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| DECLARE YOUR INDEPENDENCE FROM OIL |
| 06.28.05 (6:18 pm) |
July 4th marks our nation’s birthday and our annual celebration of life, liberty and
the pursuit of happiness. Today, however, these cherished values are threatened by
the tyranny of oil. With less than 5 percent of the world’s population, Americans
consume more than a quarter of the world’s oil. Of the 20 million barrels a day we
burn, nearly half of that is wasted in gas guzzling cars, trucks and SUVs. Getting
off oil is much more than just an environmental issue. More than 1,700 U.S. soldiers
and tens of thousands of innocent Iraqis have paid the ultimate price in Iraq, a war
for oil with no end in sight.
Image SOURCE.
Click HERE for a flash animation on America's oil appetite.
Please join the Jumpstart Ford campaign by signing the Declaration of Independence from Oil TODAY.
http://www.FREEDOMfromOIL.com" title="http://www.FREEDOMfromOIL.com" target="_blank"http://www.FREEDOMfromOIL.com...
American automakers are at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to fuel economy.
Of all automakers, Ford Motor Company’s cars, trucks and SUVs waste the most gas.
Ford’s overall average fuel efficiency today is less than the Model T nearly a
century ago!
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Getting off oil is much more than just an environmental issue. 118 million Americans
live in areas that exceed federal health guidelines for clean air. Asthma has
reached epidemic levels and is the leading cause of chronic illness among children.
Over 1,700 US soldiers have paid the ultimate price in Iraq, a war with no end in
sight, a war that was waged to support our addiction to a resource that is running
out.
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We deserve better. American ingenuity has helped cure polio and put a man on the
moon. We can once again be a symbol of justice, democracy and hope, but right now,
we are spending billions to buy oil from despots and dictators, not democracies. Our
future as a nation depends on us developing safe, secure and sustainable sources of
energy.
Image SOURCE.
It’s time to take action together and declare our independence from oil. Go to
http://www.FREEDOMfromOIL.com" title="http://www.FREEDOMfromOIL.com" target="_blank"http://www.FREEDOMfromOIL.com... and join the energy revolution today! And please help
us build the movement for independence from oil by forwarding this widely.
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| A Tree Grows In Brooklyn.... |
| 06.26.05 (2:34 pm) |
By Michael Johnston
2005
So much of the future of the planet seems to depend on what course we the people decide to take today. I don't man just "We The People" of the United States either. Today more than ever before the actions of our species are affecting the Earth as a whole and it is only fitting that all the people of the world have a voice and a way to make their voice heard in the debate over the course we map into the future. Will we continue to cling desperately to increasingly outmoded energy sources of the past (primarily hydrocarbons)or will we accept new, better energy sources as consumers?
The answer to that question will determine the future of our race. But are there really enough "alternative" sources of energy to take the place of oil? And how many years might it take to switch to these other energy sources? We often read various opinions in the popular media regarding various energy sources and often they are negative or defeatist and make alternative energy seem like a nice idea for "tomorrow". Unfortunately that seems to always turn into a tomorrow that never comes.
Simple facts are the easiest things to base projections on and if we take a look at our potential energy future from the perspective of the simplest facts then perhaps we will be able to get some idea of what is really possible. It is a fact that we are surrounded by more energy than we will ever need. Energy in the form of Solar Radiation and Wind alone could easily provide us with enough energy to totally abandon fossil fuels.
The technology to convert solar and wind energy into electrical energy is old enough to be reliable and wind energy is now in many cases cheaper to produce than power plant electricity. Solar panels too are being made of new, cheaper materials and are becoming cost competitive with grid power. These power sources are gradually making their way into the marketplace as is evidenced by the solar panels on the roof of the new apartment building in the picture below. The building is located in Brooklyn, NY and the photo was taken by me from the BQE.
But the lights only stay on as long as the sun shines or the wind blows and so some of the solar and wind energy must be converted into stored energy for those times. One of the best, cleanest and most easily renewable forms of energy storage that we have at our disposal today is hydrogen energy produced from water. All the while the sun shines and the wind blows our power systems can be producing hydrogen gas and storing it. Then, when we need it, that stored hydrogen is combined with oxygen in fuel cells or other forms of electrical generators and our power goes on uninterrupted.
In addition this same solar and wind energy can produce enough hydrogen to fuel our vehicles. This versatility is what makes hydrogen the perfect fuel source for the future especially when coupled with other forms of renewable energy as described here. Only hydrogen from water offers nearly unlimited supply and equally total renewal every time it is used. So the energy future can start to be implemented today and yes many things will change but it will provide countless new jobs and whole new career areas. It will be a worldwide market with immediate demand that will exceed production capability for the near future. A potential economic boom is right around the corner and the only thing that needs to happen before it can begin is for people like you and me to make the decision to support alternative energy and to make our voices heard.
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| Join The Virtual March On Washington! |
| 06.23.05 (3:16 pm) |
THE STOP GLOBAL WARMING VIRTUAL MARCH ON WASHINGTON is a non-political effort to bring all Americans together in one place, proving there is a vast consensus that global warming is here now and it is time for our country to start addressing it. With the support of leading scientists, political and religious leaders, prominent Americans and concerned citizens, the Virtual March on Washington will move across the United States via the Internet from one town to the next, showing the evidence of global warming's alarming affects, and highlighting real people's concerns and real solutions along the way.
Through our interactive map, you can track the progress of the March in real time as more people join, see the path on which we're traveling together, and read the stories from March stops across the country. We will march to Indianapolis and visit the Indy Racing League where all of the racecars will soon be converted to run on biofuels; in Colorado, where an elementary school is purchasing 100% of its electricity from wind power (saving 420,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere per year); and to New York City to visit the ground-breaking green rebuilding of the World Trade Towers; amongst many more destinations.
Over the next year, the March will travel across the U.S., gaining strength in numbers and raising awareness about global warming.On Earth Day 2006, the March will arrive in Washington D.C. touse the strength of our numbers to urge:
1. The president to initiate a real plan of action to address global warming.
2. Congress to enact new laws to reduce global warming pollution from U.S. power plants, factories and automobiles.
3. U.S. businesses to start a new industrial revolution of clean energy products that will reduce our oil dependence and global warming pollution.
To join the march click on the "Stop Global Warming" banner below and fill out the form on the page you are directed to.
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| Mercedes Benz Introduces: The Boxfish... |
| 06.22.05 (2:47 pm) |
The Mercedes-Benz bionic car: Streamlined and light, like a fish in water - economical and environmentally friendly thanks to the latest diesel technology
A recent project at Mercedes-Benz was the bionic car, a concept vehicle based on examples in nature, into which DaimlerChrysler has also transferred the diesel engine technology of the future to create a fully functioning and practical car for everyday use.
Bionics – a combination of biology and technology – is a quite recent field of research which has nonetheless already made remarkable progress possible in different areas. Nature has provided ideas for high-strength materials, low-friction surfaces, dirt-repellent coatings and practical Velcro fastenings, for example.
Many of these inventions are based on more or less accidental discoveries from the animal and plant world. For the first time in the case of the Mercedes-Benz bionic car, the engineers at the Mercedes-Benz Technology Center (MTC) and DaimlerChrysler Research looked for a specific example in nature whose shape and structure approximated to their ideas for an aerodynamic, safe, spacious and environmentally compatible car. In other words, this was not a matter of detailed solutions but of a complete transfer from nature to technology – a first.
The boxfish – angular but nonetheless very streamlined
It has its home in the coral reefs, lagoons and seaweed of the tropical seas, where it has a great deal in common with cars in many respects. It needs to conserve its strength and move with the least possible consumption of energy, which requires powerful muscles and a streamlined shape. It must withstand high pressures and protect its body during collisions, which requires a rigid outer skin. And it needs to move in confined spaces in its search for food, which requires good manoeuvrability.
There is more to the boxfish than meets the eye: despite its angular body, it is an excellent swimmer whose cube-shaped structure is by no means a hindrance. On the contrary, the boxfish possesses unique characteristics and is a prime example of the ingenious inventions developed by nature over millions of years of evolution. The basic principle of this evolution is that nothing is superfluous and each part of the body has a purpose – and sometimes several at once.
The outer skin of the boxfish consists of numerous bony, hexagonal plates which are interlinked to form a rigid suit of armour. This bony, armour-plated structure gives the body of the fish great rigidity, protects it from injury and is also the secret of its outstanding manoeuvrability, as tiny vortices form along the edges on the upper and lower parts of the body to stabilise the fish in any position and ensure that it remains safely on course even in areas of great turbulence. It does not need to move its fins in the process, and can therefore conserve its strength.
Applied to automotive engineering, the boxfish is therefore an ideal example of rigidity and aerodynamics. Moreover, its rectangular anatomy is practically identical to the cross-section of a car body. And so the boxfish became the model for a so far unique automotive development project.
