World's Most Efficient Solar Panel Developed

A North Carolina company, Semprius Inc., has developed the world's most efficient solar panel. The most efficient photovoltaic module previously converted 16% of sunlight into electricity with Spemprius' prototype converting 33.9%. The information is provided by two separate company press releases.

The prototype underwent testing and certification at the Instituto de Energia Solar in Spain and at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. During the previous tests, the Semprius prototype demonstrated a 32% energy conversion rate.

Even a small scale improvement like this makes a huge difference in returns on investment. This is especially true on large scale utility projects.

“This is a significant milestone for Semprius and the entire PV industry,” said Scott Burroughs, vice president of technology at Durham, N.C.-based Semprius. “For the first time we have been able to convert more than one third of the sun’s energy into usable electricity.”

The Semprius solar module magnifies the sunlight with mirrors and lenses before it hits the photovoltaic cells, creating concentrated photovoltaics.

Semprius developed its technology with support from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) which is located in Golden, Colorado. 

London Strives for Gold in Environmental Planning for the Olympics

The United Nations Environmental Program dates the first environmentally conscientious Olympic Games to the 1994 Games in Lillehammer, Norway. The 2012 Summer Olympics in London is hoping to push the effort even further. This is the first host city to measure its carbon footprint from construction through the end of the Games.

David Stubbs, the head of sustainability for the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games proudly discussed the development of the first global standard for sustainable event management, named ISO 20121. Additionally, the implementation of he Food Vision Program is the first to challenge the catering sector to look at sustainable sources including fair trade, M.S.C.-certified (Marine Stewardship Council-certified) fish and Farm Assured Red Tractor (a program which assures safety of food production).

The 2012 Olympic Games have transformed a large part of East London, the  Lea Valley site, which had been an industrial waste ground for centuries. The transformation included cleaning lead, arsenic and tar out of the soil. In addition to beating their 90% recycling goal by 8%, volunteers also helped restore the natural habitat and water flows along the River Lea.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said, "It's fantastic that so many volunteers have pulled together to help make our rivers and canals sparkle for London's summer like no other. The eyes of the world will be on the capital during the Games and thanks to this hard work, millions of people will be able to see our wonderful waterways at their best."

The 250 acres of parkland is the biggest urban park to be built in Europe for 150 years with 45 hectares of new wildlife habitat. Organizers created temporary structures that can be recycled after the games in addition to permanent structures that are to be incorporated into the park. The area is to be named The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and will be open to the public after the games.

Angelica Oman

Graduate Program Assistant

Solar Energy Project Assists Affordable Housing in Denver

Last April, Namaste Solar Electric Inc  began installation of solar power systems in 387 affordable housing buildings in Denver. The $10 million solar power project is part of a 2.5 megawatt, 20 year power purchase signed by the Denver Housing Authority. This is one of the largest solar panel installations within the Denver metro area. Within those 387 buildings, 668 units will benefit from the solar power. Denver Housing Authority will buy the solar power at slightly less cost than what Xcel Energy Inc had been charging and the yearly rate increase will also be lower than Xcel's. The Denver Housing Authority’s project is partnered with Namaste Solar Electric Inc, of Boulder, Oakleaf Energy Partners and Enfinity America Corporation.

A similar solar power system installation in Denver was brokered by the Denver Public School system in 2010. However, heir two power-purchase agreements were only 1.8 and 1.2 megawatts in 16 and 12 schools respectively.

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock stated: “The Denver Housing Authority continues to serve as an aggressive leader in revitalizing Denver’s inner-city communities. Developing smart, sustainable residential sites clearly makes them an outstanding example of the stewardship that makes us a leader in energy-conscious cities.”

Angelica Oman

Graduate Program Assistant

US: Driest Conditions Since the Dust Bowl?

