The sun is the most abundant source of renewable energy. But all the technologies that capitalize on sunlight, including photovoltaics and biofuels, require intermediate steps and infrastructure to turn the sun’s rays into something that can be used to perform work in a machine. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, are using carbon nanotubes to build small, simple waterborne machines propelled directly by sunlight. In theory, they say, these machines could be scaled up to make energy-generating pumps directly powered by the sun.
The sun-powered machines rely on water’s surface tension. Water molecules are strongly attracted to one another. These high-energy interactions can, under the right conditions, pull objects across the water.
Full article at Technology Review.
Energy, Innovation, Solar
Talks are going on between Pakistan and Iran on the gas pipeline deal. Do you think it will work out or do you think that the conditions are not good for this deal?
Business Recorder writes:
Pakistan and Iran are said to have agreed to resolve the disputes on gas pipeline project in accordance with the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), sources in Petroleum Ministry told Business Recorder.
The two countries are expected to trim the Gas Sale Purchase Agreement (GSPA), possibly during the current week, to materialise the much-delayed multi billion dollars project.
On April 8, 2009, the Federal Cabinet gave approval for the project, subject to the condition that, for the present, Pakistan should not commit to purchasing more than 750 mmcfd gas, against the initial plan of one billion cubic feet, at offered crude oil parity of 80 percent.
Gas, Infrastructure, Pakistan
One of the amazing things about energy sector in Pakistan is how payments are managed among government/other departments and agencies. Hubco had a large balance due which was finally paid by Wapda. This payment issue is said to be one of the reasons behind power shortage. After all, cash flow is the blood for every industry.
Associated Press of Pakisan reports:
The Hub Power Company (Hubco) has received a payment of outstanding amount of Rs 35.458 billion from the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) through circular debt settlement arranged by the Federal government. According to Hubco communique despatched to Karachi Stocks Exchange, Rs 30.156 billion were immediately paid to Pakistan State Oil (PSO) in accordance with settlement procedure. After this settlement, the receivables against Wapda are estimated at Rs 27.8 billion, while Hubco has to pay Rs 24 billion to PSO against the supply of furnace oil.
Electricity, Oil, Pakistan
