Methane hydrate could save the world from fuel crisis

METHANE hydrate has been extracted from frozen deposits under the sea in a world first – raising hopes that the gas could help avert a global fuel crisis.

The form of methane gas was found by Japanese researchers about 50 km (31 miles) from the main island in the Nankai Trough.

Japing beat America, Canada and China, who have all been looking to tap into deposits to provide an alternative energy source.

“It´s the world’s first offshore experiment producing gas from methane hydrate,” said an official from the economy, trade and industry ministry.

At least 1.1trllion cubic metres of methane hydrate exist in offshore deposits, Japan said.

Methane hydrate is a form of methane gas frozen below the seabed or in permanently frozen ground, where the gas is trapped in a network of icy molecules.

There are substantial reserves in regions including the Nankai Trough off Japan’s eastern coast, the northern Gulf of Mexico and Alaska´s North Slope.

Scientists used a technology they developed to reduce pressure in the underground layers holding the methane hydrate 1,330m (4,363ft) below the sea surface.

They then dissolved it into gas and water, and collected the gas through a well. Japan has spent heavily researching the offshore methane hydrate reserves – an endeavor which has taken on more importance since the Fukushima tsunami disaster in 2011 which hit the country´s nuclear energy plans.

by JANE ATHERTON (METRO BUSINESS)

Three more articles with perspectives:

Japan extracts gas from methane hydrate in world first
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21752441
Methane hydrates – bigger than shale gas, “game over” for the environment?
http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/plugged-in/2013/03/19/methane-hydrates-bigger-than-shale-gas-game-over-for-the-environment/
Frozen Assets
http://www.monbiot.com/2013/03/14/frozen-assets/

 

Resource Efficiency Indicators (EEA)

European Environment Agency

A new in-depth report about “resource efficiency indicators” is out from the European Commission DG Environment.

The in-depth reports are a series of publications, which take a comprehensive look at the latest science on key topics in environmental policy.

Resource efficiency forms a vital part of Europe 2020, the EU’s growth strategy towards a smart, sustainable and inclusive economy. This In-Depth Report examines the progress in resource efficiency indicators, building on the EU’s Resource Efficiency Roadmap

resource-efficiency-indicat

Download the report here:http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/indepth_reports.htm

US Environment Agency Releases First Climate Adaptation Plan

For the first time, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has publicly released a draft plan on how the department’s programmes will adapt to global warming, in a move that could lay additional groundwork…

 

EPA-Stragetic-Plan

Download the full Report here (55 pages)
via EPA.GOV

 

Electrifying Reading Station

FUTURE CLIMATE CHANGE NEWS
 
  • The aim is to become one of the UK’s first climate-neutral train stations
  • Electrifying key routes on the railway will mean faster, greener, quieter and more reliable journeys for thousands of passengers.
  • The overall goals are pointing towards climate-and fossil fuel-free district in 2030 where   carbon dioxide emissions below 1.5 tonnes per person per year by 2020
 
electrifying

Electric trains emits circa 20-35% less carbon per passenger than a diesel train. With zero emissions at the point of use, they  improve air quality in pollution hot spots such as city centres and main line stations. Electric trains are quieter than diesels and are virtually silent when waiting at stations.

Read about the progress at Reading station area development:
http://www.networkrail.co.uk/reading

The Green Investment Report: The ways and means to unlock private finance for green growth

The Green Investment Report aims to inform and inspire policy-makers and public and private finance providers to close the gap in delivering inclusive, sustainable growth.

 

Foreword

Shaping a global economy fit for the 21st century is our greatest challenge. Such an economy in 2050 will satisfy the needs of more than 9 billion people, who will rightly demand equal opportunities for development. Delivering such inclusive development in a sustainable way, however, requires that we remain within the boundaries of what our planet can safely deliver. Economic growth and sustainability are inter-dependent, you cannot have one without the other, and greening investment is the pre-requisite to realizing both goals.

The-Green-Investment-Report

Download the report of the Green Growth Action Alliance here (40 pages)

http://reports.weforum.org/green-investing-2013/?doing_wp_cron=1359415984.7779729366302490234375

A British Energy supplier launches solar power solutions for companies in Greater Reading

FUTURE CLIMATE CHANGE NEWS

It is now offering British Energy businesses in the Greater Reading area the opportunity to buy solar power solutions. The production of one´s own electricity from the sun can be a reality for entrepreneurs. It has a range of comprehensive solutions which can help with everything from the planning to the commissioning of the plant.

– In spring 2013, we will launch our finished solar packages to residential customers in the region. We are now taking the next step in our commitment to environmentally friendly and renewable energy solutions by also offering corporate solar power, says the director of new business at British TBV-Energy.

British Energy’s offer to entrepreneurs is solution-oriented, which means that we tailor our solutions to the customer’s needs and the current real estate conditions. Customer may help all the way, from accessing it´s feasibility to the installation and commissioning of the solar system. Whether the system is integrated into the building’s facade, roof, or a more standard solution, is completely dependent on what is the most optimal and economical for the customer.

– As the next generation of energy, we want to be at the forefront of developments leading towards our vision of a sun economy – ie where all energy is directly or indirectly derived from the sun – and we believe that distributed, local production is an important step on the way, says British TVB-Energy.

Global risks 2013

The World Economic Forum has recently published “Global Risks 2013” – a report on how various factors affect the development of the world.

The report analyzes 50 global risks concerning their influence and interconnection, and the likelihood of them happening. The report is based on surveys of more than 1,000 experts in industry, government and academia.

The results show that the world is exposed to greater risks during economic crises, as these reduce our ability to deal with environmental issues. Income Gaps and economic deficits are factors that pose the greatest risks to the world. In third place was increased greenhouse gases.

http://www.weforum.org/reports/global-risks-2013-eighth-edition

Are you responsible for planing your Eco-friendly business, if so, please take part in our 10+10 Climate Change poll

Here are the links to the survey, thank you (closes 4th February)

TVB_ClimateChallenge Climate Change Business Poll A
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/55TQ8Y5

TVB_ClimateChallenge Climate Change Business Poll B
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KWTLW9Q

/Team TVB_ClimateChallenge