The train is the world in Full Swing

Given stagnant markets for solar energy in Austria or Germany, I sometimes have the feeling that the time turns back rather than forward. Then I look over the borders and think: Wow, the train direction of renewable energy worldwide is unstoppable. The investment in renewable energy worldwide have increased fivefold from 2004 to 2010. As the world order begins to change: 2010 developing and emerging countries with 72 billion dollars for the first time have more money spent on renewable energy than developed countries with 70 billion dollars. The lion's share of the 72 billion dollars with China is $ 48.9 billion, 28 percent more than last year. China also wants to reduce CO2 emissions by 2016 by 17 percent, virtually the same plan as the EU.

Oil and gas worldwide hardly as cheap as here

Solar entrepreneurs around the world come to acknowledge the fact that in many countries an incredible dynamism is palpable. And they note that few where gas and oil is so cheap as ours. Heat from solar, biomass and geothermal energy is therefore in many world regions are already more efficient than the fossil fuel competition. If one keeps in mind that we have far more renewable energy available than we currently consume energy you could be really optimistic.

CO2 concentrations could rise menacingly

One step forward and two steps back. At the same time the world is burned more oil, gas and coal, which may increase the concentration of CO2 from the current 389 to 600 ppm and warm the earth's atmosphere by eight degrees. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change was presented recently in Vienna's “Special Report on Renewable Energy Sources and Climate Change Mitigation.” I was there, very interesting and also disturbing. If we can get on with the CO2 emissions as all coastal residents ever pack your suitcase for a trip without return. I find it even more outrageous that in Europe only half-hearted plans are made to climate change under control.

Heating and cooling, usually only a side issue

The EU Energy Roadmap 2050 and the EU low-carbon economy roadmap by March 2011 should show where the most CO2 can be saved. This is the most important area – 50 percent of the energy consumption of the EU's heating and cooling – practically left out, only a few vague paragraphs are found in both documents. As if Europe only for current climate and traffic problems would have. Also, the forthcoming EU directive on energy efficiency is so knit, decentralized heat generation with solar thermal, heat pumps, wood heating is a side issue.

Complete withdrawal go much cheaper than, as before

It shows the IPCC report that the complete phase out oil, gas and coal is clearly cheaper than continue as before: without the development of renewable CO2 abatement costs rise by 2100 according to the IPCC on the double. Even cheaper nuclear power is a myth: Renewable were cheaper with increased proliferation, nuclear power was becoming increasingly expensive with increasing diffusion, due to increasing safety standards. It is really expensive, if we continue to burn oil, gas and coal in buildings, then we can forget all the climate change targets.

Austria pays carbon credits instead of promoting domestic value

While the IPCC films

Zoomed past I had to think about it, shaking his head, that is invested, against all reason still more in the financing of the status quo than in the energy transition. A concrete example from the solar world: a solar thermal system for heating spares support during the operation in 20 years, about 40 tons of CO2. Would be equipped in Austria, 750,000 households with solar panels, which would cause an overall reduction of 30 million tons of CO2. This is exactly the amount of CO2 that we are over the 2008-2012 Kyoto target. For this amount, Austria buys time for emission by 500 million €. The state could – instead of buying carbon credits – subsidies to distribute the flow almost entirely in the domestic economy and come back in the form of tax revenues. And reduce CO2 emissions dramatically. I wonder: why does not happen

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I get to test a huge package with 10 different models. The three were tested with the highest details of milli-ampere-hours, and therefore most likely to succeed, the others are still unopened and be ready for pickup, if someone wants to convince himself. Mainly devices for MP3 players and smartphones.

Shit happens – iPhone does not fit into the charging device

The first, which was written with 2000 mAh, fell quickly out of the rankings. It was conceived as a docking station or in hardcover for the iPhone. Unfortunately, that did not fit into the 3G version although it is specified as a suitable device.

At least

Useful as an external battery? – Unfortunately, no

The second in a row to lie in the sun, it was nice to see how the blue bar moves upward. When connecting to the device but then again the experience was sobering. Only a few% could be charged by the sun in the supercharged unit. For review today I have again charged via USB just to see whether it is good at least as an external battery. Unfortunately, the device detects the iPhone and now no longer a charge is not possible.

heat resistant

Important? – Of course

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The third device I've been an Android user for testing. Unfortunately it has not endured heat during charge and there were bubbles in the film … Not just good, if not a solar charger is heat resistant. When the charge also without success. After only a few minutes the charge voltage was again too low to maintain a charging process.

