Category Archives: Clean Energy

Clean Energy, Electricity, Electricity Generation, Energy, Green Energy, Wind Power

Distributor Wire & Cable Focuses on Wind Energy Industry

Due to the increasing popularity and need for alternative energy sources, Distributor Wire & Cable has decided to stock inventory specifically used for the wind farm industry. Beyond just a business decision, DWC also viewed this as part of their efforts towards being social responsible.

wind farm

“Although we’re not a pioneer in this growing form of energy, we do believe it’s a necessity to search for alternative energy sources outside of coal and other environmentally damaging energy producers. It’s critical that every business does their part to protect our planet,” said Bryce Huett, Owner of Distributor Wire & Cable.

Major proponents of alternative energy include entrepreneur and advocate T. Boone Pickens. For decades he has been at the fore front of this battle by encouraging businesses and the government to explore a variety of energy sources. The most popular in alternative energy is wind generated power. It’s been shown that its annual growth rate is 29% which makes wind power the country’s largest source of new energy. With no byproducts such as hazardous or toxic wastes, and the fact that it doesn’t need fuel of any type, makes it an extremely green option. In addition, with no cost needed to produce wind besides in the collection of its energy, it’s a long term winner over all other energy choices.

“Wind is a free, inexhaustible energy that does not have the price volatility as the normal traditional fuels do,” Bryce goes on to say. “With the increased use of wind power it is only natural that the ripple effect caused will in time help to lower the costs of other resources such as electricity, fossil fuels and natural gas by driving down the demand.”

In order to help build and support growing wind farms, Distributor Wire is now stocking Diesel Locomotive Cable, or “DLO” as it’s commonly referred to. DLO cable is usually used to run power between Diese Locomotive Wiregenerators and transformers as well as to provide energy to various motorized devices. DWC is also carrying SOOW portable cord and tray cable for running turbine control and instrumentation. Medium and high voltage cables, along with Aluminum ACSR, are stocked for power transmission for various applications. These are only a few of the many options available to the electrical wholesaler at Distributor Wire & Cable for the wind farm industry.

To learn more about Distributor Wire & Cable, and the products they offer to the electrical wholesaler, visit www.distributorwire.com or call 888-439-2947.

Via EPR Network
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Clean Energy, Energy, Green Energy

CO2 Reduction Not A Business Priority In Current Economic Climate Reports Npower

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Npower has released data that shows more than eight out of ten businesses feel that Government targets to reduce CO2 emissions are unrealistic, with many not seeing the benefit of a small carbon footprint and relegating carbon reduction measures to concentrate on managing costs.

These are among the findings of the npower Business Energy Index, an annual report tracking business opinion on energy use and carbon emissions.

In this latest index, the majority of businesses (83%) said the target to reduce CO2 emissions by 80% by 2050 was unrealistic. Attitudes on the potential commercial opportunities of a small carbon footprint are equally downbeat; only 31% think new business will occur as a result of reducing emissions, compared to 47% in npower’s 2008 index.

The findings also reveal that the economic downturn is leading businesses to prioritise finances over CO2 reduction; 97% said they are currently more concerned with reducing costs than emissions.

68% of businesses believe it is still important for the UK to take a leading role in reducing global emissions. This is a drop f r o m the 2008 index in which 88% of businesses backed the Government’s emission reduction plans.

Despite these opinions the Business Energy Index reveals a renewed focus on energy efficiency measures, with the importance attached to energy efficiency at its highest level since 2005. Furthermore 80% of businesses say they are likely to increase energy efficiency initiatives and, while this was primarily for cost benefit, the same measures would also lead to emission reduction.

Energy efficiency was also rated as the most popular action for businesses to take to reduce emissions, with 43% giving this answer ahead of changing processes (22%) or switching to a green tariff (18%). However, the Index suggests that more needs to be done to support businesses, with 51% of those questioned saying they thought the Government did not offer enough useful advice on the issues of carbon reduction and energy efficiency.

Julia Lynch-Williams, director of energy services at npower, said: “The Index shows that most businesses do not see the commercial benefits f r o m having a small carbon footprint, but we can’t escape the fact that climate change legislation and the strength of public feeling means that CO2 reduction remains important. The Government has set the UK on a path toward a low carbon economy and must now continue to stress to businesses the opportunities that will come f r o m low carbon operations.

“Energy efficiency is an excellent way to save money and it’s encouraging that many businesses are looking at this to reduce costs. While it’s understandable that businesses are more focused on the bottom-line in the current economic crisis, we would encourage them to see energy management as an effective means of reducing emissions as well as costs.

“Our advice to businesses is to make energy efficiency a priority now and in the long term.”

In-depth telephone interviews were conducted in January 2009 with a representative sample of 300 UK businesses, comprising 200 small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with significant energy usage and 100 major energy users (MEUs).

The npower Business Energy Index (nBEI) is sponsored by npower, in association with the Major Energy Users Council (MEUC) and Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). The nBEI is designed and executed by Moffatt Associates, an independent research consultancy.

About npower:
npower is one of the top energy suppliers to the UK business market, serving over 230,000 small to medium sized enterprise sites and around 15,000 industrial and commercial customers, with over 100,000 sites.

npower is dedicated to helping UK businesses use energy more efficiently and therefore spend less money on their bills. 

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Alternative Fuels, Clean Energy, Energy, Green Energy, Hydrogen Power, Renewable Energy, Services

Auto Industry Veteran Joins Free Flow Power as Vice President of Manufacturing

Free Flow Power Corporation, a hydropower and hydrokinetic renewable energy company, welcomes the addition of Robert Mamo as Vice President of Manufacturing for its wholly-owned subsidiary, Free Flow 

Power Technology LLC. Mr. Mamo will oversee the manufacturing of the SmarTurbine Generator, which extracts energy from moving water without building new dams or diversions or causing other adverse environmental impacts.

