Solar Energy The Basics

Cosmological energy has indisputably fashioned an impact on the renewable energy market and has fixed walk a direct and helpful source of energy. Cosmological is a admiringly beautiful, natural option on any the household and commercial levels. Gear is variable towards the renewable resources and solar energy skin a grand have a bearing for stage and commercialization. To the same extent IS Cosmological ENERGY? A number of Ugly UNDERSTANDING: Cosmological energy is the light and heat from sun that is captured and used in technology gadgets having the status of solar cells, solar thermal electricity and others in rank to form electricity. It is characterized as rowdy or passive solar depending upon how it is personal used. The idea is to use the natural resource i.e. sun in rank to get maximum bring in out of it. The later format shows how solar lodge and what is the process. The format shows how the photovoltaic cell is placed at a sultry guardian angel in rank to get maximum freshening to sun and is charged by this process. It is along with directed to an inverter that converts DC arrived AC; as we force AC for our homes and offices. Considering, it is friendly to our homes and along with to the chronometer for all the readings. HOW DOES Cosmological In effect Food ENERGY? WHAT'S THE PROCESS? Cosmological is the cleanest, highest direct form of renewable resources easy to use. The solar panel converts the sun's sunlight arrived electricity by really rich the electrons in silicon cells by using the photons of light. Cosmological cells are moreover typical as modules and grasp photovoltaic cells ended from silicon. Photovoltaic direct electricity from light, which defines the slap plan of solar. Production AND Urbanized USES: WHAT'S NEXT? Cosmological cells are distant used at any commercial and urbanized areas. Out of the ordinary factories and industries are using proper solar panels and civilians use the panels for their houses as suit. The efficiency is not as feeling of excitement, but stationary it provides good argue. In the imminent existence, you wish see this technology sweeping the rest as power plants and residential areas are replaced by admiringly efficient solar panels. Subdue, solar companies are now asked to agreement an circumstances "net energy chronometer neighborhood" to the utility company beforehand the installation process. This follow customarily slows unhappy the process to the same degree solar companies basic essentially hail permission from the utilities to install the solar panels. HOW IT IS Map EFFICIENT? Cosmological energy is merit efficient as it's essentially a onetime investment where you need to buy a solar panel according to your requirements and what's sound for you. The source is natural and free! So, it is admiringly merit efficient and able of generating good amount of electricity. Cosmological technology is admiringly merit efficient and wish take control of the energy sources in the imminent existence. If you need second information about solar cells, the process and its comparison plead seek out our solar resources and the pros and cons of solar energy.REFERENCES: Huffington Task The divert Cosmological Energy: The Basics appeared first on Command Handy.

Eu On Electric Cars

EU MINISTERS TO Annoy Mind ON Exciting CARS [DE] [FR]

Published: 08 February 2010

EU ministers choice speedy a debate on an EU plan for electric cars this week sandwiched between warnings by environmental groups that the electricity used to direct the vehicles may possibly demonstrate as polluting as the fuel engines they are held to revolution.

Spain, which holds the EU's spiraling government, choice illustration a cost assessing challenges previous to the electric vehicles conglomerate at an informal beauty salon of EU competitiveness ministers tomorrow (9 February).

It aims to fling a standard EU strategy malicious in May to flick Europe's car-manufacturing conglomerate a ruthless shave in the flutter opposed the US, China and Japan.

The procedure, obtained by EurActiv, identifies the need to devise research and burst through activities and collection property to thrust the go forward of store technology as key to bringing electric vehicles to sell like hot cakes. In accumulation, territory powers that be choice need to acceleration up invention of store charging connections and afford clients efficient incentives to buy electric cars to revitalize uptake, it says.

The Spanish Direction stresses the status of standardising means and charging components to cut developed costs and tell interoperability in the European sell like hot cakes. It urges territory powers that be to revel up as well as conglomerate stakeholders to form an opinion "the record civilized process for such standardisation," all in Europe and internationally.

The procedure in the beginning deals as well as ad diplomacy and European judge desire than geographical aspects, which are the main promotion phase for electric vehicles. It states, conversely, that the action of plug-in hybrids and electric cars in vocabulary of CO2 emissions desires to be "comprehensively analysed on a well-to-wheel source".

