Solar Water Disinfection For Times of Crisis

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One of the most critical health problems during natural and human induced disasters is finding safe drinking water. Disease and illnesses result from contaminated water supplies, poor hygiene, lack of safe water for washing, and/or environmental conditions that support water borne diseases.

What is Solar Water Disinfection

There is no simple solution for these problems in the midst of crisis; but there is a little known but effective water treatment process that has enormous potential. Solar disinfection (SODIS) is economical, requires no exotic or expensive chemicals, and does not require expensive and limited fuels for boiling water (Lawand et al., 1988). Solar disinfection uses the near ultra-violet radiation of the sun, 300-400 nm wavelength, to kill pathogens (Acra et al., 1984).

water being disinfected by solar heating

Before it is solarized cloudy water should be filtered (cloth or?) and/or allowed to settle. The water is then placed in a thin-walled plastic container that transmits a high percentage of UV radiation. One liter water bottles of Type 1 plastic PETE will work. Clear glass will also work but takes longer. The bottles are placed where they will receive full sun. Six hours of bright sun are desirable. In most arid lands this is not a problem. Directions could be printed on bottle labels.

UVA radiation from the sun is lethal against many bacteria, and UVB radiation is good against bacteria, viruses, and some protozoa (Garcia-gil et al. 2021). Studies showed complete destruction of Salmonella enteritidis and S. typhi in just 60 minutes, S. flexneri in just 15 minutes, Escherichia coli in 75 minutes, and comparable results against a number of other pathogens.

Treated water should be consumed within the 24 hours following exposure since bacteria can regrow in the dark if the water is stored (Garcia-Gil et al, 2021). Cloudy water (turbidity) decreases the solar disinfection efficiency and prolongs treatment time. Since the water is generally treated, stored, and often drunk from the same container, there is a decreased risk of recontamination.

Solar disinfection offers a worthwhile reduction in disease risk under real life conditions, but is not a panacea (Mcguigan et al., 1999). A central problem is the difficulty people have in matching laboratory protocols around family life. People may not leave the water in the sun long enough before drinking it. Well designed and presented studies show what can be done. The compliance in a study in Ethiopia was 91% and the incidence of diarrhea in children under 5 was cut in half (Bitwe et al.,2018).

Solar Disinfection of Food

This process can also be of benefit with solid foods. The food, such as bread, is covered with a clear plastic lid and placed in the full sun. The tabag, as it is known in the Sudan, has been found to kill most intestinal bacteria and could help protect pilgrims and large crowds at religious gatherings.

solar oven

Solar Ovens

A wide range of solar ovens have also been developed to cook food or heat water. Most work very well. The challenge is more often social than technical. Most advocates of solar cookers have failed to take into account the impact their product may have on people’s cultural, social, and economic lives. Project proponents that provided solar ovens to people were often disappointing when the ovens weren’t used.

Future Perspectives

Further research is urgently needed on the effectiveness of solar disinfection against viruses, giardia, other parasites and pathogens. The added effect from a reflective backboard should be studied. The impact of combining solar disinfection with antimicrobial extracts of common herbs is also of interest. The potential added benefits from including small amounts of tea, herbs, and other traditional medicines that are bactericides, virucides, and amebicides, would be of particular interest (Soliman et al., 2021). If these local resources and SODIS can provide disinfection comparable to chlorination, the benefits would be enormous. Research has been limited because there is no marketable gadget to sell.

References

Acra, A., Raffoul,  Z., Karahagopian, Y. 1984. Solar disinfection of drinking water and oral rehydration solutions. UNICEF. Beirut, Lebanon. 56 p.

Bitew, B. D., Gete, Y. K , Biks, G. A.., Takele, T. A. 2018. The effect of SODIS water treatment intervention at the household level in reducing diarrheal incidence among children under 5 years of age: a cluster randomized controlled trial in Dabat district, northwest Ethiopia. Trials. July 31. 19(1):412. doi: 10.1186/s13063-018-2797-y. PMID: 30064489; PMCID: PMC6069566.

Lawand, T.A., Alward, R, Odeyemi, R. O., Hahn, J., Kandpal, T. C., Ayoub, J. 1988. Solar water disinfection : proceedings of a workshop held at the Brace Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 15-17 August. https://www.ircwash.org/sites/default/files/254.1-90SO-7144.pdf

García-Gil Á, García-Muñoz, R. A. McGuigan, K. C., Marugán, J. 2021. Solar Water Disinfection to Produce Safe Drinking Water: A Review of Parameters, Enhancements, and Modelling Approaches to Make SODIS Faster and Safer. Molecules. 2021 Jun 5;26(11):3431. doi: 10.3390/molecules26113431. PMID: 34198857; PMCID: PMC8201346.

Mcguigan, K., Joyce, T. M., Conroy. R. M. 1999. Solar disinfection: use of sunlight to decontaminate drinking water in developing countries. Journal of Medical Microbiology 48:785-787. DOI: 10.1099/00222615-48-9-785

Soliman, M. M., Elsaba, Y. M., Soliman, M. S.A. et al. 2024. Composition and antimicrobial activity of Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Artemisia monosperma L. leaf essential oils and methanolic extracts from plants grown in normal and saline habitats in Egypt. Science Reports 14:7342.