Mr. Mamo was previously a Director in Lear Corporation’s International Automotive Components Group, where his responsibilities included products developed for Toyota and Lexus in North America. His experience includes 20 years at Lear, Textron, and GM where he led engineering teams that brought over 40 products from design to large-scale manufacturing.

Daniel Irvin, CEO of Free Flow Power Corporation, commented, “We are excited that Bob has decided to join Free Flow Power. High volume manufacturing is a critical part of our plans to make hydrokinetic generation cost effective. We decided some time ago that the person we needed was likely going to be from the auto industry. For all of its challenges, Detroit is the world leader in cost-effective, high-volume manufacturing. The knowledge and experience that Bob brings us from that industry would be hard to find anywhere else.”

Mr. Mamo remarked, “I wanted to move into an industry with more growth potential, but where my manufacturing experience was relevant. I looked at a lot of different opportunities, and I did a lot of diligence. Free Flow Power’s technology and its team are really exciting to me.”

About Free Flow Power Corporation
Free Flow Power Corporation is a hydropower and hydrokinetic generation company operating through two subsidiaries. Free Flow Power Technology LLC is manufacturing SmarTurbine Generators to capture energy from free flow water in rivers, tides, currents and man-made structures. Free Flow Power Development LLC is developing hydropower and hydrokinetic generation projects in the US, primarily in the Mississippi River Basin.

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Alternative Fuels, Clean Energy, Electricity, Electricity Generation, Energy, Energy Conservation, Energy Distribution, Energy Saving Appliances, Green Energy, Heating, Renewable Energy, Services

Nationwide search for new energy saving inventions and ideas

npower has conducted a new study which reveals that 40% of adults are convinced they have come up with a great idea or invention that they hope could make them rich.

The study, commissioned by leading energy company npower to launch Britains Bright Ideas, a nationwide search for new energy saving inventions and ideas, also revealed that over one in four men (26%) now regularly devise new creations. A further 40% of all adults surveyed were spurred on to try inventing due the current economic climate.

npower has linked up with Wallace & Gromit in its new adverts, and it seems the British public shares the animated duo’s have-a-go approach to innovation. But, while Wallace is caught out by his inefficient boiler in the latest ad, 36% of the British public are intent on concocting contraptions that reduce household bills, saving both energy and money.

The findings also suggest pillow talk is a thing of the past, with almost half (46%) of budding British inventors generally devising their ideas in bed, while a further 16% of men have their light bulb moment on the loo.

Adults are more aware than ever of the importance of energy efficiency in protecting the planet and their pockets, with 82% agreeing that new energy saving ideas should receive more support. In response to the research, npower is urging enterprising adults to act on their inspiration by entering their top energy saving devices, gadgets and clever thoughts into the Britain’s Bright Ideas competition.

Notes to Editors:
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total online sample size was 2224 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken 9th – 14th April 2009. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

About npower 
npower is one of the UK’s largest electricity suppliers and has 6.6 million customer accounts across the UK. npower sponsors the 2009 npower Ashes Series in England, Women’s Test Series, the Twenty20 Cup and Village Cup.

RWE npower has been awarded the prestigious CommunityMark from Business in the Community (BITC). npower is the only utility business, amongst 21 other companies in the UK, to receive this accolade. The CommunityMark is a new BITC standard which has been created to recognise companies that are good investors in local communities and who have brought about real and positive changes.

The npower Active programme, which is run in partnership with the English Federation of Disability Sport, has been awarded a prestigious ‘Silver Big Tick’ by Business in the Community.

Via EPR Network
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Clean Energy, Energy, Green Energy, Renewable Energy, Services, Solar Power

Increasing Demand For Energy Efficiency Specialists

According to Hays, the specialist recruitment company, a drive to reduce carbon emissions on new and existing buildings, in order to meet energy efficiency targets, has led to an increased requirement for qualified individuals with experience and knowledge of sustainability and energy efficiency.

“Employers are keen to bring on board building services professionals with cutting-edge knowledge of new energy efficient and low carbon systems,” commented Rebecca Coen, Senior Manager at Hays Building Services.

Low Carbon Consultants (LCC) is one such group of professionals who advise on the design and operation of commercial buildings to meet the highest energy efficiency standards complying with Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) of the Energy Performance in Buildings Directive (EPB). LCCs can subsequently qualify and attain the Low Carbon Energy Assessor (LCEA) grade.

Qualifications in this field have risen in popularity and there are a number of graduate and postgraduate degrees. These qualifications can make a significant difference to those looking for building services jobs, particularly during the current downturn.

“Achieving LCC status not only means that individuals can command better salaries but these specialsts can make a real difference to consultancies and bring in much-needed project work,” added Rebecca Coen.

LCC and Part L skills can also be easily transferred from the private to the public sector, where buildings, such as schools, hospitals and libraries of a certain size need to conform to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and have appropriate Display Energy Certificates (DECs). The regulations will affect all buildings and therefore those with low carbon and energy efficient designs will add to the property’s value. There is also demand for heating systems engineers with experience of bio-mass and bio-fuel boilers, which are practically carbon neutral. As well as the technical skills and prior experience, consultancies are looking for engineers who can come up with new ways of developing these systems.

“Contractors and consultants are thinking strategically about how they can win business and public sector investment specific for the projects they’re tendering for. They’re looking for people with MOD, NHS, schools experience – these are great selling points. There is also demand in estates teams within hospitals for electrical, M&E engineers and contracts managers,” noted Rebecca Coen.

