Saturday, March 31, 2012

Google Alert - hydrogen, wind, power

From: Google Alerts
Sent: Saturday, March 31, 2012 6:11 AM
Subject: Google Alert - hydrogen, wind, power

 

News

1 new result for hydrogen, wind, power

 

Hydrogen storage could help Germany hit its renewable energy goals, engineers say
Knovel
The hydrogen created at such facilities could be employed when the wind is not blowing to help drive electricity generation in gas-fired power plants, scientists said. It could also be used to fuel cars, bolstering its usefulness.
See all stories on this topic »

 

Friday, March 30, 2012

Mimicking butterfly wings could boost hydrogen fuel production

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <tswiercz@earthlink.net>
Date: Mar 30, 2012 11:05 AM
Subject: Mimicking butterfly wings could boost hydrogen fuel production
To: "Chris Daly" <chddaly@gmail.com>, "Dan Stafford - Phone" <aquarianm@gmail.com>

Interesting find and possible applications;

Mimicking butterfly wings could boost hydrogen fuel production
http://io9.com/5897144/mimicking-butterfly-wings-could-boost-hydrogen-fuel-production
March 30, 2012, Author: Tim Barribeau, tim@io9.com

Chinese researchers have turned to the light absorbing properties of butterfly wings to significantly increase the efficiency of solar hydrogen cells, using biomimetics to copy the nanostructure that allows for incredible light and heat absorption.

Butterflies are known to use heat from the sun to warm themselves beyond what their bodies can provide, and this new research takes a page from their evolution to improve hydrogen fuel generation. Analyzing the wings of Papilio helenus, the researchers found scales that are described as having:

Ridges running the length of the scale with very small holes on either side that opened up onto an underlying layer. The steep walls of the ridges help funnel light into the holes. The walls absorb longer wavelengths of light while allowing shorter wavelengths to reach a membrane below the scales. Using the images of the scales, the researchers created computer models to confirm this filtering effect. The nano-hole arrays change from wave guides for short wavelengths to barriers and absorbers for longer wavelengths, which act just like a high-pass filtering layer.

So, what does this have to do with fuel cells? Splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen takes energy, and is a drain on the amount you can get out of a cell. To split the water, the process uses a catalyst, and certain catalysts — say, titanium dioxide — function by exposure to light. The researchers synthesized a titanium dioxide catalyst using the pattern from the butterfly's wings, and paired it with platinum nanoparticles to make it more efficient at splitting water. The result? A 230% uptick in the amount of hydrogen produced. The structure of the butterfly's wing means that it's better at absorbing light — so who knows, you might also see the same technique on solar panels, too.

Google Alert - hydrogen, wind, power

From: Google Alerts
Sent: Friday, March 30, 2012 6:10 AM
Subject: Google Alert - hydrogen, wind, power

 

News

3 new results for hydrogen, wind, power

 

Germany's new energy policy a complex puzzle
Creamer Media's Engineering News
If about half of Germany's energy is to come from renewables by 2030 (and some 80% by 2050), then they will have to be competitive without subsidies. This goal can be achieved by wind power, in particular – the innovations that Siemens Wind Power is ...
See all stories on this topic »

Is Siemens' New Electrolyser Plant Vital for Germany's Renewable Energy Plans?
OilPrice.com
Other countries have set similarly ambitious targets but Germany is the largest economy to aim to produce so much of their energy from renewable sources. They have led the world in solar installations, and now are concentrating on wind power as well.
See all stories on this topic »

Researchers seek efficient, cost-effective renewable energy solutions
Temple University News
(Preston M. Moretz) A solar- and wind-powered LED street light that is being tested on Temple's campus. Since the first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, the United States has slowly tried to wean itself off of traditional, fossil fuel-based ...
See all stories on this topic »


Temple University News

 

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Google Alert - hydrogen, wind, power

From: Google Alerts  
Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2012 6:11 AM
Subject: Google Alert - hydrogen, wind, power

 

News

1 new result for hydrogen, wind, power

 

Hydrogen Storage Could Be Key to Germany's Energy Plans
Technology Review
Siemens says it has just the technology: electrolyzer plants, each the size of a large warehouse, that split water to make hydrogen gas. The hydrogen could be used when the wind isn't blowing to generate electricity in gas-fired power plants, ...
See all stories on this topic »


Technology Review

 

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

There's still time to get your solar quote.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Green America" <coopamericanews@coopamerica.org>
Date: Mar 27, 2012 11:42 PM
Subject: There&apos;s still time to get your solar quote.
To: "Daniel A Stafford" <aquarianm@gmail.com>

Get Your Solar Quote Today
Dear Daniel A Stafford,
Sungevity

Good news: There's still time to get your solar-leasing quote from Sungevity.

