Future power stations could burn silicon instead of coal. This is the radical vision of Waikato University scientist Earl Bardsley, who believes the world’s desert sands are an ideal source of silicon. And if this sand can be converted to silicon using solar power, it could be a cheap and eco-friendly solution to the world’s […]
Chris Mole - Associate Editor
• Electric cars “normal” within 30 years.
• Contest between batteries and fuel-cells.
• NZ consortium backs battery power.
Hydrogen fuel-cells versus batteries will be the battleground for electric vehicles during the next few years. And one of NZ’s leading experts on electric cars, Mike Duke from Waikato University, believes battery-powered vehicles will triumph […]
When the Govt puts out a media statement admitting it’s concerned about the low level of South Island hydro lakes, it’s time to take the issue seriously. Until last week, Energy Minister David Parker was downplaying predictions of winter power blackouts. But now Parker concedes he’s worried and, unless there is significant rain in the […]
The Govt has announced a new Qualmark Green rating system for tourism companies that meet benchmarks for energy efficiency, water management, water conservation and community responsibility. The scheme, which begins is August, is aimed at countering fears among environmentally-conscious travellers from the Northern Hemisphere that they should avoid coming to NZ because of the carbon […]
The Greens have thrown down the gauntlet to the Govt by threatening to vote against the Emissions Trading Bill unless it is toughened up in some key areas. Greens Co-Leader Jeanette Fitz-s-imons is particularly concerned the agriculture sector is getting off too lightly under the legislation in its current form. Fitzsimons is hinting the Greens […]
• Budget ignores carbon neutral aim.
• Sustainability no longer fashionable?
• Cullen insists Govt still committed.
Is the Govt trying to quietly back away from its goal to make NZ carbon neutral and the world’s first truly sustainable country? The Green Party seems to think so, judging by the lack of any mention of carbon neutrality in […]
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