Chartership and qualifications are now more important than ever and employers are looking for people who can demonstrate a long-term commitment to the building services industry. Employers want people to push their business forward and want to see evidence of the projects they’ve worked on, their involvement, and importantly where they can add value to their business. Prior experience of innovative examples of the implementation of energy saving technology should always be included when applying for jobs in building services.

A solid Continuing Professional Development (CPD) record is especially important in the current market, “Individuals must pay close attention to their career development. There are many monthly meetings held across the UK by organizations such as the CIBSE, HVCA and the ECA – attendance is free and individuals should take advantage and supplement their CPD,” concluded Rebecca Coen.

 

About Client:
Hays Building Services is part of Hays plc and specialises in a range of building services roles including electrical engineering jobs, sustainability jobs and project management jobs. It is market leader in the UK and Australia, and one of the market leaders in Continental Europe. The Group employs 8,294 staff operating from 380 offices in 27 countries across 17 specialisms.

Via EPR Network
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Clean Energy, Electricity, Electricity Generation, Energy Conservation, Energy Distribution, Green Energy, Power Supplies, Renewable Energy, Services

Opus Energy Signs Halfords To Reach A Total Of 50,000 UK Business Sites

Opus Energy, the independent supplier of electricity to UK businesses, has recently signed Halfords, bringing 

the total number of UK business sites it supplies up to 50,000.

Now the largest electricity supplier to UK businesses outside the Big Six, Opus Energy has expanded further in the last 12 months:

  • Electricity supplied to an extra 10,000 UK business sites in the last 12 months
  • 26% year on year growth

Halfords has entered into a two year contract with Opus Energy, with the supply starting in April 2009. Opus Energy will provide 52GWh to the bicycle and motoring specialist chain, across 440 sites.

Opus Energy is attracting a growing number of large corporate customers through the development of a unique wholesale purchasing platform, Opus Evolution.

Opus Evolution gives companies control of their energy purchasing strategies, enabling them to choose how much energy they purchase and when. For example, in a volatile market companies using Opus Evolution have the flexibility to purchase a smaller percentage of their total energy demand over a number of purchases rather than being restricted to one buying opportunity per year. Opus Evolution offers an alternative to a fixed price contract for the first time to this sector,

Andy Taylor, Commercial Manager at Halfords said: “Opus Evolution will be a very useful tool for us. We can control our energy purchasing across the whole portfolio, but also monitor the consumption levels at each site using the online reporting tool. This is really key for us as a retail company with a large number of active sites to manage.”

Steve James, Commercial Director for Opus Energy said: “We’ve drawn on extensive retail sector experience to provide a tailored solution for Halfords. Opus Evolution will give Halfords control over their energy needs and projected spend, but we as a team can also help them on a day to day basis. They will benefit from a single point of contact at Opus to simplify account management, and as Halfords are a growing company we can help by quickly connecting new sites to their expanding portfolio.”

On the news that Opus Energy is now supplying 50,000 business sites across the UK,Charlie Crossley Cooke, MD and founder of Opus Energy said: “It’s fantastic to reach this landmark. Customers are our core business and we re-sign a very high number of our accounts as a result of a focus on excellent customer service. We’ve grown the Opus Energy business by listening to our customers’ needs and finding solutions. The Opus Evolution product is a great example of this – a unique answer to a market wide problem. It is this type of innovation which will help us continue to expand into 2009.”

About Opus Energy

Opus Energy is a leading independent supplier of electricity offering tailor-made solutions for the UK SME and corporate markets. Its market-leading innovations are driven by customer needs and the company is committed to helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint through procurement of energy from cleaner sources.

Opus Energy supplies 50,000 UK business sites across all sectors. Large customers include: Stagecoach, Thorntons, Farmfoods, FirstGroup, Cumbria County Council and Deloitte & Touche.

Over the last two years (between April 2006 and March 2008), 62% of the energy supplied by Opus Energy to its customers came from cleaner, low-carbon sources – 54% from renewable generators and 8% from cleaner Combined Heat and Power (CHP) produced by CHP generators. These CHP generators have been awarded accreditation by the regulator, Ofgem, for producing cleaner, more environmentally friendly power.

Opus Energy’s management team has a 50 percent stake in the business, while International Power Plc (LSE:IPR.L) holds 30 percent and Telecom Plus Plc (LSE: TEP.L ) has 20 percent. With offices in Northampton and Oxford, it employs 200 people.

For further information about Opus Energy, please see www.opusenergy.com For further information about Opus Evolution, please see http://opusevolution.opusenergy.com

About Halfords
The Group employs in excess of 10,500 staff and sells over 10,000 different product lines, ranging from car parts and cycles through to the latest in-car technology, alloy wheels, child seats, roof boxes and outdoor leisure and camping equipment.

Halfords’ own brands include Ripspeed, for car enhancement and Bikehut, for cycles and cycling accessories, including the Apollo and Carrera brands. Two further premium brands were added during 2008; Boardman cycles and accessories, where Halfords has exclusive UK distribution rights, and URBAN Escape for camping equipment. Operating from 455 stores, including four stores in the Czech Republic, 25 smaller format, neighbourhood stores and six standalone cycle stores, Halfords offers a “wefit” service for car parts, child seats, satellite navigation and in-car entertainment systems, and a “werepair” service for cycles. Halfords: shop in store, buy on line, or use the new “Reserve & Collect” service to acquire products on line at www.halfords.com.

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Npower’s Green Energy Fund Helps Cover Costs Of New Log-Fired Boiler

npower’s Green Energy Fund has helped fund a new log-fired boiler, which has been installed at Carding Mill Valley in Shropshire. The log-fired boiler is expected to save £5,000 a year in fuel bills.

The sustainable system – which will provide the Chalet Pavilion with hot water and heating – will also reduce the property’s carbon footprint by 10 tons a year.