Get your solar quote today »

You can join the many Green Americans whogive this program rave reviews and are loving their new solar systems. You too can power your home with renewable energy for no money down.

Here's how it works:

  • Sungevity, an award-winning home-solar installer and member of our Green Business Network™, installs your solar panels for $0 down when you sign up to lease them.

  • You pay your solar lease with Sungevity once a month, usually the same or less than what your pre-solar electric bill used to be.

  • Sungevity sends you a $750 gift card once your new solar system is installed and inspected, and gives another $750 to support Green America.

To get started, simply click through to Sungevity's Web site, answer some simple questions about your location and energy usage, and within 24 hours Sungevity's team will let you know all the details of how much you could save and what your solar lease would look like.

Already, the Green Americans who are leasing with Sungeivty are together saving the planet more than 4,780 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. That's the climate-change impact of eliminating more than 12 million miles of driving a year! And you can help that total go even higher. Get your quote today.

Here's to the power of the sun,

Alisa (signature)
Alisa Gravitz
Executive Director
Green America

Obama's Big Move on Climate

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Sarah Hodgdon, Sierra Club" <membership.services@sierraclub.org>
Date: Mar 28, 2012 9:03 AM
Subject: Obama&apos;s Big Move on Climate
To: <aquarianm@gmail.com>


View a web version of this email.

Sierra Club - Explore, enjoy and protect the planet

Dear Daniel,

Take Action!

Take Action

Yesterday, President Obama's EPA made history on climate by proposing federal limits on carbon pollution for power plants -- pollution that is linked to climate disruption.

We've already collected 32,000 messages in support of a powerful new carbon pollution safeguard -- help us reach 100,000!

Tell the EPA that we support strong industrial carbon pollution safeguards to fight climate disruption!

We all know the devastation of 2011's record breaking extreme weather events -- from Texas' worst wildfire season in history to a terrible string of deadly tornadoes in the Midwest.1 As the Earth warms, severe weather events are becoming our new normal.2

Yet even as the EPA moves forward, corporate polluters like the infamous Koch Brothers align against us.  

Let's push back against the polluter agenda by sending hundreds of thousands of messages to the EPA in support of strong industrial carbon pollution protections!

We can't take this climate victory for granted. The Koch Brothers have been quietly using their billions for years to undermine efforts to address carbon pollution and climate disruption -- all so they can continue raking in record profits and spew unchecked pollution into our air.  

Just recently, we learned that one Koch funded organization, the Heartland Institute, is even going so far as to push a curriculum based on climate denial nonsense in our schools.3  

Koch can't buy the truth. When we're united, we're a more powerful force than all the corporate polluters and their money. We beat them last year on major life-saving mercury protections -- and we'll do it again and again until we get climate pollution under control. We'll challenge them at every level -- in the media, in our communities, and in the halls of government. Together, we can create a future that is cleaner and healthier for everyone.

Join me in ensuring the EPA fights climate disruption and protects our families from industrial carbon pollution from coal and other power plants. 

The stakes are high -- whether you are concerned about rising sea levels in Brooklyn, water supplies in California, or more severe storms in the Midwest, there is no doubt that our way of life is at risk.  

But there is hope. Together, we can take on Big Coal. With strong carbon pollution protections, we can move off of outdated and dirty coal-fired power plants. Our country has 21st century clean energy technologies. It's time to use them.

It's time for a change: let the EPA know Americans stand behind strong industrial climate pollution protections!

Thanks for all you do to protect our environment!

