Daily News – November 19, 2008
November 19, 2008
Japan Announces Its Third Farm Waste Ethanol Project
Japan’s agricultural ministry said that a third project to produce ethanol from farm waste has been approved. The plant building and running costs will be subsidized to the extent of $32 million spread over five years. The advantage of using the waste from farms and forestry is that it does not involve food crops like corn. As a result, countries that have sparse resources are working on developing enzymes that produce ethanol from farm waste rather than crops like corn. Kawasaki Heavy Industries and the Akita government in Northern Japan have come together for this project.
France Furthers Solar Power Development
The French Environment and Energy Ministry presented a plan to build a minimum of one solar power plant in each area. The total power generated from these solar facilities would be 300 MW. France intends to play a leading role in solar power generation. France has the fourth largest current installed solar base in Europe after Germany, Spain and Italy. As per the plan, France intends energy from solar sources to account for 23 percent of the renewable energy target set for 2020. The planned projects are projected to result in an annual growth of 130 percent and create more than 1, 20,000 jobs.
Suzlon to Enter Solar Energy Space
Suzlon Energy has released a statement on its decision to enter the solar energy space. A statement released by Suzlon’s Chairman, Mr. Tulsi Tanti said that Suzlon saw India as having enormous potential in wind and solar power. Suzlon has identified sites to house the power plant in areas of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Financial details, though, were not disclosed. Suzlon might take its time recruiting due to the current economic slowdown. The company’s net profits have dipped by 95.22% in the second quarter of the financial year.
US and China to Work Together on Solar Energy Technology
The United States and China have decided to work jointly to conduct research and develop new technology in the solar energy space. An MoU was signed this past weekend between the IEE (Institute of Electrical Engineering) under the CAS (Chinese Academy of Sciences) and the US NREL (Natural Renewable Energy Laboratory). A sophisticated photovoltaic cell test center is planned in Beijing as part of this understanding. Also included are research data and personnel exchanges along with battery related efforts. It is hoped that this would further the common interests of both countries.
Envo Diesel to Be Replaced by Methyl Ester as Biofuel
The Malaysian government has decided to scrap the use of Envo Diesel, which is made from Palm Olien, due to concerns voiced by engine manufacturers. Palm based Methyl Ester, called B5, will be used instead as biofuel. Envo Diesel, which consists of 95% diesel and 5% palm olien, is said to clog engines. B5 will be tested in government vehicles over the next year starting February and will be available in select fuel stations. Malaysia currently has 14 biofuel plants in production and has issued close to 91 licenses for its production.
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