Apparently Sheffield has big hopes. In fact, the city is hoping to become the UK’s very first self-sufficient energy city, according to UK energy minister Chris Huhne. On top of all of this, this deal has already been given Huhne’s full support.
While the energy minister was visiting the city, he stopped by the University of Sheffield. It is here where they are working on world leading research in sustainable technology. Overall, the goal is to come up with technology that can help a city become fully sustainable.
His visit to this city follows an announcement made by the Sheffield City Council and energy company E.ON. They have announced that they are working hard to form a city-wide partnership that will help the city produce enough renewable energy to become self-sufficient. Overtime, the long-term goal would be for the city to produce enough energy that it could even sell some excess energy back into the national grid.
So this brings up the question, why is E.ON choosing to partner with Sheffield over other cities. Apparently E.ON has chosen Sheffield because of its international expertise on developing renewable energy technology, pretty much meaning that E.ON has faith that Sheffield has the willpower to make such a scheme work.
This is a big deal in the making. The overall goal of the government would be to see other cities make these kind of deals with other energy companies. Overtime, all cities could become self-sufficient and, thus, would be able to supply their own energy. Then all of the excess energy that the UK makes could be sold to other countries.
Monday, 28 February 2011
Friday, 25 February 2011
Energetics and their relative market product position in comparison to the Ceramic Fuel Cell's Bluegen
Posted by ProperCharlie - 25 Feb'11 - 08:49
I wrote to CFU asking about Energetics and their relative market / product position. I thought you might be interested in this response I received,
"....Thank you for your note and your support for CFU.
A few points about Energetix and other mCHP products:
- Energetix and all other mCHP products are heaters that produce a small amount of power as a byproduct. BlueGen is the opposite - a mini power station with a small amount of heat. We think power is more valuable than heat, so maximise electrical efficiency. That's also the way to maximise carbon savings and energy bill savings.
- The key measure is electrical efficiency- other mCHP products are often less than 10% - BlueGen is >50%, peak of 60%- so they are very different offerings.
- There is plenty of room for a range of CHP technologies and products. They have different features/benefits and suit different types of buildings. It is not a binary choice - there will be fuel cells and other CHP products (not or). (Although of course we think we've got a compelling advantage through highest electrical efficiency....if you want a heater, buy a condensing boiler...)
- We think it's a good thing that EON and other large utilities are investing in a range of CHP products. It makes it more likely that they will actually deploy products in volume. It's a sensible approach to have a portfolio of products and customer offerings. Again, it's not a binary choice.
- The market is vast and we are in early sales. A range of low emissions technologies will be needed to quickly make large carbon cuts. Perhaps in a few years we will be competing for market share - but for now all mCHP products need to create the market, before we start dividing it!
PS if you need a 3rd party source for relative electrical efficiencies etc, UK Carbon Trust did a good report in late 2007 - summary attached, and also see http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/emerging-technologies/current-focus-areas/pages/micro-combined-heat-power.aspx. It's a bit dated now but will give you the key points.
Once again thanks for your support.
Regards
Andrew Neilson
Group General Manager - Commercial...."
I wrote to CFU asking about Energetics and their relative market / product position. I thought you might be interested in this response I received,
"....Thank you for your note and your support for CFU.
A few points about Energetix and other mCHP products:
- Energetix and all other mCHP products are heaters that produce a small amount of power as a byproduct. BlueGen is the opposite - a mini power station with a small amount of heat. We think power is more valuable than heat, so maximise electrical efficiency. That's also the way to maximise carbon savings and energy bill savings.
- The key measure is electrical efficiency- other mCHP products are often less than 10% - BlueGen is >50%, peak of 60%- so they are very different offerings.
- There is plenty of room for a range of CHP technologies and products. They have different features/benefits and suit different types of buildings. It is not a binary choice - there will be fuel cells and other CHP products (not or). (Although of course we think we've got a compelling advantage through highest electrical efficiency....if you want a heater, buy a condensing boiler...)
- We think it's a good thing that EON and other large utilities are investing in a range of CHP products. It makes it more likely that they will actually deploy products in volume. It's a sensible approach to have a portfolio of products and customer offerings. Again, it's not a binary choice.
- The market is vast and we are in early sales. A range of low emissions technologies will be needed to quickly make large carbon cuts. Perhaps in a few years we will be competing for market share - but for now all mCHP products need to create the market, before we start dividing it!
PS if you need a 3rd party source for relative electrical efficiencies etc, UK Carbon Trust did a good report in late 2007 - summary attached, and also see http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/emerging-technologies/current-focus-areas/pages/micro-combined-heat-power.aspx. It's a bit dated now but will give you the key points.
Once again thanks for your support.
Regards
Andrew Neilson
Group General Manager - Commercial...."
RNS 25 February 2011 Director Shareholding Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited
RNS Number : 8453B
Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited
25 February 2011
25 February 2011
Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited
Director Shareholding
Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited (AIM / ASX: CFU) announces that on 23 February 2011, Mr Roy Rose, a non-executive director of Ceramic Fuel Cells, via his superannuation fund (Holmwood Enterprises), purchased 100,000 ordinary shares in Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of AUD 0.125, representing 0.00% of the issued share capital.
