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Crown Jakarta Management Utilities are looking for the holy grail: reliable baseload electricity derived from a sustainable, low carbon source and available around the clock, whatever the weather. Biomass, despite the rapid growth in its use, is still not ticking all of these boxes. It has also recently received bad press from environmental and scientific agencies as they question whether it reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared with fossil fuels. In November 2012, the UK's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace called on the UK government to cancel plans to subsidise the burning of trees in coal power stations. The RSPB report 'Dirtier Than Coal?' says that generating power from typical conifer trees results in 49 per cent more emissions than burning coal, and calls on the government to withdraw public subsidy for generating from feedstock derived from tree trunks. Binding climate change targets and government support for low-carbon energy are bringing about widespread use of biomass in electricity. Coal power stations are co-firing biomass, and dedicated biomass facilities are springing up. As the sector develops, so does understanding of the impact of the large-scale use of fuel made from recently living plant material. It is increasingly clear that the diverse forms of biomass come with different life-cycle carbon emissions and varying green credentials.Initial national policies were based on the assumption that biomass energy is carbon neutral. Biomass has been included in energy portfolios as an infinitely renewable energy source like wind and solar, so it has been eligible for the same support. But closer study of the net greenhouse gas benefits of burning biomass shows that a more complex model of carbon accounting is required. This sho

Crown Jakarta Management Utilities are looking for the holy grail: reliable baseload electricity derived from a sustainable, low carbon source and available around the clock, whatever the weather. Biomass, despite the rapid growth in its use, is still not ticking all of these boxes. It has also recently received bad press from environmental and scientific agencies as they question whether it reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared with fossil fuels. In November 2012, the UK's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace called on the UK government to cancel plans to subsidise the burning of trees in coal power stations. The RSPB report 'Dirtier Than Coal?' says that generating power from typical conifer trees results in 49 per cent more emissions than burning coal, and calls on the government to withdraw public subsidy for generating from feedstock derived from tree trunks. Binding climate change targets and government support for low-carbon energy are bringing about widespread use of biomass in electricity. Coal power stations are co-firing biomass, and dedicated biomass facilities are springing up. As the sector develops, so does understanding of the impact of the large-scale use of fuel made from recently living plant material. It is increasingly clear that the diverse forms of biomass come with different life-cycle carbon emissions and varying green credentials.Initial national policies were based on the assumption that biomass energy is carbon neutral. Biomass has been included in energy portfolios as an infinitely renewable energy source like wind and solar, so it has been eligible for the same support. But closer study of the net greenhouse gas benefits of burning biomass shows that a more complex model of carbon accounting is required. This should include factors relating to the type, source and treatment of the biomass, modelling of forest growth, transp

The study found that while the environmental impact of making electric vehicles is greater than for making gas and diesel vehicles, this is more than made up for by the greater impact of gas and diesel vehicles while they're being used. This is true in terms of total energy consumption, use of resources, greenhouse gases, and ozone pollution. The electric vehicles were assumed to be charged from a grid that includes significant amounts of fossil fuels. (Other studies show that electric vehicles beat gas-powered ones in terms of greenhouse gas emissions even if they're charged in regions that depend heavily on coal. Here's one such study. In some areas, hybrids are a better choice than electric cars.) Electric vehicles come out behind in two areas. They contribute slightly more to acid rain. And they're slightly worse in terms of causing algae blooms than gasoline cars (but better than diesel). Related Article: http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Blog-Crown-Capital-Management-Jakarta-4663261

The Asian Development Bank is ready to allocate some $40 million to Azerbaijan for developing alternative and renewable energy sources, ADB reported on its official website on May 10. According to the report, the Project aims to promote renewable energy development in Azerbaijan through developing two pilot renewable energy projects (biomass cogeneration) with a total installed capacity of 16 megawatt (MW) for efficient electricity and heating supply in Oghuz and Agjabedi regions. The project outputs will consist of construction of two biomass cogeneration plants in Oghuz and Agjabedi regions, construction of heating supply systems in Oghuz and Agjabedi regions, and project management and supervision, including consultancy services for project supervision, safeguards compliance, reporting, and capacity building for the executing agency. According to the Bank, experiences from many other countries demonstrate that biomass power generation is an effective and economic solution to convert biomass fuel to electricity and heat. With the project, it is estimated that about 95 million cubic meters of natural gas will be saved per year for export, thus increasing the government revenue by at least $5.6 million per year. The project will also result in avoidance of GHG emissions, and a reduction of 24,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year. The Government of Azerbaijan is committed to promote renewable energy and sustainable development to ensure environmental safety. Azerbaijan s total electricity production in 2011 reached 19.2 terawatt hours (TWh), of which 82% was generated from thermal power (gas-based) and 18% from hydropower. Currently about 38 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions comes from thermal power generation plants. With increased renewable energy, the government could reduce GHG emissions, as well as increase export revenues and reduce gas subsidies. Azerbaijan has a large potential for renewable energy, which to date remains largely untapped. The

