“Although we in developing countries we are not left behind, we are developing a lot of renewable energy, which is coupled to the mitigation of greenhouse gases, which, come together within the goals of the National Program of Climate Change , “said Secretary of dissemination of the National Association of Solar Energy (ANES), José Celis. He said laws in the country have advanced considerably from 10 years to date, to the extent that there are programs so that citizens can invest in renewable energy and tax deductible.

He stated that companies must submit environmental impact statement before the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) for approval of any project, what he considered a breakthrough in the country.

“Also, the Federal Government’s policy states that we have priority projects that are using the Clean Development Mechanism, developed countries like the European Union, Japan, among others, can make investment projects in Mexico to mitigate greenhouse greenhouse effect and give financial and technological and economic support to carry them out, “he said.

“The barriers we see today are not like we saw 10 years ago for lack of money, lack of a structured policy,” he said. Celis said that there are mechanisms and government support, so now needed is to raise awareness about the environmental cost of burning oil, which is not reflected in what you pay for the electricity bill, a social cost as a country is paying.

The challenge for Mexico is to incorporate environmental issues for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the mood to tackle climate change and develop a financial market that provides credit to implement programs to minimize the impact to the environment.

The representative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Mexico and head of the Regional Office for Central America and the Caribbean, Kai Bethke, acknowledged that the Mexican banking sector is still not sufficiently developed to provide credit to smaller companies.

“In Mexico there is a lot of technology, but we need increased participation of Small and Medium Enterprises and poke them with incentives to implement this environmental approach,” he added.

The National Environmental Fund (FONAM) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) have been leading the promotion of all alternatives and possibilities for Peruvian SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) to insert new clean technologies and renewable energy within their production processes to reduce costs, increase competitiveness and contribute to environmental sustainability.

In this regard, the IDB FONAM signed an agreement to promote these initiatives within SMEs through the implementation of the “III INTERNATIONAL FAIR OF ENERGY AND ECO-EFFICIENCY-EEC PERU 2011″, an event which will be discussed and set out everything related to clean technologies, renewable energies (wind, solar, biomass, hydro) energy efficiency, green buildings and bioclimatic architecture, CDM – Clean Development Mechanism and other energy sources (geothermal, tidal, etc.).

The fair will be held from 8 to 10 September 2011, at the Centro Cultural San Marcos (La Casona) from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

During these days will feature speakers from renowned international experts in the field to provide the knowledge and skills, providers of goods and services, national and international marketers of materials and equipment for clean technologies, renewable energy, efficient energy and green buildings.

With the instability in the Middle East affecting oil prices and the debate on nuclear energy after Fukushima, hundreds of events offered in World Wind showing people around the world how the wind can be part of a future stable and clean energy.

From Austria to Australia to Japan, Canada, Uruguay, Germany to Ukraine, participants can look at outdoor theater, build kites for kite-surfing, visiting new wind farms, see job fairs in the wind industry and parties acting in wind energy. Among the highlights include the German Technical Museum in Berlin, which opens its doors for an exhibition on wind energy, and an announcement in New York City on WindMade, an initiative to develop a label for consumers to companies and products that use wind energy.

On World Wind Day 2010 there were 220 ​​events in 29 countries around the world. World Wind Day is organized by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), which coordinate a global network of partners.

“With the wind we can achieve genuine energy revolution, and on June 15, people from all continents will hold the promises that wind power has for our planet,” said President of GWEC, Klaus Rave.

“Fukushima, the Arab spring and the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico have created a huge public interest in the future of wind energy,” said EWEA President Arthouros Zervos. “World Wind Day encourages citizens to find out for themselves how the wind can make our energy supply more secure, friendly and environmental standpoint.”

Wind PowerExpo director, Julian Perez, stated that “all major companies have already confirmed their attendance” at the fair and to be present shelves, both of which contrast with the 2009 edition, when the appointment lacked the knack leading manufacturers and there was no great machine at the show due to lack of coordination between PowerExpo Wind and other international fairs. Now, the three major competitions (EWEA, Wind Husum and PowerExpo) are coordinated, according to Perez.

“The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) welcomed its fair every year and always in the first half, since 2008, the fair is held Husum Germany in the second half, in even years and, finally, since 2009, odd-numbered year and in the second half, Zaragoza welcomes PowerExpo Wind. ” That is, each semester there is a fair for the sector. Zaragoza, 2011 edition will include the participation of 214 exhibitors and a total of 8,000 visitors, according to organizers estimated.

