A new type of plastic light bulb developed in the US has been developed and is already promising better energy efficiency and a better quality of light.

Developed at Wake Forest University in North Carolina, researchers believe that their latest invention has enough benefits to replace current fluorescent bulbs. Created from three layers of light-emitting polymers, each of the bulbs’ layers contains nanomaterials that glow when charged with and electrical current.

Dubbed Field-Induced Polymer Electroluminescent technology – or Fipel, for short – Inventor Dr David Carroll says that his creation is a huge improvement over compact fluorescent bulbs that are often sold as ‘energy efficient’.

“Fluorescent bulbs have a bluish, harsh tint to them, “he told journalists at the reveal of his invention in the journal Organic Electronics, “it is not really accommodating to the human eye; people complain of headaches and the reason is the spectral content of that light doesn’t match the Sun – our device can match the solar spectrum perfectly. We are brighter than one of these curlicue bulbs and I can give you any tint to that white light that you want.”

Once dubbed as the future, Organic LEDs are also a distant second to Fipel bulbs, according to Dr Carroll, “OLEDs don’t last very long and they’re not very bright,” he said. “There’s a limit to how much brightness you can get out of them. If you run too much current through them they melt.”

Dr Carroll is most confident, however, in the efficiency of his new creation; “What we’ve found is a way of creating light rather than heat. Our devices contain no mercury, they contain no caustic chemicals and they don’t break as they are not made of glass.”

With a retail model pencilled for release in 2013, the Fipel bulb could have a huge knock-on effect in the worlds of both private and commercial electricity. With lighting accounting for around 19% of global power use, if the majority of light bulbs in use were switched with Fipel replacements, these low-energy bulbs would save the equivalent output of 600 power plants.

As for the bulb’s longevity? Dr Carroll says that’s not a concern for him – he’s had a prototype running in his lab for about a decade, now.

Following a recent batch of interesting and topical renewable energy articles on the Catalyst Commercial website, we thought that the recent study into harnessing the wave power from around the UK was a perfect fit.

A recent study conducted by the Crown Estate (who owns the British foreshore and seabed) has reported that utilising wave energy around the Scottish coast could yield around 18 gigawatts (GW) of power, whilst England and Wales could also offer up 8.7GW if tidal energy technology were to be harnessed effectively.

The findings, handled by the Crown Estate Energy & Infrastructure Portfolio, report that tens of gigawatts could go into the UK’s energy supply by efficient use of  wave, tidal stream and tidal range projects at sites around Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

For example, tidal range farms, which utilise the changing height of water in tidal locations have the potential to create 12.5 GW of power and tidal stream projects (which harness water flowing back to the sea) could see a further 11 GW put into the National Grid from Scotland alone.

Tidal Projects

Rob Hastings, director of the Crown Estate Energy & Infrastructure Portfolio, said: “This report reflects our strategic interest in supporting development of wave and tidal projects around the UK.

“We hope it is a useful reference for both commercial energy consumers advancing development plans and government bodies implementing industry support measures.

“While the science of wave and tidal resource assessment is still emerging, and future work will clarify the resources that are practically available, it is clear that wave and tidal energy could contribute substantially to the UK’s electricity needs.”

Scotland already has a small number of wave power facilities in the testing phase; partnerships between Pelamis Systems, E.ON and Scottish Power around the Orkney islands are amongst the first of their kind in the world, and are already setting benchmarks in putting offshore power into onshore grids.

Northern Ireland

The report from the Crown Estates was revealed on the same day that BORD Gais and OpenHydro announced they have won the rights to build a tidal energy farm off the coast of Northern Ireland.

The 100-megawatt facility will be developed exclusively by the partnership, and is expected to be operational by the end of the decade – timing that will please environmental officials in Northern Ireland, who have pledged to raise their use of renewable energy from 14% to 40% by 2020.

