solar panels - Green Prophet

Nature as Capital at COP30 and how blended finance and debt-for-nature swaps work

Karin Kloosterman — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 09:05:14 +0000

Jubail mangrove wal in Abu Dhabi

Belém’s COP30 puts forests, freshwater and oceans at center stage. How are emerging markets treating nature as infrastructure— and plugging it into finance and trade. We know that the world has reached the coral tipping point, and as you are busy saving the trees and oceans, know how activists, locals, banks and business can work together. Learn the lingo of finance mechanisms to help save the planet.

Everyone will cover the headlines from the United Nation’s climate conference, this year called COP30 and which is in Belém, Brazil. Fewer will explain the mechanics of how nature becomes cashflow, trade leverage and resilience infrastructure—especially for the Global South. That’s the gap we’re filling. Green Prophet offers a practical question: what instruments exist right now to turn living systems into value chains that stand up to droughts, floods and supply-chain shocks? And how can MENA, Africa and Latin America lead instead of only react.

Know your terminology if you want to follow the conversations in the room

Blended Finance

Econcrete restores coastal habitats with low-cost concrete that mimics a natural shoreline.

Blended finance is the engine room. Public and philanthropic “first-loss” capital de-risks deals; commercial investors come in behind. The aim is to move beyond pilot projects into pipelines that pay for restoration at scale. The World Bank’s recent review shows a surprising depth of activity in nature-based infrastructure, with millions of people already benefiting from coastal and watershed projects that reduce disaster risk while growing local economies.

Let’s take an example we can get behind: Imagine there is huge project to fix a coastline that’s getting destroyed by storms over and over again. We know that planting mangrove trees and building natural barriers to protect homes and schools works. But who pays for this, especially in developing nations like Thailand, where government money might be tight, especially on small islands.

Thailand’s, and Saudi Arabian mangrove forests can help mitigate climate change by keeping rising tides and storms at bay

The problem is that it costs a lot to plant and maintain mangrove trees and natural barriers, and even less natural ones like the ones built by Eco-Concrete in costal areas of New York. There is a lot of good reasons why protecting coastlines are good: tourism, business and stability to invest in a region pay off in the long term.

So how does blended finance work? Big investors might not build a university or a business center in an at-risk area like Indonesia because its islands are at-risk from flooding. They watch as government and charities go first to build pilot projects. These groups take the first losses and are buffered to do so. When investors see a project or pilot is working, the investors and banks can join in.

The end result is that if it’s a project on island resilience, and it’s done well with the local community, the fishermen get more fish, the houses and infrastructure don’t flood, and tourism and businesses in the area improve. Now instead of the government or local municipality working to clean up new disasters as they happen, the community and investors protect a community and its economy.

Where this is doing well:
Indonesia: planting mangroves to protect coasts and create jobs, in Kenya where they are restoring forests to secure water for cities and farms and in Colombia, where they are rebuilding riversides to stop floods and boost tourism. The World Bank found millions of people already benefiting from nature-based projects like these. They’re not just experiments — but are becoming real business pipelines.

Debt for Nature Swaps

Debt-for-nature swaps are also keywords you will hear coming out of COP30 and debt-for-nature is having a moment. By refinancing sovereign debt of a nation and locking savings into conservation endowments, countries can protect mangroves, reefs and forests while improving fiscal stability.

The Bahamas’ swap—backed by private guarantees and insurers—unlocked roughly $124 million for ocean protection and mangrove recovery. Expect more hybrids like “blue bonds,” watershed bonds, and biodiversity-linked notes as COP30 pushes nature up the finance agenda.

Canada is beginning to explore similar nature-finance mechanisms. They are offering grants for businesses that support climate change initiatives. While small island nations pioneered debt-for-nature swaps, the logic applies anywhere natural assets protect economies. Take the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes Basin. This is a freshwater system worth trillions in trade, shipping, drinking water, hydropower, and fisheries — yet it faces rising storm surges, coastal erosion, surges in algae blooms, and biodiversity loss.

Imagine a Canadian “watershed bond” modelled on the Bahamas’ blue bond play: federal and provincial governments refinance aging municipal debt in water-adjacent cities like Toronto beaches, Kingston, Thunder Bay, and Windsor. Interest savings are then routed into a protected watershed fund to restore wetlands, rebuild fish nurseries, and reinforce natural floodplains that protect ports and neighborhoods.