Operation, maintenance, Mexico and Tunisia
In Zaragoza, and as is customary, AEE organize technical seminars, focusing this time on the operation and maintenance. To them, it is anticipated 350 delegates attending. Furthermore, according to Perez, this year, Wind PowerExpo “strengthens the concept of the guest” (in 2009, enjoyed the status of Maine, USA). This time the guest is Mexico, with which the fair has been in contact through the Mexican Embassy in Madrid and the agency Porméjico. “I have seen with good eyes and they are working,” says Perez.

The guest country has an institutional space within the exhibition, as well as a day of institutional encounters between Europe and Mexico. Meetings were also organized B2B (Business to Business), in addition to technical visits to parks and farms in Aragón companies. On the other hand, Wind PowerExpo-event organized by Exhibition Centre with InfoPower and collaboration with ESA and the Government of Aragon, is talking with Tunisia to host the visit of a delegation from Morocco.

Two unparalleled experience: network integration and efficiency
In that vein, the director of external relations at ESA, Sergio de Otto, also underscores the international nature of the event. And, according to Otto, many countries look to the Spanish model, by the interest that worldwide the Spanish experience in network integration and efficiency of the parks, which have allowed Spain to produce more electricity from wind than Germany, despite having less power than the big brother installed northern white (7,000 megawatts less, in particular), despite also that Spain is practically an electrical island.

In regard specifically to the section on efficiency, Otto says that this issue is key to the technical sessions on the O & M that ESA place within PowerExpo Wind: “Once a wind farm in service, maintenance is the only factor which increases the benefit. ” Otto recalled that Spain has the first operator of parks in the world, and several other leaders such as Acciona and EDP, as well as an extensive industrial fabric, all of which makes Spain the “world reference”. For Otto, PowerExpo Wind is “the showcase of this experience.”

Solar EXPO 2011 is the first exhibition of the year for the global solar market and provide an important preliminary view is to come next year. One of the noticeable trends for the global solar market in 2011 is a change of solar energy demand in major markets like Europe to Asia and the U.S.. This year, the explosive growth will occur in Asia with Korea assuming a leadership role.

In Korea, where the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) will take over from 2012, companies are investing heavily in expanding its solar business segment, driving the share prices of solar companies in Korea increasingly up every day. EXPO Solar / PV Korea 2011 is the first major solar event in Korea this year and will mark the beginning of the second stage of growth for the solar market in Korea is undergoing a dramatic expansion in anticipation of the implementation of the 2012 RPS.

Since the first exhibition in 2009, EXPO Solar / PV Korea has shown an amazing growth every year and today is recognized as one of the major international solar exhibition in Asia. The 2011 event will present the much needed platform for photovoltaic companies in Korea and abroad to promote their brands and technologies.

At the EXPO Solar / PV Korea 2011, more than 300 companies from 30 countries will showcase their technological breakthroughs in about 1,000 shelves. Local exhibitors include industry-leading names such as Hyundai Heavy Industries, Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics and key companies such as SKC, Daeyeong Metal, SFA, Hanmi Semiconductor, TES and Wooil Hightech. Exhibitors from outside the solar companies include global leaders such as Schmid (Germany), Roth & Rau (Germany), DKSH (Germany), ET Solar (China) and Nisshinbo (Japan).

Expo held in conjunction with Solar / PV 2011 Korea, 2011 World Forum PV solar sector provides experts worldwide to discuss the latest technological and photovoltaic market.

The Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon will talk to heads of state and international delegates at the WFES, a forum that encourages collaboration, innovation and investment opportunities in renewable energy sources, environment and clean technologies.

The visit of UN Secretary-General highlights the growing role that the UAE and Abu Dhabi to play in driving the worldwide adoption of renewable energy sources and clean technology innovation. Through Masdar, a multi-faceted initiative that promotes the development and deployment of alternative or renewable energy, Abu Dhabi has demonstrated its long-term commitment to discover a viable action plan towards sustainability.

