Air New Zealand and Boeing announce sustainable jatropha biofuel test flight

Air New Zealand and Boeing today announced Dec. 3 as the date for the airline's sustainable biofuels flight from Auckland using a 747-400 jetliner. Conducted in partnership with Rolls-Royce and UOP, a Honeywell company, one of the airplane's four Rolls-Royce RB211 engines will be powered in part using advanced generation biofuels derived from jatropha. Air New Zealand now becomes the first airline to use a commercially viable biofuel sourced using sustainability best practices.

Boeing, Air New Zealand and UOP have worked diligently with growers and project developer Terasol Energy to identify sustainable jatropha in adequate quantities to conduct thorough preflight testing. Using proprietary UOP fuel processing technology, the jatropha crude oil was successfully converted to biojet fuel, marking the world's first large-scale production run of a commercially viable and sustainable biofuel for aviation use.

"This flight strongly supports our efforts to be the world's most environmentally responsible airline," said Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Rob Fyfe. "We recently demonstrated the fuel and environmental gains that can be achieved through advanced operational procedures using Boeing 777s. We're also modernizing our fleet as we await our Trent 1000-powered 787-9 Dreamliners, which will burn 20 percent less fuel than the planes they replace. Introducing a new generation of sustainable fuels is the next logical step in our efforts to further save fuel and reduce aircraft emissions."

As part of the fuel verification process, UK-based engine maker Rolls-Royce's technical team conducted extensive laboratory testing to ensure compatibility with today's jet engine components and to validate the fuel meets stringent performance criteria for aviation fuel.
"In preparation for Air New Zealand's test flight we achieved our near-term goal - identifying and sourcing the first large-scale run of sustainable biofuel for commercial aviation," said Boeing Commercial Airplane's Managing Director of Environmental Strategy Billy Glover. "The processing technology exists today, and based on results we've seen, it's highly encouraging that this fuel not only met but exceeded three key criteria for the next generation of jet fuel: higher than expected jet fuel yields, very low freeze point and good energy density," Glover explained. "That tells us we're on the right path to certification and commercial availability."

Because of the unique environment in which aviation operates, stringent criteria are in place to ensure that any alternative fuel meets or exceeds current jet fuel requirements. Advance testing for the Air New Zealand flight showed that the jatropha-based biofuel met all critical specifications, including a freeze point at -53 degrees Fahrenheit (-47 degrees Celsius) and a flash point at 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).

"Laboratory testing showed the final blend had excellent properties, meeting and in many cases exceeding the stringent technical requirements for fuels used in civil and defense aircraft," said Chris Lewis, Rolls-Royce company specialist for fuels. "The blended fuel therefore meets the essential requirement of being a 'drop-in' fuel, meaning its properties will be virtually indistinguishable from conventional fuel, Jet A1, which is used in commercial aviation today."
To process the jatropha crude, the team relied on UOP's green jet fuel processing technology based on hydroprocessing methodologies that are commonly used to produce transportation fuels. During processing, hydrogen is added to remove oxygen from the biomass, resulting in a bio-derived jet fuel that can be used as a petroleum replacement for commercial aviation. Boeing is working with airlines and engine manufacturers to gather biofuel performance data as part of the industry's efforts to revise the current American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards to include fuels from sustainable plant sources. Jatropha, which can be grown in a broad range of conditions, produces seeds that contain inedible lipid oil that is extracted and used to produce fuel. Each seed produces 30 to 40 percent of its mass in oil. Plant oil used to create the fuel for the Air New Zealand flight was sourced from nonarable lands in India and Southeastern Africa (Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania).

Air New Zealand is one of several air carriers working to diversify and secure its energy future through participation in the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group. That effort includes a commitment to sustainability criteria for fuel sourcing and commercializing plant-based fuels that perform as well as, or better than, kerosene-based fuel but with a smaller carbon lifecycle. The goal is to create a portfolio of next-generation biofuels that can be blended with traditional kerosene fuel (Jet A) to improve environmental performance.

Additional flight specifics will be announced closer to the actual flight date.

Clipper plans the world's largest offshore wind turbine

Clipper Windpower Plc announced that it has established a Centre of Excellence for Offshore Wind in Blyth, United Kingdom, to develop the world's largest offshore wind turbine at 7.5 MW. The "Britannia Project" has attracted support from the UK's One NorthEast Regional Development Agency.

The development of the 7.5 MW wind turbine will build upon the advanced architecture and technology of Clipper's Liberty 2.5 MW turbine which, in September 2007, was recognized for its unparalleled levels of efficiency, reliability and reduced cost of energy by way of a commendation awarded to Clipper by the United States Department of Energy.

