________________________________________
On the 25th of February 2010 new electricity tariff increases have been announced. It was made public and final that NERSA has approved 3 tariff increases for 2010, 2011 and 2012.
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) released its decision on Eskom’s tariff application. The final announcement has sent a strong message to both consumers and Eskom.
The tariff increases were announced as follows:
2010/11: 24.8%. This makes the average Eskom electricity price for post paid meters 41.31c per kWh.
2011/12: 25.1%. This makes the average Eskom electricity price for post paid meters 51.68 c per kWh
2012/2013: 25.9%. This makes the average Eskom electricity price for post paid meters 65.06c per kWh
The first increase will take effect on 1st of April 2010, which is the start of Eskom’s financial year, ironically enough also known as April Fools day.
It is to be remembered that the increases are arriving after the 31.3% increase in electricity tariffs from the 1st of July 2009, which was less than the 34% which Eskom asked for.
That said some municipalities can and probably will put an additional markup in addition to these increases, which in effect makes the increase in tariffs even greater than the once published.
We wrote in 2009 and asked, what happens 9 months from July 2009?
Now we know for sure that the increases in electricity prices have reached 107.1% since 2009 until 31st of March 2013.
The Star with Business Report on the 14th of October 2009 had an interesting article which detailed how much electricity one would pay on a R900 bill in 2009.
The paper has estimated the following:
In 2010/2011 the R900 will end up in a bill of R1,435
In 2011/2012 the R900 will end up in a bill of R2,080
In 2012/2013 the R900 will end up in a bill of R3,016
By the figures now published in February 2010, it looks like these estimates are getting closer to reality than we ever thought possible.
It is not only the electricity bill that will be crippling the economy directly. Indirectly there are goods and services that will increase due to such high electricity bills. Manufacturers, distributors and entire supply chains will pay more, a lot more than a household on their electricity bills, which of course they will pass down to the consumer in one way or another, even if not the entire amount.
The problem also lies with the fact that not only one company in the supply chain will do this, but many, hence one product from manufacturing to consumer can incur several small increases in price, which will add up to one larger increase.
Adding to that, many products can suffer of such increases if the production and distribution becomes more expensive due to electricity and compound also due to other increases in costs that as consumers we are far less aware of.
Where does this all lead to?
It leads us to take control of our power consumption immediately as a matter of necessity and it leads large organizations and leadership to look at alternative efficient and far most cost effective use and production of electricity.
If light saving light bulbs where an option until now; these may have become an absolute necessity, and if geyser timers where a consideration, now these have become a critical factor in reducing our monthly electricity bill.
Saving electricity is no longer optional, nor is it about saving the planet anymore; it is about saving our pockets and our budgets as consumers. We at least have the power to do that, and hope that leadership will have the power and the knowledge to deal with the bigger picture of the energy crisis.
We invite you to read more about saving on your electricity and monitoring your home to become and efficient electricity user: 6 Easy Ways to Save on Your Electricity Bills.
For more information on Energy Saving Monitors please visit: www.ElectricityMonitor.co.za
Friday, April 23, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Energy Efficiency
1. 1E Previews NightWatchman® Server Edition 2.0 and NightWatchman® 6.0
Apr 20, 2010 1E News Release
1E Previews NightWatchman® Server Edition 2.0 and NightWatchman® 6.0 at MMS 2010
Suite of Energy Efficient NightWatchman Solutions Now Addresses 60 Percent of IT Power Usage
LAS VEGAS (Microsoft Management Summit) – Tuesday 20th April 2010 – 1E, a software and services company that improves IT efficiency by identifying and reducing costs and waste in hardware, software, energy and time, today announced two significant advances in IT efficiency: NightWatchman® Server Edition 2.0 and NightWatchman® 6.0 at the Microsoft Management Summit 2010 (MMS)
With nearly 14 million licensed users of its software deployed across 1100 organizations in 42 countries worldwide, 1E’s energy efficiency solutions have helped its customers save in excess of $360M in energy costs alone, cutting CO2 emissions by three million tons. NightWatchman is the world’s leading PC power management solution with four million licensed users worldwide.
“We’re proud to join Microsoft at MMS as a Gold Certified Partner and offer this loyal community a first look at our innovative suite of NightWatchman solutions,” said Sumir Karayi, CEO, 1E. “1E continues to lead the industry in empowering IT efficiency, reducing costs and saving energy for our customers.”
For System Center customers, NightWatchman provides increased return on investment (ROI) through genuine power savings and enhanced computer health, reporting and remediation. For example, 1E’s Nomad Enterprise allows branch office server consolidation and zero touch Windows 7 deployment. In addition, Configuration Manager customers using 1E’s Shopping software will benefit from self service through a highly customizable work flow-based Web portal.1E solutions have been maximizing efficiencies to the System Center Configuration Manager infrastructures for more than a decade.
“By working together with 1E’s best-of-breed energy efficient IT solutions, we offer customers a powerful combination of automation, reduced infrastructure and power management. As a result, customers can gain a deeper insight into their operations and drive efficiencies across their physical and virtual IT environments,” said Brad Anderson, corporate vice president, Management and Services Division at Microsoft Corporation.
NightWatchman Server Edition, the latest innovation from 1E, addresses the $24.7 billion of IT spend wasted each year on servers not doing any useful work. Traditional monitoring tools primarily focus on availability and performance but provide little insight on whether a server is providing any business value. NightWatchman Server Edition provides detailed efficiency and power reporting so that decisions such as decommissioning wasteful servers are made much simpler and the efficiency of productive servers can be further enhanced with Drowsy Server® technology.
1E will be presenting a session on Wednesday, April 21st at 10:15am, providing the audience with a sneak preview of NightWatchman Server Edition 2.0 and NightWatchman 6.0, which will be generally available later in 2010. Presentations and demonstrations of 1E solutions including NightWatchman, WakeUp, Shopping and NightWatchman Server Edition will take place throughout the week at the 1E booth [# 410]. Attendees will also discover how Nomad Enterprise can be used to simplify and reduce the cost of Windows® 7 deployment.
About 1E
1E believes that every one of its customers should expect more from their IT. Founded in 1997, 1E pioneered advanced PC power management with the release of our ground-breaking solutions NightWatchman® and WakeUp™. That innovative approach has continued with the development of revolutionary concepts like Useful Work™, Drowsy Server© and Computer Health™ as part of a unique range of industry-leading solutions.
Headquartered in London and New York and with nearly 14 million licenses deployed world-wide, over 1100 organizations in 42 countries have trusted us to help them to work effectively, productively and sustainably. To date, we have helped our customers save in excess of $360m in energy costs alone, cutting CO2 emissions by 3 million tonnes. Our customers include AT&T, Allstate Insurance, Blue Cross, Bovis Lend Lease, British Airways, CSC, Dell Inc., DWP, Ford Motor Company, HSBC, ING Investment Management, Marks & Spencer, Microsoft, Nestlé, Reed Elsevier, SABMiller, Syngenta, the US Air Force on behalf of the Pentagon and Verizon Wireless.
