s.a.g.a.

U.S. and Swedish Companies on Global 100 List of Sustainable Companies

2012-01-26T11:30:00.007+01:00

The Global 100 List of Sustainable Companies is presented annually at the World Economic Forum. It is based on a selection of 4 000 developed and emerging market companies, which are measured against key performance indicators such as revenues in relation to consumption of energy and water.

U.S. companies on this year’s list include Life Technologies, Intel, Agilent, Johnson Controls, Procter & Gamble, IBM, Baxter International and Prologis. Swedish companies on the list are Atlas Copco, TeliaSonera, Scania and H&M. The full list is available here.

California Company eMeter and Vattenfall Collaborate on Smart Meters

2012-01-25T10:43:00.008+01:00

eMeter - headquartered in San Mateo, California - is collaborating with Swedish-based Vattenfall, one of Europe’s largest generators of electricity and Europe's largest producer of heat. The California company offers smart meter solutions.

eMeter provides the software to handle tasks like reporting outages, turning meters on and off, and the customer billing process - along with all the data storage that entails. Read more.

Photo: energy.gov

Swedish Cities Contemplating Highway for Bicycles

2012-01-23T12:59:00.003+01:00

A four lane bicycle superhighway between Malmö and Lund in Southern Sweden may soon become reality. The 10.5 mile (16.8 km) highway would be constructed next to the train tracks connecting the cities.

The link would be free from intersections while offering wind protection and also featuring bicycle service stations. The projected cost is $7 million.

Photo: gov.state.md.us

Carbon Capture Technology at Texas Clean Coal Plant to Cut CO2 Emissions by 90 Percent

2012-01-20T14:24:00.004+01:00

The U.S. Energy Department has announced that an energy company in San Antonio, Texas will purchase approximately 200 megawatts of power annually from the Texas Clean Energy Project (TCEP) when the facility is complete in 2015. This is the first purchase in the United States of low-carbon power from a coal power plant that uses carbon capture technology.

When operational, the 400-MW facility will be the cleanest coal-fueled power plant in the world. Using a state-of-the-art process known as integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC), the total amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere from this plant will be less than 10 percent of a conventional coal plant with similar energy output, and less than 25 percent of a high-efficiency natural gas-powered power plant. It will also be capable of capturing 90 percent of the carbon dioxide (CO2) it produces, as well as 99 percent of sulfur dioxide, 90 percent of nitrogen oxide, and 99 percent of mercury. Read more.

Photo: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory demonstrated coal gasification in large-scale field experiments at the Rocky Mountain Test Facility near Hanna, Wyoming. Coal gasification and sequestration of the carbon dioxide produced are among the technologies being used in the Texas Clean Energy Project.

Investments in Clean Energy Rose in the U.S. and in Europe in 2011

2012-01-17T09:58:00.004+01:00

Bloomberg New Energy Finance recently released a study showing that global investments in clean energy reached $260 billion in 2011, 5 percent higher than in 2010 and almost five times the $53.6-billion in 2004. Solar energy investments rose 36 percent to $136.6 billion.

Clean energy spending rose by a third in the United States reaching $55.9 billion, which represents more than a fifth of the world's total spending. According to the Bloomberg report, China invested $47.4 billion and Europe $100.2 billion. The European numbers are mainly driven by solar installations in Germany and Italy, and offshore wind financing in the North Sea.

Read more here.

REACT U.S. Deadline Extended by 2 Weeks

2012-01-17T01:01:00.000+01:00

After listening to feedback from university students we are extending the deadline to apply for REACT U.S. by 2 weeks. The new deadline is Monday, January 30.

REACT U.S. is part of the Swedish American Green Alliance (SAGA) which is a partnership between the United States and Sweden on alternative energy and environment. REACT U.S. is an opportunity for five Swedish graduate (Masters-level) students to conduct two weeks of research on urban sustainability in five different U.S. cities. U.S. Embassy Stockholm, in collaboration with Sustainable Sweden, will fund the students’ air fare, accommodation and also provide per diem.

Content of the program: We offer, under the auspices of SAGA, five grants for Swedish graduate students in above-mentioned fields of study to conduct field research on the urban sustainability practices of five selected U.S. cities - Boulder (Colorado), Madison (Wisconsin), Minneapolis (Minnesota), Portland (Oregon), and Portsmouth (New Hampshire).

Case study period: 2 weeks in April 2012

Coordinators: Sustainable Sweden Association, U.S. Embassy Stockholm

Eligibility: The candidates must be graduate students currently enrolled in a Swedish Masters program focused on environment, alternative energy, urban sustainability and/or clean tech - The research in the United States should serve as a foundation for the students’ Masters theses (D-uppsats).

Application Procedure: Applicants need to complete the application form (download it here) and submit an updated CV. In a second stage Sustainable Sweden Association may ask selected candidates for further information and will put them in contact with the designated US cities. Please send your application to saga@state.gov.

Application Deadline: January 30, 2012

Final Decision: February 15, 2012

University of Gothenburg Launches Tool that Calculates Solar Generation Potential

2012-01-13T13:43:00.008+01:00

It is becoming more and more common to install solar panels on roofs in order to obtain green electricity, but not all roofs are equally suitable. Scientists from the University of Gothenburg have launched a tool that uses the actual conditions to determine the maximum possible magnitude of solar incidence - in a whole town, a neighbourhood, or a particular roof. The scientists have surveyed the City of Gothenburg in a pilot project.

"The roofs structures of a town may be more or less suitable for the installation of solar panels, depending on such factors as how much a particular roof is shadowed by surrounding buildings and vegetation, the gradient of the roof, and the angle of incidence of sunlight. It is now possible for the first time to determine how much solar energy a particular roof will receive during the year", says Fredrik Lindberg of the Department of Earth Sciences at Gothenburg University.

The scientists at the University of Gothenburg have worked together with consultants to develop a system that can calculate the potential of actual roofs to produce energy from solar panels. The system is called "SEES" – Solar Energy from Existing Structures – and will be freely available to both companies and municipalities. Read more.

Photo: Energy.gov

U.S. and Sweden Encourage Energy Efficient Electronics through the Clean Energy Ministerial

2012-01-12T15:51:00.005+01:00

The Super-efficient Equipment and Appliance Deployment (SEAD) Initiative today announced the first SEAD Global Efficiency Medal competition, a global competition that aims to encourage the production and sale of more energy efficient electronics and appliances. SEAD is an initiative of the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM), a high-level global forum launched by the U.S. Department of Energy, Sweden and 20 other governments in July 2010 to advance clean energy technology.

The SEAD Global Efficiency Medal is awarded to products that demonstrate the greatest energy efficiency, with the first competition focusing on flat-panel televisions. Television manufacturers from across the globe will compete against one another in a competition based on the energy efficiency of their products.

President Obama: No Trade-Off Between Environmental Protection and Economic Growth

2012-01-11T14:00:00.000+01:00

Yesterday, President Barack Obama visited the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In his remarks he said:

“I do not buy the notion that we have to make a choice between having clean air and clean water and growing this economy in a robust way,” he said.

Watch President Obama's full speech, or read the remarks, on the White House website.

City of San Jose New Years Resolution - No More Plastic Bags

2012-01-11T10:33:00.004+01:00

In San José, California customers are shopping greener than ever. All grocery and retail stores in San José can no longer provide single-use carryout bags at checkout, the ordinance went into effect on January 1, 2012. Consumers will have the option to bring or purchase their own reusable bags or purchase recycled content paper bags at checkout.

In addition, as San Jose residents adjust to the new plastic bags ban, officials from adjacent cities will meet later this month to talk about getting a similar law passed in as many municipalities as possible including San Carlos, San Mateo, South San Francisco, Foster City and Millbrae.

Huge Solar Power Plant Unveiled in Texas; Powers 5000 Homes

2012-01-10T16:47:00.007+01:00

One of the largest photovoltaic solar parks in the United States has been unveiled in Webberville, Texas. Located 15 miles east of Austin it comprises more than 127,000 units of 270-watt solar photovoltaic modules. It is expected to produce more than 61 million kilowatt-hours of energy in its first year of operation alone. It will power an estimated 5,000 homes while overwriting 30,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

Photo: illinois.edu

Renewable Energy on the Rise in the United States, Surpasses Nuclear

2012-01-09T15:49:00.006+01:00

Renewable energy had a good year in the United States in 2011. According to the latest report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, renewable energy grew rapidly and surpassed nuclear power in total amount of energy generated. In the first nine months of the year, renewables accounted for 12 percent of domestic energy production, pulling ahead of nuclear power, which contributed less than 11 percent.

Photo: umd.edu

Swedish Fulbright Scholar Hedvig Paradis: The Future of Fuel Cells - a Californian Perspective

2012-01-05T12:13:00.001+01:00

by Ms. Hedvig Paradis, PhD Student in Heat Transfer at Lund University and Fulbright Scholar at the University of California, Berkeley

Since the energy and environmental challenges of today and tomorrow are interconnected and affect us globally, it is of utmost importance that researchers in energy sciences get a firm grasp of different solutions to these challenges in different parts of the world.

California recently adopted environmentally friendly actions to decrease hazardous pollution and greenhouse gases by implementing fuel cell systems in communities around the state and organizing a partnership between involved parties. Fuel cell science and technology fall at the interface between energy studies and environmental studies. Fuel cells are of great importance since they can be used to ease the transition from conventional to a more environmentally friendly power generation and hence have an immediate and positive impact on our planet. Not only do fuel cells emit lower levels of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, but they are also more efficient than conventional power systems.

California is an admirable example of what joint efforts with specific goals can achieve. Some of the goals set up by the State of California will result in more fuel cell powered passenger vehicles and buses on the roads than any other region in the world. Early market vehicles will be available by 2014-2015 in major metro areas in Northern and Southern California. By 2017, about 41,000 customers in Southern California and 9,000 in Northern California could be driving fuel cell powered vehicles. By 2018, automakers expect that they will have delivered 50,000 fuel cell vehicles to customers in California. Another goal that has been achieved is the successful implementation of California’s fuel cell bus demonstration programs in transit buses in the San Francisco Bay Area.

One part of these joint efforts is specialized research environments which make it possible to further improve the commercialization prospect of fuel cells. At University of California, Irvine, the National Fuel Cell Center has made impressive progress on all aspects of fuel cell systems. At UC Irvine much work has been invested in connecting the fuel cell research to the nearby community by developing fueling infrastructure, hydrogen pumping stations and power grid networks. The fuel cells have been implemented in cars and buses which provide the research groups with information for future improvement of the systems and infrastructure. This also validates the theoretical work carried out in their labs.

The National Fuel Center is one of the United States' largest research centers in this field but there are more centers spread out across the country. One of these is located on the other side of the North American continent at University of Connecticut's Center of Clean Energy Engineering. It has conducted detailed research on all scales for several types of fuel cells with large modern testing rigs and equipment. A striking difference between the research structure in the U.S. and in Sweden is the lack of large scale concentration and investment in quality research environments in energy and environmental studies in Sweden. Large-scale research centers offer opportunities to test real-case scenarios and apply this technology in the communies.

