The Guardian (2014) describes how First Capital Connect has finally completed a five year long project in conjunction with Solarcentury, to provide half of Blackfriars rail station power from 4,400 roof-mounted solar panels. In terms of CO2 emissions, trains are already the most sustainable form of transport with 0.1Kg of CO2 per passenger mile (Thameslink Programme, 2012). This massive investment is estimated to cut the stations’ carbon emissions by an estimated 511 tonnes a year, creating an even more sustainable way to travel across London.

Although some ministers warn of the risk of a disagreement regarding the way they look against London’s older buildings, Solarcentury maintains that the fact that they are so visual is actually a bonus, and that it shows off how London is striving to be a sustainable city. The iconic landmark, visible for miles along the River Thames, will hopefully provide an incentive for the growing solar panel market and enhance people’s perceptions to the way they look, especially for big businesses. This complex project was put on hold to minimise the impact on the station during the 2012 Olympic Games, and has turned out to be a complicated jigsaw trying to fit the different sections of roof in at different times, with the consideration of even shipping some of the components in via the Thames.

The BBC (2014) state that the Victorian bridge is part of a £6.5bn programme (funded through the Department for Transport’s safety and environment fund) designed to increase capacity on the Thameslink route. Yet despite the large price tag, it is expected that the cost of running the station will reduce significantly. The panels cover around 6,000 square m and are expected to generate 900,000 kWh of electricity per year, saving over 500 tonnes of CO2 annually. The bridge, built in the thirteenth century, originally used water wheels to drive pumps and grain mills, but now it has become the first bridge over the Thames since the London Bridge to generate its own power. The only other solar bridge in the world is the Kurilpain Footbridge in Brisbane, Australia, which was constructed in 2009.

The Thameslink Programme (2012) tells that the creation of the solar bridge involved stripping the old bridge to its foundations in order to reconstruct a wider and stronger one, with a 250m-long roof. This means longer trains and more frequent services, with a metro-style train every 2.5 minutes through central London at peak times. Other improvements mean the walkway is hinged so that it can be lifted when the gutters need cleaning, as well as having a socket at the end of each roof so a removable handrail can be added when major maintenance work is required (Kemp, 2013). This bridge will hopefully be one of many solar panelled buildings, designed to promote renewable energy and increase London’s sustainability.

References

BBC (2014), Solar bridge unveiled at Blackfriars station, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-25843677, [23/01/2014]

Kemp, D (2013), Blackfriars Station becomes world’s largest solar bridge, http://www.cnplus.co.uk/innovation/special-reports/blackfriars-station-becomes-worlds-largest-solar-bridge/8650978.article#.UuDp6RBFDIU, [23/01/2014]

Thameslink Programme (2012), World’s largest solar bridge taking shape as Blackfriars installation reaches half way, http://www.thameslinkprogramme.co.uk/worlds-largest-solar-bridge-taking-shape-as-blackfriars-installation-reaches-half-way, [23/01/2014]

The Guardian (2014), World’s largest solar-powered bridge opens in London http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/jan/22/worlds-largest-solar-powered-bridge-opens-in-london?CMP=twt_fd [23/01/2014]

Introduction

Over the past decade concern has grown over the environmental consequences of fossil fuels, this has influenced the recent interest in biofuels (Hill et al. 2006).  Ambitious  policies that promote biofuel use and production have not only been set by the EU, but by the USA and China as well (Soimakallio and Koponen, 2011). Biofuels are produced from processed food crops, other plants or animal products and agricultural or organic wastes. Crops grown specifically for energy uses rather than food or feedstock’s, are known as second generation biofuels, these are in development and not currently available for commercial use (Rowe et al. 2009). First generations biofuels are produced from processed food or feed crops, these are used today. Have brought conflict over growing crops for food, growing crops for fuel and protecting the environment.

What advantages are there to using biofuels?

Europe has few crude oil reserves and is highly reliant on imports to obtain fuel, 98% of transport in the EU is entirely dependent on fossil fuels (IPCC, 2011). Rising oil prices improve the cost competitiveness of biofuels helping them enter the market, providing a viable alternative for oil (Hill et al. 2006). European leaders see domestic biofuels as a more secure and sustainable option, providing incentives for more biofuel usage.