We have many imitators, but there is only one 1E. For further information, please visit www.1e.com
Apr 20, 2010 1E News Release
1E Previews NightWatchman® Server Edition 2.0 and NightWatchman® 6.0 at MMS 2010
Suite of Energy Efficient NightWatchman Solutions Now Addresses 60 Percent of IT Power Usage
LAS VEGAS (Microsoft Management Summit) – Tuesday 20th April 2010 – 1E, a software and services company that improves IT efficiency by identifying and reducing costs and waste in hardware, software, energy and time, today announced two significant advances in IT efficiency: NightWatchman® Server Edition 2.0 and NightWatchman® 6.0 at the Microsoft Management Summit 2010 (MMS)
With nearly 14 million licensed users of its software deployed across 1100 organizations in 42 countries worldwide, 1E’s energy efficiency solutions have helped its customers save in excess of $360M in energy costs alone, cutting CO2 emissions by three million tons. NightWatchman is the world’s leading PC power management solution with four million licensed users worldwide.
“We’re proud to join Microsoft at MMS as a Gold Certified Partner and offer this loyal community a first look at our innovative suite of NightWatchman solutions,” said Sumir Karayi, CEO, 1E. “1E continues to lead the industry in empowering IT efficiency, reducing costs and saving energy for our customers.”
For System Center customers, NightWatchman provides increased return on investment (ROI) through genuine power savings and enhanced computer health, reporting and remediation. For example, 1E’s Nomad Enterprise allows branch office server consolidation and zero touch Windows 7 deployment. In addition, Configuration Manager customers using 1E’s Shopping software will benefit from self service through a highly customizable work flow-based Web portal.1E solutions have been maximizing efficiencies to the System Center Configuration Manager infrastructures for more than a decade.
“By working together with 1E’s best-of-breed energy efficient IT solutions, we offer customers a powerful combination of automation, reduced infrastructure and power management. As a result, customers can gain a deeper insight into their operations and drive efficiencies across their physical and virtual IT environments,” said Brad Anderson, corporate vice president, Management and Services Division at Microsoft Corporation.
NightWatchman Server Edition, the latest innovation from 1E, addresses the $24.7 billion of IT spend wasted each year on servers not doing any useful work. Traditional monitoring tools primarily focus on availability and performance but provide little insight on whether a server is providing any business value. NightWatchman Server Edition provides detailed efficiency and power reporting so that decisions such as decommissioning wasteful servers are made much simpler and the efficiency of productive servers can be further enhanced with Drowsy Server® technology.
1E will be presenting a session on Wednesday, April 21st at 10:15am, providing the audience with a sneak preview of NightWatchman Server Edition 2.0 and NightWatchman 6.0, which will be generally available later in 2010. Presentations and demonstrations of 1E solutions including NightWatchman, WakeUp, Shopping and NightWatchman Server Edition will take place throughout the week at the 1E booth [# 410]. Attendees will also discover how Nomad Enterprise can be used to simplify and reduce the cost of Windows® 7 deployment.
About 1E
1E believes that every one of its customers should expect more from their IT. Founded in 1997, 1E pioneered advanced PC power management with the release of our ground-breaking solutions NightWatchman® and WakeUp™. That innovative approach has continued with the development of revolutionary concepts like Useful Work™, Drowsy Server© and Computer Health™ as part of a unique range of industry-leading solutions.
Headquartered in London and New York and with nearly 14 million licenses deployed world-wide, over 1100 organizations in 42 countries have trusted us to help them to work effectively, productively and sustainably. To date, we have helped our customers save in excess of $360m in energy costs alone, cutting CO2 emissions by 3 million tonnes. Our customers include AT&T, Allstate Insurance, Blue Cross, Bovis Lend Lease, British Airways, CSC, Dell Inc., DWP, Ford Motor Company, HSBC, ING Investment Management, Marks & Spencer, Microsoft, Nestlé, Reed Elsevier, SABMiller, Syngenta, the US Air Force on behalf of the Pentagon and Verizon Wireless.
We have many imitators, but there is only one 1E. For further information, please visit www.1e.com
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Enery management at home
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy today jointly announced changes to the Energy Star product certification process to ensure that only products meeting the program requirements can receive an Energy Star label. These changes accelerate steps DOE and EPA have initiated over the past several months to bolster the verification, testing and enforcement aspects of the Energy Star program.
“The Energy Star program started out small and has grown quickly, and now the brand is immensely valuable to consumers and businesses,” said Gina McCarthy, EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation. “The safeguards we’re putting into effect are essential for the millions of consumers who rely on Energy Star products to help save energy, money and the environment.”
“Consumers trust the Energy Star brand to save them money and reduce carbon pollution,” said Cathy Zoi, DOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. “The steps we are taking to strengthen the program will ensure that Energy Star continues to be the hallmark for energy efficiency in the years to come.”
Effective immediately, manufacturers wishing to qualify their products as Energy Star must submit complete lab reports and results for review and approval by EPA prior to labeling. Following a thorough review of the Energy Star qualification approval process, EPA has strengthened its approval systems and is no longer relying on an automated approval process. All new qualification applications will be reviewed and approved individually by EPA. EPA will begin accepting new applications by the end of the week.
Additionally, companies applying to be program partners will not be able to access the Energy Star certification mark until EPA has approved a specific Energy Star-qualified product submitted by the company.
EPA and DOE are further strengthening the certification process with a requirement effective at the end of the year that all manufacturers must submit test results from an approved, accredited lab for any product seeking the Energy Star label. Testing in an accredited lab is currently required for certain product categories including windows, doors, skylights and compact fluorescent lighting. The new process will extend the requirement to each of the more than 60 eligible product categories under the Energy Star program.
These efforts are in addition to enforcement and testing procedures already in place to ensure compliance with Energy Star specifications. The Department of Energy is conducting off-the-shelf product testing for some of the most common household appliances and a recent Inspector General audit found that 98 percent of products tested fully complied with Energy Star requirements.
The EPA and DOE are committed to continually strengthening and improving the Energy Star program, which provides information to consumers to help identify the most energy efficient products on the market that will save them money and reduce carbon pollution.
“The Energy Star program started out small and has grown quickly, and now the brand is immensely valuable to consumers and businesses,” said Gina McCarthy, EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation. “The safeguards we’re putting into effect are essential for the millions of consumers who rely on Energy Star products to help save energy, money and the environment.”
“Consumers trust the Energy Star brand to save them money and reduce carbon pollution,” said Cathy Zoi, DOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. “The steps we are taking to strengthen the program will ensure that Energy Star continues to be the hallmark for energy efficiency in the years to come.”
Effective immediately, manufacturers wishing to qualify their products as Energy Star must submit complete lab reports and results for review and approval by EPA prior to labeling. Following a thorough review of the Energy Star qualification approval process, EPA has strengthened its approval systems and is no longer relying on an automated approval process. All new qualification applications will be reviewed and approved individually by EPA. EPA will begin accepting new applications by the end of the week.
Additionally, companies applying to be program partners will not be able to access the Energy Star certification mark until EPA has approved a specific Energy Star-qualified product submitted by the company.
EPA and DOE are further strengthening the certification process with a requirement effective at the end of the year that all manufacturers must submit test results from an approved, accredited lab for any product seeking the Energy Star label. Testing in an accredited lab is currently required for certain product categories including windows, doors, skylights and compact fluorescent lighting. The new process will extend the requirement to each of the more than 60 eligible product categories under the Energy Star program.
These efforts are in addition to enforcement and testing procedures already in place to ensure compliance with Energy Star specifications. The Department of Energy is conducting off-the-shelf product testing for some of the most common household appliances and a recent Inspector General audit found that 98 percent of products tested fully complied with Energy Star requirements.
The EPA and DOE are committed to continually strengthening and improving the Energy Star program, which provides information to consumers to help identify the most energy efficient products on the market that will save them money and reduce carbon pollution.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Intelligent buildings
1. Why Intel Wants to Get into Energy
Apr 14, 2010 GreenTech Enterprise
Why Intel Wants to Get into Energy
Intel’s new device can read your dryer’s mind.