By the Numbers

If the coasts of the UK are capable of producing up to 26.7 GW of additional power – how far does that go to powering the UK on clean energy?
Well, 25GW is the equivalent of

• Powering 6.4 million homes
• Generating the equivalent power of 5.5 Nuclear Power Plants
• Or the equivalent of 22 coal-fired plants
• Half the United States’ wind-power capacity

Despite the romance and ideals of many green technologies, it’s rare that any come with designs you could actually call beautiful.  The practicality of your average solar panel rules its design, whilst the amount of petitions that spring up in opposition to wind farms should tell you what most people think about the design of modern windmills.

But one German architect aims to change the face of solar power with his startling new green energy harvesting solar globes.

Currently based in Barcelona, André Broessel has invented the ß.torics system – a radical new variety of solar technology that he hopes will encourage architects to start to dream up designs that incorporate solar power in their design, rather than tack it on as an afterthought. Mr. Broessel says that ß.torics system would act as both a window and energy supply, and can be scaled up or down to fit any existing design or blueprint.

Far from being all ‘beauty’ and no ‘brains’ these innovative sphere’s design feature is the ability to track the sun across the sky. By positioning itself in relation to the sun optimally, these miraculous globes are able to concentrate light up to 10,000 times its usual strength, resulting in them being 35% more efficient than even the most modern dual-axis photovoltaic design.

Not content with that impressive statistic, though, the ß.torics system is also capable of pulling off the same trick with light from the moon. Answering the age-old solar-power-cynic’s question of “What about when it’s dark?” Broessel’s transparent spheres also effectively gather lunar energy, giving them a significant advantage over other designs.

The company set to manufacture the system says that ß.torics could become commonplace in the offices of tomorrow, providing an internal source of business energy to companies within a skyscraper or hotels and apartments in a tower block.

This is a brand new solution to an age old problem, and something that has captured our imagination at Catalyst.  So definitely one to watch in the future, we’d definitely be interested to see a building with this incredible-looking solar technology incorporated!

The world’s favourite sport can now help charge electronic devices, thanks to a “revolutionary” football which is able to produce and store electricity whilst it is being kicked around.

The initiative, started by five Harvard students, could provide a power solution for developing countries.

Dubbed the ‘Soccket’, the ball is capable of producing enough energy to power a light for around three hours, from just thirty minutes of play. It is fitted with an induction coil in the centre along with a magnet, which moves forwards and backwards when the ball is in motion. The movement powers a motor and the electricity is stored in an on-board battery.

Commentators say it could be a hit in Africa. Chris Hurcombe, Managing Director of energy broker Catalyst Commercial, who has spent time on the continent said: “This is revolutionary. It has a huge potential to change people’s lives where there is no electricity… Most areas there are off-grid with no electricity… (The ball) would be a privilege out there.”

The ball costs only slightly more than a normal high end ball to produce.

Five Harvard students have created a concept football that is able to produce and store electricity whilst it is being played with.

Dubbed the ‘Soccket’, this revolutionary ball is capable of producing enough energy to power a light for around three hours, from being kicked around for just thirty minutes.

Using an induction coil fitted into the centre of it’s construction, the Soccket contains a magnet, which rapidly oscillates when the ball is in motion. This oscillation powers a motor, and the electricity is stored in an on-board battery.

An AC Adaptor is fitted behind one the panels of the Soccket, allowing a multitude of appliances to be powered in such a manner, though the designers – Jessica Lin, Julia Silverman, Jessica Matthews, Hemali Thakkaras and Aviva Presser – envision it’s best use is to charge mobile phones and power lights.

Many developing countries – where football is often the most popular pastime – rely on old kerosene lamps for light during the night.

These outdated light sources have often been associated with health problems, and the World Bank’s research suggests that burning these lamps indoors is the equivalent of smoking two packs of cigarettes a day.

As well as improving health, it would also be a huge improvement for the environment; kerosene lamps generate 190 million metric tons carbon dioxide emissions per year: the equivalent emissions of about 38 million automobiles.