Sarah Hodgdon Signature

Sarah Hodgdon
Sierra Club Conservation Director 

P.S. After you take action, forward this message, or spread the word on Facebook and Twitter by clicking our handy share buttons below:

Share this page on FacebookShare this page on TwitterShare this page with other services

[1] "Extreme Weather 2011" National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. January 19, 2012. 

[2] "Is Global Warming Linked to Severe Weather?" Union of Concerned Scientists. June 17, 2011. 

[3] Leslie Kaufman "Behind the Controversy, an Effort to Rewrite Curriculum on Climate Change" New York Times. February 23, 2012. 



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Sierra Club
85 Second St.
San Francisco, CA 94105

Google Alert - hydrogen, wind, power

From: Google Alerts
Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 6:11 AM
Subject: Google Alert - hydrogen, wind, power

 

News

2 new results for hydrogen, wind, power

 

Hydrogenics Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2011 Results
MarketWatch (press release)
We were also selected by the City of Herten in Germany to provide a wind-hydrogen energy storage system and, within our Power Systems group, recently launched the next generation HyPM HD (heavy duty) Fuel Cell Power Module -- with orders already booked ...
See all stories on this topic »

Molten carbonate fuel cells becoming more popular options in the world of industry
Hydrogen Fuel News
By Stephen Vagus As the issue of energy continues to gain momentum throughout the world, more attention is being drawn to alternative energy. Renewable sources of fuel, such as wind and solar, are emerging as a priority for many countries, ...
See all stories on this topic »


Hydrogen Fuel News

 

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Google Alert - hydrogen, wind, power

From: Google Alerts  
Sent: Tuesday, March 27, 2012 6:11 AM
Subject: Google Alert - hydrogen, wind, power

 

News

1 new result for hydrogen, wind, power

 

AREVA mobilized for offshore wind energy in Normandy
REVE
"As the wind power leader in France, we wish to develop this far-reaching wind farm project in the sea of Normandy with our partners and contribute to the emergence of a French wind turbines industry." In Normandy today, GDF SUEZ Chairman and CEO ...
See all stories on this topic »

 

Google Alert - hydrogen, wind, power

From: Google Alerts  
Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2012 6:10 AM
Subject: Google Alert - hydrogen, wind, power

 

News

1 new result for hydrogen, wind, power

 

California's Santa Rita Jail to become energy independent with the help of ...
Hydrogen Fuel News
Chevron is working on developing a hybrid energy system for the county jail that combines wind, solar and hydrogen power. The project is receiving financial support from the US Department of Energy, the California Energy Commission, and the California ...
See all stories on this topic »


Hydrogen Fuel News

 

Google Alert - hydrogen, wind, power

From: Google Alerts  
Sent: Monday, March 26, 2012 6:11 AM
Subject: Google Alert - hydrogen, wind, power

 

News

3 new results for hydrogen, wind, power

 

The future of fuel: The future of hydrogen (Part 2)
Renewable Energy Focus
Even at today's low level (<10% capacity) of renewable energy generation in the UK, we frequently experience curtailment events. In these scenarios, there is reluctance for the grid operators to accept wind power at times of low electricity demand.
See all stories on this topic »

New Zealand on track to become an alternative energy powerhouse
Hydrogen Fuel News
New Zealand has been home to very ambitious sustainability projects, including wind and solar farms as well as hydrogen power installations. This year, the country will see several new energy projects taking root, which could bring billions of dollars ...
See all stories on this topic »


Hydrogen Fuel News

The Nurture of Nuclear Power
New York Times (blog)
According to a recent Pew Research Center poll, 44 percent of Americans favor promotion of nuclear power while 69 percent favor increasing federal funding for research on wind, solar and hydrogen energy technology. So why do we continue to nurture ...
See all stories on this topic »


New York Times (blog)

 

Monday, March 26, 2012

Mutant Heat Wave Shattering Records | Mother Jones

http://motherjones.com/blue-marble/2012/03/crazy-heat-wave-about-get

Includes NOAA video of 116 years of global high-temperature records being set in 26 seconds.

Global WHAT?? Do we really want to play this game?

Sweet breezes,

Dan

Friday, March 23, 2012

Big Oil Tax Subsidies -- End Them Now!

