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Tiempo Climate Cyberlibrary

Alternative energy



 

About the Cyberlibrary

The Tiempo Climate Cyberlibrary was developed by Mick Kelly and Sarah Granich on behalf of the Stockholm Environment Institute and the International Institute for Environment and Development, with sponsorship from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.

While every effort is made to ensure that information on this site, and on other sites that are referenced here, is accurate, no liability for loss or damage resulting from use of this information can be accepted.

International Network for Sustainable Energy
International Network for Sustainable Energy

Energy efficiency and conservation and renewable energy supply — selected resources in the Tiempo Climate Cyberlibrary and on the web
 


In the Cyberlibrary

Putting Farmers First for Biofuel Production
Timothy Singer and Matthew Basinger present key findings and lessons from a survey of jatropha farmers in Koulikoro, Mali. Published April 2011

Solar Power for the Poor
David Dickson argues that, as technological obstacles to the efficient use of solar energy diminish, economic and political challenges remain to its widespread adoption by the poor. Published April 2010

Energy in the Pacific
Tom Roper considers action that energy utilities can take in vulnerable Pacific island countries. Published September 2008

Global Sustainable Energy Vision 2050
Gunnar Boye Olesen discusses a comprehensive series of visions, strategies and plans that demonstrate the transition to utilizing sustainable energy at the local, national, regional and global levels. Published February 2007

Jamaica's Energy Potential
The Most Honourable Percival James (P J) Patterson, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, outlines the potential for a sustainable energy future for his country through energy conservation and the development of renewable resources. Published June 2006

Electric Vehicles in Nepal
Megesh Tiwari discusses the development of the use of electric vehicles in Nepal and current initiatives that are expanding their use across the transport sector. Published May 2006

Solar Water Heating in Brazil
Steven Kaufman, Samuel Milton and Délcio Rodrigues describe the potential of solar water heating and the role of the Clean Development Mechanism in Brazil. Published May 2006

Global Energy Trends
The International Energy Agency and British Petroleum have released their latest annual reports on current trends in energy consumption. Newswatch editor Mick Kelly reports. Published November 2005

Interview with Peter Read
In a Newswatch interview, Peter Read discusses the potential of bioenergy and the broader role of the biosphere in controlling the composition of the atmosphere. He also comments on George Monbiot's critique of biomass as a fuel source. Published May 2005

Sustainable Village Energy in Lao PDR
Adam Harvey describes a programme designed to provide sustainable forms of energy to villages in Lao PDR. Published February 2005

Global Sustainable Energy Islands Initiative
Tom Roper describes the Global Sustainable Energy Islands Initiative, intended to assist Small Island Developing States develop renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Published December 2004

Vision 2050 for EU-15
A new vision for a transition to sustainable energy in Europe by 2050 has been developed. Newswatch editor Sarah Granich reports. Published December 2004

Renewables 2004
The International Conference for Renewable Energies, Renewables 2004, was held in Bonn, Germany, in June 2004. Newswatch editor Sarah Granich reports. Published August 2004

Global Energy Review 2003
World carbon emissions from hydrocarbon use rose by 3.8 per cent in 2003, with about half the increase accounted for by China. Newswatch editor Mick Kelly reports. Published August 2004

New Life for Used Wind Turbines
Svetlana Volchek describes the innovative transfer of used wind turbines from Denmark to Russia to kickstart an indigeneous wind energy industry. Published June 2004

The Coming Decline of Oil
Gerald Leach comments on the hidden bomb behind the climate debate. Published December 2001

Photovoltaics against Poverty
Gerald Leach casts a critical eye upon the often disparate views of the effective use of photovoltaics as an energy supply source that emerged at a recent conference, Village Power 2000. Published June 2001

Community Action for Renewable Energy
Paul Bryce outlines 20 years of community development through village-owned micro hydroelectric systems in the Solomon Islands. Published September 2000

Sugarcane Resources in Southern Africa
Francis Johnson examines the use of sugarcane as a renewable energy resource in southern Africa. Published March 2000

Climate Change and the Energy Link
Griff Thompson and Lando Velasco discuss the work of the International Institute for Energy Conservation, linking climate and energy concerns. Published December 1999

Renewable Energy on Small Islands
Thomas Lynge Jensen presents some of the major conclusions from the report Renewable Energy on Small Islands, published in April 1998, supplemented with information gathered since. Published June 1999

