Shelved Nuclear Technology Can Solve Energy Crisis

Saturday, January 2nd, 2010

A nearly forgotten breakthrough in nuclear power technology has the capacity to virtually replace the use of fossil fuels within 10 years according to researchers.  However, the technology was shelved during the Clinton administration at the height of the anti-nuclear movement in the U.S., and kept there by the Bush administration.

Integral Fast Reactor (IFR) technology has been tested and proven viable at the Argonne National Laboratory in Idaho over a thirty year span beginning in the mid-1960’s.  These “fourth-generation” reactors use existing stocks of nuclear waste as fuel and produce clean energy with virtually no radioactive byproducts.  The common objections to use of nuclear power are virtually eliminated.

Based on current research, it is conceivable to meet virtually 100% of our electrical generation needs using the integral fast reactor technology within a matter of years if we were to undertake an aggressive switch to this technology.  Using currently available nuclear waste material as fuel would allow for several hundred years of operation at current levels of worldwide energy usage without any need for extraction or mining of additional nuclear fuel.  Additionally, the process consumes nearly all of the radioactive material, leaving low volumes of waste material that require containment periods measured in decades rather than millennia.

Further, the reactor design is essentially disaster-proof.  Should something go wrong during the process, the reactor naturally shuts down.  This has already been successfully tested at the Argonne facility.  Concerns over proliferation of nuclear material are reduced as well, since the material used in the IFR is much less suited to weapons development than that of the current generation of nuclear plants.

The primary obstacle seems to be commercialization of the process required to reprocess the existing stockpiles of nuclear waste into nuclear fuel for the IFR. While this technology, called pyroprocessing, has been developed and tested, the cost of handling a large scale effort would require a significant upfront investment. 

There is a growing consensus that green-energy technology alone cannot meet our energy needs.  Those in the fossil fuel industries have been pushing for increased use of natural gas and coal, which continue to add CO2 and other greenhouse gasses to the already elevated levels in the atmosphere. It seems that a technology that has been neglected for over a decade may hold the key to solving both the worldwide energy crisis and be a major factor in reducing climate change.

How To Build Renewable Energy

Friday, December 25th, 2009

Congratulations! You have just found the Ultimate DIY Renewable Energy Tips!

Let me tell you a few unknown facts about renewable energy:

Over 93% of energy used in the U.S comes from non-renewable sources such as coal, gas and oil.Less than 7% comes from renewable sources. Doesn’t that suprise you?

This means that over 93% of our energy used is harming the environment, increasing global warming and reducing the supplies of coal, gas and oil that are left on our planet. Statistics show that if we continue using these non-renewable energy sources, we will have less than 50 years until they run out, unless changes are made.

Why not make these changes now to save the environment?? If even 10% of the U.S started installing their own solar panels and wind turbines, think how much better the environment would be, and how much better you would feel about yourself…Add into this the fact that you will save at least 80% on your energy bill every year by installing your own renewable sources, it really is a thing you need to do right now!

I can tell you that now is the time to start building your own turbine/ solar panels due to all of the benefits it comes with:

1. The current economic climate means every people everywhere are struggling financially. This could save you a lot of money, especially when I tell you that if you produce more energy than you need, the energy companies will actually pay you!

2. The state of the environment cannot be ignored as it is getting worse and worse every day. We have to, as a whole, start making changes ourselves.

3. The current price of this deal I am offering you is ridiculously cheap, but I know that it will not stay that way for long. Building your own renewable energy source for this price is unthinkable so get it whilst its cheap!

When there are things you could be doing to save the environment, whilst saving a lot of your own money, why aren’t you?