The Britannia Project addresses the growing demand for highly reliable and efficient offshore wind energy. Clipper will enlist the services and test facilities of the Blyth-based New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC) in this project.

"We are extremely pleased to have the U.K.'s One NorthEast working with us in the Britannia Project," said James G.P. Dehlsen, Chairman and CEO of Clipper. "We established the Project based on the offshore wind application of our technology and in concert with the U.K. government's policy leadership targeted to provide upwards of 20% of the nation's electricity from renewable sources which will rely in great part on offshore wind development. This forward-thinking policy should provide strong and affirmative action on both climate change and the enhancement of domestic energy security."

U.K. Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR), the Rt. Hon. John Hutton MP, noted that the UK's commitment to wind power is steadfast.

"Clipper Windpower's decision to develop a new generation of offshore wind turbines in the North East of England is further evidence that the U.K. is fast becoming a magnet for renewable energy investment," Mr. Hutton said. "A recent report from Ernst & Young showed that the UK has moved up from fifth to second in the world for attractiveness in new renewable investment. Behind this is the Government's determination to bring down planning barriers and target support at marine and emerging renewables. By 2015 we expect to see a threefold increase in green energy feeding into the grid."

Ian Williams, One NorthEast Director of Business and Industry, said, "The Britannia Project, based on Clipper's advanced technology platform, furthers One NorthEast's goal to develop leading expertise in renewable energy which we have targeted as a key growth market. In this regard, the Britannia Project is an ideal technology model."

In developing this project there has been close collaboration between Clipper, One NorthEast and UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) - the UK Government's business development organization, which brings together the work of the BERR, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

One NorthEast's Blyth-based New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC) will provide the Britannia Project with a support package for engineering and test laboratory, including its world-class wind turbine blade testing facilities. Engineering for the project will be shared between Clipper's Advanced Technology Group, based in Carpinteria, California, and Clipper operations in Blyth. Funding provided by One NorthEast also will support the development of Clipper's turbine supply chain and related manufacturing facilities.

Dehlsen indicated: "The potential for collaboration with the local companies with skills and capacity for turbine component production will be a significant advantage as turbine manufacturing gets underway." Dehlsen added: "We have seen excellent regional university resources specialized in offshore energy, particularly through the Marine Design Centre's expertise in marine technology and science."

Ian Williams added: "As we work with Clipper to develop the 7.5 MW turbine, we will build upon the advanced architecture and technologies of Clipper's 2.5 MW turbine which Clipper developed and tested in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

"NREL also assisted NaREC in the planning of the blade test facility in Blyth, partnering through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement. Working with Clipper, we believe we can couple our marine technology experience to advance offshore wind power for both the European and US wind energy industries."

"Clipper viewed the North East as its global location of choice for this project which we hope will lead to future manufacturing and job creation in the region. Our region has the engineering, research and development and manufacturing expertise to make this happen."

The world’s first hybrid train built by Bombardier officially enters commercial service in France

Champagne-Ardenne regional and transportation authorities and Bombardier Transportation today inaugurated the first dual-mode and dual-voltage AGC (Autorail Grande Capacité, high-capacity railcar) in the presence of French National Railways (SNCF) CEO Anne-Marie Idrac. This event is a world premiere in that the hybrid AGC combines certain operating features for the first time ever in a train.

Dual-mode (electrical and diesel) and dual-voltage (1500 and 25000 V) technology enables the Hybrid AGC to glide seamlessly across the entire railway network and to access electricity from any available source. This will result in energy savings and reduced CO2 emissions, as well as negating infrastructure constraints and the need for passengers to change trains.

The Hybrid AGC also dovetails with the sustainable-mobility agenda, enabling operators to streamline vehicle management, enhance service quality, and protect the environment. The latest variant in the AGC range is at the cutting edge of railroad technology. As of today,
21 French regions have ordered and/or operate 698 AGC regional express trains.

SNCF will be operating the Hybrid AGC on Champagne-Ardenne lines between Paris - Troyes - Culmont and between Culmont - Saint-Didier - Vitry.

French and foreign VIP guests travelling on Hybrid AGCs from Paris and Dijon to the presentation ceremony in Troyes had an opportunity to enjoy this train’s top-quality features and efficiency – in particular the imperceptible switches from electric to non-electrified tracks.

The Regional President of Champagne-Ardenne, Jean-Paul Bachy confirmed, “This technological breakthrough demonstrates the Regional Council’s determination to remain at the forefront of progress in the rail sector in Europe. This substantial investment from the Region meets the demands of users in terms of both safety and reliability. At the same time, it combines modernity with protection of the environment.”

