The Coal Industry on Crossroad
Source: G-Global
Authors: Eugene Tishchenko
Session: Global climate change: risks and mechanisms for its mitigation
Category: Green economy
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Early movers are already shaking things up. Universities, pension funds, churches, banks, and even the heirs to the Rockefeller oil fortune are pulling their money out of fossil-fuel assets or are considering the possibility of divestment – an option made increasingly attractive by the swiftly falling cost of renewable energy.
In the face of this progress, though, one sector stands apart. The coal industry seems determined to fight for profits at the expense of the global environment. Perversely, it is furiously attempting to capture the moral high ground by claiming that coal is essential to ending energy poverty.
Coal companies and their allies argue that limiting coal production would keep the lights off in rural communities by preventing poor countries from building big, cheap power plants. “Let’s have no demonization of coal,” as one ally, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, put it. “Coal is good for humanity.” Speaking at an event hosted by the Global Warming Policy Foundation, a think tank that is skeptical of climate change, the United Kingdom’s former environment secretary, Owen Paterson, accused climate-change activists of having “African blood” on their hands.
Setting aside the deeply offensive character of such efforts to silence its critics, the coal industry is posing a false choice: end the use of coal or end poverty. But, though energy is indeed central to efforts to end poverty, one must be clear: at this point in history, coal is not good for anyone.
Consider this: for all of the attention the Ebola virus has received in recent months, coal is a far deadlier killer. Toxic fly ash kills some 800,000 people per year and sickens millions more. Beijing’s ongoing battle with smog – a problem that has become known as the “airpocalypse” – provides a potent reminder of coal’s impact on air quality. But China’s capital is hardly unique in that respect. Many Indian cities have air pollution that is just as bad – and in some cases far worse.
Coal is also the single largest contributor to climate change, which threatens to put 400 million people in the poorest countries at risk of severe food and water shortages by 2050.
The coal industry is seeking to burden developing countries with the same unsustainable growth model that has brought the earth to the brink of climate disaster. As the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has repeatedly warned – and as the experience of countries like the Marshall Islands increasingly demonstrates – climate change is no longer a distant threat. The terrible consequences of burning fossil fuels are already upon us, and those suffering the most are the world’s poor.
Most people understand that coal is a dirty business, one that countries like Australia should abandon for their own economic wellbeing, as well as for the sake of the global climate. That is why we are witnessing such resistance from the industry. Coal’s day is over, but it is trying desperately to hang on.
The world needs a rapid and fair transition away from dirty energy sources. That means cleaning up developed economies and working to prevent the massive expansion of industries that damage our collective health and future. It also means working with developing countries to help them develop modern, clean energy sources that provide cheap, locally produced power, and do not oblige them to buy fossil fuels.
Above all, it means that we must stop telling the poor in developing countries what they should do and start listening to what they want. And what they want – unfortunately for the coal industry – is clean, affordable energy that powers their present, without costing them their future.
Chile to auction areas for wind energy and solar power
Source: REVE
Chile is set to auction off vast new areas of land for anyone who will use the space to develop solar power or wind energy projects. Chile has a fast growing renewable energy sector, setting a target that 20 percent of its energy will be renewable by 2025.
The Chilean Ministry of National Assets made the announcement Monday that 1,095 acres (443 hectares) of state-owned land in the Antogafasta and Atacama regions in the country’s northern coast will be auctioned off for the development of wind, photovoltaic and concentrated solar power projects.
The land will be divided into six areas and concession contracts will be granted for 30 years.
According to the ministry, the projects are meant “to ensure a diversified, balanced energy matrix and that gives the country greater levels of sovereignty in their energy requirements,” it said in a press release.
Developing the solar and wind energy in the country’s north – particularly the Atacama desert – is part of a government’s overall energy strategy. The area provides some of the best natural conditions for solar in the world, where the high horizontal solar radiation make solar technologies more productive, which translate into lower costs per unit of electricity generated.
Renewable energy in Chile provided 9 percent of the country’s electricity in 2014, and is a fast growing sector. The country has set a renewable energy target of 20 percent by 2025.
The government will begin accepting bids for the property Dec. 9, and estimates that it will take approximately 30 days to review them and 50 days to allocate the land.
Poland can increase renewable energy nearly five-fold by 2030
Source: REVE
Poland can increase its share of renewable energy in power generation from seven per cent in 2010 to nearly 38 per cent by 2030, according to a report released today by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). REmap 2030 Renewable Energy Prospects for Poland, prepared with input from the Polish Ministry of Economy, also finds the share of renewable energy in total final energy consumption can more than double to nearly 25 per cent by 2030.