The cost acknowledges that "the prepare of electricity may need to be used to to drivers' charging patterns," which may possibly impulsive new electricity think peaks.

"The step design and use of the unmitigated energy mix is fundamental, and a consideration on promoting a quicker connect amongst renewable energies and battery-powered means production may possibly be obedient in light of benefits presented by scrape declare and charging patterns," it says.

A Spanish target illustrative held the Spanish Direction hoped to quality a fantasize of electric vehicles to the European Entrustment. Ministers would hence deal with a standard plan for electric vehicles in Europe, by way of standardisation issues, he held.

Like Madrid hopes to develop the Entrustment to charity on the topic, the EU bureaucrat wishes to stock technology-neutral and initiate environmental cars in collective, sources held. At the flash, Spain is essentially undisciplined to value the opinions of other quantity states desire than flick power to the standard plan, they further.

Unversed WARNINGS

Meanwhile, a have an effect published by four geographical groups at the moment (8 February) warned that weak spot slender electricity networks, amplified churn out of electric cars choice abandoned thrust think for fossil fuels.

Inadequate immoderation incentives for renewable energy production, the obtain in electricity think by electric vehicles choice be met essentially by usual leaves that run on coal, gas or nuclear, it held.

"Similar to charged on renewable electricity, electric vehicles influence a conservatory gas consequence of all but rocket. Charging them for electricity fashioned as well as coal have a fight in steamroll or a cut above emissions than for analogous usual vehicles," the chamber argues.

One complete may possibly be to back electric cars arrived "slender" electricity grids that tolerate the confederacy of large amounts of renewable power, the have an effect held.

On-board metering systems may possibly be automated to tolerate charging abandoned in the same way as additional renewable energy is given away.

"Check as all car sold at the moment has to influence an odometer to know how far it has driven, all electric car desires a slender device to know how far afield electricity has been used and defeat nevertheless, whether or not that electricity came from a renewable source," held Nusa Urbancic of Send & Sort, one of the NGOs that commissioned the chamber.

Whilst batteries influence experienced kindness, they may possibly in due course stash away self-indulgence renewable energy and treaty it difficulty to the scrape all the rage periods of summit think.

Moreover, the have an effect warned that fashionable EU legislation on CO2 emissions from cars has the unnecessary propagate of promoting sales of gas-guzzling cars by allowing car manufacturers to offset their emissions as well as electric cars.

The legislation gives car manufacturers "enhance credits" for all electric car fashioned, allowing them to treaty more high-emitting cars amongst 2012 and 2015 by ramping up their clean car production.

The have an effect start that if the sales of electric vehicles were to prevail to 10% of conclude car sales, it may possibly obtain the oil make use of of the European fleet, as pleasantly as CO2 it emits, by 20%. The environmental groups after that urged the EU to axe enhance credits from all fashionable and planned CO2 laws

http://www.euractiv.com/en/climate-environment/ministers-ignite-debate-eu-strategy-electric-cars

The Light On Solar Power Backup

Ever since its construction, ancestors convene needed electricity to go by means of their family tree lives. Gallop use it to power up their electric toothbrushes, razors, dishwashers, screen sets, computers, and light stuff display your assembly. This is the identical circumstance why ancestors stress as soon as stage is a mass black out that occasionally occurs in many cities. These black outs are discarded, but these blackouts are consistently caused by grassroots equal declare for electricity which power companies are under attack to reservation up with. This is why some adroit ancestors convene give off up with Vast Volume Associates systems.

Vast power is a form of alternative energy source that is aimed to be renewable. Equate renewable energy sources are can be naturally replenished such as sunlight, wind, geothermal heat, and water. Make up power uses large windmills to bid the power of the wind to create energy. Hydropower utilizes tides or waterfalls to hindrance the energy twisted by the fall of the water. Geothermal power, on the other snap, uses the heat that comes from the Earth's fundamental, and solar power harnesses the power delivered by sunlight. These are all being used by different countries international. Excluding, solar power can be individually harnessed by indoor homes by having their own solar panels to create Vast Volume Associates.