‘The UAE is making great efforts to find solutions to energy challenges facing the world, particularly through the Masdar Initiative and the World Future Energy, a platform for international cooperation in energy sources renewable and sustainable, “said Ban Ki-Moon, UN Secretary General. ‘I am also grateful for the contributions of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a member of my high-level panel on global sustainability. ”

“Climate change is one of the defining challenges of our time,” added the Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. “The world needs to find renewable energy and clean technologies that can mitigate its effects and position the world on a path of greater prosperity and sustainable economic growth. The search for these solutions requires the collaboration of governments, academic, business and civil society. The more we delay, more pay … resources, economic competitiveness and lives. ”

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar and Special Envoy for Energy and Climate Change in the UAE, said “We are honored to welcome the Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon to the World Summit on Future Energy. Their presence is a testament to the growing contribution of Abu Dhabi and UAE to the dialogue on climate change and global energy. ”

‘The leadership of the Secretary General to ensure that address climate change within a global context and at the highest level of international cooperation has resulted in significant progress, “added Dr Al Jaber. ‘Their enthusiasm and personal commitment is shared by the leaders of the UAE, who have made significant emphasis on ensuring that the advancement of renewable energy sources and mitigation of climate change are key elements of our economic growth. ”

The fourth Global Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi Future exhibition and conference will be the world’s largest on solutions, innovations, investments, policies and visions of future and renewable energy. The WFES, which was held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) expects more than 25,000 attendees from around the world. The summit will cover a broad range of issues, including policies, financing investment and energy, green buildings, clean transport, energy sources, solar, wind and biofuels.

The October 25 AEE organized a seminar in Madrid on the wind and the Electricity Market in order to analyze the impact of high wind penetration in the electricity market.

Will also address the impact on price formation, market adjustment and the development of production constraints to wind turbines, which have been increased in recent months.

AEE has seen fit to organize this event and an analysis open to all interested parties of price developments and their impact on the viability of wind farms.

The forthcoming adoption of the Decree of security of supply of domestic coal and its potential impact on prices is also analyzed.

AEE and the School of Industrial and Civil Engineering, University of Las Palmas analyzed in this city of 8 to 9 November solutions for high wind penetration in island systems, both on the side of wind generation and the operation and management of system.

This initiative is part of the Technology Platform REOLTEC by the interest that the Canary Islands from the point of view of technological solutions, both the wind and the network.

And by the end of the year, AEE returns with a classic: its Technical Conference, this time they have chosen the Madrid stage. Days 1 and 2 December, will discuss key technical issues such as operation and maintenance of wind farms, the challenges of transportation and logistics and process automation to reduce costs, among others.

The European Commissioner for Energy, Günther Oettinger, will open the conference.

The integration of energy markets is seen as a critical element of future energy cooperation in the Mediterranean and between Europe and North Africa.

The potential for electricity generation in desert areas, the demands on the electricity networks of the future and funding issues are also central to the discussions. The socio-economic outlook for the MENA region, and the creation of an appropriate regulatory framework and tools to promote electricity from the desert will also be discussed at the annual conference of Desertec Industrial Initiative (Dii).

“Our goal is to establish a bridge between Africa and Europe using renewable energies. That is why our conference will bring together representatives of all major parties interested in the concept Desertec. This event will provide the ideal forum for open and meaningful dialogue between future-oriented Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. We will discuss all political and economic issues of solar power and wind in the desert and we will discuss, inter alia, the crucial question of how to market in the future this form of electricity at competitive cost, “said Paul van Son, CEO of Dii.

Founded in July 2009, has meanwhile Dii 17 shareholders and 25 content partners. This initiative demonstrates that the international industrial market players are ready to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, sustainable development and begin to generate new business potential.

On October 30, 2009, the Dii was legally founded as a GmbH (limited company) governed by German law.

Composition of shareholders: ABB | Abengoa Solar | Cevital | DESERTEC Foundation | Deutsche Bank | Enel Green Power | E. ON Flagsol | HSH Nordbank | Munich Re | M + W Group | NAREV Holding | Red Electrica de Espana | RWE St. Gobain Solar | SCHOTT Solar | Siemens

Associated Partners: 3M | MCO | Audi | Bearing Point | Bilfinger Berger | Bosch Rexroth | Commerzbank | Concentrix Solar Conergy | Evonik Industries | First Solar | FLABEG | Fraunhofer Gesellschaft | IBM | ILF | Italgen KAEFER | Lahmeyer International | Maurisolaire | Morgan Stanley | NUR ENERGIE | OMV Schoeller Renewables | TERNA ENERGY | TÜV Süd

The economics professor, originally from Bangladesh, sees rewarded his bold initiative of micro-credits for the poor, through which millions of people around the world have come out of poverty.