The Asian Development Bank is ready to allocate some $40 million to Azerbaijan for developing alternative and renewable energy sources, ADB reported on its official website on May 10. According to the report, the Project aims to promote renewable energy development in Azerbaijan through developing two pilot renewable energy projects (biomass cogeneration) with a total installed capacity of 16 megawatt (MW) for efficient electricity and heating supply in Oghuz and Agjabedi regions. The project outputs will consist of construction of two biomass cogeneration plants in Oghuz and Agjabedi regions, construction of heating supply systems in Oghuz and Agjabedi regions, and project management and supervision, including consultancy services for project supervision, safeguards compliance, reporting, and capacity building for the executing agency. According to the Bank, experiences from many other countries demonstrate that biomass power generation is an effective and economic solution to convert biomass fuel to electricity and heat. With the project, it is estimated that about 95 million cubic meters of natural gas will be saved per year for export, thus increasing the government revenue by at least $5.6 million per year. The project will also result in avoidance of GHG emissions, and a reduction of 24,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year. The Government of Azerbaijan is committed to promote renewable energy and sustainable development to ensure environmental safety. Azerbaijan s total electricity production in 2011 reached 19.2 terawatt hours (TWh), of which 82% was generated from thermal power (gas-based) and 18% from hydropower. Currently about 38 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions comes from thermal power generation plants. With increased renewable energy, the government could reduce GHG emissions, as well as increase export revenues and reduce gas subsidies. Azerbaijan has a large potential for renewable energy, which to date remains largely untapped. The

http://crowncapitalmngt.newsvine.com/ The German renewable energy policy will change as the country's energy infrastructure is under huge strain. The German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced her aim to curb the renewable energy subsidies so that it can afford to upgrade the power grid and lower the pressure on the rising electricity prices. According to the Associated Press, Merkel announced today a U turn in the German renewable energy policy as she announced that those installing new solar, wind or biomass power sources must "participate more in financing the cost of (electricity) grid expansion." At this point we should emphasise that in 2012, the power exports in Germany recorder the best four year performance in 2012, mainly due to the robust renewable energy industry. According to the German Federal Statistics Office (Destatis), Germany exported 66.6 terawatt hours (TWh) of electrical power. The success of the German renewable energy policy was challenged by the industry association for large corporate and industrial users in Germany, VIK. The industry association had stressed that wind and solar utilities frequently generated electricity when there was no immediate demand and that eco-friendly power was pushing gas-driven plants out of the market, although these were still needed when there wasn't any wind or solar sources. Today, Merkel announced that the expansion in renewable energy must be brought in line with that of the German grid, vowing to overhaul subsidies that total €18 billion annually after elections in September. Apart from the energy grid problems, the German magazine Spiegel had reported that the German renewable energy policy didn't foresee the upcoming cost explosion. It is well known, that solar and wind farms are a long way from being able to produce energy at prices similar to coal-fired or nuclear power plants. Moreover, there are also high costs associated with grid expansion and electricity storage facilities as we

With emerging renewable energy alternatives today, it is highly important that they be given enough attention even early on their developmental stages. Such technologies might not be ready for commercial uses yet but their potential should be amply tested and funded. Society's modern lifestyle is in serious need of energy that can be generated and consumed and yet, not compromise the future state for generations to come; to have no anxiety that it would cause damage to the environment. Green energy could come from such sources available in our environment that are naturally replenished and efficient like tides, wind, sunlight and geothermal heat. It is very different from low-carbon energy as the former does not add to the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere at all, thus, coming with minimal environmental harm and greenhouse gas. Concerns in climate change and increasing oil prices are some of the contributing factors in drawing the spotlight to renewable energy and its potential for commercialization. Green energy can effectively replace our conventional fuel of today in all its main uses, which are in heating, vehicle fuel and electricity generation sectors. In fact, 19% of the electricity generated around the world today comes from renewable sources. Furthermore, since the emergence of biofuels in the United States 6 years ago, consumption of conventional oil has decreased significantly. For a green energy resource or technology to be sustainable, it has to give the maximum environmental advantage while still serving its purpose.

Crown Jakarta Management Container company Pentalver has created a new solution to the problem of where to house a new wood pellet store using its ISO containers. With a ready supply of new or pre-used containers, storage facilities, skilled container conversion personnel and on-site electrics and plumbing, Pentalver says it is able to rework shipping containers to create a separate boiler house and fuel store, with an internal capacity of 33.2 m³. It adds that the benefits of using shipping containers include their strong structure and weight bearing capacity which makes them ideal for housing heavy boiler equipment. There is also no need for additional foundations or a base as containers can be landed directly on to the ground. Other benefits of the container boiler room are said to include: portability, ease of installation (it simply needs to sit on a concrete plinth) and a low cost alternative to an expensive permanent structure. Sam Baggley, group container sales manager at Pentalver, said: "With the government committed to meeting 15 percent of the UK's energy demand from renewable sources by 2020 and financial assistance available through the Renewable Heat Incentive, biomass installations are on the increase. "Our converted containers provide a cost-efficient method of creating a totally bespoke boiler room that can be located in close proximity to residential or commercial properties."

