Thursday November 10, 2005

Peak Oil course at Ohio State University

peakoil.com -> ohio-state.edu :

The objectives of Sustainability and Peak Oil (Geol Sci 694) are to explore and understand how societies can cope with and adapt to decreasing supplies of fossil fuels, and to determine the status of alternative energy sources and conservation.

Van der Veen and McKenzie are seeking exceptional graduate and honors students from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines to investigate several key questions for society. Will the transition from fossil fuels to a sustainable society with renewable energy sources be catastrophic? Does the end of cheap energy mean the end of globalization and economic growth? How much hardship will dramatically higher oil prices cause globally? When will the peak occur? ...

- This is interesting, Peak Oil being actually taught as a formal subject in a university.

(2005-11-10 23:58:37 SGT) [Energy] Permalink

Small cars staging big comeback

peakoil.com -> cnn.com :

While America's long love affair with enormous SUVs may be waning, a new market is being discovered at the other end of the scale. Very small cars are making a comeback.

Last week, Toyota unveiled the Yaris, which is smaller and less expensive than the popular Toyota Corolla. Honda will be introducing the Fit and Nissan plans to roll out the Versa. Hyundai and Kia have recently introduced redesigned versions of the Hyundai Accent and the Kia Rio. Next year, Chevrolet will be releasing a redesigned Aveo.

In this market segment, cars have two major selling points. They're dirt-cheap and they're fuel-efficient. Car companies aren't expecting huge sales volume from cars like these, but these cheap models offer car companies a way to get new, young buyers into the showroom and get them hooked on the brand.

See also :

1. Ford, GM SUV sales nosedive
2. Delphi Files for Bankruptcy
3. GM posts massive quarterly loss
4. China to promote small cars to save energy

(2005-11-10 13:11:12 SGT) [Energy] Permalink

"Nuclear power best", scientists report

The only way to plug Britain's growing "energy gap" is to build more nuclear power stations, scientists said in a report published by the Geological Society. The group of 150 academics and energy industry specialists concluded that in order to achieve the Government's target for reducing greenhouse gases and meet the demand for energy, Britain must replace its nuclear power stations as they reach the end of their useful lives.

Nuclear power stations currently supply 21.5 per cent of Britain's electricity while renewable sources such as biofuel, solar, and wind power provide 4.5 per cent. Most coal-fired power stations are unable to meet European Union emission standards and will be closed within a decade, cutting generation capacity by 35 per cent.

See also :

1. Energy crisis 'will be permanent'

(2005-11-10 12:54:21 SGT) [Energy] Permalink

18-year-old wins mayor election

Not exactly peak oil-related, but interesting in its own right :

peakoil.com -> detnews.com :

An 18-year-old high school student has been elected mayor after mounting a write-in campaign to oust the 51-year-old incumbent. With all the votes counted, Michael Sessions had 732 votes to 668 for Mayor Doug Ingles.

Hillsdale (population 8,200) is home to the 160-year-old, 1,200-student Hillsdale College. Pending clearance by the County Board of Canvassers on Thursday, Sessions will be the youngest mayor in city history, the Hillsdale Daily News reported.

(2005-11-10 12:41:01 SGT) [Musings] Permalink

Most popular blog postings on lowem.log :

1. Singapore MRT rail network length to double by 2020
2. 2010 Nissan Leaf electric car specifications : 107hp, 24KWh lithium-ion batteries, 100-mile range
3. Live spot gold price quotes chart on COMEX
4. 2010 Toyota Prius specifications released : 50 mpg, 1.8L, 134hp, Ni-MH, solar roof option
5. AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 2011 direct download link
6. Real-time live gold and silver price quotes chart on COMEX
7. Singapore electric vehicles : Government agencies EMA and LTA to study EV introduction
8. Book review : Shut Down by William Flynn

Featured articles on lowem.log :

1. Book review : Shut Down by William Flynn
2. Singapore electric cars testing starts with 9 electric vehicles
3. Honda, GS Yuasa JV to make lithium-ion batteries for 2010/2011 Honda Civic Hybrid
4. 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid preliminary specifications released
5. 2010 Honda CR-Z hybrid, 2010 Honda Fit/Jazz hybrid models confirmed
6. 2010 Toyota Prius specifications released : 50 mpg, 1.8L, 134hp, Ni-MH, solar roof option
7. NYMEX crude oil recovers from $32.40 low after 2.2 mbpd OPEC production cut announced
8. Singapore : Nuclear power not ruled out