El Agil, A. A. R., Erwa, H.H. 1974. Decontamination of foodstuffs by solar energy: bacterial counts in food samples following exposure to sunlight in airtight containers. IRCS 2, 1270.

Sarangi, A., Sarangi, A., Sahoo, S. S., Nayak, J., Mallik, R. K. 2024. Advancements and global perspectives in solar cooking technology: A comprehensive review. Energy Nexus. 13:100266, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nexus.2023.100266.

Eco-friendly Ways To Prevent Pests From Entering Our Homes

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Pests are universally considered as undesirable and unwanted housemates. This is rightfully so because not only do pests partake in your food uninvited, they also leave destruction in their wake and they are dangerous vectors of diseases. Termites leave the most significant amount of destruction among household pests. Termites can wreck entire rooms if left uncontrolled. Some pests like mosquitoes, ants, bed bugs and ticks just hang around in your house to cause pain and discomfort. Rats, mice, flies and cockroaches not only steal or freeload on your food items, they spoil food or leave undesirable traces of their bad habits like droppings, bad smell or bite marks on foods or food items.

If that isn’t enough, rats, mice and cockroaches find their way into your dressers and wardrobes, nibbling holes into kitchen utensils and clothes. Most importantly, pests such as mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, mice and rats are vectors of deadly diseases. This is why, every homeowner should know the importance of getting rid of these pests and preventing them from entering houses and doing so in a natural and green way.

Eco-friendly Ways to Prevent Pest Infestations

There are a lot of pesticides, poisons and chemical repellents in the markets and stores, but due to the synthetic and poisonous nature of these anti-pest treatments, they can also pose health risks for household occupants like humans, pets and other insects or animals not considered as pests. These treatments can also be potentially harmful and polluting to the environment.

Not only that, anti-pest treatments can lose effectiveness over time and can risk re-infestation of pests into the house. This can be a problem for homeowners who are considering selling their houses and for buyers interested in getting a house. It may cost the homeowner or the buyer more for paying for building pest inspections and paying extra for hiring exterminators. Thus, there is a need for green and environment-friendly ways to prevent pest invasions and infestations.

1. Spices

The spices in our kitchens can have other uses other than enhancing food flavor. Garlic is a natural repellent for ants, mosquitoes and cockroaches. Rosemary and sage are also natural mosquito repellents. Bay leaves, cloves and basil leaves provide effective repellent solutions for pesky house flies.

2. Plants and Plant Extracts

Cucumber and citrus oil are natural repellents for ants. Catnip is a natural repellent to cockroaches, but is an attractant to cats, so make sure your home doesn’t have cats before using this plant. Neem tree extracts such as neem oil and products from neem tree such as mosquito coils are effective mosquito repellents. Mint and eucalyptus plants and their extracts are effective deterrents for houseflies. Lemongrass, especially its extract citronella, is also a very effective mosquito repellent.

3. Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is made from fossilized remains of tiny, aquatic organisms called diatoms. DE is mined from riverbeds and lakes. This rock is soft and crumbly and forms a soft powder. Fine powdered form of DE is used as a natural pesticide. It is effective against garden and home pests such as silverfish, darkling beetles, wasps, ants, bedbugs, crickets, fleas, ticks, cockroaches and many other pests. Little is known about this natural pesticide, but users that have utilized this natural pesticide can attest to its effectiveness.

mosquito-control-measures

There is a growing need for green and safe ways of preventing pest infestation and invasion. As synthetic and chemical based pesticides and repellents can be toxic and could cause adverse health effects such as cancer and brain defects, the long-term effectiveness of chemical treatments are not always reliable.

Aside from saving money from buying expensive insect repellents homeowners can also help the environment by going natural and using biodegradable products. Prevention is better than cure, and so make the necessary preparations to prevent a full-blown pest invasion in your homes.

Environmental Impacts of HVAC Manufacturing

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HVAC manufacturing is pivotal to providing comfort to people inside their homes, workplaces, and other indoor environments. But how often do heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) manufacturers consider their impact on the outdoor environment? According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, more than half of the energy homes use is for heating or air conditioning. That’s a lot of energy! Such a big impact means HVAC manufacturers also have a big responsibility to evaluate and improve their environmental impact.

hvac manufacturing facility

How HVAC Manufacturing Impacts the Environment

Like other production lifecycles, HVAC manufacturing can have a significant impact on the environment. Primary concerns are related to energy use, the types of refrigerants used in production, and related waste.

  • Energy consumption. Over half the energy that homes use is related to cooling or heating. What’s more, manufacturing HVAC units also requires a lot of energy.
  • Refrigerants. Many HVAC products use refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP), meaning they contribute significantly to air pollution—some are even ozone-depleting.
  • Waste. Many HVAC manufacturers don’t have an end-of-life process in place for their machines, leading to waste when old systems are disposed of.
  • Safety. Using potentially polluting materials can be dangerous to the safety of workers and the community surrounding a plant at large.