“Grameen has given me an unshakable faith in human creativity, and the absolute certainty that humans are not born to suffer hunger and poverty,” Yunus said at the official ceremony of the prize. Through this initiative, micro-credits have enabled the installation of over 400 000 small photovoltaic systems, guaranteeing the supply of electricity to rural areas of Bangladesh, well above the national network.

“One of the keys to fight against poverty is the decentralization of energy available. With the help of micro-credit, families can purchase small PV systems that give them an income. Muhammad Yunus has shown how to give a future to people with an idea and remarkable courage “said Dr. Frank Asbeck, CEO of SolarWorld. Since 2005, the Group has awarded its prestigious solar industry personalities who have contributed most to the photovoltaic technology.

The SolarWorld Junior Einstein Award to a student researcher at Fraunhofer

Since 2006, SolarWorld also reward young researchers in the field of photovoltaics, with SolarWorld Junior Einstein Award. In 2010, the winner is the young Dr. Christian Reimann of the Fraunhofer Institute, awarded for its integrated systems and component technologies (iiSBE) in Erlangen (Germany). The thesis has focused on the mineralogy of the formation of silicon crystals and the prevention of impurities in molten silicon, a technique that can improve the efficiency of solar panels and thus reduce the cost of solar energy. The process developed by Reimann has just been patented.

A SolarWorld Einstein Award of Honor for Walt Ratterman

For his commitment to solar energy industry, the Group has awarded the SolarWorld Einstein Award posthumously to Walt Ratterman, thus distinguishing a very special way that solar energy pioneer who tragically died in the earthquake that hit Haiti in January.

Co-founder of the US SunEnergy Power, he was engaged in a careful work in the poorest countries in the world. Walt Ratterman was one of the Solar2World program partners led by SolarWorld AG and was responsible in particular for solar electrification of Haitian hospitals.

The 25th EU PVSEC / WCPEC-5 will be chaired by Giovanni Federico De Santi, director of the Institute for Energy (IE), Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission, Makoto Konagai, the Tokyo Institute of Technology (Japan), Robert Walters, U.S. Naval Research Lab (Washington, USA).

Federigo De Santi explained that “the event will bring together the three world conferences of photovoltaic science ofmore important strategic level: the 25th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition, the U.S. 36th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference and the 20th Asia / Pacific PV Science & Engineering Conference “. HE adds, that it is “the best platform to present the latest advances in the development and manufacturing of photovoltaic energy sector. It explains the visions of how PV systems to be massively deployed within 10 years.”

More than 1,600 papers
25th EU PVSEC / WCPEC-5 has a large program, 154 had participated as representatives of the global scientific community under the leadership of Heinz Ossenbrink, European Commission, DG JRC, Ispra (Italy). There will be 76 sessions, 31 plenary sessions, 312 oral presentations and 1300 visual presentations (visual poster presentations), which “elevates the international leaders in photovoltaics to a new level,” say the organizers.

The program includes presentations on advanced photovoltaic, new concepts and high-efficiency solar cells based on silicon wafers and materials technology, thin film cells, photovoltaic systems and components, as well as large-scale development of this technology.

The opening session will be held by Bertrand Piccard, Initiator and President of Solar Impulse project, whose speech has a promising title: “Spirit pioneering inventions of the future – Around the World in a solar-powered aircraft.”

In parallel, the Photovoltaic Industry Fair will be distributed in eight major exhibition halls in the Feria Valencia, covering an exhibition area of 80,000 square meters. 943 exhibitors from around the world will present their new products, technical solutions and services to a global audience.

Back in Europe after 12 years
Peter Helm, CEO of EU PVSEC, said “the impressive conference program reflects the great interest of the global community of photovoltaics by present and discuss the latest scientific findings and technical developments.” Helm recalled that WCPEC- 5 returns to Europe after 12 years (Vienna hosted the second edition) and stressed that the event starts now “is the largest in history. We are convinced that the 25th EU PVSEC / WCPEC-5 will implement new ideas and give a strong impetus to meet the challenges of the photovoltaic industry and the scientific community. ”

This global PV event has the support of European and international organizations as the European Commission, UNESCO, the WCRE (World Council for Renewable Energy) and IPVEA (International Photovoltaic Equipment) and a close institutional cooperation with the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA).