Wind and Solar Power for Homes are Becoming Popular Options

Friday, December 25th, 2009

Everybody is feeling the pinch of the increased Oil and Gas prices. So many people are becoming curious about solar energy. Here is a quick synopsis of how solar energy works.
Sunlight is made up of tiny packets of energy, called photons. Every minute, enough of this energy reaches the earth to meet the world’s energy demand for a year.
Photovoltaic panels consist of many solar cells. These are made of materials like silicon, one of the most common elements on earth.
Each one is designed with a positive and a negative layer. This creates an electric field just like in a battery. As photons are absorbed in the cell, their energy causes electrons to become free. The electrons move toward the bottom of the cell and exit throguh the connecting wire.
This flow of electrons is what we call electricity. -The US Department of Energy.
How would you like to use Solar Power for Homes and UNPLUG your house from your electrical company? You can setup your own renewable energy system in your backyard for less than $200!
Why would you want to use Wind and Solar Power for Homes? Because Wind and Solar power are called renewable energies. This means that this kind of energy is impossible to exhaust because it is generated by natural forces, instead of being created from a controlled reaction like burning fuels or nuclear material. One day we will run out of oil. We must change our habits now, before that happens.
Why should you create your own solar power for homes?Because you will save hundreds of dollars every time you get your power bill! This is great for our environment and your children will thank you for it.
Complete instructions are becoming available to make wind and solar power for homes affordable, so that you can make this project yourself. These plans are not coming from your gas or electric company,are they?
It is time to start the revolution from home. Big business will not bring it to you becasue it is not in their best interest.
When you can make wind and solar power for homes for less than $200, why wouldn’t you! You will be able to spend your savings on more important things.
Knowing that you are doing your part to conserve our planet feels great! Fully illustrated instructions can make this a very simple and fun family project.
Won’t it feel good to know that you are part of the solution, not the problem. Wind and solar power for homes is the way of the future.

Dummies Guide To Green Living

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

What is Green Living – Green Living is a life philosophy. Proponents of green living aims to conduct their lives in such a way that they have an all encompassing awareness of saving the earth and its environment.
As a supporter of Green living, you carry out your life in an eco-friendly and responsible manner, an attempt to minimize the size of your ecological footprint. Green living includes the conservation of resources, recycling, sustainability, green construction, alternative energy, organic food choices and other environmental topics.
Green Lifestyle – Each choice you make requires a consideration of the consequences of the choice, and the way that the decision will affect the environment and all living things within it. Ecological consciousness and care for the earth are of paramount importance in the decision-making process.By minimizing their “ecological footprints” – the extent to which they create an environmental impact, proponents of green living hope to preserve the earth for future generations of human beings and other life.
Green Technology – Green technology is essential for the conservation of energy, soil health, green building, environmentally preferred purchasing, green chemistry and green nanotechnology.Developing green technology includes toxic-waste-eating trees, smart electricity grids and floating environmental sensors. Then there is the alternative-energy home fueling station that could jump-start the long-awaited hydrogen economy. This technology may seem far out-but it will probably be here a lot sooner than we think.
Green Building – Green building is basically the practice of using eco-friendly building materials and designing homes and offices to be more energy efficient.A zero-energy building has no net energy consumption when measured across a year’s time. It uses alternative energy sources like solar and wind power. Both zero- and low-energy buildings are great for green living.
Green Energy – Green technologist aims produce energy without burning all the world’s coal and using all the world’s fossil fuels and natural resources. Alternative energy is related to green living as it includes energy alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. The main drive behind alternative energy is to find renewable, eco-friendly sources of energy like solar or wind power.
Organic Food – Organic food refers to food items that are produced, processed and packaged without using chemicals. Organic food is increasingly becoming popular due to its perceived health benefits over conventional food. Droves of people are turning to organic produce as a way to feel safer about the foods they eat. People are worried about the foods they put into their bodies. With all of the reports of food poisoning from fruits and vegetables, many people are worried about what they are eating.
Renewable Energy – Strictly speaking, renewable energy is energy that is replenished at the same rate it’s used. As the center of green living, renewable energy encourages use of solar, wind, and other alternative forms of energy.
Solar Energy – Solar energy is the conversion of the sun’s rays to energy, very good for green living. Active solar technology uses electrical or mechanical equipment to convert the sun’s rays into usable energy for heating or whatever. Passive solar technology does not use any outside non-solar energy.
Sustainablility – Sustainability, central to green living, is about preserving the environment and natural resources for years to come. It is the process of maintaining a small ecological footprint so that one’s life has no permanent detrimental effect on the earth. There are specific fields within it like sustainable architecture, sustainable agriculture, and sustainable development.Green living habits are worthwhile no matter what our circumstances – privileged or not.