The California Fuel Cell Partnership aims to build up the fuel cell demand in California to meet the state's goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. The partnership is a unique cooperation between auto manufacturers, energy companies, fuel cell technology companies and government agencies.

University of North Dakota Turns Coffee Waste Into Energy

2012-01-04T15:42:00.005+01:00

The University of North Dakota announced today it is leading a project to develop an efficient renewable technology for coffee-processing plants. The university is working with Vermont company Wynntryst to develop a gasification power system to utilize the waste from a coffee-processing plant to produce energy.

The waste stream includes coffee residues, plastic packaging, paper, cloth or burlap, and plastic cups. Read more.

Photo: Starbucks.com

Swedish-Swiss ABB Wins USD11 M Order From Facebook To Power Renewable Datacenter in Luleå

2011-12-22T12:25:00.002+01:00

A couple of weeks ago, Facebook announced it will build its new data center in the Swedish town of Luleå. Now it has been decided that Swedish-Swiss ABB will be powering the new center. ABB won the order worth about $11 million from Facebook. ABB will build two high- and medium-voltage air- and gas-insulated switchgear substations that will supply power to a datacenter being built in Luleå, a coastal town in northern Sweden. The data center will be the largest of its kind in Europe.

The construction of Facebook's datacenter will be carried out in three phases. The facility will consist of three server buildings with a total area of 84,000 square meters, equivalent to 11 full-sized soccer fields. The first building is scheduled to become operational in December 2012, and will have a substantial need for electrical energy to power and cool its servers. Located near the Arctic Circle, Luleå’s cold climate is well suited for the natural cooling of server buildings. This, along with a stable supply of clean energy from renewable sources as well as reliable communications and electricity networks, paved the way for the choice of Luleå as a location for its new center, making it a European node for Facebook’s data traffic. Read more.

Photo: City of Luleå, lulea.se

Google Investing $95 M in Solar Power for 13,000 Homes

2011-12-21T13:50:00.003+01:00

Google is investing $94 million to develop four solar photovoltaic (PV) farms serving Sacramento, the state capital of California. Construction on three of the projects will be complete early next year, and the fourth will come on line later in the year. The projects are expected to provide electricity to power more than 13,000 average U.S. homes.

This brings Google's portfolio of clean energy investments to more than $915 million. The company has already committed to providing funding this year to help more than 10,000 homeowners install solar PV panels on their rooftops. Read more.

SolarReserve to Produce Electricity For Up to 112,500 Homes in California

2011-12-20T12:26:00.007+01:00

The US Department of the Interior has approved SolarReserve to start laying out eight miles of transmission line to connect its 150-megawatt solar farm to California's power grid, Ecoseed reports. According to the same article, Rice Solar, a subsidiary of SolarReserve, is currently building the Rice Solar Energy Project in Riverside County, Southern California to produce enough electricity for up to 112,500 homes.

"The project is designed to be a solar thermal plant, which uses mirrors called heliostats to redirect the sun's heat onto a central receiver – filled with a salt compound heated to a molten, liquid state – on top of a tower. The system is designed to work even at night. When electricity is needed, the hot salt is sent to a heat exchanger to produce steam, driving a conventional steam turbine. The cooler molten salt is stored and is later reheated, forming part of a continuous closed loop."

Read the full article.

Photo: Concentrated Solar Power Plant. America.gov

Coca-Cola to Develop 100% Plant-based Bottles

2011-12-19T12:41:00.003+01:00

Coca-Cola today announced multi-million dollar partnership agreements with three leading biotechnology companies to accelerate the development of the first commercial solutions for next-generation PlantBottle packaging made 100% from plant-based materials.

This effort to commercialize a plastic bottle made entirely from plants builds on the Company’s ground-breaking introduction and roll-out of its first generation PlantBottle package which was the first ever recyclable PET beverage bottle made partially from plants. Since introduced in 2009, the Company has already distributed more than 10 billion PlantBottle packages in 20 countries worldwide. Read more.

Photo: Wiki

Swedish-Swiss ABB Invests in Concentrating Photovoltaic Solar Power Company from California

2011-12-16T13:19:00.005+01:00

Swedish-Swiss power and automation technology group, ABB, announced today that it has agreed to invest approximately $20 million as part of a $35 million financial round, for a substantial minority stake in California-based GreenVolts, a provider of turnkey concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) systems.

According to GreenVolts, its CPV system is more efficient than traditional photovoltaic and thin-film modules. By optimizing and integrating components such as proprietary optics and tracking technology into a complete system, GreenVolts delivers energy yields that can be 30 to 40 percent higher than traditional panel-based systems. Read more.

Photo: greenvolts.com

Washington State Becomes Largest Public Consumer of Biodiesel

2011-12-16T13:08:00.003+01:00

Washington State Ferries, owned and operated by the state transportation department, is the largest ferry service in the United States and third largest in the world. Twenty-two ferries transport 11 million passengers from the mainland and larger islands across the Puget Sound each year at a cost of 18 million gallons (68 million liters) of diesel fuel.

In 2009, Washington’s transportation department concluded a five-year pilot program that determined biodiesel fuel blends -- soy-based biodiesel blended with petroleum diesel -- to be a viable fuel source for normal operations in any weather condition. Today, thanks to a $165,000 Recovery Act loan through the State Energy Program, the ferries run on a blended biodiesel fuel that will prevent over 65 million pounds of carbon dioxide from being emitted into the environment each year. Read more.

Photo: Washington State Ferries, wsdot.wa.gov

U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu: "I Was Honored to be in Stockholm"

2011-12-14T10:14:00.010+01:00

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu, who is a co-winner of the Nobel Prize for Physics (1997), was in Stockholm over the past several days representing the United States as two scientists with ties to the Department of Energy were awarded Nobel Prizes. Secretary Chu made the following statement:

“I was honored to be in Stockholm to celebrate with two pioneering researchers supported by the Energy Department labs who won 2011 Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry. Winning the Nobel Prize in 1997 was an unbelievable personal honor, and it has been a thrill to join these two outstanding scientists at the Nobel Prize ceremonies."

"Saul Perlmutter, who won the Prize in Physics is a member of the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory for his entire career and Professor of Physics at UC Berkeley. He led a team that co-discovered that the expanding universe is speeding up, contrary to all known laws of physics. Dan Shechtman, professor of materials science at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Israel, DOE’s Ames Laboratory and Iowa State University, won the Prize in Chemistry for the discovery of ‘quasicrystals’, has redefined how we think of ordered condensed matter."

“Their important work underscores the impact of basic science research and I congratulate them for this well-deserved recognition. To compete in the 21st global economy, it is critical to invest in innovations that pave the way for future industries and solutions to our nation’s most important challenges. Saturday, I spoke at the Nobel Museum about how science, discovery and innovation has changed the world for the better, and how it must help us solve the energy and climate challenges in the coming decades."

Photos: 1. Secretary Chu being interviewed by Swedish Radio; 2. The Secretary signing a chair for the Nobel Museum after giving a lecture on how science and innovation have changed the world; 3. Nobel luncheon at the Residence of the U.S. Ambassador Mark Brzezinski.

US Environmental Protection Agency Show 1.8 Billion Pounds of Eliminated GHG

2011-12-13T10:28:00.005+01:00

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its annual enforcement and compliance results. EPA’s enforcement and compliance program enforces environmental laws that protect our nation’s air, land and water by taking action to cut illegal pollution and protect people’s health and communities. In fiscal year Fiscal Year 2011, EPA enforcement actions led to more than 1.8 billion pounds in pollution reduced, an estimated $19 billion in required pollution controls and approximately $168 million in civil penalties.

“Our annual results reflect the fact that a strong and effective enforcement program is good for responsible businesses, public health and communities across the country,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “As we continue our focus on the most serious pollution problems, we expect to see better environmental performance and greater public health benefits.” Read more.

Photo: srh.noaa.gov

US Secretary of Energy and 1997 Nobel Laureate Steven Chu Visited Stockholm

2011-12-12T13:57:00.007+01:00

14 years ago Dr. Steven Chu visited Stockholm to accept the Nobel Prize for Physics. Last week Dr. Chu was back in Stockholm, this time serving as the Secretary of Energy, to join the Nobel festivities but also to meet with students, business-leaders and government officials.

On December 9, he met with the Swedish Minister for Information Technology and Energy Anna-Karin Hatt and a group of distinguished business, academic and scientific leaders for a "Key Thinkers Roundtable" discussion of clean energy issues. The event was organized as part of the Swedish American Green Alliance by U.S. Embassy Stockholm in cooperation with Studieförbundet Näringsliv och Samhälle (SNS).

Secretary Chu and Minister Hatt committed to continuing to develop the already strong U.S.-Sweden partnership on clean energy and sustainability through the Swedish American Green Alliance, the Clean Energy Ministerial, and other cooperative initiatives. The purpose of the event was to bring the ministers together with some of Sweden’s best minds to exchange ideas about best practices in developing clean energy technologies and policies, and to explore how the United States and Sweden can most effectively work together to build a sustainable future.

After the meeting, Secretary Chu said:

"Promoting clean, renewable energy solutions is one of the most important challenges the world faces. It takes decades to turn the ship but it is something we must do, and must begin now. We need nothing short of a second industrial revolution that can help create jobs and promote competitiveness. We can increase prosperity without increasing pollution."

Minister Hatt said:

"The Swedish American Green Alliance will play a very important role. I am convinced this will continue to contribute to the ability of both of our countries to meet the energy challenge."

Secretary Chu also participated in a lunch hosted by U.S. Ambassador Mark Brzezinski in honor of this year's U.S. Nobel Laureates. At this occasion he made sure to check out the cool styling of the first Chevy Volt in Sweden and the innovative ZERO electric motorcycles (photos). The Volt will be available in Sweden in February while the California-made ZERO is already on the market.

Photos: 1: Secretary Chu checking out the first Chevy Volt in Sweden. 2: Secretary Chu and U.S. Ambassador Mark Brzezinski posing with ZERO electric motorcycles.

Success of SAGA Prompts SwedishAmericanGreenAlliance.org

2011-12-07T10:24:00.003+01:00

Upon the inception of the Swedish American Green Alliance (SAGA) in February 2010, sagastory.blogspot.com was launched as a pilot project to report on energy, environment and clean tech news in and between the United States and Sweden. Due to the success and expansion of the SAGA initiative, we are launching a new SAGA website, SwedishAmericanGreenAlliance.org, to serve as a stronger internet platform for SAGA which keeps building momentum and encompassing an ever-growing number of partnerships and actors.

Although the URL has changed and the design is new we will keep reporting on the very latest news and compile the most compelling stories from the website in a monthly newsletter that we send out to our network. And as always, you can have your story included by submitting your story to saga@state.gov. Also make sure to check out the Swedish Trade Council’s SAGA website. Happy reading.

Cornell Teams Up with Swedish University on Biofuels and Renewable Energy

2011-12-06T13:46:00.003+01:00

The Cornell Chronicle reports that two delegations of Cornell University faculty members traveled to Swedish universities this fall to plant seeds for future collaborations. One group of nine Cornell faculty members from five departments participated in a Nov. 10-12 symposium at Stockholm University and laid the groundwork to collaborate with Swedish scientists on a broad range of topics related to insect science. Another group from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) strengthened their ties to faculty members at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala, Sweden.