Reducing HVAC Manufacturing Carbon Footprint

While the environmental impacts of HVAC manufacturing may seem imposing, there are many steps an HVAC manufacturer or production engineer can take to reduce their company’s carbon footprint.

1. Use “Green” Materials

In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency is imposing laws on HVAC manufacturers beginning in January 2025. The new laws mandate that all new refrigeration systems must use flammable refrigerants. These flammable refrigerants, also called A2L refrigerants, are characterized by their low flammability and low toxicity, making them a safer and more environmentally friendly option. A2L refrigerants also have an extremely low global warming potential (GWP).

HVAC manufacturers may consider an A2L system installation to reduce their carbon footprint—or, in the case of the United States, to comply with the new laws.

2. Create More Energy Efficient Products

Because the majority of energy costs inside a home are related to heating and cooling, making HVAC products more energy efficient can have a huge impact on overall energy consumption. Research has shown time and again that consumers are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products. That includes HVAC systems!

If HVAC manufacturers focus on creating more energy-efficient products, they’ll reduce waste, reduce overall energy use, and maintain a loyal and happy customer base.

negative impacts of AC

3. Reduce Waste

There are innumerable ways to reduce waste in HVAC manufacturing. For example, creating and implementing an “end-of-life” process can lead to less wasteful, full-loop manufacturing. HVAC manufacturers can also consider using recycled materials, producing HVAC systems that can run off renewable energy sources, and creating products that last longer.

4. Educate

As with any movement, education is a critical step to addressing the environmental impact of any system. By educating others on the importance of recognizing the environmental impacts of HVAC systems, HVAC manufacturers can do their part. Examples here include training technicians, employees, and clients on the benefits of sustainable practices and how they can implement them.

Rethinking Wind Energy: The Case for Small Wind Turbines

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Thinking about wind power brings up pictures of massive turbines sprawling out over wide fields. Yet this classic scene doesn’t show the whole story. Wind tech is getting better, and small wind turbines (SWTs) are on the rise. This technology has the potential to shake things up with a new way to use wind power. It makes it easier and more adaptable for individuals and companies to make their own clean energy, gain more energy independence, and add some green energy to the energy mix.

small wind turbines by freen

Problems with Green Energy Wide Application

Renewable energy setups like wind and solar have a bunch of challenges, high initial costs being among the biggest ones. Large wind projects require huge investments in land, permits, construction of additional infrastructure – limiting their feasibility to major energy sector players or heavily subsidized projects. They also demand specific wind conditions and extensive land area, which further restrict their potential installation sites.

Environmental worries present a whole other set of problems. Big turbines and solar panels often become hard-to-recycle waste after reaching the lifespan, which messes with renewables eco-friendly reputation. Solar energy is tops for renewing itself, but it demands stable sunlight, which makes it less viable for spots that get less daylight. Additionally, in places like Europe, market limits make it tough for little towns and companies to go for the green energy shift since finding solid local sources of clean energy gear is difficult.

The rise in popularity of small wind turbines

Small wind turbines (SWTs) are changing the renewable energy industry, solving some of the problems associated with large energy projects. Small wind turbines suit rural, residential and densely populated areas, don’t require as much initial investment, are quiet, and environmentally friendly. All of this means that wind energy can cease to be the domain of the big players, but a viable option also for communities, small businesses or even households.

Small wind turbines are an affordable option. Small turbine technology is still developing and the price for wind energy can approach that of solar. This is a key factor for households considering power from renewable energy mainly to reduce costs. It means more people, such as small businesses and ordinary people at home, can jump on the renewable energy train.

Harnessing Wind Power Locally

Local individuals and groups can gain more opportunities to meet their energy needs with small wind turbines. These devices support local power generation and help gain greater energy security through independence from the standard grid. Their presence reduces dependence on these traditional power systems and increases resilience in the event of a power failure. The compact size of the small turbines allows quick and easy installation, which is another advantage of these solutions. The process of erecting a wind turbine on ready-made foundations is just 24 to 48 hours. They are very useful in locations that are too remote or simply do not fit into the considerations of large power grids.

Local energy generation has many advantages. It makes access to energy more equal where it is not available, offering cheaper and greener ways to generate energy. This not only levels the energy playing field, but also reduces environmental damage, as the local environment does not have to be changed in order to build all the infrastructure. In addition, small wind turbines make less noise than large farms, allowing them to be installed close to households.

A Worldwide View on Little Wind Spinners

By 2012, more than 806,000 of these small wind turbines had been erected worldwide, and things have only accelerated since then. Countries such as China are erecting small wind turbines in both villages and cities to solve energy harvesting problems. As technology gets better and better, wind turbines are becoming smarter and cheaper.

The positive environmental impact of these innovations is also worth mentioning. Small wind turbines produce green energy that reduces our dependence on fossil fuels, which are behind the planet-destroying carbon dioxide emissions. A one megawatt turbine reduces more than 1,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year that would have been emitted by fossil fuels. Each small wind turbine adds to this total.

