Renewables

Pro-Natura International: green charcoal for developing countries

Thanks to Pro-Natura International, an interesting project is beginning in Africa with the use of green waste as a new source of charcoal. This alternative to solar cookers is another solution to stop deforestation in tropical countries. This project started in 2007 with a single plant in Senegal which products already benefit to 20,000 people. […]

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China increasing climate change mitigation efforts

It seems I was quite right when asking if cleantech is the new arms race as countries are increasing their renewable energies schemes. China announced yesterday that it is tripling its wind energy 2020 target. This is the perfect occasion to have a look at how the country is progressing on climate change mitigation. Things

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Spain is going green

By reading the French daily Le Monde, I came across an interesting interview [Fr] of the Spanish Prime Minister, M. Zapatero. There he stated that one of the solutions to get his country out of economic trouble is green growth. Several other countries including the United States, China and South Korea already did so and

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Is cleantech the new arms race ?

During  the Cold War, the United States and the USSR were fighting to have the largest amounts of weapons. It seems the arms race of the 21st century is more pacific as it concerns renewable energies. The United States of America, China and the European Union are stepping up to become the first country or

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Why renewable energies aren’t that sustainable

Even if I am an advocate of an increased use of renewable energy sources I am fully aware of their drawbacks. To me, they don’t constitute the panacea most people claim they are. After my posts on why renewables aren’t perfect solutions and the climate change mitigation paradox I would like to share with you

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A zero-interest rate loan for housing renovation

For my 500th post on this blog, I would like to bring you good news. The decision taken last week within the Grenelle de l’Environnement is a huge leap forward towards sustainability of housing. Indeed, the French government will launch in April an eco loan of up to 30,000 €  ($37,600) with no interest rate

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430 billion dollars for a global green New Deal !

Many sites wrote about the Green New Deal which begun in the United States of America. With no less than $80 billion to be invested, this is significant. However little was written on HSBC’s latest findings. To their experts: around 430 billion dollars are currently being invested in 15 countries in sustainability projects like clean

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Further to the Lyon renewable energies fair

I was on Thursday and Saturday at the renewable energies fair in Lyon. This was an excellent occasion to meet professionals in solar energies, wood energy and insulating materials. I was very pleased to note that many companies are currently hiring in France or in Europe. As a matter of fact, I wouldn’t be surprised

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February 2009 solar news

News on solar photovoltaïc are numerous as many companies and labs are working in research and development to bring to market the best PV cells possible in terms of price and of efficiency. In the meantime, more and more large projects are being launched. Indeed, California announced a 1,300 MW project near Los Angeles and

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A climate change mitigation paradox

Thanks to Meryn I came across a most interesting piece of information. According to the Spiegel (the leading German magazine) wind turbines in Europe do nothing for emissions-reduction goals. Despite the billions spent every year in wind energy, solar and similar renewable energy sources, greenhouse gases emissions haven’t decreased. What looks like a strong contradiction

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