The aim of biofuel usage is to help combat climate change by reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that are currently released with the burning of fossil fuels by increasing its share of renewable energy (Banse et al. 2011). The majority of biofuels reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 30% when compared to fossil fuels combustion (Scharlemann and Laurence, 2008). When biofuels are blended with petroleum fuel or diesel they can improve air quality, especially in urban regions, as they generally bring a reduction in sulphur, particulates and carbon monoxide (Worldwatch Institute, 2006).

Liquid biofuels are important as they can be substituted immediately into the majority of transport vehicles. Meaning greenhouse gas savings can be achieved with little monetary investment or time developing new transportation infrastructure, making them a popular choice for governments.

Biofuels have the potential to provide environmental benefits, if they are planted on barren land where the soil has low carbon content, they can sequester carbon into the soil, effectively becoming a carbon sink. Moreover, if planted on this type of land they could increase biodiversity and protect watersheds, as they offer a more diverse and natural environment than other agricultural systems (Karta, 2006).

This is great: So what are the disadvantages?

The burning of biofuels can emit less CO₂ than combustion of fossil fuel, the growth and production stage of biofuels needs to be taken into account. Have you considered your personal carbon footprint? Low yielding energy crops, such as corn ethanol, can have heavy inputs of fossil fuel energy during intensive farming and manufacture and can in some cases increase the environmental impact. CO₂ is not the only greenhouse gas emitted during this process, N₂O is also released, affecting the net greenhouse gas balance (UNEP, 2009).

Increase biofuel usage will subsequently lead to the demand for land needed to cultivate biofuel crops (Harvey, 2011). Clearing native ecosystems is sometimes the most profitable method of obtaining land, causing detrimental effects to water, soils and the regional climate (Tilman et al. 2009).  An increase in ecosystem destruction rates will lead to a rise in biodiversity lost.

If biofuel production continues using the same intense methods of farming as have been used over the past century, it will increase the use of chemicals such as nitrogen, phosphorus and pesticides (Hill et al. 2006). These can enter habitats and aquifers, affecting the surrounding ecosystem, causing issues such as eutrophication. Current farming methods use a lot of water in the irrigation and processing of the crops. Biofuels compete with food crops for land space, this competition drives the prices of food up making it difficult to feed the world poor.

Conclusions

Global population has recently exceeded 7 billion (BBC, 2011), and is still increasing. Demand for energy is rising, and sources suggest that we are reaching our level of peak oil, implying that our reliance on fossil fuels cannot continue (IPCC, 2007). I believe biofuels can be used as a short term substitute. However they should not be considered as a long term alternative to fossil fuels, as it is not sustainable. The development of second generation biofuels, if produced sustainably could provide part of an alternative to fossil fuels, as they produce biofuels from waste products and energy grown crops. Yet they should not be completely relied on, as the impacts of growing the amount of biomass needed to replace fossil fuels would be too harmful to the environment.

If you are interested in finding out about the part other alternative energy sources, such as solar power, have to play in the future of energy supply have a look around the website.

References

Banse et al. (2011) Impact of  EU biofuel policies on world agricultural production and land use. Biomass and Bioenergy (35) 2385-2390.

BBC (2011) Population seven billion: UN sets out challeneges, (Online). Avaliable: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-15459643 . [Accessed: 24/11/2011]

Harvey, M. and Pilgrim, S. (2011) The new competition for land: Food, energy and climate change. Food Policy (32) S40-S51.

Hill, Jason, et al. (2006), ‘Environmental, economic and energetic costs and benefits of biodiesel and ethanol biofuels’, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 103 (30), 11206-10.

IPCC (2011) Special Report on Renewable Energy Soureces and Climaate Change Mitigation: Bioenergy. International Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, UK.

IPCC (2007) Mitigation of Climate Change. Chapter 4.3.1.3. Petroleum Fuels. IPCC Fourth Assessment Report: Climate Change.

Karta, S. (2006) Environmental effects of Bioenergy. Bioenergy and Agriculture: Promises and Challenages, brief 4 of 12.

Rowe, Rebecca, Street, Nathaniel, and Taylor, Gail (2009), ‘Identifing potential environmental impacts of large-scale deployment of dedicated bioenergy crops in the UK’, Renewable and sustainable Energy Reviews, 13, 271-90.