At SLU, a delegation led by CALS Associate Dean Helene Dillard discussed with its Swedish counterparts expanding student exchange and faculty collaborations between the two schools. A delegation from SLU came to Ithaca in October to learn about Cornell research in biofuels and renewable energy. SLU is a three-campus university that is considered a leader in the "green sector," with courses in agriculture, forestry, food science, veterinary studies, landscape architecture, environment and energy science. Read more.

Photo: cornell.edu

Swedish Students Are Invited to Apply for REACT U.S.

2011-12-02T14:28:00.007+01:00

Swedish Masters students enrolled in programs with a focus on environment, alternative energy, urban sustainability and/or clean tech are invited to apply for REACT U.S.

This initiative is part of the Swedish American Green Alliance (SAGA) which is a partnership between the United States and Sweden on alternative energy and environment. REACT U.S. is an opportunity for five Swedish graduate (Masters - level) students to conduct two weeks of research on urban sustainability in five different U.S. cities. U.S. Embassy Stockholm, in collaboration with Sustainable Sweden, will fund the students’ air fare, accommodation and also provide per diem.

Content of the program: We offer, under the auspices of SAGA, five grants for Swedish graduate students in above-mentioned fields of study to conduct field research on the urban sustainability practices of five selected U.S. cities - Boulder (Colorado), Madison (Wisconsin), Minneapolis (Minnesota), Portland (Oregon), and Portsmouth (New Hampshire).

Case study period: 2 weeks in April 2012

Coordinators: Sustainable Sweden Association, U.S. Embassy Stockholm

Eligibility: The candidates must be graduate students currently enrolled in a Swedish Masters program focused on environment, alternative energy, urban sustainability and/or clean tech - The research in the United States should serve as a foundation for the students’ Masters thesis (D-uppsats).

Application Procedure: Applicants need to complete the application form (download it here) and submit an updated CV. In a second stage Sustainable Sweden Association may ask selected candidates for further information and will put them in contact with the designated US cities. Please send your application to saga@state.gov.

Application Deadline: January 16, 2012

Final Decision: February 15, 2012

General Electric and Göteborg Energi Installing First Offshore Wind Turbine in Gothenburg Harbor

2011-12-02T10:00:00.000+01:00

General Electric and Göteborg Energi have started installing the first 4.1-113 Offshore Turbine in the Gothenburg harbor, the two companies announced at the European Wind Energy Association’s EWEA Offshore 2011 in Amsterdam. The new turbine will produce enough electricity to supply 3000 Swedish homes per year and reduces 15,000 tons of CO2 emissions, which is equivalent to the emissions of 7,500 cars per year.

This project marks the first commercial application of GE’s 4.1-113 technology, which was introduced in March of this year at EWEA’s 2011 conference in Brussels. The four megawatt-class wind turbine is designed to bring a new level of reliability to the offshore wind industry.

"We are very proud to help Sweden in promoting green energy with the installation of our first 4.1-113 wind turbine in the harbour of Gothenburg,” said Vincent Schellings, Offshore Product Leader for GE Energy. "The successful project is due to great teamwork with Göteborg Energi and Chalmers University as key partner. The 4.1-113 offshore turbine features one of the industry’s most mature offshore direct-drive designs, and builds on our onshore experience with over 17,000 units operating globally.” Read more.

Photo: delaware.gov

U.S. Scientists Looking for Answers to Climate Change at Sweden's Abisko Scientific Research Station, Part 4/5 - Kaitlyn Steele, University of NH

2011-12-01T13:00:00.000+01:00

In a five week series we are featuring the research being conducted by some of the American scientists at the Abisko Scientific Research Station (ANS), located approximately 60 miles northwest of Kiruna in northern Sweden. In and around the station, scientists study the impact of climate change on the subarctic environment. The studies we feature here take place on the nearby Stordalen Mire which is underlain by thawing permafrost and its associated lakes. Students are being trained and new technologies are constantly being explored (e.g. acoustics, lasers, molecular biology, etc) in order to develop the science that we can use to quantitatively assess the impacts of our changing climate.

Name: Kaitlyn Steele
University of New Hampshire
Major: Environmental Science

"The world is getting smaller as technology makes it increasingly easier to travel and communicate across borders and oceans. Advancements in technology have also made it possible to examine earth processes in new ways in an effort to understand their controls. As we are faced with complex issues that affect the entire population, such as global climate change, it becomes necessary to form international collaborations in order to share knowledge and resources. This trace gas study in northern and arctic Sweden demonstrates how implementing new techniques and exploring shared ideas can improve our understanding regarding the impact climate change is having on subarctic and boreal ecosystems.

Molecular hydrogen is an important trace gas to study in soils because it is produced by the decomposition of organic matter and is often consumed when oxidized compounds are reduced, such as when carbon dioxide is reduced to methane. The thawing of northern wetland permafrost results in an increase in the pool of soil carbon that is made available for decomposition processes and methane production. Some subarctic mire sites are also getting wetter as the climate warms. This could give rise to potential feedbacks through increased emissions of trace gases to the atmosphere including hydrogen and methane. This study focused on measurements of hydrogen and methane emission from peatland and forest soils."

The Street Features Swedish Green Entrepreneur Making It in the US

2011-12-01T09:56:00.005+01:00

Online news site, the Street, recently featured an article about Boston-Power and its Swedish founder, Dr. Christina Lampe-Onnerud.

"We're using far too many natural resources to make batteries now," says Lampe-Onnerud, the 44-year-old founder of Massachusetts green-battery maker Boston-Power. "I know batteries can be made to be long-lasting, and I think we as consumers need to demand that."

Launched out of Lampe-Onnerud's suburban Boston garage in 2005, Boston-Power makes cutting-edge lithium-ion batteries for laptop computers, electric cars and hybrid vehicles. Saab and other automakers are testing the firm's power packs for electric cars, while China's GSR Ventures -- which recently bought a multimillion-dollar Boston-Power stake -- plans to develop next-generation green-vehicle batteries at a new Beijing lab. In the computer sector, Hewlett-Packard and other manufacturers offer Boston-Power's high-end Sonata batteries in some laptops.

Read the full article.

Photo: Dr. Christina Lampe-Onnerud, Boston-Power.com

Retailers in the U.S. Provide Booming Business for ULMA AB

2011-11-30T14:36:00.007+01:00

In brand new facilities in Svenljunga, ULMA AB produces environmentally-friendly pellets incinerators and relating components. From total production, about 80 percent of their throughput is exported, and the United States is a major market. Through Ecoex, part of Business Region Gothenburg, and the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce, ULMA AB came in contact with a business lawyer who proved essential to close the deal with the U.S. retailer.

"Through a license agreement they now produce the incinerator in Minnesota, while we manufacture the pellet fuel burner that is installed in the incinerator. This year we have delivered 210 pellet fuel burners. We have a 5 year plan and will continue to grow every year. The reseller is well-renowned in the U.S., but also in Canada, and hence we see big opportunities to grow through their contact network”, says ULMA Founder Martin Karlsson. Read more.

Photo: oregon.gov

Miljöaktuellt Taking a Closer Look at Sweden’s Procurement of EVs – Chevy Volt and Vantage to be Available in January, March

2011-11-28T15:23:00.003+01:00

Swedish Miljöaktuellt has interviewed Eva Sunnerstedt who is responsible for the procurement of electric vehicles for the City of Stockholm and a number of Swedish municipalities. In total, six selected automakers are to provide over 5000 EVs. Two US car models have been selected – Chevy Volt and Vantage.

“So far, only Citroen and Mitsubishi can deliver their cars. But in January the models from Chevrolet and Renault will be available followed by Vantage in March. We do not yet know when the Saab car will be ready,” says Eva Sunnerstedt

Both Mitsubishi and Chevrolet have expressed that the procurement has been an important factor in their early launch of electric vehicles in Sweden.

“You can say that we have attracted the automotive industry. The cars selected for procurement will also be available on the Swedish market so that other companies and individuals can purchase them,” says Eva Sunnerstedt. Read full article (in Swedish).

Photo: gm.com

US's New Ambassador to Sweden to "Build on the Close Cooperation with Sweden on Environmental Sustainability"

2011-11-25T13:03:00.005+01:00

On Thursday November 24, the new US Ambassador to Sweden, Mark Brzezinski, presented his credentials to His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf. In his swearing in statement before leaving the United States, the Ambassador emphasized that he will continue the close partnership between the United States and Sweden on alternative energy and environmental sustainability.

He said:

"The United States and Sweden share an important partnership and commitment to green energy. I will strive to build on the close cooperation our Embassy has forged with Sweden on alternative energy and environmental sustainability.

This year Sweden took over the rotating Chairmanship of the Arctic Council. Since the US is a Member of that Council, I can't wait to work with Sweden to advance our common goals of protecting the environment and conserving the Arctic's biological resources while promoting economic cooperation."

To read Ambassador Brzezinski's full statement, please click here.

Photo: Ambassador Mark Brzezinski

U.S. Scientists Looking for Answers to Climate Change at Sweden's Abisko Scientific Research Station, Part 3/5 - Patrick Crill, Stockholm University

2011-11-24T08:00:00.002+01:00

In a five week series we are featuring the research being conducted by some of the American scientists at the Abisko Scientific Research Station (ANS), located approximately 60 miles northwest of Kiruna in northern Sweden. In and around the station, scientists study the impact of climate change on the subarctic environment. The studies we feature here take place on the nearby Stordalen Mire which is underlain by thawing permafrost and its associated lakes. Students are being trained and new technologies are constantly being explored (e.g. acoustics, lasers, molecular biology, etc) in order to develop the science that we can use to quantitatively assess the impacts of our changing climate.

Name: Dr. Patrick Crill
Professor at the Department of Geological Sciences
Institution: Stockholm University

"As the climate warms, carbon that is stored as organic matter in soils and peats is potentially more likely to be returned to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). These gases act as greenhouse gases by absorbing energy. They therefore act as positive feedbacks to our warming world by increasing the capacity of the atmosphere to absorb energy and further increase temperatures.

New estimates indicate that there is an enormous amount of carbon trapped in frozen soils and peats in the arctic, more than twice the total of carbon now in the atmosphere. Unfortunately, the arctic is warming faster than any other region which means that the organic matter now frozen in permafrost can be broken down and returned to the atmosphere as CO2 and CH4. Stordalen Mire in northern Sweden is an ecosystem that is underlain by permafrost which is now in the process of thawing. It is an ideal laboratory to study the effects of thaw transitions at the ecosystem level. We are developing multi-year, high frequency databases of direct measurements of fluxes of CO2 and CH4 from the different stages of the permafrost thaw transitions using automated chambers.

These data, along with other measurements by colleagues from the Universities of Arizona and New Hampshire, McGill University Canada, Australia and many different Universities in Sweden, will help us move towards a quantitative understanding of the impacts and implications of climate warming in the arctic."