Around eighteen tons of logs, which are to be cut from National Trust woodland at Wenlock Edge, will be burnt annually, as part of its ongoing woodland management scheme.

The £43,000 project was funded by several partners including the National Trust West Midlands Sustainability Fund, npower Green Energy Fund, South Shropshire District Council and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) – Shropshire Development Fund.

Peter Carty, Countryside Property Manager for the National Trust, said: “This has been a major project identified in the Marches Energy Agency Energy Audit in 2006. It will save £5,000 in fuel oil and reduce our Carbon footprint by over 10 tons per year.

“Thanks to some hard work we currently have three years worth of logs cut and stacked by the trackside from where we can easily collect them. These are currently seasoning and a further five tons are cut and drying in our tractor shed at in Carding Mill Valley. A dozen volunteers and four members of National Trust staff were involved in this work which improves woodland management at Wenlock Edge.”

Robert Harper, Sustainable Technology Manager at npower, said: “The National Trust is to be applauded for the sustainable nature of this project, which will ensure that Carding Mill need not ever rely entirely on fuel oil to provide heating for the property. npower’s National Trust Green Energy Fund has contributed a significant amount towards this project and we are delighted that the project has come to fruition.”

Kathryn Warren, National Trust Environmental Practices Adviser, added: “The boiler will provide the Chalet Pavilion with all of its heating and hot water requirements. It is a sustainable source of fuel, which promotes better woodland management and results in increased nature conservation.”

She continued: “Installing the log-fired boiler will remove the need for heating oil at the property; it will significantly reduce its carbon footprint by moving to a carbon neutral fuel. The property will also be self sufficient for heating fuel and no longer exposed to increasing oil prices. More long-term sustainable energy initiatives are planned at Carding Mill’s Chalet Pavilion including hydro-electric power and rainwater harvesting.”

 

About npower:
RWE npower is an integrated energy business, generating electricity and supplying gas, electricity and related services to customers across the UK. We operate and manage flexible, low-cost coal, oil and gas-fired power stations – generating over 10.3 GW of electricity. npower serves around 6.6 million customer accounts and produce more than 10 per cent of the electricity used in England and Wales. In 2007, the company’s turnover was £5.9 billion.

About National Trust Green Energy:
National Trust Green Energy – in partnership with npower – was launched in September 2007. Through this partnership, the National Trust and npower have created a renewable energy tariff – National Trust Green Energy – from offshore wind and hydro-electric sources. When a customer signs up to National Trust Green Energy, npower makes a payment in the National Trust Green Energy Fund which is invested in small scale renewable energy generation and other carbon saving projects at Trust sites. npower’s National Trust Green Energy customers also receive an energy saving tips booklet and money off products such as insulation and PV panels to encourage them to save energy and money in their own homes.

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After-Lite Wins Green Home Eco Innovation Award

After 14 years of research and endless trials in the field of practical photo luminescent application, a unique product has emerged, and it’s been recognized by greenhomehints.com as a product contributing to making the planet a greener and healthier place for all.

After-Lite Energy-Free Lighting performs absolutely as described. Its creator, Tim S. LeMaster, a professional inventor for the past 25 years, is no newcomer to the universe of photo luminescent technology. He has succeeded in taking what one used to think of as a glow-in-the-dark novelty and elevated it to a legitimate player in the quest for a greener, more energy-efficient lifestyle.

Here is a quick overview of what differentiates After-Lite from its glow-in-the-dark predecessors: It begins with a variety of advanced, high-grade, photo luminescent crystals. These proprietary rare earth minerals are processed under intense heat and pressure by a leading developer of unique photo luminescent safety products. The result is remarkable product that glows brightly for hours without requiring an energy source. LeMaster calls his creation a Crystal Energy Cell (CEC).

The crystal energy cell absorbs light, natural or manmade, during daylight hours or at times when a space is artificially lit. Absorbed light, in the form of photons, is stored by the crystal energy cell. Then, in low light or dark conditions, those photons are released, resulting in a soothing green glow allowing that space to be negotiated safely for hours without requiring energy to illuminate.

A CEC charged by the sun for as little as 3 minutes can be taken into a dark room and function nearly as effectively as a flashlight. Longer exposure to brighter, broader-spectrum light results in a brighter, longer-lasting illumination.

When partnered with a compact fluorescent light bulb (a proven energy-saver) the After-Lite Energy-Free System is a positive solution to generating light while contributing the the green initiative by not requiring energy to operate once it is in use.

Remarkably, the CEC will never loose its ability to recharge. Remove it from a failed light and attach it to a new bulb to provide light energy-free, over and over. Not only does the product save energy, it has positive security and safety benefits as well.

“Photo luminescence has already proved itself to be a lifesaver.” LeMaster says.

Photo luminescent paint was utilized in the World Trade Center towers after the first terrorist attack in 1993. Its widespread application provided visibility after power outages in the attack of 9/11 and has been credited for saving many lives.

“We supply helmet and tool patches to the fire departments of New York City, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Pittsburgh, to mention a few. The same process has revolutionized energy-free signage for low-light conditions, saving municipalities thousands of dollars, and boosted safety standards in other applications from stairway lighting strips to subway platforms.”

After-Lite provides safety and comfort benefits. An After-Lite crystal energy cell will illuminate a room when the power goes out allowing safe negotiation around the room; or function as an energy-free night-light.

To casually compare the cost of a package of compact fluorescent light bulbs available at a retailer to the price of a complete After-Lite system is inaccurate.

“The compact fluorescent light bulb is an energy-saving consumable product which we provide as a platform for our After-Lite product, LeMaster notes. The bulb has a predictable lifespan. But the true value of our purchase proposition lies in the crystal energy cell, which will last for eons.”

