Scotland capitalizes on the whisky industry to create super-charged biofuel

Scotland is famous around the world for its production of whisky. Indeed, the $6.2 billion industry is one of the country’s key markets. But as is the case with the production of so many goods, there are by-products. What to do with the 1.6 billion liters of pot ale and 187,000 metric tons of draff generated by the industry annually? Scientists at Scotland’s Edinburgh Napier University think they have the answer, and it’s green: make biofuel.

Earlier this week, the scientists filed for a patent on the creation of biobutanol, a new biofuel that is derived from the by-products of whisky distillation and can be used in ordinary vehicles. The fuel is claimed to be 30 percent more powerful than ethanol and does not require modifications to become biofuel ready. It is also easily made into other renewable biochemicals. Explains Martin Tangney, director of the university’s Biofuel Research Center and leader of the project, “The most likely form of distribution of the biofuel would be a blend of perhaps 5 percent or 10 percent of the biofuel with petrol or diesel, but 5 percent or 10 percent means less oil, which would make a big, big difference.” The European Union has projected that biofuels will account for 10 percent of its total fuel sales within the next decade.

American businesses need future investment in sustainability

A new survey released in July by Harris Interactive of employees and executives from the 1,000 largest American companies found that only a fraction of these businesses are adopting greener, more efficient practices. The survey reveals that only 29 percent of executives and 16 percent of adults believe their company is doing something towards sustainability.

The biggest reason respondents gave for believing their companies are not adopting greener practices was lack of return on investment. Many also stated they believe the companies themselves do not know how to make their operations greener and more efficient.

According to Ron Lock, senior vice president of Gibbs & Soell's green technology and sustainability practice, "Closing this credibility gap is going to require actions and communications that connect with key stakeholders. Having a dedicated staff and line item budget for green initiatives is an important step in making believers of employees, customers, and investors. For connecting with consumers, it means transparency and consistency of message."

For information on how to make your company greener, visit OpenEI.

Global ocean energy an untapped resource worth an estimated $1 trillion, experts claim

London-based Atlantis Resources Corporation recently unveiled its largest and most powerful tidal power turbine to date: the AK1000. At 22.5 meters (67.5 feet) high, 130 metric tons, and featuring a rotor diameter of 18 meters (54 feet), the turbine has the ability to generate a whopping 1 megawatt of energy at a water velocity of 2.65 meters per second (7.95 feet per second). Installation is slated for the end of this year at the European Marine Energy Center in Orkney, Scotland.

The introduction of the massive AK1000 is significant for a number of reasons. According to the analyst firm Frost & Sullivan, global wave energy resources have the potential to produce as much as 6,000 terrawatt hours of clean power per year. This is double the energy production of global nuclear power. In addition, the firm estimates the global ocean energy industry could be worth up to $1 trillion. Looking specifically at the development of the AK1000, nearly $8 million has been injected into Britain’s economy, creating renewable energy jobs across a host of sectors, including design, engineering, fabrication and project management.

The key to the viability of this energy sector is the ability of companies to develop devices and technologies that can withstand the harsh conditions at sea. Yet for those committed to braving the challenges, the future of the ocean energy industry appears bright. States Timothy Cornelius, chief executive of Atlantis Resources, “Today is not just about our technology, it is about the emergence of tidal power as a viable asset class that will require the development of local supply chains employing local people to deliver sustainable energy to the local grid.”

Affordable solar panels fill a vital niche in the residential market

Solar power is a clean energy source that utilizes the rays of the sun to generate electricity. Though simple to understand in concept, the installation of roof-mounted solar power systems for residential use is both complex and costly, starting at around $10,000 and easily topping $40,000 for systems that provide all of a home’s power needs. In most cases, a contractor specializing in solar power must be hired to handle the installation. The entire process requires a significant commitment in terms of time and funds—a limiting factor for many consumers who would like to go green but can’t yet afford to.

Seattle-based green tech company Clarian Power hopes to change this situation very soon. The company is developing a relatively affordable, turn-key solar appliance for home use called the SunfishTM that is, quite simply, “plug and play.” Explains Clarian President Chad Maglaque, “You bring it home and plug it in, just like a refrigerator, and it will cost about the same [starting at $599].”

The appliance works through the use of a patented micro-inverter, by which the Sunfish is plugged into any outlet (typically outside). Up to five solar panels can then be attached to the device, generating as much as 150 kilowatt hours per month. Though a typical home requires an average of 920 kilowatt hours to be self-sufficient, the Sunfish fills a vital niche for consumers who desire to reduce their carbon footprint within their budget limitations. Applauds Dave Cavanaugh, a senior analyst with Pike Research, “Products like this are a good first step to get people to use less energy from the grid and begin thinking about how they can use energy more efficiently.”