The sea is an abundant source of energy and, with traditional supplies constantly fluctuating in price and subject to extinction, wave power could be an ideal solution for many countries (particularly Ireland). A good number of start-ups in the US and Britain have seen the potential business opportunities; Earth2Tech has a snapshot of 13 that are worth watching.
On Saturday, turn off your lights and other electricity bits and pieces for one hour. The Irish event runs from 8pm to 9pm. Read a book by candlelight or maybe go for a walk. Abu Dhabi isn’t involved but I’ve signed up anyway – join me here (even though the website’s font can’t used extended characters, so my name is totally FUBAR).
Hat tip to Emilie.
Google aims to produce 50 megawatts of electricity by 2012.
To put it in context, Ireland’s biggest power station, Moneypoint, produces 855 megawatts and is supposed to be able to cater for 40% of the country’s needs (although the claim is made on the ESB website, a spokeswoman recently said it produces 800 megawatts, or 25% of Ireland’s demand).
But that’s an aside. Google going green makes sense — if it can produce its own power it will increase its independence, limit the risk of blackouts on the main grid, have energy sources close to its centres and, just as importantly, will garner further goodwill.
Data centres in particular gulp down electricity, so it is a sound strategy to have the power source as nearby as possible.
Perhaps it will help fuel the Google global conquest that Damien has predicted.
The Levi-Prodi law and the end of the Internet. A draft law in Italy would require anyone with a blog or a website to register it with the government, produce certificates and pay taxes.
Shannon and the DAA. Seems the Dublin Airport Authority knew about the Aer Lingus plan to scrap the Shannon-Heathrow route but neglected to tell the Shannon Airport Authority.
BT bets big on wind power. I don’t blame them.
Are these 10 common money mistakes keeping you poor? Bet your sweet ass they are, or at least not making things any easier for you.
Immigration, assimilation and identity in geopolitics. As Louisiana elects its first non-white governor in a century, Switzerland elects racists.
Putting a local spin on social networking.
Iran’s leadership battles. Ahmadinejad and Khamenei are at loggerheads.
Misleading headline of the day: How a boozy dinner led Dunphy to finger Bertie. The Sindo in scintillating form.
Windbelt — Third World power. Shawn Frayne has developed a smallscale wind turbine that can power lights and radios, etc. You might never power your house on such technology but it could make a difference after night falls.
Nigeria asks Bill Gates if he is a mooch. Superbillionaire computer boy Bill was initially denied a visa to enter the country after it “required proof he would not reside in Nigeria indefinitely, causing a strain on social services and a general nuisance for immigration”.
Israeli planes struck nuclear site inside Syria, analysts say. Israeli and US analysts that is, seeming to confirm rumours that have abounded since the incident. And courtesy of Gavin, here’s how the aircraft were able to evade detection.
Meanwhile, Sarah Carey does a good job of taking Ireland’s millionaire tax exiles to task:
As long as we have a political system that is run by rich men’s rules, our society will continue to condemn some children to life-long disadvantage and treat others to a lifetime of opportunity simply because one is born in Moyross and the other in Merrion… The tax exile can operate a private form of justice that comforts him, but it does nothing to make the fundamental changes our society needs. In fact, it’s in their interests that unfairness is perpetuated because the system suits them as it is.
At least that’s according to Alistair Croll’s post on Earth2Tech.
If I understand correctly, lousy computer coding increases processing time, which thus increases the amount of energy needed to run a particular application.
Well worth a read, and you can find it here.