The green movement has created a plethora of buzzwords. One of the more popular phrases is renewable energy. And for good reason. Businesses, traditional and emerging, will soon be affected by how they will respond to the reality of renewable energy depending on where they fall in the supply chain.

Renewable energy is a term that refers to those potential sources of energy that are naturally replenished, which means that using them does not decrease the amount available in the future. This contrasts with nonrenewable sources (fossil-based fuels) that have a limited supply and will eventually be used up. Renewable energy sources include sunlight, hydrosphere/water cycle, geothermal and some types of biomass and biofuels. Think of energy as a source and electricity as an application.

The mechanisms used to generate electricity from these sources vary considerably. For sunlight, there are photovoltaic technologies that generate electricity directly from sunlight. But there are also systems that use the sunlight to heat an intermediate fluid, which is used to turn turbines to generate electricity. There are multiple ways that water can be used to provide electricity, of which the most commonly used is the hydroelectric dam.

Other systems that produce electricity from water include wave power systems that convert the kinetic energy of waves into electricity, tidal power systems that use the kinetic energy of tidal flows in a similar fashion, and systems that take advantage of the temperature differences between surface waters and deeper waters in the ocean to generate electricity. Geothermal systems rely on the heat of the earth’s interior to generate electricity in various ways, depending on the specific nature of the site. Biomass and biofuels consist of fuels derived from plant and other organic matter, which are renewable depending on the sustainability of the agricultural practices that provide the biomass. Examples include ethanol and biodiesel liquid fuels for transportation, and solid biomass from unused portions of other crops for electricity generation.

Presently, renewable energy sources provide only a small fraction of global energy production, and the majority of this is from biomass burning such a wood (which while renewable in the strictest sense is not environmentally friendly) in undeveloped regions of the world. Renewable energy provides less than 1% of the world’s energy production even though its use is expected to grow rapidly amid rising concerns about global warming and the rising price of oil.

The biggest impediment to the widespread use of renewable energy sources in the past has been its price compared to the price of coal, natural gas, and petroleum. At present, wind energy costs $0.04-$0.08 per kWh, while coal costs $0.04 per kWh. Other renewable energy sources are even more expensive, such as solar thermal at $0.12-$0.34 per kWh and solar photovoltaic at $0.25-$1.60 per kWh. Water sources vary in cost from being cheaper than coal to costing three times as much. This cost differential, however, is narrowing as the price of oil rises and new technological innovations are bringing down the prices of renewables.

Looking forward, the increasing likelihood of carbon taxes or emissions trading schemes being implemented in much of the developed world means that the cost of generating electricity from coal, natural gas, and petroleum will rise even more precipitously, which will make renewable energy even more attractive for future development.

The future of renewable energy depends on how government energy policy will develop over the course of the next presidential administration and congress. Will carbon taxes or emissions trading schemes be enacted to limit greenhouse gas emissions? Will green grid technologies become widespread? Will the development of new oil supplies be allowed? All of these possible scenarios will affect the future deployment of renewable energy technologies.

As an example, consider the application of rooftop solar photovoltaic systems. Not only will these systems provide electricity to homes and businesses, but they can even be used to sell energy back to the power utility. Farmers and ranchers can plant wind turbines on land unsuitable for growing crops. The widespread use of smart grid technologies can become a major method of decentralizing power generation.

Similarly, if emissions trading schemes are enacted, then the rising cost of carbon-producing energy sources will force a shift to renewable energy technologies for large portions of our energy needs. This is deemed so likely that many believe that renewable energy technologies will be the next major industrial boom, similar to the computer technology revolution of the 1980s and the internet revolution of the late 1990s. Increasingly, large quantities of venture capital are pouring into renewable energy companies in expectation of just such an outcome.

How you position your firm to take advantage of the probable boom in renewable energy depends on your business’s energy needs and usage. If green grid technology becomes widespread, the opportunity presents itself to businesses to become both an electricity consumer and a supplier. If carbon taxes or emissions trading systems drive the move away from petroleum transport fuels to biomass transport fuels, it is important to be prepared for that as well.

As the renewable energy debate gains momentum, NOW is the time to prepare for its eventual inevitability to help protect your business from rising energy and transportation costs.



By: Gary Patterson

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Have you ever experienced power outages where you live? If you have you must know what a terrible experience that is. If you working on your computer and you haven’t saved your hard work you feel like the world is against you when the power dies. You will have no choice but to start over again if you can remember all the hard work you put in. If the power outages last longer that can be a disaster for the food in your fridge. If the power doesn’t come up soon you can start throwing food away. All and all the power outages can cause painful problems.

There is a simple solution for power outages and it can be found in renewable energy system. These renewable energy systems are suitable for home owners just like you and me not only for businesses. So, what are the advantages of using renewable energy as the primary source in our energy needs as an individual homeowner? There are several ways to profit from renewable energy.