Town Known for First Thanksgiving Grateful for Energy Savings

2011-11-23T14:36:00.005+01:00

On Thursday, November 24, the United States is celebrating Thanksgiving. The town of Plymouth, Massachusetts, is synonymous with this holiday. One year after the 1620 landing of the famous Mayflower, the town was the site for the very first harvest celebration between the Pilgrim settlers from England and the local members of the Wampanoag tribe. As “America’s Hometown,” Plymouth has embarked on a path to energy efficiency to reduce energy waste in the coming years, while also exploring opportunities to expand use of renewable energy sources.

A 2009 energy audit identified the largest uses of municipal energy, as well as where the biggest savings could be realized. To help implement energy efficiency upgrades, the town received $514,000 in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant funding from the U.S. Department of Energy as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. One of the most obvious projects on the town’s list was to improve the energy efficiency of Memorial Hall, a 1,300 seat civic arena built in 1921 and used for concerts, plays, town assemblies, proms, graduations, and basketball games.

The town used over $60,000 in EECBG funds as well as more $23,000 in additional funding from local utility NStar to complete a number of energy efficiency upgrades, including a new chiller for the air conditioning system, occupancy sensors to turn on the air conditioning in targeted sections of the building and a wide range of heat pump and boiler upgrades. Read more.

Read more: delaware.gov

Service Starts Today for North America's First All-Electric Carsharing Network by car2go

2011-11-22T13:30:00.004+01:00

car2go and the City of San Diego today officially launched North America's first all-electric carsharing network, making emissions-free driving a widely available for all of San Diego. The car2go carsharing network provides San Diego drivers with flexibility and convenience in urban mobility. Starting today, and for the first time in the history of North America, an entire city will have on-demand access to a large network of electric drive cars.

Unlike traditional carsharing programs, car2go meets the daily needs of members by providing a free-floating network of vehicles that is truly available on-demand for point-to-point trips. Members can use car2go with or without a reservation, for as long as they would like, without having to commit to a return time or location. Read more.

Photo: car2go, by Alex Stanhope

Swedish and American Universities Share Thoughts on Turning Research into Reality

2011-11-21T15:28:00.007+01:00

On Friday, November 18 The Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) hosted a panel discussion on commercializing university innovations. The session was organized under the auspices of the Swedish American Green Alliance (SAGA) in a former nuclear reactor hall 22 meters (approximately 70 feet) below ground. Swedish and American universities in the vanguard of commercialization exchanged best practices but also discussed hurdles and how to overcome these. The panel consisted of Dr. Eric Giertz and Ms. Lisa Ericsson (KTH) and Dr. Charles Hofer (Kennesaw State University) and Dr. Steven Nichols (University of Texas at Austin).

Sweden and the United States are approaching the issue of commercialization somewhat differently, particularly in regards to patent ownership. As a result of national legislation, in Sweden, the researcher often owns her or his patents (so-called “professor privilege”) while in the United States the intellectual property rights are assigned not to the scientist but to the university. Regardless of this fact the panelists agreed that the common denominators outweigh the differences.

- I am very pleased with the discussion and I was surprised how small the difference is between Swedish and U.S. universities in the commercialization of university technologies, says Professor Steven P. Nichols of University of Texas at Austin (UT).

Swedish and American universities also convened on Thursday, November 17 at the Residence of the U.S. Embassy. The following universities participated in the reception that was hosted by the US Chargé d’Affaires: Luleå University of Technology, Uppsala University, Chalmers University of Technology, the Royal Institute of Technology, Linköping University, Kennesaw State University, University of Illinois in Pennsylvania, University of Washington of St Louis and University of Texas in Austin.

Photo: Lisa Ericsson (KTH), Charles Hofer (Kennesaw State University), Chris Dunnett (US Embassy Stockholm), Steven Nichols (University of Texas at Austin) and Eric Giertz (KTH)

U.S. Scientists Looking for Answers to Climate Change at Sweden's Abisko Scientific Research Station, Part 2/5 - Jacqueline Amante, University of NH

2011-11-17T09:33:00.004+01:00

In a five week series we are featuring the research being conducted by some of the American scientists at the Abisko Scientific Research Station (ANS), located approximately 60 miles northwest of Kiruna in northern Sweden. In and around the station, scientists study the impact of climate change on the subarctic environment. The studies we feature here take place on the nearby Stordalen Mire which is underlain by thawing permafrost and its associated lakes. Students are being trained and new technologies are constantly being explored (e.g. acoustics, lasers, molecular biology, etc) in order to develop the science that we can use to quantitatively assess the impacts of our changing climate.

Name: Jacqueline Amante
Institution: University of New Hampshire
Major: Environmental Science

"I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to live in Abisko, Sweden at the Abisko Scientific Research Station to conduct research in the Stordalen Mire which is located about 200 km north of the Arctic Circle. I was awarded a scholarship given by the International Research Opportunities Program (IROP) housed in the University of New Hampshire’s (UNH) Hamel Center for Undergraduate Research. The IROP Program was developed to encourage undergraduate students to conduct research abroad and thus create friendly ties with their host countries. The IROP Program promotes international relations and diplomacy.

My research project was conducted in collaboration with my advisor, Dr. Ruth Varner (UNH) and Prof. Patrick Crill (Stockholm University). Our goal was to use a newly developed acoustic technique to measure methane emissions from the peatland and lake environments. Methane is a greenhouse gas; twenty-three times more potent than carbon dioxide (IPCC, 2007). The warming climate has created an environment that has enhanced methane production and release from sediments (both peatland and lake); this release will in turn cause more warming. It is important to understand this cycle for a better understanding of the impact of our changing climate."

US State Department Introduces New Climate Blog

2011-11-15T13:01:00.006+01:00

The US State Department has introduced a new blog about the environment, The Global Conversations: Climate Blog. It is a resource hub for youth, activists, environmentalists and concerned citizens. Here you can voice the climate change issues that most concern you, and how you and your community are being affected. This blog is an educational resource, but will also connect you to experts ranging from scientists to political leaders to authors to students. It is a forum where you can turn for answers to your questions, links to more material related a particular topic/theme the topic, and insights from people around the world at the forefront of climate change efforts.

Each month, the site features a different theme related to climate change, everything from water to youth and sustainability to health to trees. For major world environment events such as the upcoming COP17 in Durban, South Africa (November 28-December 9), the blog will have several people “live blogging” and it will be linking to exciting live events broadcasted from Durban. Click here to visit The Global Conversations: Climate Blog.

EPA Names Light Bulb Finder as Best Overall App

2011-11-14T13:43:00.003+01:00

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected the Light Bulb Finder mobile app as the “Winner, Best Overall App” in the Apps for the Environment Challenge. Developed by Eco Hatchery, the Light Bulb Finder app enables users to easily switch from conventional incandescent to energy-efficient lighting at home. It is available as a free download on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Android mobile devices.

Based on simple user inputs, the Light Bulb Finder app recommends energy-saving light bulbs with the right light quality, fit and style. It displays financial payback information and uses EPA’s eGRID data to calculate environmental impact when users replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient equivalents. Users can buy bulbs through the app or at local stores. Read more.

U.S. Scientists Looking for Answers to Climate Change at Sweden's Abisko Scientific Research Station, Part 1/5

2011-11-10T08:00:00.003+01:00

The next four Thursdays we will be featuring the research being conducted by some of the American scientists at the Abisko Scientific Research Station (ANS), located approximately 60 miles northwest of Kiruna in northern Sweden.

In and around the station, scientists study the impact of climate change on the subarctic environment. The studies we feature here take place on the nearby Stordalen Mire which is underlain by thawing permafrost and its associated lakes. Students are being trained and new technologies are constantly being explored (e.g. acoustics, lasers, molecular biology, etc) in order to develop the science that we can use to quantitatively assess the impacts of our changing climate.

The history of the Abisko Scientific Research Station dates back to 1903 when the first field station was established in the area. From December 1, 2010, Abisko Scientific Research Station is formally an institution under the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat. From 1935 to 2010 the station belonged to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

In this first video, ANS Station Manager and Associate Professor, Christer Jonasson, introduces the facility and explains some of the work being conducted at site.

Click here to view the clip on YouTube

NPR: Biofuels Start To Take Off In The Airline Industry

2011-11-09T13:53:00.004+01:00

National Public Radio (NPR) in the United States recently posted the following article on its website:

'This week, two U.S. airlines will be flying passengers on flights powered by biofuels for the first time. On Monday a Continental flight from Houston to Chicago used a biofuel blend made in part from algae, and Wednesday Alaska Airlines is set to fly passengers using a fuel made in part from cooking oil. If all goes well, more airlines may start to use alternative jet fuels. But the shift is not without its challenges. Alaska Air Group has focused on fuel efficiency in recent years to keep costs down and help the environment. Alaska Air Director of Government Relations Megan Lawrence lists innovations like fog-busting satellite technology used to land in hard-to-reach locations and make flight paths more efficient.

"So the next kind of big thing on the horizon, because efficiency can only get us so far in terms of reducing our carbon footprint, is the biofuels arena," Lawrence says.'

Click here to read the full article on the NPR website.

Stockholm Vice Mayor for Urban Environment Blogging About His Recent Trip to the US

2011-11-08T13:47:00.001+01:00

Two weeks ago, I had the great pleasure visit the great green US cities of Seattle and Portland. During this study visit I made few remarks that I want to share with you.

First of all, it is always a true pleasure to be representing Stockholm and Sweden abroad. Besides from being famous for ABBA, IKEA and Volvo, more and more often I realize that Stockholm has received world recognition for our Eco District Hammarby Seafront. This city development project emphasizes Stockholm’s general approach to cut emissions and combine it with cutting edge solutions that provide quality of life for our citizens. Environmental concern is not an obstacle for economic growth. We consider it as prerequisite.

Stockholm has a long reputation for environmental achievements and one of the strongest recognitions of our work came last year when Stockholm was appointed first European Green Capital by the European Commission. Apart from the great honor, the prize gave us a mission; to tell our story and exchange ideas with other cities. We are thrilled to highlight our efforts but also open to present the lessons we learnt from mistakes and failures. These parameters are key elements in speeding up the process for the greening of cities.

While in Seattle and Portland, me and my delegation were offered a wide range of study tours and meetings where we got the opportunity to get inspired by all the efforts these cities are doing for sustainability. It struck me that although we act in very different contexts, the major challenges we face are similar. I particularly found it interesting to learn more about these cities’ high ambitions for collecting food waste, their efforts to stimulate biking and how far they have reached in the introduction of electric cars. Our cities have also in common that we are very determined to leave the fossil fuel era behind in the coming decades. Stockholm has decided to become fossil fuel free by 2050.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our hosts for their great hospitality and all the inspiration they so generously shared with us. I would also like to explain my gratitude to the City of Seattle for the appointment “Distinguished Citizen”.

My final remark is that the transformation of cities into sustainability does not necessarily imply rocket science, it’s about enabling attractive smart solutions for a modern urban lifestyle. I truly believe that is in reach for every city that clearly put their minds to it and is open for inspiration from other cities. There can never be too many best practices. In our strive in Stockholm to accomplish our vision to become a World Class City by 2030, we are definitely better off with a little help from our friends.

