Green Energy News Items - 6/12/2008
Cap and Trade System Works in Europe
According to an analysis by MIT, controlling greenhouse emissions by trading carbon credits is working well, despite the fact that it had a shaky start.
There’s been no negative impact on the European economy and the MIT team feels that the system could be a very good model for similar operations in the US and other countries. More …
Trash Could Power Homes
Pollution and trash are two problems that seem to go hand in hand. On the Isle of Wight, the government is attempting to solve both problems by burning trash to make electricity for 2,000 homes.
Although reducing the amount of trash generated is the ideal method of dealing with it, burning it in a safe manner to produce electricity is the next best thing. While recycling is also a good option, not everything can be recycled and we’re running out of places to put our trash. More …
New Clothes Washer Uses a Cup of Water
Imagine loading your clothes into a washer, adding a cup of water and doing your wash. Scientists at Leeds University say that you’ll be able to do just that, at least in Europe, within two years.
The water doesn’t do the actual cleaning. That’s accomplished with small plastic chips and detergent. The washing machine has already proved itself by removing tough stains like lipstick and coffee. More …
California Edison Adds to Its Solar Power
90% of the solar energy in the US is already purchased by Edison, but it intends to add even more solar capacity to power at least 160,000 homes.
Slated to go online in 2011, the solar power will come from the Antelope Valley installations Edison will build north of Los Angeles. These plants will use an advanced solar-mirror technology to increase efficiency and make construction easier, since they don’t require heavy equipment for assembly. More …
Verizon Earns Award for Fuel Cells
By powering its offices and call-center with seven fuel cells, Verizon has been awarded the Energy Star Award. The largest fuel cell powered facility of its kind, the site is powered by generating energy from waste heat.
Verizon has also recently announced that it intends to hold suppliers to new energy consumption standards that it has put into place for certain kinds of equipment. More …