Are not the same mAh mAh

The last article I had promised myself to look at the issue of milli-ampere-hour detail. This is the unity which is always specified in chargers. This is the battery capacity. As mentioned above, I've been looking at the tests for devices with the highest possible capacity. A good description I have found here on Chip Online. These performances would actually have to suffice in order for the charge. Just as with bad batteries, but with poor quality of the battery very great danger that the performance quickly collapses. The same craftsmen know of cheap battery drills, there are indeed the same mAh on it, but after 2 months they are useless. Apple is also selling chargers, they have a capacity of 1500-2000 mAh. If I would buy another battery even now, that would be the minimum requirement for my device. That and a producer, I trust the high quality.

Depleting products industry?

I find it very unfortunate that there appear to be many bad products on the market right now. With such offers, among other things, the confidence will be damaged in this technology. It would be important if mobile phone manufacturers in the production of solar charge already co-planner. It looks as if these mini-computers simply need too much energy / power / performance.

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Who are the “solar” states?

Insight

If you google the word “solar” and “Austria” enters, sees the picture below. Anyone who wants can even directly “play”. What does it say now? Here is my opinion to myself but as always looking forward on your own views in the comment box.

Currently, the word “solar” in Upper Austria is searched most often. Could it be due to the black-green coalition that awareness has increased?For the first time relevant “search volume” it was the beginning of 2006 in the Tyrol and Upper Austria (there is a really brilliant time series function. It seems to me a little late, so this part should perhaps question again, but it is quite possible that really until then everything was passed on a personal basis.The Burgenland is located on second Site, which is probably due to the pioneering region Guessing. It shows again how much more effective than positive examples in each promotion.Vienna and Salzburg are in last place. Vienna is relatively easy to explain. Through urban structures have not hitherto been the subject of solar cities in relevant, in Salzburg, I have no explanation, except that both are governed for years by the SPÖ. Please be understood that as a totally value-free, that's just an observation.From April to August 2010 was by far the highest search volume for “solar” in most Austrian provinces. Then be expected that many countries have announced promotions. Even here in Salzburg is less relevant.

Who has googled the term photovoltaic most often?

Now we also have the concept of photovoltaics under the microscope. Here again one can own. Join

When your search term “photovoltaic” again Burgenland and Upper Austria are up front. But this time in reverse order. Then come Styria and Lower Austria.It is striking that this time the distance between the first and 2 Space is significantly larger. One might think now, that is not so out in Burgenland that word in the other states and is known by the people in Burgenland Güssing are simply much more sensitive.As with “solar” Vienna and Salzburg are in last place again.The analysis over time shows that the first clusters of searches until the beginning of 2009 have occurred. So you see how incredibly young the issue in Austria.When the time course of Burgenland is not involved, so here again caution.Socially photovoltaic

Is only 2.5 years young in Austria

Especially the time-series analysis find that very exciting, because you see a lot of good, when and where the ideas or just ideas spread in society. I entered the same search in Germany where in 2004 there was already a strong accumulation of the search for “photovoltaic”. No wonder, then, the EEG in Germany was amended to the extent that PV systems are economically interesting. Only five years later in Austria and more people have searched for the term. Socially, this technology is therefore only 2.5 years “here” and now the child begins to run really well at. I'm looking forward again to help in growing up, when I look at the big brother who is now 7 years already so ripe

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“Ultimately, climate change does not even listen, just because you were just bad economic times,” continued Commissioner. The discussion therefore stand still the question of how the goal could be achieved to limit global warming to two degrees Celsius.

No big expectations for the former Agriculture Commissioner of the European Union in the upcoming UN climate change conference in South Africa. “I trust in the solution competence of international political bodies have quite lost. What gives me hope, however, is the fact that we are dealing here anyway with any purely political question, but also with a massive economic issue, “said Fischler, because it going in the face of massive changes in circumstances for a reorientation of our entire economic system .

“I think that the captains of industry know how it will go on, but they need a long-term planning security for the huge investments that are necessary for the realignment, not to sit in the sand. And this planning security they demand from the policy. In economics, the notion that we care about climate change can wait indefinitely until the cows no longer exist. “The negative effects of climate change would also be felt so quickly that things will change anyway, even if this December in South Africa no substantial progress is being made.