Conclusion

As the world transitions to renewable energy, small wind turbines are gaining recognition as a key solution in decentralized energy production. Offering a sustainable, cost-effective and versatile source of energy, small wind turbines are not only accelerating the global energy transition but are doing so in a way that is accessible to individuals, communities and industry alike.

Upgrading wind power with small wind turbines is a breakthrough in the green energy game. It is a much easier, cheaper and more accessible way for local communities and businesses to get energy from wind.

Everything You Should Know About Atmospheric Rivers

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Atmospheric rivers actually mean rivers of water in our skies. But what is the science behind this phenomena that can become a very serious threat across regions of the globe. An atmospheric river (also known as AR) is a long and narrow flowing stream of water, actually condensed water vapour, in the atmosphere. It is capable of producing significant levels of rain and snow. When the atmospheric river moves across land and over mountainous terrain, the water vapour rises and cools to create very heavy precipitation or snowfall.

atmospheric river

Many atmospheric rivers are of moderate size but some are exceptionally powerful and extremely large producing excessive rainfall and floods. These extreme occurrences are responsible for severe and almost instantaneous downpour of flood waters that disrupt normal lifestyle. The extreme rainfall results in extreme, serious flooding that is often associated with destructive mudflows, and mudslides down steep terrain causing extreme damage to property and severe loss of life.

A strong AR transports water vapour equivalent to 7.5-15 times the average flow in the Mississippi River in the United States. An atmospheric river system is part of the global water system and on occasions, its severity has devastating impact on the land terrain it traverses.. They make a serious contribution to the water supply but are also associated with very severe and extreme flooding.

The term, atmospheric rivers came into existence in the 1990’s when these narrow moisture plumes became more pronounced in our atmospheric systems. On average, an AR is between 250 – 375 miles (400-600km) wide. They are typically very long in comparison to their width. There are typically 3-5 such moisture plumes or ‘rivers’ present in the global moisture system at any one time.

The actual modelling of these moisture systems is based on the integrated water vapour transport (IVT) associated with these systems. The models predict the measure of water vapour over a series of multiple time steps (or sequences). This is more informative that the static value of water vapour depth in a column of air, known as the integrated water volume. The IVT is also more in keeping with the formation of orographic precipitation. This is when moist air is forced up over mountainous terrain producing rainfall.

schematic of atmospheric river

There is a five-level scale introduced by the Script Institution of Oceanography in 2019. This scale is based on the 3-hour average of maximum vertically integrated water vapour transport (IVT).  The atmospheric river is categorised from “weak” to “exceptional” in strength,  and from “beneficial” to “hazardous” in impact. The amount of water vapour transported and the duration of the event are incorporated into the scale. The initial ranking is based on the 3-hour average IVT.

The severe flooding and devastation associated with these systems is capable of massive destruction across the area impacted, yet it can also provide significantly to the regional water supply and snow pack in mountainous areas. The more severe occurrences of these moisture plumes are those that reach the main news streams and weather forecast channels as they are predicted to result in extensive power outages, as well as massive destruction to natural environments and human infrastructures.  This destruction is typically in the form of rapid flooding, mudslides and road slips, rock displacement and mudflows over powering waterflows. This is further exasperated  by the almost instantaneous flooding that occurs.

A well documented occurrence of this phenomena is the “Pineapple Express” that originates over the waters of Hawaii. The tropical waters are transported across the Pacific to the west coast of the US.

The Art and Science of Caring for Our Trees

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Planting a tree is just the first step of a lengthy journey of loving and caring for nature.  And in return, nature provides shade, food, clean air. Collectively, the trees in our garden, or community parks represent life, growth, peace and harmony. It is a serious undertaking. Caring for trees is both an art and a science.

tree care tips

Planting a tree is a complex exercise. It is far more than digging a hole and setting the roots deep into the soil, watering and covering the roots and lower stem of the juvenile tree. It is going to need mulching, feeding, trimming and training, clipping and pruning. As a tree care expert, you are managing the growth of the tree to suit and compliment the environment in which its planted.

Your goal is to achieve a sustainable, blossom blooming, fruit producing, maturing tree. At the same time, you want it to compliment the garden space in terms of spatial beauty and unity. The tree needs to be managed to optimise its visual impact so that it’s both pleasing to the eye and functional in terms of effectiveness, whether as a shade tree, a fruit producing tree or a blooming array of color and scent.

As a gardener and caretaker of trees, you are constantly working to ensure good tree health, wide and open tree structure to ensure adequate light, and space so that the tree can achieve its full potential as a structure of beauty and productivity. Pruning, little and often, rather a total wipe out, lope off, chainsaw approach. Afterall, the aim is to have sustainable and viable tree.

There might be a need for canopy lifting to provide clearance for pedestrians and vehicles. This will also ensure adequate light penetration and air movement across the branches and through the leaves. Canopy topping might be required to avoid contact with overhead powerlines, or reaching too far across into the neighbour’s space. This is another step towards a sustainable tree, retaining the tree’s assets and securing a mature tree.

mulch from tree shavings

This thinning of the leaf canopy achieves a number of  benefits. The thinning of leaf foliage will allow for greater light penetration and wind movement through the canopy or ‘crown’ of the tree. It will allow the foliage to open up wide and not be brushing up against other branches. Fruits will be more plentiful and sweeter from exposure to more sunlight. In turn, this will reduce the weight of the tree limbs and should also enhance the beauty of the natural appearance of the tree. Collectively, this will make your garden more visually pleasing, reduce the chances of disease,  mould or fungus, produce a more bountiful crop of fruit, and prolong the life of the tree.