For more information on the After-Lite product, visit: http://after-lite.com/

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Clean Energy, Electricity, Energy, Energy Conservation, Green Energy, Projects, Renewable Energy, Solar Power

npower Launches Little Green Fingers

npower, one of the UK’s leading energy companies, is offering fifty schools solar panelled greenhouses in an effort to teach children about renewable energy – and research shows kids are eager to learn about the big eco issues of the day. When asked about their understanding on energy issues, savvy seven-year-olds gave heartening responses: 98% of kids know they should always turn lights off and 93% have the ‘techno-how’ to take their computers off standby to save electricity.

It was also revealed that one third (31%) of the next generation of home owners don’t understand what the term ‘renewable energy’ means and so, with the Government striving to have 20% of the UK’s power generated by renewables by 2020, there is evidently more for children to learn about energy.

npower commissioned the research to launch Little Green Fingers, an inspiring initiative designed to help four to seven year-olds learn about natural and renewable energy through the science of gardening. The programme will award 50 schools an eco-friendly, solar heated greenhouse to highlight how the earth’s energy gives plants the power to grow. Schools and families across the UK will be able to benefit from engaging teaching resources and how to guides and watch video clips which will help to bring the power of the earth’s energy to life for children in a fun, hand on way.

Former Blue Peter presenter Zoe Salmon, who launches the campaign for npower today, says:”Making science inspirational and getting to grips with natural and renewable energy has never been more pressing. That’s why I’m out in the garden for npower’s Little Green Fingers campaign to help under-7s learn about energy and growing in the way they learn best – hands on and hands dirty!”

To bring the learning of energy to life for ‘little green fingers’ across the country, parents can contact their child’s head teacher to request entering the competition by visiting www.npower.com/littlegreenfingers.


About npower Brighter Futures:
npower Brighter Futures, npower’s education programme, aims to inspire young people from their first day at school to their first day at work. This is achieved by helping them to develop their skills and knowledge to make their own choices and empowering them to achieve their vision of a ‘brighter future’ for themselves and for the environment

npower Brighter Futures brings under one umbrella npower’s education programmes – from primary schools through to universities. Npower’s programmes focus on either environmental education, such as energy generation, energy efficiency, climate change and sustainability and npower’s commitment to increase the pool of young talent in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths; or meeting the recruitment challenges the energy industry face daily.

About npower:
npower is one of the UK’s largest electricity suppliers and has 6.6 million customer accounts across the UK and it sponsors the Test Match Series in England, Women’s Test Series, the Twenty20 Cup and Village Cup. The company was also recently awarded platinum status in Business in the Community’s CR Index.

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RWE Npower Sparks Interest In Engineering

The npower enthuse day recently rolled into Cramlington Learning Village in Northumberland, where over 50 students took part in the one day educational experience. The students, aged 13 to 14, participated in a range of interactive activities designed to help them think about the impact science and engineering has on their daily lives.

The students were encouraged to think of ways to improve existing products or design a completely

new concept, before considering the very real problem of how people can meet and reduce the UK’s future demand for energy. These activities were followed by a ‘facts and fiction’ session where the students were given the opportunity to meet with engineering staff from npower. Throughout the npower enthuse day, the students took part in a series of hands-on activities relating to the power industry.

Enthuse, which is part of npower’s Brighter Futures Programme, is a five year scheme designed to inspire and engage students aged 12-14 years old in science, technology, engineering and maths.

Head teacher, Mr Wise, Cramlington Community High School, said, “The variety of activities gave the students an excellent insight into what it would feel like to be an engineer. Also, the opportunity to meet with staff from npower has really brought today’s activities to life and gave the students a great introduction into the world of work.”

Dave Carlton, project manager of the environmental scoping for Blyth Power Stationsaid: “The main purpose of today has been to inspire students in science and engineering and share with them the exciting opportunities that the energy industry has to offer.”

In 2008 alone, npower enthuse days reached out to over 3400 students across the UK and this number is continuing to rise throughout 2009.

About npower
npower is one of the UK’s largest electricity supplier and draws on 50 years experience in supplying electricity and gas. npower offers a range of essential home and business services to 6.6 million customers across the UK.

RWE npower has been awarded the prestigious CommunityMark from Business in the Community (BITC). npower is the only utility business, amongst 21 other companies in the UK, to receive this accolade. The CommunityMark is a new BITC standard which has been created to recognise companies that are good investors in local communities and who have brought about real and positive changes.

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Npower juice fund sponsored pioneering wave power device that could provide a major breakthrough in the drive to hit sustainable energy

Npower juice fund sponsored pioneering wave power device that could provide a major breakthrough in the drive to hit sustainable energy targets is a step closer to commercial use after tests proved the system is highly effective.

Green Ocean Energy Ltd, the Aberdeen-based renewable energy company, has developed a wave power machine which uniquely attaches to an offshore wind turbine thereby giving combined wind and wave power from one installation.

The company was able to develop its ground breaking Wave Treader technology after securing £60,000 of funding from npower’s Juice fund – a unique scheme that supports the development of wave and tidal technology.

The financial backing enabled the company to put the device through a feasibility study into its commercial electricity generating application. The Wave Treader has since achieved proof of concept and a full size prototype could be ready for testing in 2010.

Managing director of Green Ocean Energy, George Smith, said: “We have drawn on our extensive skills and experience in the energy sector to develop this technology. The support we have received from npower through the juice fund has enabled us to take a huge step forward in preparing the device for widespread use in the offshore environment. These are exciting times for the company and we look forward to eventually seeing the device incorporated into offshore wind farms.