The Many Faces of Solar Power

Monday, December 21st, 2009

Living in Nevada, the sun is an almost constant companion. This gives Nevadans a unique opportunity to use solar radiation powers for good. In April, a tour of southern Nevada homes shed some light on the subject of solar powered homes. Hosted by the American Solar Energy Society, this Nevada branch of the National Solar Tour explored homes that used both passive and active solar power, thermal hot water systems, and other environmentally features. However, unless you’re a green technologies expert, or took the tour, you may not know the difference between passive and active solar, or how thermal hot water is different than average. Let me help you understand!Active solar technology is the one that most people may be familiar with. It involves having a solar panel that collects the sun’s energy and converts it into electricity. These have a battery where energy is stored, so electricity can still be used at night, and, to a certain extent, on cloudy days. Solar panels are an excellent way to make electricity, especially in remote areas. While they are moderately costly to set up, and do require some maintenance, they provide reliable and free electricity, even in climates far less sunny than Nevada’s.Passive solar technologies are far older than active ones, and involve utilizing the natural heat and light the sun creates, without converting it in any other way. Have you ever noticed that after a long, hot day, south-facing rocks, pavement or brick and adobe buildings will radiate warmth? They have spent the day passively collecting solar energy, and are releasing it. Some materials are better at absorbing and storing that heat energy than others. For example, wood insulates, meaning it will block temperatures, whereas stone will absorb and release temperatures. Homes that are built to take advantage of passive solar are often constructed of brick, adobe or concrete. Cob is another passive-solar-friendly and ancient building material that is going through a revival of sorts. It is made of sand, clay and straw, similar ingredients as adobe, but adobe is baked into bricks and stacked, whereas cob structures are free-formed while the material is wet. Passive solar homes usually have a lot of windows lining their south walls, and less so their east and west walls, with little to no windows on the colder north sides. These windows do two things. First, they provide natural light inside the home, one aspect of passive solar. Second, they allow heat to come into the home. If the home has a stone tile floor and even walls, that tile will absorb the heat, releasing it later when the outside temperature drops.Passive solar homes can be designed to be cool in summer while using the sun to warm them in winter. For example, if shutters are closed during summer months, the home will remain much cooler. Also, the height and angle of overhang can be considered to maximize the windows exposure to low winter sun, but minimize exposure to the high summer sun. Alternatively, I saw an interesting example of someone planting deciduous trees on the south side of their home. In the winter, the trees had no leaves and so let in a lot of light and heat. In the summer, their thick greenery provided shade that kept the house cool.So that is the major difference between active and passive solar technologies. Since passive solar is essentially free, it would be wise for any architect or home designer to take it into consideration when building new homes. Well designed passive solar homes can greatly reduce their electrical energy needs. And while active solar is brilliant technology, it still takes many resources to create. Plus, it may be superfluous in an area with an existing electrical source. As for thermal water heating, it too is a very simple concept. Home made thermal water heaters can be as simple as an outdoor water tank painted black, but that’s a little crude for most tastes. However, there are a variety of styles out there. Some have panels that are metal painted black and enclosed with glass, with copper pipes filled with water running through them. This water will heat, and is then pushed by gravity into an insulated storage tank. Some solar water heaters use a similar set-up but with tubes filled with anti-freeze that are then hooked up to a heat transfer loop, where water in a storage tank is heated. Whatever system you use, thermal water heating is surprisingly affective.There are a lot of ways to take advantage of the sun and use less electricity. Check out next year’s National Solar Tour to see them for yourself.

Making Good Use of Wind Power

Saturday, December 19th, 2009

More and more people are beginning to believe that the next wars are to be fought over who controls the most water but the importance of electrical energy remains the same. Energy will forever be in high demand and wind power is the most efficient and eco-friendly kind of energy. For hundreds of years mankind has been using windmills to make life easier for themselves. The modern wind energy generators work on a slightly different methodology than the old wind mill, though the concept is the same, using the kinetic energy of the moving wind to generate power.
Wind energy is the most environment friendly of all power generation ways, save probably a dam. It makes use of the wind drafts to propel a fan, thereby converting the winds kinetic energy into electricity.
According to some researchers, even solar energy plays some minor role in the global warming, absorbing some of the suns rays that were meant to be reflected back thereby increasing the planets temperature, playing its minor part in the global warming. Wind energyon the other hand poses no such problem; it is very eco friendly and efficient.
It is no recent development for private consumers to effectively install a wind energy generator in their homes to minimize their electric utility bill. With years of evolving, home wind energy generators are now easy to install, low maintenance and provide a sufficient source of power. Wind energy generators can also be found in the portable category now, excellent for camping trips.
A wind energy generator, when installed in a home provides a certain amount of power which is directly proportional to the amount and speed of the surrounding air drafts. This way you can generate a limited amount of safe and free energy, the rest of your energy requirements can easily be accomplished from your on-grid electrical connection.
Many governments are now beginning to appreciate the positive effect wind energy generators leave on a neighborhood and therefore provide incentives to people who use wind energy. You can therefore sell back to your electricity provider any excess energy your wind energy generator produces.
There is a large variety in shapes and sizes of wind energy generators. Specific models have been designed for home usage that gives off far less energy than other generators, thereby reducing any neighborhood noise. A small wind energy generator can effectively power an entire home. The amount of power generated is of course based upon the wind activity as well as the turbine’s size. For a windy area a small wind turbine would suffice but for less windy areas you would either have to buy a wind energy generator of a larger size or depend on the local grid supply for any excess electricity you require.
A wind turbine is a one time only expense that can have long lasting positive effects on your budget; you could even make some money by selling any excess electricity back to the electric supplier. However you would have to check any local home ordinances for allowance of a wind turbine, wind turbines are not yet so appreciated in all the states and countries because of its apparent noise or because of specific height limitations in your area.

