Impact of the falling number of patents for renewable energy products

Julia Kollewe writes in The Guardian that the falling number of patents for renewable energy products globally risks governments missing carbon reduction targets. Global hopes for renewable energy fading, patents data show The number of patents for renewable energy products filed worldwide has fallen by 42% over the last three years, which could suggest … Continue reading Impact of the falling number of patents for renewable energy products →

Why have renewables not caught on as they should?

Michael McDonald writes a good article in oilprice.com why the world has not figured out an effective business model for renewable energy and, until so, the full potential will not be achieved. What Is Holding The Green Revolution Back? In all the press that alternative energy sources get, one fact is often omitted. While … Continue reading Why have renewables not caught on as they should? →

The challenge of integrating distributed energy into the electrical grid

The sustainable energy transition is complex and even electricity utilities realise there is a need to change even if there is inconvenience. Takefumi Arai writes on Renewable Energy Focus website about many of the challenges. The Electrical Grid and Renewable Energy: Creating a Stable Relationship Electric utilities and grid operators face the challenge of … Continue reading The challenge of integrating distributed energy into the electrical grid →

Have we reached the tipping point in deploying renewables?

Achim Steiner, under-secretary general of the United Nations and executive director of the UN environment programme (UNEP), writes in The Guardian about how clean energy has spread to every corner of the globe, with more than 100,000 megawatts of capacity installed last year. Steiner explains how clean energy investment in 2014 rose 17% compared to … Continue reading Have we reached the tipping point in deploying renewables? →

Developments in deployment of solar systems in Hawaii – at the forefront of a global upheaval

Diane Cardwell provides an excellent article in the New York Times about the impact the rapid deployment of solar systems is having on the power sector. Solar Power Battle Puts Hawaii at Forefront of Worldwide Changes Allan Akamine has looked all around the winding, palm tree-lined cul-de-sacs of his suburban neighborhood in Mililani here … Continue reading Developments in deployment of solar systems in Hawaii – at the forefront of a global upheaval →

Businesses are engaging in renewable energy

The low-carbon energy transition is seeing many changes in the way we address sustainable energy. While we often think about this in terms of individual consumers, the corporate world is also reacting, as shown in an article by the staff of the ClickGreen website. How renewable energy is changing corporate energy behaviour Tom … Continue reading Businesses are engaging in renewable energy →

The distributed future is getting closer

Chris Mooney writes a good article in the Washington Post about the transition underway in our homes to change the way we get our power. Increasingly, power is coming from our rooftops. While this article is primarily about the US, just think what will happen in a few years in Europe when all new buildings … Continue reading The distributed future is getting closer →

New energy white paper in Australia widely criticised

While Australia has traditionally been known for strong policies in energy efficiency and renewable energy, it has also been known as a major producer of fossil fuels. Joshua S Hill writes on the CleanTechnica website about the plans of the Abbott government. It is not even looking at a balanced approach as it heavily favours … Continue reading New energy white paper in Australia widely criticised →

“Smart” glass shows promise

Daksha Rangan write on the Weather Network website about new glass that reacts to weather conditions and brings many benefits. It can even provide low level power. Researchers create smart windows, using weather to create a renewable energy source Can rain help you cut back on energy costs? In the near future, perhaps. According … Continue reading “Smart” glass shows promise →

Renewable energy can provide good returns for retirement income

ClickGreen provides a very good article about how those over 60 are seriously lending to renewable energy project crowdfunds. The lending is providing good retirement income. It would be good to think this could also work for energy efficiency. Pensioner power turns renewable energy plans into reality A third of all lenders to renewable … Continue reading Renewable energy can provide good returns for retirement income →