Cd value: boxfish almost as good as the ideal engineering shape
The first sub-project tackled by the engineers at the Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre and DaimlerChrysler Research concerned aerodynamics. In wind tunnels and water channels they examined how the attributes of the living model could be transferred to an automobile.
The results are impressive. Despite its angular structure, the boxfish has almost as good streamlining qualities as the water drop shape which specialists consider to be the standard for the ideal aerodynamic form. When exposed to an open flow, this streamlined shape has a Cd value of 0.04. Using computer calculations and wind tunnel tests with an accurate model of the boxfish, the Mercedes engineers achieved a value which came very close to this ideal, namely 0.06 – an outstanding result. It explains why the boxfish is such a good swimmer and is so manoeuvrable with minimal effort.
The research model in the shape of a boxfish betters the drag coefficient of today’s compact cars by more than 65 percent.
Cd 0.19: one of the world’s most aerodynamic compact cars
The second round of the Mercedes-Benz bionic car project now commenced. The task was to develop a full-size, roadworthy automobile on the basis of the boxfish contours – a fully equipped model for four occupants, with typical Mercedes attributes in terms of safety, comfort, design and day-to-day practicality, and equipped with all the technology necessary for minimal fuel consumption and the best possible environmental compatibility.
The result of this unique vehicle project is a compact car with two doors, four comfortable single seats, a panoramic windscreen, a glass roof and a large tailgate – 4.24 metres long, 1.82 metres wide and 1.59 metres high. Naturally the exacting requirements with respect to practicality, everyday suitability and design made compromises compared with the 1:4 model necessary, but the concept car still retains outstanding aerodynamic characteristics: with a Cd value of 0.19 the fully-functioning and driveable Mercedes-Benz bionic car is among the aerodynamically most efficient in this size category.
In addition to the boxfish-like basic shape, this result is made possible by a number of other aerodynamic features, e.g. rear wheels which are almost completely shrouded with sheets of plastic, flush-fitted door handles and the use of cameras instead of exterior mirrors.
Fuel consumption: only 4.3 litres per 100 kilometres
The key data at a glance:
Length/width/height 4243/1815/1594 mm
Wheelbase 2568 mm
Engine output 103 kW/140 hp
Max. torque 300 Nm at 1600-3000 rpm
Fuel consumption (combined) 4.3 l/100 km; 70 mpg (US gallons)
Acceleration 0-100 km/h 8.2 s
Max. speed 190 km/h
Emission control: 80 percent lower nitrogen oxide emissions with SCR technology
The matter of exhaust emissions was a further important task for the developers of the concept car. It's centrepiece is a catalytic converter which uses an additional service fluid to convert the nitrogen oxides (NOx): an aqueous urea solution is sprayed into the exhaust system in precisely metered quantities, depending on the engine operating status. This converts the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water. The result is an up to 80 percent reduction in NOx emissions in the new European driving cycle.
The service fluid which allows selective catalytic combustion is named "AdBlue". As only very small quantities are required when on the move, the capacity of the reservoir located in the spare wheel recess of the concept car is sufficient for a mileage corresponding to the service interval for a current Mercedes diesel car.
Body structure: nature’s construction principles for rigidity and light weight
Biology not only provides ideas for aerodynamic efficiency, but also gives impulses for innovative lightweight construction methods. Both the external armour-plating of the boxfish and the bone structures of other creatures show how nature achieves maximum strength with the minimum use of materials. Bone structures are always in accordance with the actual loads encountered.
In the case of the human thigh bone, for example, the position and strength of the bone matter is precisely right for the tensile and pressure loads which the limb must withstand. It is not only bone structures but also tree branches and roots that grow according to biological laws – a perfect lightweight construction strategy on the part of nature.
The hexagonal scales of the boxfish likewise obey the principle of maximum strength for the least weight. Transferred to the external panelling of a car door, this natural construction principle produces a honeycomb pattern with up to 40 percent more rigidity. If the entire bodyshell structure is configured according to the SKO method, its weight is reduced by around 30 percent – while retaining its exemplary stability, crash safety and handling dynamics. In this area too, bionics can therefore make a further major contribution to greater fuel economy.
Information and images in this story provided by Mercedes Benz
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| A micro Fuel Cell That Runs On Propane |
| 06.21.05 (7:25 pm) |
By Michael Johnston
2005
In a paper published in the June 9th edition of the journal Nature a group of researchers from Caltech has described a new type of fuel cell that they developed which they believe holds a lot of promise for powering applications such as cell phones and other small personal appliances. It is fueled by Propane and as a result
can demonstrate both high energy efficiency and energy density. This coupled with easy, rapid refueling capability make this cell a good candidate for portable power generation needs.
Up to this point fuel cells have been unable to compete with more successful power sources such as Lithium ion batteries. The main reason for this has been that polymer-electrolyte fuel cells faced design obstacles such as slow start-up and poor thermal scalability. The newly designed cells however are thermally self sustaining and are capable of rapid start-up. The Catalytic reactions that occur within the cells and produce the electrical energy also produce enough heat energy to maintain the cells at a working temperature of 500-600 degrees C.
Figure 1: Schematic diagram of the cell configuration and reactor system used in the thermally self-sustaining micro-SOFCs.
High resolution image and legend (42K)
These cells utilize a single chamber design (SCFC) which is unique because the propane fuel and O2 gas oxidizer (diluted) are allowed to mix and therefore the same atmosphere comes into contact with both the anode and cathode of the cell. This is of course totally different from the more familiar PEM fuel cells where the H2 and O2 gases must be kept separate. The SCFC cells perform in the way they do because of the use of different, highly selective catalysts on the cathode and anode. Because of this the anode reacts with the O2 and the cathode reacts only with the hydrogen from the propane.
Figure 4: Performance of the thermally self-sustained fuel cells
High resolution image and legend (79K)
The oxidation reaction that produces the electrical energy is exothermic, as mentioned above, this heat is sufficient to keep the temperature of the cells high enough so that the reactions within it are self-sustaining without the addition of any external heat. The anode is the electrochemical catalyst for the H2 + O2 reaction (which is the one used to produce electricity) and is also the non-electrochemical catalyst for the partial oxidation reaction of the hydrocarbon fuel (C3H8(g) + 3/2O2(g) = 3CO(g) + 4H2(g)).
As you see this reaction is similar to that found in a steam reformer and does produce the H2 fuel from the hydrocarbon. This also shows that a partial oxidation reaction can indeed produce enough heat to be self sustaining while also producing hydrogen fuel as a by-product. This capacity for self heating should prove crucial in the design of on-board reformers for automotive use.
Images in this article are the property of Nature and are used here with permission.
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| CLEAR ACT a true incentive for a clean car future |
| 06.20.05 (12:59 pm) |
From The Union of Concerned Scientists:
Sen. Orin Hatch (R-Utah) recently reintroduced the CLEAR ACT (S.971)—legislation to provide performance-based tax incentives for the purchase of advanced vehicle and fuel technology. The legislation would provide up to a $4,000 consumer credit for hybrid and alternative fuel cars and light trucks, scaled by the level of advanced technology and fuel economy. However, the House of Representatives passed an Energy Bill that focuses incentives on diesel technology that produces 4-10 times more smog forming pollution than current hybrids.
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Ask your Senators to cosponsor the CLEAR ACT as a sensible, forward-thinking incentive package for better, cleaner cars.
To send your Senator an email supporting the CLEAR ACT click on this LINK.
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| Fuel Cell Cycle To Make US Debut |
| 06.19.05 (3:23 pm) |
By Michael Johnston
2005
"Green" Motorcycle May Be Available In US As Early As 2006
ENV, the Hydrogen powered motorcycle created by a UK company called Intelligent Energy has landed in the United States. It was shown today at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles. Due to it's use of hydrogen fuel the ENV is a completely nonpolluting motorbike.
The company says that the bike can reach a top speed of 50 mph in 12.1 seconds and that it can operate for up to four hours before needing “refueling.” When the bike was first unveiled to members of the press on March 15 of this year many commented or the almost eerie quiet of the operating cycle.
The company also produces fuel cell power systems. The system that powers the ENV is called the CORE, It can be detached from the bike and the company believes that, in the future, such systems could be used for many auxilliary p[ower needs such as powering ATVs, campsite needs, personal watercraft or even a small home/cabin.
Right click on above image and save/open file to watch a 2meg movie of the ENV bike in .wmv format.
Couple this ability with the obvious capacity that exists for the consumer to produce their own fuel on site via the electrolysis of water and you have a real potential winner. Such on site H2 generators could be powered with grid energy or by using solar or wind energy.
