World Solar Challenge 2011 Gets Veolia Sponsorship

Posted on September 26, 2011 by quest

Veolia Environmental Services announced today that it has joined as the naming rights sponsor of the 2011 World Solar Challenge. The Veolia World Solar Challenge, held in October 2011, requires entrants to build a vehicle that runs on solar power, and can be driven from Darwin to Adelaide. Doug Dean, Managing Director of Veolia Environmental Services Australia described the partnership as a natural fit with Veolia’s proactive approach to developing viable and sustainable environmental solutions. “As a global leader in the provision of environmental services, Veolia is committed to supporting innovation which improves our environment, whilst also promoting renewable and alternative energy sources. We are therefore very proud to partner with the World Solar Challenge in 2011.”

Commenting on the partnership, CEO of the South Australian Motor Sports Board, Mark Warren said reaching the landmark agreement, with such a significant corporation was a turning point in the history of the event, which has struggled for recognition and support from the Australian corporate world. “With the backing of one of Australia’s leaders in environmental services, we have a much greater chance of taking solar cars and their sustainable technology out of the future fantasy realm and into the garages of everyday Australians,” Mr. Warren said.

The announcement further solidifies Veolia’s position as supporting innovation within Australia through the development of technologies which utilize alternative energy sources. The Darwin-to-Adelaide, 3,021-kilometer 2011 World Solar Challenge is also being by supported by Panasonic. They are is providing the latest Lithium Ion battery technologies for use with solar-powered vehicles engineered by undergraduate teams from the University of California at Berkeley and Stanford University in the seven day drive through the Australian Outback.

Solar Powered Farming Takes Root With Cali Growers

Age Of Enlightenment Foolishness Green and Greed

Posted on September 25, 2011 by quest

By Richard Andrews: These aren’t exactly the words of Charles Dickens author of A Tale of Two Cities, the exact quote is ” “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness; it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity; it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness; it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair; we had everything before us, we had nothing before us; we were all going directly to Heaven, we were all going the other way.”

I think these words fairly sum up the social and economic condition of our time. Technology and innovation have made available tools to free us from war, famine and pollution. And yet our political and economic decision making is in dire need of renewal. To anyone who has been paying a little attention our elected representatives appear to be caught up in the caught up; as China and other nations lead in manufacturing and create more job opportunities then we. To simplify; the American two party political system acts like a dysfunctional, enabling and abusive married couple that are staying together for the “sake of the children.” However, in this scenario we the citizens (children) are the ones who suffer.

Ta’Kaiya Blaney – Tar Sands Activist – Sliammon First Nation

Solyntra, for example the Hayward based solar manufacturer came on the scene offering the promise of clean renewable technology. But even with government loans and private capital behind it the firm just closed its doors. Why? Competition? Mismanagement? Under capitalized? Politics? Or all of the above? Some in Congress are now calling for cuts in previous government commitments to growing the clean green energy sector. And as it turns out some of those officials happen Read the complete article:

Ursula Sladek: Housewife who powered a green revolution

ParkVida Tree Houses Welcomes Ecotourism Adventurers

Posted on September 25, 2011 by quest

ParkVida Group, Inc. is pleased to announce the purchase of JBP SRL from Park Capital Management, Inc., in addition to a new name and symbol. JBP is a Dominican based limited liability company intent on developing a first class resort devoted to mountain bike riding and eco-tourism. The development is known as ParkVida. ParkVida is located at the top of the Cordillera Central mountain range in the Dominican Republic on a 700 acre former coffee plantation that is adjacent to the Armando Bermudez National Park. The development will offer 199 hotel rooms, cottages and “tree houses” in harmony with the environment as a welcome alternative for travelers seeking a deluxe outdoor experience over traditional packaged tours.

Adventure activities will focus on downhill and cross-country mountain biking with a dedicated chairlift for the uphill return. ParkVida’s destination riding vacation will be designed for mountain biking enthusiasts who want to focus on the trail, the ride, and the thrill of riding with the promise of great accommodation, service and relaxation. Personal skills will be matched with equipment and guidance to provide that “local trail” experience on a host of trails engineered and hand built by bikers for bikers. Other ParkVida activities will include zip lining, adventure rope courses, water slides, hiking, fishing, spa, mule riding, quad biking, cultural classes, eco tours and coffee related experiences such as growing, roasting and brewing.

JBP is in the process of finalizing design plans and seeking out regulatory permits that would enable the first phase of construction at ParkVida. Management hopes to begin construction of the resort early next year subject to receiving approvals from local authorities, the completion of an environmental study and the realization of financing efforts.