.
Intel will show off an experimental device this week in China that could someday substantially cut the costs of wiring homes and offices for energy efficiency, one more step in the company's foray into energy.
The device is a server/sensor that monitors the power consumption of the various appliances in a home or small commercial building in real time. The device then sends the data, via Wi-Fi, to a phone, PC or a home energy management console, like the one Intel showed off at CES earlier this year.
"Turn-on and turn-off signatures are like fingerprints," said Justin Rattner, Intel's chief technology officer in an interview. "Compressors, motors, TVs, stereos -- all of them have a unique signature. It is relatively easy to train the system to recognize these things."
In the first stage, these devices will merely provide data to home energy consoles, but over time, remote control capabilities will be added so that lights can be turned off or thermostats turned down -- either by a person or a computer -- to save energy. Think of it as a Digital Mom ("Did you turn the lights off in your room...," etc.) without the guilt. Intel will work with Flextronics to get the first commercially available versions out later this year.
Ideally, these sorts of devices and the pattern recognition software that powers them will curb the amount of hardware that will be required for home automation. Everyone loves the idea of home automation. The problem is the cost: outfitting lights and appliances with sensors and radios scares white-goods makers. With devices like this, manufacturers might be able to get away with inserting only basic computing functions into appliances and letting a central server conduct more of the computing tasks needed. In other words, forget intelligent appliances and say hello to the merely competent refrigerator.
A million homes or small office buildings rigged with automation equipment could curb the need to build a good number of 600 and 700 megawatt power plants, he said.
"We believe that 30 percent of energy consumption is controlled by the consumer," said Rattner, who will show off the device and conduct other demonstrations during a speech at the Intel Developer Forum in Beijing this week.
Part of Intel's interest in home automation stems from the lopsided nature of energy consumption when computing is compared with the rest of the world. Computers and IT equipment only account for two percent of the world's power consumption.
"If we were to hugely succeed and cut IT power in half, we'd only improve things by one percent," he said.
A bigger motive, however, lies in the opportunity to sell more chips. Intelligent appliances will need processors, boards and communications silicon. Last year, Intel began to vaguely discuss the opportunity in home automation (see the story we broke on the effort here) before coming out with its energy console and making it official.
Some of the technology behind these energy management applications to some degree can be traced back to sensor research Rattner and others showed off at IDFs in the early 2000s. (Here's a walk down memory sensor lane for you silicon fans.) With energy, remote sensors are finally finding a lucrative application to exploit.
Sensor servers and management consoles in some ways could also allow consumers and even utilities to postpone or downgrade smart meter rollout. Who needs a smart meter if your DSL router can already control your home? These devices, however, need data to work; hence, Intel is part of a coalition to get utilities to give third parties access to consumer energy consumption data.
Here's a laundry list of some of Intel's other energy efforts:
--Smart grid. Intel is working with the State Grid Corporation in China. It is also a big supporter of Grid Net, the company that wants to use WiMax in the grid. Intel has been behind the WiMax concept since the beginning.
--Wind. There are ten processors in the average wind turbine. Intel sells to some large vendors already.
--Demand response and efficiency. The company is already an investor in CPower.
--Green IT. Intel in 2001 kicked off an effort to reduce power consumption in chips. That was to prevent computers from melting. The company shifted its emphasis to power savings as electricity prices climbed.
--Solar. Intel has spun out a few startups in solar already and Intel Capital has invested in some as well. Solar cells are basically just semiconductors. Intel may not ever produce solar cells itself, but expect it to try to get its technology for chips more integrated into solar.
--Talent. A growing number of green startups are headed by Intel alums. The company has a knack for producing people well-versed in technology and marketing, running employees ragged and wearing down anyone that tries to resist their sales pitch. VCs love that. Others not listed in that link are Carlos Perea, CEO of Miox, Dan Russell, CEO of PowerMand, and First Solar president Bruce Sohn.
Apr 14, 2010 GreenTech Enterprise
Why Intel Wants to Get into Energy
Intel’s new device can read your dryer’s mind.
.
Intel will show off an experimental device this week in China that could someday substantially cut the costs of wiring homes and offices for energy efficiency, one more step in the company's foray into energy.
The device is a server/sensor that monitors the power consumption of the various appliances in a home or small commercial building in real time. The device then sends the data, via Wi-Fi, to a phone, PC or a home energy management console, like the one Intel showed off at CES earlier this year.
"Turn-on and turn-off signatures are like fingerprints," said Justin Rattner, Intel's chief technology officer in an interview. "Compressors, motors, TVs, stereos -- all of them have a unique signature. It is relatively easy to train the system to recognize these things."
In the first stage, these devices will merely provide data to home energy consoles, but over time, remote control capabilities will be added so that lights can be turned off or thermostats turned down -- either by a person or a computer -- to save energy. Think of it as a Digital Mom ("Did you turn the lights off in your room...," etc.) without the guilt. Intel will work with Flextronics to get the first commercially available versions out later this year.
Ideally, these sorts of devices and the pattern recognition software that powers them will curb the amount of hardware that will be required for home automation. Everyone loves the idea of home automation. The problem is the cost: outfitting lights and appliances with sensors and radios scares white-goods makers. With devices like this, manufacturers might be able to get away with inserting only basic computing functions into appliances and letting a central server conduct more of the computing tasks needed. In other words, forget intelligent appliances and say hello to the merely competent refrigerator.
A million homes or small office buildings rigged with automation equipment could curb the need to build a good number of 600 and 700 megawatt power plants, he said.
"We believe that 30 percent of energy consumption is controlled by the consumer," said Rattner, who will show off the device and conduct other demonstrations during a speech at the Intel Developer Forum in Beijing this week.
Part of Intel's interest in home automation stems from the lopsided nature of energy consumption when computing is compared with the rest of the world. Computers and IT equipment only account for two percent of the world's power consumption.
"If we were to hugely succeed and cut IT power in half, we'd only improve things by one percent," he said.
A bigger motive, however, lies in the opportunity to sell more chips. Intelligent appliances will need processors, boards and communications silicon. Last year, Intel began to vaguely discuss the opportunity in home automation (see the story we broke on the effort here) before coming out with its energy console and making it official.
Some of the technology behind these energy management applications to some degree can be traced back to sensor research Rattner and others showed off at IDFs in the early 2000s. (Here's a walk down memory sensor lane for you silicon fans.) With energy, remote sensors are finally finding a lucrative application to exploit.
Sensor servers and management consoles in some ways could also allow consumers and even utilities to postpone or downgrade smart meter rollout. Who needs a smart meter if your DSL router can already control your home? These devices, however, need data to work; hence, Intel is part of a coalition to get utilities to give third parties access to consumer energy consumption data.
Here's a laundry list of some of Intel's other energy efforts:
--Smart grid. Intel is working with the State Grid Corporation in China. It is also a big supporter of Grid Net, the company that wants to use WiMax in the grid. Intel has been behind the WiMax concept since the beginning.
--Wind. There are ten processors in the average wind turbine. Intel sells to some large vendors already.
--Demand response and efficiency. The company is already an investor in CPower.
--Green IT. Intel in 2001 kicked off an effort to reduce power consumption in chips. That was to prevent computers from melting. The company shifted its emphasis to power savings as electricity prices climbed.
--Solar. Intel has spun out a few startups in solar already and Intel Capital has invested in some as well. Solar cells are basically just semiconductors. Intel may not ever produce solar cells itself, but expect it to try to get its technology for chips more integrated into solar.