Intelligent Energy expects that the ENV motorcycle will be available to consumers in 2006. They project an initial retail price of around $6,000 for the cycles at low production volume; once demand increases and higher production volumes are achieved they believe that the price will come down even further.
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| Hybrid Technologies (HYBT) Begins Construction of the Hybrid Living Home |
| 06.18.05 (6:11 pm) |
The Hybrid Living Experience begins with a home of the future lifestyle. Imagine a world where your home is powered by energy from the sun and wind, stored in Lithium batteries and supplies all the energy needs of a smart, environmentally friendly, healthy living lifestyle and your daily transportation needs. A COMPLETELY FOSSIL FUEL FREE LIFESTYLE...IMAGINE NO MORE...The Hybrid Living experience has already begun!
Calgary, Alberta & Los Angeles, CA - Hybrid Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:HYBT) - www.hybridtechnologies.com - and its subsidiaries - R-Electric Car Co., Global Hybrid Corp., Solium Power Corp., and WhistlerTel - emerging leaders in the development and marketing of Lithium-powered and VoIP products worldwide is pleased to announce that construction has begun on the Hybrid Living Home, an engineering and eco-space showcase developed by Hybrid Technologies.
The Hybrid Living Home really differs from other environmentally focused houses in the combination of all of the latest in Alternative Energy features with recent advances in Smart Home technologies, energy efficient and environmentally friendly construction techniques and a healthy living lifestyle. All of these elements synthesize to create the ultimate home, where electrical energy will be managed and distributed through a proprietary control system network in the home that makes use of the company's Lithium iCeL energy storage systems to provide an off-grid lifestyle.
Hybrid has partnered with Enviro Custom Homes
(www.envirocustomhomes.ca) of Calgary, Alberta, to provide both architectural design and to act as general contractors for the project. Our French Country style home was inspired to incorporate the solar axis and the natural orientation of the 0.85 acre lot. Located south of Calgary, Alberta, in the Pinehurst subdivision, this 6000 sq ft home is surrounded by an environmental reserve and provides easy access to major highways and golf courses in the area. The home will be constructed on three levels and features a main floor master suite, waterfall features, two fireplaces, a walk-out lower level, 6 bedrooms, a nanny suite, 7 bathrooms, a media room, a wine cellar, and family/recreation rooms on all three levels.
In addition the Hybrid Living Home will showcase a number of innovative features including:
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY FEATURES
• Roof mounted wind turbines to provide DC electricity for the operations of the home
• Roof mounted Photo-Voltaic panels to provide additional DC electricity
• Roof mounted focusing parabolic Solar Thermal panels to provide a heating source with installation of an Active Heat Sink below the home to store heat year-round
• Earth Tubes to draw fresh outside air into the home through an underground piping system into a heat recovery unit.
• Lithium iCeL electrical storage and power management system to provide multiple energy storage access stations located throughout the home
SMART HOME FEATURES
• Full security system that will incorporate finger print access control
• Low energy DC powered Plasma and LCD Televisions and DC powered Audio and Video Distribution Amplifier system
• Wireless communication systems with central panel
• Multi-source distributed audio system to allow 6 individual zones to switch between 6 sources independently with a load-balancing panel for sound distribution.
• Low energy Media Room incorporating a Surround-Sound Amplifier/Receiver system, High Definition Satellite Receiver kit, 65" High Definition Rear Projection Television using 3 Touch Screen Interface Units for house sound and lighting interfaces.
BASE ELEMENTS
• Eco framing methodology, 24" on c-c studs, reduced cripples/jacks, optimized sheathing, 3 stud corners
• Recycled rubber roofing shingles with a minimum of 40 yr. warranty
• Low V.O.C paints used throughout to help eliminate "off-gassing"
• Water based finishes used on woodwork and water based urethane finishes on wood floors
• Use of hard floor surfaces (wood, concrete, tile) - min 75% of floor area
• Natural fiber material carpet - tacked not glued
• Engineered wood products for beams, joists and headers
• All shelves and countertops made with formaldehyde-free materials. Solid wood and natural products used extensively
• Indoor moisture control program
• HRV system/UV air treatment for all supply air/drip humidifier
• Natural cement stucco
• Recycled broken concrete under garage slab and base for driveway
ENERGY ELEMENTS
• Energy efficient site design - home orientation with regard to solar access and prevailing winds
• High efficiency "Opal" fireplaces that are designed to provide heating to the entire home through a duct-work system
• DC powered appliances
• Waterfall feature to provide humidity
• Triple pane wood windows with low emissive glass. Energy Star rated and have a maximum winter U-value of not more than 0.18
• Advanced sealing package with neoprene gaskets (electrical boxes, sealing of joints, plumbing stacks)
• Injected organic fibre wall insulation for all wall, ceiling and rim joist cavities. Formaldehyde-free insulation for interior partitions
• Geo-Drain exterior foundation insulation board/cactus board waterproofing/under-slab insulation
• Energy Heels of 7" or greater on trusses
• Energy Star light fixtures
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
• High-efficiency air filtration using UV and ionization filtration
• Septic heat recovery system to recover heat
• Water conservation program - includes rain water harvesting, low flow showerheads, faucets and water closets (toilets)
• All interior wood finishes to be sustainable, renewable, high yield and only from Eco-approved plantations (Lyptus, Bamboo, Cork)
• Recycled content sheathing, insulation, exterior decking, roofing materials and batten material
• Ecological design - Designing with the sun and the climate, using existing resources to minimize the disruption to the existing trees and other aspects of the local habitat
• Water conservation features including low flow toilets to low consumption showerheads
• Landscaping features to incorporate "Xeriscaping" - promoting native species while conserving water and energy
• Recycle or re-use job site waste - job site recycling plan
The Hybrid Living Home will also incorporate charging stations for its Lithium iCeL technology showcasing the company's line of Lithium energy powered vehicles.
"Conventional Smart homes exploit developments in microelectronics and telecommunications to support daily living. Innovations cover a broad spectrum from fairly simple applications of sensors and control systems to the most futuristic automated homes. Hybrid's Hybrid Living Experience combines a seamless combination of features including the latest in Smart Home technologies with a highly tuned eco-environment that will provide an extremely healthy, energy independent lifestyle. We anticipate that these major advances in the Hybrid Living Home will garner our company even further success in the field of advanced energy efficient products," stated Neil Anderson, Corporate Development Manager.
The official media launch for the Hybrid Living Home will take place on July 28th, 2005 to correspond with the completion in Calgary, Alberta of the North American Solar Challenge car race, in which the Company has sponsored the entry from Cal Sol Berkeley University. Following the formula to the runaway success of the R-Car and the PT Cruiser Lithium vehicles, Hybrid will work with high profile public figures and the media to inform and educate the general public as well as key strategic partners.
Hybrid Technologies introduced iCeL Lithium technology as the power source for the home while developing a "thinking" residence that incorporates technology, environmentally friendly materials and clean air to create a home that provides a complete eco system for the new millennium.
The market for "smart" homes is similar to that for Lithium-powered vehicles. Hybrid's trend forecasts show that new home buyers are looking for a home that is not only functional but incorporates advanced lifestyle technologies that are environmentally friendly and produce a complete eco system for their families. Anticipating the market, the goal is to introduce new technologies to developers as well as government and NGO organizations worldwide. This home brings all Hybrid's technology together into one "intelligent environment". The company introduced the world to the massive potential of Lithium with great success - this next step introduces applications within the home utilizing Lithium. Hybrid is not only revolutionizing the way we move but, also the way we live.
The company has contracted the services of Enviro Customs Homes, of Calgary, Alberta to act as the general contractors for the project. In addition, Your Energy Company Inc. (www.yourenergycompany.net) will be providing the bulk of the alternative energy features and smartSPACE Technologies Inc, (www.smartspace.ca) will be providing the many Smart Home features. The home is scheduled to be completed by March, 2006. Media and government officials will be invited to the home at various stages of its creation.
To learn more about smart home technology visit www.smarthome.com or see the CNN piece here.
About Hybrid Technologies
Hybrid Technologies Inc. (OTCBB:HYBT) is an emerging leader in the development and marketing of Lithium-powered products worldwide. We believe our superior technology, coupled with an aggressive marketing plan will establish our company on the world stage. With fuel prices at record high levels and the global focus moving rapidly towards addressing pollution, the need for sustainable, zero emission energy is current. As current legislation moves towards clean energy, we foresee this industry as one of the fastest growing segments within the global economy. Hybrid Technologies' applications encompass a variety of products used globally on a daily basis, while enabling consumers to enjoy the comfort and power to which they are accustomed. Everything from scooters, bicycles, mopeds motorcycles, small vehicles, watercraft, military applications and many other essential products have been successfully converted to Lithium power. The combination of our superior technology and mass-marketed products creates a unique market opportunity for our company.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are based on the company's current expectations as to future events. However, the forward looking events and circumstances discussed in this press release might not occur, and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements.