Scharlemann, J. and Laurence, W. (2008) How green are biofuels? Science, 319, 43-44.

Soimakallio, Sampo and Koponen, Kati (2011), ‘How to ensure greenhouse gas emission reductions by increasing the use of biofuels? – suitability of the European Union sustainability criteria’, Biomass and Bioenergy, 35, 3504-13.

Tilman, David, et al. (2009), ‘Benefical Biofuels – The Food, Energy and Environment Trilemma’, Science, 325, 270-71.

UNEP (2009) Assessing biofuels, United Nations Environmental Programme.

Worldwatch Institute (2006) Biofuels for transportation

There are 245,000 miles of road in the UK[1], currently serving one purpose, to get us from A to B. What if we could change roads to give us the transport routes and electricity? This idea is being tested in America by Julia and Scott Bradshaw, with help from a $750,000 grant from the USA Federal Highway Commission.  The panels, which are still in prototype stage, could in the long term generate renewable energy, for powering surrounding areas, as well providing smart road lighting, which warns you of danger and lights the road ahead.

The panels could be installed as pavements or roadways, are designed with heating elements built in, which would provide an effecting snow clearing and de-icing mechanism during the winter, this would be a great advantage for remote location.

The roads would use LEDs to act as road markings and dynamic signs, with the other layers of road acting as solar cells and conductors. Though the panels are still being tested, they could provide an ideal alternative to tarmac roads in the future, giving rural homes and business an off the grid power source.

There are many environmental benefits to this idea, including increased road safety, the use of landfill material to support the foundations of the road and the renewable energy which the panels would create, to ensure we reduce our reliance on oil and gas.

The trials will need to look into the different benefits and costs of the idea, with the issue that the road can’t be angled directly at the sunlight, like ordinary solar panels as well as looking at the installation costs and payback times, to look at whether the panels are feasible.

Videos of the solar road concept can be found at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=nvWTaqUvsfA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yi14nhBACEk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Ep4L18zOEYI

There are opinions, and I agree that the practicality of the panels would be difficult as roads aren’t flat and they would get dirty, so become less efficient. More research is needed into the durability and life cycle of the panels. The money could be invested into schemes to put solar panels on every roof instead, creating the same effect as the road by generating solar energy, a technology which is already mainstream and advanced.

However, I do feel that this is a concept worth looking out for in the future, as it has a huge potential not just to generate electricity but to increase road safety and further green logistics growth.

Sources

[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/8929/road-lengths-2010.pdf

http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681413/a-road-built-out-of-solar-panels-to-charge-our-cars-and-everything-else

http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681562/solar-roads-charging-roads-and-the-future-of-transportation

http://www.treehugger.com/clean-technology/solar-roadways-energy-generating-roads-made-out-of-glass-and-solar-cells.html

Collaborative consumption means that people share or exchange their items, clothes, vehicles or even flats for the benefit of both parties, instead of buying them,. Although the term is not new, it has become more meaningful in recent years and in 2010 Time magazine named it as one of the 10 ideas that would change the world. [1] There is even a special day of the year celebrating it – the Global Sharing Day, which falls on 14^th November. [2]

Well-known services include Netflix, which is used for sharing video content,Zipcar for sharing cars or Airbnb – a platform, enabling search for privately rented properties. But one can participate in exchanging luxury homes in different parts of the world with Lovehomeswap, just sleep on someone’s couch with Couchsurfing, or share a taxi ride with Taxifortwo, or use the some else’s parking spot with Parkatmyhouse, and even nearby storage space can be found with Sharemystorage. Another new emerging service is Zopa, offering social lending by avoiding middlemen. Even eBay and Craigslist can be considered as part of the collaborative consumption movement.

Collaborative consumption allows a more sustainable lifestyle as it promotes the re-use and sharing of things instead of buying them. If it is necessary to purchase a new item then make sure you purchase as sustainable and energy efficient product as possible. In a world of finite resources and a growing population, this could help avoiding the mountains of unused stuff, and remind adults that sharing is important as we teach it to our children.