--Talent. A growing number of green startups are headed by Intel alums. The company has a knack for producing people well-versed in technology and marketing, running employees ragged and wearing down anyone that tries to resist their sales pitch. VCs love that. Others not listed in that link are Carlos Perea, CEO of Miox, Dan Russell, CEO of PowerMand, and First Solar president Bruce Sohn.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Energy Saving and LED lamps
Integrated LED Replacement Lamps and Existing Dimmers: Compatibility Issues
by Craig DiLouie, Lighting Controls Association
Posted April 2010
With more than 4 billion incandescent lamps installed in homes, retrofit represents the biggest opportunity for LED technology in residential applications. Currently, directional LED replacement lamps are beginning to offer suitable alternatives to directional incandescent lamps, and manufacturers are working on viable replacements for omnidirectional incandescent lamps. LED technology has the potential to offer significant benefits to consumers, such as energy savings, no radiated heat or ultraviolet output, no contained mercury, and long service life.
An issue of critical importance will be compatibility with the large installed base of lighting controls. It is estimated that there are some 150 million incandescent dimmers installed in American homes. Consumers value high-performance dimming, which offers the benefits of energy savings and mood setting. Additionally, application of energy-saving vacancy sensors continue to increase, driven largely by the Title 24 energy code.
Aside from poor performance with some low-end motion sensors, switching usually does not present any issues; well-designed integrated LED lamps turn ON and achieve full brightness instantly, making them friendly with switches, and frequent switching does not affect lamp life, making them friendly for use with vacancy sensors.
At first glance, LED technology appears to be very friendly with dimming control, with dimmable integrated LED lamps available. However, the given integrated lamp must be rated as compatible with the given line-voltage dimmer.
This whitepaper describes current LED dimming issues and offers application guidance to avoid unwanted performance.
Dimmer operation and user expectations
Line-voltage dimmers, typically forward phase-cut devices due to their simple design and economical cost, turn incandescent lamps ON and OFF 120 times per second, imperceptibly to the naked eye, usually with an electronic device called a triac switch. The dimmer enables the user to alter the proportion of ON time to OFF time, raising or lowering average voltage and resulting lamp power and light output.
Integrated LED replacement lamps may receive several potential positive benefits from dimming.
Many users’ visual performance expectations have been shaped by their experience with dimming incandescent lamps, and therefore should be taken into account when evaluating the dimming performance of an integrated LED replacement lamp. Incandescents, for example, can be dimmed to very low light levels, with dimming range expressed as a percentage of the full light output level, and the lamps started at the minimum light level setting. Light level changes smoothly and quickly, without flicker or shimmer effects. A group of lamps operated by a single dimmer will dim uniformly. The lamps and control will make very little noise. And the lamp will become “warmer” in color tone at lower light levels.
Dimming and LEDs
Integrated LED replacement lamps may receive several potential positive benefits from dimming. For example, unlike compact fluorescent and incandescent lamps, LEDs produce light output that is proportional to electrical input. An LED operating at 50 percent of its initial rated power will produce about 50 percent of its initial rated light output. Towards the lower end of the dimming range, efficacy actually increases, the result of dimming lowering internal temperatures in the LED device and thereby increasing its light output. For example, as shown in Table 1, a sample LED product, which can dim from 100 percent to 10 percent of full output, experiences a dramatic increase in LED efficiency at its maximum dimming level.
Table 1. Example of LED dimming system performance. Source: NEMA LSD 49-2010.
Parameter
Value
Total power at full output
10W
Power supply overhead at full output
1.5W
LED power at full output
8.5W
Lumens at full output
600 lumens
System efficacy at full output
60 lumens/W
LED efficacy at full output
70.6 lumens/W
Maximum dimming level
10%
Total power at max DIM
1.17W
Power supply overhead at max DIM
1W
LED power at max DIM
0.17W
Lumens at max DIM
60 lumens
System efficacy at max DIM
51.3 lumens/W
LED efficacy at max DIM
352.9 lumens/W
Increase in LED efficiency at max DIM
400%
Meanwhile, dimming may extend LED product life. Unlike compact fluorescent and incandescent lamps, integrated LED lamp life is based on lumen maintenance—specifically L70, or the point at which the lamp is producing only 70 percent of its original light output (general lighting) or L50, at which the lamp is producing only 50 percent of its original output (decorative lighting). Because reducing LED internal temperatures increases light output, the LED product’s useful life is likely to be extended, as show in Table 2. Additionally, high operating temperatures can cause a color shift towards blue among most white LEDs as their phosphors fail; by reducing temperatures, this color shift can be delayed.
Table 2. Typical lifetime of light sources at full light output and when dimmed. Source: NEMA LSD 49-2010.
Light Source
Typical Life at Full Light (h)
Typical Life When Dimmed (h)
Incandescent
750-1500
1500-6000
Halogen
3000-5000
3000-20000
Non-dimmable CFL
6000-8000
N/A
Dimmable CFL
8000-10000
De-rated
Fluorescent
15000-40000
No change
Non-dimmable LED
20000-50000
N/A
Dimmable LED
20000-50000
Increases
Compatibility issues
Not all LED replacement lamps are compatible with all existing dimmers, and not all lamps are even compatible with dimming at all. Some lamps are line-voltage AC LED products that do not use driver circuits or power supplies, and work directly on 120VAC power and with compatible existing dimmer controls, but may present a risk of flicker. Other lamps contain integrated drivers and power supplies, which provide required current at a high frequency and thereby enable dimming with minimal flicker. The driver may be a constant current or voltage device; constant-current drivers regulate current and allow output voltage to adjust, while constant-voltage driver regulate voltage regardless of the current drawn by the load. Constant-current drivers are generally recommended for integrated LED replacement lamps. For the product to be dimmable, the driver must be designed to interpret control signals and produce a range of LED current; the added control circuitry and broader current range can produce higher energy savings but with a tradeoff of lower driver efficiency.
As LEDs are still a young technology and standards are still being developed, selecting LED replacement lamps and matching them with existing dimmers should be approached with caution. LED lamps and controls should be verified as compatible (assume they are not until proven otherwise). Any chosen product should meet safety performance requirements as well as power quality and industry standard specifications. The driver should have a rated life comparable to the LED array (20,000 to 50,000 hours). If layering dimmable and non-dimmable LED lighting in the same space, these different systems may age differently, resulting in diverging light output levels and degree of color shift. Because light output increases at the low end of the dimming range, the light output and dimmer setting may drift out of proportion at this low end. And because incandescent line-voltage dimmers are designed specifically for incandescent lamps, their requirements—such as constant leakage current path, minimum load, resistive impedance, which are met by most incandescent lamps—must be met by the given LED product, or else the product may flash, flicker, not turn ON or operationally fail.
Ask the right questions
Below is a list of questions to ask when evaluating compatibility between given dimmers and integrated LED replacement lamps:
Are all components in the system rated as compatible and supported by their manufacturers?
Has the system’s particular component combination been tested to ensure it will work as specified?
What is the maximum dimming level of the lamp?
Is the relationship between the dimmer control position and light output known?
What is the maximum load allowed by the dimmer? Is there a minimum load requirement?
Does the LED product turn ON at all dimming levels of the dimmer?
Does the LED product turn OFF or “cut out” during the travel of the dimmer?
Is there noticeable flicker or stroboscopic effect when the LED product is dimmed?
Is there any color shift when the LED product?
Does the dimmer make audible noise during dimming the LED product?