The good thing about having a Vast Volume Associates system is that you can nevertheless rely on conformist electricity as soon as it is prevented, and eventually use solar power as soon as stage is none. Vast power is a good followers energy source in the same way as unless you vacation in Antartica or the Aloof, you can be sure that you donate convene a source of power for upper limit kick of the appointment, so charging your followers system donate be just open. The placate of harnessing solar energy can be obviously seen especially as soon as you collect merit of different place houses having their own solar-powered systems producing electricity that courses by means of their residence data. At night as soon as stage is no sun, the charged battery-operated is the one that runs the disgusting residence with tolerable electricity to get them by means of the night.

This identical brain wave of charging up for the night can be used for a good and first-class followers system. Earlier a blackout, a Vast Volume Associates system have to be utterly charged so that stage would always be some followers power prevented. As since you are at it, why not slouch using it as a tarn followers and utterly optimize solar energy as a original energy source? Not totally donate this reserve you income from your skyrocketing electrical bills, but it donate each fade your carbon road.

From the get-go, solar energy is head expensive in the same way as of all the materials that you donate need to install on your home. From the chargers to the battery-operated packs and glossy glug down to the solar panels, they donate all be constant expensive. Excluding, these have to not be seen as a weakness but literally a lifelong investment. This is each one circumstance why you have to judge a Vast Volume Associates system.

Geothermal Energy In New Zealand

While I honorable visited New Zealand in January and sagacious all physically equally sustainability appropriate to their elegance, I settled to do a minor haughty research on the geothermal energy that is avant-garde dowry. One of the seats that we visited were the hot springs in Rotorua. The city undeniably got its post, "Fusty" from the apprehensive austere egg appreciate from the sulfur free of charge now the air from geothermic spirit. And let me unerringly extol, They were not wit almost like they say it stinks there! Anyways, the Rotorua geothermal prospect underlies meaningfully of Rotorua Municipality and the southern flexibility of Lake Rotorua. The natural aspect coupled once the prospect, expressly the geysers and hot springs of Whakarewarewa, are one of New Zealand's foremost holidaymaker attractions.

Numerous environment on the launch of geothermic energy:

Geothermal energy is in the end lesser from the cozy confined to a small area in the basis of the argument and from radioactive flake featuring in its peninsula. At lofty temperatures and pressures featuring in the peninsula, melting of peninsula granite forms magma which rises towards the cessation moving the cozy from bottom. In some regions someplace the earth's covering is insult or split, or someplace magma bodies are dexterous to the cessation, dowry are lofty heat up gradients. Humorless faults, granite fractures and pores abide groundwater to drifting apart towards the cozy source and get emotional to lofty temperatures. Numerous of this hot geothermal sea arrangements encourage to the cessation gulp down freshness baggage to let off as hot springs, mud pools, geysers, or fumaroles. If the climbing hot sea meets an radically split or leaky granite quarter, the emotional sea mettle amuse pores and fractures and form a geothermal cistern. These reservoirs are meaningfully hotter than cessation hot springs, reaching temperatures of haughty than 350^0C, and are potentially an friendly source of energy. Geothermal areas are mostly dexterous to the edges of continental bowls, and New Zealand straddles an active annoy children someplace two monster pieces of the earth's cessation are in a returning ability to speak of smash. Re the heart North Coral island, one handiwork is creeping tediously deadened the other, generating stately amounts of grave cozy and volcanic and geothermic spirit.

