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<channel>
	<title>Eco Evolution Blog</title>
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	<link>http://ecoevolution.ie/blog</link>
	<description>Eco Evolution is a highly professional renewable energy company specialising in the consultancy, design, supply and installation of renewable energy technologies.</description>
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		<title>Latest tests confirm increased energy generation of Evance small wind turbine</title>
		<link>http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/2012/05/08/latest-tests-confirm-increased-energy-generation-of-evance-small-wind-turbine/</link>
		<comments>http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/2012/05/08/latest-tests-confirm-increased-energy-generation-of-evance-small-wind-turbine/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 May 2012 17:05:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Frank</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Wind Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[5kW turbine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eco Evolution]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Electricity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[evance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MCS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Residential]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Windturbine]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/?p=2221</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[During the last few months the Evance R9000 small wind turbine has undergone further tests which have confirmed its energy generation has increased by over 4% to 9,167kWh at a wind speed of 5 metres per second. The R9000 5kW turbine was one of the first small wind turbines to be fully certified under the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>During the last few months the Evance R9000 small wind turbine has undergone further tests which have confirmed its energy generation has increased by over 4% to 9,167kWh at a wind speed of 5 metres per second.</p>
<p>The R9000 5kW turbine was one of the first small wind turbines to be fully certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) in July 2010, and since then has received system improvements.</p>
<div id="attachment_2229" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/016.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2229" title="Evance R9000 installed in Wexford" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/016.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="435" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Evance R9000 installed in Wexford</p></div>
<p>Many Evance customers have already benefitted from higher than expected energy generation as the R9000 system improvements were implemented several months ago. For example, Clive Breeze was pleasantly surprised with the energy generated from his recent installation: “Inthe first three weeks alone, the R9000 turbines exceeded the predicted energy generation targets by 10 percent and the first quarterly electricity bill showed a reduction of over £300 per month.”</p>
<div id="attachment_2240" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Untitled.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2240" title="Annual Energy Yield vs Annual Mean Wind Speed" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Untitled.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="330" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Annual Energy Yield vs Annual Mean Wind Speed</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_2241" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Untitled-1.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2241" title="Average Power vs Wind Speed" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Untitled-1.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="330" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Average Power vs Wind Speed</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>“<em>We’re delighted that our R9000 turbine is proving so efficient in energy production as this translates directly into a faster return on investmentfor our customers</em>,” said Kevin Parslow, CEO of Evance Wind Turbines. “<em>We design and manufacture our turbines here in the UK, so our customers are quick to benefit from any improvements that we make.</em>”</p>
<p>“<em>Our R9000 machine accounted for a third of all small wind turbines sold in the UK last year – making it the UK’s small wind turbine of choice. We look forward to maintaining our leadership position as we continue to develop our renewable energy system offerings,</em>” concludes Kevin.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Micro-generation export and Refit tariff updates</title>
		<link>http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/2012/02/23/micro-generation-export-tariff-update/</link>
		<comments>http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/2012/02/23/micro-generation-export-tariff-update/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:41:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Frank</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Renewable Incentives]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Scale Hydro]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Solar PV]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wind Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Agriculture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Electric Ireland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ESB]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ESB Networks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Export Tariff]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Farming]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hydro Turbines]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Microgeneration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Refit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Solar pv]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tariff]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wind Turbines]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/?p=2133</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Micro-generation covers small scale generators where customers can generate their own electricity and export the surplus back to the grid. Microgeneration technologies include small scale wind turbines, hydro turbines and solar photovoltaic systems. Electric Ireland have extended their micro-generation payment of (9 cent / kWh) by a further year to 31st December 2012. This will be [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">Micro-generation covers small scale generators where customers can generate their own electricity and export the surplus back to the grid. Microgeneration technologies include small scale wind turbines, hydro turbines and solar photovoltaic systems.</p>
<div id="attachment_2207" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/419863_10150634531664280_123395644279_8805163_1543649377_n3.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2207" title="Evance R9000 5kW Wind Turbine" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/419863_10150634531664280_123395644279_8805163_1543649377_n3.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="435" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Evance R9000 5kW Wind Turbine</p></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Electric Ireland have extended their micro-generation payment of (9 cent / kWh) by a further year to 31st December 2012.</strong> This will be the second successive year that the expiry date has been extended and it reinforces Electric Ireland’s commitment to its support of customers who install a domestic micro-generator.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">ESB Networks continue to offer a support package up until 29th February 2012, comprising of a free installation of import / export meter and payment of a support payment of (10 cent / kWh) which applies to the first 3,000kWh exported annually. This payment will last for a period of 5 years and will end on the 5th anniversary of the contract start date.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The ESBN micro-generation payment (10 cent / kWh) and the free installation of import/export meters will not be extended beyond 29th February 2012.</strong>  <strong>Import/export meters will now be charged at approx €350.00.</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_2217" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 400px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Sunslates.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2217" title="Solar pv slates " src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Sunslates.jpg" alt="" width="390" height="402" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Solar pv slates</p></div>