Crown Jakarta Management Container company Pentalver has created a new solution to the problem of where to house a new wood pellet store using its ISO containers. With a ready supply of new or pre-used containers, storage facilities, skilled container conversion personnel and on-site electrics and plumbing, Pentalver says it is able to rework shipping containers to create a separate boiler house and fuel store, with an internal capacity of 33.2 m³. It adds that the benefits of using shipping containers include their strong structure and weight bearing capacity which makes them ideal for housing heavy boiler equipment. There is also no need for additional foundations or a base as containers can be landed directly on to the ground. Other benefits of the container boiler room are said to include: portability, ease of installation (it simply needs to sit on a concrete plinth) and a low cost alternative to an expensive permanent structure. Sam Baggley, group container sales manager at Pentalver, said: "With the government committed to meeting 15 percent of the UK's energy demand from renewable sources by 2020 and financial assistance available through the Renewable Heat Incentive, biomass installations are on the increase. "Our converted containers provide a cost-efficient method of creating a totally bespoke boiler room that can be located in close proximity to residential or commercial properties."

Coronal holes are areas where the Sun's corona is darker, and colder, and has lower-density plasma than average. In this case it looks like a giant hole in the middle of the sun. These were first found when X-ray telescopes in the Skylab mission were flown above the Earth's atmosphere to reveal the structure of the corona. An extensive coronal hole rotated towards Earth recently (May 28-31, 2013). The massive coronal area is one of the largest seen in a year or more. Coronal holes are the source of strong solar wind gusts that carry solar particles out to our magnetosphere and beyond. Solar wind streams take 2-3 days to travel from the Sun to Earth, and the coronal holes in which they originate are more likely to affect Earth after they have rotated more than halfway around the visible hemisphere of the Sun, which is the case here. Watching the solar corona is like observing the patterns of clouds in the sky. They can form all sorts of shapes. In June 2012, for example, there was a big bird image. Snapped through three of NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory extreme ultraviolet filters, this current coronal hole is caused by a low density region of hot plasma. The Sun's corona, or extended outer layer, is a region of plasma that is heated to over a million degrees Celsius. As a result of thermal collisions, the particles within the inner corona have a range and distribution of speeds described by a Maxwellian distribution. The mean velocity of these particles is about 145 km/s, which is well below the solar escape velocity of 618 km/s. However, a few of the particles achieve energies sufficient to reach the terminal velocity of 400 km/s, which allows them to feed the solar wind. At the same temperature, electrons, due to their much smaller mass, reach escape velocity and build up an electric field that further accelerates ions - charged atoms - away from the Sun. The corona is one of the sources of the solar wind. Solar maximum or solar max is a normal period of

Coronal holes are areas where the Sun's corona is darker, and colder, and has lower-density plasma than average. In this case it looks like a giant hole in the middle of the sun. These were first found when X-ray telescopes in the Skylab mission were flown above the Earth's atmosphere to reveal the structure of the corona. An extensive coronal hole rotated towards Earth recently (May 28-31, 2013). The massive coronal area is one of the largest seen in a year or more. Coronal holes are the source of strong solar wind gusts that carry solar particles out to our magnetosphere and beyond. Solar wind streams take 2-3 days to travel from the Sun to Earth, and the coronal holes in which they originate are more likely to affect Earth after they have rotated more than halfway around the visible hemisphere of the Sun, which is the case here. Watching the solar corona is like observing the patterns of clouds in the sky. They can form all sorts of shapes. In June 2012, for example, there was a big bird image. Snapped through three of NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory extreme ultraviolet filters, this current coronal hole is caused by a low density region of hot plasma. The Sun's corona, or extended outer layer, is a region of plasma that is heated to over a million degrees Celsius. As a result of thermal collisions, the particles within the inner corona have a range and distribution of speeds described by a Maxwellian distribution. The mean velocity of these particles is about 145 km/s, which is well below the solar escape velocity of 618 km/s. However, a few of the particles achieve energies sufficient to reach the terminal velocity of 400 km/s, which allows them to feed the solar wind. At the same temperature, electrons, due to their much smaller mass, reach escape velocity and build up an electric field that further accelerates ions - charged atoms - away from the Sun. The corona is one of the sources of the solar wind. Solar maximum or solar max is a normal period

Environmental damage caused by economic activities like coal plant electrical generation and mining is costing the global economy as much as US$4.7 trillion a year. That is what is revealed in a report released on 15 April and commissioned by the Group of Eight economic powers and the United Nation's Environmental Programme.