Following this announcement Mr Roy Rose is interested, directly or indirectly, in a total of 216,666 Ordinary Shares representing 0.00% of the issued share capital.
For further information please contact:
Ceramic Fuel Cells
Andrew Neilson Tel: +613 9554
2300
Email: investor@cfcl.com.au
Nomura Code Securities (AIM Tel: +44 (0) 207
Nomad) 776 1200
Juliet Thompson, Chris Golden www.nomuracode.com
About Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited:
Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited is a world leader in developing fuel cell technology to provide highly efficient and low-emission electricity from widely available natural gas. Ceramic Fuel Cells is developing fully integrated power and heating products with leading energy companies E.ON UK in the United Kingdom, GdF Suez in France and EWE in Germany. The company has sold BlueGen units to major utilities and other foundation customers in Germany, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Japan, Australia and the USA.
Ceramic Fuel Cells is listed on the London Stock Exchange AIM market and the Australian Securities Exchange (code CFU).
www.cfcl.com.au
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited
25 February 2011
25 February 2011
Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited
Director Shareholding
Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited (AIM / ASX: CFU) announces that on 23 February 2011, Mr Roy Rose, a non-executive director of Ceramic Fuel Cells, via his superannuation fund (Holmwood Enterprises), purchased 100,000 ordinary shares in Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of AUD 0.125, representing 0.00% of the issued share capital.
Following this announcement Mr Roy Rose is interested, directly or indirectly, in a total of 216,666 Ordinary Shares representing 0.00% of the issued share capital.
For further information please contact:
Ceramic Fuel Cells
Andrew Neilson Tel: +613 9554
2300
Email: investor@cfcl.com.au
Nomura Code Securities (AIM Tel: +44 (0) 207
Nomad) 776 1200
Juliet Thompson, Chris Golden www.nomuracode.com
About Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited:
Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited is a world leader in developing fuel cell technology to provide highly efficient and low-emission electricity from widely available natural gas. Ceramic Fuel Cells is developing fully integrated power and heating products with leading energy companies E.ON UK in the United Kingdom, GdF Suez in France and EWE in Germany. The company has sold BlueGen units to major utilities and other foundation customers in Germany, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Japan, Australia and the USA.
Ceramic Fuel Cells is listed on the London Stock Exchange AIM market and the Australian Securities Exchange (code CFU).
www.cfcl.com.au
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
Thursday, 24 February 2011
Oil prices continue to rise. Is Peak-Oil time coming?
The world economy could be in for a massive shock as oil prices continue to rise.
Oil strategist at Nomura, Michael Lo, estimates that oil prices could top $220-a-barrel - almost double today's high of $119 - if both Libya and Algeria halt production as a result of political unrest.
He told The Daily Telegraph: "We could be underestimating this as speculative activities were largely not present in 1990-1991."
The oil price increases, coupled with such warnings, spell danger for economic recovery, as inflation feeds through the supply chain.
RMI Petrol, the body which represents fuel retailers, said prices demanded by wholesalers have risen "an unprecedented" 3p-a-litre so far this week and that increase is set to feed into pump prices by the weekend.
As it stands, the average price for a litre of unleaded is 128.9p, with diesel 134.3p.
The cost of filling up has soared as a result of higher oil and taxes
It is estimated that Libya's daily output of 1.6 million barrels has already been cut by more than half because of the uncertainty there.
Three major foreign producers, Eni, BASF and Winthershall, have turned off the taps.
Together they produce 450,000 barrels a day.
One of the largest tribes in eastern Libya has threatened to cut off exports from the port of Banghazi unless the violence against pro-democracy protesters stops.
Another tribe, based south of the capital Tripoli, has also turned against Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's regime.
Saudi Arabia has said it could produce an extra four million barrels a day to make up any lost capacity and help keep prices stable.
But that has done nothing to stop the speculators and limit the sense of market panic.
The political unrest is already hitting oil deliveries
The biggest fear is that the turmoil could spread across the Middle East and North Africa, which together produce a third of the world's oil.
RMI Petrol chairman Brian Madderson told Sky News: "RMI Petrol predicts that rises will filter through to petrol forecourts over the next few weeks, leading to an estimated 5p per litre increase by April 1."
He has called for April's planned fuel duty increase to be frozen and for the Government to introduce structures so duty falls when oil prices rise.
Chancellor George Osborne has said he is considering a fuel duty stabliliser.
Oil strategist at Nomura, Michael Lo, estimates that oil prices could top $220-a-barrel - almost double today's high of $119 - if both Libya and Algeria halt production as a result of political unrest.
He told The Daily Telegraph: "We could be underestimating this as speculative activities were largely not present in 1990-1991."
The oil price increases, coupled with such warnings, spell danger for economic recovery, as inflation feeds through the supply chain.
