August 28, 2008

Flammable Ice Could Create a Bridge to a Sustainable Energy Future (Environmental Science & Technology)
Gas hydrates were highly esoteric 30 years ago, but now countries are investing tens of millions of dollars in research on this topic. But the looming question is whether people can use and manage this novel natural gas in ways that won’t add to climate destabilization, critics say.

Even "Green" Energy Needs Lower Oil Price (Planet Ark)
As a lengthening economic slowdown bites, the antidote for the renewable energy sector may come as a surprise -- a lower oil price. Government subsidies and record prices for competing fossil fuels have underpinned the alternative energy boom, but now they are now starting to work against the sector.

CEZ to Build Biggest Onshore Wind Park in Europe (Reuters)
Czech power group CEZ plans to build a $1.62 billion wind park in Romania, the largest of its kind in Europe, in a move to offset emissions from dirtier coal-fired power plants.

South Korea to Pump $103 Billion Into Renewable Energy (Reuters)
South Korea said on Wednesday it will spend $103 billion through 2030 in developing new renewable energy, in an effort to cut its reliance on fossil fuels and reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

The Greatest Failure of Thought in Human History (The Christian Science Monitor)
"Cap and trade" is the rage today as a primary solution to global warming. But the European Union's struggle with this approach indicates it has an uncertain future. This is because global warming, at its core, is not a technology or policy problem. It is the greatest failure of thought in human history. Attempts to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions will fail unless people first alter their thinking and behavior.

Climate Reality Eludes the Business Press (AlterNet)
For the Wall Street Journal's editors, fear of a bigger government outweighs the fear of a warmer planet.

NBC Bans Pickens Ad, Boone Responds (Earth2Tech)
The Pickens Plan media blitz hit a glitch this week when NBC refused to air the latest television spot promoting the former oil tycoon’s natural gas and wind energy plan. The 15-second ad asserts that Iran is converting its own cars to run on natural gas “and we’re not doing a thing here.” NBC wants the Pickens Plan to prove that we are indeed a do-nothing nation.

New Arizona Loan Program Makes Roof-Top Solar Easier To Own (Solar Daily)
A new loan program will enables Arizona power customers to take advantage of rebates and tax incentives available for adding personal renewable energy systems.