The Rotterdam, Nissan e-NV200 = € 5,000

The Nissan e-NV200 built in the city of Barcelona costs about 25% of the MSRP for an electric van and that is about $6500. The Nissan Leaf was awarded the best-selling vehicle in the region at the time of its release. The grant for vehicles to access bus and HOV lanes duly helps the company achieve a world of good.
When the Leaf released, Nissan sold about 2,300 units in Norway alone.  The cost of the vehicle was around $47,000. Unlike many European countries, where electric cars carry a huge price premium, there is no import tax or 25% VAT tax on EVs in Norway. Less population in the region, abundant and free charging and fast-charging stations with access to bus lanes were major perks for EV owners in Norway.

Nissan as a company have come far from the time they released the Leaf. The major advantage of the Nissan e-NV200 is the cost factor. It still possesses the advantages the Leaf enjoyed. Rotterdam is the city walking into a new and improved mode of transport. The city officials are scraping about 5,000 older and more pollution vehicles of the city roads. This program includes some of the most generous EV incentives in the world which includes an immediate €3,000 rebate with €7,000 local incentives off of the list price. 

The Netherlands is becoming a hotbed for electric cars with efforts from companies making a difference to the quality of life. US politicians have to take a right step in introducing and supporting similar programs to the general good and well being of the citizens.

Overwhelming Public Support For Australian Renewable Energy Target

After the Australian government, the entire the country is rallying behind the country’s renewable energy target (RET). New surveys conducted by Crosby Textor (Research firm) confirms this overwhelming support.

The survey conducted through August concluded that out of 1000 residents, 82% of respondents believe that Renewable Energy Target should be kept intact. There was a certain percentage that was undecided regarding this issue. There has been an increase in awareness concerning the environment. This is evident in the Australian politics poll of 2013 and the latest being of August of 2014. The environment concern has gone up from 3% in 2013 to 13% in 2014. 

Renewable energy industry leaders have come in support of the recent polls, which is against the liberal government’s attempt to abolish the Renewable energy target. Clean energy council acting executive was quick to point out the results, which indicated maximum number of residents who wanted the RET to remain intact. Leaders such as Andrew Richards, executive manager external affairs for pacific hydro, made clear what he though of Tony Abbot’s current policy. 

He believes that the people of Australia want more renewable energy. He insists that the people want the current government to aim higher and ensure the Australia is a world leader on renewable energy. 

Verizon is pumping $40 million into local solar

Verizon's corporate facilities in California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, or New York, are setting up new equipment for local solar. This investment is expected to increase statistics of the state and also help in advancement of the state. The new solar will power company office buildings, call centers, data centers, and other facilities in eight different localities. The company said that it is expected to deploy upward of 25 megawatts of green energy upon completion of the new solar projects. This project can generate equal amount of green energy that would power more than 8500 homes each year.
The green energy effort reduces carbon damage efficiently and is a perfect example for all residential and commercial customers. SunPower Corporation, design, manufactures and delivers highly efficient solar panels to Verizon. Solar Energy Industries Association say that "Verizon may well become the #1 solar- power producer among all U.S. communications companies through its efforts." Verizon is aiming at cutting its carbon intensity in half by 2020 and an advance of this kind is not only important to the climate, but enhances the service continuity, even during general outages. This advancement is seen in many giant companies like Apple and Google, thus creating awareness and inducing the thought that using solar power can benefit all of us.

GEM’s NEV Gets Driven

GEM’s NEV Gets Driven

The author of the article reviews a car that he got to drive, called the GEM (Global Electric Motorcars). It is basically a glorified golf cart, which reaches a top speed of 25MPH. The basic design looks unappealing and the car itself is overpriced. The vehicle doesn’t have side protection and this makes it an unsafe option, if it were to be hit by a speeding truck. The positives of the GEM is that one never needs to buy gas ever again and it has a decent enough range to make it wholly usable in a small town or a medium sized city. It also has ample room for carrying grocery bags and seat 3 people. The downside is that the vehicle looks like a golf cart, and it doesn’t have the style factor. Priced at $11,000, the vehicle is expensive for the features that it offers.

Yet Another Claim For World’s Largest Floating Solar Plant

Yet Another Claim For World’s Largest Floating Solar Plant

The “Floating Solar” is the new concept floating around these days, where a giant floating solar panel or a frame of panels are placed in reservoirs of water. Both India and Japan stake claim at building the world’s largest floating solar power plants. In July of 2014, India’s National Hydro Power Corporation announced plans to set up a 50 MW solar photovoltaic project over the water bodies in the southern state of Kerala. Later in September, Kyocera proclaimed that they would be constructing the largest floating solar plant in Kato City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. This would be a 2.9 MW installation. In Japan, this seems to be a viable option due to the lack of space for a power plant of that magnitude on land. At the moment the largest floating power plant is in Okegawa, Saitama prefecture, Japan.