Raiffeisen organizations have set out four years ago, bringing together existing climate protection activities in the form of Raiffeisen Property. “We then set the clear goal to be in Austria in terms of sustainability and climate change, the number one,” says Fischler. “Next year we will be able to draw on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of a very successful year.”

Fischler pointed out in this connection to the now in all of Austria held energy conservation days, the Raiffeisen Award at the Youth Innovative student applicants, and the first held last year Climate Challenge. But there was still plenty to do, the climate protection activities even more closely integrated into the everyday work of the actors involved in Raiffeisen Property Company.

Changes Fischler wants in the domestic tax policy. “The greening was urgently needed. The basic framework of our economic system must be designed so that things are moving in the right direction. Investment and expenditure on research and development must be strengthened in terms of climate protection are used, “says Fischler, the Federal Government the rod in the window.

Austria's tax policies in relation to its European partners rather atypical, as is well above average on the one hand, the overall taxation, on the other hand, too much income and ecological factors shall be taxable only in small degree. Because tax laws are still in the national legislation, one should not wait for the EU, but finally had to get active in Austria. “You can not constantly insist on the principle of subsidiarity and its own decision-making powers and then decide nothing,” Fischler criticized the inaction.

should flow

In connection with the current European debate on the introduction of a financial transaction tax, the proceeds of half the EU budget, has Fischler little understanding of the position of Great Britain, “because the stock market tax is required on the London Stock Exchange for transactions , represents a multiple of what is planned for the transaction tax. “In particular, derivatives would be amenable to Fischler, to establish an international financial transaction tax. “I also believe, therefore, crucial, because it would not be good if the European Union in the long term could not rely on their own resources.”

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For the fourth

It is time sponsored the “Raiffeisen” award. It is important to take climate change seriously, to respond to the challenges and opportunities and to use this technology. The Raiffeisen Award is aimed specifically at young people who talk about not only climate change but also want to do something about it.

Goal, the potential for creativity, encourage innovation and the creativity of young talent and bring it to light. In addition to innovative concepts to current environmental issues such as renewable resources, green building or just the raw water projects are needed to increase energy efficiency, or to transit, which help to protect our climate. Creativity knows no bounds!

Participation offers innovative students / apprentices within and between the ages of 15 to 20 years a unique opportunity to develop their own ideas and present them to the public.

Climate change and sustainability issues are ever present in virtually all areas of our lives. The entries for the Raiffeisen Award projects are assessed by the Youth-Innovative Jury on the following criteria:

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Effectiveness for climate

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Practice orientation

• Creativity

• degree of innovation

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Written presentation

The best projects of the Raiffeisen Awards will be awarded with prize money In the value of 5,000 € and together with the winners of the categories Business, Design, Engineering and Science under the Youth Innovative finale honored 2012th For the finalists of the Raiffeisen Awards 2012 there is also the opportunity to present their projects and allow Austria to represent the world. It Wave travel pricesFor international exhibitions, competitions, workshops and science camps. By registering, each participant is additionally securing the chance to max. EUR 500, – per project to receive funding as . Depending on the degree of fulfillment of eligibility criteria for projects submitted receive a project grant in the amount of EUR 150, – EUR 350, – or EUR 500 ,-.

For submissions for the Raiffeisen Award apply the terms and conditions of the Youth Innovation Competition 2011/2012. Projects that deal with current topics are welcomed.

Who has found an issue that should be as fast as possible OnlineAt Www.jugendinnovativ.at in the log-in register areaAnd register for the competition. Appli-deschluss is 23 December 2011!

First, a

Interim awards for the best projects in each province as part of semi-Events. In the semi-final events, the decision of the jury will be announced and awarded the “Tickets for the final federal”.

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120 MWp by reducing the waiting list

The meeting opened

Hans Kronberger, president of the Austrian Photovoltaic Association PV-Austria with a large number Supposedly the last few months waiting list of 120 MWp and the rest of the money was approved 28 million pot / requested. This is really an incredible amount, but where were the last 10 years in total almost 100 MWp installed. The year 2012 is undefeated thus assemble the strongest year ever, after all, KLIEN and the new Green Electricity Act does not contain it. It does, however, also clearly a concern about how wide it will then move on. 2013 is initially estimated to be considerably less and one can only hope that is recognized by then the policy that the PV is not a niche product, but would have expected much faster than the most optimistic PV-fan, a significant contribution will pay for power. Even Cedric Philibert of the IEA, which until recently has deviated from its anti-PV course, confirms that it is about the future of photovoltaic industry in the next few years. He stressed, however, equally, that are required by 2015 all states to create the right conditions for the path to grid parity to prepare. It is he also aware of how difficult it is for the legislature here is on such a dynamic market to react properly. That should not put those responsible in my opinion, but in fear of rigid, but moving in the contrary to take urgent action to prevent even the last not just for domestic value-added opportunities in this market.

