A further advance in energy technology is revealed - the great white hope it seems is salt. Only up to powering light bulbs so far, salt power for all is a distant prospect. The important point here is that, new concepts such as this, which are technological undercurrents, may one day rise to offer helpful energy solutions.

Historically, wind technology has been seen on land and near offshore locations. Restrictions, such as prohibitively expensive offshore foundations to support wind turbines larger than 20 meters, may be viewed as stunting potential market growth. Now, new technology based on floating turbines may enable deeper offshore placement. The view mentioned with this news is that pushing turbines further out to sea will equalise the issue of aesthetics. However, the real issue here is can this technology deliver a useful and economic addition to the grid.

New financial credits for renewable energy in Brazil: 1053 MW for biomass

First wind farm in Southeast of Brazil will generate 28 MW with 17 wind generators.

Cable maker Nexans announced its H1 2008 financial statements on 24th July. The company reported H1 sales dropped by 6.28% year-on-year to €3,554M (US$5,572M) as a result of deliberate reduction of the external sales in the electrical wires business. Operating margin was €220M (US$345M), which is an increase of 18% from same period last year. H1 net income was €119M (US$187M), which was comparatively more stable than the other sectors due to less exposure to tax rate change. Nexans believes that the increased uncertainty in the economic environment had not affected its profitability as operating margin increased to its target amount. It also announced that it has abandoned the plan to sale its automotive cable harnesses business.

Paranapanema group will not use the copper produced by Vale in Brazil due to tax issues.

Copper theft increased 11% in Brazil in 2007 reaching 840 tons.