Many of these questions are related to a device designed to dim incandescent lamps being used to dim LED lamps. In short, incandescent lamp dimmer reliability is ensured if each of the stresses when the dimmer drives non-incandescent loads is less than the stress when the dimmer drives the rated incandescent load.
For more information
These and other compatibility issues are covered in greater technical detail in a whitepaper recently published by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA): LSD 49-2010 Solid State Lighting for Incandescent Replacement: Best Practices for Dimming, produced by the organization’s Solid State Lighting Section. This whitepaper provides recommendations for the dimming and design of screw-based incandescent replacement solid-state lighting products. The main object of the paper is to encourage coordination among control, power supply and LED module manufacturers to achieve desired performance and product harmonization throughout the market. The paper is a precursor to a NEMA standard that will provide metrics for evaluating LED dimming compatibility and performance.
by Craig DiLouie, Lighting Controls Association
Posted April 2010
With more than 4 billion incandescent lamps installed in homes, retrofit represents the biggest opportunity for LED technology in residential applications. Currently, directional LED replacement lamps are beginning to offer suitable alternatives to directional incandescent lamps, and manufacturers are working on viable replacements for omnidirectional incandescent lamps. LED technology has the potential to offer significant benefits to consumers, such as energy savings, no radiated heat or ultraviolet output, no contained mercury, and long service life.
An issue of critical importance will be compatibility with the large installed base of lighting controls. It is estimated that there are some 150 million incandescent dimmers installed in American homes. Consumers value high-performance dimming, which offers the benefits of energy savings and mood setting. Additionally, application of energy-saving vacancy sensors continue to increase, driven largely by the Title 24 energy code.
Aside from poor performance with some low-end motion sensors, switching usually does not present any issues; well-designed integrated LED lamps turn ON and achieve full brightness instantly, making them friendly with switches, and frequent switching does not affect lamp life, making them friendly for use with vacancy sensors.
At first glance, LED technology appears to be very friendly with dimming control, with dimmable integrated LED lamps available. However, the given integrated lamp must be rated as compatible with the given line-voltage dimmer.
This whitepaper describes current LED dimming issues and offers application guidance to avoid unwanted performance.
Dimmer operation and user expectations
Line-voltage dimmers, typically forward phase-cut devices due to their simple design and economical cost, turn incandescent lamps ON and OFF 120 times per second, imperceptibly to the naked eye, usually with an electronic device called a triac switch. The dimmer enables the user to alter the proportion of ON time to OFF time, raising or lowering average voltage and resulting lamp power and light output.
Integrated LED replacement lamps may receive several potential positive benefits from dimming.
Many users’ visual performance expectations have been shaped by their experience with dimming incandescent lamps, and therefore should be taken into account when evaluating the dimming performance of an integrated LED replacement lamp. Incandescents, for example, can be dimmed to very low light levels, with dimming range expressed as a percentage of the full light output level, and the lamps started at the minimum light level setting. Light level changes smoothly and quickly, without flicker or shimmer effects. A group of lamps operated by a single dimmer will dim uniformly. The lamps and control will make very little noise. And the lamp will become “warmer” in color tone at lower light levels.
Dimming and LEDs
Integrated LED replacement lamps may receive several potential positive benefits from dimming. For example, unlike compact fluorescent and incandescent lamps, LEDs produce light output that is proportional to electrical input. An LED operating at 50 percent of its initial rated power will produce about 50 percent of its initial rated light output. Towards the lower end of the dimming range, efficacy actually increases, the result of dimming lowering internal temperatures in the LED device and thereby increasing its light output. For example, as shown in Table 1, a sample LED product, which can dim from 100 percent to 10 percent of full output, experiences a dramatic increase in LED efficiency at its maximum dimming level.
Table 1. Example of LED dimming system performance. Source: NEMA LSD 49-2010.
Parameter
Value
Total power at full output
10W
Power supply overhead at full output
1.5W
LED power at full output
8.5W
Lumens at full output
600 lumens
System efficacy at full output
60 lumens/W
LED efficacy at full output
70.6 lumens/W
Maximum dimming level
10%
Total power at max DIM
1.17W
Power supply overhead at max DIM
1W
LED power at max DIM
0.17W
Lumens at max DIM
60 lumens
System efficacy at max DIM
51.3 lumens/W
LED efficacy at max DIM
352.9 lumens/W
Increase in LED efficiency at max DIM
400%
Meanwhile, dimming may extend LED product life. Unlike compact fluorescent and incandescent lamps, integrated LED lamp life is based on lumen maintenance—specifically L70, or the point at which the lamp is producing only 70 percent of its original light output (general lighting) or L50, at which the lamp is producing only 50 percent of its original output (decorative lighting). Because reducing LED internal temperatures increases light output, the LED product’s useful life is likely to be extended, as show in Table 2. Additionally, high operating temperatures can cause a color shift towards blue among most white LEDs as their phosphors fail; by reducing temperatures, this color shift can be delayed.
Table 2. Typical lifetime of light sources at full light output and when dimmed. Source: NEMA LSD 49-2010.
Light Source
Typical Life at Full Light (h)
Typical Life When Dimmed (h)
Incandescent
750-1500
1500-6000
Halogen
3000-5000
3000-20000
Non-dimmable CFL
6000-8000
N/A
Dimmable CFL
8000-10000
De-rated
Fluorescent
15000-40000
No change
Non-dimmable LED
20000-50000
N/A
Dimmable LED
20000-50000
Increases
Compatibility issues
Not all LED replacement lamps are compatible with all existing dimmers, and not all lamps are even compatible with dimming at all. Some lamps are line-voltage AC LED products that do not use driver circuits or power supplies, and work directly on 120VAC power and with compatible existing dimmer controls, but may present a risk of flicker. Other lamps contain integrated drivers and power supplies, which provide required current at a high frequency and thereby enable dimming with minimal flicker. The driver may be a constant current or voltage device; constant-current drivers regulate current and allow output voltage to adjust, while constant-voltage driver regulate voltage regardless of the current drawn by the load. Constant-current drivers are generally recommended for integrated LED replacement lamps. For the product to be dimmable, the driver must be designed to interpret control signals and produce a range of LED current; the added control circuitry and broader current range can produce higher energy savings but with a tradeoff of lower driver efficiency.
As LEDs are still a young technology and standards are still being developed, selecting LED replacement lamps and matching them with existing dimmers should be approached with caution. LED lamps and controls should be verified as compatible (assume they are not until proven otherwise). Any chosen product should meet safety performance requirements as well as power quality and industry standard specifications. The driver should have a rated life comparable to the LED array (20,000 to 50,000 hours). If layering dimmable and non-dimmable LED lighting in the same space, these different systems may age differently, resulting in diverging light output levels and degree of color shift. Because light output increases at the low end of the dimming range, the light output and dimmer setting may drift out of proportion at this low end. And because incandescent line-voltage dimmers are designed specifically for incandescent lamps, their requirements—such as constant leakage current path, minimum load, resistive impedance, which are met by most incandescent lamps—must be met by the given LED product, or else the product may flash, flicker, not turn ON or operationally fail.
Ask the right questions
Below is a list of questions to ask when evaluating compatibility between given dimmers and integrated LED replacement lamps:
Are all components in the system rated as compatible and supported by their manufacturers?
Has the system’s particular component combination been tested to ensure it will work as specified?
What is the maximum dimming level of the lamp?
Is the relationship between the dimmer control position and light output known?
What is the maximum load allowed by the dimmer? Is there a minimum load requirement?
