The year fracking shook the UK

EarthzineEnergy

fracking Originally Published by The Gaurdian- Adam Vaughan looks back at a year dominated by protests over fracking, drilling in the Arctic, and Fukushima leaks.

In South Africa, Renewables Vie With the Political Power of Coal

EarthzineEnergy

ozone hole Originally Published by Yale Environment – Although coal has dominated the South African electricity sector for decades, the country’s abundant solar and wind resources offer a promising renewable energy alternative. But entrenched political interests, including the president’s son, are fighting to expand coal’s role in the national economy.

Solar activity heads for lowest low in four centuries

EarthzineEnergy

Originally Published by New Scientist – The sun’s activity is in free fall, according to a leading space physicist, which may slow the rise of global temperatures due to climate change. But don’t expect a little ice age.

Oil and gas sector gears up for Sentinels

Amanda LewanEnergy

Originally Published by ESA – The international body representing the oil and gas industry is promoting the use of satellite Earth observation as the industry explores new frontiers. The upcoming Sentinel suite of satellites will facilitate these new endeavours.

Straw could supply energy to millions of households

EarthzineEnergy

Originally Published by ScienceDaily- Straw from agriculture could play an important role in the future energy mix for Germany. Up until now it has been underutilized as a biomass residue and waste material. Research shows that a total of 30 million tons of cereal straw is produced annually in Germany and between 8 and 13 million tons of it could be used sustainably for energy or fuel production. This potential could for example provide 1.7 to 2.8 million average households with electricity and at the same time 2.8 to 4.5 million households with heating.

France Upholds Fracking Ban

EarthzineEnergy

Originally Published by NYT- The nation’s highest court ruled against a challenge by Schuepbach Energy, an American company, to a government ban on the gas extraction technique.