In total, the energy wasted at the power station and on the wires is equal to the entire water and space heating demands of all buildings in the UK--industrial, commercial, public and domestic.

Electricity production in the UK is responsible for a third of our carbon emissions. This is the UK's single greatest contribution to climate change. It need not be so. Our centralized model of production and transmission wastes an astonishing two-thirds of primary energy inputs, requiring us to burn far more fuel and emit far more carbon dioxide than necessary. It is hard to imagine a more wasteful and inefficient model than that which currently services the economies of the 'developed' world.
In our existing system, electricity is produced in a small number of large power stations, and then distributed to where it is needed. Because the power stations are generally far from centers of demand, much of the heat which is produced when fossil fuels are burnt is not used, but vented up chimneys or discharged to rivers. This heat loss alone represents a wastage of over 60% of the total energy released by burning the fossil fuels, greenpeace.org reported.
Further losses occur as the electricity travels along the wires of the transmission and distribution systems. In total, the energy wasted at the power station and on the wires is equal to the entire water and space heating demands of all buildings in the UK--industrial, commercial, public and domestic. This is a nonsensical way to run our economy and power our lives.
But there is an alternative. In a decentralized energy system, electricity would be generated close to or at the point of use. Buildings, instead of being passive consumers of energy, would become power stations, constituent parts of local energy networks. They would have solar photovoltaic panels, solar water heaters, micro wind turbines, heat pumps for extracting energy from the earth. They might also be linked to commercial or domestic operated combined heat and power systems.
The massive expansion in renewable capacity that this would represent, and the fact that when fossil fuels were burnt the heat would be captured and used, would lead to dramatic reductions in overall carbon emissions--at least half of all emissions from the power sector, or 15% of total UK emissions.
This radical transformation of our energy system sounds attractive but expensive. But in fact decentralizing our energy sources, instead of replacing our current centralized system, may actually save money in the long run.
A centralized network of cables is an old technology--and a phenomenally expensive one at that. New low-carbon technologies dictate a different infrastructure. According to the International Energy Agency, the European Union will spend $648 billion on modernizing and replacing the transmission and distribution networks. The opportunity to avoid many of these costs means that decentralized energy makes economic as well as environmental sense.
Decentralized energy also offers a way forward for developing nations and for the emerging economic giants like China and India. It is sometimes claimed, fatalistically, that efforts to stabilize the climate will be overwhelmed by China burning its coal reserves. But developing a decentralized energy system in response to its growth in demand for power would enable China to reduce associated carbon emissions by 56% as compared to the centralized scenario--and costs would be reduced by 40% as well.
Unfortunately, the debate in the UK has focused more on whether we need a new generation of nuclear power stations. Nuclear power is the epitome of centralised, outdated electricity generation. Replacing existing nuclear stations with new ones would perpetuate the centralised system, entrenching all the costs and inefficiencies that implies. Such inefficiencies currently waste three times as much energy as would be contributed by new nuclear power stations. It is only because of technological apathy - failure by government and industry to invest in real innovative alternatives - that nuclear power is given any serious consideration.
Decentralizing energy offers a compelling alternative vision, in which we can both combat climate change and roll back the nuclear threat. To give just one example of the potential, if half the houses in the UK were provided with domestic combined heat and power units, which is technically feasible, then the electricity generated would replace the entire nuclear capacity we have today.