Solar Decathlon Competition was introduced for the first time in 2002 by the Ministry of Energy in the United States in order to develop the transmission of knowledge and research in the field of renewable energies including the solar. The challenge offered to universities worldwide is to design and implement – in an academic setting – a house of 75 m2 using the sun as an energy source. Since that first edition, the competition is held every two years at the National Mall in Washington.

Each house is subject to a series of 10 tests that allow a jury to evaluate the architecture, energy efficiency, maintaining the comfort or quality of exchanges that each team has with the public received during visits. The winning project is one that accumulates, as in Olympic decathlon, the maximum points …

Some figures: in 2009, the Solar Decathlon was:
- 307,502 visitors in 10 days
- 32 workshops were held in the solar village, for the general public as well as specific workshops for professionals in industry and construction have been received by some 506 professionals
- Millions of readers and informed people around the world via various media

The next edition will take place in 2011 U.S.

Solar Decathlon Competition in Madrid

Following an agreement between the U.S. and Spanish governments, the Spanish Ministry of Housing has pledged to hold the competition Solar Decathlon Europe in 2010 and 2012, alternating with the American calendar. For the first time, Europe has embraced this challenge, held in Madrid from 17 to 27 June 2010. From a financial point of view, the organization of the Solar Decathlon in Madrid has cost 10 million Euro. The organizer gives 100,000 euros each participating team.

For the 2010 edition, 17 teams were in competition (2 teams originally planned could not move because of the economic crisis: a Mexican team and a Brazilian team):
- 2 from China
- 1 from Finland
- Two from France
- 4 from Germany
- 5 from Spain
- 1 from the United Kingdom
- 2 from U.S.

The 10 selection criteria globalizing a total of 1000 point are:

1. Architecture (120 points)
Architectural quality, consistency, flexibility of space, use of bioclimatic strategy

2. Construction & Engineering (80 points)
Evaluation of principles of construction with a special focus on functionality, performance, safety and technology

3. Solar System (80 points)
To evaluate the functionality, efficiency, soundness and economic viability of the system of solar water heaters.

4. Balance of Power (120 points)
Assess the part of energy self sufficiency in electricity and the actual production of solar energy.

5. Terms of comfort (120 points)
Evaluates the ability to make available a quality of indoor comfort through control of temperature, humidity, acoustics, lighting and the quality of indoor air.

6. Equipment and operation (120 points)
Evaluate the functionality and effectiveness of different applications by simulating everyday use normal household current.

7. Communication and Social Awareness (80 points)
Testify of the communication and public information on options and benefits of solar energy, energy efficiency, sustainable construction and other issues related to the Solar Decathlon.

8. Industrialization and market viability (80 points)

9. Innovation (80 points)
Evaluates the innovative and revolutionary design of the house, its systems and components that increase the value of the house or improve its performance.

10. Sustainability (120 points)
Evaluate the environmental sensitivity of the team to design and build a house that has a low environmental impact on its life cycle.

The results of this first European edition:

1: Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State university
2: University of Applied Sciences Rosenheim
3: Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences
4: Ecole Nationale Supérieur d’Architecture de Grenoble
5: Aalto University, Finland
6: Bergische Universität Wuppertal
7: Arts et Métiers Paris Tech
8: University of Florida
9: Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera
10: Fachhochschule fur Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin
11: Shanghai Tongji University
12: Universidad de Sevilla
13: Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña
14: Universidad de Valladolid
15: University of Nottingham
16: Tianjin University
17: Instituto de Arquitectura Avanzada de Cataluña

What’s new on the Solar Decathlon Europe in comparison with the American editions?

It is interesting to note a greater diversity of participants in the Solar Decathlon European, U.S. Solar Decathlon, consisting mainly of teams from the Americas.

There is also a different approach in building houses. A stronger emphasis was placed on sustainable development in the houses. Most teams have opted for a passive strategy with high overall energy performance of the house completed by solar panels to produce additional electricity. The fact that the competition takes place in Madrid, in a hot climate, has required participants to give prominence to passive strategies.