Vienna EVN energy takes as an example

Gratifying for me were the discussions with the utilities. Not only that some are now even enter into the plant in Austria, is being addressed in the federal capital and ambitious targets in terms of approval times. In addition to improvements in the City Council because we want to reduce energy in Vienna, the time it takes to get a clear Zählpunktnummer. Thus it was said: “If the EVN provides in two weeks, must work for us too.” It is this positive competition has been missing in Austria. I wish more of them – in companies, in magistrates, in ministries. I know that sitting together with all the conspiracy theories in all of these bodies already people who really push the issue and would like to hope that these people come very soon to the train.

Architects sought in vain

This year's conference was the emphasis on “House of the Future”. For years we tried to establish themselves in Austria as a specialist provider of integrated solutions to the global market. This is an untapped potential that is there to raise the next few years yet. In a very lively panel discussion but have been some problems that exist in this way, be disclosed. The Painstaking: The architect for this apparently missing. A roof-or facade-integrated solution can be worked out only makes sense if it is part of the design. This must come from the architects. Except for an architecture student, but unfortunately not a single architect was present, which makes clear how important this issue under Austrian architect still appears to be. Also, the student told of professors, the students only smile when you address the photovoltaics. Only those students who are interested in self-motivation to bring renewable energy to the information they need. Anchored in the curriculum is not yet long. Although I am sure that there are positive forces there should be careful Austria, do not miss out on another train.

The conclusion of the event. It's actually going on in Austria! Many projects are underway in Austria on straight, including the solar-label, which will soon go into Austria at the start. But that's another story

Photo: bmvit.

It will probably be several posts because the topic is extremely complex and somewhat difficult to digest. Today I want to first present a few graphs on a global scale. You will not believe how difficult it can be easily find out the share of renewable energies, from current figures do not speak. It takes up to one year or longer until the available data from the previous year. Thus one finds in the IEA's World Energy Outlook 2010 nor the 2008 numbers for the primary energy consumption. And in times when the current data would be more important than ever. 2010 and 2011, looking back to the break in the energy system from fossil to be present on renewable, because I do not want any data 2009er see where everything was still the same, as have current data on the table the trigger euphoria and passion!

The following three graphs are presented by well-known institutions, the land for a basic Internet search pretty quickly on the screen. Depending on what you're looking straight – a high or low proportion of renewables in global energy consumption – you will also find it.

7.8% BP says – biomass and solar thermal irrelevant

?The most interesting graphic

Provide BP and DEBRIV. Actually, I would have at such a low share of renewable energies should be immediately suspicious, but only after working through many other studies me is the “error” notice. It is not a mistake, because in fact everything was presented truthfully, you just only need to read the fine print and understand. In the above graph are loud asterisk 'shown only commercially traded fuels and renewable energies for electricity generation. “

If I have understood correctly, are thus only renewable energies for electricity generation and not shown to generate heat. Solar thermal, biomass and heat pumps are not considered, but is probably oil and gas which is used for heating. I ask for correction if I am wrong here lies, but otherwise this number can not be explained. A point to note is you must ensure that BP already here with data from 2010 and expects the other not. The energy consumption has increased in 2010 compared to 2009, massive. Due to strong global new capacities for renewable in 2010, I think not, that the percentage will actually be as low.

13.3% for the IEA

Mentioned above are for the other diagrams in the figures only from 2009. The International Energy Agency is probably the focal point for any energy figures. You are in the World Energy Outlook 2011 for 2009 accounted for 13.3% of renewable energy to primary energy supply. For explanation of terms here a good explanation of bpb. This is also relevant for understanding the next graphic.

Primary energyIs coming from not further processed fuels energy. Primary energy sources are, for example, coal, lignite, petroleum, natural gas, water, wind, nuclear fuels, solar radiation and so on. Is made by reprocessing the primary energy, for example in power plants or refineries The final energy. According to the IEA, which corresponds to the primary energy supply of primary energy production plus imports and minus exports,. Moreover, the change in stocks – from producers, importers, large consumers, etc. – included