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| Important Safety Information About Popular Hybrid Cars |
| 06.18.05 (4:23 pm) |
From Hollywood stars, to your environmentally conscious neighbor, Americans are buying hybrid cars in record numbers, and auto manufacturers are scrambling to keep up with the trend. But there is a little-known safety concern that people need to know. In an accident, the high voltage lines inside hybrid vehicles pose deadly risks to rescue workers faced with cutting victims out of a crashed car. Rescue workers need to know how to approach these vehicles so everyone stays safe. The electrical lines in hybrids carry anywhere from 144 to 650 volts of power- an amount that's easily enough to electrocute someone.
Click on above image for Video News Release
Concerned about this important safety issue, State Farm®, the nation's largest automobile insurer, recently conducted a national education effort to inform fire departments and emergency medical service (EMS) workers about the potential risks posed by hybrid vehicles involved in crashes. The session offered vital information on identifying hybrids, details on how to power them down as well as other considerations to be made prior to cutting into various hybrid car bodies.
Soundbites
* RON MOORE, Automobile Extrication Trainer, McKinney, TX Fire Department
* BOB MEDVED, Senior Claims Instructor, State Farm
Click on above image for Sound Bites
B-Roll Includes
* **Hybrids on the road** CU of electric lines** Stock footage of car accident extrication** Moore training other firefighters at firehouse
Click on above image for B-Roll
VIDEO PROVIDED BY: "State Farm®"
FOR TECHNICAL INFORMATION OR HARD COPY REQUESTS CALL:
MultiVu Media Relations: 1-800-653-5313 x. 3
SOURCE
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| The Climate Change News |
| 06.16.05 (2:58 pm) |
By Michael Johnston
2005
Well boys and girls here we are in New York City, sweating and typing. There is so much breaking Climate Change news this week that I don't know where to begin. This weather, even tho it is pretty normal for this time of year, makes Global Warming seem to be a real possibility. But is Global warming real? Is the Earth changing around us every day, or is all this talk of Climate Change just more silly scientific "theory" like those of evolution or gravity?
The answer you get to those questions still depends on who you talk to. And even then you might have to take the answer you get with a grain of salt as evidenced by the fact that a former senior US official accuses the White House of subverting the findings of climate change assessments to serve political goals. Once this accusation was made the person accused of the tampering resigned (who just happenes to have been a former oil industry lobbyist). Fortunately for him he was quickly able to secure new employment with oil giant ExxonMobil. This bit of luck on his part prompted Democrats to state the obvious and note: "The White House is again Cozy with Big Oil".
The Administration did take the time to defend their policy of altering scientific fact to fit political reality. Even so, that seems serious, serious enough that some lawmakers are asking for a long, expensive and ultimately fruitless probe into the matter. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. asked of the press: Will the Emasculated Stenographers of the Press Overlook Yet Another White House Deception?
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At the same time a British conservationist was to lose 2 posts that he held, after making climate claims. Of course this conservationist too was "dissing" the idea of human caused Climate Change. He did retract those opinioins but not soon enough it seems. For one editorial viewpoint on these controversies take a look at GLOBAL WARMING : Climate of deceit. Or this one: Political science/Soft-pedaling climate consensus.
But what is the reality of Climate Change? Can we believe the scientists who say that new evidence based on ocean temperatures points to the conclusion that Climate evidence finds us guilty as charged. I mean science organizations all over the world are now saying that Global warming is a 'clear and increasing threat'. But according to conservative radio talk show hosts like Sean Hannity "what do scientists know"?
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Does it really matter what the world is like in 5 or 10 or 20 years? I mean can we really waste our precious time and money today on things that may not even happen? Aparrently not as the Climate CHange Report for the upcoming G8 summit has been found to have been substantially "watered Down" in content. Speaking of the G8 summit, Robin Cook says that; If we make global warming history (at the summit) we'll all be better off. And Big Business too is Urging Urgent G8 Global Warming Action. So just who is it these days who opposes taking steps to correct Global Warming? Certainly not the naked cyclists who recently took to the streets to protest the pollution from cars.
Even the Republicans seem to be warming to the idea of limiting emissions. But those same emissions rules could very well stall a vote on the energy bill. After all the Senate is rumored to be closer to adding climate provisions tho the long awaited Energy Bill. While Senate Debates Energy Bill, Pew Center Releases Reports on Reducing Energy Consumption in Building, Electricity Sectors. In a vote today the Senate Called for More Renewable Energy, Less Fossil Fuel.
Of course this is not seen as being enough by many people, including the british. Prime Minister Tony Blair has made addressing Climate Change a top priority and this stance is creating a growing rift with the US. Bush however summed up the attitude of a majority of the US population in relation to Climate Change with a "What Me Worry?" attitude reminicent of Mad Magazine Icon Alfred E. Newman. This was despite the fact that scientists throughout the world are telling him that the rise in atmospheric temperature justifies aggressive action. Arnold Schwarzenegger and other prominent Republicans are telling him to get off the dime. His corporate allies are deserting him. And the Senate is inching closer to endorsing a mandatory cap on greenhouse gas emissions.
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For the apocolyptic thrill seekers among us we have some new information on the exciting effects of climate change on the world around us. It is now pertinent to ask whether increasing temperatures Will make hurricanes stronger? Going along with that will be the threat caused by more powerful weather events is the prospect of more devestating Tsunami's. And Africa? Don't ask, because there are now predicted to be Decades of drought ahead for southern Africa.
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Closer to home, is Climate change a threat to traditional English gardens? News like this is what prompted former Vice President Al Gore to warn US Mayors that; "Global Warming Puts Civilization At Risk". Because Global Warming is not about Just Eskimos in Bikinis, after all (those Eskimos having now filed an anti-U.S. climate petition). It seems as though there is a real risk of more Frequent droughts for farmers as climate change hits. This is already happening in New Zeland.
Click on image to go to Drought Monitor: Current Conditions.
In the US it is important for us to look at what is happening in the rest of the World. China for example says desertification being controlled yet still grim. In Australia too the Drought area widens. In a possibly related note the skin cancer rate in beautiful Australia is "soaring". In England too the current dry spell is 'worst in 30 years'. Or in Canada where, according to a recent study, Heat and smog kill thousands.
The Japanese are taking a proactive position by introducing a national program to ask consumers to trade in old, inefficient appliances and to buy hybrid vehicles. The French on the other hand, following the Capitalist model, are looking eagerly to Climate Change as a source of litigation revenue.
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| How Old Is Oil? |
| 06.12.05 (4:41 am) |
By Michael Johnston
2005
The correct age of some of the the hydrocarbon deposits that lie beneath surface of the the earth has for the first time been accurately determined by a team of researchers from the University of Alberta.
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The oil in question was that contained in Alberta's vast deposits of Oil Sands. The researchers estimate the age of the oil to be 112 million years and not 60 million as had previously been thought.
"This is the first time that anyone has ever directly determined an age from oil," explained Dr. David Creaser, who heads up the U of A's Radiogenic Isotope Facility and is funded by a discovery grant from Science and Engineering Research Canada (NSERC).
"Previously, the time at which oil was produced from a rock and migrated as a fluid could be deduced from looking at the geologic relationships, looking at the overall history of that sedimentary basin and things like that. But this is the first time there's actually been a direct determination using any isotopic method to try to figure out how old it is."
Quote from HERE.
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| Canadian Team Wins The "Challenge X" |
| 06.10.05 (3:16 pm) |
During the past year, 17 universities from across North America researched, compared, and selected advanced vehicle technologies to meet Challenge X goals. Students used computer-based mathematical modeling tools to objectively compare and select advanced technologies they would use in the overall design of their Challenge X vehicles.
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Each team received the keys to a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox.
The teams also developed and used rapid prototyping and hardware-in-the-loop tools to validate their models and control systems. After their Challenge X vehicle design was approved, each team procured hardware, developed software, performed subsystem testing, and designed a plan to integrate their selected strategy into a vehicle. Before arriving at the competition, each team also submitted five technical reports and their GM Mentor performed a pre-competition inspection of the subsystems hardware that the team had assembled and tested.
During the week of the Challenge X 2005 Competition, held at GM University in Auburn Hills, the teams squared off by delivering a Technical Presentation, Project Initiation Approval Presentation, Control Strategy Presentation, Outreach Presentation, and a variety of sponsored award presentations to panels composed of government and industry judges. In addition, each team developed a vehicle-level control strategy to optimize the fuel economy of predefined vehicle powertrain for a specific drive cycle. On June 9th the teams moved to GM's Milford Proving Grounds where Ed Wall, Program Manager for FreedomCAR and Vehicle Technologies, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy, announced the results of this year’s competition. Next, Larry Burns, GM's Vice President of Research & Development and Planning, presented the keys to a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox to each team. Later in the afternoon, the students took turns spinning the wheels of their new vehicles in the aAcceleration, Traction Control, and On-Road Emissions & AVL DRIVE Quality Event demonstrations.
