Balakrishnan Ramachandran: Global oil crunch A World Bank spokesman recently warned that a global oil crunch could happen as early as 2015 with prices climbing over $150 a barrel from the current $95 – 97 level. From the first global oil shock of 1973 when the oil prices doubled from $25 to over $50 per barrel, there have been several periods of sudden rise in oil prices following some price softening, though the trend of oil prices have always been upward. The past cases of price hikes were by cut-backs in oil production by the OPEC ( Oil Producing and Exporting Countries) as a geo-political tactic. As soon as the OPEC restored production levels, the oil prices fell back. Flex fuel vehicle The new price spike, however, is predicated on the world demand for oil exceeding supply. The global oil production has stagnated at around 89 million bpd (barrels per day) for the past three years. New oil capacity coming on stream barely equals declining output from operating oil wells. The demand from China alone is projected to grow from the present 9 million bpd to 15 million bpd by 2015. There is similar high growth expected from other emerging economies. The transportation industry is the major user of oil. Some 70 million cars and over 50 million motorbikes and other petrol using vehicles are being made at present. This number is set to increase rapidly as the large populations in the emerging economies lift themselves up from low income levels. Oil is also needed for a number of other end uses including production of petrochemicals, plastics and fertilizers. If the transportation industry could begin to substitute oil with other fuels, it would reduce pressure on oil demand and price increase. Threats of global warming In addition to the emerging demand-supply imbalance, the continued use of oil for transportation complicates the problem of containing carbon emissions. Over 40 percent of global carbon emission is from oil usage and another 40 percent from coal based power generation. From large central carbon emission points like power plants or process industries, there could be the option of carbon capture and sequestration as a means of containment until clean energy solutions including renewables become widely adopted. It is impossible to capture emissions from the millions of transport vehicles. New technologies like electric vehicles are still some way from being fully acceptable. The rise of flex fuel vehicles The internal combustion engines used in transportation vehicles work not only with gasoline (petrol and diesel), but also with other fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG), methane and ethanol. After the first oil shock of 1973, ethanol made from farm produce began to be blended with gasoline. It was initially blended to the extent of 10 to 15 percent but now there is the E85 blend which is 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. CNG vehicles have become accepted for city transportation vehicles even in the emerging economies. Methane gas from municipal landfills and other waste processing facilities is being used in Europe for both transportation and home heating applications. In the future, coal bed methane could emerge as a plentiful energy source. These alternative energy sources have not become popular with personal transport vehicles like cars, mainly because the filling stations for these fuels have not become as commonplace as gasoline filling stations. Car makers have not introduced alternative fuel cars because buyers are concerned with convenient fuel availability. Alternative fuel outlets have not grown in numbers since there is very little demand. Some of the same issues are impacting acceptance of electric vehicles. The need, therefore, is for car makers to develop vehicles that can carry and use multiple fuels at the same time. A hybrid electric vehicle is one example of a multi-fuel vehicle, which uses two different but complementary drive technologies. Auto makers have demonstrated that multi-fuel vehicles are possible and practical in various sizes of passenger cars. Two of the auto majors had displayed concept cars in auto shows of 2006 but have not, thereafter, taken the idea forward to commercial production. In 2011, a racing car has been designed with a multi-fuel engine. These trends, summarized below, indicate the that the auto industry can make flex fuel cars a reality. Once multi-fuel vehicles become available, the normal market forces of demand, supply and price would help the alternative fuels gain acceptance and reduce dependence on oil. Current trends 1. Multipla Multi-Eco: Fiat to run on gasoline, methane and bio-ethanol Multipla Multi-Eco Fiat displayed this concept car at the 2006 Paris Auto Show. This car had three separate fuel tanks, one for regular gasoline, the second for methane gas and the third for E85. The driver can choose between these different fuels by a switch selection and the electronic fuel monitors would adjust combustion characteristics of the engine to accept these fuels. The Multipla Multi Eco concept was developed from Fiat’s very popular entry level car named the Panda Panda. It was first offered for dual fuel operation with gasoline and methane gas. In the concept car, the E85 was added with the view that the car model could be used in different parts of the world with the fuel available there. 