David Cameron – Mythmonger
Energy
David Cameron’s remarks yesterday to the liaison committee of MPs about renewable energy might just play a big part in his downfall at the general election.
His comments were contradictory at best, they laid bare once again the monumental lie that was his promise to lead the greenest government ever, and – perhaps more importantly – ignored a growing tide of feeling in Britain that we need to properly tackle climate change and embrace renewable energy.
Cameron is really out of step with the country on green issues.
This is the year in which membership of the Green Party has doubled; the year in which the IPCC made it clearer than ever that we have to completely give up fossil fuels by 2050 or face catastrophic climate consequences; the year in which climate change made itself more than evident as temperatures in Europe hit their highest since the 1500s. (more…)
ecobonds are back
Energy
About this time last year, we launched our first ecobond – a fairly radical idea at the time.
We had three principle aims:
- To give our customers the chance to share in the financial benefits of our work and the green energy revolution generally, without having to put things on their roof tops (which doesn’t work for everyone).
- To cut out the middlemen bankers who generally charge much more to borrowers than they pay to savers.
- And to raise new sources of finance to speed up the rate at which we can build new sources of green energy. Bridging our ‘funding gap’.
And when we launched it this time last year we were both excited and a little anxious, as to how it might be received. (more…)
The Nemesis has landed
Transport, Wind Car
Finally. About two years after we started – the Nemesis is ‘finished’.
I’ve been meaning to post something before now, but the last few weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind. Here’s a quick heads up, some stuff you might know already from the news, some you probably won’t.
The car arrived in Stroud nearly three weeks ago now (Tuesday the 28th Oct) looking simply awesome. It was the first time I’d seen it in it’s finished form, complete with grey and black union jack paint job and all sorts of other bits and pieces – it really is transformed from the car that was here in the summer of 09 – for a few months.
Wind powered cheer
Transport
Photo credit – Peter Lyons
Back in the UK now. I’ve been on holiday for a week, which is a rare event (ask my partner… 🙂 ) and sod’s law determined that an even rarer event would coincide with that – the perfect conditions for a land speed record attempt.
My disappointment at not being there though was marginal compared to the huge excitement of the result – the smashing of the record.
All the credit for this goes to Richard Jenkins of course (with just a little to the gods of wind… 🙂 ).
Richard’s the guy who’s been pursuing this dream for a decade. To say he’s dogged would be an enormous understatement. (more…)
The Wind Car – Episode 6 of 6
Transport, Wind CarVideo production: Tim Walter Associates Limited
The first thing I should say here is that this isn’t the last episode of our little video series – it can’t be – we just haven’t finished yet. So expect Episodes 7 and probably 8 of 6 before long… 🙂
Second thing to say is I’ve got a new idea for a name. I’m quite taken with it.
(more…)
The Wind Car (5 of 6)
Transport, Wind CarVideo production: Tim Walter Associates Limited
Thanks to everybody for that massive response to the last video posting on the wind car. And some more great names rolling in. I’m going to reply globally here if that’s OK.
Couple of people raised valid issues/questions – why aren’t we making a family car for example, or transforming a Prius (nice idea) – and haven’t Tesla already proven the EV sportscar thing?
The answer to all these lies in two parts, timing and my nature. (more…)
The Wind Car (4 of 6) – Time for a name
Transport, Wind CarHere it is then, the fourth episode of the making of our wind car. By the time we get to the sixth I’m hoping it’ll be on the road.
Video production: Tim Walter Associates Limited
Good vid this one, all looks very industrial over there in Norfolk – and stuff is starting to come together.
I’m thinking it’s about time to come up with a name, and I’ve come up with a short list. (more…)
Wind car video update – part 3
Transport, Wind CarHere’s the third in our series of monthly wind car videos.
Video production: Tim Walter Associates Limited
You can see the body really starting to take shape here, and hear Peter talk about ‘toughening up’ of the look, from his original.
We’ve ‘placed’ all the parts within the car now and began machining/producing some of the bigger components, like the transmission. (more…)
Are cars greener than bikes?
Transport, Wind Car
This is perhaps a surprising question to ask. The assumption we’d all probably make is that bikes must be the greenest form of transport. Certainly that’s a view put to me in recent comments, arguing that I shouldn’t be promoting wind powered cars – mainly because bikes are greener than any kind of car. (more…)
The Wind Car is on its way – video update part 2
Transport, Wind CarHere’s the second of our monthly video updates on the Wind car project.
Video production: Tim Walter Associates Limited
I’m off to Norfolk next week to take a look at the proposed body modifications and generally have a catch up with the team. I’m looking fwd to it.
Chassis has been lengthened, battery housing and transmission are now designed and under construction and we’re very slightly behind the estimated timeline, but still heading for Dec on the road. (more…)
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