“As one of the European Union’s largest energy users, Poland plays a critical role in fulfilling the region’s energy and climate goals,” said Adnan Z. Amin, Director-General of IRENA. “Even in a country like Poland with cheap fossil-fuel based sources, renewable energy can be cost-competitive, reduce air pollution, enhance energy security, benefit the economy, and play a leading role in fighting climate change.”
Under current policies, the share of renewable energy in Poland’s total final energy consumption would increase to just 15.5 per cent by 2030. REmap 2030 estimates that renewable energy could feasibly reach 25 per cent if investments double to USD 4.5 billion annually. Doing so would reduce Poland’s carbon dioxide emissions and could save up to USD 2 billion per year by 2030 when taking into account externalities related to health and environmental costs.
Poland’s renewable energy use to date has been dominated by biomass. To achieve higher shares of renewable energy, the report finds the country must tap its vast wind power resources, improve its power transmission and scale-up grid development.
The report is part of IRENA’s renewable energy roadmap, REmap 2030, which provides a plan to double the share of renewable energy in the world’s energy mix by 2030 and determines the potential for Poland and other countries to scale up renewable energy in the energy system, including power, industry, buildings, and the transport sector. To date, five other country specific reports have been published including China, Mexico, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. The REmap report for Germany is due out in early November.
Kazkommertsbank, Mercur Auto LTD intend to become partners of EXPO 2017
Source: KAZINFORM
JSC “Kazkommertsbank” and LLP “Mercur Auto LTD” have expressed intention to become partners of EXPO-2017, said Akhmetzhan Yessimov at a meeting of the Board of NC “Astana EXPO-2017″ and business representatives.
According to the press service of NC Astana EXPO-2017, Akhmetzhan Yessimov told about the project and construction of the exhibition complex. He also stressed that to date 49 countries and 11 international organizations have confirmed their participation in the exhibition.
Mr. Yessimov also stressed that about 10 large companies are involved as sponsors such as the consortium NCOC, CISCO, Air Astana, Saint-Gobain, etc.
Representatives of JSC “Kazkommertsbank” and LLP “Mercur Auto LTD” confirmed the companies’ intention to become partners of NC “Astana EXPO-2017″. The parties discussed possible areas of cooperation.
JSC NC “Astana EXPO-2017″ was founded in January 15, 2013 in order to prepare and conduct the International specialized exhibition EXPO-2017. The event will be held in Astana from June 10 to September 10, 2017.
Solar Powered High Speed Trains
Source: www.youtube.com
“Green” power in world economy and prospects of its development in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Source: G-Global
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Authors: Akmaral Temirova, Karlygash Abdikarimova
Session: Sustainable development and “green economy” in the Republic of Kazakhstan: Condition and Prospects
Category: Green economy
The power industry is a key element of life support of the countries. Without energy the economy and life of the country is impossible. Even the change in price for separate energy carriers leads to unexpected consequences in economy. So, the energy crisis of 1985 when oil-producing countries (OPEC) raised prices of oil, led all world economy to a shock. Provision of energy is very actual problem exciting the whole world and at the international level the question of the renewable (R) is brought up.
The world community is realized by need of use of RES, alternative power engineering in the conditions of the market which depends on economic efficiency, profitability of its development. Of course, there is an important advantage of alternative power engineering is a free use of renewable resources. The energy companies consider using of RES perspective, however this sector isn’t attractive for the following reasons: high prime cost of the electric power, relative unreliability (for example, wind power) which influence passivity of venture investors.
In general, world tendencies in the field of the electric power are developing, so that investments into RESwith assistance of governments become more attractive. So, for example, on March 4, 2013 Ernst&Young published forecasts of investment into alternative power engineering for 2013. Growth of financial investments into this sphere around the world is supposed. In a rating of investment appeal for implementation of alternative power engineering projects (All Renewables Index) by results of 2012 China is the leader, Germany where the authorities intend to reduce a “green” tariff got the second place, and the third place was taken by the USA, with a preferential tax policy concerning objects of RES [1].
According to data of the research company Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF), the volume of world investments into alternative power engineering in 2012 made $268,7 billion that is 11% lower than an indicator of 2011 – $302,3 billion. Thus the obvious leader is China with growth in comparison with 2011 for 20% – $67,7 billion whereas investments of the USA in this sector made $44,2 billion [2].