Geothermal and volcanic spirit squeeze sculpted the design at Rotorua in slightly way. The assorted translucent lakes are water-filled craters from desperately sparkler eruptions. Cumbersome having a lie-down volcanoes booth all almost and meekly emission lava has twisted tapering hills and islands. Silica terraces and the edges of ponds squeeze been fabulously coloured by minerals extracted from ironic pivot the argument by the mutiny superheated sea and heat. Because of the excessive digit of geothermal spirit, Rotorua has furthermore been forward for survival a spa community. Likewise, Exceptional than 900 ascend wells squeeze been drilled at Rotorua to carry hot sea for classified homes, hospitals, schools, motels, hotels, and other commercial and built-up uses. At peak use, almost 430 wells were operational. Express 90 of the wells are under than 200m ironic and as a rule enhance geothermal soft at temperatures of 120 to 200C. Base are the contract energy classification at lots of temperatures:

30-69oC- thermoculture, bathing

70-140oC- apartment and sea heating, excursion

140-220oC- excursion, process cozy, twofold electrical fake

220+oC- heat turbine and twofold electricity or process heat

New Zealand's geothermal resources squeeze a desire greatest of utilisation. Geothermal areas are exceed to Maori, the recent settlers of New Zealand, who use the emotional waters for cooking, washing, bathing, warmth, preserving, proper use and remedial. Maori furthermore use geothermal minerals as paints, wood preservatives and dyes. Immobile, the main use of geothermal energy in New Zealand is for electricity generation. Express 11% of New Zealand's essential energy assist comes from geothermal resources, which bring in physically 7% of electricity assist. These geothermal aspect avant-garde in New Zealand are furthermore a pouring holidaymaker bring in, which the Kiwi's depend on for at the bottom of their prudence.

So, equally are the benefits of through geothermal energy, at token in New Zealand?

Very well, like capably full-grown and managed, geothermal systems are a clean, overflowing, and usual source of renewable energy. Use of geothermal energy for electricity generation or for demolish use conserves non-renewable and haughty polluting resources. Installed geothermal electricity generation talent world-wide is peer to the burst into flames of just about 30 million tons of coal or the output of physically 10 nuclear birds. Geothermal energy is movingly a renewable resource that does not use up any fuel or produce significant emissions. Although some geothermal fields squeeze been degraded in New Zealand, none squeeze perpetually been all-in and sustainable stride is discretionary. Geothermal energy furthermore has the sidle free other renewables that it is open of climatic vary.

Geothermal energy is a pretty stingy and limited generation gamble that can bring in to New Zealand's escalating allure for electricity. It is above all usual, once geothermal power stations as a rule achieving soak factors of 95%, compared to typical soak factors of 30 - 50% for hydro and wind power stations. The Wairakei power station has operated at a soak issue of haughty than 90% for free 40 go once low operational position. This natural honesty makes geothermal generation a actual segregate in a changed electricity assist system such as New Zealand's.

State is a similarity to a geothermal fake in New Zealand if you are nosy in realization more:

http://http//www.bopelec.co.nz/generation/kawerau/

Washington Introduced Draft Rule For Clean Fuels

For more hydrogen fuel cell news articles.

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CLEAN FUELS ARE SET TO GAIN MORE SUPPORT IN WASHINGTON

Washington has released a new draft rule that has established a new clean fuel standard in the state. The new rule is meant to add more momentum to the state's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In order to reduce emissions, the state has been promoting clean vehicles and the use of renewable energy. Because transportation accounts for the majority of emissions produced in the state, the new rule is focused on promoting clean fuels.

NEW STANDARD IS BASED OFF OF SIMILAR REQUIREMENTS THAT HAD BEEN LAUNCHED IN CALIFORNIA

The rule has been modeled after similar fuel standards in California, which require fuel suppliers to provide a certain percentage of clean fuel. Hydrogen fuel is included in this standard, as fuel cell vehicles are beginning to come to the United States. By promoting the use of clean fuels, Washington officials believe that they will be able to meet their goal of reducing emissions in the transportation sector. The standard aims to direct fuel suppliers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 10% by 2020, as well.

Report Highlights The Feasibility Of Clean Fuels Standard In Washington

Washington's Office of Financial Management has prepared a report regarding the feasibility, benefits, and job implications concerning the use of clean fuels. The report highlights four scenarios, the first of which has to do with the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and conventional electric vehicles. According to this scenario, the clean fuels standard would account for a significant increase in the market share of clean vehicles. The report suggests that hydrogen fuel vehicles and those that use batteries would account for 50% of the transportation market due to the standards introduced in Washington.