Who backs it? Pension funds like CPP Investments, insurers hedging climate risk, and Indigenous-led stewardship trusts that secure long-term governance. Satellite and LiDAR data verify improved water quality, carbon storage, and flood protection — giving investors confidence that nature isn’t just a moral win, but a balance-sheet asset.

Nature Markets

Circle farming in Holland uses AI and nature together.

Nature markets are growing up fast — and not just carbon trading. Investors and governments are starting to put real contracts behind things like restoring habitats, protecting species, and improving fisheries. In the past, these ideas lived in Canva or PowerPoint presentations and pilot projects that didn’t go far beyond the anecdote stage. Today, they’re showing up in legal agreements, budgets, and deal pipelines.

What changed? Measurement tech and startups working in the impact space. We can now track how many fish return to a reef, how much flood damage is avoided when wetlands are restored, or how many species come back when forests regrow. When you can measure nature’s value, you can finance it. Also, investors found that impact companies can return significantly higher returns on investment.

The early winners will be projects that do more than one thing: reduce carbon, protect coasts, boost fishing incomes, create jobs, and improve water security. In short, projects and companies that score high in ESG. Instead of selling just one benefit, they’ll earn money from many revenue streams. The future natural economy isn’t supposed to be about charity — it’s revenue, resilience, and concepts like regenerative agriculture working together.

What to watch at COP30

A Brazil rainforest

Belém in Brazil may be remembered as the summit where nature moved from a side-event to system change. If you are there at the event, Look for bigger blended-finance vehicles for forests and watersheds, standardized biodiversity/ecosystem credit frameworks, clearer guidance on how trade tools like CBAM and deforestation-free rules interact with development and equity goals, and concrete deals in the Amazon and beyond that link restoration to export growth.

Media attention will swirl around politics, but the durable story is finance and how data can turn ecosystems, including jungles and seashore towns, into resilient value-chains.

Explore related coverage on Green Prophet

The post Nature as Capital at COP30 and how blended finance and debt-for-nature swaps work appeared first on Green Prophet.

5 Eco-Friendly Upgrades That Let You Charge More Rent

Bhok Thompson — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 16:16:57 +0000

Does your rental include an eco mattress made from bamboo? Little things can add up to be meaningful for renters

Sustainability is a smart revenue strategy. Renters want green features where they live, and they’re willing to pay a premium. Some people won’t rent from an apartment building unless they have at least some green practices in place, like LED lights, low-flow plumbing, and smart thermostats.

That’s great news for landlords who are willing to add sustainability to their rental properties’ features. Practical green amenities equal higher rents, faster lease signings, and happier, long-term tenants. For landlords in major cities, it gives them an edge on the competition. For example, Green Residential – a Houston property management company – helps their clients add eco-friendly amenities to their rentals so they rent faster and to higher quality tenants.

If you’re a landlord looking for ways to go green, here are the top five features to prioritize.

Plug-and-play appliances

Swapping out old lightbulbs, washers, and refrigerators for efficient models is the cheapest way to reduce your tenants’ bills. This makes premium rent a lot easier to charge. Lighting alone tends to be around 15% of a home’s electricity use, and just by using LEDs, households save around $225 per year.

A smart thermostat by Nest

ENERGY STAR appliances use around 25% less energy, and washers use 33% less water, which makes them a marketable upgrade for tenants. Where thermostats are concerned, tenants can save a lot of money on their heating and cooling costs just by having a programmable thermostat. These appliances are low-friction upgrades with tangible cost savings that will make your property more attractive.

Heat pumps

Home heating and insulation. Sustainability is really just about pipes and pumps

Heat pumps are quickly becoming the new default for energy efficient, electric comfort. They can cut electricity use for heating by up to 75% compared to heat generated by electric resistance. They’re up to 4.5 times more efficient than ENERGY STAR gas furnaces.

Heat pumps can heat and cool a space in Toronto apartments, and they make excellent dehumidifiers in summer, and work well with ductless installs in older buildings. When prospects get to enjoy comfort and lower bills, charging premium rent is justified.

If you haven’t already switched over to all-electric heat pumps from combustion like gas, it’s worth considering before your hand is forced. States and cities are quickly passing laws that make combustion harder to maintain.

EV chargers

For tenants who own an electric vehicle, having an onsite EV charging station is a big draw. In fact, in some areas, it’s becoming an expectation rather than a convenient amenity. In California, starting in 2026, some landlords will be legally required to install EV charging stations in most new overnight parking spots.