Approximately $80,000 in cash prizes and more than two dozen awards were presented at the June 8th awards ceremony. After opening remarks from Dan Hancock, GM Powertrain's Vice President of Engineering Operations, and from Doug Faulkner, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, trophies and awards were given to the student teams for their performances in a wide range of events.
The University of Waterloo, located in Ontario, Canada, took first-place honors, after scoring 890 out of 1000 possible points. This team created an impressive virtual advanced propulsion technology vehicle solution to improve on-road fuel economy and reduce emissions. The Waterloo team's propulsion system design is a "series" fuel cell hybrid featuring a Hydrogenics PEM fuel cell with a COBASYS 288-volt NiMH battery.
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The University of Akron took second place with a "through-the-road" parallel hybrid design with a 1.9-liter Volkswagen TDI biodiesel-powered engine.
The Ohio State University grabbed third-place with a through-the-road parallel biodiesel hybrid design that features a Panasonic NiMH battery and a 1.9-liter Fiat 110-kilowatt CIDI engine.
Challenge X sponsors also had their share of the spotlight, with several giving out awards of their own. The National Science Foundation Outstanding Long-Term Faculty Advisor Award was presented to Douglas Nelson from Virginia Tech and the National Science Foundation Outstanding Incoming Faculty Advisor Award went to Christi Patton Luks from the University of Tulsa. Each award includes $15,000 in funding placed in a university account to be used to enhance the integration of the student engineering competition experience into the undergraduate curriculum for the benefit of the students.
All of this took place in just the first year of the three-year Challenge X competition! In 2006 and 2007, students will integrate their advanced powertrains and subsystems into their Chevrolet Equinox, a compact SUV that already provides competitive fuel economy. The competitions will be held toward the end of both academic years to allow the teams to showcase their learning and vehicle development from year to year.
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| Gore is transforming into fiery climate evangelist |
| 06.10.05 (3:04 pm) |
By Amanda Griscom Little
09 Jun 2005
Al Gore, once derided by the right as a stiff, wooden Ozone Man, is now recasting himself as the fiery, headstrong Climate Avenger -- a blunt and passionate spokesperson about what he calls "a collision between our civilization and the earth." He is currently in negotiations to play a starring role in a big-budget, feature-length documentary on climate change.
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Al Gore.
Photo: The House Policy Committee
Last Saturday in San Francisco, the self-described "guy who used to be the next president of the United States" delivered an hour-long multimedia presentation on the scientific evidence of global warming to hundreds of guests crammed into a tent for the culmination of the city's five-day-long U.N. World Environment Day celebration. The audience, peppered with celebrities, members of Congress, U.N. officials, and dozens of mayors from around the world, erupted into a standing ovation when Gore wrapped up his quasi-evangelical call to action.
Thrusting his fists skyward, he rattled off the seemingly insurmountable challenges civilization has overcome in the past -- slavery, communism, restricted suffrage, segregation, disease, apartheid -- and roared, "So now we are called to use our political institution, our democracy, our free speech, our reasoning capacity, our citizenship, our hearts, and talk with one another, reason with one another, see the reality of this problem, act as Americans, and understand that it's a different issue than any we've ever faced." Then the crescendo: "We have to make our stand!" he thundered. "This is our home! We must keep our eyes on the prize! Help solve this problem!"
To read the rest of the story go HERE.
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| Melting Arctic May Dry Up Lakes |
| 06.10.05 (2:30 pm) |
By Michael Johnston
2005
The Permafrost in the Arctic is melting. This much is pretty much undeniable no matter what the causes turn out to be. One effect of this warming seems to be the draining of some of the myriad lakes that dot the northern landscape. As the ground warms and the permafrost melts the water in the lakes is able to drain into the ground and to thereby disappear, maybe forever.
Scientists say rising temperatures have led to the disappearance of 125 Arctic lakes.
Credit and Larger Version.
Scientists believe that the disappearance of these lakes will have a detrimental effect on animals such as migratory birds and others who depend on the life sustaining water and the animals that it attracts for prey. These same effects could be felt by the regional population of indigenous Peoples who depend on the lakes.
A team from the University of California at Los Angeles, the College of Environmental Science and Forestry at the State University of New York and the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, published the findings in the June 3 edition of the journal Science.
Laurence Smith, a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, was the one of the lead authors of a recently published a paper on this subject in the journal Science. His team monitored changes in more than 10,000 lakes across 200,000 miles of wilderness. They did this by comparing satellite data from 1972 with more current data. He said that said that team's findings, showed that this trend will continue to occur and that these lakes are critical to birds who depend on them to feed and rear their young during the summer.
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| Winners of the 2005 H2U Student Design Contest Announced |
| 06.10.05 (11:55 am) |
By Michael Johnston
2005
Each year the National Hydrogen Association sponsers a competition for college students. In the 2005 competition the goal was to design a hydrogen power park.
The grand prize winners of the 2005 competition were from Humboldt State University. Both the initial paper and the final presentation by this team can be dowloaded and viewed.
Initial Paper (4,540Kb PDF)
Final Presentation (Power Point and Video - 49,887Kb ZIP archive)
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There were four teams who recieved an honorable mention, those being the following, including links to their presentation papers;
(1) University of Toronto (2,097Kb PDF)
(2) University of Waterloo (1,387Kb PDF)
(3) Cornell University (3,168Kb PDF)
(4) University of Washington(1,492Kb PDF)
The 2006 contest is already being planned and the theme that has been selected for the competition is: "New Applications For Hydrogen Storage". Information on the upcoming contest and those of the last several years as well as answers to questions and team sign-up forms can be found on the contest website HERE.
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| Yale poll reveals overwhelming public desire for new energy policy direction |
| 06.09.05 (8:03 pm) |
New Haven, Conn. - A new Yale University research survey of 1,000 adults nationwide reveals that while Americans are deeply divided on many issues, they overwhelmingly believe that the United States is too dependent on imported oil.
The survey shows a vast majority of the public also wants to see government action to develop new "clean" energy sources, including solar and wind power as well as hydrogen cars.
92% of Americans say that they are worried about dependence on foreign oil
93% of Americans want government to develop new energy technologies and require auto industry to make cars and trucks that get better gas mileage
The results underscore Americans' deep concerns about the country's current energy policies, particularly the nation's dependence on imported oil. Fully 92 percent say this dependence is a serious problem, while 68 percent say it is a "very serious" problem.
Across all regions of the country and every demographic group, there is broad support for a new emphasis on finding alternative energy sources. Building more solar power facilities is considered a "good idea" by 90 percent of the public; 87 percent support expanded wind farms; and 86 percent want increased funding for renewable energy research.
According to Gus Speth, dean of the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, "This poll underscores the fact that Americans want not only energy independence but also to find ways to break the linkage between energy use and environmental harm, from local air pollution to global warming."
Results of the poll indicate that 93 percent of Americans say requiring the auto industry to make cars that get better gas mileage is a good idea. Just 6 percent say it is a bad idea. This sentiment varies little by political leaning, with 96 percent of Democrats and Independents and 86 percent of Republicans supporting the call for more fuel-efficient vehicles.
These findings come on the heels of Congress' rejection of a proposal to require sport utility vehicles and minivans to become more fuel-efficient and achieve the same gasoline mileage as passenger cars.
"This poll suggests that Washington is out of touch with the American people - Republicans, Democrats and Independents, young and old, men and women-even S.U.V. drivers-embrace investments in new energy technologies, including better gas mileage in vehicles," said Dan Esty, director of the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy, which commissioned the survey.
The survey also revealed broad support for action to improve air and water quality but growing discomfort with "environmentalists." Likewise, the public's confidence in TV news as a source of environmental information has fallen sharply.
This survey is one element of a broader research project at the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies focused on environmental attitudes and behavior. Funding for this project, directed by Associate Dean Dan Abbasi, is being provided by the Betsy and Jesse Fink Foundation and Hartford-based United Technologies Corp., which has been ranked as Fortune Magazine's "Most Admired" aerospace company based on criteria including social responsibility.
The survey was conducted on behalf of the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies by Global Strategy Group from May 15 to 22, 2005. The survey was conducted using professional phone interviewers. The nationwide sample was drawn from a random digit dial (RDD) process. Respondents were screened on the basis of age, i.e., to be over the age of 18. The survey has an overall margin of error of ±3.1% at the 95% confidence level. The survey questions and full results can be found at the website http://www.yale.edu/envirocen... for the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy.