It may appear like a lot of work but the rewards will far outweigh the physical labour required by you through the seasons and over the years. You will have the benefits of shade and beauty, and fruits, all provided by nature. You merely feed and water, mulch and prune. The tree does all the growing and production work. So allow yourself to enjoy the beauty of nature in your own outdoor areas.

5 Astuces Pour être au Chaud Cet Hiver

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Même dans le confort de notre propre maison, la saison la plus froide et la plus rude de l’année nous pousse à nous précipiter sur radiateurs, pulls, couvertures et manteaux supplémentaires. Mais ce n’est certainement pas une fatalité : grâce à plusieurs changements très simples, dites adieu à la fraîcheur hivernale de votre foyer et bienvenue à une chaleur douillette et accueillante.

1. Éliminez les courants d’air

Une maison chaleureuse, ce n’est pas qu’un bon chauffage, c’est aussi la capacité à retenir la chaleur. C’est le rôle de l’isolation. Pour empêcher la déperdition thermique, il faut consolider les zones vulnérables telles que les fenêtres et les portes.

draught proofing your home

Heureusement, ces courants d’air peuvent être éliminés à peu de frais. Investissez dans du calfeutrage à bas prix, ou si vous vous débrouillez en bricolage, fabriquez le vôtre entièrement à partir de matériaux que vous avez sûrement déjà chez vous.

2. Optez pour un chauffage efficace avec un circulateur d’eau chaude sanitaire

Il est judicieux d’investir dans l’installation d’une pompe de circulation pour nombre de raisons. Non seulement votre maison sera équipée d’un approvisionnement instantané en eau chaude, le chauffage et la distribution de l’eau dans votre maison seront plus efficaces qu’avec une chaudière classique.

Les pompes de circulation centrales sont équipées de pompes à rotor noyé à commande électrique. Cela permet à la pompe de s’adapter intelligemment à l’évolution de la demande de votre système et de fournir une efficacité maximale permanente.

3. Tirez les rideaux

Pour faire des économies de chauffage sans dépenser un rond, il est absolument essentiel d’ouvrir et fermer les rideaux en fonction du soleil. Exploitez l’énergie thermique naturelle du soleil autant que possible. Ouvrez vos rideaux en journée pour conserver la chaleur.

Il est tout aussi important de fermer les rideaux après le coucher du soleil. Plus vos rideaux sont épais, plus vous conserverez la chaleur.

4. Empêchez l’évacuation de chaleur par la cheminée

Les cheminées sont une source de perte de chaleur souvent négligée à la maison. Leur fermeture n’est pourtant pas bien compliquée : les ballons de cheminée sont une solution abordable qui coûte environ 20 £ (24 €) que vous pouvez poser à l’intérieur de la cheminée à l’abri des regards. Ensuite, gonflez-les jusqu’à ce qu’ils prennent suffisamment d’espace pour bloquer le passage d’air froid et piéger la chaleur sortante.

5. Conservez la chaleur de vos radiateurs

D’ordinaire réservé à l’emballage des repas, le papier aluminium peut servir à conserver la chaleur. Placé derrière le radiateur, le papier aluminium reflète la chaleur et la renvoie dans la pièce, au lieu la laisser s’échapper à travers les murs.

ground source heat pump

Vous verrez déjà la différence avec l’aluminium disponible dans vos placards de cuisine, mais si vous souhaitez un effet plus prononcé, il faudra mettre la main au portefeuille et se procurer du papier aluminium spécial. Mais après tout, avec un prix inférieur à 10 £ (12 €), vous en aurez pour votre argent.

Derniers mots

Vous l’aurez compris, avoir chaud chez soi ne demande pas d’efforts gargantuesques : rien de plus que quelques changements mineurs et faciles à mettre en œuvre. Le fait d’équiper votre logement d’un chauffage plus efficace et plus efficient offre également des avantages pécuniaires. Si la perspective d’un logement plus chaleureux ne suffit pas à appliquer certain changements, l’intérêt financier constitue certainement une motivation supplémentaire.

Translator: Cécile Lamhene

Cécile Lamhene est une traductrice indépendante de l’anglais vers le français. Après un master en traduction juridique, économique et technique à l’université de Lille, elle se spécialise dans le développement durable dans la région MENA et s’intéresse entre autres à l’agriculture, à l’élevage, à l’ingénierie, à l’énergie et à la gestion de l’eau.

Note: The original English version of the article is available at this link.