Household Power in a New Light
Daniel Kammen discusses the developing use of photovoltaic technology in Africa. Published Issue 20, June 1996

Cogeneration in Southeast Asia
The aim of the COGEN Programme is to accelerate the implementation of proven technologies generating heat and/or power from wood and agro-industrial residues. Published March 1996


On the Web

50by50 Report
The 50by50 Report, from the Global Fuel Economy Initiative, calls for a 50 per cent fuel economy improvement worldwide by 2050. Published March 2009

50by50: Global Fuel Economy Initiative
The Global Fuel Economy Initiative exists to promote debate and discussion around the issue of fuel economy. The 50by50 Report calls for a 50 per cent fuel economy improvement worldwide by 2050.

A Preliminary Assessment of Energy and Ecosystem Resilience in Ten African Countries
A Preliminary Assessment of Energy and Ecosystem Resilience in Ten African Countries, from Helios International, is a preliminary attempt to identify points of vulnerability as they relate to climate change-related events and sketch out what changes are needed, both politically and programmatically, to increase resilience. Published 2007

A Solar Grand Plan
In a Scientific American article, Ken Zweibel, James Mason and Vasilis Fthenakis consider how, by 2050, solar power could end American dependence on foreign oil and slash greenhouse gas emissions. Published January 2008

Alternative Energy
Alternative Energy provides news and other resources on renewable energy technologies.

Artefact
The German International Centre for Sustainable Development provides courses, workshops and visitor and convention facilities. Based in a unique energy park with construction focused on the latest renewable technologies.

Asia Alternative Energy Program
Source of information on best practice and lessons learned for alternative energy development in Asia.

CADDET Renewable Energy
Information on full-scale commercial renewable energy projects is available from the CADDET database.

Clean Edge Reports
Clean Edge publishes periodic reports focusing on clean technology issues for both innovators and investors. Free registration required.

CleanTechRecruits
CleanTechRecruits connects employers with experienced candidates, entry-level college graduates and interns who are interested in cleantech and renewable energy jobs in employment areas such as solar, wind and geothermal energy, biomass, biofuel, clean coal, green construction and hydropower.

Climate Change and Energy
SciDev.Net provides news, features, opinion and analysis on climate change and energy.

Climate Techbook
The Climate TechBook, from the Pew Center on Global Climate Change, is an online resource for information on reducing greenhouse emissions from all sectors in the United States. The TechBook is comprised mostly of technology summaries that include how the technology works, how it can reduce emissions and what policy options exist to help promote it. The TechBook also contains sectoral overviews that provide high-level summaries of mitigation opportunities and policy options in the major greenhouse gas-emitting sectors of the economy.

Cool Roof Resources
The US Department of Energy makes available a number of resources regarding cool roof technologies as well as links to other websites.

Cool Roofs Rating Council
The Cool Roof Rating Council develops accurate and credible methods for evaluating and labeling the solar reflectance and thermal emittance (radiative properties) of roofing products and to disseminate the information to all interested parties. Site includes FAQ and other resources.

Coolproducts
Coolproducts is a campaign to set ambitious minimum requirements for energy efficiency and other environmental aspects of products sold in the European Union.

Coolproducts for a Cool Planet
Coolproducts is a campaign to set ambitious minimum requirements for energy efficiency and other environmental aspects of products sold in the European Union.

David Suzuki Foundation
Interactive guide to sustainable energy opportunities at the community level.

Desertec Foundation
The DESERTEC Concept describes the perspective of a sustainable supply of electricity for Europe, the Middle East and North Africa up to the year 2050. It shows that a transition to competitive, secure and compatible supply is possible using renewable energy sources and efficiency gains and fossil fuels as backup for balancing power.

Discover Solar Energy
Discover Solar Energy is a comprehensive resource of more than 9,000+ renewable energy links to relevant websites of individuals, governments and organizations.

Eco Conscious Developments
Eco Conscious Developments (ECODEV) seeks to propagate sustainable use of natural resources, build a sustainable culture based on practical ecologically-responsible resource use and implementing ecosystem-based conservation projects that provides for ecologically conscious community development. ECODEV is based in Ikom and Calabar, Nigeria, with contact offices in Germany and Canada.

Efficiencity
The Efficiencity virtual world shows how decentralized energy production leads to lower emissions, more secure supply and reduced bills.

en.lighten
en.lighten assists countries in accelerating market transformation towards environmentally sustainable, efficient lighting technologies. Site includes the Efficient Lighting Infosource, a global repository for key facts and data about energy efficient lighting, and Country Lighting Assessments.

en.lighten
The aim of the UNEP/GEF en.lighten project is to accelerate the market transformation of efficient lighting technologies on a global scale.