U.S. Solar Manufacturer Wants Tariffs On The Chinese As Punishment For Cyber-Attacks

U.S. Solar Manufacturer Wants Tariffs On The Chinese As Punishment For Cyber-Attacks

The largest solar panel manufacturer in the U.S, SolarWorld Americas, argued that the Chinese government was providing subsidies to the local solar manufacturers and allowing them to sell solar panels at lower costs across the world. Due to this solar market, U.S manufacturers are facing financial threat. Reacting to this issue, the Commerce Department imposed taxes on solar panels coming from China. In response to this, Chinese manufacturers moved their supply to countries like Taiwan. Also, according to the Justice Department, Chinese military sources hacked into the SolarWorld’s computers and stole some business files. The Chinese hackers targeted six American companies and four of them reported this issue.

On the other hand, Chinese foreign and defense ministry denied this cyber-crime and claimed that the U.S is doing so to promote this norm against industrial espionage. Chinese government got even with the U.S by imposing its own high import duties on American shipments of polysilicon, a key component in solar panel construction. The subsidized Chinese manufacturers remain competition to the U.S manufactures, whereas for other U.S companies who install and maintain solar systems on homes and businesses, are able to buy cheap solar panels and thus provide good service.

The debate over this issue continues, as some that the U.S should enjoy the cheap solar panels coming from China, while others have advised negotiating a policy compromise through diplomatic channels.

World’s Largest Private Bank Says Solar Power Could Dominate

World’s Largest Private Bank Says Solar Power Could Dominate

Zurich based bank, UBS, sent a briefing paper to its clients, stating the importance of clean energy. Clean energy could replace the energy from conventional fossil fuel plants and hence drives the home and business owners to generate their own power. They also predicted that by 2025, everybody will be able to generate and store power. This method is cheaper than buying power from utilities. When solar energy is not continuously available due to some factor,Electric vehicles and storage batteries could help store solar produced electricity. The UBS report says that such consumer investment will have a good return as well.

Fracking Boom Hits Water Wall

Fracking Boom Hits Water Wall

Unlike the old days where fracking was performed in sparsely populated areas, modern technology has enabled fracking operations to take hold in highly populated areas also. But modern fracking operations need more gallons per well than previously, and consequently millions more gallons of contaminated waste water. Apart from contamination problem, the current fracking method needs a lot of water and hence is in a competition for water supply. According to the author of this article “40% of countries with the largest shale reserves have severely limited freshwater supplies.386 million people live over shale plays, making water-related conflicts more likely around new hydraulic fracturing operations in populated areas.” There has been strong pushback on fracking operations due to other concerns like earthquake and local air quality impact.

World Resource Institute has recommended the oil and gas industries to understand the availability of water in order reduce risk. On the other hand, due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, there is a recent push for US natural gas exports. 

Top 10 Solar Energy States per Capita (US)

Top 10 Solar Energy States per Capita (US)

As per the Broad Climate Plan unveiled by U.S president Barack Obama,  one part focusing on frequent severe weather caused by climate change , on 27th June 2013, it is said that the plan would expand production of solar and wind energy , to regulate and jointly lower the emission of gases that warm the atmosphere. Most of which is produced by the power plants. Seeing that plan emphasizes on the reduction of carbon content at power plants, adapting the initiatives and policies to go Solar seems like a very benefiting and environment-friendly undertaking.  Also at a local level, Usage of these solar functioning photovoltaic not only provide numerous benefits ecologically, but also is found to be population friendly as it enables reduction in expensive investments for power lines, provides power at peak times of demand and also creates job opportunities  for the local population. Hence, there indeed should be a positive welcome for a Solar Energy Revolution that should be appropriately implemented under recommendations and considerations of local, state and federal governments.

Finance ministry website to provide regular updates on enterprise-related charges

Finance ministry website to provide regular updates on enterprise-related charges

In order to increase the efficiency of the Management of Charges on Enterprises, the General office of the State Council follows a system of annual announcement of a directory of Enterprise-related charges. Although the charges are marked, some specific details of the policies are not clearly mentioned or understood by the Enterprises and members of public. The changes in the charging policies were not announced in a timely manner. Therefore, the Ministry of Finance aims to establish an official website for making public announcement of items of funds and charges and regularly publish the administrative charges approved by the Ministry of Finance and the National Development and Reform Commission. This system intends to reduce the burden on Enterprises. This directory could be easily updated when a change is made in the policies. After this system is implemented, every charging policy that is not included in this directory will be considered illegal.

