A photovoltaic oasis

In the harsh, isolated, semi-desert region north of Cairo in Egypt, 150 acres has been planted with beans, peas and orange trees. But there is a problem: an endless need for water. Farmer Tantawi Mostafa explains: “Each plant needs a certain amount of water, depending on the season. Peas, for instance, need a lot of water, I have to irrigate them at least five hours a day. Oranges and…

Iceland volcano drilling suggests magma could become source of high-grade energy

Geologists drilling an exploratory geothermal well in 2009 in the Krafla volcano, Iceland, encountered a problem they were unprepared for: magma which flowed into the well at 2.1 kilometers depth, forcing the researchers to terminate the drilling. The research team believes it should be possible to find reasonably shallow bodies of magma elsewhere in Iceland and the world, which would make for attractive sources of high-grade energy.

Suzlon Energy proposes $392 million wind farm for New South Wales, Australia

Wind - Suzlon Energy proposes $392 million wind farm for New South Wales, Australia - Renewable Energy Magazine, at the heart of clean energy journalism

New solar cell self-repairs like natural plant system

Researchers are creating a new type of solar cell designed to self-repair like natural photosynthetic systems in plants by using carbon nanotubes and DNA, an approach aimed at increasing service life and reducing cost.

Global wind industry growing strongly, led by Asia

Wind - Global wind industry growing strongly, led by Asia - Renewable Energy Magazine, at the heart of clean energy journalism

Algeria to invest $60 billion in renewable energy through 2030

Panorama - Algeria to invest $60 billion in renewable energy through 2030 - Renewable Energy Magazine, at the heart of clean energy journalism

Wind power development stalled in Venezuela

Venezula could install as much as 1,600 MW of wind power generation by 2015-20, according to a key industry source that wished to remain nameless. He added that the country is making progress in pursuing three projects that could add as much as 300 MW in the next couple of years.

Spain and Portugal lead the way on renewable energy transformation

Rapid energy transformation at the national level is possible. Transformation is also necessary if we are to mitigate the impacts of climate change and peak oil. The kind of transformation we need in the U.S. has been demonstrated vividly by an increasing number of nations shifting rapidly to a renewable energy economy. Spain and Portugal are currently the most powerful examples of this transformation.

Argentina looks to wind for the answer to its energy woes

In 2004, Argentina received a wake up call. The Latin American nation experienced a deep energy crisis as a result of a shortage in natural gas caused by the demand for energy skyrocketing and outstripping supply. Since then the country has made a conscious effort to diversify its energy sources, with wind power attracting particular attention.

Cow rumen enzymes for better biofuels

When it comes to breaking down plant matter and converting it to energy, the cow has it all figured out. Its digestive system allows it to eat more than 150 pounds of plant matter every day. Now researchers report that they have found dozens of previously unknown microbial enzymes in the bovine rumen -- the cow

The world can be powered by alternative energy, using today’s technology, in 20-40 years

If someone told you there was a way you could save 2.5 million to 3 million lives a year and simultaneously halt global warming, reduce air and water