------------------

Mr. Per Ankersjö
Vice Mayor for Urban Environment
City of Stockholm

Photo: Mr Richard Conlin, Council President, City of Seattle handling over the Distinguished Citizen Medal to Mr Ankersjö.

Swedish Skanska Starts New Green Office Project in Houston, USA – Invests $86 M

2011-11-07T10:43:00.002+01:00

Skanska is to develop and construct an office project in Houston, TX. The investment in total amounts to $86 M, about SEK 550 M. The office building at 3009 Post Oak Boulevard will be located in the Uptown/Galleria submarket of Houston. The building will consist of 28,000 square meters in twenty stories, out of which twelve stories will be office space atop of an eight story parking garage. 3009 Post Oak Boulevard has been pre-certified in accordance with the international environmental system LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) at the highest level, Platinum.

The building will include features for maximizing energy efficiency, light control systems and rainwater storage. Construction will start immediately and be implemented by Skanska USA Building. The work is scheduled for completion by the third quarter 2013. Read more.

The Sustainable Cities Institute Announces Move to the National League of Cities

2011-11-03T20:45:00.000+01:00

The National League of Cities (NLC) and the Home Depot Foundation (THDF) are pleased to announce plans to move the Sustainable Cities Institute to NLC’s Center for Research and Innovation. Developed by THDF, the Sustainable Cities Institute (SCI) provides a one-stop shop for cities and sustainability professionals to find vetted best practices from across the country to help them identify and implement local sustainable practices and policies as well as communicate with other cities about sustainability related issues and topics.

SCI will be coupled with NLC’s current Sustainability Program within the Center for Research and Innovation. The Sustainability Program seeks to catalyze action at the local level by providing resources, research, and recognition for and about locally-led sustainability efforts. NLC takes a comprehensive approach to sustainability which includes environmental stewardships, economic prosperity, and social responsibility.

Read the Full Press Release

Recycled Plastic Bottles Find New Use in Carpeting of Next Ford Escape

2011-11-03T11:12:00.002+01:00

They’re found nearly everywhere – on desks and in break rooms at work, on kitchen tables and counters at home, rolling under seats in cars, on the sidelines of athletic fields and heaped in trash cans and recycling bins. They’re plastic beverage bottles, and seemingly not of much use when they’re empty.

Ford is using 25 20-ounce plastic bottles to make the carpeting in every all-new Ford Escape utility vehicle it builds. It’s the first time Ford has used this type of carpeting in an SUV.

“It’s a good use of recycled product and keeps it out of landfills,” said Laura Sinclair, a materials engineer for Ford. Read more.

Photo: Ford Escort, wiki

BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota to Collaborate with Svebio in SAGA Partnership; "a Catalyst for Growth"

2011-11-02T09:59:00.005+01:00

Svebio (The Swedish Bioenergy Association) has teamed up with The BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota (BBAM) in the U.S. to jointly contribute to the increased use of bioenergy in the state.

“With Svebio’s 30-year experience of growth in Swedish bioenergy and with 300 member companies, we want to help create good examples of solutions in an economically and environmentally optimal solution that best leverages Minnesota's bioenergy resources and creates growth and jobs in the sector” says Svebio’s CEO Gustav Melin in a comment.

“The Partnership shall also be regarded as part of Svebio’s increasing activity to promote trade and exports. Bioenergy is an important part of the rising Swedish environmental technology exports”

“The co-operation further strengthens the ties between Minnesota and Sweden” said Dale Wahlstrom, CEO of The BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota.
“We see this as a catalyst for growth that will help increase demand for bioenergy applications while highlighting the efforts of many small and medium-sized companies both here and in Sweden.”

One goal is to provide assistance to a broad base of stakeholders through Svebio’s network and BBAM’s life science community in the State of Minnesota, U.S. regarding the optimal use of bioenergy. The partnership also aims to build the position for bioenergy and enhance visibility as well as aligning interests towards biomass-based energies. The project goal is to establish a series of biomass to energy installations in Minnesota. The project is made possible by the Swedish Energy Agency, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and the Blandin Foundation. The project is part of the Swedish American Green Alliance, SAGA.

Photo: Dale Wahlstrom, CEO of The BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota. stockholm.usembassy.gov

Xylem’s Stockholm Office Announces Agreement with GE on Water and Wastewater

2011-11-01T15:29:00.002+01:00

U.S. company Xylem, a water technology company, and GE today announced that they have entered into an agreement for Xylem to become GE’s distribution partner into the public utilities market for its advanced membrane filtration products. The announcement came from Xylem's Water Solutions Office in Stockholm.

Under the terms of the agreement, Xylem will distribute GE’s range of ZeeWeed technologies in Portugal, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. The companies are expected to expand the relationship further in Europe and in countries in Asia and Latin America at a future date. Read more.

KTH Hosts I2P Global in Stockholm; US Embassy Stockholm and KTH Invite You to SAGA Session on Commercialization

2011-10-31T16:36:00.011+01:00

The 9th Annual Idea to Product (I2P) Global Competition will be held at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm on November 17-19. I2P Global is a competition in commercialization of university innovation aiming to fill the gap between university research and business plan competitions. This is the first time the competition is being organized outside of Texas. I2P consists of championship rounds in three separate streams: ICT, Energy and Life Science.

On November 18, the US Embassy in Stockholm will host a SAGA Session - in collaboration with KTH - that will bring together innovative minds from Swedish and American universities to exchange experiences on bringing ideas to the market place. The event takes place at Reaktorhallen at KTH from 3 to 5 pm. To express an interest to attend, please email sagastory@gmail.com. The number of seats is very limited and admission is not guaranteed until receiving an email of confirmation from the organizers.

Facebook to Harness Hydropower in Sweden

2011-10-28T14:01:00.003+02:00

Edie Energy reports that social media giant Facebook has announced it is to build a new data centre in Sweden, a location it picked because of the climate and its access to hydro-electric power.

The media outlet writes: "Lulea, a town on the edge of the Arctic Circle, was chosen because the cold climate will help keep servers at optimum temperature without the use of powered cooling systems. The firm also plans to use renewable energy to run the centre.

Scheduled for completion in 2014, the centre, comprising three 28,000sq m buildings the first of which will be operational within 12 months, will be deliberately situated close to a source of hydro-electric power. A source, says Facebook, which will provide all 120MW of energy the facility will need per annum, meaning it will operate using 100% renewable energy."

Read more on Edie Energy's website.

Photo: noaa.gov

Swedish Sorubin a Finalist for the Green Mentorship Award

2011-10-27T14:27:00.003+02:00

Sorubin, a company in the water treatment business, has reached the final in the race for the Green Mentorship Award. The prize was introduced to highlight efforts by entrepreneurs to tackle climate change.

Sorubin is a Swedish clean tech company that has developed energy efficient aerators for water treatment. Sorubin’s aerators are energy efficient, quiet and easy to both install and retrofit.

Photo: noaa.gov

Swedish Atlas Copco Tools Installs Solar Panels at U.S. HQ

2011-10-27T13:58:00.005+02:00

CBS Detroit reports that Swedish industrial equipment company Atlas Copco is investing in solar panel technology at its North American Headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

The outlet says "Nine solar panels were installed to supply power to the building, generating a combined 8.8 megawatt-hours a year. The panels yield power on cloudy days as well as sunny. The company’s 42nd parallel geographic location receives up to 14 hours of usable sunlight during the summer and 10 hours during the winter. This results in a substantial reduction in carbon emissions and concurrent cost savings."

Read more on CBS's website.

Photo: America.gov

Swedish Wire: Hot Swedish Cleantech Hopes

2011-10-26T14:50:00.006+02:00

Swedish Wire recently featured an article on two Swedish clean tech companies being recognized internationally.

"Swedish cleantech is making its presence felt in the international market, with two companies ranking among the top 100 private cleantech companies in the world.Two companies listed at the 2011 Global Cleantech 100, produced by the Cleantech Group in collaboration with the Guardian, were Stockholm-based Chemrec and Climate Well. Climate Well said in a statement that the Global Cleantech 100 list is unique in the sector because it highlights the promise of private clean technology companies from all around the world, focusing on those companies which are most likely to make the most significant market impact over the next 5-10 years."

Read more on Swedish Wire.

Algenol Biofuels Builds Algae Refinery in Florida

2011-10-25T16:24:00.006+02:00

Algenol Biofuels has announced that it has broken ground on the construction of a pilot-scale integrated bio-refinery. This production facility will produce ethanol directly from carbon dioxide, sunlight and salt water using blue-green algae. With support from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Lee County, Florida, the facility will contain 3,000 of Algenol's photobioreactors. The plant will have a target capacity of approximately 100,000 gallons of ethanol per year. Read more.

Photo: emsl.pnl.gov

Students from Sweden in Rockford to Build Swedish Home

2011-10-24T17:18:00.005+02:00

WREX reports that "about a dozen students from Sweden came to Rockford, Illinois to build a house completely in the Swedish-style and standards. It is a project that has been years in the making. Since 2009, students from Rockford's sister city of Lidkoping, Sweden have been coming to the area's traditionally Swedish neighborhood to build American style homes. But the newest project will end with a house that looks and feels Swedish with the country's high energy efficient standards." Read more.

U.S. Professor to be Awarded Environmental Law Prize in Stockholm Tonight

2011-10-19T15:14:00.002+02:00

The Elizabeth Haub Prize for environmental law was established in 1973 in honor of Mrs. Elizabeth Haub, a devoted supporter of environmental protection. Since then, an international jury consisting of six prominent environmental lawyers has annually awarded the Prize to some of the world’s most leading environmental law specialists.

Tonight, U.S. Professor Daniel Magraw will be awarded the prize “in recognition of his outstanding doctrinal and practical accomplishments in the field of international environmental law over the past thirty years. In reaching its decision, the Jury was especially impressed by the bold, innovative and versatile approach Professor Magraw has at all times brought to the study, articulation and resolution of complex environmental issues not just as a law Professor at various US universities and as Chief Executive of CIEL but also whilst a senior civil servant at the US Environmental Protection Agency.”

Photo: juridicum.su.se

IKEA Portland Plugs-in Two Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

2011-10-18T13:00:00.001+02:00

IKEA today officially plugged-in two Blink Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations at its Portland, Oregon store as part of its partnership with ECOtality. This initiative is the first such project for IKEA in the United States.

Installation also is planned at eight other IKEA stores in the Western U.S. To charge an EV at IKEA Portland, drivers pull into a designated parking spot, swipe their Blink InCard, plug the charger into the EV, and then shop and eat in the IKEA store while the vehicle is charging. Read more.

Photo: Blink/ECOtality Charging Station. ecotality.com

Researchers from Sweden and the US Team Up to Find Recipe for Globally Sustainable Agriculture

2011-10-17T10:00:00.000+02:00

University of California recently featured the following article on its website:

Can we feed the 9 billion-plus people anticipated to live on this planet in 2050 without destroying Earth's life support systems? A team of researchers from the U.S., Canada, Sweden, and Germany concluded that it can be done by creating a recipe for globally sustainable agriculture. University of California Santa Barbara researcher Christian Balzer, a graduate student in the university's Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, contributed to the report, which is published in today's (Oct. 12) online issue of the journal Nature.