From the general $268,7 billion investments of $142 billion – solar, $78,3 billion – wind power and, and investments in projects of using biomass or garbage as fuel were reduced by 27%. It means that investors concentrated on large projects in wind and solar power.
Reduction for 11% of investments into RES in general, in our opinion, can be explained with reduction of the state support of alternative power engineering. Researchers of Germany recommend to set quotas or limits to support renewable sources, in Spain the power tax on compensation of the expenses stimulating alternative power engineering is imposed. Despite interest in RES in Japan after refusal of nuclear power, special tariffs since April decreased by 10% [3].
Despite reduction of investments into green economy, in 2012 it was around the world totally put into operation of 31 100 megawatts of photovoltaika system’s capacities that became the highest result for all history of solar power existence and led to that the annual global potential of solar power began to exceed 100 000 megawatts. Today, in the world such quantity of solar power stations is enough to satisfy the requirements of nearly 70 million people with Central European consumption level.
Now production of solar panels concentrates only in China since 2006 and the number of the countries-users of this technology quickly grows. After start-up of 5 000 megawatts of capacities in 2012, China took the third place in the world with an indicator in 8 300 megawatts of the general power producing by solar energy conceding only to Germany and Italy. And in July, 2013 the government of China officially approved the national plan for achievement of capacities in 35 000 MW by 2015 [4].
In India, the country with the 1,2-milliard population for May, 2013 1 700 megawatts of solar power capacities are established, 80% of which are on solar northwest states Gujarat and Rajasthan. The consulting agency in the sphere of solar power BridgetoIndia believes that this figure will grow to 12 800 MW by 2016. National solar mission of India (India’sNationalSolarMission) sets as the purpose to extract 22 000 megawatts of solar energy over all country by 2022. Transition to solar energy becomes more and more attractive idea in India because of obviously frequent shutdowns of electricity and increase in price for the electric power coming from the network companies not to mention the fact that solar energy became already cheaper, than use of the individual diesel electric generator [4].
Despite growth of Asian expansion in the sphere of photo-electric installations (China, India and Japan) will pass a lot more years before they will be able to press the European Union from a place of the regional leader. In the EU 68% of photo-electric energy in the world are extracted. In 2012, the second year in a row, a priority of the EU is solar power projects — it is the dominating production technology of new electricity in the European Union. The countries of Europe annually enter solar capacities into hundreds and thousands of megawatts, such countries as Germany, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Greece and Great Britain are in the lead.
Germany is the solar capital of the world, in this country produce about thirds of solar energy in the world. Last year Germany produced more than 7 000 megawatts of solar capacities and in general reached the result in 32 000 megawatts. The solar energy got by Germany in 2012 would be enough for supply more than 8 million houses.
The main economic and political mechanism which allowed Germany and Italy to save up such volume of the generating solar capacities in the world is the “green tariff” guaranteeing to producers of renewable energy stable purchase prices of the electric power delivered in the power network. It is natural that in prospects when the market of solar power becomes more mature, similar privileges will gradually disappear. However around the world more than 70 countries in this or that form use any subsidies for producers of green energy.
In the USA there are levers of direct state regulation for support of alternative power engineering: now in 29 states laws oblige to have in their portfolio of received energy certain percent of renewable energy (so-called Renewableportfoliostandard — the Standard of renewable energy or “green certificates”). For example, in California the companies providing utilities by 2020 have to get, at least, a third of the received energy from renewable sources.
Thus, in world experience we can allocate some forms of the state support of “green” power: this allocation of investments (the bright representative – China), indirect legal regulation – “a green tariff” (Germany) and direct administrative intervention – “green certificates” (USA).
One of the most important industries of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the power industry; activity of all economy branches depends on its state. Its value sharply increased during a scientific and technological revolution era in connection with development of electronic industry and complex of production automation.
Rates of economic growth and diversification of economy have considerable impact on the energy sector of our country. Domestic industries power-intensive also have the considerable potential of energy saving. Along with implementation of measures for increase of energy use efficiency will be required to build its production for internal requirements satisfaction, especially in power shortages western and southern regions.
The greatest number of the electric power in Kazakhstan is traditional develop thermal power stations – more than 87%. About 12% of the electric powers are developed on hydroelectric power stations whereas the share of use of alternative energy sources in the total amount of energy consumption makes less than 1% (see the chart 1).
Chart 1- Electricity generation in 2012.