The Rs 1.5-crore project will have a solar-hut with a photovoltaic rooftop system that demonstrates how electrical gadgets can function with solar power.
The next time you step into the CityÕs Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain, opposite Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, be prepared to be bowled over by not just the sight of dancing fountains but also for a power-packed performance from solar and non-conventional energy tapping units.
Energy Park, the first-of-its kind in Bangalore, replete with a solar-hut with a photovoltaic rooftop system, a childrenÕs pool with a solar water heater test facility, battery-operated vehicles that will take you around the park and a wind-mill that pumps borewell water among others is all set to take off in the next few weeks. The park will be thrown open to the public after a formal inaugural ceremony in August.
A demonstration of street lighting and garden lights with a small solar panel has been highlighted. Aero-generators (miniature versions of windmills) have been put up at various places in the park to create energy through wind, deccanherald.com said.
The 1.5 crore project has been undertaken by Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL), in association with the Horticultural Department. The venture has also been financially supported by the Ministries of Non-conventional Energy Sources (MNES).
According to KREDL Managing Director Dr. B Shivalingaiah, the park aims to disseminate information to the public about the various non-conventional forms of energy and in turn popularize it. ÒThrough this venture we want to let the public know that one can off-set the impending energy crisis by utilizing non-conventional forms of energy,Ó he said, adding that nearly 70 KVA of power will be generated each day through solar, wind and bio-mass units.
As for the solar-hut that has been made of bamboo, he said the photovoltaic roof system would demonstrate how a normal house with electrical gadgets like fridge, TV and computer games could function with the solar power generated.
Efforts have also been made to educate children about renewable sources of energy. The slides, drums and see-saws in the park have a panel that indicates that energy can be created through friction alone.
The Energy park also boasts of solar cookers that can prepare up to 50 meals a day. Plans are on to rope in leading coffee shops to set up base in the park.
As to whether the entrance fee would be hiked, Horticulture Director Dr. Vasanth Kumar said a nominal fee would be taken from visitors. Currently, the entrance fee is Rs 10 for adults and Rs 5 for children.

Governments throughout the Middle East region are continuing to develop and enhance their energy infrastructures to deal with the massive increase in power demand that is resulting from population growth and the expansion of the industrial sector.
One of the many companies tendering for work related to the project is ABB, the Zurich-based international power and automation technology specialist. Already anticipating its turnover in the UAE to top US$150 million this year, ABB has been heavily involved in a number of high profile projects, building substations for projects including The Palm Jumeirah (at a cost of US$30 million), ameinfo.com said.
'The MENA region is one of the largest markets anywhere in the world for energy related products and services' said Sarah Woodbridge, Exhibition Director, Middle East Electricity Exhibition. 'The growth of the industry here far exceeds global norms--Iran, for example, has grown its power generation output by 53% in the last eight years--and many international companies are therefore establishing and expanding their regional presence to compete for the many highly valuable contracts that are announced on a regular basis'.
ABB is a typical example--'With the MENA region accounting for 30% (US$1.5 billion) of the group's global turnover, Dubai has been developed as a business hub for the region' said Naji Jreijiri, ABB's Head of Automation Products. 'We invested US$3 million on refurbishing our Dubai facility which now features a 7,000 sq m workshop and 2,500 sq m of offices and acts as the central base for our 300 employees in the UAE'.
A stream of new developments, and the enthusiastic adoption of innovative technologies is further stimulating the growth of the energy industry - one of these, Bahrain's US$225 million 'Green City', has been environmentally designed and ecologically oriented, and will have its own desalination and power plants using solar energy, plus a waste water treatment plant and sewerage system based on pressurized air and suction technology.
Solar, wind and water power, alongside natural gas, are also being seriously considered as alternative energy sources that can generate income in Saudi Arabia, with natural gas topping the list as an eventual replacement for petrol.
Middle East Electricity, internationally acknowledged as one of the world's most important trade events of its kind, has been specifically developed to support the development of regional energy infrastructures and stimulate the energy industry. Acting both as a showcase for the global energy industry and a platform that allows the key decision makers from around the region to see, first hand, the latest products and services that the world leaders have to offer.
'The exponential growth in energy demand throughout the region means that governments are heavily committed to undertake essential infrastructural development' added Woodbridge. 'This is reflected right across the industry, with sectors such as cabling experiencing unparalleled demand--evidence of this is the fact that Ducab (Dubai Cable Company) is projecting a sales turnover of US$543 million by 2010 and has opened a new factory in Abu Dhabi, expanding its manufacturing capacity by 60%.'
Already over 90% sold out, Middle East Electricity, which takes place at Dubai's International Exhibition Centre from February 5-8, 2006, has already attracted the leading names from the global industry, with ABB, Eaton Electric, Ducab, LS Group, Lucy Switchgear, Danway, GE Energy, Perkins, Matsushita/Panasonic, Al Babtain, Cummins, Philips and Osram amongst the exhibiting companies. The show will also feature additional country groups making a total of 18 already confirmed.
The event comprehensively covers the energy industry, with specific sections for Lighting (already virtually sold out), Gas, Power Generation and New & Renewable Energy, reinforcing its position as the power behind the Middle East energy industry.