Does the LED product turn ON at all dimming levels of the dimmer?
Does the LED product turn OFF or “cut out” during the travel of the dimmer?
Is there noticeable flicker or stroboscopic effect when the LED product is dimmed?
Is there any color shift when the LED product?
Does the dimmer make audible noise during dimming the LED product?
Many of these questions are related to a device designed to dim incandescent lamps being used to dim LED lamps. In short, incandescent lamp dimmer reliability is ensured if each of the stresses when the dimmer drives non-incandescent loads is less than the stress when the dimmer drives the rated incandescent load.
For more information
These and other compatibility issues are covered in greater technical detail in a whitepaper recently published by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA): LSD 49-2010 Solid State Lighting for Incandescent Replacement: Best Practices for Dimming, produced by the organization’s Solid State Lighting Section. This whitepaper provides recommendations for the dimming and design of screw-based incandescent replacement solid-state lighting products. The main object of the paper is to encourage coordination among control, power supply and LED module manufacturers to achieve desired performance and product harmonization throughout the market. The paper is a precursor to a NEMA standard that will provide metrics for evaluating LED dimming compatibility and performance.
Saving Energy
1. 2,000 Huntington, Long Island residents targeted to reduce energy consumption with the use of EnerPath software
Apr 9, 2010 EnerPath News Release
The Town of Huntington announced yesterday the launch of an energy efficiency program targeting local residents. The Huntington Town Council will hear a recommendation next week to use LI Green, a local not-for-profit corporation affiliated with the Advanced Energy Center at Stony Brook University, to perform home energy assessments and provide education, recommendations and support for residents in order to significantly reduce energy use. LI Green is partnering with EnerPath to bring large-scale energy efficiency to Long Island through the use of EnerPath's specialized software and best-practices expertise.
EnerPath (www.enerpath.com), with offices in Boston, MA and Redlands, CA, has been delivering large-scale energy efficiency programs for over ten years. EnerPath software enables energy assessment information to be electronically captured and analyzed on-site. Within seconds, a custom report can be printed for homeowners, showing opportunities for energy efficiency savings. Real-time dashboards of program progress are available to LI Green and the Town of Huntington through an EnerPath web portal.
"The Town of Huntington shows incredible foresight in recognizing the importance of green-tech opportunities for creating local jobs and addressing residents' concerns to lower their energy bills," said Stephen Guthrie, EnerPath Founder and CEO.
EnerPath champions a tiered approach to energy efficiency and has a track record of incredibly high customer enrollment and satisfaction. By starting with Tier 1 measures, which are low-cost, easy to install and have quick-payback periods, customers embrace energy efficiency and associated energy savings. Customers with positive Tier 1 experiences will go on to implement Tier 2 and Tier 3 measures, which tend to be more complex and costly.
The tiered approach to energy efficiency, adopted by The Town of Huntington, and endorsed by the US Department of Energy will enable LI Green to provide a Free Tier 1 Home Energy Assessment with recommendations on low-cost, quick-payback energy efficiency measures to Huntington residents. Energy assessors will provide education on Tier 1 energy efficiency measures and explain Tier 2 audits and other opportunities for energy savings throughout the home, as well as other financially supported programs customers can enroll in to save energy. Energy assessors will also provide education on Tier 3 measures like renewable energy and government incentive programs for these measures including solar and wind energy alternatives.
"The program being implemented between LI Green and EnerPath in Huntington is a true partnership which is focused on helping Long Island families," said Chuck Schwartz, Director of LI Green. "EnerPath has a history in the energy efficiency business of providing cost effective and large-scale community programs. The use of mobile wireless computers and the superior design of EnerPath's software will allow us to operate better, faster and smarter. With this technology platform, trained LI Green Engineers and Technicians will provide Huntington homeowners with preliminary home energy assessments in under an hour. The system's ability to prepare and print customized reports for immediate review with the resident, as well as EnerPath's proven methods for implementing and verifying energy efficiency measure installations and ensuring residents achieve the targeted reduction in their monthly energy bills, makes this a program that will exceed all expectations."
"Even more exciting is that the Tiered Delivery Program being implemented complements the outstanding energy efficiency programs being implemented by LIPA, NY State and the LI Energy Efficiency Retrofit Ramp-up Consortium, a partnership of eight Long Island townships," continued Mr. Schwartz. "The Huntington program will act as a pre-qualification, screening program that will lead to greater outcomes. It complements these regional and statewide efforts while at the same time very quickly delivering significant energy savings and greenhouse gas reductions from more families in the near term."
The Town of Huntington expects to have 2,000 residences assessed in the first phase of this program which will last for 24 months.
EnerPath licenses its award-winning energy efficiency audit software and deploys large-scale energy efficiency programs nationwide. Working with utility companies, municipal governments and green-tech partners, EnerPath executes customized programs that make tens-of-thousand of homes and small business more energy efficient each year.
Apr 9, 2010 EnerPath News Release
The Town of Huntington announced yesterday the launch of an energy efficiency program targeting local residents. The Huntington Town Council will hear a recommendation next week to use LI Green, a local not-for-profit corporation affiliated with the Advanced Energy Center at Stony Brook University, to perform home energy assessments and provide education, recommendations and support for residents in order to significantly reduce energy use. LI Green is partnering with EnerPath to bring large-scale energy efficiency to Long Island through the use of EnerPath's specialized software and best-practices expertise.
EnerPath (www.enerpath.com), with offices in Boston, MA and Redlands, CA, has been delivering large-scale energy efficiency programs for over ten years. EnerPath software enables energy assessment information to be electronically captured and analyzed on-site. Within seconds, a custom report can be printed for homeowners, showing opportunities for energy efficiency savings. Real-time dashboards of program progress are available to LI Green and the Town of Huntington through an EnerPath web portal.
"The Town of Huntington shows incredible foresight in recognizing the importance of green-tech opportunities for creating local jobs and addressing residents' concerns to lower their energy bills," said Stephen Guthrie, EnerPath Founder and CEO.
EnerPath champions a tiered approach to energy efficiency and has a track record of incredibly high customer enrollment and satisfaction. By starting with Tier 1 measures, which are low-cost, easy to install and have quick-payback periods, customers embrace energy efficiency and associated energy savings. Customers with positive Tier 1 experiences will go on to implement Tier 2 and Tier 3 measures, which tend to be more complex and costly.
The tiered approach to energy efficiency, adopted by The Town of Huntington, and endorsed by the US Department of Energy will enable LI Green to provide a Free Tier 1 Home Energy Assessment with recommendations on low-cost, quick-payback energy efficiency measures to Huntington residents. Energy assessors will provide education on Tier 1 energy efficiency measures and explain Tier 2 audits and other opportunities for energy savings throughout the home, as well as other financially supported programs customers can enroll in to save energy. Energy assessors will also provide education on Tier 3 measures like renewable energy and government incentive programs for these measures including solar and wind energy alternatives.
"The program being implemented between LI Green and EnerPath in Huntington is a true partnership which is focused on helping Long Island families," said Chuck Schwartz, Director of LI Green. "EnerPath has a history in the energy efficiency business of providing cost effective and large-scale community programs. The use of mobile wireless computers and the superior design of EnerPath's software will allow us to operate better, faster and smarter. With this technology platform, trained LI Green Engineers and Technicians will provide Huntington homeowners with preliminary home energy assessments in under an hour. The system's ability to prepare and print customized reports for immediate review with the resident, as well as EnerPath's proven methods for implementing and verifying energy efficiency measure installations and ensuring residents achieve the targeted reduction in their monthly energy bills, makes this a program that will exceed all expectations."