Note: It is made by the author on the basis of [5]
One of the ways to obtain cheap, environmentally friendly energy is development of nuclear power. Nuclear power complexes will allow optimum and balanced to use the available fuel and mineral resources. At the moment atomic energy in Kazakhstan isn’t used in spite of the fact that uranium reserves in the country are estimated at 469 thousand tons.
Use of renewable energy resources (hydraulic power, wind and solar energy) will become one of the priority directions of development of power industry: gross (theoretical) potential – 170х109 kWh/year; technical (possible for use) potential – 62х109 kWh/year; economic potential – 27-30х109 kWh/year [5-6].
Strategic objective of Kazakhstan by 2015 is the increase of use of alternative energy sources in a total amount of energy consumption to 1, 5%, and by 2020 – to 3%.
In Kazakhstan the most perspective alternative energy source is wind power that is caused by climatic, economic and ecological conditions.
Kazakhstan possesses considerable opportunities for development of wind power. About a half of the territory of the country has the average annual speed of a wind of 4-5 m/s, and the most windy places are located in the center and in the north of Kazakhstan, in the South and the southeast.
Economic potential of wind power use will be defined by a ratio of electric power cost of wind station and traditional power sources with a transport component, and also the accounting of ecological effect from reduction of environmental pollution at replacement of capacities of coal power stations.
Transfer of the electric power on considerable distances leads to essential losses of the electric power, including worn-out infrastructure. Their size on average across Kazakhstan exceeds an indicator in 20%. Total extent of electric networks is equal in Kazakhstan to 98 417,225 km. High voltage line density on 1 sq.km of the area makes 0,036 km of a network [7].
Decrease in deficiency of the electric power in various regions of the country requires development of wind power in Kazakhstan happens with real financial and technical support from the state. In the program for development of the electric power in Kazakhstan for 2010-2014 by the Ministry of the industry and new technologies it is noted that the main obstacle of wind power development is high specific capital expenditure for construction and as a result, a high tariff for the electric power. However, in the conditions of a constant increase in prices for energy carriers, attraction of investments into modernization and updating of the generating capacities, the difference between price of electricity from traditional sources and wind farms will be reduced [8].
In total on the republic 29 RES projects already work, their total rated capacity makes 118,8 MW, and power generation for 2012 – 450,4 million kWh. At a stage of realization there are 6 more projects. [8]
Kazakhstan in the field of alternative power engineering, except already used mechanism of public-private partnership can adopt experiment of the USA on introduction of “green certificates” as because of “locality” of the entered capacities will transfer the raised costs of production of renewable energy to shoulders of one group of consumers whereas the “green” standard redistributes them between all consumers.
Thus, strengthening of attention to introduction of RES from the state and business, the state support of innovations, a considerable energy potential of the state and the PPP mechanism create enough conditions for development of alternative power engineering.
However it should be noted that RES will press traditional power sources not soon as coal, oil and gas as this branch is capital-intensive and remunerative, and return comes through a long time.
Thus, it is possible to draw a conclusion that the effective mechanism for development of alternative power engineering is the mechanism of public-private partnership and direct administrative regulation (for example, “green” certificates) and with complex state support, creations of economic incentives for investors this sector will be able to take a strong position in electrical power balance of Kazakhstan.
References:
1. News portal “Alternative power engineering”. Analysts predict growth of investments into alternative power engineering [An electronic resource]. Mode dostupa:http://pronedra.ru/alternative/2013/03/04/investicii-v-alternativnuyu-energetiku/
2. Research company Bloomberg New Energy Finance. “Global Renewable Energy Market Outlook”: Report. Page 1-4
3. Electronic resource “Mangistauneft”. Appeal of investments into alternative power engineering falls because of slate gas. Access mode: http://mangistauneft.kz/index/2644-privlekatelnost-investiczij-v-alternativnuyu-energetiku-padaet-iz-za-slanczevogo-gaza.html
4. Electronic AEnergy.ru resource. The world production of solar energy in 2012 reached the level of 100 000 megawatts. Access mode: http://aenergy .ru/4128
5. Statistical collection “Industry of Kazakhstan and Its Regions”. – Astana, 2013. – Page 53.;
6. A state program on the forced industrially innovative development of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2010-2014.
7. Prospects of development of wind power in Kazakhstan. The draft of the Program of development of the UN and Government of Kazakhstan “Kazakhstan - an initiative of development of the market of wind power” / Doroshin G. A.-Almaty, 2006, 15 pages.
