Recession saved us 4 days of CO2

Posted on November 24, 2010 by Rolf Schuttenhelm

In total, over the last year. That’s not a joke, but a quote of Pierre Friedlingstein, of Exeter University. Due to the global economic downturn, the world’s CO2 emissions were 1.3 percent lower. That is just half the expected decline, … Continue reading →

Peak Coal in 2030, or 2020

Posted on November 22, 2010 by Rolf Schuttenhelm

According to ‘The End of Cheap Coal’ in last weeks edition of Nature, outdated reserve estimates and economic forces will lead to a peak in coal production within two decades. Ambitious geopolitics are still left out of that equation, which … Continue reading →

The World Energy Outlook 2010: the 450 Scenario and other estimates

Posted on November 12, 2010 by Rolf Schuttenhelm

On Tuesday the International Energy Agency presented its World Energy Outlook 2010. Apart from many other facts and estimates concerning energy trends the report shows two interesting scenarios: the New Policies Scenario (where current G20 agreements are implemented) and the … Continue reading →

European Commission sets new energy strategy

Posted on November 12, 2010 by Jorn van Dooren

The transition to a more sustainable and secure energy system is one of the biggest challenges the world faces in the coming years. But change does not come overnight. Many countries all over the globe strive to reach their energy … Continue reading →

Alaska test drills show (over) 90% less oil

Posted on October 28, 2010 by Rolf Schuttenhelm

An update by the US Geological Survey of the estimated fossil fuel reserves in Alaska’s 23-million-acre National Petroleum Reserve, situated on the wildlife harbouring North Slope, shows these dramatically reduced.

Dirty China is surprisingly clean

Posted on October 22, 2010 by Jorn van Dooren

China is well known as the world’s top polluter, but surprisingly it also appears to be a top player in clean energy efforts, according to the Vivid Economics report, commissioned by Australia’s Climate Institute and released on Tuesday.

Offshore wind doubling over 2010

Posted on October 21, 2010 by Rolf Schuttenhelm

On Saturday MAKE Consultancy, a wind energy specialized Danish consultancy firm, published a business analysis on the offshore wind market.

Today 33 miners are rescued, this year 12,000 die

Posted on October 13, 2010 by Rolf Schuttenhelm

The Chilean miners are world-famous, as they are unlikely survivors – after being feared dead for two weeks, following the collapse of a mining tunnel. Luck is very rare at such depths. Every year thousands die in mining accidents worldwide, … Continue reading →

Insects add 4th generation to biofuels debate

Posted on October 9, 2010 by Rolf Schuttenhelm

Good news from Norway. Sustainable biofuel production is perhaps another tiny step closer. Soon we may be able to start burning bugs.

Graphene: researchers jump chemical prodigy

Posted on September 26, 2010 by Rolf Schuttenhelm

Improved battery technology may be an important step towards increased electrification of road transport, and may one day, through a network of on-grid EVs, help create the dreamed global storage facility for green electricity – alleviating the problems the straggling … Continue reading →

Bits of Science

Bits of Energy