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "The Wilderness Society" <c+tws@trusted-sender.convio.net>
Date: Mar 23, 2012 2:21 PM
Subject: Big Oil Tax Subsidies -- End Them Now!
To: <aquarianm@gmail.com>

Dear Daniel,

gas pumpTell the Senate to vote Yes on the Repeal Big Oil Subsidies Act!

Are you feeling the pain at the pump? I know I am. Watching the numbers quickly speed by as I'm filling my tank makes me think that there has to be a better way. Fortunately, there is.

We need clean energy alternatives to fossil fuels. Yet, taxpayer money that could help develop clean energy flies away in tax breaks to filthy-rich oil and gas corporations.

What is the issue?

This Monday, your Senators will cast a vote on oil subsidies. The Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act (S. 2204) would remove $4 billion of Big Oil's unnecessary tax breaks, and focus on finding clean energy alternatives.

The planet — and your pocketbook — need your help to support this bill.

Why is it important?

  • Big Oil took in $4 billion in unnecessary tax breaks last year.
  • The $4 billion in tax breaks could have gone to finding clean alternatives to paying $4 a gallon at the pump.
  • Oil companies made $137 billion in profits last year. They make an additional $200 million every time the price of gasoline goes up a single penny.
  • Big Oil doesn't need relief from pain at the pump. We do.

Monday's bill will help support Clean Energy alternatives — not Big Oil tax breaks.

You can help

Act now! The vote will occur Monday afternoon. Tell your Senators to vote YES on the Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act (S. 2204)

Sincerely,
David Moulton, Senior Director of Legislative Affairs


The Wilderness Society
202.833.2300
1615 M St, NW, Washington, DC 20036
www.wilderness.org
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Google Alert - hydrogen, wind, power

From: Google Alerts  
Sent: Friday, March 23, 2012 6:10 AM
Subject: Google Alert - hydrogen, wind, power

 

News

4 new results for hydrogen, wind, power

 

Avoiding gridlock: Alameda County jail bills itself as greenest in nation ...
San Jose Mercury News
By Robert Jordan Solar panels next to housing units at Santa Rita Jail that are part of the self-sufficient power system that also includes a hydrogen fuel cell and wind turbines that produce 3 megawatts of power are photographed on Thursday, March 22, ...
See all stories on this topic »

Santa Rita Jail can go off the grid
News in photos
New smart grid combines energy generated by the sun, wind and hydrogen fuel cells to power Santa Rita Jail in Dublin. Called the first of its kind in the nation, the grid was developed and built by Chevron Energy Solutions with partial funding by the ...
See all stories on this topic »

Obama defends his policy on oil pipeline
WTVR
... a diversified policy that increases production of traditional energy sources such as oil and natural gas while increasing investment in alternative sources such as solar, wind and hydrogen power to compete in growing global clean energy markets.
See all stories on this topic »


WTVR

Solar Powering Cars without Batteries
CleanTechnica
Different types of fuel cells that can utilize different fuels, but this refueling station is just for hydrogen fuel cells, which generate electricity that then powers the electric vehicles' motors. Due to the intermittency of wind and solar power, ...
See all stories on this topic »

 

GL Zephyr: Rag Radio On Sustainability

Rag Radio main page: http://www.koop.org/RagRadio



Rag Radio 2012-02-10 - "Sustainability Through Salvage" w/ Brad Kittel, Builder of "Tiny Texas Houses" (February 10, 2012)

  • 50:041 Rag Radio 2012-02-10 - Brad Kittel
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Brad Kittel, who has developed an entire philosophy around the concept of “sustainability through salvage,” builds “Tiny Texas Houses” that are “99% pure salvage.” Some as small as 125 square feet, the houses come wired for electricity and outfitted for plumbing, and include a shower and toilet and a loft for sleeping. Kittel, who trains people to do "salvage mining," says "we have the power to create solutions to our global problems by the simplest of choices we make each day."