The United States is facing some of the driest conditions since the droughts of the 1950's and 1930's which  were characterized by the Dust Bowl. The US Department of Agriculture has declared the current drought as the largest disaster in its history, affecting over 26 states -nearly two-thirds of the continental US. However, this current drought, although equal in size, "is not as severe or long lasting as the multiyear droughts of the 1950's and 1930's" according to Mark Svoboda, a climatologist  with the US National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Svoboda refers to this drought as a "flash drought" because it arrived in a time frame of weeks to months, relatively fast for a drought.


The dry conditions were caused by the heat wave that hit the greater Midwest in June.
The drought is hitting agriculture and livestock the hardest. The dry spell came during the most critical point for corn growth. Tom Vilsack, the USDA secretary, noted that the forecast for other agricultural products, including soybeans and livestock, had been hurt by the drought.

It is hoped that with sustainable water practices, people will be able to manage the drought conditions.

Angelica Oman

Graduate Program Assistant

Australia Pushes Boundaries of Preservation

In June, Australia announced its intention to create the world's largest marine reserve. The reserve will cover more than a third of Australia's coastal waters, encompassing 3.1 million square kilometers of ocean. Restrictions are being placed on fishing and oil and gas exploration within the reserve.

Environmental Minister Tony Burke said, "It's time for the world to turn a corner on protection of our oceans and Australia today is leading that next step."

The areas that will be protected include the Great Barrier Reef, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The areas provide support for tropical ecosystems in reefs and deep sea canyons, such as sharks and tuna among other aquatic species. A US navy ship also rests in the water which sunk in 1942 during the Battle of the Coral Sea.

Burke said he wanted the reserves to set a benchmark for the world in environmental protection and food security – access to and consistent availability of food. The plan aims to guarantee future fish stocks by preventing overfishing.

The finals plans should be announced by the end of the year.
Here is a detailed video of the plan.

Angelica Oman

Graduate Program Assistant

Peru's Renewable Energy Sector Takes Leap Forward

A US development finance institution, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) has approved financing for the construction of two 20 megawatt solar power plants in Peru. These plants will generate almost 100 million kWk of clean, renewable electricity per year. The investment amounting to $185 million will enable Conduit Capital Partners to finance the construction and operation of the plants.

OPIC President and CEO Elizabeth Littlefield said, “The Peruvian government, in partnership with the private sector, continues to make great strides in bringing electricity to the majority of its population. This project will enable Peru to take advantage of its great solar potential in order to increase energy access in rural, poorer areas where the need is greatest.”

The two solar power plants will be constructed in Peru's southern mountain range, which offers significant solar energy potential. Peru will benefit from the increase in electricity and provide more rural communities with access. In 2011, electricity coverage in rural communities was about 30%, with more than 6 million Peruvians lacking electricity.

This is a great step forward for the development of Peru and their renewable energy sector.

Angelica Oman

Graduate Program Assistant

Colorado Wild Fires Catch Nation's Attention

Colorado has been prominent in the news due to the spread of wild fires. One of the largest fires, the High Park Fire, began 15 miles west of Fort Collins with a strike of lightning.  Currently, the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs doubled in size overnight and has forced the evacuation of more than thirty thousand residents.  Reports indicate that this is the second worst wild fire in Colorado history.

 The dry conditions and a record low level of snow pack is fueling the fires. Record-breaking temperatures, strong winds and thunderstorms are also hampering efforts to control the fire. "The fire conditions could not be worse," said Anne Rys-Sikora, spokeswoman for a multiagency fire response team. "It is like a convection oven out there."

About half of the nation's large wild fire personnel are now focused in Colorado, reported US Forest Service chief, Tom Tidwell. The US Forest Service has been given assistance from the Air Force through the loan of four C-130 cargo planes to drop fire retardant or water. President Obama is scheduled to visit the Waldo Canyon area on Firday "to view the damage and thank the responders bravely battling the fire."

We wish those fighting the fire strength and continued safety. Our thoughts are with those who have suffered loss due to the fires. Here is information of how you can help.

Angelica Oman
Graduate Program Assistant