ENDA TW Energy Program
Reports, networking support, news and links focusing on renewable energy in sub-Saharan Africa.

Energy & Climate School Resources
INFORSE-Europe collects links to on-line resources for schools covering sustainable energy and climate.

Energy Action Coalition
Energy Action Coalition is a coalition of 50 youth-led environmental and social justice groups working together to build the youth clean energy and climate movement.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network
Comprehensive resource for US Department of Energy's energy efficiency and renewable energy information.

Energy Planet
Energy Planet makes available a directory of renewable energy websites.

Energy Research Centre for the Netherlands (ECN)
ECN develops high-level knowledge and technology for the transition to sustainable energy management.'Site contains summary information on new forms of energy technology.

Ethanol Across America
Ethanol Across America is a grassroots information network that is committed to advancing the production and use of renewable fuel ethanol through education and outreach.

EuroCaribbean
EuroCaribbean is a European window for the support of energy sustainability in the Caribbean islands.

European Forum for Renewable Energy Sources
EUFORES is an independent, non-profit making organisation that aims to promote the use of renewable energy. It was established to pursue the target outlined in the 1994 "Declaration of Madrid" - a 15% substitution of conventional primary energy demand by renewable energy sources by 2010.

European Photovoltaic Industry Association
The European Photovoltaic Industry Association is the world's largest industry association devoted to the solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity market. The association aims to promote PV at national, European and worldwide levels and to assist its members in their business development in both the European Union and export markets.

European Re-Islands
The aim of European Renewable Energy Islands is to increase the commitment of European citizens in energy-sustainable communities, such as small islands.

European Renewable Energy Council
The European Renewable Energy Council - EREC - is an umbrella organization of the European renewable energy industry, trade and research associations active in the fields of photovoltaic, small hydropower, solar thermal, biomass, wind energy and geothermal energy, thus representing the entire renewable energy sector.

European Solar Thermal Industry Federation
ESTIF's mission is to achieve high priority and acceptance for solar thermal energy generation as a key element for sustainable heating and cooling in Europe.

European Wind Energy Association
The European Wind Energy Association is the voice of the wind industry, actively promoting the utilization of wind power in Europe and worldwide.

Generating Energy from Wind for Home Power
Comprehensive introduction to solar power.

Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves
The Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves is a public-private initiative to save lives, improve livelihoods, empower women, and combat climate change by creating a thriving global market for clean and efficient household cooking solutions.

Global Village Energy Partnership
Partnership includes developing and industrialized country governments with public, private and multilateral institutions ensuring access to modern energy services for the poor.

Go Solar California
Go Solar California provides consumers a "one-stop shop" for information on rebates, tax credits and incentives for solar energy systems in California and inspirational ideas for other states and nations.

Green Economy Initiative
The Green Economy Initiative, launched by the United Nations Environment programme, is designed to assist governments in "greening" their economies by reshaping and refocusing policies, investments and spending towards a range of sectors, such as clean technologies, renewable energies, water services, green transportation, waste management, green buildings and sustainable agriculture and forests.

Green Pages
Green Pages, the online gateway to environmental products and services, aims to deepen and broaden consumer´s ability to make a positive impact through their purchasing, and promotes a shift of public and private financial flows into projects and programmes that encourage and contribute to environmentally and socially sustainable development. Contains listings of information sources, organizations, services and suppliers as well as editorial material.

Helio International
HELIO International is an independent, international network of leading energy analysts whose objective is to identify, assess, measure and publicize the contribution of energy systems and policies to sustainable and equitable development. HELIO's core activity is Sustainable Energy Watch

Heliosthana: a Mediterranean Sustainable Energy Country
Heliosthana: a Mediterranean Sustainable Energy Country, from WWF and the Heinrich Böll Stiftung, is a how-to guide for a safe clean energy future, based around the virtual Mediterranean nation of Heliosthana. Published May 2010

Himalayan Light Foundation
The Himalayan Light Foundation (HLF) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Nepal. HLF's main objective is to improve the quality of the life of the remote population of the Himalayan region via the introduction and use of environmentally-friendly energy technologies.