Flexibility for specific needs

When you decide to purchase a total system solution you should consult a trustworthy business that specializes in renewable energy. When consulting these businesses they can design a total system that is suitable for your specific needs. If you have a home based business you probable have different energy needs then if you have regular job outside your home.

There are different systems to choose from. Be sure to consult a trustworthy business that can really offer you a good service and has been on business for several years. Almost every country or state in the US has specific tax reduction to profit from. These rules differ from country to country and state to state. You will to do a proper research or consult a professional to really profit from a renewable energy system.

Cutting Cost

With the use of renewable energy you can cut your cost dramatically. Of course you need to make sure that you use a system that is suitable for your needs. If you live in a sunny state than go solar, if you live in a windy state go with wind energy. If possible combine the different energy sources for an optimal solution.

You have to realize that the electricity charges are based on the prices of imported crude oil which are the primary fuel of our power plants. Once its prices soar high, expect that generation charges in your electric bill will increase. It is an advantage that you will just spend for an independent renewable energy system and its low monthly maintenance cost and the rest is history.

Availability and Abundance

A major advantage of renewable energy is that it is abundant and available in our environment. The state of Colorado in the US has a climate that is perfect in utilizing solar power by the use of photovoltaic panels complemented with wind generators. If your residence is situated in an area where there is good running water, you can install your own micro-hydro power system which can provide you reliable source of energy around the clock. As you can see there are enough possibilities to choose from.

In addition, these renewable energies are abundant in nature. As long as the sun is shining, the wind is blowing and the water in the river is flowing, expect that you can have unlimited supply of energy.

Above are just a few advantages listed for renewable energy listed. Of course renewable energy is also very environmental friendly. Investing in renewable energy is not only about saving money it is more about making this world a better place to live in for years to come.



By: Bryan Wong

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China plans to put even greater effort into developing its renewable energy industry and cut greenhouse gas emissions to maintain sustainable economic growth in the coming years. Investments worth more than two trillion Yuan, or 10 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2006, are needed to meet the renewable energy target by 2020, according to the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). The exploration of renewable energy is greatly needed in China.

Addressing a press conference in Beijing early this week, Chen Deming, vice minister of NDRC, reiterated that China’s medium and long-term target is to boost its fledging renewable energy industry, which is expected to play an important role in sustaining the country’s future economic development. Renewable energy is hoped to resolve the serious China’s problem of energy shortage. NDRC plans to raise the ratio of renewable energy in total energy consumption to 10 percent by 2010 and 15 percent by 2020, compared to eight percent at present, Chen said.

Currently, coal annually accounts for more than 70 percent of China’s total energy consumption, leaving great potential for the development of renewable energy — hydropower, marsh gas, solar, wind and other clean and renewable energies, he added. According to its ambitious development plan, China’s installed renewable energy — hydropower, wind power and solar power generation capacity will increase by 190 million kilowatts, 29 million kilowatts and 1.73 million kilowatts respectively between 2006 and 2020.

By 2020, the nation’s installed renewable energy — hydropower, wind power and solar power generation capacity will reach more than 300 million kilowatts, 30 million kilowatts and 1.8 million kilowatts respectively. To achieve this goal, China will have to seek greater international financial support and cooperation to develop its renewable energy industries in the years ahead, Chen said. Renewable energy could contribute to 30 percent of China’s total energy supply by 2050, an energy expert estimated on Tuesday.Chinese wind power stations may have the ability to generate 300 to 500 million kw of electricity in 2050 and another 200 million to 300 million kw will be generated by solar energy, Shi Dinghuan, president of the Chinese Renewable Energy Society, said at the Solar World Congress 2007 in Beijing.

The Chinese government also expects and encourages more domestic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially private firms, to join hands in the development of the country’s renewable energy industry, the vice-minister added. He believes there is enough room for both foreign and domestic companies in the huge renewable energy sector.



By: Dylan Sun

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With the rising energy costs and effects of global warming so prevalent today, many people are wondering if there is truth to the concept of renewable energy technology. There also appears to be confusion between alternative energy technology and renewable energy technology. Alternative energy encompasses all renewable energy sources, but includes things like nuclear power and energy from municipal waste. These are carbonaceous examples. Renewable energy technology focuses on energy that is replaced as it is being used, such as solar energy and wind energy.

With that clear, are there truly benefits on a home or small business level to renewable solar technology? Absolutely. Truthfully, by utilizing renewable energy technology on a home level you can save yourself thousands of dollars each year. Renewable energy technology has gained popularity in recent years and it has become increasingly easy to meet your home’s energy needs with just a little handyman work. With the information available about renewable energy technology, it is possible to build renewable energy products, such as a windmill or solar panel, on your own. Do-it-yourselfers are saving huge amounts of pocket change by building and installing these systems themselves. If you have the money to invest in a commercial professionally installed system, in general these are more efficient, however, savings can still be realized, and at a much faster rate, by researching and building your own renewable energy systems.

