Month: February 2006

Ultimate Showdown of Solar Destiny

- Cam Proctor

Every two years, international teams fight it out using computer models and engineering expertise at the Solar Decathlon, a kind of Olympics for solar-powered homes. Teams of students design, build and operate houses that are powered only by solar energy. The homes open to the public.

The teams work for two years to develop ways to reduce the cost of solar-powered homes and advance solar technology in general. This year’s competition is special since the US Department of Energy will provide $100,000 (US) to each participating team.

Nuclear Fusion on Your Table

- Adam Clare

A device that can fit on the top of a table can be used to create nuclear fusion! Researchers at The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have provided confirmation of an early attempt at room temperature fusion that came from UCLA, while making the design of the device better.

“The device, which uses two opposing crystals to generate a powerful electric field, could potentially lead to a portable, battery-operated neutron generator for a variety of applications, from non-destructive testing to detecting explosives and scanning luggage at airports.”

Thanks, Austin!

Responsible Care Global Charter

- Cam Proctor 1 Comment

If there was a wine and cheese social for global charters, then the Responsible Care Global Charter would act distinctly different from the others. It would probably hang out by the punch bowl and make idle conversation, friendly but clearly not part of the crowd. Thats because the Responsible Care Global Charter contains several principles geared toward the long-term improvement of risk assessment, risk management, and information on products and their safe handling. In the area of social responsibility, the charter calls for increased dialogue with chemical industry stakeholders.

The global chemical association (ICCA) presented the RCGC at the recent United Nations’ International Conference on Chemicals Management in Dubai. The charter summarizes the new tenets of the global chemical industry’s Responsible Care initiative, which was launched in 1985 to promote continuous improvement in health, safety and environmental performance. Companies from 52 countries have committed themselves to Responsible Care via their national member associations, and recently Bayer and BASF signed the charter.

Water and Ice(land)

- Fono 1 Comment

A recent issue of The Walrus contained an article on Iceland’s burgeoning experiments with alternative energy sources. Iceland already harnesses geothermal energy, which provides half of the overall energy consumed by citizens and businesses. However, they are also planning to start using hydrogen power, and be oil-free by 2050. “We want to become the first hydrogen society in the world,” said the chairman of the ruling Progressive Party.

Interestingly, both Shell and DaimlerChrysler are active participants in the plan; Daimler will provide hydrogen-powered vehicles, and Shell will provide hydrogen filling stations.

Of particular interest to our Canadian readers may be a quote from a senior official in the hydrogen program. When asked how Canada might go oil-free, she responded, “You have solar! You have wind! You have hydro! Many countries have geothermal too, but they are just waiting for the world to run out of oil before they do anything about it.”

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