International Development Enterprises (India)
International Development Enterprises (India) is a not-for-profit enterprise committed to providing long-term solutions to poverty, hunger and malnutrition. It aims to stimulate a sustainable and free market by creating demand for affordable technologies and ensuring a sustainable supply chain.

International Network for Sustainable Energy (INforSE)
Worldwide NGO network promoting research and implementation of sustainable energy systems.

International Network on Small Hydropower
International Network on Small Hydropower (IN-SHP) is an international coordinating and promoting organization for the global development of small hydropower.

International Renewable Energy Agency
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) promotes the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms or renewable energy. Acting as the global voice for renewable energies, the agency facilitates access to all relevant renewable energy information, including technical data.

Lighting the Way: Towards a Sustainable Energy Future
Lighting the Way, from the InterAcademy Council, identifies a scientific consensus framework for directing global energy development. It lays out the science, technology and policy roadmap for developing energy resources to drive economic growth in both industrialized and developing countries while also securing climate protection and global development goals.

Local Renewables Web Portal
The Local Renewables Web Portal provides a tool to motivate and guide local governments through the renewable energy policy process.

Low Carbon Societies Network
The Low Carbon Societies Network aims to facilitate information flows between civil society organizations and research institutes working on low carbon energy scenarios and technologies and to develop low carbon scenarios for Germany and France for the year 2050 with an ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction target.

One Sky
The mission of One Sky, the Canadian Institute of Sustainable Living, is to promote sustainable living globally. It works on projects to promote human rights and sustainable economics and to conserve and protect the environment. One Sky furthers appropriate technology systems and is focusing on renewable energy at the local, national and international levels.

Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme
The Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme is a research and development programme under the auspices of the International Energy Agency. The site contains information, statistics and data on projects plus summaries, publications and network links focusing on photovoltaics.

Pico Hydro
Pico Hydro includes information on ways to design, manufacture and install the various parts of pico hydro projects.

Power to the People
Power to the People is a non-profit organization working with volunteers to bring solar electricity to community buildings in rural areas of the developing world.

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership
The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership is a global partnership that structures policy initiatives for clean energy markets and facilitates financing for sustainable energy projects. It aims to accelerate the integration of renewables into the energy mix and to advocate energy efficiency as a path to improved energy security and reduced carbon emissions, ensuring socio-economic benefits.

Renewable Energy for Development
Newsletter of the Energy Programme at the Stockholm Environment Institute, which is mainly concerned with energy utilisation and technologies in the Third World.

Renewable Energy on Small Islands
Global mapping of renewable energy developments on small islands.

Renewable Energy Sources and Climate Change Mitigation
Renewable Energy Sources and Climate Change Mitigation, from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, analyzes the scientific, technological, environmental, economic and social aspects of the contribution of six renewable energy sources to the mitigation of climate change. Published May 2011

Resources for the Future
Resources for the Future engages with energy and climate policy on numerous fronts. Issues studied include how to cost-effectively constrain emissions and limit cost uncertainties, promoting developing country engagement, reducing emissions through averted deforestation and afforestation and adaptation.

Rocky Mountain Institute
The Rocky Mountain Institute aims to free the global economy from dependence on fossil fuels.

Save the Planet
Save the Planet encourages the adoption of alternative energies or energy conservation in home, office and throughout industry. Site contains background material, news and other resources.

Small Wind Energy
The Canadian Wind Energy Association provides the information and decision-making tools you need to learn about small wind energy systems (i.e. turbines with rated capacities under 300 kilowatts).

Solar Cookers International
Solar Cookers International is a non-profit organization providing solar cookers to communities, organizations and individuals throughout the world. Also provides publications, educational material and technical support.

Solar Energy International
Solar Energy International's Renewable Energy Education Program teaches the practical use of solar, wind and water power. Workshops give individuals the knowledge and skills to design, install and maintain renewable energy systems and to build state-of-the-art solar homes that are efficient, practical and earth friendly.

Solar Generation 6
Solar Generation 6, from the European Photovoltaic Industry Association and Greenpeace International, aims to provide a clear and understandable description of the current status of developing photovoltaic power generation. Published February 2011

Solar Generation V - 2008
Solar Generation V, from Greenpeace and the European Photovoltaic Association, reviews the latest developments in solar power generation. Published September 2008

Solar Power for the Poor
Technologies to harness solar power as a path to low-carbon energy are developing at breakneck speed. SciDev.Net presents a series of articles, including news, analysis and comment, on how can developing countries best make use of solar technology to benefit the millions of rural poor who still live without electricity.