Renewable energy technology is advancing with each day. Solar electrical systems have advanced from giant roof panels to thin layers of film that are twice as conductive and work with less sunlight. There are now solar powered charges for cell phones, batteries and other small household items. Windmills have been made more aerodynamic for greater action and electricity generation. Renewable energy technology can even be seen along today’s highways as small solar/wind operation stations powering signs and lights.

Many homeowners today are looking into integrating green energy sources for developing more energy efficient homes and businesses. A green energy source is power generated through renewable resources, such as the sun, wind and water. The other benefit of green energy sources is their low contribution to global warming, pollution and other environmental issues.

The most popular of green energy sources is the sun. Energy captured from the sun is called solar energy. Of the green energy sources, solar energy is the most popular because it offers multiple options for use. It is possible to harness electrical energy from the sun using solar panels consisting of photovoltaic cells that convert energy from the sun into electricity you can use in your home or business. There are also solar hot water collectors that use the heat of the sun to produce hot water. These solar green energy sources are readily available and increasing in popularity as most homes and businesses can have them mounted on their roof and they can take advantage of lowered utility costs.

The most efficient of green energy sources is wind. Wind has been used to power water pumps for centuries, but has grown in popularity as a way to supplement home and business electricity needs. Wind is the safest and cleanest of the green energy sources as it produces no pollutants and does not contribute to global warming. Wind energy is harnessed by erecting a turbine that spins in the breeze generating electricity. Unlike the sun, which can be found almost anywhere, in order to utilize wind as a green energy source, you must live in an area where wind is readily available.

Water is also a viable participant of green energy sources. Water is less widely used as a green energy source for homes, as not all homes have an available stream to produce the needed electricity. The Amish have used water to power entire shops using conveyer belt systems, so it is an old practice, but it is still being used successfully today. As with solar and wind energy, energy harnessed from moving water is almost completely pollutant free and is generated from a renewable resource.



By: Corrado Vinci

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Chancellor Alistair Darling’s Pre-Budget Report (PBR) has been seen as one of the most important packages of government proposals in over a decade. Included in that package were some very positive moves for renewable energy, which could equate to a big increase in ‘green-collar’ jobs - particularly renewable energy jobs, nuclear jobs and other careers in the UK’s energy industries.

The government gave a significant boost to the wind power industry by promising to extend the Renewables Obligation of financial support until 2037. The Renewables Obligation, which places a legal requirement on UK electricity suppliers to source any growing percentage of their power from green sources, was originally only in place until 2027. The Chancellor’s 10-year extension is intended to “ensure investors can plan with confidence for the future”. The British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) said that the move was “really encouraging” and would stimulate companies looking at plans to build expensive projects deep into the North Sea. These projects include tidal projects as well as offshore windfarms and other renewable energy sources. This extension of the Renewables Obligation gives these companies a reassurance that the government will be investing in renewable energy, which translates into a greater confidence and business growth, which in turn inevitably leads to more job opportunities.

With government targets for 10% of UK electricity supplies to come from renewable supplies only two years away, the renewable energy industry is pumping investment into new methods of meeting those targets, again all good news for those looking for careers in the UK’s energy market. Nuclear power will be part of that package, so nuclear jobs look set to increase as new stations come online as part of the UK’s long-term plans to meet its energy needs. Despite a real desire for environmental energy to be the key to Britain’s future energy needs, there is a shortfall in supply and demand. It is probable that this shortfall will be taken up by the nuclear industry, whether the public wants it or not. The alternative is a country that cannot meet its own energy demands, so a compromise has to be made.

But not only has the Renewables Obligation been given an additional 10 year lifespan - the Chancellor also announced that the government would be bringing capital spending forward to finance the environmental sector as a whole. Mr. Darling said that this could potentially create one million jobs in the low-carbon industry over the next 20 years, giving the UK a new growth industry that has a long-term future. This obviously means a big increase in the number of potential energy jobs available and a stable career platform for thousands of people. Philip Wolfe, director general of the Renewable Energy Association said that “energy projects are significant undertakings and companies require 15 to 20 years of a stable policy framework stretching ahead of them to give them the confidence to invest.” It is this investment confidence that not only would benefit the environment, but the jobs market as well.

Although the oil industry is in surprisingly fine fettle and currently meets most of our energy demands, renewable energy is the future of both supply and production not just in the UK but globally as well. The Environmental Industries Commission calls on the government to go further, saying that the development and implementation of a long-term growth strategy that includes a clear environmental policy framework, incentives, research funding and skills development is a matter of urgency if the UK is not to be left behind in the race to become a leading low-carbon economy. All of this again bodes well for those seeking careers in the energy industry and renewable energy jobs in particular.



By: Duncan Freer

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