“The Wave Treader has the potential to significantly increase sustainable energy generation both in the UK and around the globe. If we’re going to reach the Government’s target of generating 20% of the UK’s energy from renewable sources by 2020 it’s essential that a range of sustainable sources are put into widespread use.”

Green Ocean Energy was established in 2005 with the aim of generating ample, clean and sustainable energy by harnessing marine energy in ways that are harmonious to the environment and economically viable.

Each Wave Treader machine generates approximately 500 KW which is enough electricity to power 125 homes.

Helen Steed of npower’s Juice fund commented: “We are delighted with the results of the Green Ocean Energy Wave Treader. The device is the first of its kind, and shows tremendous potential in utilising existing off-shore infrastructure to generate clean renewable energy. This is exactly the type of project that npower juice fund was developed for.

“Research and development are the cornerstones of the npower juice fund ethos, and provide additionality to npower juice. For every customer that joins npower juice, npower invests £10 per year per customer into the juice fund. To date npower juice fund has invested £2m into the development of marine renewable industry”

The Wave Treader has been developed using the core concept of a stand alone wave power device called Ocean Treader which is also being developed by the company. Mounting the device on the foundation of an offshore wind turbine makes that technology more commercially viable because of the relatively low technical risk.

Uniquely, Wave Treader can turn to face the direction of the wave train to ensure maximum operational efficiency. It also has active on-board adjustments to allow for the effects of tidal range.

With a design life of 25 years the machines have been designed to ensure they are highly reliable and use standard marine equipment.

The company is now looking to attract further investment to enable continual development of the company’s products.

About Green Ocean Energy
Green Ocean Energy was established in 2005 with the aim of generating ample, clean and sustainable energy by harnessing marine energy in ways that are harmonious to the environment and economically viable. The company based in Carden Place, Aberdeen, is currently developing two wave power machines called Wave Treader and Ocean Treader for commercial use. Ocean Treader is a floating device designed for stand alone use in ocean wave systems.

 

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Clean Energy, Electricity, Electricity Generation, Energy Conservation, Energy Distribution, Green Energy, Power Supplies, Renewable Energy, Services

Older Generation Are More Likely To Take Energy And Money Saving Steps

Over 55s are 25% more likely to shrink their monthly bills by being energy efficient than the younger generation, according to a new survey from Opus Energy, an independent electricity supplier for UK businesses.

The survey asked over 500 people about the energy saving steps they take both at home and at work. The findings showed that when it comes to tightening belts this Christmas the “baby boomer” generation are steps ahead of younger generations. Having lived through two recessions and grown up in post-war Britain, the over 55s are well versed in making those small steps that add up to real financial savings.

The results showed that the over 55s are well versed at making efficient use of modern technology. In the workplace, the baby boomers are three times more likely than dilligently switch off phone chargers when not in use, with 43% switching of compared to just one in ten (13%) of under 25s making the effort.

The baby-boomers also have the most ‘efficient’ tea breaks at work with more than half the over 55s (55%) taking care not to boil more water than they need each time compared to under a third (27%) of under 25s.

Even though two thirds (66%) of young Brits claim they are switching to energy saving bulbs to help curb costs at home, a staggering nine out of ten (88%) over 55s said they had already made the energy efficient swap.

Under 25s were also more likely to think that making a business or a home energy efficient would increase its running costs. But as the baby boomers are clearly demonstrating, when energy costs are high and belts are tightening, small energy saving steps can be enough to equate to big savings.

Louise Boland, Director at Opus Energy said:

“It’s clear that having lived through two recessions, our older generations are more adept at taking steps to save on their energy usage to cut their bills. What is interesting is that the older generations have really embraced the energy saving benefits of modern technology, to an even greater degree than their younger counterparts.

“Technology such as energy saving bulbs can be more expensive in the short term, but over their life time will save you up to £35 in electricity costs. It’s a myth that being more environmentally friendly has to be more expensive. At Opus Energy, we source over half our energy from renewable generators and cleaner, low-carbon sources as standard. This way all the businesses we supply enjoy cleaner energy with minimum fuss and no extra cost.”

About Opus Energy
Opus Energy is a leading independent supplier of electricity offering tailor-made solutions for the UK SME and corporate markets. Its market-leading innovations are driven by customer needs and the company is committed to helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint through procurement of energy from cleaner sources.

Opus Energy has over 40,000 customers across all sectors. Large customers include: Yell Group, Thorntons, Farmfoods, Cumbria County Council and Deloitte & Touche.

Over the last two years (between April 2006 and March 2008), 62% of the energy supplied by Opus Energy to its customers came from cleaner, low-carbon sources – 54% from renewable generators and 8% from cleaner Combined Heat and Power (CHP) produced by CHP generators. These CHP generators have been awarded accreditation by the regulator, Ofgem, for producing cleaner, more environmentally friendly power.

Opus Energy’s management team has a 50 percent stake in the business, while International Power Plc (LSE:IPR.L) holds 30 percent and Telecom Plus Plc (LSE: TEP.L ) has 20 percent. With offices in Northampton and Oxford, it employs 200 people.

For further information, please see www.opusenergy.com

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Sandwell Homes has signed up with Opus Energy to supply their offices with renewable and cleaner energy as part of the company’s pledge to reduce its carbon footprint

Opus Energy, an independent supplier of electricity to UK businesses, won an 18 month contract with Sandwell Homes worth in the region of £1million.

Sandwell Homes, which is responsible for managing 30,000 council properties on behalf of Sandwell MBC, wanted to be proactive in becoming more environmentally responsible. Opus’s simple approach of sourcing cleaner energy for every customer appealed to Sandwell’s vision for both the company and the borough.