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| How the BMW H2R Works |
| 06.09.05 (4:54 pm) |
It's sleek. It's aerodynamic. It's environmentally friendly.
BMW's H2R (Hydrogen Record Car) is powered entirely by the
clean-burning process of liquid-hydrogen combustion, and this
next-generation racecar has already set speed records in its
class.
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So why is BMW expending copious amounts of time, money and
energy to spearhead the production of hydrogen-powered vehicles?
According to the BMW Web site, the company's long-term goal is
to eventually replace the cars that run on atmosphere-polluting
fossil fuels with vehicles that use clean-burning,
liquid-hydrogen fuel. In this article, you'll learn about the
H2R and its unique, hydrogen combustion engine.
Click here to read How the BMW H2R Works:
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| Is Indiginous Knowledge Science and Should it be Preserved? |
| 06.08.05 (2:26 pm) |
Below is a collection of story links that examine this question.
"Awareness of the value of indigenous knowledge — particularly its potential contribution to sustainable development — is growing at a time when such knowledge is being threatened as never before."
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Traditional medicine 'important for neglected diseases'
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More research into traditional medicine is needed to spur progress on treatments for diseases of the developing world, say experts at a WHO meeting.
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Poor countries are 'not mining their green gold'
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Developing countries need to be more realistic if they want to profit from drugs made from their natural resources, says a United Nations University researcher.
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Making traditional Chinese medicine sustainable
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Chen Zhiyong describes the steps that Chinese authorities are taking to make traditional medicines that use endangered species of plants and wildlife more sustainable.
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The challenges of marketing traditional medicines
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Paroma Basu reports on the efforts of developing countries to transform local medicinal knowledge into modern biotech medicines.
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Profits from indigenous knowledge must be shared
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Rajesh Kochhar says profits from patents on innovations derived from traditional knowledge should be shared with the world's poor.
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The evolution of global standards for traditional medicine
With much of the developing world reliant on traditional medicine, and its increasing acceptance in the developed world, the need for universal standards for indigenous medicines is greater than ever.
 
Darshan Shankar and Padma Venkatasubramanian investigate the standards that currently exist, and suggest methods for developing standards in the future that are sensitive to the cultures from which the medicines originated.
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South African legislation on traditional medicine
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Traditional medicine can seem to be at odds with a modern healthcare system. But, as many countries with well-established — and much used — systems of indigenous medicine are now realising, the integration of traditional medicine into the modern health infrastructure can be a way to get the best of both worlds. Sibongile Pefile discusses the efforts of the South African government in creating legislation for — and therefore making more formal — the country's traditional medicine.
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| Chinese centre to study 'creeping' environment issues |
| 06.08.05 (1:42 pm) |
Jia Hepeng
1 June 2005
Source: SciDev.Net
[BEIJING] The world's first international research centre dedicated to 'creeping environmental problems' was established last week (23 May) in the northwestern Chinese city of Lanzhou.
Creeping environmental problems are slow and cumulative problems, often resulting from human activities that interact with environmental factors such as climate. Examples include air pollution, acid rain, global warming, deforestation and desertification.
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The Aral Sea has shrunk considerably in recent decades
Scientists at the new centre will undertake studies of such long-term environmental and climatic problems, with the aim of avoiding future natural threats.
"Unlike much current research on climate change or the environment, our studies focus on the interaction between human activities, climate change and environmental transformation," says Ye Qian, the new centre's vice-president, who is a scientist based at the US National Center for Atmospheric Research.
"We are trying to reveal these creeping problems through multidisciplinary projects before they lead to natural disasters," says Ye.
More than 20 scientists and scholars from China, the United States, Germany, Russia and Uzbekistan have agreed to join projects led by the new centre. These cover meteorology, hydrology, geography, sociology and economics.
For the rest of the story go HERE.
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| Egypt gets serious about science with 12-year strategy |
| 06.08.05 (1:31 pm) |
Wagdy Sawahel
3 June 2005
Source: SciDev.Net
[CAIRO] A comprehensive plan for developing Egyptian science and technology was approved last week at Egypt's first national conference on scientific research.
The strategy is Egypt's first attempt to create an integrated system of scientific research. Relevant national ministries and research institutions have agreed to work together to increase the number of trained scientists in Egypt, and give science a bigger role in the country's development.
The 12-year plan, prepared by Egypt's Ministry of Scientific Research and Academy of Scientific Research in consultation with other ministries and more than 300 scientists, has a working budget of US$8.5 billion. Egypt's cabinet is expected to endorse it in July.
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Mubarak City for Scientific Research and Technology Applications in Alexandria, Egypt.
Under the strategy, Egypt will launch postgraduate and other training programmes in disciplines including biotechnology, renewable energy, pharmaceutical science, agriculture, water and information and communication technologies.
Another focus is increasing women's involvement in science, which will be encouraged through conferences and the creation of a database of female researchers to foster networking.
For the rest of the story go HERE.
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| World Premier of WET the Opera - This Friday in LA! |
| 06.07.05 (4:27 pm) |
Barnsdall Gallery Theater, Hollywood, Free Admission, June 10, 8 PM
Composed by Anne LeBaron
Libretto by Terese Svoboda
Directed by Nataki Garrett
Set Design by Efren Delgadillo
Lighting by Laura Mroczkowski
Video by Steve Bull
Produced by Tanja Raaste and Tony Lepore
Music Director: Marc Lowenstein
Workshop Production with semi-staged excerpts:
June 10th, 2005, at 8:00pm
Barnsdall Gallery Theatre
4800 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, California
323 644 6272
Free Admission (no reservations required)
Fundraising Gala at 9:15pm
featuring singers:
Jonathan Mack, Arlene Thomas
Paul Berkolds
Aren Der Hacopian, Ani Maldjian
Yulyia Zinovieva, Marja Liisa Kay
with musicians:
Danny Holt, Harris Eisenstadt, Tom Heasley, Kiku Day
Set on a great American river during a flood, WET
weaves a tale involving the sale of the world's water to multinational
corporations and the destroyed lives left behind when natural resources
are managed for immediate profit rather than sustainability. WET aims to
reach heartbreaking heights while incorporating comedic moments.
This workshop production of WET is supported, in
part, by a grant from the City of Los Angeles Cultural
Affairs Department and by a Subito Grant from the LA
Chapter of the American Composers Forum.
World Premiere on December 1-3, 2005
8:30pm
REDCAT (in Walt Disney Concert Hall)
631 W. 2nd St
Los Angeles, California
www.wetopera.org
Juliette Beck
California Campaign Director
Water for All
Public Citizen
510-663-0888 ext. 101
www.citizen.org/california
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| Waste-to-Oil Company Selling Oil Commercially |
| 06.07.05 (3:50 pm) |
Carthage, MO, May 19, 2004 – Renewable Environmental Solutions LLC (RES) today announced that its first commercial plant is selling an equivalent of crude oil No. 4, produced from agricultural waste products. The Carthage, Missouri, plant is currently producing 100-200 barrels of oil per day utilizing by-products from an adjacent turkey processing facility.
RES is a joint venture of Changing World Technologies, Inc. and ConAgra Foods, Inc. established in 2000 as the exclusive vehicle for processing agricultural waste material utilizing CWT’s Thermal Conversion Process technology, throughout the world.
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TCP is the first commercially viable method of reforming organic waste into a high-value energy resource. The oil being produced by RES is being sold to a local oil blender and to customers who will use it as a heat source for their operations.
Because TCP utilizes above-ground organic waste streams to produce a new energy source, it also has the potential to arrest global warming by reducing the use of fossil fuels, and to create a means of energy independence by reducing U.S. reliance on imported oil. At peak capacity, expected to be achieved by the end of this year, the first-out plant will produce 500 barrels of oil per day, as well as natural gas, liquid and solid fertilizer, and solid carbon.
“Until now our focus has been on completing commissioning of the plant, but now that we are selling oil commercially, our focus is shifting to what we can do with the TCP technology in the bigger global picture,” says P.J. Samson, President of RES.
“TCP is based on simple science, and is the only proven solution to our mounting environmental and energy problems,” said Brian Appel, Chairman and CEO of CWT.
Cornerstone Technology
TCP succeeds in breaking down long chains of organic polymers into their smallest units and reforming them into new combinations to produce clean solid, liquid and gaseous alternative fuels and specialty chemicals.
The process emulates the earth’s natural geothermal activity, whereby organic material is converted into fossil fuel under conditions of extreme heat and pressure over millions of years. It mimics the earth’s system by using pipes and controlling temperature and pressure to reduce the bio-remediation process from millions of years to mere hours.