A system that uses waste heat from the batteries of hybrid and electric vehicles to power a carÕs climate control system is under development by a UK project team.
Zytek Electric Vehicles hopes to introduce a heat exchanger that can keep the carÕs cabin warm in winter and cool in summer.
The batteries of hybrid and electric vehicles are good sources of energy because they warm up to between 270? and 340? when the chemical reaction takes place. ZytekÕs vehicles use nickel and sodium chloride batteries, e4engineering.com said.
The reaction that converts the two chemicals into sodium and nickel chloride could produce enough waste heat to power a climate-control system, it is believed.
The Motor Industry Research Association (MIRA) will develop the heat exchanger on behalf of Zytek. Zytek believes that the heat exchanger could operate a climatecontrol system while the battery is being charged without consuming any extra power.
The companyÕs project manager, Ian Harrop, said: ÔWhile itÕs recharging, thereÕs a certain amount of battery that could be used to keep the cabin warm. With air conditioning, thereÕs a significant amount of power required, but thereÕs less power required if you want to keep it at a specific temperature.Õ
Work is also underway by Beta Research & Development--the original developer of the system--to make the nickel and sodium chloride battery more efficient.
Although MIRAÕs work with the heat exchanger is unique for ZytekÕs battery, known as the Zebra, other electric-vehicle manufacturers around the world use different types of battery, some of which produce less waste heat than the Zebra.
Zytek has already contributed towards Lotus Elise and Chrysler electric and hybrid vehicles. Its most high-profile project has been an electric hybrid Le Mans race car with Panoz. Work on each of these projects will be fed into drivetrain modelling for ZytekÕs fleet of development vehicles.

Turkey, which is among the first seven countries in terms of richness of resources, has about 1,300 thermal resources.

The introduction of thermal tourism to holiday programs to rid oneself of the problems of city life and to relax recently attracted attention to the sector.
Businessmen only investing in the tourism of the sea, sand and sun 5-10 years ago, now compete to open thermal holiday camps and hotels. Ugur Insaat (Ugur Construction) who has worked in the construction sector for about 20 years in Gaziantep opened Roza Resort Hotel, the biggest thermal hotel in Kozakli town, Nevsehir. The five star hotel constructed on 30,000 square meter field to provide an alternative to beach tourism has a 863 bed capacity, zaman.com said.
Chairman of the Roza Resort Hotel Administrative Board Mehmet Kaygusuz said there were few places available for a family until till recent years; therefore, they had invested in hotel construction to fulfill this necessity. Kaygusuz said Roza Hotel was built in Nevsehir in the middle of Central Anatolia to attract people from any region emphasizing that they built Roza Resort to provide an alternative to beach tourism. According to Kaygusuz the target customer were those with families, he invited anyone who had close ties with their traditions. Although they had some concerns at the beginning, the huge demand they encountered during the last month demolished those concerns, according to Kaygusuz. Announcing that they plan to build a second and third hotel due to the great interest, Kaygusuz informed that they would construct the new hotels in the coastal cities.
Turkey, which is among the first seven countries in terms of richness of resources, has about 1,300 thermal resources. While more than 200,000 tourists visit Turkey to benefit from thermal tourism, the sector's income surpasses $100 million. Temperatures of the resources in Turkey which is on a prominent geothermal zone register between 20 and 110 centigrade and their flows change between 2-500 liter/sc. The attributes of thermal waters in Turkey are comparable with European thermal waters in terms of their flows, temperatures and various physical and chemical peculiarities. Thermal waters termed to have a "natural outflow and ample" have high features in terms of tincture metal and are rich in sulfur, radon and salt. Due to the suitable climatic conditions, the season continues for 210 days in some of the thermal centers that have been a vacation favorite among the public.