RMI Petrol, the body which represents fuel retailers, said prices demanded by wholesalers have risen "an unprecedented" 3p-a-litre so far this week and that increase is set to feed into pump prices by the weekend.
As it stands, the average price for a litre of unleaded is 128.9p, with diesel 134.3p.
The cost of filling up has soared as a result of higher oil and taxes
It is estimated that Libya's daily output of 1.6 million barrels has already been cut by more than half because of the uncertainty there.
Three major foreign producers, Eni, BASF and Winthershall, have turned off the taps.
Together they produce 450,000 barrels a day.
One of the largest tribes in eastern Libya has threatened to cut off exports from the port of Banghazi unless the violence against pro-democracy protesters stops.
Another tribe, based south of the capital Tripoli, has also turned against Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's regime.
Saudi Arabia has said it could produce an extra four million barrels a day to make up any lost capacity and help keep prices stable.
But that has done nothing to stop the speculators and limit the sense of market panic.
The political unrest is already hitting oil deliveries
The biggest fear is that the turmoil could spread across the Middle East and North Africa, which together produce a third of the world's oil.
RMI Petrol chairman Brian Madderson told Sky News: "RMI Petrol predicts that rises will filter through to petrol forecourts over the next few weeks, leading to an estimated 5p per litre increase by April 1."
He has called for April's planned fuel duty increase to be frozen and for the Government to introduce structures so duty falls when oil prices rise.
Chancellor George Osborne has said he is considering a fuel duty stabliliser.
British Gas profits rose by 24% to a record £742m last year
British Gas has ignited customer criticism after reporting its profits rose by 24% to a record £742m last year.
The announcement was made two months after the company raised prices by 7%, during the worst winter in a century.
Around eight million British Gas customers were affected by the December 10 increase, and saw their average annual bills rise from £1,157 to £1,239.
Adam Scorer of Consumer Focus told Sky News: "Millions of households are suffering from fuel poverty which is when 10% of their income goes on the cost of keeping warm and powering the lights."
"I think when consumers see the size of these profits you can expect them to be somewhere on the spectrum from very frustrated to outraged."
Centrica Share Price 1-Year Chart
Sam Laidlaw, chief executive of Centrica - which owns British Gas - said the energy industry was in a volatile situation with commodity prices, but his company would do all it could to keep bills as low as possible.
He said British Gas would help reduce bills by providing free loft or cavity insulation to customers who buy its electricity as well as its gas.
But speaking to Sky News, British Gas' managing director Phil Bentley seemed to open up the offer to all customers - not just those who were "first in, first served".
But a company spokesman later clarified his comments by saying any customer could apply for free loft or cavity wall insulation as long as they did so online before the end of May.
British Gas is part of the energy giant Centrica
The offer was also limited to 200,000 households, the company said.
British Gas added 270,000 customers last year and is the UK's biggest gas supplier with 16 million customer accounts.
It is owned by energy giant Centrica which also revealed record figures, with its operating profits up by 29% at £2.4bn.
Centrica says recent prices increases were down to soaring wholesale prices.
The company also claims British Gas prices were 0.5% lower at the end of 2010 than at the start of the year after the supplier cut bills by 7% in February.
Ofgem, the energy watchdog, is leading an investigation into the energy giants' balance sheets after discovering average profit margins had increased as companies claimed they had no choice but to lift bills.
The announcement was made two months after the company raised prices by 7%, during the worst winter in a century.
Around eight million British Gas customers were affected by the December 10 increase, and saw their average annual bills rise from £1,157 to £1,239.
Adam Scorer of Consumer Focus told Sky News: "Millions of households are suffering from fuel poverty which is when 10% of their income goes on the cost of keeping warm and powering the lights."
"I think when consumers see the size of these profits you can expect them to be somewhere on the spectrum from very frustrated to outraged."
Centrica Share Price 1-Year Chart
Sam Laidlaw, chief executive of Centrica - which owns British Gas - said the energy industry was in a volatile situation with commodity prices, but his company would do all it could to keep bills as low as possible.
He said British Gas would help reduce bills by providing free loft or cavity insulation to customers who buy its electricity as well as its gas.
But speaking to Sky News, British Gas' managing director Phil Bentley seemed to open up the offer to all customers - not just those who were "first in, first served".
But a company spokesman later clarified his comments by saying any customer could apply for free loft or cavity wall insulation as long as they did so online before the end of May.
British Gas is part of the energy giant Centrica
The offer was also limited to 200,000 households, the company said.
British Gas added 270,000 customers last year and is the UK's biggest gas supplier with 16 million customer accounts.
It is owned by energy giant Centrica which also revealed record figures, with its operating profits up by 29% at £2.4bn.
Centrica says recent prices increases were down to soaring wholesale prices.
The company also claims British Gas prices were 0.5% lower at the end of 2010 than at the start of the year after the supplier cut bills by 7% in February.
Ofgem, the energy watchdog, is leading an investigation into the energy giants' balance sheets after discovering average profit margins had increased as companies claimed they had no choice but to lift bills.
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