[1] http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2059521_2059717_2059710,00.html

[2] http://www.guardian.co.uk/sustainable-business/global-sharing-day-collaborative-consumption

A British company, Air Fuel Synthesis [1] recently announced that they managed to create five litres of synthetic petrol from air.

Their process uses carbon-dioxide from air, combines it with hydrogen (from split water molecules) and thanks to a catalyst it eventually turns it into methanol, and afterwards petrol.

In its current phase the process is quite expensive and low-scale but it could be stepped up for the future. Furthermore, it currently uses electricity from the National Grid, however if it’s supplied from only renewable source, it could be a completely ‘clean method‘.

While it could be a great way for storing energy, there are some who doubt it’s efficiency and whether it can achieve a high-enough rate to provide a significant share as a fuel source. [2]

The company is not the only one in this field. Icelandic Carbon Recycling International [3] already captures carbon-dioxide for creating renewable methanol – so called RM. It can be blended with gasoline for cars or used for biodiesel.

Also, in 2009 the Singapore’s Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology [4] announced that they were able to convert carbon-dioxide into methanol, while Isis Innovation [5] also has a patent pending in this area.

Linc Energy’s one key research area is the gas-to-liquid process, [6] while the company UOP earlier teamed up with the University of California [7] to focus on turning carbon-dioxide into methanol.

Therefore with so many companies working on how to solve two problems at once, in the future we may be using carbon-dioxide for running our vehicles.

[1] http://www.airfuelsynthesis.com

[2] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20003650

[3] http://www.carbonrecycling.is/

[4] http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090416102247.htm

[5] http://www.isis-innovation.com/licensing/4425.html

[6] http://www.lincenergy.com/gas_to_liquids.php

[7] http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/spinning-pollution-into-liquid-gold-384/

They have created an energy storing pavement that converts your foot steps into useful energy, which could be used to power street lights and other electrical devices. The pavement is currently being road tested in Toulouse and early reports are positive. Utilising the energy created by pedestrians could not only save fossil fuels from being burned but save councils or retailers and other businesses money in the process. A shop where a similar material is used as carpeting throughout the store could potentially save thousands a year on lighting and electricity bills and provide a novel retail experience for consumers.

The pavement could also be used in rural areas or developing nations with no access to a reliable energy source, powering computers and other equipment.

So how does it work?

Everything time we step on the ground we give a little bit of energy to the floor, this energy arrives in the form of kinetic energy, the energy associated with movement. Normally this energy is converted to heat and sound energy and in usable terms is wasted. The special pavement converts this kinetic energy that would otherwise be wasted into electrical energy. Each step only provides a small amount of energy, but as a metre of pavement can receive tens of thousands of steps a day this can add up to a very useful amount of energy. The energy can then be stored in batteries or used directly by street lights.

Hitting the Dance Floor

Not content with just powering our street lamps the Dutch designers Jaap van den Braak also have their eye on sustainable partying. They have designed a Sustainable Dance Floor™  which uses the energy of dancing party goers to power the music and lights of the party. Not only does the energy created by the dancers power the disco but lights on the floor interact with the movement showing how much energy is being created, encouraging the dancers to throw shapes even harder on the dance floor. Now if that’s not an excuse to get down, I don’t know what is.

It works via a similar process to the pavement – converting kinetic energy into useful electrical current, however due to the energetic nature of dancing far more energy is supplied, meaning relatively few dancers could indeed power the party. The dance floor is available for retailers to rent now, more information can be found at the website  [1].

The pavement is just at testing state at the moment (to be sustainable long term itself it needs to last for a certain number of years, taking millions of steps) but early signs are promising meaning soon you could be powering the fight against climate change just by going for a stroll.

If you would like to learn more about cleaner sources of energy then why not take a look at our informative pages?

