Mirror, mirror
What was once hailed as an endless source of desert electricity has now fallen by the wayside in the profitability race. Is concentrated solar power condemned to remain a niche player in the energy market.
New Energy
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Factor 10
China's wind industry is booming. But manufacturing capacity growth is out stripping the market. The competition is squeezing margins; international providers are falling behind as national champions pull ahead.
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Built-in solar
Building-integrated photovoltaic solutions are still significantly more expensive than traditional on-roof systems, comprising a niche market. But manufacturers are increasingly offering solar modules for facades and in-roof systems. Are we on the threshold of a major new market?
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The coal makers
It used to be made by Native Americans, but now "terra preta" [black earth] is going industrial under the name "biochar". With modern technology, a number of research institutions are working on ways to compress organic waste products into a coal-like substance.
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Small turbines in testing
Small-scale wind power is getting a lot of attention nationally and internationally and is becoming increasingly popular. Even politicians now believe in the potential of wind generators. But these systems won't get established without mandatory quality standards.
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Cheaper by the dozen
<p>Attaracted by the country's great potential and new policies, a number of turbine manufacturers-old and new-are enlivening the Indian wind market.</p>
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Bird-friendly wind power
<p>A study commissioned by the German government aims to show how wind power will affect red kites, white-tailed eagles, and Montagu's harriers in the future. Even not mowing the grass around tower bases would help, ornithologists say.</p>
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Solar warriors
<p>The German solar industry once held the front, but must now defend itself globally. To survive, it will have to prevail over the competition. Germany's Solar Industry Association (BSW-Solar) is leading the way with its PV Roadmap 2020, proposing a battle plan to keep the German solar sector competitive-and make photovoltaics a central pillar of the country's energy supply. </p>