A Tesla Powerwall can stabilize the grid and keep your home running during a blackout

It’s not easy to find a place to charge an electric vehicle, and having an onsite EV charger will sweeten the deal and get you higher rent. In fact, according to a Multifamily Executive survey 58% of renters planning to buy an EV in the next five years said they’d pay more rent for onsite charging.

EV-friendly rental listings are still pretty rare, so if you have chargers you’ll stand out in search filters and shorten the time it takes to get leases signed. As electric vehicle ownership grows in dense urban markets like Toronto apartments, EV charging has become a standout amenity that renters increasingly look for when browsing listings on Rentals.ca.

Drought-resistant landscaping

Water is easy to waste, and nothing uses more water than having to maintain a front or backyard full of plants. And you can’t just let them die – that would look awful. The solution is for landlords to install drought-resistant landscaping and smart irrigation controllers for plants that require regular watering.

The Treetoscope sensor collects information about water and soil nutrients to turn on irrigation systems at the right time

A smart irrigation system can reduce water usage by up to 40% and avoid the problem of watering the sidewalk. According to some reports, this translates to saving around 15,000 gallons of water per year per home.

A healthy air package (not just an HVAC system)

Tenants don’t want literal headaches from their homes. But the average American spends 90% of the time indoors, where pollutant levels are 2-5 times outdoor levels. Upgrading your property to MERV-13 filtration, adding balanced ventilation, and using low-VOC paints and flooring is a simple way to support tenant health while justifying premium rent.

Lab tests show MERV-13 filtration can capture around 90% of PM2.5 contaminants and reduce cooking and wildfire particles. This is especially important in areas where air pollution and forest fire smoke are common.

Rooftop solar

Rooftop solar power can be a leasing magnet. On the right roof, a solar system can offset a meaningful chunk of electric usage to lower utility bills significantly. For tenants who prioritize green amenities, solar is at the top of the list of features they’ll pay a premium for.

Add eco-friendly features renters value

When you “go green,” you’re actually building pricing power. By offering tenants amenities and appliances that save money while providing comfort, you’re delivering the kind of value tenants won’t hesitate to pay more for. That means shorter vacancies, faster lease signings, and higher profits.

The post 5 Eco-Friendly Upgrades That Let You Charge More Rent appeared first on Green Prophet.

Top-Quality Building Supplies in Nashville at Decks & Docks

Bhok Thompson — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 08:43:22 +0000

Looking for an eco deck or dock for your ecological floating home or houseboat? The elevated structure was designed by Dutch architect Koen Olthuis and the Waterstudio team. Image via Ocean Builders

Decks & Docks in Nashville, Tennessee, is a trusted source for premium marine construction materials, offering a wide range of products for homeowners, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts. Located at 344 Wilhagan Road, their showroom features decking, railing, lighting, hardware, and accessories—everything you need for your next project in one place.

Whether you’re planning a small DIY deck or a large-scale construction, Decks & Docks provides expert guidance to help you select the right materials for your project. Their knowledgeable team is committed to delivering exceptional service and ensuring every customer finds exactly what they need.

Discover more about their offerings by visiting their building supplies Nashville page today.

The post Top-Quality Building Supplies in Nashville at Decks & Docks appeared first on Green Prophet.

A guide to solar farms on a farm

Karin Kloosterman — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 06:44:41 +0000

Farming under solar panels. Bees and sheep are next.

Solar farms are often set in large desert areas, as it’s believed that not much happens in the desert. We know this is not true and all manners of life are impacted even in what looks like a dead desert. Ivanpah in California found birds, lizards and all sorts of plants that grow in the desert. Common sense people wonder about solar panels on the farm and why can’t they work? Farmers probably see it as a means to slow down farm efficiency, but a new model of success shows how solar panels and farms can work together.

At the Alliant Energy Solar Farm at Iowa State University, a 10-acre facility south of Ames, an interdisciplinary team of researchers is entering the second year of a four-year project to study agrivoltaics – agricultural use of land that’s also home to solar panels.

One of the main questions the researchers are exploring is whether growing food crops is compatible with solar arrays, using the tools and techniques needed to make produce farms viable and reliable – basics such as irrigation, fertilization, machinery, and weed and pest management. The answer is a resounding yes, said horticulture professor and chair Ajay Nair, one of the project’s leaders.

“One thing we’ve for sure found out is we can grow vegetables on a commercial scale on a solar farm. Period. There’s no doubt about it. We have demonstrated the practical aspects of an operation such as this will clearly work,” he said.