Renewable energy solutions

Saturday, December 12th, 2009

With the world slowly moving to the much-dreaded energy crisis, it is important that we reduce our dependency on non-renewable sources of energy. Non-renewable sources being renewable are about to get extinct. Renewable energy solutions refer to those energy solutions that can keep churning energy without exhausting the resources. Three types of energy solutions fall into the category of renewable energy solutions: solar energy solutions, hydro energy solutions, and wind energy solutions. Solar energy solutions: The sun’s energy is the most abundant energy available on earth. Make use of this free energy. You can employ solar power solutions at home. This will not only cut down power bills but also help you contribute to a greener world. Solar power solutions comprise of solar cookers, solar heating systems, solar lighting systems, solar dryers etc. The sun has always been a source of heat energy and light energy. With the advancement of technology, the sun’s energy can be used to create other forms of energy. The solar energy systems have many advantages apart from being cost-effective and environment-friendly. They are low on maintenance thus saving your time and effort. Also, solar systems give you a return on investment very soon, thus making the systems free after some time. Cooking with solar energy is also considered extremely healthy. Families have started employing solar energy as a power solution at their homes. Hydro energy solutions: The hydro energy or water energy is an effective renewable energy. One can convert the hydro energy into electrical energy to run vehicles and various electrical appliances. Hydro energy is typically generated on a large scale. It has been estimated that 90 percent of the electrical energy produced by renewable resources is produced solely by hydro power. Dams are built to help generate electricity by tapping the water power. There have been some concerns about using this energy because it is supposed to adversely affect the water-borne flora and fauna. Wind energy solutions: Windmills were in existence even in the years before the birth of Christ. They helped tow boats and pump water. Eventually, post-industrialization, they became a source for generating electricity. Windmills and wind turbines have never been passé. Wind energy can help generate tonnes of megawatts of electricity. When employed at individual estates, it can help do away with conventional power sources. An excellent renewable source of energy, the wind energy will go a long way in promising a good future to generations to come. Make power at hme with solar and wind energy to eliminate your power bill. Learn how at http://www.renewgreenenergy.com/

Insulation innovation for your green home

Saturday, November 21st, 2009

When it comes to the green home, ratings matter. There are a number of eco certification for home based appliances and white goods. Plus you can get your home professionally assessed for energy efficiency.

Residential homes can be given a rating based on the National House Energy Rating (NatHERS) which is an index of the home’s thermal performance. It is done through a professional analysis by a qualified assessor working in conjunction with the builder of the home. NatHERS provides a baseline for assessment software to rate a home’s energy efficiency potential. Most homes in Australia currently fall below a 5 star rating, but the current tool has now been adapted to allow for a potential 10 star rating (which would be equivalent to zero conditioning energy). This system is based purely on the home’s infrastructure and does not include appliances or hot water systems. Find out more about energy ratings for your home.

Good insulation is a key feature in any energy efficient home. And homeowners are keen to take advantage of Kevin Rudd’s important announcement last week, with funds for ceiling insulation becoming available from the federal government. The Federal Government will be providing eligible homes wiht free ceiling insulation worth $1600. Landlords and renters can benefit too with rental properties being included in the package.

Yet with all the available insulation out there, which one should we consider?

Eco Home Tip #16 – Ask about the R value – the measure for insulation materials is the R value. A high R value means better insulation potential. For example, Pink Batts offers a range ceiling insulation products that have an R value of up to 6.0.

Eco Home Tip #17 – Natural insulation – Take your insulation innovation even further and look for ceiling insulation made from sustainable materials, such as Goldenfleece wool insulation. All natural wool fibre has great insulating properties, with the CSIRO claiming, “wool insulation performs better because of it’s ability to rapidly absorb and desorb moisture from the air.” And you’ll be helping out the rural farmers!