Participants of the Solar Decathlon Europe met and many wish to change the regulations for the European version of the competition. The U.S. rule is not necessarily adapted to the regulations in force in Europe and the values of these countries. To create a specific regulation in European editions several ideas are proposed for debate: how to promote the sustainable development aspect in scoring, what place should be given to teaching (a project driven by students or professionals?) Must limit Budget houses? How do if we want to continue to promote innovation? How to improve the academic contribution in promoting the event locations and times for exchange of information between the teams? Etc..

Future organization of Europe SD?

Contest Solar Decathlon Europe should continue to organize every two years in Europe, alternating with the American edition. In the idea, it would be interesting to change the host site and season, to make participants work in different climates and latitudes.

For 2012, Spain is the official organizer. The contest will take place in Madrid or Barcelona, the choice between the two cities has not yet been done. For 2014, Germany and France are interested to receive the assistance. Germany already several times winner of the contest in the United States and positioned this year in 2nd and 3rd place wishes to run the competition as did France, which was positioned for his first contest in 4th and 7th place. Spain has not yet ruled on his possible candidacy in 2014.

The nomination of France for 2014 was declared by Mr. Appeared, Secretary of State for Housing, during his visit to the solar village on June 21 Following this statement, Mrs. Baldwin, in charge of the Department of Ecology, Environment, Sustainable Development and the Sea came to Madrid to meet with organizers and American Spanish and to prepare the nomination of France .

In the meeting between Ms. Baldwin, Richard King, organizer of the competition and U.S. Javier Serra Maria Tome, as director of innovation and quality in construction in Spain, and representatives of the two French teams participating jurisdiction following main points:
- Richard King is sensitive to a European proposal for approval of the competition, the organizer and exchange among countries of the Union. He supported the candidacy of France, which already enjoys political support for his candidacy.
- To position themselves for 2014, France must send their applications through a letter of intent for the month of October 2010.
- To organize the contest, you must sign a memorandum with the U.S. Department of Energy.

- France, a novice on the contest will not be a candidate if she won the support of Spain to the organization (proposed joint committee of organization, including the Spanish players have gained experience).

REFER provides the latest news on energy, analysis, commentary on the various regional energy markets, energy efficiency, regional sustainability, security of energy supply and public policy throughout Europe. But far from being just a publication, the new blog will allow the exchange of views and ideas between politicians, companies, researchers and citizens.

“Global warming is the greatest challenge of our generation and solve it is an opportunity to build a healthy future, sustainable and prosperous. This regional approach and includes extensive discussion of the multiple stakeholders in climate change, making it easier to reach a consensual agenda”, said Michele Sabban, AER President. “I invite all the active forces, politicians, civil society and citizens to unite and enrich this blog to help us improve the implementation of sustainable energy, which will benefit both the regions economy and quality of lives of our citizens.”

“Our goal is to support Europe in fulfilling its ambitious 20-20-20. In addition to offering our extensive portfolio of more efficient energy technologies and environmental concerns, supporting initiatives like this blog seeks to promote the development, growth and creating networks in all areas of energy. We want to encourage debate and share different points of view to increase awareness of what we can do today to build a sustainable future,” said Ricardo Cordoba, president of GE Energy Western Europe and Northern Africa .

REFER is a new joint venture between GE Energy and AER, which in 2009 initiated an innovative collaboration between public and private sectors in the energy sector to combat climate change at regional level. By joining forces now again, AER and GE Energy have created a single gateway in the world of these characteristics.

EAR and GE Energy in April 2010 organized the Day of the Regions of Europe Energy, where regional authorities and European energy experts discussed the energy challenges facing European regions today and their possible solutions. The meeting will be held annually  in Brussels.

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http://refer.blogactiv.eu

The people who benefit from EDF First Rate Necessity receive 3 light bulbs in exchange for a used incandescent bulb. With the help of a coupon, they are invited by mail to visit their local town halls. On this occasion, they will receive energy saving tips, provided by trained counselors.

According to the City of Paris, ” it is nearly 100,000 light bulbs that will be distributed to 32,000 homes. In the end, ” This transaction will enable to gradually about 5 GWh / year energy saving nearly 500 tonnes of CO2 and each household will save about 15 euros per year.”

Remember that the end of 2012, Incandescent bulbs should be gradually replaced by low energy light bulbs.

Although these low energy light bulbs consume less energy and have a longer lifespan, they have to be purchased at a price between 3 and 7 times higher than incandescent bulbs. This last point for certain represents a blocking point.