In the first year, the vegetable crops included broccoli, summer squash and bell peppers. While broccoli between the panels was a little smaller than in control plots, summer squash and peppers within the solar panel area produced better, Nair said. Additional years of growing data will be needed to draw firm conclusions, but the researchers think planting produce between panels could offer some relief from summer’s hottest days.

When partial shade can be an advantage to crops

Cows and solar panels, via 8point9

“We know that vegetables need full sun. That’s true, but in July and August it can cause stress. Partial shade may help some plants cope,” he said.

It was too early to tell if the strawberries, raspberries, grapes and honeyberries fared better with some shade, as they typically don’t produce a full crop in their first year. But the fruit plants under the panels appeared to establish well, Nair said.

The project, which is funded by a $1.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, has attracted more attention than the researchers expected. The grant calls for two to three outreach events per year, but roughly 40 different groups visited the farm in 2024. The list of tours included students, growers, nonprofits, government officials, utility companies and other interested researchers. Some came from as far away as Africa and Australia.

Part of the draw has been the project’s public-private partnership. Alliant Energy built, owns and operates the solar farm, which has 3,300 panels capable of generating nearly 1.4 megawatts of electricity – enough to power about 200 homes at maximum capacity. Iowa State owns and leases to Alliant Energy the underlying land, which is part of the university’s animal science teaching and research farms.

“This solar farm advances the concept that land can be used for energy production and agriculture, while also delivering the energy solutions our Alliant Energy customers and communities can count on in a unique way,” said Nick Peterson.

“It’s been so critical to show how a utility can work with a landowner and farmers. Without that level of partnership, none of the other of things could have happened,” said O’Neal, the Henry A. Wallace Co-Chair for Sustainable Agriculture.

The agrivoltaics team has numerous plans for expanding in 2025. Research plots will now include land between fixed-angle solar panels, after focusing in 2024 solely on the tilting panels that track with the sun. Tomatoes are a new addition, and more pollinator habitat is planned, benefitting the on-site beehives included in the study.

Researchers also are looking to intensify efforts to optimize yield, such as more aggressive pest control.

The first-year production data will be analyzed by John Tyndall, a professor of natural resource ecology and management, who is developing enterprise budgeting resources to show growers the potential of a solar farm produce operation.

“Not only can you produce at these sites, but in some cases you can produce more. That’s big,” O’Neal said. “We’ll have a nice robust data set to help farmers who want to do this.”

To help manage and build upon public interest in the project, a donor funded the hiring of an outreach coordinator, Michael Killewald. That’s paved the way for a series of open houses starting June 27.

Want a tour? Online registration is required.

Team members – and their colleagues across campus – are also thinking about other research projects that would be a fit. Some animal science faculty hope to study livestock grazing under the solar panels, for instance.

The post A guide to solar farms on a farm appeared first on Green Prophet.

Off-Grid Living: The Role of Sustainability in Modern Times

Bhok Thompson — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 07:22:39 +0000

Off grid in the woods. You might want a generator

Even die-hard skeptics now find it impossible to deny the presence of climate change. This is the very same reason why a growing number of businesses have decided to adopt a “greener” approach to their everyday operations. So, what can individual consumers do to lower their environmental footprint? One strategy involves what is commonly referred to as “off-grid” living. Let’s examine this concept in slightly more detail to appreciate the potential benefits that it can offer.

Is Off-Grid Living Truly Off the Grid?

The answer to this question can vary from person to person. For instance, one individual may employ a third-party service offering generator hire during power outages. Another might rely on solar cells to produce electricity. The main point here is that sustainable practices do not always have to be associated with entirely off-grid solutions. They are instead intended to reduce the consumption of traditional fossil fuels, and to mitigate carbon emissions.

How Realistic is Sustainable Living?

Ski cabin, off grid in Italy

This is another question that should be addressed before moving on. Is the notion of sustainability a myth, or could it represent a reality? The answer partially involves the commitment of the individual (or family). We need to remember that developing environmentally sustainable solutions requires time, and a financial investment. Some methods can be rather expensive. For instance, installing solar panels on the roof of your home could require a significant amount of money. The good news is that these one-off costs will be offset by the long-term return on investment. In other words, sustainable practices often pay for themselves over time.

