Subsidies for solar power to be cut by Germany

Germany's government is planning to cut subsidies for solar installations by up to 30 percent due to higher-than-expected demand. The reductions, which could happen within one year, are also down to the scheme proving more costly than initially projected. Germany has been at the forefront of renewable installations in recent years, however the rise in solar projects has surpassed government expectations.

Owners of solar installations in Germany receive a guaranteed above-market price for the electricity they sell to the energy grid. Last year that amounted to a subsidy of around €6 billion (US$7.9 billion), which is financed through a levy on each household’s electricity bill. Concerns have been raised over how the subsidy cuts could affect domestic solar companies, as reductions could come into place as early as next month. Read more ...

Biodiesel being produced from microalgae oil

With the diminishing stocks of fossils and their combustion causing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels to increase, the demand and need for alternatives is on the rise. In Germany they are producing biodiesel from microalgae oils. A research team from the Technische Universitaet Muenchen have now introduced a new catalytic process that allows the effective conversion of bio-petroleum from microalgae into diesel fuels.

Plant oils from sources such as soybean and rapeseed are promising starting materials for the production of biofuels. Microalgae are an interesting alternative to these conventional oil-containing crops. Microalgae are individual cells or short chains of cells from algae freely moving through water. Read more ...

Agritechnica: China arrives in force

Agritechnica the Worlds largest exhibition for agricultural machinery and equipment, is currently on in Hanover, Germany. One of the largest exhibiting countries at Agritechnica this year is from China With more than 80 exhibitors and a delegation of around 1000 agricultural, government and industry representatives, the Chinese representation is creating an impact in Hanover. Read more ...

International Algae Congress starts early December

The fifth International Algae Congress will be held on December 1 and 2 and takes place in the Radisson DOM hotel in Berlin, Germany. Dr Eppink said “We would like to give visitors a glimpse into the complexity of the applications of bio-refinery of algae. How can you extract valuable substances like sugars, fats and proteins from these organisms and then use them in the nutrition, health and chemical markets. Read more ...

Germany's north shore renewable energy gold rush

In the Northwest of Germany there an atmosphere similar to that of the American gold rush area, and the cause of this is renewable resources. This promises good jobs and great promises for the depressed Northwest regions of Germany. Natural resources are attracting investors and industry of the simple variety like wind, sunshine, agricultural products, and farm waste like liquid manure. "Renewable energy has become extremely valuable for our state," said its premier, Erwin Selling, in an interview with Reuters. Read more ...