Brad Kittel set out 30 years ago from Florida "on an adventure to write the great American novel." After a stop in Las Vegas, “eating out of dumpsters and finding things to sell in flea markets” to buy parts to fix his converted 66-passenger school bus, he ended up in Austin, Texas, where he started buying up and restoring condemned boarded-up houses. In 1997 he started Discovery Architectural Antiques in Gonzales, Texas, which has over 130,000 square feet of inventory, and, utilizing that inventory, started building his “tiny houses” -- which are made with “100% American grown and mined materials…with zero carbon footprint.” Kittel hopes his houses "will last for at least another century," and he believes "that there are enough building materials sitting around on the ground to build much of the next generation of housing."

Host and Producer of Rag Radio: Thorne Dreyer; Engineer and Co-Producer: Tracey Schulz. Rag Radio is produced in the studios of KOOP 91.7-FM, an all-volunteer, cooperatively-run community radio station in Austin, Texas, in association with The Rag Blog (theragblog.blogspot.com) and the New Journalism Project, a Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Underwriting announcements and recorded music have been removed from this podcast. Running time: 50:05.


This audio is part of the collection: Community Audio

Artist/Composer: Rag Radio with Thorne Dreyer
Date: 2012-02-10
Keywords: Rag Radio; Thorne Dreyer; Roger Baker; Brad Kittel; Sustainability; Salvage Mining; Tiny Texas Houses

Individual Files

Audio Files VBR MP3 Ogg Vorbis
Rag Radio 2012-02-10 - Brad Kittel 45.8 MB
28.2 MB

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Have you seen this?

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Maggie L. Fox, Climate Reality" <info@climatereality.com>
Date: Mar 22, 2012 2:11 PM
Subject: Have you seen this?
To: "Daniel Stafford" <aquarianm@gmail.com>

The Climate Reality Project

Dear Daniel,

Did you see our latest video about teaching climate change denial in our schools?

If not, join the 456,925 people who saw this video and watch it here:

http://forms.climaterealityproject.org/heartlandvideo

Tens of thousands signed our petition telling an oil-and-coal-funded organization to cease and desist its plans to send a "curriculum" about climate denial into our children's classrooms. And you shared this powerful video that is spreading far and wide.

But the fight isn't over. The Heartland Institute is growing more aggressive in pushing this curriculum. I need to ask for your help. Donate $5 to help The Climate Reality Project fight to keep paid-for climate denial out of our schools.

Help stop Heartland

Oil and coal companies will stop at nothing to deny that climate change is a reality. Recently, it was revealed that the Heartland Institute -- an ideological group with industry funding -- wants teachers to be their mouthpieces for climate denial.

This is simply unacceptable. Our science classrooms should teach science. What they shouldn't do is spread a fossil fuel company's propaganda.

Fortunately, Corey Husic, a high school student in Pennsylvania, asked the Heartland Institute to cease and desist its plans for a climate denial curriculum. Nearly 30,000 of you joined Corey by adding your names to his request.

And here's what's most important: We need to make sure the Heartland Institute's plans are widely publicized all over the country -- so that not a single teacher is fooled into adopting their so-called "curriculum."

That's why we created a powerful video, "Heartland Department of Education," to bring their agenda into the light of day. Our video has already received widespread attention and nearly 460,000 views.

Climate change is real and happening now. But we can't get to work on solving this crisis if the deniers succeed in spreading their distortions, mistruths and propaganda -- into the media, into our daily life, and into our children's schools.

Today, I'm asking you to help us keep up the fight. Contribute $5 to help The Climate Reality Project fight back against well-funded interests that deny the science of climate change.

Thanks for all you do,

Maggie L. Fox
President and CEO
The Climate Reality Project

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©2012 The Climate Reality Project. All Rights Reserved.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Google Alert - hydrogen, wind, power

From: Google Alerts
Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 6:11 AM
Subject: Google Alert - hydrogen, wind, power

 

News

1 new result for hydrogen, wind, power

 

Google Hitches a Ride on Wastewater's Quiet Revolution
Triple Pundit
Ideally the hydrogen would be manufactured by renewable energy sources including solar and wind power as well as biogas (rather than drilling for gas, which can involve certain unsavory consequences. In the Direct FuelCell®, methane reforms into ...
See all stories on this topic »


Triple Pundit