Unique Off-Grid Hacks to Consider

In the city you can collect water form your air conditioner. Off grid, you’d better try the rain

Although sustainable living techniques will frequently vary between different locations, there are still some sure-fire practices to consider. For instance, rental services such as Boels can provide efficient sawing and cutting tools; reducing the amount of energy required to complete a project, and limiting waste materials. Those who live in areas prone to inclement weather could instead create a rain catch that can be used as an additional source of water. Some other interesting suggestions include:

A turbine can be struck by lightning and turned into a tiny home

Installing a ground source heat pump
Harnessing wind energy in the form of a turbine
Using double-glazed windows to reduce heating and cooling costs.
Growing food in a garden as opposed to relying solely on supermarkets

Do not hesitate to perform additional research, as there is plenty of information available online.

The post Off-Grid Living: The Role of Sustainability in Modern Times appeared first on Green Prophet.

Green Budgeting: How an Eco-Conscious Lifestyle Can Help You Save More

Bhok Thompson — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 09:56:42 +0000

Online banking

In today’s world, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. But living an eco-conscious lifestyle isn’t just good for the planet; it can also be great for your wallet. Many people assume that going green means spending more, but in reality, a well-planned green budget can lead to significant savings over time. Whether it’s reducing energy bills, cutting down on waste, or making mindful purchases, green budgeting is a win-win strategy for both your finances and the environment.

Understanding Green Budgeting

Green budgeting is the practice of aligning your financial decisions with environmentally friendly choices. It’s about being mindful of where your money goes and how your lifestyle impacts the planet. Instead of viewing sustainability as an added expense, think of it as a strategic way to save money while making ethical choices.

The Power of Small Changes

You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight to start benefiting from a green budget. Small, consistent changes add up over time. Let’s explore some areas where sustainability and saving money go hand in hand.

1. Energy Efficiency: Lower Bills, Higher Savings

One of the easiest ways to cut costs while living sustainably is by reducing energy consumption. Simple steps like switching to LED bulbs, unplugging electronics when not in use, and using energy-efficient appliances can lower electricity bills.

Example: I once replaced all the incandescent bulbs in my home with LED lights. The upfront cost was slightly higher, but within a few months, my energy bill dropped noticeably. Over time, I saved hundreds of dollars while consuming less power.

2. Sustainable Transportation: Save on Gas and Maintenance

Cycling with the jacaranda trees

Owning and maintaining a car is expensive. Gas prices fluctuate, and maintenance costs can add up quickly. By opting for public transportation, carpooling, biking, or even walking when possible, you can save a substantial amount.

Example: My friend, Sarah, decided to ditch her car in favor of a bicycle for her daily commute. Not only did she save on gas and maintenance, but she also improved her health and reduced her carbon footprint.

3. Mindful Grocery Shopping: Reduce Waste, Save Money

Grow your own food and learn to compost

Food waste is a huge issue, both environmentally and financially. By planning meals, buying in bulk, and choosing locally sourced foods, you can cut down on waste and save money.

Tip: Try meal prepping for the week. It helps you stick to a grocery list, avoids impulse buys, and minimizes food waste.

Example: I once calculated how much I was spending on food waste each month, and it shocked me. By being more intentional about meal planning and storing food properly, I managed to save at least $100 a month, which immediately was redirected into a secure savings account.

4. Thrift Shopping and Minimalism: Quality Over Quantity

Fast fashion and impulse buying are not only costly but also harmful to the environment. Choosing second-hand clothing, repairing items instead of replacing them, and embracing minimalism can lead to long-term financial benefits.

Example: A few years ago, I started shopping at thrift stores instead of buying new clothes every season. I found high-quality brands for a fraction of the price, and my wardrobe became more unique and sustainable.

5. DIY and Reuse: Get Creative and Save

Vintage finds will make your office look like a million bucks.

Instead of purchasing new household items or constantly buying disposable products, try DIY solutions and reusable alternatives. From homemade cleaning supplies to repurposing old furniture, there are countless ways to save money and reduce waste.

Example: Instead of buying paper towels, I invested in reusable cloth wipes. Over time, this small change saved me hundreds of dollars and significantly reduced my household waste.

Long-Term Green Investments That Pay Off

While some eco-friendly changes require an initial investment, they often lead to long-term savings.

Solar Panels: While costly upfront, they can drastically reduce (or even eliminate) electricity bills.
Smart Home Technology: Programmable thermostats and energy-efficient appliances pay for themselves over time.
Electric Vehicles (EVs): Although pricier than gas-powered cars, they save money on fuel and maintenance in the long run.