Maldives set to harnesses the Sun in a big way

Solar Powered Robotics Survey The Worlds’ Seas

Clinton Welcomes World Environmental Leaders To CGI

Posted on September 22, 2011 by quest

Former President Bill Clinton welcomed global sustainability leaders to the 2011 the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) which convenes global leaders to devise and implement innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Among the dignitaries are Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel Prize laureate, peacebuilder, and general secretary of the National League for Democracy via satellite and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, chairman of the Elders in a first-time conversation between the two visionary leaders. Suu Kyi spoke about her own struggles for human rights, democratic governance, and ethic reconciliation, while Archbishop Tutu discussed his recent work to end child marriage. The highlight of the conversation was the overwhelming admiration Tutu and Suu Kyi expressed for each other’s efforts to promote world peace and democracy. “The lives and accomplishments of Aung San Suu Kyi and Archibishop Desmond Tutu are an inspiring testament to the tremendous good than can be achieved by a boundless reserve of courage, humility, and conviction,” said President Clinton. “Suu Kyi and Archibishop Tutu exemplify the positive work of CGI (Clinton Global Initiative) members – who have made 194 new commitments this year, valued at $6.2 billion that will positively impact more than 100 million people.”

President Clinton introduced President Barack Obama, who made remarks regarding job creation in the U.S., including infrastructure building and supporting education. President Obama also thanked CGI members for their commitments to address some of the world’s greatest challenges.

Her Royal Highness Princess Ghida Talal announced new commitments by Care with Love, Johnson and Johnson, Mayo Clinic, the American Cancer Society, GBCHealth, and OVG that will build a home and healthcare facility for rural children with cancer in Egypt, promote and obtain smokefree worksite policies for major companies with global supply chains, and raise and distribute $1 billion during the next five years to develop green buildings around the globe. General Wesley Clark also announced new commitments by Applied Environmental Research Foundation, Amazon Watch, Rural Action, Darden Restaurants, and others that will promote the prosperity and preserve the biodiversity of local landscapes and marshal the talents of the next generation of international leaders.

Visit The Solar Wall

NASA Night Rover Challenge Seeks Solar Solutions

Posted on September 21, 2011 by quest

NASA has selected The Cleantech Open of Redwood, Calif., to manage the agency’s Night Rover Challenge that will culminate in a competition in fall 2012. The event is a new Centennial Challenges prize competition seeking revolutionary energy storage technologies for future space robotic rover missions. NASA is offering a prize purse of $1.5 million to challenge winners.The Night Rover Challenge is to demonstrate solar energy collection and storage systems suitable for rovers to operate through several cycles of daylight and darkness. During daylight, systems can collect photons or thermal energy from the sun. During darkness, the stored energy would be used to move the rover toward a destination and to continue its exploration work.

Mars Needs Moms

“The Cleantech Open runs the world’s largest clean technology business competition and is a proven leader in developing clean technology startup entrepreneurs,” said Larry Cooper, program executive for NASA’s Centennial Challenges Program at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “The team has significant experience in tech entrepreneurship and innovation, and access to expertise in aerospace, making them a great choice to manage the Night Rover challenge. We look forward to the competition and bringing together innovative teams with creative problem-solving ideas.” The objective of the competition is to encourage innovations in energy storage technology and system designs for space operations. In particular, NASA seeks solutions to meet the demands imposed by the daylight and darkness cycle on the moon. Energy innovations stemming from this challenge may be beneficial to broader terrestrial applications, including vehicles and renewable energy generation systems.

The Cleantech Open team is partnering with YouNoodle Inc., a San Francisco-based startup to manage the competition. The Cleantech Open and YouNoodle will begin preparations for the challenge, publishing rules and registering competitors for the competition. NASA’s Centennial Challenges seek unconventional solutions to problems of interest to the agency and the nation. NASA provides the prize purse, but the competitions are managed by non-profit organizations that cover the cost of operations through commercial or private sponsorships. Competitors have included private companies, student groups and independent inventors working outside the traditional aerospace industry. Unlike contracts or grants, prizes are awarded only after solutions are demonstrated successfully.

Push for solar energy to continue says Ken Salazar

JinkoSolar To Sponsor San Francisco 49ers

Posted on September 19, 2011 by quest

The San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL) today announced its sponsorship agreement with JinkoSolar, a fast-growing, vertically-integrated solar power product manufacturer. JinkoSolar will serve as the team’s exclusive solar sponsor for the 2011-2012 NFL season. “Our agreement with JinkoSolar is a reflection of the San Francisco 49ers’ dedication to promoting environmentally friendly practices within our facilities and throughout the greater community,” said Paraag Marathe, Chief Operating Officer for the 49ers. “As we look to the future with a new stadium, we plan to incorporate significant green building and design elements, including energy and water conservation measures in addition to the use of clean solar power. As such, we are proud to count such a respected provider of solar energy technologies among our valued network of sponsors.”

Under the terms of the agreement, JinkoSolar will display its signage in a variety of locations within the team’s stadium, Candlestick Park, including the scoreboard, LED message boards and a prominent ribbon panel. JinkoSolar will also have exclusive branding rights to Gate F in Candlestick Park, which will be known as “JinkoSolar Gate” for the duration of the season.

Additional branding opportunities are included for radio and online outlets, with JinkoSolar entitlements during halftime radio broadcasts and commercials, as well as on the team’s website and official Facebook page.“JinkoSolar is dedicated to building strong relationships in the United States through partnerships with customers and distributors – and now, with one of the country’s most esteemed sports teams,” said Arturo Herrero, Chief Marketing Officer for JinkoSolar. “We are honored to align ourselves with an organization that shares both our commitment to sustainability and our high-performance ideology, and we look forward to a successful season all around.”