When? bulbs are exchanged and advice on energy savings are given in each Borough Hall, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except on Thursdays until 19.30. For the first districts in the 9th included, the operation will run from Tuesday, May 4 to Wednesday, May 12th, and 10th districts in the 20th included (among their citizens a greater number of beneficiaries), Tuesday May 4 to Friday, May 21

An update on current renewable energy projects in Germany and the U.S. was the focus today at the 2nd German American Energy Conference hosted at the House of German Business. This year’s theme, “Promising Markets for Renewables and Energy Efficiency,” brought U.S. and German business executives together to talk about ongoing projects in the clean energy sector. Organized by the German American Chambers of Commerce and the German Energy Agency GmbH (dena), the event also covered energy efficiency topics, including the current incentives situation in the U.S. at the federal and state levels, as well as current developments in the wind, solar and bioenergy sectors.

An update on current renewable energy projects in Germany and the U.S. was the focus today at the 2nd German American Energy Conference hosted at the House of German Business. This year’s theme, “Promising Markets for Renewables and Energy Efficiency,” brought U.S. and German business executives together to talk about ongoing projects in the clean energy sector. Organized by the German American Chambers of Commerce and the German Energy Agency GmbH (dena), the event also covered energy efficiency topics, including the current incentives situation in the U.S. at the federal and state levels, as well as current developments in the wind, solar and bioenergy sectors.”The German-American Energy Conference is a perfect platform for exchanging ideas for participating in and supporting the development of renewable energy technologies,” said Jyl Safier, Director of Marketing for the Regional Operations Group, Americas region, at Coenergy. “Germany’s decades of experience in the renewables sector can translate into a beneficial partnership for U.S. and German businesses.”Berlin Partner, the business development agency for Berlin, was one of the supporters of the conference. Berlin has become a global hotspot for energy development and research and is home to universities and research institutes that help further the development and advance of renewable energy technologies and projects.Speakers at the conference included: Michael Eckhart, President, American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE); Scott Minos, Senior Policy & Communications Specialist, U.S. Department of Energy (DoE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; and Hermann Albers, President, German WindEnergy Association.”Berlin is leading Germany in becoming an important country for the development of sustainable growth technologies,” said René Gurka, Managing Director of Berlin Partner GmbH. “There are unlimited synergies, including renewable energy, that can make both Germany and the U.S. global energy powerhouses,” he added.

Mercedes is calling the F800 Style a research vehicle, and it’s adaptable for a plug-in hybrid configuration or as a fuel cell. It’s skinned it an eye-catching body with bold fenders and a prominent grille that hints at future styling directions for the German company.

The plug-in setup uses a V6 engine rated at 300 hp and a hybrid module that makes 109 hp, for a total output of 409 hp that works with a seven-speed automatic transmission. It uses lithium-ion batteries and has a range of 18 miles on electricity. Though it’s an eco-friendly powertrain, Mercedes says it performs like a sports car with a 0-to-60-mph time of 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. In pure electric mode, it can reach a top speed of 75 mph.

The fuel-cell variant offers 136 hp and 214 lb-ft of torque while producing only water as an emission. It uses parts from the B-class F-Cell. The range in this setup is claimed to be 375 miles.

Mercedes points to both powertrains as evidence of smart design, with all of the components fitted into the engine compartment or spaces in the chassis so as not to intrude on the interior.

The five-seat, rear-wheel-drive car also is laden with a pile of other updated and new technology for driver comfort and safety. A new camera touchpad records images of the user’s hand and displays it in transparent form above the center console. Pressing the display is similar to the feeling of typing on a laptop, Mercedes says. There’s also a “range on map” feature that shows how far the car can travel in electric mode.

The F800 Style also has a new version of the Distronic cruise-control system that allows drivers to follow the car in front of them into curves without steering at speeds of up to 25 mph. There’s also Mercedes’ Pre-Safe 360 Degree system, which engages the brakes about 600 milliseconds before a rear-end collision to prevent a secondary crash into another car or object.

Meanwhile, the appearance of the F800 Style lives up to its name with a stately design with short overhangs, long wheelbase and flowing roofline. It’s accented by LED lights and a curved grille. Inside are wood parts and and lightweight seats made of magnesium and carbon-fiber shells. Additionally, the back doors are sliding for ease of entry.