The process entails five steps:
1. Pulping and slurrying the organic feed with water.
2. Heating the slurry under pressure to the desired temperature.
3. Flashing the slurry to a lower pressure to separate the mixture.
4. Heating the slurry again (coking) to drive off water and produce light hydrocarbons.
5. Separating the end products.
TCP is more than 80% energy efficient. In addition, it generates its own energy to power the plant, and uses the steam naturally created by the process to heat incoming feedstock, In addition, TCP produces no emissions and no secondary hazardous waste streams.
For more information, log onto www.res-energy.com.
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| Changing planet revealed in atlas |
| 06.04.05 (8:54 pm) |
An atlas of environmental change compiled by the United Nations reveals some of the dramatic transformations that are occurring to our planet.
It compares and contrasts satellite images taken over the past few decades with contemporary ones.
Image from BBC.
These highlight in vivid detail the striking make-over wrought in some corners of the Earth by deforestation, urbanisation and climate change.
The atlas has been released to mark World Environment Day.
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| Bridging the digital divide by making computers for kids as common as pencils |
| 06.03.05 (4:00 pm) |
Editor's note: I realize that this story is outside the normal material that I cover but if we want a better world we have to start by making a quality education available to all our children and this story is fascinating as it is about someone who is trying to do just that. Unfortunately the event it publicizes is over but the gist of the story still has value
A global education system in which a fully portable personal computer is as common as a pencil or textbook to school children even in the poorest nations is the vision of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) professor, who next week will detail in Tokyo for the first time an accelerating international drive to mass manufacture a $100 laptop.
The brainchild of Prof. Nicholas Negroponte, the $100 laptop will be a full-color, full-screen portable computer that uses the cost-free Linux operating system. It will be rugged and powered by wind-up and other innovative sources of electricity for use in remote places. It will come enabled for wireless and cell phone Internet access, and "have USB ports galore" to accommodate potential additional peripheral devices such as a printer. Its current specifications are: 500 megahertz (processor speed), one gigabyte of memory, and an XVGA display.
Prof. Negroponte will address experts assembling in Tokyo Monday May 16 at an event entitled, "Toward the Realization of a Ubiquitous Network Society" (May 16-17, Keio Plaza Hotel; http://www.wsis-japan.jp), co-sponsored by the Government of Japan (Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications), United Nations University and the International Telecommunication Union.
Roughly 400 experts from government, international organizations, the private sector and civil societies will attend the Tokyo conference and technology exhibition, setting the stage for the 2nd phase of the World Summit on the Information Society in Tunis, Tunisia, Nov. 16-18. The goals of the Summit include development of information and communication infrastructure that enables universal, sustainable, ubiquitous and affordable access by all, allowing people anywhere on Earth to access information and knowledge.
"Sadly, most educational systems that recognize the important need for computers meet that need with a roomful of desktops to which a child might go for a few hours per week," says Dr. Negroponte. "Computing should be like a pencil, you have your own (versus community pencils) and use it for all kinds of purposes, related to school, home, work and play.
"This model of computing calls for a lightweight, full-screen, full-color, fully-connected laptop. To achieve this, the MIT Media Lab has been developing a $100 laptop, with the idea that this can be provided on a very large scale worldwide. The ultimate goal is to have one laptop per child in the poorest and most remote regions of the world."
Developing cost-free software
For its part, United Nations University through its International Institute for Software Technology in Macau (UNU-IIST), is working on the "Open Computing Initiative," which aims to help developing countries create freely-available "open" software that works in particular on the cost-free Linux operating system.
UNU-IIST Director Mike Reed cites the critical importance, complementary to the $100 laptop initiative, of developing cost-free software adapted for local needs, pointing out projects in the past have given computers to impoverished schools "only to find they were unused because the schools could not pay for the software."
"The combination of a cheap laptop and free software would represent some of the most significant steps ever to bridge the digital divide," says Dr. Reed.
Through the UNU-IIST "Open Computing Initiative," headed by Scott McNeil, software programmers in the West link efforts with developing country counterparts who are new to open source software. Among other aims, the project will:
Assist in localisation of open source software so non-English language speakers will have the same access to computing as the West;
Create a fully internationalised font development tool that can be used by non-English language users to develop locally required fonts; and
Through the extension and localisation of royalty free, open source software, help empower local users to achieve technological self determination.
Related UNU system-wide efforts include research and policy recommendations on environmental issues associated with the Information Society (the growing volume of high-tech trash, for example); promoting knowledge sharing through online learning activities that seek to promote open content and courseware -- the Global Virtual University, for example, and the Water Virtual Learning Centre developed by UNU-INWEH.
Says UN Under Secretary-General Hans van Ginkel, Rector of UNU: "The realization of a universally networked planet could contribute to the sharing of knowledge needed to collectively solve problems of pressing global concern – be they related to the environment, poverty, health or security.
"A ubiquitous network society should be consistent with long-term sustainability – personal, societal and environmental. Such a society should also be consistent with life-long learning. It is an important challenge for all of us, but in particular for the educational sector."
Dr. Negroponte says that while desktops can be made more cheaply than laptops, the latter's mobility is important.
"Bringing the laptop home engages the family. In one Cambodian village where we have been working, there is no electricity. Thus the laptop is, among other things, the brightest light source in the home."
He says the $100 laptop will accomplish "almost everything" possible with an expensive computer. However, "what it will not do is store a massive amount of data."
The $100 machines will not be sold to individuals but instead be distributed through ministries of education with initial orders limited to a minimum 1 million units. The first units are scheduled to be ready for shipment by the end of next year or early 2007.
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| A radical solution for environmental pollution |
| 06.03.05 (3:15 pm) |
ANN ARBOR, Mich.---Nature abounds with examples of bacteria that can thrive in extreme situations---surviving on toxic chemicals, for instance. In a paper published online in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS) May 25, University of Michigan researchers show how some bugs manage to do that: by harnessing other potentially harmful chemicals known as free radicals to degrade the toxins they live on.
Such insights could lead to new ways of engineering bacteria to clean up environmental messes, said associate professor of chemistry E. Neil Marsh, who did the work with postdoctoral fellow Chunhua Qiao.
Image from HERE.
Free radicals---highly reactive chemical species that have been implicated in aging, diseases such as Alzheimer's and cancer, and even destruction of the ozone layer---aren't all bad, Marsh said. Many essential chemical reactions occurring in living organisms involve enzymes that use radicals. In the work described in the JACS paper, Marsh and Qiao investigated the chemical reactions that allow the bacterium Thauera aromatica to live on toluene as its sole source of carbon and energy.
"Toluene is a by-product of oil refining, so there's quite a lot of environmental contamination with this and related hydrocarbons, from refineries or chemical plants," Marsh said. "Because of their molecular structure, these compounds are very difficult to degrade, which is why they're pollution hazards." Toluene is especially worrisome because it's more soluble in water than most organic compounds are, which means that it can contaminate groundwater.
Bacteria such as T. aromatica hold promise for use in cleaning up environmental pollutants because they not only can break down hazardous chemicals, but they can also do it underground, in oxygen-scarce environments---just the sort of places where toluene could be causing problems.
Marsh would like to transfer T. aromatica's toluene-degrading abilities to other bacteria that are more easily cultured and more tolerant of various environmental conditions. He'd also like to coax T. aromatica into neutralizing other kinds of pollutants, but the first step is understanding exactly how the bug breaks down toluene.
"The challenge is that the chemical reactions these bacteria use are very unusual---not the standard chemical reactions that chemists usually think about," said Marsh. "It turns out that the solution to metabolizing these very inert compounds is to harness the reactive chemistry of free radicals. To a chemist it's an elegant solution to a difficult problem---even if we still don't really understand how the enzymes that catalyze these reactions work, for everyone else it could mean less pollution."
USGS information on Bioremediation can be found HERE.
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| New process makes fuel from plants |
| 06.03.05 (2:42 pm) |
MADISON -- University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Engineering researchers have discovered a new way to make a diesel-like liquid fuel from carbohydrates commonly found in plants.
Reporting in the June 3 issue of the Journal Science, Steenbock Professor James Dumesic and colleagues detail a four-phase catalytic reactor in which corn and other biomass-derived carbohydrates can be converted to sulfur-free liquid alkanes resulting in an ideal additive for diesel transportation fuel. Co-researchers include chemical and biological engineering graduate students George Huber, Juben Chheda and Chris Barrett.
"It's a very efficient process," says Huber. "The fuel produced contains 90 percent of the energy found in the carbohydrate and hydrogen feed. If you look at a carbohydrate source such as corn, our new process has the potential to create twice the energy as is created in using corn to make ethanol."
Image from physorg.com
About 67 percent of the energy required to make ethanol is consumed in fermenting and distilling corn. As a result, ethanol production creates 1.1 units of energy for every unit of energy consumed. In the UW-Madison process, the desired alkanes spontaneously separate from water. No additional heating or distillation is required. The result is the creation of 2.2 units of energy for every unit of energy consumed in energy production.