Such a system helps in the development of Enterprises, especially small and micro enterprises. This method of announcement should be adopted by every country as it helps avoid confusion and illegal practices. 

Centinela Solar — 170 MW Solar PV Power Plant Completed By Fluor In California

Centinela Solar — 170 MW Solar PV Power Plant Completed By Fluor In California

Centinela solar is 170 MW solar photovoltaic power project located in El Centro, California. It was constructed by the Fluor Corporation and was recently completed. Construction and operation of the Project benefits the people of Imperial County, the State of California, and the region by providing employment opportunities and tax revenues, enhancing the reliability of the regional electrical system, and helping the State meet its needs for renewable energy. Though the power project is operated and maintained by Fluor Corporation, it is owned by LS Power. The executive vice president of LS Power, John King, commented on the completion of the project: “Having achieved this important milestone, Centinela will serve California and the region with clean, renewable energy for decades to follow.”

INDIAN STATE TELANGANA ISSUES 500MW SOLAR POWER TENDER

Indian State Telangana Issues 500 MW Solar Power Tender:

Power cut and load shedding is a familiar occurrence for the southern states of India.The state of Telangana was recently formed due to splitting of Andhra Pradesh. The 1000MW solar power project which was planned before the division of the state, now belongs to Telangana. Hence, the Andhra Pradesh government announced its new 1000MW solar power project. The state had also issued its own 500 MW solar power tender. The newly formed state, Telangana, has issued a large solar power tender in an attempt to bridge the gap between power supply and demand. The southern states are connected through power transmission lines with the rest of the country. But transmission of power is not feasible as the transmission capacity is low and prices are too high. 

There is an increase in demand for the power project developers in southern India. This new development in the field of solar power sector can help the state of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to bridge the gap between power supply and demand.

BEST OF BELGIUM

Best of Belgium:

Axel Vervoodt, a leading antiques and art dealer from Belgium, is one of the world's most influential interior design. His clients range from royalty to rock stars. In 2011, the company opened its first contemporary art gallery, the Axel Vervoordt Gallery, in Antwerp, and a Hong Kong launch followed three years later. The company wanted to explore the cultural bridge between the east and west. Hong Kong was the ideal location due to its central place and international character. The gallery also offers a platform for various international artists to show their talent. 

STYLING CHINA

STYLING CHINA:

The fashion industry in China has undergone tremendous change within the past decade and is continuing to expand at an exponential rate. Hong Kong fashion labels are making use of this mainland fashion market through the Style Hong Kong shows. One such designer from Hong Kong started Koyo jeans, which initially did not have good business in Hong Kong. He then took part in a number of European Fashion Trades and found the right fit in Paris. Koyo jeans was introduced to mainland market and is successful due to the strong customer response. Another company, Hong Kong Fur Factory Ltd, also participated in the Style Hong Kong show, where the company sealed a Rmb500000 deal with a local agent. Before breaking into the mainland market, The Fur company used to export goods to the US, Italy, France and Japan. Eventually, it caught attention of the mainland customers who were influenced by international brands. Another clothing line which found success after participating in the Style Hong Kong show, is Hong Kong brand Luxe Tuxedo Ltd. They offer tailor-made attire for men and the company is endorsed by famous celebrities like football players. 

It’s amazing how fashion is so widely accepted in China and gives a good business to new fashion labels. Style Hong Kong is a great platform for these new fashion labels to show their talent. This article also shows the impact of the western culture on China’s fashion sense. 

300 MW of New Solar PV Power Plants Being Developed In Burma, With US Backing

300 MW of New Solar PV Power Plants Being Developed In Burma, With US Backing

Burma depends on Hydropower for most of its electricity generation, Hence the electricity generation fails to meet the country’s needs. In addition, limited number of power plants and poor electricity transmission facilities cause severe power shortages. Thanks to a new deal between a US-based investment group and authorities in Burma, two new 150 MW solar PV power plants are now set to be developed in the country. This project is expected to complete in 2016. It not only helps the country meet its electricity needs but also provide jobs for many unemployed. I think this article is an ideal example of two nations joining hands together for the benefit of humankind.