Final Thoughts: Green Living = Smart Financial Planning

Green budgeting is not about making sacrifices; it’s about making smarter choices. When you align your spending with sustainability, you naturally cut down on waste, save money, and contribute to a healthier planet. The key is to start small and build from there—every little effort counts.

By embracing an eco-conscious lifestyle, you’re not just helping the environment; you’re also securing a financially sustainable future. So why not start today? Your wallet—and the planet—will thank you.

The post Green Budgeting: How an Eco-Conscious Lifestyle Can Help You Save More appeared first on Green Prophet.

A new foldable, moveable 15kw solar power plant for disaster zones

Karin Kloosterman — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 10:59:50 +0000

Foldable solar power plant – one unit is good for 60 families

Solar ovens and thermal solar power to heat your water is great if you have a steady place to live. But when a disaster strikes, such as an earthquake, landslide or flood, what are you to do? Engineers from earthquake-prone Turkey have created a portable, foldable solar power pack that can provide basic power services to homes and villages in the event of a natural disaster.

Turkey has also seen an influx of unstable populations of Syrian refugees over the years, along with North African migrants heading to Europe. This new solution could also help Lebanese living under the hands of terror factions and without a stable government creating chaos and power outages in Beirut, and basically all over Lebanon.

One unit can provide the power needs for 60 families.

The Turkish solar photovoltaic system or mini “power plant” puts out of 15 kW. And it can be installed in 15 minutes. A 15kW system can generate about 15,000 watts of power in the brightest days of the year, and this is equivalent to powering 500 laptops simultaneously. Factors like clouds, dust, temperature, and age of equipment will affect the affect actual power output.

The micro solar power plant, inventors say, is handy in case of disasters and for refugees. The same Turkish company is developing a portable hydropower turbine of up to 1 MW aimed for use on canals and small streams with little or no assembly required. Countries like Canada and the US are great for hydropower because of the streams and rivers. Drier countries, the sun is better.

The portable mini solar power plant can be switched on in a second, with no mention of how to maintain the battery system which we know requires a certain kind of skill and finesse.

The market sees no shortage of mini solar power systems. Our friend bought one, twice, in Costco, for about $15,000 USD each time. Both winters when the system wasn’t maintained correctly, the batteries were destroyed – meaning that when a company says the system is “easy” and hassle free, we think it’s important to read the small print.

But Turks know how painful it can be without power: When a devastating earthquake hit Kahramanmaraş last year, Turkey’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources reached out to its homegrown company firm Türkiye Electromechanic Industry (Temsan) asking the engineers to develop a local solution to natural disasters.

Shoddy construction, old buildings made from natural materials, along with mismanagement and deceitful building practices mean that there are many casualties and chaos whenever Turkey has an earthquake. We hope this government-supported project can help Turkey develop its infrastructure.

The mini power unit called the Mobitem is a 2.5-meter-high container of 21 square meters in total.

The post A new foldable, moveable 15kw solar power plant for disaster zones appeared first on Green Prophet.

Desert art and solar energy in Oman

Julie Steinbeck — Thu, 30 May 2024 06:50:30 +0000

French-Swiss artist Saype realized a giant landart painting on March 11th, 2023 at the Ibri solar farm, Ibri 2 IPP Project, in Oman.

Oman is increasingly becoming a key player in the global push towards renewable energy, leveraging its vast desert landscapes to harness solar power. Look to the Ibri Solar Project, a 500 MW capacity plant that underscores the nation’s commitment to diversifying its energy sources and reducing its carbon footprint and diversifying away from oil.

Highlighting this beautiful scene is the French-Swiss artist Saype who laid out a mural of hope in the sands of the Wahiba Desert. With an overall area of 11,250 square meters, this artwork was created using biodegradable pigments made out of charcoal and chalk. This work questions us about our relationship to energy, and the new solutions to get out of fossil fuels.

The Ibri Solar Project, located in Al Dhahirah Governorate, is a cornerstone of Oman’s renewable energy strategy. Operational since early 2021, it represents a significant leap in the nation’s quest to derive 30% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

The plant, covering an area of 1,300 hectares, features over 1.4 million solar panels and is expected to produce approximately 1,500 GWh of clean electricity annually. This is sufficient to power around 50,000 homes and reduce CO2 emissions by about 340,000 tons per year, equivalent to taking nearly 70,000 cars off the road

The project is a collaboration between the Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) and a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s fossil fuel company ACWA Power, which includes Gulf Investment Corporation and Alternative Energy Projects Company. ACWA Power is the lead investor in the project with a 50 percent stake, GIC has a 40 percent stake and AEPC controls the remaining 10 percent.

