The UK has been described as the ‘Saudi Arabia’ of wind, with some 50 TWh of onshore and at least 450 TWh of offshore power available every year, well in excess of our current electricity demand.
… Power On - Wind Jon Hughes Mark Anslow | 1st November 2007 News Wind Energy Electricit Hydro-electric Wind Farms Wind Carbon Dioxide Global Warming …
There is much talk of the possibility of a future ‘hydrogen economy’, which will power all our vehicles and homes. It is important to remember that hydrogen is not an energy source; it is an energy carrier. To obtain hydrogen it must be split from either natural gas or water molecules. The former, most widely used, method not only requires energy but also gives off carbon dioxide (CO2) in the process. Hydrogen produced in this way requires more energy to make than will eventually be returned when it is used. It makes more sense from a climate perspective to burn the natural gas itself than to convert and re-convert it to hydrogen in this way.
… by renewable sources of electricity such as wind turbines or solar panels. Even here, … to use the electricity straight from the wind turbine than to convert it to hydrogen … sources is that they are unpredictable – the wind may blow strongly in the middle of the …
As climate change speeds up, the question of how to adapt our homes to hotter temperatures is becoming increasingly important. Now, a pioneering project on the island of Tenerife has been set up to address those concerns. Paul Miles reports
… hot water and are situated near the Centre’s wind turbines and not far from its 24MW solar … of volcanic rock that protect the vine from wind and maximise sunlight,’ says Ruiz-Larrea. … is cooled during the day by channelling the wind into a subterranean space from where it …
The idea has yet to catch on in the UK but in Scandinavia, where the very first 'nature house' was built in the 1970s, the idea of surrounding your existing home with what is essentially a 'greenhouse' to create a living home is one that is catching on. PAUL MILES explores the eco benefits
… area for his children, protected from the wind and rain. He installed a waste water … recycled endless flows of growth, sun, rain, wind and soil, in plants, energy, air, water … - is not for heating but protection from wind and rain. Sacilotto was inspired to build …
Sir Nicholas Stern was asked to find out what way of averting climate change was economically feasible. A loaded question that has allowed him to find a perverse solution to a fatal problem.
… Campaigns Companies Campaigns Nuclear Solar Wind Famine Risk Sea Levels C … about what these might be. They could be wind or wave power, they could be nuclear. … a whimper, is changing its power supply to wind-generation. These are adult countries, …
Arne Naess, the father of the deep ecology movement, spent much time in his cabin on top of a mountain. Paying homage, Paul Miles recreates the trip
… view of a large part of Norway through the window.' Alone here, he studied Plato and … skin and toasty warm but for freezing wind and snow stinging my face. Standing … my guide, Kenneth Trasti-Smedstad, above the wind. "It's too steep for the sled." Forcing …
The recent U-turn by of some of the UK's leading environmentalists - and one-time nuclear energy opponents - on the issue of nuclear energy, has caused vigourous debate in the media. Their reasoning is that we simply don't have the capacity to produce enough renewable energy to meet our needs. But as this comprehensive Ecologist report from 2007 shows the UK is really a renewable energy powerhouse.
… the UK’s energy portfolio is scattered to the winds in Whitehall. Energy policy is, perhaps … only look substantial compared to our dwindling supplies of oil and gas. In 2006, the … energy are fixed – the sun always shines, the wind always blows, the tide always turns and …
In the final instalment from Britain’s historic waterways, the Ecologist’s narrowboat correspondent finds a literal and metaphorical light at the end of the tunnel on the Grand Union canal
… in full bloom along the towpath, and rough winds do, indeed, shake the darling buds of …
In the second communiqué from the canals of Britain, a narrowboat newbie finds the pace of life slowing to the speed of the water, offering time for reflection and a deeper appreciation of the great outdoors
… She is right. There is a way in which, windows and side hatches to either side, … much cleaner and greener with solar panels, a wind turbine and composting toilet, all of …
In the first of a three-part series, a repentant travel writer trades in his longhaul flights and luxury holidays for three months living on a narrowboat
… cosy wood-burning stove and ducks outside my window. Slow boat to Staffordshire Last summer … centuries – a system of canals and locks and winding holes – I expect to find lots of that …
A pioneering community-based hydroelectric energy project in the Brecon Beacons is a blueprint for how green energy can provide more than just low-carbon power...
… announcement of nine proposals for offshore wind projects and a promised £100bn worth of …
What does Douglas Gowan know that everyone else wants to keep hidden? For 40 years the story of Brofiscin Quarry – now the most polluted place in the UK – has been suppressed...
… the US press has reported the judge aims to wind up proceedings within months, having …
What does Douglas Gowan know that everyone else wants to keep hidden? For 40 years the story of Brofiscin Quarry – now the most polluted place in the UK – has been suppressed...
… the US press has reported the judge aims to wind up proceedings within months, having …