Tag Archives: renewable energy

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Nordic countries taking the lead in renewable energy for transport

driving-sustElectricity and biofuels are quickly changing the way people power their cars while also having a positive effect on people’s finances and the environment. The leadership role of the Nordic countries of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Finland in this field are highlighted at the upcoming Driving Sustainability conference in Reykjavík in September.

In Norway, over three thousand electric cars are on the road. Government policy dictates that charging their batteries is free of charge, zero emissions EVs get free parking, can drive on bus lanes in the city, get free rides on state run ferries (there are a lot of them in Norway) and there is no VAT on electric cars in Norway, so they’re reasonably priced. ‘Think’ is the leading producer of competitive electric city cars in the world. In addition, Norway produces the tiny Buddy EV electric car. Continue reading →

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Iceland looks to biogas, electric cars for sustainable transport

teslaJapanese automakers Mitsubishi and Toyota along with the Chinese BYD Auto will be presenting their green car solutions in Iceland at the third annual Driving Sustainability international gathering of decision makers in Reykjavik September 14th and 15th.

The price of imported petrol and diesel to power Iceland’s 200,000 cars has nearly doubled since last year due to a dramatic devaluation of the currency following the collapse of the country’s financial system. Continue reading →

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Green energy research developing geothermal energy

geothermal energy blue lagoonAsbru has found a new partner in investment in regards to geothermal research which can help improve and develop green energy research. The Canadian geothermal company, Magma Energy Corporation has announced that they will invest in the Asbru partner companies of HS Orka and Geysir Green Energy based in Iceland.

Asbru is the new name of the former NATO military base next to the airport in Keflavik. After the NATO evacuation in 2006, the base was re-designed as a community of students and businesses. Asbru offers new aviation and clean energy related academic programs at Keilir University. Keilir is also one of the largest campuses in Iceland. Asbru also has other projects such as a health village, a green energy research center and Iceland’s first international data center. Continue reading →

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Icelandic researchers look into wind pumping

keilir_vinddaelusamningur_lon422_150_93Keilir Atlantic Center of Excellence in Iceland has signed a research and development contract for wind pumps which could help increase the efficiency of hydroelectric power stations.

Keilir Atlantic Center of Excellence, located in the new Asbru business and education community at a former NATO base in southwest Iceland, has signed a research and development agreement with the Icelandic Energy Company (Íslenska Orkufélagið in Icelandic) for a wind-pumping mechanism. Continue reading →

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Dubai Investment Properties Deploys ‘Green’ Technology for Sunset Mixed-Use Development

Sunset, designed by Arkiteknik, uses natural light and applies ‘green’ technology to conserve energy, save costs on utility bills and decrease the carbon footprint on the environment.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 22, 2009: Dubai Investment Properties (DIP), one of the leading real estate developers in UAE, announced that it has invested in the latest state-of-the-art technologies in line with green building guidelines for its exclusive multi-million ‘Sunset’ mixed-use development project in Dubai. The company worked closely with Arkiteknik International, the architects for this signature development, in choosing the design, architecture, lighting and technology, all of which will help in energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint on the environment.

Sunset, which comprises of a luxury shopping mall, boutique offices and lavish residential apartments, is a unique development combining the best in architecture and the latest ‘green’ technology initiatives. It is built to be one of the most energy efficient buildings in the region with several measures being adopted by DIP to ensure energy conservation and minimising pollution and demands on infrastructure.

“Sunset was designed to blend in and to compliment the Jumeirah community neighbourhood. We did not want to disturb the serenity of the place and hence we took every measure to make sure we do not add to the traffic or the congestion of Jumeirah Beach Road,” says Mr. Francois Faure, Executive Director of DIP. “The architecture of Sunset is open to capitalise on natural light and the panoramic view of the Arabia Gulf. The mall is enclosed with glass, where the retail showrooms are visible from outside and shoppers inside the mall can see the street outside. We used transparent glass, specifically designed to divert heat, thus reducing the load on the air conditioners and help conserve energy; further more this development profits from natural sunlight till late hours of the day, keeping the apartments and retails showrooms bright without the use of artificial lighting.”

Sunset features engaging architecture designed to showcase the best of international and local designers. Arkiteknik has combined water, glass and steel at the Sunset Mall to offer retailers and guests an experience like never before. The interior of the Mall will feature the latest innovations in LCD and LED technology, offering innovative visual effects. The residential complex, which reaches towards the beach, is designed to offer every home a sea view and to promote waterfront style living. The apartments feature a number of balconies for residents to enjoy the outdoors. From inside, the apartments open into an atrium, which features a lounge with coffee shops to foster a community style atmosphere. Continue reading →