Saype’s mural spanned over 5,000 square meters of the desert, depicting a pair of hands holding a seedling. This artwork, part of his worldwide “Beyond Walls” project, aims to connect communities across borders through a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and social unity. Let’s hope the same can happen between Gaza and Israel.

The post Desert art and solar energy in Oman appeared first on Green Prophet.

Downgrade your expectations for solar energy investments in the UK

Green Prophet — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 09:56:33 +0000

A perfect storm of inflation, supply chain disruption, spiralling interest rates and delays in connection to the UK’s national grid means that the swathe of solar farms approved and going through planning permission in the UK are likely to be severely delayed or cancelled undermining any hopes of achieving a government target of a fivefold increase to 70GW by 2035.

A new study by Huw Evans, an Energy Consultant and former Head of Global Economics for BG Group suggests that under the current macro-Economic conditions and impasse at obtaining connection to the National Grid, any chance of these solar farms being viable in the near future is negligible.

The UK government has gambled heavily on promoting solar energy to achieve its stated goal to be carbon neutral by 2035, he says.

In his report, Evans goes on to say that despite greatly increased prices offered by the Government in their Contract for Difference (CfD) allocation round, to encourage Renewable Energy, where prices have been increased by 30% for Solar Energy, solar developers will still struggle to make any return on their investment.

That is before you take into any account delays in connecting to the national grid. “The UK Government has vastly underestimated the increasing costs to develop solar farms, where their assumptions suggest the UK can develop Solar Energy cheaper than anywhere else in the world; based on published data, which is clearly unrealistic!” he says.

The UK not ideal for solar power

Within the report, Evans points to International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) data that shows that given the UK’s climate, solar energy is within the worst 5% areas in the world to develop solar electricity, as only 10%-11% of the capacity of Solar Farms will ever be generated annually compared to double that in places such as Spain, Australia and parts of the US.

For Grid connection, as of November 2023, there are 1,300 projects that are awaiting connection to the grid which amounts to 400 Giga Watts (GW) of Grid access requirements. Companies applying for Grid access have been told they have to wait 15 years before any electricity they produce can be sold.

New rules issued by The National Grid to alleviate the backlog of connections which effectively are “get on, get back or get out of the energy queue” are in danger of creating thousands of acres of White Elephants, as grid connections continue to be delayed with diggers tearing up the landscape and then being suspended as projects are put on hold pending a grid connection date.

Evans points out that this as already happened in Torquay Devon where diggers have already cleared the site only to be told that Grid connection will be at least 5 years and there are indications that that could slip into the mid 2030s.

He further notes that Centrica have said that approximately 80% of the 300 substations across England and Wales need upgrading and “supergrid transformers are huge bits of kit that weigh several hundred tonnes, and it takes years to install them.

“We’re talking five to eight years for each one of these.”

For projects to progress they will probably need an allocation of a Contract for Difference (CfD) in the auction rounds, which come with a deadline of when the project needs to come on stream, a date from The National Grid to be connected which may or may not be in line with the deadline set by the CfD and provide the investor and financiers with a viable return on their investment which in the current climate is very doubtful.

The post Downgrade your expectations for solar energy investments in the UK appeared first on Green Prophet.

Who was Mária Telkes, the solar energy Sun Queen?

Karin Kloosterman — Sun, 07 Jan 2024 10:38:13 +0000

Mária Telkes, a solar energy pioneer. The Hungarian-American biophysicist and inventor Mária Telkes pioneered solar energy by inventing a solar oven, a solar desalination kit and, in the late 1940s, she helped design one of the first solar-heated houses.

Mária Telkes, born on December 12, 1900, in Budapest, Hungary, emerged as a solar energy pioneer long before the world would turn to renewable energy. She invented a solar oven, a solar desalination kit and, in the late 1940s, she helped design one of the first solar-heated houses. She is known as the Sun Queen.

Telkes, who came from a Jewish family that converted to Christianity, studied at the University of Budapest and then later in Switzerland at the University of Geneva where she mastered chemistry and physics, and earned a Ph.D. in 1924.

In 1925, while visiting her uncle in Cleveland, USA, she worked along the renowned surgeon George Washington Crile who performed the first successful blood transfusion.