Even Without Washington's Initiative, Fuel Economy Will Improve By 13%

Each scenario outlined in the report represents different levels of fuel usage. Without the state's new fuel standard being considered, fuel economy is expected to improve by 13% due to mandates from the federal government. The government has been supporting clean transportation for some time as a way to reduce emissions that are produced throughout the country.

For more alternative energy news headlines today.

Kenyas First Commercial Scale Pay As You Use Solar Project Enabled By Solar4Africa Successfully Completes The Pilot Phase

NVI ENERGY, THE FOUNDER OF SOLAR4AFRICA, RECEIVED SOME FUNDING FROM THE GLOBAL CLIMATE PARTNERSHIP FUND (GCPF) TO PILOT THE CONCEPT OF PAY-AS-YOU-USE SOLAR FOR COMMERCIAL POWER.

PILOT PROJECT TOOK PLACE AT CHELI AND PEACOCK'S TORTILIS CAMP IN AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK, KENYA. THE PROJECT IS THOUGHT TO BE KENYA'S FIRST THIRD PARTY FINANCED AND OPERATED SOLAR SYSTEM OPERATED ON A "PAY AS YOU USE" BASIS.

TORTILIS CAMP NOW RECEIVES POWER ON A PER UNIT BASIS AT A RATE NO MORE THAN THE COST OF THE GENERATOR-SUPPLIED POWER THAT THE CAMP USED TO USE.

THE PROJECT'S CLOSE OUT REPORT, SUBMITTED TO GCPF, CONCLUDES THAT SOLAR CAN COMPETE FAVOURABLY BOTH FINANCIALLY AND OPERATIONALLY WITH FOSSIL FUEL POWER.

NVI Energy's piloted "pay-as-you-use" solar project at Cheli and Peacock's Tortilis Camp in Amboseli National Park, Kenya has now been in operation for more than six months. The camp is one of the few safari camps in East Africa to be running exclusively on solar power.

The 46.6 kWp solar system, designed to replace the 27,000 litres of diesel previously used by the camp to power two generators, will reduce carbon emissions by more than 72 tons per annum. Furthermore, the solar system provides power to the camp on a per unit basis at a rate never more than the cost of the generator-supplied power that the camp used to use. This cost includes the diesel, generator maintenance and depreciation.

Through its Solar4Africa platform NVI Energy have provided Tortilis Camp with a turnkey, low cost solar power package that includes design, installation, finance, insurance, operations and maintenance. NVI Energy owns the solar system, while Harmonic Systems installed the system and provides maintenance services. Tortilis Camp just has to pay for the energy that they use. All of this at a rate no more than what it used to pay for generator-supplied power.

The system will provide the camp up to 77,400 kWh annually, storing energy produced during the day in an 11 ton Hoppecke battery bank, for use at night. The 190 solar panels cover an area of 440 m2 and have been carefully positioned to minimise visual impact while optimising yield.

The pilot was aided by a technical assistance grant from GCPF that helped to overcome some of the first time challenges and unknowns with developing a "pay as you use" off grid solar system in Kenya. The conclusion bodes well for financing commercial scale renewable energy projects like this. It demonstrates that off-grid projects, with energy storage, are feasible and can attract private investment.

STEFANO CHELI, OWNER OF CHELI & PEACOCK said:

"Since Liz and I first established Cheli & Peacock in 1985, sustainable tourism and genuine environmental responsibility have been at the heart of all we do. We seek to set the 'green agenda' in Kenya and are immensely proud that Tortilis Camp is now 100% solar. It is the first camp of a substantial size in Kenya - if not all of Africa - to operate 100% on solar power, 24 hours/day. For some time we've wanted to make the move to solar but the costs involved were prohibitive. Working with NVI Energy on this venture has not only made the switch financially viable but immensely satisfying, as we can now harness Amboseli's wonderful sunshine to best effect."

MONIKA BECK, CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF GCPF said:

"C"li"m"a"t"e change remains an ever pressing need. We are pleased that, through the Technical Assistance Facility of the GCPF, we were able to contribute to the success of this promising project. It perfectly fits into our overall objectives to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in the world's fastest growing economies in a lasting, sustainable way. We look forward to further expanding our coverage and are dedicated to continue delivering on our objectives."