2. Trans Star Racing Dagger GT TranStar Racing Dagger GT This handcrafted 2011 Racing Dagger GT is capable of 2000 hp power and 2000 lb-ft of torque and can accelerate 0-60 mph is 1.5 seconds. This car can reach a top speed of 300 mph and expects to break land speed records in the coming racing car season. This racing car is fitted with a multifuel engine made by Nelson Racing , that can run on gasoline, methanol, hydrogen or ethanol delivered from two separate tanks, one for liquid fuels and the other for gaseous fuels. This engine helps demonstrate that alternative fuels do not impede car performance. 3. Volvo Multifuel Concept Car Volvo Multi-Fuel concept car This mid-size family sedan of 2006 vintage from Volvo featured the use of 5 different fuels, two of them liquids and three gaseous fuels. The liquid fuels were gasoline and E85 and the gaseous fuels were natural gas, biomethane and hythane which is a mixture of 90 percent methane with 10 percent hydrogen. Two separate tanks had been fitted in the car. A 29 liter tank for liquid fuels and a 98 liter tank for the gaseous fuels. The car user can fill any of these fuels based on cost and availability. Advantages of MultiFuel Vehicles Multi-fuel vehicles would help level the playing field between gasoline vehicles which benefit from 100+ years of motoring infrastructure and the alternative fuels which are struggling to find acceptance. Once the car user has the confidence that he will be able to refill any fuel, he will naturally choose the most economic alternative. This will help contain petroleum usage and its prices and create a strong market pull for the alternative fuels. What needs to be improved? Besides the infrastructure issues of alternative fuels availability, there is the need to build operating experience with alternative fuels. In the past, there have been some issues with increased erosion of engine components with ethanol and also wax formation in ethanol blended fuels at low temperatures. Such technology issues can get solved only if multi-fuel vehicles come into the mainstream with the volumes that can attract attention and funding.
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Are flex fuel vehicles a viable answer to global oil crunch?
Abdul Vahid V: China continues its speed train experiments. The People’s Republic has recently unveiled its super rapid test train that can cover 300 miles in an hour. The new super speed train is 100 mph faster than its forerunner, which can travel the 824-mile distance between Beijing and Shanghai in just five hours, i.e. 200 mph speed. Construction work of new high speed trains in China has been a near halt since a tragic clash of two high speed trains in July, 2011, killing 40 people. Super speed train Picture Gallery Super speed train New super-speed train that can hit 300mph The new high speed test train is manufactured from plastic materials and is toughened with carbon fiber. According to Shen Zhiyun, a train expert, the new train is built in style of an ancient Chinese sword to indicate its ultra speed on track. The latest test train is ready with a tractive power of 22,800 kilowatts. Meanwhile, the current Beijing-Shanghai CRH380 high speed train has only 9,600 kilowatts of tractive power. In wake of the July collision, Chinese authorities have decided to take huge security measures in operating its bullet and high speed trains. There is less chance that these trains will run at their maximum speed limits, says CSR chairman Zhao Xiaogan. There will be some control in the speed and some advanced security measures will be implemented in trains, the authority says. Mr. Xiaogan adds the country is to ensure safety of train operation and passengers rather than the speed showoff in future. China, with its 8,000 miles of track, is known as home to the largest bullet train network in the world. By next four years, another 8,000 miles of line is projected to build. Meanwhile, people of the country have expressed dissatisfaction in the high ticket charges of bullet trains. Via: Dailymail
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China’s new super-speed train can go up to 300mph