Eco Home Tip #18 – DIY insulation – there are lots of simple insulating ideas homeowners can adapt to protect their homes against the elements. Seal draughts with door snakes or hang some thick curtains on your windows to keep out the coming cold.

Insulation is the first step to a great energy efficient home that will save you money. Well designed homes that incorporate insulation, thermal mass design and sustainable energy alternatives, such as solar panels, can save some homeowners up to 50% on their annual energy consumption. Plus you get to enjoy the comfort of having a pleasant living environment year round.

You can find more great eco home ideas on the Green Pages.

The Importance of Renewable Energy Resources

Sunday, November 15th, 2009

The modern lifestyle depends tremendously on the use and existence of fossil fuels. With levels of these fuels constantly decreasing, we should act now to become less dependant on fossil fuels and more dependent on renewable energy sources.

The decreasing levels of fossil fuels isn’t the only reason why we should begin to use renewable energy. Pollution is becoming a huge problem in many countries around the world, especially the developing world. With carbon emissions at an all time high, air quality can be very low in some areas, this can lead to respiratory diseases and cancer.

The main reason to switch to cleaner energy production methods is the global warming aspect. The more carbon dioxide we pump into the atmosphere, the greater the effect becomes. We can’t just stop using fossil fuels thinking that global warming will go away, but we can slow down and dilute the effects of global warming through the wide spread use of renewable energy resources.

There are many natural energy sources out there, but you have to decide which method is best for you, as all of these sources depend on your current environment.

The installation of a solar panel or a wind turbine to boost every homes power supply would be an amazing step forward. Some governments are in the process of supplying solar panels to hundreds of households to test this method of energy saving.

A technology set to be very important in the future is geothermal energy. With geothermal energy, you are able to extract heat from within the earth and transform it either into a hot water system, or if there is plenty of this energy, a geothermal power plant. Huge amounts of money have been flowed into research of this method, especially in recent years, in order to make the current technology more effective.

So there we have the reasons why we should turn to renewable energy resources which are more than likely to play a very vital and important role in our future society.http://www.clean-energy-ideas.com

Renewable Energy Is The Future For The Earth To Survive

Saturday, November 7th, 2009

After heating and cooling, water heating is typically the largest energy user in the home because it is necessary for so many domestic activities. Whether you are replacing a worn-out existing water heater or looking for the best model for a new house you are building, it pays to choose carefull
Here you can learn how to use the energy in your home more efficiently. You can also learn how to use renewable energy to provide your home with electricity, heating, cooling, and water heating.
Alternative energy from sources that do not produce harmful emissions. For example, unconventional power from the sun, wind or running water. In most boilers, wood, coal, oil or natural gas is burned in a firebox to make heat. Running through the fire box and above that hot fire are a series of pipes with water running through them. The heat energy is conducted into the metal pipes, heating the water in the pipes until it boils into steam. Water boils into steam at 212 degrees Fahrenheit or 100 degrees Celsius. Why waste this energy use it, don’t loose it.
If you currently have an electric water heater and natural gas is available in your area, a switch might save you a lot of money. Even though electric models have a higher energy factor than fuel-burning models, electric resistance is a very expensive way to generate heat. It does not have great environmental benefits either, since electricity is only as clean and efficient as the fuel (often coal) that generates it. Before you rule out electricity, though, check with your utility company. It may offer special off-peak rates or options for purchasing renewable power that may make electricity a more attractive option for you.
A renewable resource is fairly easy to replace. Renewable energy resources include wood, wind, sunshine, geothermal energy, biomass, and water stored behind dams in lakes and reservoirs. Electricity can be produced using several kinds of renewable resources.
From space, oceans look much different than adjacent land areas – they often appear darker, suggesting that they should be absorbing far more sunlight. But unlike dry land, water absorbs energy in a dynamic fashion. Some of the solar energy contacting the surface may be carried away by currents, some may go into producing water vapor, and some may penetrate the surface and be mixed meters deep into the water column. These factors combine to make the influence of the ocean surface an extremely complex and difficult phenomenon to predict.
Some countries give tax credits for the use of alternative renewable energy. In todays world we as a population should endevour to protect our environment and the use of alternative and renewable energy is a must do if we are to survive on this planet. For us not to consider the impacts of our enegy use would severely impact on the lives of those well into the future. So look after mother earth as she needs to be looked after and by using renewable resources we can limit our impact.