China Regulates Public Account Instant Messaging Services

China Regulates Public Account Instant Messaging Services

In a world that runs on internet, security of information and identity is very important. China, the world’s most popular country, takes an intelligent step by imposing rules on the instant message services. The State Internet Information Office announces its 10-article interim provisions on Instant Messaging Tool Services. These rules guide and manage the public information services using instant messaging tools. The instant message service providers are expected to take responsibility for the security of user’s identity and manage their operations. They will strictly follow rules and enact upon violations.

Each user of the instant message service should register for the service by giving their real name and accept to follow the laws and regulations, socialist system, national interests, the legitimate rights and interests of citizens, public order and social morality, and ensuring the authenticity of information. All public information accounts can post or re-post any news after the consignment of the instant message services. The State Internet Information Office will be responsible for the region under them.

This article tells us the importance of internet security, as internet is the fastest way of communication and should not be used to spread news that is not legitimate. I feel every country should implement this system in order to keep cybercrime in check.

Thriving On Challenges

Thriving on challenges

In 1997, Britain handed over Hong Kong to one of the world’s aggressive pro-business economy, China. Looking at the situation then, one of the magazines, Fortune had predicted “The death of Hong Kong”. This was a huge challenge to Hong Kong, because it played an important role as the international commercial and financial hub and also as a system for worldwide distribution of consumer goods. Well, after the changes it went through in the past 10 years, Fortune’s sister magazine, Time, in their recent issues stated that they had made a mistake. In the past few years, Hong Kong overcame several social and financial challenges. Now, Hong Kong ranks the third most important leading international financial Centre, after London and New York City. I would really appreciate how it transformed from a collection of fishing villages to a modern metropolis. This is an example of efficient planning and goals involving a secure future.

According to the latest summits held by the Hong Kong general chamber of commerce, the challenges that still persist in Hong Kong are the rising cost, labor shortages and air pollution. Challenges are common for any competitive industry; to face them is a regular day-to-day activity. There is no achievement if there are no challenges.

What we should learn from this article is that critics are important, but we should look at them through a positive perspective and as a source of encouragement rather than letting our hopes fade away. 

Large Scale Solar PV Projects at Risk, While California Powers On

Large Scale Solar PV Projects at Risk, While California Powers On

After investigation held by the U.S International Trade Commission, it was found that solar equipment manufactured in china contained cells that were coming from third party countries (Taiwan). This act of avoiding payment of subsidy duties was suspicious. Hence, the U.S Department of Commerce proposed anti-subsidy and anti-dumping rulings. This trade dispute had a major impact on the U.S solar PV projects. Based on the analysis performed by Christine Beadle, both the small scale and the large scale solar industries are suffering from this dispute. According to the numbers provided by the United states Deal Tracker, California has the most dominant solar PV project. California exceeds in both capacity and number of project pipelines when compared to other states in the U.S. Finally Beadle wrote “downstream diversity … is one of its strengths; as it allows different customer and application segments opportunities to grow in a variety of regions within the greatest US market”. So while the impact of the trade dispute exists among these solar PV projects, the pipelines have existing success.

Tesla’s Covertly Installing Wall Chargers At Locations Across The Country

Tesla’s Covertly Installing Wall Chargers At Locations Across The Country

Tesla, an American company that designs and manufactures electric vehicles is planning a new charging network that will be installed in destinations like hotels, restaurants, beaches etc. This project is similar to Superchargers which allows customers to drive from one station to another with minimal stops. Tesla chargers have a fast charging capability compared to the public charging stations. The new wall chargers are not as powerful as the superchargers, but they increase charge to some extent and are easily available. Hence Tesla, as an organization is doing its best in providing convenient methods of charging electric cars compared to other conventional methods that are currently available to the public.

WHAT WILL AUSTRALIA’S FIRST NET ZERO ENERGY TOWN BE

WHAT WILL AUSTRALIA’S FIRST NET ZERO ENERGY TOWN BE

Australia’s electricity cost is surely reaching the sky, but has really good solar resources. Hence an association of several companies have come together to create Australia’s first net zero energy town. This project is beneficial in many ways. It can definitely deliver good economic and financial results. Rural communities can have their own modern, small-scale electricity systems. In this way they reduce carbon emission, look after their own energy needs and make the rural communities stronger. The most important result is the protection of the natural environment. As Mr. Adam Blakester, ZNET project director stated “communities will develop clean energy projects, reduce energy costs and generate jobs with intellectual property outcomes to be delivered as common source rather than as owned IP”. Similar project was seen in some towns in England and the results were excellent. The involvement of the rural communities is the key factor to the ZNET project. This is an ongoing project, invitations seeking one or more service providers to develop a Blueprint and Business Case for the creation of a Zero Net Energy Town in Australia are sent. I think Australia has the resources and potential to achieve such a green result.