Which way is the wind blowin' ?
The folks at Emerging Energy are looking at the year past and the year to come. Here's their optimistic take on what's up with carbon dioxide emissions and carbon footprint reduction:
"Recently, the EU acted to commit to 20% CO2 reductions by 2020. Europe is helping to catalyze a new agreement among the world's major developed and developing CO2 emitters for collective action on climate change.
"Japan has announced that it will also commit to long term CO2 targets and is working toward a new framework that may mend differences between the EU, China, and the US.
"Political turnover has seen Australia join the Kyoto bloc of nations and move forward with a domestic cap-and-trade scheme despite its heavy reliance on coal.
"The number of US states engaged in regional carbon reduction initiatives has grown from the coasts to the interior, such that 27 of 50 states - representing 49% of US power generation - are positioned to adopt carbon restrictions, irrespective of US federal action.
"Carbon capture and sequestration strategies are gaining momentum in both the EU and North America as permitting legislation for geologic carbon sequestration has been set in motion. This is complemented by a host of carbon capture demonstration projects set to begin operation in 2008.
"In China, the GreenGen project is providing the largest power generators in the world's largest coal market with insight into IGCC and carbon capture. This could become significant as mounting international pressure and domestic environmental concerns accelerate climate policies in China."
On wind power, EER finds China and the U.S. leading the way:
"2007 ended with a bang as preliminary estimates suggest that the global wind industry reached a new high with over 18 GW installed, boosted by the twin market drivers of growth in the Americas and Asia. The US and China surged as the market’s motors, combining for nearly half of the world’s total MW added.
"The fourth quarter of 2007 showcased the major drivers of this record growth. Utilities on both sides of the Atlantic continue their foray into wind power ownership, putting the wind IPP model on more tenuous footing. E.ON acquired Airtricity North America, while MidAmerican shows no signs of relinquishing its dominance of Iowa wind. Continued M&A in the US, coupled with a drive to execute prior to the PTC’s spring 1 January 2009 deadline, have catapulted the market into a strong leadership position despite longer term transmission concerns in key states."