Qatar promises solar powered stadiums for the 2022 World Cup, the DOE launches the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Export Initiative and Illinois commissioners prepare for electric vehicles.

Qatar Promises Solar Powered and Air-Conditioned Stadiums

Many soccer fans oppose the decision to give Qatar 2022 World Cup. The nation will be the smallest country to host the games since Uruguay and will be the first Middle Eastern and Muslim state to hold the tournament. The desert state reaches temperatures above 104 degrees Fahrenheit and critics of FIFA’s decision cite the climate as a potential health risk for players and spectators alike. However, Qatar has already planned to overcome the heat with air-conditioned open-air stadiums powered using solar energy. The stadiums will have photovoltaic panels and solar thermal collectors on their roof and lining the actual stadium body. The system will be used to cool water, which will be blown through the stadium as cold air. Air will be pumped at the ankle zone for spectators to cool stadium seats and the same air will also be released from the back and neck area of the seats. Qatar is going to use 12 stadiums for the competition; German architects have conceptualized designs for nine new stadiums and upgrades for the three existing buildings to accommodate the large audiences drawn to the FIFA Cup.

DOE Joins with Other Federal Departments to Launch Energy Initiative
Energy Secretary Steven Chu joined seven other federal agencies to collaborate in launching the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Export Initiative. The coordinated effort aims to increase renewable energy exports. Other agencies working on the program include the Department of Commerce, which will co-chair the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee Working Group along with the DOE. The government seeks to invest in research that can enhance trade promotion for energy efficient products. “Expanding U.S. clean technology exports is a critical step to ensuring America’s economic competitiveness in the years ahead,” said Secretary Chu. “The initiatives we are announcing today will provide us with a better understanding of the global clean energy marketplace and help boost U.S. exports.”

SOFC Fuel Cells can Produce Cleaner Energy

A greener world is within this generation’s fingertips; especially with new research and development in the area of efficient electricity and heating. New technology can efficiently produce electricity and heat nearly without emissions of nitrogen and sulfur oxides and limited carbon output. The flat, thin so-called SOFC fuel cells can produce approximately one volt alone. They can be stacked together to achieve greater power. SOFC fuel cells capable of producing heat and electricity are on their way to international markets. In fact, to accommodate the innovations in combined heat and power (CHP) future electricity systems will consist of small CHP plants in individual homes. These micro CHP plants can resume energy production when it is a clear, windless day with the sun taking a break behind a cloud.

Illinois Prepares for EV

The Land of Lincoln is preparing its infrastructure for the arrival of electric vehicles on its roads. The commissioners in charge of regulating Illinois electricity systems have acknowledged that electric cars are just around the bend and if they are expected to catch on, EVs must be “as usable in rural Central Illinois as they are in Chicago.” Charge stations need to be constructed and power for recharging must be billed. The Illinois Commerce Commission, ICC, wants to leave no stone unturned. The commission plans to develop standards for multiple alternative-fueled vehicles such as those that burn on natural gas as well as EVs. However, many auto dealers do not foresee a large impact of EVs in Illinois because cars like the Chevy Volt will be making their debut on the East and West coasts first. By 2011, the state will attempt to keep its roads friendly to energy efficient drivers with charging stations and continued research and development.

Detroit Solar Plant Ready to Operate

Detroit Edison’s solar facility in Washtenaw County’s Scio Township is the first installation to produce power for the grid. The photovoltaic installation is nearly double the size of the experimental facility that was previously at the site. At 60-kilowatts, the installation consists of 270 solar panels, 60 of which can track the sun’s movement. Detroit Edison will operate the system and it will be maintained by J.Ranck Electric Inc.

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