"Even more exciting is that the Tiered Delivery Program being implemented complements the outstanding energy efficiency programs being implemented by LIPA, NY State and the LI Energy Efficiency Retrofit Ramp-up Consortium, a partnership of eight Long Island townships," continued Mr. Schwartz. "The Huntington program will act as a pre-qualification, screening program that will lead to greater outcomes. It complements these regional and statewide efforts while at the same time very quickly delivering significant energy savings and greenhouse gas reductions from more families in the near term."
The Town of Huntington expects to have 2,000 residences assessed in the first phase of this program which will last for 24 months.
EnerPath licenses its award-winning energy efficiency audit software and deploys large-scale energy efficiency programs nationwide. Working with utility companies, municipal governments and green-tech partners, EnerPath executes customized programs that make tens-of-thousand of homes and small business more energy efficient each year.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Energy Management and Lighting Control
6. World Bank approves loan for coal-fired power plant in South Africa
Apr 9, 2010 Washington Post
Reuters
The World Bank on Thursday approved a controversial $3 billion loan for the development of a coal-fired power plant by the South African state utility Eskom despite lack of support from major shareholder countries.
The United States, the Netherlands and Britain said they abstained from supporting the loan because of environmental and other concerns about the project.
Eskom has defended the development of the 4,800-megawatt Medupi plant in the northern Limpopo region, saying it is critical to ease the country's chronic power shortages as well as to ensure electricity flows to neighboring states.
The World Bank said the loan would help "South Africa achieve a reliable electricity supply." In addition to the $3 billion loan for the coal plant, the World Bank approved $750 million in financing for renewables and energy-efficiency projects.
"Without an increased energy supply, South Africans will face hardship for the poor and limited economic growth," Obiageli Ezekwesili, World Bank vice president for Africa, said in a statement.
The U.S. Treasury said it abstained because of "concerns about the climate impact of the project and its incompatibility with the World Bank's commitment to be a leader in climate change mitigation and adaptation."
The Treasury also said the project was inconsistent with guidelines the Obama administration issued in December on coal-related lending by development banks. It said that although it recognized South Africa's pressing needs, it was concerned the project would produce "significant" greenhouse gas emissions.
A Dutch Foreign Ministry spokesman cited concerns that Eskom was not doing enough to develop alternatives to coal. Britain's Department for International Development said the project raised "several sensitive and potentially controversial issues" that it couldn't resolve because of an election campaign.
The opposition to the Eskom loan has raised eyebrows among some observers, who note that Britain and the United States are allowing development of coal-powered plants at home even as they raise concerns about those in poorer countries. The South African plant is using the same technology used in the United States and other developing countries to lower carbon emissions.
The Environmental Defense Fund called the bank's decision a setback. "This was a missed opportunity for the U.S. and the World Bank to move away from a traditional focus on fossil-fueled growth and toward a new model of low-carbon economic development," said Peter Goldmark, director of the fund's climate and air program.
6. World Bank approves loan for coal-fired power plant in South Africa
Apr 9, 2010 Washington Post
Reuters
The World Bank on Thursday approved a controversial $3 billion loan for the development of a coal-fired power plant by the South African state utility Eskom despite lack of support from major shareholder countries.
The United States, the Netherlands and Britain said they abstained from supporting the loan because of environmental and other concerns about the project.
Eskom has defended the development of the 4,800-megawatt Medupi plant in the northern Limpopo region, saying it is critical to ease the country's chronic power shortages as well as to ensure electricity flows to neighboring states.
The World Bank said the loan would help "South Africa achieve a reliable electricity supply." In addition to the $3 billion loan for the coal plant, the World Bank approved $750 million in financing for renewables and energy-efficiency projects.
"Without an increased energy supply, South Africans will face hardship for the poor and limited economic growth," Obiageli Ezekwesili, World Bank vice president for Africa, said in a statement.
The U.S. Treasury said it abstained because of "concerns about the climate impact of the project and its incompatibility with the World Bank's commitment to be a leader in climate change mitigation and adaptation."
The Treasury also said the project was inconsistent with guidelines the Obama administration issued in December on coal-related lending by development banks. It said that although it recognized South Africa's pressing needs, it was concerned the project would produce "significant" greenhouse gas emissions.
A Dutch Foreign Ministry spokesman cited concerns that Eskom was not doing enough to develop alternatives to coal. Britain's Department for International Development said the project raised "several sensitive and potentially controversial issues" that it couldn't resolve because of an election campaign.
The opposition to the Eskom loan has raised eyebrows among some observers, who note that Britain and the United States are allowing development of coal-powered plants at home even as they raise concerns about those in poorer countries. The South African plant is using the same technology used in the United States and other developing countries to lower carbon emissions.
The Environmental Defense Fund called the bank's decision a setback. "This was a missed opportunity for the U.S. and the World Bank to move away from a traditional focus on fossil-fueled growth and toward a new model of low-carbon economic development," said Peter Goldmark, director of the fund's climate and air program.
Apr 9, 2010 Washington Post
Reuters
The World Bank on Thursday approved a controversial $3 billion loan for the development of a coal-fired power plant by the South African state utility Eskom despite lack of support from major shareholder countries.
The United States, the Netherlands and Britain said they abstained from supporting the loan because of environmental and other concerns about the project.
Eskom has defended the development of the 4,800-megawatt Medupi plant in the northern Limpopo region, saying it is critical to ease the country's chronic power shortages as well as to ensure electricity flows to neighboring states.
The World Bank said the loan would help "South Africa achieve a reliable electricity supply." In addition to the $3 billion loan for the coal plant, the World Bank approved $750 million in financing for renewables and energy-efficiency projects.
"Without an increased energy supply, South Africans will face hardship for the poor and limited economic growth," Obiageli Ezekwesili, World Bank vice president for Africa, said in a statement.
The U.S. Treasury said it abstained because of "concerns about the climate impact of the project and its incompatibility with the World Bank's commitment to be a leader in climate change mitigation and adaptation."
The Treasury also said the project was inconsistent with guidelines the Obama administration issued in December on coal-related lending by development banks. It said that although it recognized South Africa's pressing needs, it was concerned the project would produce "significant" greenhouse gas emissions.
A Dutch Foreign Ministry spokesman cited concerns that Eskom was not doing enough to develop alternatives to coal. Britain's Department for International Development said the project raised "several sensitive and potentially controversial issues" that it couldn't resolve because of an election campaign.
The opposition to the Eskom loan has raised eyebrows among some observers, who note that Britain and the United States are allowing development of coal-powered plants at home even as they raise concerns about those in poorer countries. The South African plant is using the same technology used in the United States and other developing countries to lower carbon emissions.
The Environmental Defense Fund called the bank's decision a setback. "This was a missed opportunity for the U.S. and the World Bank to move away from a traditional focus on fossil-fueled growth and toward a new model of low-carbon economic development," said Peter Goldmark, director of the fund's climate and air program.
6. World Bank approves loan for coal-fired power plant in South Africa
Apr 9, 2010 Washington Post
Reuters
The World Bank on Thursday approved a controversial $3 billion loan for the development of a coal-fired power plant by the South African state utility Eskom despite lack of support from major shareholder countries.
The United States, the Netherlands and Britain said they abstained from supporting the loan because of environmental and other concerns about the project.
Eskom has defended the development of the 4,800-megawatt Medupi plant in the northern Limpopo region, saying it is critical to ease the country's chronic power shortages as well as to ensure electricity flows to neighboring states.