[1] www.sustainabledanceclub.com

One of the main challenges of thermoelectricity is to find the right material. The perfect material should conduct electricity well but not heat, in order to work appropriately. This is rather hard to find and so nano-scientists have been working on solving this issue. [1] A Norwegian team for example recently introduced nanoscale-barriers into common semiconductors, which helped them in lowering heat conductivity, while keeping the electronic conductivity – just what’s needed for utilising thermoelectricity. [2]

Thermoelectric materials may be ideal for ‘replacing’ current photovoltaic (PV) cells, according to some scientists. This would be thanks to the fact that they can utilise a much broader spectrum of solar energy, and thus they could provide better performance. [3] A Professor from the University of Arizona recently suggested that thermoelectric paint on top of roofs with solar panels could be applied to achieve better performance and eventually for lowering costs. [4]

Thermoelectricity could also be a great solution for using up waste heat. Waste heat is the energy created by machines that is not utilised for anything. According to estimates this is currently about half of all energy in the world, and is generated by industrial processes, combustion engines and power generation, amongst others. [2]

Thus if the right materials are identified or created thanks to nanotechnology, thermoelectricity could be one of the key future technologies, which could help in various fields.

[1] http://phys.org/news191580603.html

[2] http://newenergyandfuel.com/http:/newenergyandfuel/com/2011/11/18/good-thermoelectric-devices-coming-soon/

[3] http://www.forumforthefuture.org/greenfutures/articles/paint-your-roof-with-solar-power

[4] http://www.energyshare.com/users/energyshareteam/blog/thermoelectric-paint/

]]> http://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/what-is-thermoelectricity/feed/ 0 http://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/plastic-solar-cells/ http://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/plastic-solar-cells/#comments Wed, 09 May 2012 20:04:24 +0000 http://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/?p=418 Continue reading →]]> While the cost of solar panels in general is decreasing, the main material that solar cells are made of may become scarce in the future. This is silicon, and it’s in high demand as it’s used in many industries – for instance at the manufacturing of computer components or for waterproofing treatments. Scientists have however announced the development of the first plastic solar cell. Is this maybe a solution for the future?

The Center for Organic Photonics and Electronics at Georgia Tech [1] has discovered a new method for printing electronics. The process itself is not new as it has been used at organic solar cells or OLEDs but until now the manufacturing stage was more problematic due to potential chemical reactions by the metals that have been used. The new technique could solve the issue by applying a thin layer of polymer on the surface of the conductors, which will create chemical reactions and does not need an extra layer of protection. Thus the manufacturing process can become more stable, and as electronics can be printed onto plastic, it shall become cheaper and easier. Also, the polymer used is cheap, easily available and environmentally friendly. [2]

Earlier, researchers at the University of California developed a polymer solar cell, whose efficiency exceeded even those made of silicon. It features two layers of plastic that react to different bands of light: visible and infrared, which enables the increase of efficiency. [3]

Konarka already offers its solar product, Power Plastic [4], which is thin, flexible and comes in various colours – including transparent design. They have been specially applied on bags or on various surfaces, like carport tops or tents.

Another company, Solarmer Energy [5] has also developed an organic plastic solar panel, with several great features that offer new fields of application, including portable electronics, smart fabrics and buildings. [6]

Polymer solar cells are not only thin and light, but their low cost could mean a significant price drop for this market, and researchers are already working on the manufacturing challenges.

If you would like more information on if solar power is suitable for your home take a look at our page.

[1] http://www.cope.gatech.edu/news/release.php?nid=124901

[2] http://www.forbes.com/sites/jenniferhicks/2012/04/25/new-technique-creates-first-plastic-solar-cell/

[3] http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/39763/

[4] http://www.konarka.com/index.php/power-plastic/about-power-plastic/

[5] http://www.solarmer.com/solar_technology.php

[6] http://www.solarmer.com/product.php

]]> http://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/plastic-solar-cells/feed/ 0 http://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/enhanced-geothermal-systems/ http://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/enhanced-geothermal-systems/#comments Thu, 08 Mar 2012 14:40:29 +0000 http://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/?p=400 Continue reading →]]> Heat from the earth has been tapped for a long time. However while conventional geothermal systems utilise the energy from underground only at locations with ideal geological features – where hot water and thus steam already exists -, now also less favourable places can enjoy the benefits of geothermal energy – thanks to Enhanced or Engineered Geothermal Systems (EGS).

These systems use the potential of the “hot dry rocks” under our feet for generating heat and electricity. In the case of the conventional geothermal energy, known as hydrothermal, hot water is in situ, while the new technology artificially fractures hot dry rocks, and then circulates cold water, which eventually turns into steam and so drives turbines on the surface. Later the water is re-injected and the loop is started again. [1]

According to a study by the MIT [2] Enhanced Geothermal Systems have the potential to provide 100 GWe generating capacity just for the US in the next fifty years. This technology is scalable and can provide a continuous base load, but further investigations, including field tests, are needed to determine the real benefits.

