Alternative Fuels around the World
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Intelligent Energy Reports on Fuel Cell Systems in South Africa
Fuel cell power systems firm Intelligent Energy has announced that one of its fuel cell systems has completed two years continuous service at an energy store in a rural town in South Africa. The system in Mkuze is one of three projects overseen by Intelligent Energy in South Africa as the UK-based company attempts to demonstrate the real-world suitability of fuel cells for electricity generation purposes. The site is provided with off-grid electricity by two 100-watt fuel cell systems, hybridized with batteries, which run a desktop computer in the energy store if the grid supply fails.
Contact: http://fuelcelltoday.com
Brazil Will Triple Ethanol Exports by 2014
Brazil plans to nearly triple ethanol exports in the next seven years, according to Agriculture Minister Luis Carlos Guedes Pinto. Brazil plans to more than double production of ethanol to 35 billion liters, Guedes said. The country will need investments of about $13.4 billion to boost output. Brazil expects to build eighty-nine new ethanol production plants in the next seven years. The nation's sugar cane output could rise to 627 million tons from 427 million tons in the same time period.
Contact: http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/archives/business/2007315/104732.htm
Petrobas and Japanese Bank for International Cooperation Sign Alternative Fuels Memorandum
Brazilian oil company Petrobas and Japanese Bank for International Cooperation have signed a memorandum of understanding to evaluate financing possibilities for biofuel projects. Potential projects include the production and sale of ethanol, biodiesel, and electric power plants using sugar cane bagasse. These projects will be developed inside and outside Brazil between Petrobas and other Japanese companies.
Harper Announces Funding for Canadian Fuel Cell ‘Hydrogen Highway'
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper awarded almost $200 million to British Columbia projects such as a "hydrogen highway" of recharging stations for fuel cells. "Hydrogen fuel cells have the potential to produce energy much more efficiently than the conventional internal combustion engine," Harper said in announcing the funding.
Contact: http://www.940news.com/nouvelles.php?cat=23&id=31332
Study Reveals Germans' Hybrid Vehicle Interest
A quarter of all motorists in Germany are considering purchasing a hybrid vehicle, according to a study conducted by Continental's Automotive Systems division. The findings are based upon a survey of one thousand motorists. The survey also revealed car buyers would accept a price increase of up to roughly $3,700 if the car had lower fuel consumption and better acceleration.
India's Tata Looking for Partner for Fuel Cell Vehicle Development
India's Tata Motors said this week it is talking with makers of hybrid engines and fuel cells such as Ballard Power Systems about the possibility of using its technology in future car models. Tata Chairman Ratan Tata said India's third largest maker of passenger cars needed a partner because it did not have the resources to develop greener vehicles by itself. "The area where we have a lot to do is the area of alternative fuels ... powertrains, hybrids, and fuel cells," Tata said.
Contact: http://www.fuelcellsworks.com/Supppage7008.html
Swedish Energy Agency Invests in Hybrid Vehicle Center
The Swedish Energy Agency has announced it will put $4.6 million into a new Swedish Hybrid Vehicle Center at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg. "Together with the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Lund University of Technology, and the automotive industry, we will develop new hybrid vehicle concepts with a focus on fuel reduction," said Lennart Josefson, vice president at Chalmers. Chalmers is now working to set up a board for the center.
Contact: http://bulletin.sciencebusiness.net/ebulletins/showissue.php3?page=/548/art/7457
UK To Host ‘World's First Green Car Show'
Carmakers are preparing for the "world's first green car show"to be held in Cornwall, England, March 30–April 15. The Sexy Green Car Show follows EU legislation instructing carmakers to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 18 percent by 2012. Automakers Saab, Vauxhall, Ford, and Mercedes are expected to present at the event. The show will also aim to give drivers who want to go green a better understanding of government programs such as the new fridge-type efficiency labels on cars, tax bands on emissions, and variable congestion charges, organizers said.
Contact: http://www.peopleandplanet.net/doc.php?id=2964
Modec Opens New Electric Vehicle Plant in UK
Light commercial vehicle manufacturer Modec last week opened a new plant in Coventry, England, to produce battery-electric delivery vans. The Modec urban delivery van will have a range of more than 100 miles on a single overnight charge and reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour, according to the company. Modec Chairman Jamie Borwick said the firm expects to produce five hundred of the vehicles this year at the plant.
Contact: http://www.autoindustry.co.uk/news/09-03-07_12
UK Establishes New $2.2 Million Fuel Cell Fund
UK Secretary of State for Trade and Industry Alistair Darling has announced a $2.2-million fund for the Cambridge area to research ways to improve hydrogen fuel cells for cleaner vehicles. The money will be provided through the Department for Transport and Industry-led Technology Program, Darling said, as part of wider investment in the east of England's technology industry. "This research will help further develop hydrogen technology for cars and make it cheaper and more efficient," Darling said.
Contact: http://www.fuelcellsworks.com/Supppage7029.html
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