Whither Tunisia? The rise of an Islamist party to power in the North African country in the wake of the Arab Spring had many worried about the treatment of its small Jewish community. The return of an ancient pilgrimage on May 9th, 2012 after the cancelation the year before put some of those fears to rest, but certainly not all. Produced and edited by Gil Shefler
Virginia reports on REC’s 5 millionth solar panel, Victoria’s Yarra Climate Action Now pursuing a community-owned solar farm and solar soon to be an even better deal for small businesses in Australia. For further details of these stories and more, visit www.energymatters.com.au
The HCT-Wharton Innovation Tournament, held this past Monday and Tuesday in Dubai, challenged entrepreneurs to produce innovative solutions to enhance sustainability by reducing the effects of greenhouse gases, or controlling consumption of non-renewable energy resources. The winning team, KarmSolar, won AED 40000 (~800) for their innovative solar energy-based water pumping solution. By helping farmers pump and conserve water through a solar-powered management system, it aims to transform economies by reducing dependence on diesel as well as food imports. Watch their reactions to the win and what’s next.
US Marines in Afghanistan are using the sun’s energy to power vital equipment. Troops at a US Marine Command Operation Centre are trialing the Ground Renewable Expeditionary Energy Network System (GREENS) as an alternative to diesel generators. The 0000 system generates 1000W and can run the centre for between six and eight hours. Solar power has provided electricity for the Marines’ phones, laptops, televisions and air conditioning for almost two months. British Forces are also testing a solar generator which will soon be tested at patrol bases in Helmand.
The Italian government has recently funded a project in Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip which includes the establishment of a solar-powered kindergarten. The solar panels installed on the roof of Umm al-Nasser kindergarten, trap energy from the sun which generates electricity enough to power the school’s lighting and electric-run machines the entire day. Naheda Khail, project coordinator at Vento di Terra in Gaza explained that solar energy is both cost-efficient and environmentally friendly. Umm al-Nasser kindergarten consists of eight classrooms and serves 150 children from the local Bedouin community. Ibrahim Sharayha, an engineer, said there are two energy converters on site to ensure continual electricity supply. “The school uses alternative power. It gives around 10 kilowatts of electricity. We have two convertors, each one produces 5 kilowatts. Near the school, there is mosque which also uses the same kind of alternative energy that gives it approximately 24 hours of electricity,” she said. Kindergarten headmistress Fatma Abu Rashed said that the school doesn’t need to rely on intermittent electricity due to the consistent supply from solar energy. This isn’t the first solar energy project in Gaza aided by the Italian government. 5 out of 15 intensive care units in Gaza’s Shifa hospital are powered by the sun. Years of Israeli-imposed blockades on Gaza along with internal Palestinian political strife meant fuel had to be smuggled from Egypt via underground border …
www.greenpowerscience.com This is a 64″ spot Fresnel Lens with a max temperature above 3000f. The concrete and rock shatters from the temperature shock. Slowly adding heat allows for melting. The rock was exposed for 60 seconds and the two pieces heated 8 ounces of water from 68f to about 130f within seconds.
In these days of environmental awareness, a European venture has shown the possibilities of solar power. PlanetSolar is the world’s largest solar-powered boat and the catamaran will complete its record-breaking round-the-world trip this week when it docks in Monaco after 600 days at sea. Duration: 02:17
Virginia reports on Australia’s renewable energy target under threat, the mining industry still on the subsidy gravy train and the US EPA’s latest top 50 Green Power Partnership rankings. For further details of these stories and more, visit www.energymatters.com.au
As solar panels become more popular, some people who want to install them are encountering opposition from neighbors. Some states are taking steps to keep homeowners associations and local governments from banning the panels. (April 25) Subscribe to the Associated Press: bit.ly Download AP Mobile: www.ap.org Associated Press on Facebook: apne.ws Associated Press on Twitter: apne.ws Associated Press on Google+: bit.ly