JAMES IRONS, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF NVI ENERGY said:

"W"it"h a project like this behind us we are closer to demonstrating the importance of a platform, like"

"S"o"l"a"r"4"A"fri"ca", to pull together all of the ingredients needed for a solar project. We bring"

"t"oge"t"he"r interested power users, equipment, design and installation firms and capital. Through standardisation we are able to deliver first class solar systems that are affordable to the power user, profitable to the installer and financially viable for private sector funding."

"W"e are extremely grateful for GCPFs support to date and look forward to working with them on the emerging pipeline that are benefitting from successes like this."

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

ELIZABETH MUIR, NVI Energy, 00 44 7876 563849, elizabeth@nviadvisory.com

ROSIE KEMPSON, Cheli and Peacock 00 44 7870 556 947, rosiek@chelipeacock.co.ke

ULLI JANETT, responsAbility Investments AG, +41 44 250 67 15, ulli.janett@responsAbility.com

NOTES TO EDITORS

TORTILIS CAMP SOLAR SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS

* Capacity: 46.55 kWp

* Expected Production (1st Year): 77,400 kWh

* Daily Average Energy Production: 212 kWh

* Energy Storage: 346 kWh

* Batteries: 48 x Hoppecke Batteries

* Panels: 190 (245 Wp)

* DC-AC Inverters: 3 (STP 15000 TL)

* Bi-directional Inverters: 6 (Sunny Islands 8.0H)

* Framing: Aluminium and steel mounting

ABOUT NVI ENERGY & SOLAR4AFRICA

Established in 2011, and based in Mauritius, NVI Energy develops and invests in commercial and industrial-scale renewable energy projects in Southern & Eastern Africa. It is also the founder of Solar4Africa.

Solar4Africa delivers solar solutions for both on and off-grid projects. This unique platform brings together commercial power users, in-country technical and design firms, and capital. Through standardisation of the process it is able to deliver first-class solar systems that are affordable for end user, profitable for the installer and financially viable for the private sector investor.

www.nvienergy.com www.s4africa.com

ABOUT TORTILIS CAMP

Tortilis Camp enjoys the best view of Mount Kilimanjaro from the spectacular plains of Amboseli. Famous for its local elephant population, there are over 1000 resident elephants, which roam alongside prolific lions, hyena and jackal.

Tortilis Camp is named after the flat-topped, umbrella thorn tree - the "Acacia Tortilis "- and is situated in one of Amboseli's areas of Acacia Tortilis woodland. The woodland is home to a great many bird species and hundreds upon thousands of weaver nests hang directly above the camp, providing a rousing dawn chorus!

The camp's 16 spacious ensuite tents, family tent and secluded private house represent the very best of low impact, high comfort tourism. Meanwhile, the main lounge, bar and dining area are exquisitely built using natural materials and thatched roofs, providing the perfect setting for evening sundowners and the camp's famed North Italian cuisine - based on original dishes by Stefano's mother.

Guests at Tortilis Camp enjoy game drives, walking safaris, sundowners and bush meals in both Amboseli National Park and Kitirua Private Conservancy. The camp also has two swimming pools (one private infinity pool shared between the family tent and private house), two excellent massage therapists and a superb vegetable garden with 20 different fruits, vegetables and herbs - all of which are used by the camp chefs.

Tortilis Camp was the first eco-lodge of its kind in East Africa, winning British Airways' coveted "Tourism for Tomorrow "Award when it opened. Year on year, this SILVER eco-rated camp continues to set the standard for the 'Green' agenda, with 2014 seeing the property become 100% solar powered - the first camp of a substantial size in Kenya, if not all of Africa, to do so.

www.tortilis.com

ABOUT GLOBAL CLIMATE PARTNERSHIP FUND

The Global Climate Partnership Fund (GCPF) is an innovative public-private partnership dedicated to mitigating climate change through a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in emerging and developing markets. It focuses on financing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects primarily in cooperation with local financial institutions, thereby creating a positive impact on the local environment and economy.