"Global food security and environmental sustainability are not at odds — they can and must go hand-in-hand," said Balzer.

Combining new data gathered from satellite imagery and crop records around the world with new computer models of global agricultural systems and their environmental impacts, the team developed a plan for doubling the world's food production while reducing environmental impacts of agriculture.

"For the first time, we have shown that it is possible to both feed a hungry world and protect a threatened planet," said lead author Jonathan Foley, head of the University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment. "It will take serious work. But we can do it." Read the full article at the University of California's website.

Boeing and Virgin Atlantic Test Swedish Green Fuel

2011-10-14T10:00:00.000+02:00

Virgin Atlantic has announced the development of a world-first low carbon aviation fuel with just half the carbon footprint of the standard fossil fuel alternative. The partnership with Swedish Biofuels and Boeing will see waste gases from industrial steel production being captured, fermented and chemically converted using Swedish Biofuels technology for use as a jet fuel. The fuel production process recycles waste gases that would otherwise be burnt into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.

Virgin Atlantic will be the first airline to use this fuel and will work with Boeing and Swedish Biofuels towards achieving the technical approval required for using new fuel types in commercial aircraft. A 'demo' flight with the new fuel is planned in 12-18 months.

Photo: boeing.com

Swedish Atlas Copco and Sandia National Laboratories Awarded $3.4 M by the U.S. Department of Energy

2011-10-13T13:00:00.000+02:00

Atlas Copco and Sandia National Laboratories have been awarded $3.4 million (around SEK 20 million) by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for a joint research project. The aim is to develop technology that would increase the speed of drilling deep geothermal wells and reduce the cost of investment in this renewable energy source.

Geothermal energy has potential as an environmentally friendly source of energy in many parts of the world, but developments are constrained by the high costs related to drilling deep wells in hard rock and high temperatures.

During the three-year project Atlas Copco Secoroc will design, develop, and test equipment. Sandia National Laboratories will provide computer models to evaluate hammer performance, materials and components. Sandia will also develop a high temperature test cell to evaluate hammer prototypes. The grant is one of 32 research and design projects for geothermal power production funded through an initiative by the DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. These projects are designed to meet the challenge to generate 80 percent of U.S. electricity from clean energy sources by 2035. Read more.

Photo: sandia.gov

Swedish Trade Minister and US Assistant Secretary Promoting U.S.-Sweden Clean Tech Cooperation and Job Creation

2011-10-12T15:08:00.016+02:00

The U.S. and Swedish governments teamed up for parallel events to build U.S.- Swedish ties in clean energy. On September 22 at the House of Sweden in Washington, D.C., Swedish Trade Minister Ewa Björling joined State Department Acting Assistant Secretary for Economic and Energy Affairs Deborah McCarthy and officials from the Commerce Department, journalists, Swedish Trade Council and U.S. and Swedish businessmen to increase awareness about partnerships under the Swedish American Green Alliance.

On September 28 in Stockholm, Swedish State Secretary for Energy Daniel Johansson joined U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Bill Stewart in hosting approximately 100 businessmen, entrepreneurs, academics and government officials at a similar event to discuss cleantech partnerships. Both events profiled U.S. clean tech exports and foreign investment initiatives that have created cleantech jobs in the U.S. and Sweden.

Click here to view a YouTube clip of Mrs. McCarthy speaking at the House of Sweden in Washington, D.C.

Photos: Top - Sweden's Minister of Trade, Dr. Ewa Björling. Below - State Department Acting Assistant Secretary for Economic and Energy Affairs Deborah McCarthy

Vermont Aims for 90% Renewable Energy by 2050

2011-10-11T10:58:00.004+02:00

The Vermont Department of Public Service released a draft Comprehensive Energy Plan, calling for 90% of the state's energy to come from renewables by 2050.

It replaces a 2008 plan that called for 25% renewable energy by 2050. The new plan addresses Vermont's electricity, thermal energy, transportation, and land use.

Vermont is the first state in the Northeast to implement a feed-in tariff to promote renewable energy development, and last year, its legislature voted to retire the aging Vermont Yankee nuclear plant in 2012. Full article.

Photo: US Department of Energy

Global Renewables Will Grow Through 2035

2011-10-11T10:50:00.006+02:00

A new forecast from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) says renewable energy will grow faster than other electric generating options and will account for nearly a third of the world’s electric generating capacity by the end of 2035.

In its newly released International Energy Outlook 2011 (IEO2011), the nonpartisan statistical and analytical agency within the U.S. Department of Energy says installed renewable energy capacity – including hydroelectric – will grow at a 2.7 percent annual rate through 2035. Solar power will see the largest growth rate, EIA forecasts, at 8.3 percent per year, followed by wind (5.7 percent), geothermal (3.7 percent), hydropower (2.0 percent) and other renewables such as wood waste, landfill gas and agricultural byproducts (1.4 percent). Full article.

Photo: US Department of Energy

SolarCity Unveils Plan to Double the Total Number of Residential Solar Installations in the U.S.

2011-09-23T16:24:00.000+02:00

SolarCity took a major step today in an initiative that could double the number of residential solar photovoltaic installations in the United States. U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced the offer of a conditional commitment for a partial guarantee of a $344 million loan to help secure financing for SolarCity’s “SolarStrong” project.

As part of the project, SolarCity plans to partner with the country’s military housing-privatization developers to install, own and operate up to 160,000 rooftop solar installations on as many as 124 military housing developments across 33 U.S. states. The project is expected to create more than $1 billion in solar projects and 371 megawatts of new solar generation capacity. Read more.

Photo: nypa.gov

U.S. Clean Diesel Automobile Sales Are Up 37 Percent Over 2010

2011-09-21T13:00:00.000+02:00

The 20 percent increase in clean diesel automobile sales in August continued the growth of clean diesel car sales in the United States during 2011, according to Allen Schaeffer, Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum. For the year, domestic diesel auto sales have increased by 37 percent over 2010 compared to the overall auto market's 10 percent increase. As a comparison, the overall U.S. auto market was up 7.5 percent in August. Read more.

Philadelphia Shares the City's 2011 Greenworks Progress Report; Attracts Clean Tech Companies

2011-09-20T13:00:00.000+02:00

Mayor Michael A. Nutter recently released the City of Philadelphia's 2011 Greenworks Progress Report. This report details progress to-date on over 150 sustainability initiatives underway in Philadelphia.

The Navy Yard, a decommissioned naval base on the Delaware River Waterfront, is becoming a dynamic clean technology hub, attracting investment and jobs from around the world. The Mark Group, a successful weatherization company from the U.K., located its U.S. headquarters there. They started out with nine employees, in six months have grown to over 40, and plan to continue expanding. PaceControls, a manufacturer of energy-saving equipment, recently relocated to the Navy Yard to design and build its nextgeneration product line. Read the report.

Honeywell and Opower Reduce Energy Consumption Using Web Platform

2011-09-19T13:00:00.000+02:00

Honeywell and Opower are joining forces to develop energy management tools to help consumers reduce energy use and save money which may put other players in the crowded home energy management space on notice. The companies plan to launch a platform that includes a web-connected programmable thermostat. The goal is to help utilities promote energy efficiency programs that will drive deeper savings. Utility customers will be able to access their energy data from a web portal or mobile app to get a snapshot of their energy use and spending as well as suggestions on how to implement cost-saving changes.

Illustration: opower.com

SAGA Event: Swedish American Green Alliance – A Framework for Green Growth

2011-09-16T17:22:00.002+02:00

The Embassy of Sweden, Swedish Trade Council and the U.S. Embassy in Stockholm invite you to a networking event in House of Sweden. The event offers a great opportunity to learn more about the Swedish American Green Alliance program (S.A.G.A.) and its benefits, as well as networking with other companies and organizations within the green tech area. Program speakers include: Dr. Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Sweden. Deborah McCarthy, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Economic, Energy and Business Affairs, U.S. Department of State. Read more.

Surf’s Up for Oregon Wave Power Project

2011-09-15T13:53:00.004+02:00

The Beach Boys were sittin’ on top of the world after recording “Catch a Wave” in 1963. Now, Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) and Lockheed Martin plan to catch some waves of their own and harness their energy.

OPT recently announced a collaboration with Lockheed Martin for its proposed wave power generation project at Reedsport, Oregon. With decades of wave and tidal energy experience, Lockheed Martin will provide OPT with design, manufacturing system integration and supply chain management assistance.

This U.S. Department of Energy recently awarded OPT a $2.4 million contract as part of its plans to develop renewable marine energy. Lockheed Martin will be working with OPT on this DOE grant. The proposed Oregon project located 2.5 miles off the coast will be the first commercial wave park on the U.S. West Coast. Read more.

Photo: lockheedmartin.com

Skanska Awarded Subway Contract in New York for USD 386 M

2011-09-14T14:06:00.003+02:00

Finanzen.net reports that Swedish green building giant Skanska has signed a new contract to furnish and install finishes and systems at the No. 7 Line subway extension from Times Square to West 25th St. and 11th Ave. in Manhattan, New York.

The news site writes: "The project is a joint venture between Skanska and Railworks, with a 75 percent share awarded to Skanska. The contract value for Skanska is USD 386 M, about SEK 2.4 billion, which will be included in order bookings for the third quarter. The customer is the Metropolitan Transportation Authority of the State of New York.

The project includes various civil improvements, including utility connections, architectural finishes, structural work, elevators, escalators, HVAC, tunnel ventilation, fire protection, plumbing, electrical power and lighting, instrumentation and controls, signal systems, communication systems, traction power systems and track work for the running tunnels, station cavern and four ventilation buildings along the alignment of the No. 7 Line extension. Work on the project begins this month, and is expected to be completed in June 2014." Read more.

Photo: nyc.gov

SelectUSA - Business Seminar in Stockholm on October 3

2011-09-14T13:05:00.006+02:00

On September 28, the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce is hosting a SelectUSA business seminar.

The Chamber writes: "In a time of global economic turmoil new business opportunities emerge and companies take new market positions before the economy turns. The United States is one of Sweden's major business partners and with many exciting opportunities at hand. What are the hottest trends? How can you gain access to the U.S. market? What assistance can a Swedish company recieve? What is the economic outlook for the coming years? We invite you to receive the lastest news from experts and key-note speakers from the United States."

Venue: The Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, Stockholm. The seminar is organized by The Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, etableringutomlands.se and US Embassy Sweden. Click here for program and to sign up.

US Air Force Jumpstarts Electric Vehicle Program

2011-09-13T14:45:00.005+02:00

This week, US Air Force officials unveiled a plan to establish Los Angeles Air Force Base as the first Federal facility to replace 100% of its general-purpose fleet with Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEV’s). This is the start of a broader Department of Defense (DoD) effort toward large-scale integration of PEV’s into its fleet. Lessons learned from this project will help DoD and other agencies understand operational implications of fleet electrification, while demonstrating cutting-edge PEV technologies, such as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems.

The switch to PEV’s at Los Angeles Air Force Base will take place over the next year and will include a variety of vehicles, ranging from passenger sedans to pick-up trucks and shuttle buses. Only security and emergency response vehicles will be exempted. Read more.