The Current State of the Solar Industry: An Overview

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It is projected that in the near future, solar power might actually overtake other sources of electricity generation. Notably, a lot of concerns has been raised concerning the defects that are brought about by fossil fuels. These encroaching dangers that negatively work against other fossil fuels have led to the rejuvenation of the solar energy industry. The solar industry is now working on their policies to come up with a more realistic and achievable form that will see the industry emerge the best energy provider in the whole world. All this is achievable when the environment and the investors are willing to embrace.

significance of logistics services for solar business

According to the report on the US solar energy policy, they are now inventing the best policies that will see the solar energy integrated into almost all the US electricity systems. It will also design the most efficient and convenient ways to supply solar energy.

Also Read: 4 Myths About Solar Power, Debunked

New solar technologies will be built to fit the energy requirement since the sufficiency is the key here. All this seems to be realizable since a serious climate concerns has been raised and it is now clear that new ways and new power systems need to be embraced to mitigate the climate change that are attributed to fossil fuels.

Among the best kinds of solar energy systems that will likely be embraced are the photovoltaic, solar thermal and concentrated solar power (CSP). The solar industries are now aligning themselves in what they are best in and that is why new gadgets that utilize the solar power are now injected into the market. You will find all kinds ranging from the cheapest and less efficient to the superior and the most expensive solar panels.

It is now possible to get a solar powered helmet, a solar-powered water pump, the D-light solar and even other complex provisions like those installed in the big restaurants. Batteries also will utilize this solar power and actually, it has prevented be the most efficient and convenient form of power with less environmental hazards.

“Solar energy presents an opportunity for property owners across the UK but there is a lot of uncertainty over what the benefits are in real terms and what the figures really mean for householders.” Alastair Kay, Green Business Watch

Solar energy is undoubtedly the cheapest and the most convenient source of renewable power. It is actually the most affordable and it only requires the initial cost and the rest will be naturally supplied by the sun, this explains its relatively high uptake compared with some other newer energy technologies.

The major concerns on the environmental conservation and health concerns also add a more realistic view of the possibility of the resurrection of the solar power again. Though major setbacks have been previously observed in the industry, especially after the election of the US president Donald Trump who had a different opinion about climate change, and that is why only 2 % of the US uses solar power.

Despite this small setback, the current state of the solar energy industry seems to be appealing. It is actually promising and the industry should invent more attractive policies that will see it prosper. The need of the house is to develop more realistic and powerful solar inventions which may allow even larger industries to use solar energy in their day-to-day operations.

A Historic Timeline Of Renewable Energy

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The oldest and most prominent sources of renewable energy can be separated into five clear categories – hydropower, solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy and bioenergy. To document the history of these renewable energy sources from primitive use through the industrial revolution and into the 21st century, Compare the Market has created an infographic that tracks the known timeline of each source.

chronology-renewable-energy

The research that went into informing the infographic also touches on the future of each energy source, including the countries that are leading the way by means of capacity and implementation of new technologies.

Some of the most interesting developments across all five renewable energy sources that are covered in the infographic include:

  • The first form of renewable energy, used in the Palaeolithic Age
  • Invention of the first water wheel, windmill and solar panel
  • Creation of the ‘Hotbox’ – a rectangular wooden box with a glass top that can boil water
  • The launch of the first spacecraft to use solar panels
  • Completion of the world’s largest hydroelectric powerplant

The supporting research also revealed some insights that look towards the future. When looking at the top countries with the capacity to install each type of renewable energy, statistics indicate that Italy and the United States are the only countries that consistently appear in the top ten for all five sources discussed in the research. This suggests that they could be leading the way in the global race towards efficient use of renewable energy sources.

renewable-energy

As for which source is likely to have the biggest impact in the future, hydropower is expected to remain the largest source of renewable electricity in the world for quite some time. East Asia and the Pacific is currently the largest hydropower producing region, however the global count for hydroelectric power capacity reached a staggering 150 countries in 2019, due to its affordability, reliability and sustainability.

Sources of Information

  1. Cutler J. Cleveland, Concise encyclopedia of the history of energy, 2009. Published by Academic Press. Page 265, 269
  2. International Renewable Energy Agency – Country Rankings: https://www.irena.org/Statistics/View-Data-by-Topic/Capacity-and-Generation/Country-Rankings
  3. International Hydropower Association – 2022 Hydropower Status Report

إحراق الغاز وهدره في العراق: قضية ملتهبة

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منذ أن بدأ إنتاج النفط الخام في القرن التاسع عشر كان حرق الغاز وهدره متلازمان معه حيث وجدت الشركات المستخرجة للنفط  بل وبعض الحكومات ايضا، أن الغاز المصاحب هو مصدر إزعاج وانه من الضروري التخلص منه او اتلافه بطريقة او باخرى إذا كان  لإنتاج النفط الخام ان يستمرم ويزيد إنتاجه. لكن قيمة الغاز كمصدر للطاقة وفوائده البيئية بدأت تتحق تدريجيًا ، وأدخلت بعض الحكومات أنظمة للحد من حرق الغاز إلى الحد الأدنى. ومع ذلك ، لا تزال المشكلة قائمة لدينا ، وتشير تقديرات البنك الدولي والذي اسس المبادرة العالمية للحد من حرق الغاز إلى أن حرق الغاز في عام 2017 كان عند مستوى 140 مليار متر مكعب.