Nisha Changrani: The present picture Technology has become the blood of the modern techno-savvy life that we humans are feasting on today. In the process of enriching the intricacies of this blood, we are causing excruciating inconvenience to the entire environment. Mobile phones, computers, laptops, notebooks, refrigerators, washing machines and every other gadget that gulps down electric fluid to live, adds up to the already piling up trash of metals and plastics. And worse, when these gadgets become practically outdated and withdrawn, they are discarded in the junk or are subjected to pressurised heat to melt them and recycle them off. Both these processes are harmful to the environment. So, the need of the hour is to scamper out for some methods which would if not eradicate, at least reduce the extent to which the environment is harmed. Biodegradable gadgets Increase in electronic waste It has grown by hideous proportions in the past few years, considering the fact that a country like China which measured a 1 percent use of electronic products in the 1990’s, has shot up to become the world’s 6th largest consumer of electronic items. The change has been drastic and many others like China are scampering to reach the same status of technological development. The results could be devastating, if we don’t look out for options other than plastics and metals soon. The day would not be far when a considerable proportion of the land would become a livid junkyard. The time has come to take a serious call on this matter because our metal and mineral reserves have already started experiencing the dawn of extinction. The future 1. World’s first biodegradable paper timepiece Patch paper watch Manufacturer: Altanus Description: Quite trendy in looks, Patch, as it’s called, helps you be on time. With stunning LED display, this paper-based watch is both water proof and shock proof. Patch comes in 10 different colours and weighs as low as 11 grams. Go get yourself the funky watch for $33.50. 2. N701i eco phone N701i eco phone Manufacturer: NEC Description: One would be surprised to know that as much as 70% of this phone is made from biodegradable plastic which comes from kenaf (a plant from the family of okra and hibiscus) and poly-lactic acid extracted from corn & potatoes. 3. Corky mouse Corky mouse Designer: Adele Peter Description: How about using a mouse that generates energy every time you click it? Well, this corky mouse uses some piezoelectric components and is made from recyclable plastic and cork. Every time you click it, move or scroll it, the mouse tends to generate kinetic energy. 4. Cardboard vacuum cleaner Cardboard vacuum cleaner Designer: Jake Tyler Description: Known as the Vax EV, this vacuum cleaner is made from recycled cardboard obtained from shipping containers. It is not green for the namesake, but the machinery it uses is made from nylon plastic that replaces the process of injection moulding with rapid process manufacturing. 5. Eco Turntables Eco Turntables Designers: Sennheiser and Mathew Lim Description: The designer and the industry partner have together brought out a music combo that would contain a turntable and headphones, both carved out of bio-friendly products like bioplastic, fibrewood and felt. The entire package is gracefully huddled up in a box that is made of recycled wood. Problems with biodegradable gadgets Biodegradable plastics are currently being used in a limited number of devices. The challenge is to make the facility available for a complete gadget, rather than to go for broken utilities in components. The facility for the production of biodegradable plastics is available in only a counted number of countries. It has to be extended to the other parts of the world to see a significant difference. The methodology through which biodegradable plastics and other forms of environment friendly or the so called green items are made, requires a considerable quantity of crude oil to be split out of its reserves. Thus, it is not much of ‘green’ actually. The bottom-line It is only one line. The better we switch on to the green prospect (in the literal sense of the word), the better it is for us. The catch is to take the challenge head on. It is upon us as to how we would like to see the earth in the future – emerald green with lustrous forests and blue seas or fluorescent silver with screeching.
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Biodegradable gadgets: The next green bandwagon
There is no option left but for business to take the mantle of leadership on climate in 2012. Here are the three areas that are most critical to creating world-changing levels of impact.
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When Policy Fails on Climate, What Can Business Do?