As well as having won praise from various philanthropic organisations, the Soccket can also boast presidential backing, as Bill Clinton has thrown his support behind the invention, dubbing it ‘extraordinary’.

To see the Soccket in action, click here.

Address:

Catalyst Commercial Services Ltd

Kathleen House

10 James Road

Tyseley

Birmingham

B11 2BA

T: 0870 710 7560

E: chris.hurcombe@catalyst-commercial.co.uk

Website – www.catalyst-commercial.co.uk

Twitter – https://twitter.com/#!/CatalystEnergy

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/EnergyBrokerUK

Company description:

Catalyst is the UK’s market leading independent business energy consultant, specialising in energy procurement services, sustainability and environmental solutions.

For over a decade Catalyst has been helping companies reduce their energy operating costs by decisive procurement and a range of energy management solutions.

Experts in our field, we currently work on behalf of thousands of UK companies helping them to make significant savings in their energy bills, through well informed procurement decisions, by eliminating and recovering overpayments, and by helping those customers manage their energy consumption through the Catalyst Energy AdvantageTM with consumption data reports, and on going invoice validation analysis.

Collectively we have helped save them millions of pounds and helped to significantly reduce their carbon emissions.

Summary

• Catalyst is independent and purchases energy on behalf of thousands of companies, ensuring that we hold strong purchasing leverage within the market.
• Our service is offered on a cost free basis and our confidence is such that we operate our business with no contractual tie-in with our clients.
• In addition, Catalyst can help with any other utility needs you may have, including your business gas, water, smart meters and we are also able to offer professional advice in energy efficiency and demand reduction schemes.

Please leave your comments and reviews about this company below.

The much-anticipated Draft Energy Bill has avoided giving a firm date on the government’s target to banish coal and gas from the UK’s energy production system.

Previously, ministers had stated they wished to make energy clean by 2030, but the need to ‘retain flexibility’ has forced them to avoid making an written commitment, as yet.

Environmentalists had expected the Draft Energy Bill to have the decarbonising date dictate the rest of the bill, but Energy Secretary Ed Davey stressed the government’s priority is to ensure that power can be produced as cheaply as possible.

“We can meet our climate change goals by largely decarbonising the power sector during the 2030s.” said Davey, who believes that a carbon-free system could still be achieved by the end of the 2030′s, rather than the start.

This 10-year extension of the decarbonising window falls far short of the advice put forward by the official Climate Change Committee. The CCC’s recommendation was that the only feasible way to hit long-term CO2 targets is to virtually decarbonise electricity before the 2030s with electricity being produced at no more than 50gCo2/kW.

In line with today’s bill, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (Decc)’s more gradual proposal could well result in something much less ambitious than complete decarbonisation by the end of the 2030s.

Joss Garman from Greenpeace said: “By failing to set a clear goal for carbon-free electricity by 2030, ministers are opening the door to a dangerous new dash for gas that will put up both bills and carbon emissions, and increase our dependence on imported fuel. This means families and business will be exposed to rocketing international gas prices.

“The fastest and cheapest way to bring down bills and carbon emissions is by ramping up energy efficiency but Ministers have totally failed to deliver on this.”

The ‘Dash for Gas’ also remains a concern for other environmentalists, who see the lack of a restraint on more traditional Gas power stations, could result in window opening where irreparable damage could be done to the environment as companies vie for relatively short-term gas sites before decarbonising at the end of the 2030′s.

Government officials say their concerns over gas-fired power stations are minimal, as any new sites built will have their emissions pumped into underground rocks rather than the atmosphere. However, concerns remain over this method, as it still remains relatively untested at this scale.

According to the DECC updated report on the Smart Metering Implementation Programme, the mass roll out of smart meters will cost £11.5bn over the next twenty years. However, it is estimated that profits will reach the £18.6bn mark resulting in a net profit of approximately £7bn over the same period of time.