 لقد انشا البنك الدولي هذه المبادرة بهدف الوصول إلى انهاء  أي حريق روتيني بحلول عام 2030 وقد بذلت البلدان العربية ، باستثناء العراق ، كأكبر منتجي للنفط الخام ، جهودًا كبيرة للحد من حرق الغاز واستخدام الفائض الناتج عن ذلك  لتوليد الطاقة وانتاج المواد الخام لصناعة الأسمدة والبتروكيماويات. في عام 2013 ، كان إنتاجهم من النفط الخام يقترب من 24 مليون برميل يوميا وحرق الغاز عند 21.8 مليار متر مكعب. وبحلول عام 2017 ، بلغ إنتاج النفط الخام أكثر من 26 مليون برميل يوميا ، وزاد حرق الغاز إلى 25.5 مليار متر مكعب. وجاءت معظم الزيادة في اشتعال الغاز من العراق حيث ارتفع إنتاج النفط في تلك الفترة من 3.0 إلى 4.5 مليون برميل يوميا ، في حين ارتفع معدل حرق الغاز من 13.3 إلى 17.8 مليار متر مكعب. ويتعين على العراق أن يتعلم من جيرانه الشروع في برنامج للتخفيض في إشعال النار إذا أراد الوفاء بوعد وزير النفط العراقي بالتوصل إلى انهار صارم للحرق بحلول عام 2021 ، وهو وعد متفائل للغاية غير مدعم باي  إجراء حازم على الأرض.

وتشير التقارير إلى أن العراق يتلف حوالي 62 في المائة من إنتاجه من الغاز ، أي ما يعادل 196000 برميل من النفط الخام يومياً. فاذا كان سعر برميل النفط 70 دولار ، فإن المورد المهدر يساوي ما يقرب من 45 مليار دولار ، وهو ما كان كافياً لبناء صناعة غاز جديدة بالكامل.لقد ارتفع إنتاج واستخدام الغاز في العراق في الآونة الأخيرة إلى 29.4 و 13.8 مليار متر مكعب سنوياً على التوالي ، مما يعني أن حرق الغاز قد ارتفع أيضًا إلى 15.9 مليار متر مكعب. وهذا يعادل حوالي 260،000 ألف برميل في اليوم أو خسارة تبلغ حوالي 20 مليون دولار في اليوم. ولسد الحاجة من الغاز في محطات الطاقة ، لجأ العراق إلى استيراده من إيران بدلاً من زيادة القدرة على المعالجة وزيادة شبكة النقل والتوزيع.

قد تصل إمكانات الاتفاقات مع إيران في نهاية المطاف إلى استيراد أكثر من 18 مليار متر مكعب سنوياً بتكلفة تقدر بـ10.56 دولار لكل مليون وحدة حرارية بريطانية ، وهو سعر أعلى بكثير من نظيره في الأسواق الدولية. وبما أنه من المتوقع أن يزداد إنتاج العراق من النفط الخام ، فسوف يتبع ذلك إنتاج الغاز بالتناسب ، وإذا لم تتم زيادة المعالجة والاستخدام ، سيزداد حرق الغاز أيضا.

نفذت شركة غاز الجنوب وشركة البصرة للغاز في الآونة الأخيرة بعض الإجراءات لاستعادة الغاز المشتعل في حقول النفط الجنوبية في العراق. إذا حكمنا من خلال حجم ونتائج هذه المشاريع يصبح من الواضح.

حجم هذه القضية. وهذا يعني أنه ما لم يتم التوقيع على المزيد من المشاريع والتعجيل بها ، فإن العراق سيواصل حرق الغاز. وهي تحتاج على الأقل إلى طاقة معالجة إضافية تبلغ حوالي 10 مليار متر مكعب سنوياً مع الأخذ بعين الاعتبار إنتاجها المتوقع من النفط. إن الاستخدام الفعال للغاز في العراق سيخلق فرص عمل ، وزيادة في الإيرادات ، وتطوير صناعات أخرى ، والأهم من ذلك تقليل الانبعاثات الضارة ، وأخيرا مساعدة البيئة.

Alternative Energy Prospects in Morocco

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Morocco, being the largest energy importer in North Africa, is making concerted efforts to reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels. The country currently imports 95% of its energy needs which creates strong dependence on foreign energy imports. Renewable energy is an attractive proposition as Morocco has almost complete dependence on imported energy carriers. Morocco is already spending over US$3 billion a year on fuel and electricity imports and is experiencing power demand growth of 6.5 per cent a year. Morocco is investing heavily in the power sector by building new power plants such as expansion of coal power plant in JorfLasfer and establishment new coal power plant near Safi.

According to the Moroccan Ministry of Energy and Mining, the total installed capacity of renewable energy (excluding hydropower) was approximately 300MW in 2011. The Moroccan Government has already achieved its target of supplying around 8% of total primary energy from renewables by 2012 which includes energy generation, conversion and distribution. Morocco is planning USD13 billion expansion of wind, solar and hydroelectric power generation capacity which would catapult the share of renewables in the energy mix to 42% by the year 2020, with solar, wind and hydro each contributing 14%. 