Potential challenges include that it may cause minor tremors, [3] and it requires a rather large initial investment, which may hinder companies and countries who are willing to finance such projects.

Australia is already leading the way in testing this technology, while there are further trials in Germany, as well as France and the US.  In the UK the Eden Project is one of the latest examples. [4]

According to the forecasts of the European Commission EGS systems can offer cost-effective electricity virtually anywhere, with an estimated potential of 1 GW and a maximum potential of 6 GW for the EU countries by 2020 – about one per cent of gross electricity consumption. For heating purposes the potential is even higher. The EU has supported about ten projects since 2002, including the key pilot project in Soultz, France. [5] [6]. Other clean heating systems include solar heating for hot water and room heating.

Enhanced or Engineered Geothermal Systems thus offer great potential both for heat and electricity generation and hopefully with more investment it can be developed into a promising new energy source.

To find out more about other renewable energy sources have a look at our renewable solutions pages.

[1] http://www.google.org/egs/faq.html

[2] http://geothermal.inel.gov/publications/future_of_geothermal_energy.pdf

[3] https://www.gplus.com/utilities/insight/hot-dry-rock-geothermal-energy-too-clean-too-green-too-abundant-to-ignore-41157

[4] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enhanced_geothermal_system

[5] http://ec.europa.eu/research/energy/eu/research/geothermal/background/index_en.htm

[6] http://soultz.net/fr/projetGeie/

]]> http://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/enhanced-geothermal-systems/feed/ 0 http://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/commercial-kite-flying-saves-energy/ http://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/commercial-kite-flying-saves-energy/#comments Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:33:57 +0000 http://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/?p=379 Continue reading →]]> Imagine you are onboard Admiral Nelson’s flagship on a bright sunny day and watching those great white sails flapping in the air. And now imagine these sails on one of today’s enormous container ships. Some cargo companies are now looking at these traditional methods to save energy and reduce fuel costs.

Sea transportation gives about 90 per cent of world trade, and the shipping industry emits about 5 per cent of global CO2 emissions. [3] Therefore energy savings and emission reductions are crucial within this market segment.

The first trial on the MV Beluga SkySails used a 160-metre kite in 2008, on a route between Germany and Venezuela. With this special attachment the company managed to save 20 per cent of the fuel.

The kite for the trial was developed by SkySails, which in 2011 received its second Sustainable Shipping Award in the category “Environmental Technology of the Year” for their innovation. [2]

Since 2008 the company has partnered with a number of transportation companies, and even Cargill, one of the major shipping firms, has agreed to attach “sails” to some of their ships next year, including the world’s largest kite of 320 m². [3] [4]

Another market player is the B9 Energy Group [5], which is planning to market renewable-energy driven ships, combining biofuel and wind energy used by sails for powering their vessels.

Furthermore, there are some companies who have taken things one step further and combine solar and wind power on large cargo ships. Eco Marine Power [6] is developing the Aquarius Wind and Solar Power System, which should include several rigid sails and solar panels, always positioned in the best direction.  According to initial estimates the solution would reduce fuel consumption by 10-20 per cent, while the prototype is planned to be tested for the first time in 2012.

As more and more companies believe that peak oil has been reached, fuel costs are rising, operation costs are becoming ever more crucial and global consumption does not seem to decrease, more and more cargo companies may opt for cost-saving sails.  Sailing may become a widespread commercial shipping solution – once again.

[1] http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-9898347-54.html

[2] http://www.skysails.info/english/company/awards/sustainable-shipping-award/

[3] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-13460935

[4] http://www.skysails.info/english/infocenter/news/details/article//Cargill-verkuendet-den-Namen-des-weltweit-groessten-SkySails-Schiffs/?cHash=5adf78692b26a8f6271f7b1518adc118

[5] http://www.b9energy.com/B9Shipping/tabid/4036/language/en-US/Default.aspx

[6] http://www.ecomarinepower.com/en/aquarius-wind-a-solar-power

]]> http://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/commercial-kite-flying-saves-energy/feed/ 0