Telkes dedicated the next 12 years of her life to researching the energy changes cells undergo during death or cancer, resulting in the publication of their findings in a collaborative book.

Upon becoming an American in 1937, Telkes joined Westinghouse Electric, where her focus shifted towards solar energy in 1939 upon becoming a member of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Solar Energy Conversion project.

As the world grappled with the Second World War, Telkes was enlisted by the Office of Scientific Research and Development (OSRD), which worked on the Manhattan Project. Her task was to leverage solar energy to transform salty water into drinkable water, addressing the critical issue of dehydration faced by soldiers at sea.

Maria Telkes solar energy invention so soldiers could drink water at sea

In response, Telkes invented the first solar water distillation device, capable of producing one liter of drinkable water per day using seawater. This innovation quickly became a standard component in every soldier’s pack, earning her a merit from OSRD for her invaluable contribution.

Maria Telkes dscribed the science of solar desalination in this paper from 1953

However, Telkes’ most renowned invention was the creation of the first solar house in 1948, the Dover Sun House, near Boston, designed by Eleanor Raymond and tested by the Némethy family, Telkes’ relatives.

Maria Telkes and the Dover Sun House. The large windows faced the sun and collected heat and stored the energy in salts. Dover Sun House was one of the world’s first solar-heated houses. It was designed by architect Eleanor Raymond and had a heating system developed by physicist Mária Telkes. Client Amelia Peabody made it noteworthy for being “exclusively a feminine project.”

To tackle the challenge of storing solar energy for use on cloudy days, Telkes ingeniously employed a glauber salt solution (natrium sulfuricium) with a low melting point (32 °C) and high enthalpy of fusion, capable of storing solar energy for up to ten days.

Despite initial challenges – the unusually cold winter of 1948 and subsequent leakage in the solution tanks in 1953 – the solar house laid the groundwork for the acceptance of solar energy as a viable heating source.

“It was a proof of premise, a radical idea for her to be thinking that broadly and to think that far ahead and actually create a liveable house as an experiment,” says Andrew Nemethy, who was a boy who lived in the Dover Sun House growing up. “She needed astronauts, and I guess we were the lucky ones,” he said in a PBS documentary.

This marked a significant shift, considering that sustainable development was not yet a recognized term. People began incorporating solar panels into house designs, often complemented by traditional heating systems in areas with insufficient sunny days.

The Dover Sun House was demolished in 2010. A PBS documentary explores the contribution of Telkers and the Dover Sun House that would be heated only by the sun in a New England winter.

Maria Telkes outside the Dover Sun House in the PBS documentary about the Dover Sun House.

Telkes received the Society of Women Engineers Award in 1952, earning the moniker “The Sun Queen” in the United States.

In 1953, when Telkes was at New York University, she received a Ford Foundation grant to develop a solar stove that could be used in developing countries. Like the designs previous, she took a simple approach.

The stove was constructed as an insulated metal box equipped with doors on both ends, topped with glass over the food placement area. Harnessing the sun’s rays, the glass amplified their intensity, aided by four metal plates strategically angled at 60 degrees.

Diagram of Maria Telkes solar cooker

Triangular mirrors positioned between the plates further enhanced the amplification of solar wavelengths. Remarkably, the stove could reach temperatures of 400 degrees, requiring no specialized materials for its construction and boasting an affordable price tag of merely four dollars.

Dr. Maria Telkes, “world’s most famous woman inventor in solar energy,” speaks with Dr. J.E. Hobson (left) and Thomas K. Hitch.

Its user-friendly design (you can download the instructions here) found a welcoming market in midcentury India, precisely the tropical climate its inventor had envisioned. Telkes enthusiastically praised its merits to a reporter during a cooking demonstration, expressing, “Everything seems to taste so much better when it is cooked by the sun.”

In 1977, the American Solar Energy Society honored her with the Charles Greeley Abbot Award. At the age of 90 in 1990, Telkes submitted her last invention, leaving an indelible mark on the field.

Returning to her hometown, Budapest, after 70 years, Telkes passed away on December 2, 1995, at the age of 94. In recognition of her unparalleled contributions, she was posthumously inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2012, alongside physicist Dénes Gábor.

Mária Telkes’ legacy endures as an inspiration for future innovators and a testament to the transformative power of solar energy in shaping a sustainable future.

The post Who was Mária Telkes, the solar energy Sun Queen? appeared first on Green Prophet.