The World Bank said the loan would help "South Africa achieve a reliable electricity supply." In addition to the $3 billion loan for the coal plant, the World Bank approved $750 million in financing for renewables and energy-efficiency projects.
"Without an increased energy supply, South Africans will face hardship for the poor and limited economic growth," Obiageli Ezekwesili, World Bank vice president for Africa, said in a statement.
The U.S. Treasury said it abstained because of "concerns about the climate impact of the project and its incompatibility with the World Bank's commitment to be a leader in climate change mitigation and adaptation."
The Treasury also said the project was inconsistent with guidelines the Obama administration issued in December on coal-related lending by development banks. It said that although it recognized South Africa's pressing needs, it was concerned the project would produce "significant" greenhouse gas emissions.
A Dutch Foreign Ministry spokesman cited concerns that Eskom was not doing enough to develop alternatives to coal. Britain's Department for International Development said the project raised "several sensitive and potentially controversial issues" that it couldn't resolve because of an election campaign.
The opposition to the Eskom loan has raised eyebrows among some observers, who note that Britain and the United States are allowing development of coal-powered plants at home even as they raise concerns about those in poorer countries. The South African plant is using the same technology used in the United States and other developing countries to lower carbon emissions.
The Environmental Defense Fund called the bank's decision a setback. "This was a missed opportunity for the U.S. and the World Bank to move away from a traditional focus on fossil-fueled growth and toward a new model of low-carbon economic development," said Peter Goldmark, director of the fund's climate and air program.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Energy Management
Dora-1 Geothermal Project - VCS
Available for purchase on the website
The Dora-I Geothermal Project is a 7.9 MW renewable energy geothermal power plant located in the the Salavatli village of Aydin city in Turkey. Using geothermal energy, the power plant generates electricity that is exported to the national grid of Turkey. Some of the waste heat is planned to be used in local greenhouses to support the regional horticultural industry.
This pioneering Project is the first private geothermal power plant in Turkey and it uses state-of-the-art technology. By developing one of the first projects demonstrating the operational capability of geothermal power plants, the project operators have taken significant first mover risks and helped to stimulate the growth of the geothermal power industry in Turkey.
Project Details More Resources:
Location: Salavatli village,
Aydin city in Turkey
Coordinates: 37°53’22.85’’N / 28°06’33.50’’E
view location on map
Type: Geothermal
Standard: Voluntary Carbon Standard
Vintage: 2008/09
Status: Voluntary Carbon Standard Issued
Project Operator: Menderes Geothermal Elektrik
Uretim A.g and South Pole
Carbon Asset Management Ltd.
Available for purchase on the website
The Dora-I Geothermal Project is a 7.9 MW renewable energy geothermal power plant located in the the Salavatli village of Aydin city in Turkey. Using geothermal energy, the power plant generates electricity that is exported to the national grid of Turkey. Some of the waste heat is planned to be used in local greenhouses to support the regional horticultural industry.
This pioneering Project is the first private geothermal power plant in Turkey and it uses state-of-the-art technology. By developing one of the first projects demonstrating the operational capability of geothermal power plants, the project operators have taken significant first mover risks and helped to stimulate the growth of the geothermal power industry in Turkey.
Project Details More Resources:
Location: Salavatli village,
Aydin city in Turkey
Coordinates: 37°53’22.85’’N / 28°06’33.50’’E
view location on map
Type: Geothermal
Standard: Voluntary Carbon Standard
Vintage: 2008/09
Status: Voluntary Carbon Standard Issued
Project Operator: Menderes Geothermal Elektrik
Uretim A.g and South Pole
Carbon Asset Management Ltd.
Home Automation
Appliance and Equipment Standards
Energy efficiency standards and labels for appliances, equipment, and lighting products are a very cost-effective and powerful policy for conserving energy. By forcing a shift to more efficient technology, standards "raise the floor" for efficient use of energy.
For information on selecting energy efficient products, the Alliance strongly suggests the EnergyStar website. EnergyStar is a joint program of the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that endorses energy-efficient products.
The Alliance to Save Energy is working to improve appliance standards and labeling through research and advocacy. We support the following projects dedicated to standards development in the United States and internationally.
The Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP) is dedicated to increasing awareness of and support for appliance and equipment efficiency standards in the United States. Founded in 1999 by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Alliance to Save Energy, ASAP is led by a steering committee that includes representatives from the environmental community, consumer groups, utilities and state government. ASAP provides advice and technical support to parties interested in advancing state standards.
The Collaborative Labeling and Appliance Standards Program (CLASP) facilitates the design, implementation, and enforcement of energy efficiency standards and labels for appliances, equipment, and lighting products in developing and transitional countries throughout the world. CLASP was formed in in 1999 by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), the International Institute for Energy Conservation (IIEC), and the Alliance to Save Energy.
Other resources include:
Agence de I'Environnement et de la Maitrise de I'Energie (ADEME), a public body which is industrial and commercial in nature, overseen by the French ministries of the Environnement, Industry and Research. NOTE: This web site is written in French.
Energy Efficient Strategies (EES) provides policy development, technical and economic support for the development and implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI), a private, nonprofit organization (501(c)3), administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system.
The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) advocates voluntary technical standards which promote free trade, the safety of workers and consumers, interoperability of networks, environmental protection, exploitation of research and development programmes, and public procurement.
International Energy Agency (IEA), based in Paris, is an autonomous agency linked with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). IEA Member governments are committed to taking joint measures to meet oil supply emergencies. They have also agreed to share energy information, to co-ordinate their energy policies and to co-operate in the development of rational energy programmes
Energy efficiency standards and labels for appliances, equipment, and lighting products are a very cost-effective and powerful policy for conserving energy. By forcing a shift to more efficient technology, standards "raise the floor" for efficient use of energy.
For information on selecting energy efficient products, the Alliance strongly suggests the EnergyStar website. EnergyStar is a joint program of the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that endorses energy-efficient products.
The Alliance to Save Energy is working to improve appliance standards and labeling through research and advocacy. We support the following projects dedicated to standards development in the United States and internationally.
The Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP) is dedicated to increasing awareness of and support for appliance and equipment efficiency standards in the United States. Founded in 1999 by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Alliance to Save Energy, ASAP is led by a steering committee that includes representatives from the environmental community, consumer groups, utilities and state government. ASAP provides advice and technical support to parties interested in advancing state standards.
The Collaborative Labeling and Appliance Standards Program (CLASP) facilitates the design, implementation, and enforcement of energy efficiency standards and labels for appliances, equipment, and lighting products in developing and transitional countries throughout the world. CLASP was formed in in 1999 by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), the International Institute for Energy Conservation (IIEC), and the Alliance to Save Energy.
Other resources include:
Agence de I'Environnement et de la Maitrise de I'Energie (ADEME), a public body which is industrial and commercial in nature, overseen by the French ministries of the Environnement, Industry and Research. NOTE: This web site is written in French.
Energy Efficient Strategies (EES) provides policy development, technical and economic support for the development and implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI), a private, nonprofit organization (501(c)3), administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system.
The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) advocates voluntary technical standards which promote free trade, the safety of workers and consumers, interoperability of networks, environmental protection, exploitation of research and development programmes, and public procurement.
International Energy Agency (IEA), based in Paris, is an autonomous agency linked with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). IEA Member governments are committed to taking joint measures to meet oil supply emergencies. They have also agreed to share energy information, to co-ordinate their energy policies and to co-operate in the development of rational energy programmes
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