8. Marketing industry overview of alternative power engineering. National center of scientific and technical information
Cuba to increase renewable energy use by 2030
Source: REVE
Cuba is working to increase by six times the use of renewable energy in the national energy matrix by 2030 by among others constructing 13 large wind energy farms capable of producing 633 megawatts.
During the Ministry of Energy and Mines national conference on science, technology and innovation taking place in Cojimar, Havana, the ministry’s director of renewable energy Rosell Guerra said Cuba’s programme is aimed at raising renewable energy sources to account for 24 per cent of the country’s power generation.
Guerra said implementing that plan meant that Cuba would reduce carbon dioxide emission into the atmosphere around six million tonnes annually. He said this was necessary for the development of Cuba.
Guerra said the Cuban renewable energy programme involved the construction of 13 large wind energy farms to produce 633 MW, installing 700 MW solar photovoltaic parks, 19 bio-electric power stations near sugar mills with a power generation capacity of 755 MW and 74 small hydroelectric plants that are projected to bring on board 56 MW. Other initiatives include solar-thermal plants, the use of forest biomass and urban solid waste, industrial organic and agricultural waste.
Cuba also intends to install 200,000 solar heaters in homes, hospitals and industrial centres, introducing LED technology in public and housing lighting network, the use of solar photovoltaic panels in 21,000 houses located in isolated and inaccessible areas of the island.
At least 200 members of the scientific, technological and innovation community of the country particularly from the priority sectors of energy, food, health, climate change institutions, environment, social science and humanities attended the conference.
Under the theme: Science, Technology and Innovation for the development of a prosperous and sustainable socialism, the conference’s priorities for the country included animal and human food production, sustainable energy development, promoting efficient, saving and the use of renewable energy sources, as well as automation and computerisation of the society. Other areas are adaptation to climate change, sustainable use of national resources with an emphasis on water, economy, territorial and urban planning, biotechnological productions and vaccines, and research in exact and natural sciences. The conferences delved into issues of the Cuban society, sport and human development, natural and traditional medicine and international relations.
Apple launches solar energy programs in China to reduce environmental impact
Source: REVE
Apple has revealed that it is going to increase assistance of up to 200 megawatts in Chinese solar power projects. Between them the projects will prevent 20 million metric tonnes of greenhouse gases pouring into the atmosphere between now and 2020. Apple has put in effort to mitigate environmental damages in the region and the programs are the company’s recent effort in that respect.
“Climate change is one of the great challenges of our time, and the time for action is now”, Cook said in a press release. These farms are located in Southern China and provide 40 megawatts of power.
However, the big test comes next: greening Apple’s manufacturing facilities.
Two – encouraging its partners and suppliers to become more energy efficient.
The number of paid iOS app developers increased by 56 per cent past year. iOS-based project development has facilitated the creation of 1.4 million jobs, nearly half of the 4.4 million jobs Apple has created in China.
But Apple has received criticism in the past over its relationship with its suppliers in the world’s second-largest economy.
The solar panels, which will be built by 2018 in China’s Henan province, are created to produce as much renewable energy as Foxconn’s Zhengzhou factory consumes while making iPhones.
Last month, it came to light that hackers had infiltrated the Apple ecosystem by injecting malicious software into popular Chinese mobile apps including popular instant messaging service WeChat.
Terry Gou, founder and CEO of Foxconn Technology Group, said: “Sustainability is a core pillar in Foxconn’s strategy and we are committed to investing in green manufacturing”.
Not only that, Apple wields political power as its CEO, Tim Cook meets with global leaders to offer insights from the tech space. Other Silicon Valley giants are also moving into renewable energy, including Google, which announced a new wind power investment in Kenya this week. This latest effort will be seen as part of Apple’s commitment to combat climate change.
The company is also partnering with its suppliers, including Foxconn, to install clean energy alternatives at the heart of their manufacturing operations.
Kazatomprom, Qatar Solar Energy to set up joint venture
Source: KAZINFORM
Today Kazakhstan’s Kazatomprom and Qatar Solar Energy have signed a deal to create a joint venture between Kazakhstan Solar Silicon LLP and Qatar Solar Energy, Kazinform correspondent Marlan Zhiyembay reports from Doha.
CEO of Kazatomprom Askar Zhumagaliyev and CEO of Qatar Solar Energy Salim Abbassi affixed their signatures to the document.
After the signing ceremony, Mr. Salim Abbassi said that the document will solidify and expand cooperation between Qatar Solar Energy and Kazatomprom.
The document was inked within the framework of President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s official visit to Qatar.
Renewable Energy from Evaporating Water
Source: www.youtube.com