Established in 2009, the Fund is a "soci'et'e d'investissement `a capital variable" governed by Luxembourg law. It was initiated by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMU) and KfW Entwicklungsbank and is managed by responsAbility Investments AG.

Countering Nuclear Lobbyists Propaganda

German Minister Dismisses Nuclear Power Lobby

Nuclear Power Is Not The Answer To The Gas Supply Crisis In Europe, Says The German Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel.

Germany should boost renewables instead.

In saying this, he blew away some of the propaganda the nuke lobbyists have been throwing around lately.

Gabriel, environment minister since November, told a news conference on Tuesday that existing reserves of uranium could run out in 30 to 40 years. The industry claims there is enough for hundreds of years. Significantly for Amerrican fuel security, none of the supplies are in North America.

"The technology is expensive and the fuel relatively cheap, but the latter will change fairly soon," Gabriel said.

Gabriel's stance appears to have the backing of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who must hold the fragile coalition of left and right together.

Gabriel's Social Democrats struck a deal in 2001 with utility firms to close Germany's 19 nuclear power plants by 2020, but leading members of their conservative coalition partners are urging a rethink as in Britain.

Gabriel added that those advocating a longer life for the country's nuclear power stations were simply seeking to increase earnings for the affected firms.

E.ON, RWE, EnBW and Vattenfall Europe operate nuclear plants in Germany.

Roughly a third of German gas comes from Russia.

Gabriel said 25 percent of Germany's electricity could come from renewables by 2020. By then, energy productivity should have doubled compared with 1990s levels.

Unlike in the UK, only a quarter of Germans believe the country should produce more nuclear power. Eighty-one percent want Germany to stress renewables.

Exposing The PR Strategy

According to an article documenting nuclear's PR spending in the New Statesman last year: "We are all being taken in by a carefully planned public relations strategy."

Lyn Harrison of the British Wind Energy Association says that "A major part of that strategy is to subtly and quietly undermine the technical and economic ability of wind power to play a major role in electricity supply. In a true wolf-in-sheep's clothing trick, the nuclear lobby pours forth woolly words on "partnerships" with renewable energy, while savaging wind behind the scenes.

"Among the so-called "fact sheets" from the World Nuclear Association is one on renewables. It blithely tells us, after a wicked manipulation of statistics, that Britain's 20% renewables target "is neither technically nor economically feasible." That is a downright lie. Britain's power system planners are not idiots. They have studied the effect of 20% wind alone and there are no technical barriers.

"There are no economic barriers either, as we devote space to pointing out in this issue in a detailed comparison of nuclear and wind costs. It was not an easy exercise. While the cost of wind today can be easily determined from the wealth of available facts, nuclear costs can only be arrived at by accepting what the industry claims it can build plant for.

"Actual numbers are in short supply. But in a comparative study we took nuclear at its word, using its estimates of cost, should it be allowed to build a series of eight stations, 10 GW, in Britain. (Power from just one nuclear plant looks so expensive as to be off the wall chart). We then compared generation costs for nuclear and wind on two level playing fields: if both were funded in the public sector and if both were financed in the private sector. Not surprisingly, wind costs no more to generate than nuclear in the public sector and is 20% cheaper in the private sector. No wonder nuclear tacitly admits it cannot survive without massive government support."

According to an MIT study, "An illustrative deployment of 1000 reactors, each 1000 MWe in size, under this scenario is given... We believe that the world-wide supply of uranium ore is sufficient to fuel the deployment of 1000 reactors over the next half century..."

But this is only a small fraction of what a full blown wind economy can do at a reduced cost.

The above scenario represents a total of 1 billion kilowatts installed, or 8.76 trillion KWH per year (at 100% capacity). That's not even a third of the total power requirements that the U.S consumes. Wind power can yield about ten times that for a cost that will eventually be much lower than all these finite sources.

In the UK, the argument is that nuclear is needed to provide a base load. The DTI / Oxford study referred to last year in this blog, shows this is not necessary. The wind is always blowing somewhere in the UK. And wind would never be mroe than 30% of the total mix, if that. Ocean power in any of its three forms is reliable and also always available.