Friday 4 December 2009

Flying the flag for non-carbon energy

Five Times writers visit six countries with very different approaches to securing a clean, green energy supply

Every world leader travelling to Copenhagen knows that we need to cut carbon emissions. But there is no consensus on how to power our countries while we do it.
Heating and electricity needs add up to a quarter of the world’s emissions, but keeping the lights on while getting greener is going to be difficult. Energy use in the UK grew by 10 per cent from 1990 to 2006; China’s has almost doubled in the past 15 years.
While politicians prepare to talk tactics again, Eureka sent five Times writers to see how different countries are tackling the problem. From Europe’s nuclear power stations to Malaysia’s palm oil plantations, we examine the future of clean energy.
Some of the most innovative ideas hail from the developing world. Here they recognise that energy independence will offer environmental and economic benefits. Some use sugarcane, others prefer steam. But all are making a difference right now.

See articles below to discover the new generation of power brokers . . .
Nuclear: The French revelation
Biofuel: Brazil's sugar bonanza
Palm oil: Malaysia's fuel plantations
Geothermal: Kenya goes steaming in
Solar: India sees the light
Wind power: Chinese whispers