Photo: losangeles.af.mil

PowerTrekk Fuel Cell Charger Out of Sweden Offers Two Solutions

2011-09-13T14:33:00.003+02:00

PowerTrekk is a portable fuel cell charger for use by outdoor enthusiasts who spend time away from the electricity grid. PowerTrekk provides power anywhere to electronic equipment such as mobile phones, digital cameras and GPS devices.

PowerTrekk is a 2-in-1 solution that is a portable battery pack and fuel cell. The portable battery pack can be operated on its own as a ready source of power or storage buffer for the fuel cell. The fuel cell enables instant charging from a deflated battery state without needing a wall charge.

Click here to see the device in action.

Photo: powertrekk.com

Buildings with Separate Climate Zones Around People Soon a Reality

2011-09-12T16:08:00.004+02:00

Karl Henrik Johansson, Professor of Network Engineering at the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology, is currently developing an energy-smart conference room. IT functions such as a calendar and reservations are connected to the room. In doing so, the system that controls heating, cooling and ventilation in the room manages these factors in relation to the number of people and their personal preferences. In addition, ventilation as well as heating or cooling can be switched off during periods when no one is using the conference room.

“This can then be scaled up and applied to the entire building. This exemplifies how we can ensure energy-efficient buildings in the future,” says Karl Henrik Johansson.
However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many other ways to reduce energy consumption.

“Separate climate zones around people, much like in modern cars now, are currently being tested and will soon be a reality. For example, through the use of an ID or badge with sensors, the building will know where you are. The temperature can therefore be adjusted just where you are, which is more energy efficient than adapting the temperature for a number of rooms. A lot of energy is needed today to heat empty rooms. Why let all the heat from the fire go up the chimney,” says Karl Henrik Johansson. Read more on the website of the Royal Institute of Technology's website.

American Baseball League Going Green

2011-09-09T15:07:00.004+02:00

In March 2008, Major League Baseball and the Natural Resources Defense Council announced the creation of the Team Greening Program which has been developing for two years. This program supports and coordinates the many environmentally-sensitive practices now pursued by virtually every Major League Baseball Club.

Each team has received a customized guide they can use to implement new environmental practices. The "The NRDC Team Greening Advisor for Major League Baseball" are comprehensive guides that feature team-specific steps designed to help each organization understand eco-intelligent practices and help each team evaluate what might be right in its circumstances. Examples include promoting alternative transportation, supporting renewable energy, offering organic foods, utilizing post-consumer recycled paper or implementing stronger recycling programs. Visit greensports.org/mlb to view your favorite team's personalized guide.

As an example, Seattle Mariners, has reached a number of environmental targets in the stadium. For instance, the stadium boasts a 75 percent recycling rate! Additionally, between 2006 and 2009 the Mariners reduced natural gas use by 60 percent, electricity use by 30 percent, and water use by 15 percent which saved over $1 million in utility costs.

Logo: cuny.edu

Plug In Your Electric Car at Louisiana State University

2011-09-07T14:07:00.004+02:00

Recently, the State of Louisiana showed its support for drivers of electric vehicles by installing electric car chargers on the Louisiana State University campus. Innovation in the electric drive industry is happening in university labs and classrooms across the nation.

The chargers installed at LSU today are pioneering the charging infrastructure plans for Louisiana universities and will be providing students, faculty, and staff with free electricity to power their vehicles. Many students live in dorms without access to personal charging equipment, but now at LSU there is the opportunity to plug in at a public charge station at no cost. Read more.

Photo: lsu.edu

University of Maryland Announces 631 KW Solar Project

2011-09-07T13:59:00.003+02:00

During a public event and tour on August 31, the University of Maryland showcased a new array of 2,600 solar panels placed atop the university's Severn Building. The new solar facility is one of the largest in the Washington DC region. It will produce some 792 megawatt hours of clean electricity each year - enough energy to power 872 homes for one month. Read more.

Photo: umd.edu

SAGA Monthly Newsletter Has a New Design, August Issue Out

2011-09-07T10:52:00.009+02:00

Check out the SAGA Monthly Newsletter's new design and read some of the most compelling stories from sagastory.blogspot.com from the previous month. Click here to read the August newsletter.

Here are the headlines for August:
- U.S. Student Wins Stockholm Junior Water Prize for Developing Cell Phone Method to Test Water

- Swedish Clean Tech Company Seeks Headquarters in Tennessee Town; Could Create 120 Jobs

- Swedish Solar Lighting Company Expands into U.S. Market

- U.S. Technology Powers Equipment at World Scout Jamboree in Sweden

- Ener1 Joins Volvo in Washington DC Seminar on Electric Vehicle Safety

- Sweden Funds Tests of Range Extenders for Electric Cars

- Volvo Subsidiary Mack Trucks Receives $19 million from Department of Energy

City of Stockholm Procurs 5000 Electric Vehicles, Selects Chevy Volt

2011-09-06T14:06:00.004+02:00

The City of Stockholm and Swedish energy company Vattenfall have selected six vendors for the largest electric vehicle order in Swedish history. Along with a number of municipalities and other partners, Stockholm is looking at purchasing more than 5000 electric cars. One of the vendors is General Motors who will be offering its plug-in hybrid Chevy Volt.

“It is with great pleasure that we today announce the vendors we intend to work with. They offer six car models, Per Ankersjö, Stockholm Vice Mayor for the Environment said yesterday.”

“The great thing about this procurement is that it will dramatically increase the number of electric vehicles on Swedish roads”, says Annika Ramsköld, Vattenfall. “A study we conducted suggests that there is a great interest, both among companies and organizations, in purchasing electric cars.” Read more (in Swedish).

Photo: gm.com

Improved Buildings Could Make a Big Dent in Climate Change

2011-09-02T16:31:00.004+02:00

The construction and operation of buildings accounts for approximately 40 percent of all U.S. emissions of greenhouse gases. The most-used building material in the world, concrete, is used to construct many of the nation’s homes and office buildings — but a new MIT report says a variety of measures could drastically reduce, and ultimately even eliminate, the carbon footprint of most new concrete buildings, as well as some older ones.The new report outlines some of those measures, analyzing buildings’ energy use and carbon emissions over their entire life cycle of construction, use and eventual demolition.

The report is one of two issued this month by the MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub, a multidisciplinary research collaboration funded by the cement and concrete industries. The researchers say the report provides the most detailed and open accountings ever undertaken of the full life cycle of buildings. Read more.

Photo: dot.gov

US Chargé Hosted Royal Round Table, Discussed SAGA

2011-09-02T16:17:00.004+02:00

Yesterday, U.S. Chargé d'Affaires William Stewart and Acting DCM Laura Kirkconnell met with a delegation from the Royal Round Table (RRT) at the Residence of the U.S. Ambassador. RRT was created by former US Ambassador to Sweden Franklin Forsberg in the 1970s to serve as a financial body to The Swedish Council of America.

Chargé William Stewart focused his speech on The Swedish American Green Alliance (SAGA) and expounded on some of the business partnerships that this initiative has generated.

Photo: US Embassy Stockholm

Ford, Zipcar Bring Car-Sharing to Universities - Saving Fuel

2011-09-01T15:40:00.004+02:00

Ford and Zipcar - a car-sharing network – today announced a new strategic alliance establishing Ford as Zipcar’s largest university vehicle partner, reaching students at more than 250 U.S. campuses.

The first-of-its-kind, two-year tie-up introduces a new generation of drivers to Ford vehicles with fuel-efficient Focus and Escape now part of Zipcar’s existing fleet of environmentally friendly vehicles. Zipcar will add up to 650 Fords to its lineup during this academic year and up to 1,000 Ford vehicles during the life of the agreement.

Car-sharing programs such as Zipcar are increasingly becoming students’ first experiences behind the wheel. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the number of drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 declined by 19 percent from 1978 to 2008. According to an independent study commissioned by Zipcar in 2010, almost half of all 18- to 34-year-old drivers are driving less, and nearly two-thirds would drive less if alternative transportation options were available. Read more.

Chicago Tribune: Chicago Starts Replacing Lights That Have Shrouded City in Orange Glow

2011-08-31T16:43:00.002+02:00

The Chicago Tribune reports that "Almost four decades after the orange glow first took over Chicago’s night skies, the city’s Transportation Department is taking steps toward converting streetlights back to a more natural -- and less light-polluting -- hue."

"New ceramic metal-halide lights are replacing the 2,300 streetlamps on Lake Shore Drive, 3,000 on Western Avenue and about 11,000 lights in 300 miles of alleys throughout the city, the Transportation Department announced." Read full article.

Volvo Developing a Plug-In Hybrid Bus

2011-08-31T15:57:00.004+02:00

Volvo Buses is currently developing a plug-in hybrid bus that can drive long distances silently and exhaust-free on only electricity. Three buses will be tested in Gothenburg, supported by the European Union.

Volvo Buses has sold more than 250 hybrid buses, which are reducing fuel consumption by up to 35 percent and thus also reducing energy consumption and carbon-dioxide emissions by an equal amount.

Supported by authorities including the Swedish Energy Agency, Volvo is developing a plug-in hybrid bus. It is essentially the same Volvo hybrid bus as today, where the brake energy is recycled and utilized by the electric motor. But, with a new type of battery and charging equipment it will also be possible to charge the battery via the electricity network. Read more.

Photo: Volvobuses.com

Electric Avenue Opens at Portland State University

2011-08-30T12:41:00.003+02:00

Today marked the grand opening of Electric Avenue - Portland's newest installation of electric vehicle charging stations. A joint venture with the City of Portland, Portland General Electric, and Portland State University, Electric Avenue is intended to give Portlanders an opportunity to see and touch, and learn about seven unique types of charging stations.

The charging stations are free and the public is encouraged to try them out. Users will pay only for on-street parking. The project is slated to run two years, and will collect data about how the public is using the different chargers. Read more.

Photo: Portland Mayor Sam Adams checks out an Oregon-made 'Arcimoto' electric vehicle. portlandonline.com

Charge Your Phone While Taking a Stroll

2011-08-26T13:31:00.004+02:00

If the vision of Tom Krupenkin and J. Ashley Taylor comes to fruition, one day soon your cellphone — or just about any other portable electronic device — could be powered by simply taking a walk.

In a paper appearing this week (Aug. 23) in the journal Nature Communications, Krupenkin and Taylor, both engineering researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, describe a new energy-harvesting technology that promises to dramatically reduce our dependence on batteries and instead capture the energy of human motion to power portable electronics.

In their Nature Communications report, Krupenkin and Taylor describe a novel energy-harvesting technology known as "reverse electrowetting," a phenomenon discovered by the Wisconsin researchers. The mechanical energy is converted to electrical energy by using a micro-fluidic device consisting of thousands of liquid micro-droplets interacting with a novel nano-structured substrate.

This technology could enable a novel footwear-embedded energy harvester that captures energy produced by humans during walking, which is normally lost as heat, and converts it into up to 20 watts of electrical power that can be used to power mobile electronic devices. Unlike a traditional battery, the energy harvester never needs to be recharged, as the new energy is constantly generated during the normal walking process. Read more.