Sandwell Homes’ Environmental Manager, Tony Thompson, said: “This is the first step in a series of environmentally friendly measures planned for Sandwell Homes. We will be reviewing our waste, recycling and transport CO2 emissions and hope to make savings for the company and on behalf of the taxpayer in the long-term. We are committed to influencing the local community by setting the example and reducing our carbon footprint.”

Members of Sandwell Homes’ new environmental steering group signed up to the eco-challenge by painting their hands green and marking a symbolic giant footprint at the start of the group’s first meeting.

Steve James, Commercial Director at Opus Energy said: “We are really enthusiastic about supporting Sandwell Homes in their goal to be environmentally responsible. We worked closely with the team to suit the company’s individual requirements and were able to source a cost neutral renewable energy which is Levy exempt. We will also be installing smart meters at no additional cost which is a great way of monitoring and reducing electricity consumption.”

• Opus Energy will be installing over 800 smart meters at Sandwell Homes sites
• The Carbon Trust suggests that smart metering could reduce the average business’ consumption by 12.3% a year
• Other councils using smart meters include Cambridge and Cumbria City Councils

About Opus Energy

Opus Energy is a leading independent supplier of electricity offering tailor-made solutions for the UK SME and corporate markets. Its market-leading innovations are driven by customer needs and the company is committed to helping businesses become more environmentally responsible through procurement of energy from cleaner sources.

Opus Energy has over 40,000 customers across all sectors. Large customers include: Yell Group, Thorntons, Farmfoods, Cumbria County Council and Deloitte & Touche.

Over the last two years (between April 2006 and March 2008), 62% of the energy supplied by Opus Energy to its customers came from cleaner, low-carbon sources – 54% from renewable generators and 8% from cleaner Combined Heat and Power (CHP) produced by CHP generators. These CHP generators have been awarded accreditation by the regulator, Ofgem, for producing cleaner, more environmentally friendly power.

Opus Energy’s management team has a 50 percent stake in the business, while International Power Plc (LSE:IPR.L) holds 30 percent and Telecom Plus Plc (LSE: TEP.L ) has 20 percent. With offices in Northampton and Oxford, it employs 200 people.

For more information please visit: http://opusevolution.opusenergy.com

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Npower Calls On Small Businesses In The UK To Be More Energy Efficient And Save Up To 20 Per Cent On Energy Bills

Small businesses in the UK are being urged to be energy efficient and save up to 20% on energy bills as the economy continues to bite.

The call comes as energy company npower completes a series of small business energy makeovers which have shown that saving energy is often one of the easiest ways of reducing costs and can be done through simple steps that together make a big difference.

npower’s energy efficiency makeovers have helped four businesses cut their energy spend by £1,200 and, at the same time, reduce CO2 output by almost 4.9 tonnes. With many SMEs facing difficult trading and financial uncertainty, npower believes these energy efficiency measures serve as examples of the cost savings that can be achieved in all workplaces.

Reducing the air conditioning temperature setting in a pub by a mere 2 degrees C will provide a cost saving of some £232 a year, while energy saving measures implemented at a printing press will be enough to cover the running costs of one of its machines everyday for nearly four months. Simply defrosting the fridge freezer and replacing lighting will contribute to cutting a car auction’s energy bill by £300, while draught proofing doors and changing light bulbs in a shop could lead to savings of £400 on its energy bills.

npower’s team of energy saving experts visited the range of businesses – including a pub , small printers, car auction and a shoe repair shop – to offer practical assistance to reduce energy consumption .

The team replaced light bulbs with energy saving equivalents; defrosted fridges and freezers; switched kettles to eco-friendlier alternatives; adjusted air conditioning and fitted reflective radiator panels; fitted timers to electrical equipment to switch if off when not in use; draught-proofed doors and even installed a wind-up radio and solar powered phone charger, substituting them for existing electric equivalents

“At times like these, every penny counts and we’ve demonstrated simple steps that small businesses in any sector can undertake to save money.” said Steve Fitzsimons, business energy manager at npower.

“Our recent survey has shown 60% of British adults believe that energy is being wasted in their businesses yet when you’re busy running your company it can sometimes seem difficult to dedicate time to cutting costs. Putting in place a range of energy saving measures for little or no cost will cut their energy bills without compromising operations,” added Fitzsimons.

Businesses wanting advice on cutting energy bills should visit npower, where they can sign-up to receive an advice pack and free Current Cost monitor, which will help them track how energy is being used.

About npower:
npower is dedicated to helping UK businesses use energy more efficiently and therefore spend less money on their bills. npower aims to have a positive impact on the communities it serves and reduce customers’ carbon footprints whilst always improving the service to customers.

npower specialises in risk management solutions, including market-leading flexible energy purchasing, energy efficiency, and broader energy management functions, tailored to every size of business. For major energy users, npower offers multi-utility management consultancy to enable organisations to improve efficiencies right across the procurement/consumption chain.

npower is committed to helping its small business customers to improve their energy efficiency. Since 2006 the ‘e3’ campaign (standing for energy, efficiency, environment) npower has offered business customers advice and guidance on reducing energy consumption. New business customers receive an energy monitor designed to improve their consumption awareness as well as access to a dedicate energy efficiency telephone helpline and website.

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The Sierra Nevada Carbon Cooperative Is Actively Engaged In The First Pilot Project Based On Avoided Deforestation

The Sierra Nevada Carbon Cooperative (SNCC) can’t tell you the price for watching the Alpenglow sunset over Waddle Ranch, but they can tell you the price for carbon offsets created by preserving this 1,500 acre property. As fine a vision as open spaces in the setting sun may be, the bigger benefit here is the potential for a model that finances forest conservation.

The Sierra Business Council created the Sierra Nevada Carbon Cooperative in 2008 with start-up funding through a Sierra Nevada Conservancy grant. The SNCC is actively engaged in the first pilot project based on avoided deforestation—carbon credits for preventing the planned residential and golf course development.