Shahnawaz Naaz: There is no denying the fact that electric vehicles are here to stay and in future they will replace the fuel guzzling cars that are now in use across the globe. Automakers have also realized this fact and they are now busy manufacturing electric cars, which are useful and affordable. German automaker BMW is also in the race to manufacture high-quality electric vehicles and besides targeting the market in the US and Europe, BMW seems interested in expanding its base in China as well. BMW’s move is logical because China has a large market for automobiles and if BMW manages to establish its electric brand here then the company will definitely earn good revenues. BMW EV for China At part of its decision to expand its presence in China, BMW has entered into a deal with Chinese automaker Brilliance JinBei Automobile Co.. As part of the deal, both companies will work together to launch a new electric vehicle brand in China. The deal will allow BMW to beat the joint venture rules laid down by the Chinese government. It is to be noted that manufacturing electric cars is not a new things for BMW as the company has already tasted success with its i-sub-brand and it had already unveiled a 5-Series Plug-in-Hybrid concept, which the German automaker had developed jointly with Brilliance, during the 2011 Auto Shanghai. The demand for electric cars is increasing and BMW wants to cash the rising popularity by launching its all-electric city car in 2013. BMW will not stop at this only because the company is already gearing up to launch i8 plug-in hybrid supercar in 2014. BMW’s decision to enter into a partnership is a masterstroke by the company because it will help the company earn an international brand, which will be of Chinese origin and it is expected that Chinese people would lap up the new brand due to Brilliance’s involvement. Via: Greenpacks
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BMW plans to release new EV brand for China
Gaurav Thakur: Designed by Leon Zhu of China, the Green Angel is a model design of a backpack that will also consist of a solar power system. Leon Zhu has given a design that makes traditional solar cells more fashionable. The solar panels are designed like wings on the back side with total eight such solar panels that aim to harness as much solar energy as possible. Green Angel solar powered backpack Picture Gallery Green Angel solar powered backpack A backbag with a solar power system,it can converts solar energy into electric power The solar backpack looks more trendy and stylish and has a battery meter that tells the level up to which the battery is charged. The charging port on the backpack can be used to charge your phone, laptop, iPad, iPhone, iPod and other such devices. The solar panel flaps cover an area of width 70cm and height 60cm, while the bag is 30 cm wide and 39 cm long, when the flaps are closed. The fashionably designed solar backpack does look too futuristic and its mass production does not seem likely in the near future. However, the designer has done well in envisioning a solar backpack that can generate a lot more solar energy than conventional solar bags that are available on the market today. If realized, this product will help in generating renewable energy, which can be fed into devices such as laptops which need more energy than cellphones or music players. Via: Designboom
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Green Angel solar powered backpack concept
From emerging good news about on-the-ground implementation to deciding the fate of the Kyoto Protocol, participants in the current U.N. Climate Summit have their work cut out for them, even though expectations and hope for progress are as low as can be.
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What the COP17 Negotiators Must Accomplish in Durban
As COP17 kicks off, and the International Energy Agency publishes a bleak annual energy outlook report, it’s time to explore how politicians say one thing and do nothing when it comes to addressing greenhouse gas emissions.
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Exposing the Massive Gap Between Words & Action on Climate Change
By 2016 the total renewable energy market in China and India will be $53.0 billion and $14.4 billion respectively, according to the latest issue of EL Insights . China and India are the world’s two most populous countries. Both have booming economies that are rapidly growing. From 2000 to 2008 China had an average annual GDP growth rate of 10%, and India is expected to have an 8% growth rate this year. This economic growth has propelled China and India as world leaders in the world economy and lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty. With economic growth and improved standards of living for China’s and India’s emerging middle class, has come an increased demand for energy. While per capita use of the average Indian or Chinese citizen is roughly one-third that of a person from the U.S. or Western Europe, aggregate demand is exceeding that of the Western world. According to the International Energy Agency, China’s demand for energy will grow by 75% from current levels by 2035. Given the nearly 2.3 billion people that reside in these two countries this demand… This is a preview of EL Insights Subscription Content. Delivered two times a month, every issue of EL Insights is developed to help businesses understand the implications of an emerging energy, environmental or sustainability technology, to inspire innovation within companies, and to provide executives with timely data, charts and market insights. For industry insiders needing to stay informed, EL Insights is the one subscription that delivers opportunity-focused, actionable insights that are both engaging and accessible. Subscribe to EL Insights here . If you’re already a subscriber to ELInsights, you can download the current issue here .
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Renewable Energy in China, India To Hit $53.0 Billion, $14.4 Billion Respectively by 2016
At NAEM’s 2010 conference, Boeing’s Mary Armstrong, VP of EHS, discussed the connection between sustainability and corporate strategy.
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Boeing’s VP EHS Discusses Sustainability, Corporate Strategy