Gothenburg: City Employees to Receive Bike Incentives

2011-08-26T12:52:00.003+02:00

To increase the number of city employees taking the bike to work, the Municipal Council in Gothenburg has passed legislation that will allow city employees to send their receipts for bike purchases and bike maintenance to their employer.

"The most important thing is to get more people to start cycling, says Anders Roth in the traffic office." Mr. Roth also says that the new incentives will render both environmental and road safety benefits. SEK 1,500 has been earmarked per year per employee.

"The incentives come with the caveat that one bikes to and from work. The fact that we will offer free maintenance may also result in safer cycling", says Anders Roth. Read more (in Swedish).

Photo: orovalleyaz.gov

Large-Scale Industrial Carbon Capture and Storage Facility to be Constructed in Illinois

2011-08-25T13:15:00.003+02:00

The first large-scale industrial carbon capture and storage (ICCS) facility in the United States will be built in Decatur, Illinois. the ambitious project will capture and store one million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year produced as the result of processing corn into fuel-grade ethanol from the nearby Archer Daniels Midland biofuels plant. Since all of the captured CO2 will be produced from biologic fermentation, a significant feature of the facility is its “negative carbon footprint,” meaning that the storage results in a net reduction of atmospheric CO2.

The project is designed to sequester approximately 2,500 metric tons of carbon dioxide per day in the saline Mount Simon Sandstone formation at depths of approximately 7,000 feet. It is estimated that the sandstone formation can potentially store billions of tons of CO2 and has the overall potential to sequester all of the more than 250 million tons of CO2 produced each year by industry in the Illinois Basin region. Read more.

Photo: fossil.energy.gov

Cumulative Plug-in Electric Vehicle Sales to Reach 5.2 Million Worldwide by 2017, According to Pike Research

2011-08-25T13:07:00.006+02:00

According to a new report from Pike Research, cumulative sales of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), the category that includes both plug-in hydrids and electric battery vehicles, will reach 5.2 million units by 2017, up from just under 114,000 vehicles in 2011. By the same year, cumulative sales of HEVs will represent an additional 8.7 million vehicles, for a combined total of 13.9 million units in all electrified vehicle categories. Read more.

International Stockholm Junior Water Prize Awarded to U.S. Student for Research to Test Water for Bacteria

2011-08-24T13:01:00.004+02:00

Alison Bick of the United States was named the winner of the 2011 Stockholm Junior Water Prize (SJWP), the most prestigious international student competition for water-related research. The award was presented yesterday to Alison at the annual World Water Week celebration in Stockholm for her development of a low-cost, potable and publicly-accessible method for testing water potability.

Alison developed several devices to test water for harmful bacteria and accurately determine water quality. Bick’s cell phone-based testing procedure can measure the bacteria content of water and was proven 99 percent accurate.

H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden presented Alison with a $5,000 award. Alison also received an invitation to present her findings at the Water Environment Federation annual confernce in October, the largest water quality and technology event in North America. Read more.

View clip of Alison explaining her devices to test water quality:

US Embassy Stockholm Hosted Luncheon for Stockholm Water Prize Laureate Stephen Carpenter

2011-08-23T16:08:00.004+02:00

On Tuesday, the Acting Chargé d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Stockholm Laura Kirkconnell hosted a luncheon for this year's Stockholm Water Prize Laureate, Professor Stephen R. Carpenter. The University of Wisconsin professor is receiving the award for his groundbreaking research on how lake ecosystems are affected by the surrounding landscape and human activities.

Read more about the World Water Week and the Stockholm International Water Institute here.

Photo: Professor Stephen R. Carpenter and Acting Chargé dÁffaires Laura Kirkconnell.

Stockholm World Water Week Opens With Global Leaders Calling for Green Investments

2011-08-22T14:20:00.004+02:00

Global leaders convening today at the opening session of the 2011 World Water Week in Stockholm called for increased investments in disaster-resilient infrastructure and smarter water management to avoid droughts, floods and pollution from further threatening the food, energy, and water security in a rapidly urbanising world.

According to the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), the number of people living in cities is expected to reach to 80 per cent of the world's population by 2050. Most of this growth is happening in areas at risk of both water shortages and disastrous floods.

Addressing the week's participants, Anders Berntell, Executive Director of SIWI warned that "we run the risk of losing the battle on water and sanitation in many cities around the world, and that is a fight we cannot afford to lose."

Over the course of the week, the convening experts will explore the smartest options to ensure that limited water resources are allocated to meet the growing demands from municipalities, agriculture, industries, energy utilities and households, in balance with nature's capacity.

GM Unveils Its Latest Electric Vehicle - Cadillac ELR

2011-08-22T14:06:00.004+02:00

The Cadillac ELR will feature an electric propulsion system made up of a lithium ion battery, an electric drive unit, and a four-cylinder engine-generator. It uses electricity as its primary source to drive the car without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions. When the battery’s energy is low, the ELR switches to extended-range mode.

Cadillac selected the name ELR to indicate the car’s electric propulsion technology, in keeping with the brand’s 3-letter international model naming convention. Read more and view more photos.

Photo. gm.com

With Post-Its and Checklists, Schools Cut Their Energy Bills

2011-08-19T16:38:00.004+02:00

New York Times is today featuring an article about an effort by New York schools to reduce their utility bills. The paper writes:

"Simple yellow Post-it notes with the message 'When not in use, turn off the juice,' pointedly left on classroom computers, printers and air-conditioners, have helped the Mount Sinai School District on Long Island save $350,000 annually on utility bills.

Energy consumption in New York City’s 1,245 school buildings is down roughly 11 percent since 2008, as motion detectors have been installed on classroom lights and unused refrigerators and freezers have been unplugged for the summer. In Yonkers, energy savings have financed $18 million in new boilers, windows and other capital improvements that the Westchester County district could not otherwise afford." Read full article.

UCONN: Cooling Down Global Warming

2011-08-18T14:44:00.004+02:00

Carbon capture has long been identified as a critical technology needed to prevent global warming, but efficient and economical ways to do it have been hard to find.

A new process to capture and convert carbon dioxide, discovered by a University of Connecticut chemist in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, has just been awarded a patent. It uses cheap catalysts, electricity, and heat to convert CO2 and water into useful chemicals or fuels.

Steve Suib, Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and the 2011 Connecticut Medal of Science winner, found a way to use metal oxides, such as manganese and zinc oxides, as catalysts in a conversion process that also uses heat and electricity.

Read the full article on The University of Connecticut's website.

Photo: Professor Steve Suib, uconn.edu

Volvo Subsidiary Mack Trucks Gets $19 Million from US DOE

2011-08-17T13:24:00.003+02:00

Mack Trucks will participate in the development of technologies to improve the freight-moving efficiency of heavy-duty trucks and reduce greenhouse gas emissions as part of a SuperTruck contract with the U.S. Department of Energy under which the Volvo Group, of which Mack is a part, is scheduled to receive $19M in federal funding.

Areas of focus will include heavy-duty truck prototypes aimed at moving more freight with less fuel, with a particular emphasis on improved aerodynamics and energy conversion efficiency.

Read more here, here and here.

Photo: macktrucks.com

Trelleborg Turned Environmental Hazard Into Biofuels

2011-08-16T14:34:00.007+02:00

The following article comes from Swedish Aid Agency, SIDA:

The beaches around Trelleborg are full of rotting algae. The extensive shallows along the coast provide a greenhouse for the algae, leading to water bloom that is rich in nutrients and that kills off all other living organisms.

Algae can be seen as a resource rather than a problem." To this end, the municipality initiated an environmental project entitled Kretsloppet (Cycle). This was funded by the Swedish Environmental Agency and the Ministry of the Environment. The project is concerned with both reducing the leakage of nutrients into the sea and removing algae and other materials rich in nutrients, partially transforming them into biogas.

Landowners in the municipality are cooperating in the cultivation of freshwater algae, in restoring rivers and in creating wetlands. Specially engineered marine harvesters are being built to pick up the red algae in the sea close to the shore. A biogas plant, planned as the largest in Europe, is under construction in Jordberga.

Photo: Red algae, noaa.gov

SunPower, Ford Announce Plan to Pair Solar Panels with New Focus EV

2011-08-15T14:18:00.006+02:00

Ford and SunPower have teamed up to offer customers a rooftop solar system that will allow Focus Electric owners to “Drive Green for Life” by providing customers with enough clean, renewable energy to offset the electricity used to charge the vehicle.

“Under the ‘Drive Green for Life’ program, Focus Electric owners can reduce their total cost of ownership by generating enough energy from their high efficiency SunPower rooftop solar system to offset the electricity required to charge the vehicle at night,” said Mike Tinskey, Ford director of Global Vehicle Electrification and Infrastructure. “It’s an eco-friendly solution that perfectly complements our plug-in products and other green initiatives.”

The 2.5 kilowatt rooftop solar system is comprised of the SunPower E18 Series solar panels that produce an average of 3,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually. These high-efficiency solar panels generate approximately 50 percent more electricity than conventional panels and utilize a smaller footprint on the roof. The system was sized to accommodate a customer who drives about 1,000 miles per month. Read more.

Photo: us.sunpowercorp.com

California Utilities Delegation Jets Off to Sweden

2011-08-15T14:15:00.003+02:00

San Francisco Gate reports that a California Public Utilities Commission delegation has jetted off on a study trip to Sweden. According to Commission spokesman, Andy Kotch, California and Swedish officials have swapped visits for 17 years to exchange views "on energy efficiency and renewables." Read more.

Rice University Presents New Method to Produce Biofuel

2011-08-12T14:11:00.005+02:00

Gonzalez's laboratory at Rice University in Houston, TX is in a race with hundreds of labs around the world to find green methods for producing chemicals like butanol that have historically come from petroleum. In a paper published online in Nature, Rice's team described how it reversed one of the most efficient of all metabolic pathways - the beta oxidation cycle - to engineer bacteria that produce biofuel at a breakneck pace.

Just how fast are Rice's single-celled chemical factories? On a cell-per-cell basis, the bacteria produced the butanol, a biofuel that can be substituted for gasoline in most engines, about 10 times faster than any previously reported organism.

"That's really not even a fair comparison because the other organisms used an expensive, enriched feedstock, and we used the cheapest thing you can imagine, just glucose and mineral salts," said Ramon Gonzalez, associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at Rice and lead co-author of the Nature study. Read more.

Photo: rice.edu

Denver International Airport Expands Solar Generation to Become Largest in U.S.

2011-08-11T10:48:00.003+02:00

Constellation Energy and Denver International Airport (DIA) recently announced the completion of a 4.4-megawatt, ground-mounted solar power system. Constellation Energy built, owns and maintains the solar installation, and DIA will purchase the electricity produced by the system over a 20-year period. It is the third large-scale solar project for DIA, bringing the airport’s total amount of hosted solar power to more than 8 megawatts – the most solar generation at a commercial airport in the United States.

In honor of the solar project’s completion, a celebration and ribbon-cutting were held today at DIA. Business and community leaders, as well as representatives from state and local government were on hand for the event, including Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, former Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock. Read more.

Photo: More than 9,200 solar panels, located just south of Jeppesen Terminal, provide some power for Denver International Airport. flydenver.com