André Navarri, President Bombardier Transportation, said: “This hybrid AGC is a new leap towards sustainable mobility. It reflects our ability to bring groundbreaking technology to authorities, SNCF and passengers. And it further increases the environmental edge that trains have created over other transportation options.”

Jean Bergé, President Bombardier Transportation France added, “We are especially proud of this train, which was engineered and built in our plant in Crespin, in the Valenciennes area. The many foreign delegations that have joined us at the event reflect the interest that this environmentally friendly technology has generated. We see that as an encouraging sign for our efforts to harness this trailblazing expertise to augment our exports from France.”

Norway to build world's first osmotic power plant

Norway plans to build the world's first osmotic power plant, a renewable energy source that uses the pressure built up between sea water and fresh water, Norwegian energy group Statkraft said Wednesday.

Osmotic power is based on the natural process of osmosis.

In an osmotic power plant, sea water and fresh water are separated by a membrane. The sea water draws the fresh water through the membrane, thereby increasing the pressure on the sea water side. The increased pressure is used to produce power with a turbine, Statkraft said.

"Osmotic power is a very-promising technology," the head of Statkraft, Baard Mikkelsen, said in a statement.

"It is clean and [greenhous gas] emission-free, and could become competitive within a few years," he said.

According to Statkraft, the technology could produce some-1,600 terawatt hours (TWh) worldwide. That is equivalent to "13 times the annual hydroelectric production of Norway," which covers almost all of its energy needs with hydro power.

In Europe, the potential is estimated at around 200 TWh, Statkraft said.

The prototype of the osmotic power plant is being built in Hurum in southeastern Norway, and could produce between 2 kilowatt and 4 kilowatt hours.

Construction is scheduled to be completed next year.

New Jersey governor signed the toughest U.S. global warming law

Governor Jon Corzine made New Jersey the first state to call for strict greenhouse gas reductions by 2050 in an effort to fight global warming and climate change. Corzine signed the Global Warming Response Act that mandates greenhouse gas emissions in New Jersey to be cut by 16 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050.

The new law also sends a message to the Bush administration, who opposes mandatory emission cuts, preferring voluntary goals instead. But that, Corzine says, is not enough. "We want to send a message to Washington. Wake up, get with the program and start doing something about greenhouse gasses," the Democratic governor told reporters.

Other states have introduced their own measures since the federal government has yet to require mandatory emission regulations. California also passed a greenhouse gas law recently that mandates emission cuts. And while it has a long term goal of cutting emissions by 80 percent in 2050, it is merely a target, and not enforceable like that of the New Jersey law.

A Chinese company says it has developed a mobile phone that uses solar energy to recharge itself and can provide 40 minutes of talk-time after sitting in the sun for an hour.

Hi-Tech Wealth, a well-known telecommunication products supplier in China, claims its mobile phone is the world's first solar power to recharge its battery. The company says a scale-like solar panel on the top side of the clamshell-designed phone can also be recharged by light from other sources including candles.

Hi-Tech Wealth says it has developed the most advanced solar power technology and owns eight patents and has applied for numerous others. Many companies around the world are working on similar mobile phones but their products are still at the experimental stage, said an official with Hi-Tech Wealth.

Zhang Zhengyu, chairman of Hi-Tech Wealth, said the company began researching the use of light as an energy source in 2000 and has invested hundreds of millions of yuan. "With more than 400 million mobile phones in the country, China would save a great amount of electricity if all its mobile phones were recharged by light," Zhang said, adding that the lifespan of the battery in the new phone is 2.5 times longer that traditional batteries.

In March, Hi-Tech Wealth exhibited its light energy mobile phones at the world's largest electronic, IT and telecommunication products trade show CeBIT in Hanover, Germany. The company plans to put six of its light energy mobile phones on the market this year, and another 30 next year.

Climate change is a serious problem that affects us all. There is strong evidence that human emissions of greenhouse gases are changing the world's climate. The main greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide (CO2), produced when we burn fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas for energy.

Over 40 per cent of CO2 emissions in the UK come directly from what we do as individuals; for example, heating and using electricity in our homes - and driving vehicles. Flights are the next biggest source of individuals’ CO2 emissions.

Everyone contributes to climate change

Everyone has a carbon footprint - it's your own personal measure of how much carbon dioxide you create and how much you contribute to climate change.

Calculate your carbon footprint!

The Act on CO2 calculator is currently seeing an overwhelming response and we're working to fix the problems you may be experiencing. Please bear with us and visit again later today. Thank you for your interest and patience.

Use the Act on CO2 calculator to find out what your carbon footprint is. You'll also get a personalised action plan with recommendations about how you can help tackle climate change - including links to further information on Directgov and the Energy Saving Trust website.