"The fuel we're making stores a considerable amount of hydrogen," says Dumesic. "Each molecule of hydrogen is used to convert each carbon atom in the carbohydrate reactant to an alkane. It's a very high yield. We don't lose a lot of carbon. The carbon acts as an effective energy carrier for transportation vehicles. It's not unlike the way our own bodies use carbohydrates to store energy."
About 75 percent of the dry weight of herbaceous and woody biomass is comprised of carbohydrates. Because the UW-Madison process works with a range of carbohydrates, a wide range of plants, and more parts of the plant, can be consumed to make fuel.
"The current delivered cost of biomass is comparable or even cheaper than petroleum-based feedstock on an energy basis," Huber says.
"This is one step in figuring out how to efficiently use our biomass resources."
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| Growth in Flights Will Wreck Climate Change Targets |
| 06.03.05 (2:08 pm) |
New research published today (Wednesday 1st June) by Friends of the Earth, carried out by the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, shows that unless the Government takes action to reduce the growth in aviation emissions the industry's emissions will wipe out all the savings that other sectors of the economy could make.
The research shows that UK reduction targets will be almost impossible to meet if aviation emissions continue to grow at the rate predicted by the Tyndall Centre [1]. Friends of the Earth is campaigning for a law to cut carbon emissions by three per cent every year, to ensure that targets are met [2].
Image from aerotoy.com
Tyndall, the UK's leading independent climate change research body, concludes that if aviation growth continues, it could take up the entire emissions budget for all sectors of the EU economy by 2040 and all sectors of the UK economy by 2037, if we are to keep within safe limits [3]. This would mean that schools, hospitals, commerce, houses and industry would not be able to release any emissions if the UK and the EU are to stay within environmental limits. Friends of the Earth described such a scenario as "absurd, unjust and unachievable".
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| The Alternative Energy Automotive news |
| 06.02.05 (1:37 pm) |
By Michael Johnston
2005
Seems as though everyone is jumping on board the hybrid car bandwagon now (which is a good thing). Porche is planning to begin development of a hybrid version of their Cayenne SUV
Image from SOURCE
V.W is reported to be considering a hybrid Jetta as it becomes more obvious that Hybrid vehicles are taking the marketplace by storm. The AIADA newsletter reported that ”With gas prices hovering near record highs, dealers are selling every hybrid they can get,” reports the Detroit News. “Waiting lists are so long that many customers are paying extra just to move ahead in line. Others are paying full sticker price for a used hybrid -- a practice rarely seen outside the trade of Ferraris and other super sports cars.” Edmunds.com pricing and market analyst Mike Chung insists, “We’ve never seen this type of demand for a vehicle that is somewhat mainstream.” Besides fuel efficiency and low emissions, “demand also is fueled by factors ranging from the novelty of the technology to tax breaks and access to carpool lanes in some cities, and even political concerns,” reports the News.
While it is true that Sales of Hybrids Have Continued to Climb in May, But Not At April Pace and And Honda Reached 100,000-unit Mark in Cumulative Global Hybrid Vehicle Sales. There is some question though as to whether or not Hybrid Cars Attract Preferred Insureds? In addition to this a report by Edmunds.com claims that Most Hybrid Vehicles Not as Cost-Effective as They Seem. Even so States are Engaging Citizens to Consider Green Cars and a 40mpg.org Poll Asks Consumers to Decide Which Top-Selling U.S. Vehicles Should 'Go Hybrid' Next.
Amid the hybrid frenzy California Environmental Technologies Provide Dynamic Backdrop for Governor's Bold Policy Announcement on Climate Change . Renewable Ventures Launches 'Certified Clean Car' Emission Reduction Program at World Environment Day which will enable consumers to offset their CO2 emissions by buying renewable energy credits.
Meanwhile in related news a Patented Technology Offers Inexpensive, Zero-Emission Power Source with Potential to Accelerate Growth of Emerging Hydrogen Economy . ZAP and Apollo Energy Systems have collaborated on developing an ammonia cracker for the production of hydrogen fuel for fuel cell powered vehicles.
ZAP seems to be on a roll as they recently Issued A One Billion Dollar Purchase Order to DaimlerChrysler Group for Smart Cars . Here is a further Progress Report on the status of that order. News of the aparrent success of ZAP in introducing these cars into the American market has prompted Smart Car dealers/distributors from all over the world to offer their surplus cars to ZAP. "Given the overwhelming demand we have received from U.S. consumers for the Smart Car, we are very pleased to have this early source of the vehicles," said ZAP CEO Steve Schneider.
In other vehicle news Hybrid Technologies Solar Car Scores Big at International Hybrid Competition . the Hybrid Technologies sponsored CalSol - Berkeley solar race car placed third in the stock class and 4th overall, out of 30 competing cars. The Hybrid-Berkeley entry easily completed over 175 laps totalling 368 miles in the Formula Sun Grand Prix. The Kansas event was the initial qualifier to the Nationally televised 2005 North American Solar Challenge race being held in July.
Complete details on the racer are available HERE.
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| SHEC Labs plans Renewable Solar Hydrogen Pilot Plant |
| 06.02.05 (12:01 pm) |
From SHEC Labs Press Release, 6/1/2005
Environmental Science & Engineering Article
SHEC-Labs is pleased to announce that the company has recently been published in the Environmental Science and Engineering Magazine, May 2005 edition. This cover story was peer reviewed by a number of professional engineers and Ph.D. scientists. The article may be viewed on SHEC Labs' web site at:
(Click on above picture to read article)
SHEC-Labs' prototype solar hydrogen generator has now operated for approximately 1,200 hours with no noticeable coking or degradation of the catalysts. Hydrogen production is near the theoretical maximum at approximately 66% in the product gas stream with a 98.2% mol conversion of the feed methane. The estimated maximum hydrogen production with the unit is approximately 3,500 kg per year with minor modifications to the operating pressure and reactor configuration and an increase in the solar mirror area.
The next stage of development is anticipated to be a commercial-scale demonstration at a landfill gas site using 40,000 kg per year hydrogen production modules. This one project (a small-to-medium sized landfill gas project) will prevent more than 1.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) from entering the atmosphere over the next twenty years and will significantly improve local air quality and reduce smog. This one plant would consist of 30 modules for a total annual production of 1.2 million kg of hydrogen per year. (550 million cubic feet).
SHEC-Labs is currently in the process of capitalizing to deploy its first commercial-scale plant. Once this plant is operational, it can be repeatedly duplicated.
The next generation of solar hydrogen involves direct water splitting with only water as the primary feed component. According to SHEC scientists, six of the ten steps needed for this process are already integrated into the current system.
About hydrogen production
More than 95% of hydrogen produced today is by the Steam Methane Reformation (SMR) of fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas, a process that liberates massive amounts of carbon dioxide and other pollutants to the atmosphere. The SMR process provides a net energy loss of 30 to 35% when converting methane into hydrogen since a great deal of fossil energy or electrical power is required to operate the process. Hydrogen is also produced by electrolysis, a process that uses electricity to convert water into hydrogen and oxygen. Although electrolysis itself can be quite efficient in converting electricity into hydrogen, the electricity used for electrolysis is often primarily generated from fossil fuels. Therefore, traditional hydrogen production methods result in a net increase in air pollution and are highly inefficient from an energy conversion perspective.
Solar hydrogen production provides a net energy gain when converting methane into hydrogen since the energy used to drive the process is harvested from the sun. Since SMR is not typically cost-effective at small-to-moderate production levels, SHEC's technology is particularly attractive for smaller and distributed hydrogen production. The environmental benefits of generating hydrogen using renewable energy include significant greenhouse gas reductions, and the reduction of smog precursors, acid gases, and mercury as a result of reduced local need for oil, coal, and natural gas.
To add even greater value, the process has the ability to use a renewable source of methane and carbon dioxide, such as biogas from municipal wastewater plants and landfill gas. Renewable methane generated from biomass results in no net increase of carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere when the methane is converted into hydrogen by SHEC's solar hydrogen generator.
Why produce hydrogen?
The current market for hydrogen is approximately 42 billion kg per year and growing, and is used primarily in ammonia fertilizer manufacturing, for hydrogenation in the food and beverage industry, and in petroleum refining to reduce the sulfur content of fossil fuels.
Hydrogen is also an energy carrier and is recognized by many as the fuel of the future. When hydrogen is consumed by a fuel cell, its only significant emissions are water and heat. A clean source of hydrogen will lead to energy self-sufficiency and clean air and clean water.
The U.S. will increase natural gas imports 700% during the next 20 years and will have to import more than 25% of its gasoline by 2025.
SHEC foresees its hydrogen production technologies as a way to fill some of this demand.
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