The government and the public sector are very optimistic about this new scheme which is aimed for household and SMEs (small and mid-sized businesses).

The aim is to reach 28 million homes and 2 million small to med-sized businesses by 2019.

So far everything seems to be going according to plan. The government has launched a series of publications to support and ensure that the benefits of the programme are maximised and that consumers are protected.

Amongst these publications highlights to the code of practice for suppliers and installers which emphasises that there should be no sales pitch during the installation visit and costumers must be provide with energy efficiency advice as part of these visits.

The decision to create a code of practice was welcomed by Consumer Focus Chief Executive Mike O’Connor who said:

“We welcome the banning of sales during installation and that marketing will only be allowed if the customer agrees. This shows the Government has listened to consumers. We support the proposals to address consumer concerns around the privacy of information. But, to make this work, people must be aware of their rights and the choices available to them on how much information is passed to suppliers.”

O’Connor also emphasised the importance to provide detailed information on how to harness the benefits of smart meters by saying that people can only become more energy efficient if they learn how to use this new technology.

Wind farms are a controversial subject. While some advocate that the future of Britain’s energy industry relies on them others evangelise that wind power is expensive and highly unreliable. To add more fuel to fire there is the onshore and offshore debate.

Onshore or Offshore wind farms?

Let’s leave politics aside for a moment since we already know what the Prime Minister David Cameron thinks about onshore wind farms.

Can wind farms really spoil Britain’s landscapes and shore line? Either way, onshore or offshore wind farms will surely change the portrait of certain areas across Britain.

But I agree with Jonathan Jones from The Guardian who said on this article “So grand, so gentle: wind technology in tune with the natural world”:

“The offshore wind turbines … look like ‘monuments to optimism, common sense and human daring’”

Wind power is the one of the cleanest renewable energy resources we have available today, so why not use it? How many acres of land have we destroyed over the centuries to build our cities?

It will not be wind farms that will destroy Britain’s landscapes and shore line. It is not likely that wind turbines will be placed over Stonehenge or all the way across the Cheviot Hills. If anything they could solve many economic and social problems by generating jobs and helping Britain become more energy independent.

The question that must be asked is:

Will they provide the energy security needed towards a low carbon economy?

The price cut announcements made by the Big Six, Britain’s biggest electricity and gas suppliers, surely caused a stir on the energy market.

One supplier after the other announced reductions of about 5% either on gas or electricity prices.

But after 18 months of price hikes, will this make any difference? Will businesses be affected by it too?

According to energy consultants Catalyst, the price reductions for Electricity and Gas announced last week represent about 15 per cent of the value of the increases announced by the “Big Six” in the autumn.

Consumer Focus analysis concluded that the average household energy bill is 14% more expensive than the same time last year.

In financial terms these cuts will represent savings of about £26 to £39 annually, whilst autumn price hikes added up to a total of £220 annual increase for a household on a dual fuel tariff.

Over the past 18 months energy bills became 21% more expensive so a 5% cut is rather insignificant, unless these cuts are the first of a series of prices cuts the Big Six are planning to try and regain their costumers trust.

While householders are enjoying a slightly but none the less welcomed reduction on their energy bills, business users are not likely to have the same luck.

Business electricity and business gas contracts are usually revised once a year and predictions are that the prices will go up once again in 2012.

According to price comparison website MakeitCheaper business electricity and business gas prices are likely to double this year.

An alternative to avoid these problems is to switch supplier and negotiate better tariffs. In this case the best option is to seek professional help. A cost effective solutions is to hire an energy consultancy firm such as Catalyst to find your business the best possible tariffs, enabling you to save time and money.

Another alternative for businesses, especially those that consume large amounts of energy, are flexible energy contracts. These types of contracts provide the ability to spread energy purchasing decisions over a period of time which makes businesses more responsive to prices changes throughout the year and reduces risks of fixing a contract when prices are at a peak.