REFF China addresses these questions in its Extended Wind Session, covering the manufacturing, development and financing perspectives. The introduction of a solar feed-in-tariff in China signals the beginning of the race towards domestic installations, and the Solar Session will explore the recent developments on this front. Business dynamics between China and the US are cultivating a range of opportunities, driven ever stronger by a host of bilateral initiatives. The 5th REFF China introduces a New US-China Session exploring the two-way flow of ideas and business opportunities in the clean energy sectors to identify how this trend is set to develop.

New regulations are forming a new business reality in China: The scale up in installed capacity and renewable energy purchase obligations placed on utilities result in an urgent need to address grid infrastructure. REFF China is introducing a New Grid Session looking closely at the demands placed on infrastructure and the implications for developers.

Celebrating its 5th Anniversary, REFF China is the most established event tracking the financing dynamics of the renewable energy markets in China. With dedicated discussion forums and networking time, the conference will assemble all the leading stakeholders: regulators; financiers; developers and manufacturers to address these pivotal issues and form new business partnerships.

Conference participants include members of the scientific and research communities, investors, technology entrepreneurs, companies with an interest in clean energy technologies, policymakers and government officials.

Confirmed speakers include U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu; Arun Majumder, Director, U.S. Department of Energy; Jeff Immelt, Chairman & CEO, General Electric; Vinod Khosla, Founder, Khosla Ventures; and Tom Friedman, Columnist, The New York Times. U.S. Secretary of Energy Chu notes in the press release, “This conference will bring together the nation’s top energy leaders and members of the scientific community to begin building the next Industrial Revolution in clean energy technologies, which will create new jobs and help reduce our carbon footprint.”

The Summit will also spotlight some of ARPA-E’s first round of 37 winning research projects and will for the first time showcase many of the more than 250 highly-rated research projects – out of the nearly 3,700 concept papers submitted – from the organization’s first $150 million solicitation.

The Virtual Energy Forum is geared toward business owners, typically Fortune 1000 and public sector executives interested in deploying energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives in their businesses. That said, if you’re not a Fortune 1000 company but you want to be, this is a great chance to rub shoulders with some of those you may be aspiring to get tee time with. The event drew 5,500 attendees this past June – quite sizable for an online forum. Also, during Q&A periods, you’ll be able to ask your questions and have them answered in real-time by those same keynote speakers and company reps.

Upcoming Events:

All events run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST and feature keynote and trackback sessions. During the forum, you can peruse a virtual exhibitor’s floor and check out the latest in renewable energy products for businesses. The forum is a green event since everyone gets to stay home rather than burn up fuel traveling. The best part is the price; no one can argue with free.

If you have the time and you’re looking to become a leading renewable energy-minded executive in the world of Fortune 1000 companies, this may be just what you’re looking for. Even if that isn’t your goal, you may learn what next steps the big players in the current market will be taking as their companies strive to achieve green credentials. Knowing what the people who own the companies are planning to adopt can help anyone, from investors to solar installers. Make the most of your investments as we move forward in 2010.

According to Mr.Dimas, 30% commitment by EU will be better in the negotiations. There should be strong moral pressure on the developed countries and developing countries as well.

It should help to secure a deal, that would help to limit the rise of global temperature maximum to 2 degrees Celsius, added Dimas.

Analyses from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) show that a temperature increase of two degrees can be said to be a threshold value above which the effects of climate change would probably be more difficult to manage and would increase at a quicker pace.

Sweden’s Environment Minister Andreas Carlgren, whose country currently holds the EU presidency, said at a news conference on Monday, that the EU was “very close” to making a pledge to cut emissions by 30 percent, but was not yet ready to do so, The New York Tomes reports.

The EU has a last chance to change its commitment, when heads of state and government gather for their own year-end summit meeting during the second week of December, when the Copenhagen meeting will already be under way.

Have they found an answer? At the 62nd annual meeting of the American Physical Society’s Division of Fluid Dynamics on Nov. 24, 2009, in Minneapolis, Minn, the researchers, from the U.S. Air Force Academy, will present their new approach to the ocean energy issues. You can bet it is an aerospace approach.  In other words, if it has problems with floating, we can learn it to fly applying the same principles that keep an aircraft in the air and creating a ocean energy station which is durable, efficient and can be placed anywhere in the ocean regardless of depth.