Sustainable Energy Finance Directory
The Sustainable Energy Finance Directory is a free-of-charge online database of lenders and investors who actively provide finance to the sustainable energy (renewable energy and energy efficiency) sector worldwide.

Sustainable Energy Finance Initiative
The Sustainable Energy Finance Initiative, from the United Nations Environment Progamme is a platform providing financiers with the tools, support, and global network needed to conceive and manage investments in the complex and rapidly changing marketplace for clean energy technologies.

Sustainable Energy News
News, information, reviews and networking support from the International Network for Sustainable Energy. Site also contains the text of the proposal Sustainable Energy 2000.

The 4th Revolution: Energy Autonomy
Using compelling images and clear analyses, the movie argues the necessity and feasibility of energy transition by energy autonomy, a reliance on decentralism, individuality, diversity and renewability instead of a few large, expensive and inflexible mega-plants. Released: March 2010

The Jatropha System
Jatropha curcas is cultivated as a crop-protecting hedgerow in Mali and provides oil for soap and fuel as a renewable, multipurpose resource. See also World Bank Indigenous Knowledge Notes No 47.

The Solar Guide
Online reference guide to the use of wind power in the home.

UNEP Energy Branch
The goal of UNEP's Energy Branch is to bring a longer term, environmental dimension into energy sector decisions, with a focus on reducing emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.

US Department of Energy Photovoltaics Program
Researchers in the national laboratories, the nation's universities, and industry are working together reduce the cost of electricity generated by PV systems and to increase their efficiency and lifetime.

Vision 2050
Vision2050 models for global, regional and national scales demonstrate how we can move towards supplying 100% of our energy needs for renewable sources by 2050.

Wind energy tutorial
Introduction to wind energy from the American Wind Energy Association.

Wind Turbines
Wind Turbines is a social network for the wind energy community and a source of news and information.

World Alliance for Decentralized Energy
The World Alliance for Decentralized Energy works to accelerate the worldwide development of high efficiency cogeneration, onsite power and decentralized renewable energy systems that deliver substantial economic and environmental benefits.

World Institute of Sustainable Energy
The World Institute of Sustainable Energy aims to play a holistic and critical role in shaping the development of the renewable energy sector in all Indian states.

World Renewable Energy Congress/Network
WREN supports the use and implementation of renewable energy sources that are environmentally safe and economically sustainable.

Zero Emissions Race
Jules Verne's dream to go around the world in 80 days became a reality a long time ago, but is it possible to make a tour around the world in 80 days with emission-free vehicles? Four Teams from four continents are taking up the challenge.

zerocarbonbritain
zerocarbonbritain details how Britain can eliminate emissions from fossil fuels in 20 years and break dependence on imported energy.

Autogenerated: 15 May 2015

Bright Ideas

GE cuts solar costs

General Electric plans to cut solar installation costs by half

Project 90 by 2030

Project 90 by 2030 supports South African school children and managers reduce their carbon footprint through its Club programme

Smart street lighting

Bath & North East Somerset Council in the United Kingdom has installed smart LED carriageway lighting that automatically adjusts to light and traffic levels

Longwood Gardens

The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the American Public Gardens Association are mounting an educational exhibit at Longwood Gardens showing the link between temperature and planting zones

Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers

The energy-efficient Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers hotel is powered by renewable and sustainable sources, including integrated solar photovoltaics and guest-powered bicycles

El Hierro

El Hierro, one of the Canary Islands, plans to generate 80 per cent of its energy from renewable sources

Remarkables Primary School green roof

The green roof on the Remarkables Primary School in New Zealand reduces stormwater runoff, provides insulation and doubles as an outdoor classroom

Weather Info for All

The Weather Info for All project aims to roll out up to five thousand automatic weather observation stations throughout Africa

SolSource

SolSource turns its own waste heat into electricity or stores it in thermal fabrics, harnessing the sun's energy for cooking and electricity for low-income families

Wave House

The Wave House uses vegetation for its architectural and environmental qualities, and especially in terms of thermal insulation

Mbale compost-processing plant

The Mbale compost-processing plant in Uganda produces cheaper fertilizer and reduces greenhouse gas emissions

Frito-Lay Casa Grande

At Casa Grande, Frito-Lay has reduced energy consumption by nearly a fifth since 2006 by, amongst other things, installing a heat recovery system to preheat cooking oil

More Bright Ideas...


Updated: May 15th 2015