The Waddle Ranch project in Martis Valley will be registered and verified this month with the California Climate Action Registry (CCAR). Based on the inventory of the carbon pools on the forest and a calculation of the baseline, CCAR serializes each ton of carbon registered. These can be permanently retired once purchased or held in the project’s account. The SNCC acts as a liaison, connecting buyers of carbon offsets, landowners, and CCAR, to develop, register, and market these forest carbon offsets. Funds are returned to land owners, allowing owners to finance the conservation and ongoing stewardship of their land.

The Sierra Nevada region is a prime location for carbon offset projects. SNCC forest projects are certified under the highest standards, ensuring multiple co-benefits, such as protecting California’s upper watershed lands, maintaining wildlife habitat, and fostering a new green economy in a region with a long history of resource extraction.

“We’re examining how to maintain the Sierra Nevada as a carbon sink rather than a carbon source in order to draw more [carbon] out of the atmosphere than we are emitting. The Sierra Nevada will be a model and we must begin examining alternative forest management methods if we want to mitigate and plan for climate change in the state of California.” Betony Jones, Sierra Business Council

Come hear SNCC program director Betony Jones discuss this project, and other important carbon impact reduction programs from the Environmental Defense Fund and The Nature Conservancy at the Sierra Solutions conference.

Web Site: http://www.sbcouncil.org/Events/Schedule

Contact Details: ABOUT THE CONFERENCE: SIERRA SOLUTIONS—Tools for Sustainable Communities, Economies and the Environment
October 3-4, 2008

Mammoth Resort Conference Center
Mammoth Lakes, CA

Hosted by The Sierra Business Council and the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, SIERRA SOLUTIONS highlights leading sustainability speakers.

More on Sierra Nevada Carbon Credits
http://www.sbcouncil.org/Projects/SNCC

CONTACT
Media: Pamela Biery pamela@velocity7.com, 530.470.9292
Conference: Nikki Streegan nstreegan@sbcouncil.org, 530.582.4800
Details on Sierra Nevada Carbon Cooperative, Betony Jones, 530.582.4800

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Sun Electronics, a leader in solar integration and design, is now harnessing the power of the sun at its downtown Miami headquarters

Sun Electronics has placed 129 solar panels on its rooftop which provides 23kW of power with their grid tie system. The system allows Sun to supply all of it’s daily electrical needs, sell any overage back to the utility, and provide long term independent power in case of a long term power outage.

“Americans must take responsibility in helping themselves to the enormous opportunity that solar energy can supply” says owner and President John Kimball.

John Kimball started working in the solar business in 1973, in Tucson, Arizona at the age of 21. Kimball started the Tucson Energy Center in 1973, worked in three U.S. Congressional offices including U.S. Representative Morris K. Udall, Arizona; U.S. Representative Phillip Sharp, Indiana; and U.S. Representative George Brown Jr, California. Following several years working on solar energy in Washington, he went to work for Arizona Governor Bruce Babbit‘s Arizona Solar Energy Commission. He then worked a as a sales engineer for Photowatt, Photocomm, and Kyocera America.

For 35 years Kimball has been helping dealers and customers in the design and promotion of solar and renewable energy systems, back up, and independent power systems worldwide.

Sun ships worldwide, and the company projects sales exceeding 15 million for 2008.

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Alternative Fuels, Biodiesel, Biofuels, Clean Energy, Energy, Ethanol, Green Energy, Oil & Gas, Synthetic Fuels

Additron Technologies has received approval from the Shanghai Municipal Committee Secretary to proceed with the acquisition of approximately 1.8 square kilometres in Pudong New District, Shanghai to build its Strategic Fuels and Chemicals Center

Additron Technologies, Inc. today announced that it has received approval from the Shanghai Municipal Committee Secretary to proceed with the acquisition of approximately 1.8 square kilometres in Pudong New District, Shanghai. Additron intends to build its Pudong Strategic Fuels and Chemicals Center at the site.

The facility will produce Additron’s ultra-clean synthetic transportation fuels and specialty chemicals.

Alexander Chen, Additron’s President and Chief Executive Officer stated, “We are pleased to have located this site for our synthetic fuels and chemicals facility. The site is ideally located with access to multiple feedstocks (pet coke, coal and biomass), central to several product distribution channels.

Chen continued, “The aquisition of this site is instrumental in moving this project forward. By using domestic resources, facilities such as this one will play a critical role in increasing China’s energy security while reducing the regions greenhouse gas footprint.”

Based on a study conducted by the Shanghai CPC Department of Energy, Additron’s proprietary Nano Enhanced ICL process was free of virtually all carbon dioxide emissions.

Xi Jinping, former CPC Party Secretary said, “Shanghai is excited about Additron’s decision to commit to exercise the option on the site. This project will be a great enhancement to the economic progress of not only the Pudong New District, but to all of Shanghai.”

Using Additron’s proprietary Nano Enhanced ICL process, the Pudong Strategic Fuels and Chemicals Center will be designed to use petroleum coke or coal supplemented with biomass as gasification feedstocks.

The project will initially produce 40,000 barrels per day of ultra clean synthetic fuels and specialty chemicals and will be expandable to 80,000 barrels per day.

About Additron Technologies, Inc.
Additron Technologies, Inc., founded in 1997, provides clean energy solutions. The Company developed the Nano Enhanced ICL Process which transforms coal into valuable and clean alternative fuels and chemicals.

Additron Technologies is an innovative energy company aiming to revolutionize the ethanol, diesel fuel, jet fuel and waste-to-power industries with new products and services targeting totally clean, environmentally sensitive, economical and renewable power solutions, and to help solve global problems regarding pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

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