Wind Energy

The technical potential of wind energy in Morocco is estimated to be 25 GW. This is the equivalent to 5 times the current installed power capacity in Morocco, and reflects the huge potential in this clean energy source. Morocco has already installed almost 300 MW wind turbines and other projects are being implemented. At the same time, Morocco launched a wind energy plan consisting in the installation of 2000 MW by 2020. Many experts state that Morocco will install total capacities beyond this plan. In fact, wind energy is already cost competitive with respect to conventional energy resources, and due to the technological progress, the cost is even being reduced significantly. Most of the already implemented projects and those being implemented or planned, are developed by public organisations or within the framework of agreements with public organisations.

Solar Energy

The German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ) estimated the potential of solar energy in Morocco to be equivalent to 1500 times the national consumption of electricity. Morocco has invested in solar home systems (SHS) to electrify households in the rural areas. Morocco has launched one of the world’s largest and most ambitious solar energy plan with investment of USD 9billion. The Ain Beni Mather Integrated Solar Thermal Combined Cycle Power Station is one of the most promising solar power projects in Africa.  The plant combines solar power and thermal power, and is expected to reach production capacity of 250MW by the end of 2012. y building mega-scale solar power projects at five location — Laayoune (Sahara), Boujdour (Western Sahara), Tarfaya (south of Agadir), Ain Beni Mathar (center) and Ouarzazate — with modern solar thermal, photovoltaic and concentrated solar power mechanisms.

Hydropower

Morocco is planning to add a total of 2 GW new hydropower capacities, consisting mainly in small and medium stations. This plan should be achieved by 2020, and combined with 2 GW solar energy and 2 GW wind energy capacities would, add a total 6GW renewable energy capacities, which will supply 42% of the Moroccan electricity in 2020. 

Biomass Energy

Unfortunately there is no national strategy to exploit biomass energy in Morocco. However, there are many potential projects which could promote biomass energy sector in the country, such as waste-to-energy, biofuels and biogas from abundant feedstock like solid wastes, crop wastes, industrial wastes etc. The agronomic research has demonstrated the adaptability of new energetic plants to the arid zones. These plants such as Jatropha urcas, could be cultivated in the arid zone in Morocco, and be exploited for biofuels production and as a green barrier against desertification. Like solar and wind, the biomass energy sector also requires support and investment from the government and private sector.

Conclusions

Morocco is endowed with tremendous alternative energy resources which can be exploited to meet national energy requirements as well as export of surplus power to neighbouring countries. Due to its geographical position, Morocco could be a hub for renewable energy exchange between the European Union and North Africa. Renewable energy sector can create good employment opportunities and can also strengthen country’s economy. However, the government should liberalize renewable energy market, encourage public-private partnership and create mass environmental awareness to increase the share of renewable in the national energy mix.

5 Tips On How To Successfully Trade On Forex

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So you have finally decided to try your hand in trading Forex. Although it seems quite simple, a little help drafted from the professionals’ experience is always welcome. Here is how to start trading Forex on the right foot and keep your trading successful.

1. Always go for regulated brokerage

There are so many offers today when it comes to brokerage services. Although you may have stumbled upon the one that exactly matches what you need, you need to be careful. Always check if the broker is not on the blacklist. Some brokers, at some point, fail to comply with the best business practices. And therefore some are put on these lists by Financial authorities. Your duty is to be cautious if you don’t want to fall into the hands of some scammers.

How To Successfully Trade On Forex

2. Carefully choose the currency pairs

As you already know, the core feature of the Forex market is its volatility. The prices change and are correlated. Prices are also correlated with the other markets, primarily commodities.

When you start trading on Forex, don’t go straight for the exotic pairs but choose those from more stable countries and economies. At one point, you may switch to exotic pairs, but just once, you learn the ropes of the most prominent currencies.

3. Have a trading plan at hand

You cannot trade out of the blue just randomly opening positions for various amounts and various pairs at a time. You must have a strict trading plan on when, why and how you invest the money. The first rule is not to trade with the money you need for other everyday expenses. Also, you should try to start two currency pairs for the sake of diversification and coverage of losses, just in case.

Always bear in mind how much you want to play with during one trading session, and make sure to set the limits regarding stop loss and taking a profit. Also, it’s advisable to use a Forex compounding calculator to always know where you are with your investment.

4. Implement compounding strategy

All the profits you make use for the other investments. It’s a very good strategy that can bring you decent profits in the long term. This is one of the crucial strategies in finance and is similar to a snowball effect.

5. Know you investments

Before investing any money, you need to thoroughly understand the assets you are investing in. When we talk about the Forex, there is a good reason you will have to deal with the fundamental analysis on other markets such as commodities. This is because some currency prices are linked to the prices of gold, copper, iron ore etc.

Finally, do yourself a favour and don’t start trading without tapping free education resources. Just armoured with the appropriate first-hand knowledge, you will be able to get the edge on the market.

In Conclusion

Maybe many of you think that Forex is very complicated. The truth is somewhere in the middle. It all depends on your initial approach and the seriousness and dedication to achieving the primary goal- making money.

Recommended Resource: How to Trade CFDs