of $218,000 for renovations, the design is more within reach for the average middle-class urban family than owning a one-family home in most suburban areas.
(Photo credit: Getty Images)
As the cost of land increases and urban space becomes limited, designs like the “Domestic Transformer” may become a more popular alternative to urban living. Do you agree with Terreform’s ideas of mobile communities, Chang’s transformer apartments or do you have another design alternative in mind?Housing is the largest concern for architects in urban areas with continual population... more
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With 1 billion cars worldwide and traffic congestion set to double in 20 years innovative, new vehicle designs are important to staying ahead of population growth. Most urban centers today have been designed around cars; however, design group Terreform1 designs concept vehicles specifically to fit within cityscapes.
Which of the vehicle designs in the Terreform segment do you think would best fit into your city and why?
Be sure to check out current.com/urbanmobility for more news, community discussions and upcoming videos about Urban Mobility.With 1 billion cars worldwide and traffic congestion set to double in 20 years... more
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The T.25 will provide commuters with an energy efficient alternative to the gas-guzzling SUV. The small, fuel-efficient vehicle is inexpensive to run and easy to park. As car designers continue to develop greener technologies the options to purchase low environmental impact vehicles will increase. But what if you commute only a few miles to and from the office, do you drive a car or find an even greener alternative?
Take for example Ricardo Assis Rosa, an architect from Bath, UK who commutes the two miles to his office via kayak. Rosa says he took up kayaking one day after a friend lent him his kayak to experiment with, and he has never looked back. After years of daily commuting on a packed bus, he says his new commute makes his daily travel feel like a holiday as he paddles quietly beside the river wildlife. Rosa, an admitted adventure seeker, admits that on occasion his trip to and from work is less than ideal for the average person, with the UK’s typical rainy weather and winds making for a treacherous journey. Kayaking to work may not be for everyone, especially if you don’t live or work near water, however Ricardo has taken full advantage of the waterway that connects his backyard to his office.
As commuters continue to go green with their daily travels between home and the office, from driving electric cars to kayaking, they are ensuring they leave a smaller carbon footprint. Do you or someone you know take an alternative form of transportation to work? Tells us your stories below.
The T.25 will provide commuters with an energy efficient alternative to the... more
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The UK’s cleantech companies are feeling optimistic about the future, according to new research released today by the Carbon Trust. Defying the wider economic uncertainty, the UK’s cleantech companies have become more confident about their prospects in the last year with more than three quarters (77 per cent) looking to recruit in the next 12 months and over a third (37 per cent) planning to expand into new export markets in the next two years.The UK’s cleantech companies are feeling optimistic about the future, according... more
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“People in other countries are literally dying for what we throw away.”
Editor's note: Each week throughout the month of April, GreatNonprofits will feature an organization that is doing great environmental work. This week, they share the story of Global Links.
When cholera broke out in Haiti in October, local medical clinics lacked basic supplies to deal with the epidemic. Global Links, a medical relief organization dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship by cleaning and refurbishing used medical equipment, sent 369 mattresses, 97 IV poles and 432 sheets to the devastated island nation.
“Global Links is a pioneer in its approach to both environmental stewardship and development assistance,” writes L. Anderson, one of its volunteers. “Every year, the organization makes a measurable, direct and immediate impact in the lives of thousands of our world's poorest – and it does so using materials that would otherwise be thrown away in U.S. landfills. I have worked with few other organizations that have such a profound sense of their responsibility both at home and abroad and such an enduring commitment to protecting both our planet and the people on it.”
Since its inception in 1989, Global Links has recovered more than 3,500 tons of still-useful medical materials that would have otherwise been headed for landfills and incinerators, and has donated over $168 million worth of goods to hospitals and clinics in 70 countries.
Global Links was named a 2011 Top-Rated environmental nonprofit by GreatNonprofits.
Every item collected is inspected, repaired, cleaned and catalogued. Global Links’ warehouse is stacked with wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, filing cabinets and hospital furniture awaiting shipment.
“As a volunteer who sorts and packages the supplies I know that I am making an incredible difference in the lives of people who just don't have access to a resource-rich healthcare system,” writes Lindsay, another one of its volunteers. “By utilizing volunteers, overhead costs are kept down and a higher percentage of monetary donations may be utilized for programmatic tasks, such as shipping costs.”
Learn more about how you can get involved at GreatNonprofits.
Global Links is a GreatNonprofits 2011 Top-Rated environmental nonprofit. GreatNonprofits.org is a free, nonprofit website where you can write or read reviews of nonprofits.“People in other countries are literally dying for what we throw away.”... more
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Hey! Look at what I just found. lol.
This site sports what I have been saying for years now since Ecology courses back in 1995 at CSUF. Wow!! Great Job Orgadmins!!
Can't wait to see this site have a commercial someday. So more people know about it.
I'm happy now :)
Oly
http://climateprotect.org/Hey! Look at what I just found. lol.
This site sports what I have been saying for... more
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What kind of policies and incentives would help to encourage the adoption of less polluting and more sustainable technology and lifestyles? What kind of solutions would be a good alternative to a carbon tax?
Post ideas here, get those mind cogs turning or highlight any new emerging solutions.What kind of policies and incentives would help to encourage the adoption of less... more
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Complete News Updates The media continues to show interest in the unconstitutional, mandatory loyalty oath that was proposed at Bergen Community College. Bergen Community College’s School of Continuing Education in Paramus, New Jersey will host an open house on Thursday, January 13th from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. The open house is free, and attendees will learn about opportunities available through courses at the college to assist them in training for a new career path.Complete News Updates The media continues to show interest in the unconstitutional,... more
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As the Mercedes F-Cell World Drive heads around the globe on its 125 day world trip– Eco-Trek will bring you the most innovative green ideas, initiatives and projects from the cities, towns and villages we pass though each week. The purpose of the tour is to promote the building of the global infrastructure needed to make this emission free technology available to customers for everyday use around the world. This leg of the tour brings us from Stuttgart Germany to Paris France where we discover some of the many ways Paris keeps its city green. Join us on this weeks episode of Eco-Trek as we:
-Join The Mercedes F-Cell World Drive on the road through Paris
-Investigate the spectacular living wall on the Musée du Quai Branly with landscape designer Patrick Blanc
-Take a look at Paris’s FedEx bike powered fleet
-Visit French eco-artist Mathilde Roussel-Giraudy in her Paris studio
Be sure to be on the look out for next weeks episode of Eco-Trek as we joins the Mercedes F-Cell World Drive for the third leg of there historic trip around world from Paris to Spain.As the Mercedes F-Cell World Drive heads around the globe on its 125 day world... more
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The Obama Administration wants to initiate a $7,500 rebate for electric cars.
This would be instead of a tax credit, and a $200 million grant program for communities for electric vehicle infrastructure. Apparently this proposal...The Obama Administration wants to initiate a $7,500 rebate for electric cars.
This... more
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The American company, The Inventist is specialized in the development of means of transportation and innovative vehicles, they just unofficially released the SoloWheel.
For the moment the product is not visible on their site, the information is limited to the specification sheet available the website TechnologicVehicles (link), and to this video.
This mono-wheel electric vehicle will be launched in the United States this March and later in Europe…
The American price is $1500, a little more than 1000€, for an announced range of 2hours and a max speed of 20kph.
http://www.technologicvehicles.com/en/details/1234/inventist-solowheel-prix-et-fiche-techniqueThe American company, The Inventist is specialized in the development of means of... more
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