<p><strong>Budget 2012 and VAT refund for Farmers</strong></p>
<p>The 2012 Budget included an extension of the existing VAT Refund Order for flat-rate farmers to include a refund on the purchase of wind turbines.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The existing VAT refund order, which provides for the refund of VAT paid by un-registered farmers on the construction of farm buildings, fencing, drainage and reclamation of farm land, has been amended to provide that such farmers may claim a refund on wind turbines supplied and installed after  1st January 2012.</p>
<div id="attachment_2213" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/DSCF42304.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2213" title="Archimedean Screw Hydro Turbine ~ Shane's Castle" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/DSCF42304.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="435" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Archimedean Screw Hydro Turbine ~ Shane&#39;s Castle</p></div>
<p><strong>REFIT &#8211; Renewable Energy Feed-In Tariff</strong></p>
<p>REFIT stands for &#8216;Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff&#8217; and is the primary means through which electricity from renewable sources is supported in Ireland.</p>
<p>The REFIT II scheme (onshore wind, small hydro and landfill gas) is open as and from 23rd March 2012 and the REFIT III (biomass technologies) scheme opened in February  2012. Both schemes are for projects built and operational between 1/1/10 and  31/12/15.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Terms and conditions for <a title="REFIT II (Onshore wind, hydro and biomass landfill gas)" href="http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/NR/rdonlyres/500F4F12-089D-470F-B97D-1A6C4CD173A5/0/REFIT2TermsandConditionsMar2012.pdf" target="_blank">REFIT II (Onshore wind, hydro and biomass landfill gas)</a> can be found here </strong></p>
<p>The REFIT II scheme is intended to cover small and large scale onshore wind, biomass landfill gas and small hydro (? 5MW.) To be eligible for REFIT II, the various requirements that will be set out in the terms and conditions must be fulfilled including proof of planning permission and grid connection -plants must be new plants neither built nor under construction on 1/1/2010.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Terms and conditions for</strong>  <strong><a title="REFIT III (Biomass Technologies) " href="http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/NR/rdonlyres/718E8541-7ADD-4FB2-A471-B6081C435625/0/REFIT3BiomassTermsandConditions2012.pdf" target="_blank">REFIT III (Biomass Technologies) </a> can be found here</strong></p>
<p>REFIT III is a scheme to cover 310MW of certain biomass related REFIT categories as follows:</p>
<p>&gt; 50MW of AD sub technologies (AD CHP ?500 kW; AD CHP &gt;500 kW; AD (non CHP)  ?500kW; AD (non CHP) &gt;500kW);</p>
<p>&gt; 100MW of Biomass CHP (non AD) sub technologies (biomass CHP ?1500kW; Biomass CHP &gt;1500kW);</p>
<p>&gt; 160MW of biomass combustion and co-firing.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>NOTE:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The REFIT II and REFIT III competitions are separate schemes with separate terms and conditons in respect of each scheme.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">New clarifications may issue in due course on the new Terms and Conditions, if deemed necessary.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Local school bottles it!</title>
		<link>http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/2012/02/09/local-school-bottles-it/</link>
		<comments>http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/2012/02/09/local-school-bottles-it/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:13:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Frank</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Biodiversity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eco Evolution]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eco schools]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[energy efficient]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[energy saving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ferns]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[recycle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[reuse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Schools]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tidy Towns]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wexford]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/?p=2041</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Over the past few months the children of Scoil Naomh Maodhóg in Ferns, Co. Wexford have been busy collecting two litre plastic bottles to construct their latest eco-friendly project. The bottles have now found a new lease of  life as the school’s eco-friendly greenhouse. The lids and labels were removed and the bottoms were trimmed [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Over the past few months the children of Scoil Naomh Maodhóg in Ferns, Co. Wexford have been busy collecting two litre plastic bottles to construct their latest eco-friendly project. The bottles have now found a new lease of  life as the school’s eco-friendly greenhouse.</p>
<div id="attachment_2042" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/009.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2042" title="Plastic bottle greenhouse" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/009.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="435" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Plastic bottle greenhouse</p></div>
<div id="attachment_2190" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/008-906x1024.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2190" title="Preparing greenhouse for vegetable planting " src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/008-906x1024.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="655" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Preparing greenhouse for vegetable planting</p></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The lids and labels were removed and the bottoms were trimmed to allow them to slot into each other to create a long tube. The tubes were then stacked side by side and secured into the timber  frame with wires spaced at intervals up the frame and roof.  The wires hold the bottle in place and it is the cross tie wire that binds it into a solid wall, closing most of the gaps.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This is the perfect project for schools as it is a great re-use educational structure that really works.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The school has a ‘green’ ethos that is to be admired and is working towards becoming a more environmentally friendly and sustainable school.  School projects to date include the creating of  raised flower and vegetable beds, wildlife garden and pond, a  newly planted woodland area, the erection of bird boxes, butterfly boxes and an insect hotel that are all tended by the children. They make their own compost and water the plants with the rainwater they collect.</p>
<div id="attachment_2066" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/cloche-assembly-complete1.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2066" title="Cold frame protecting the young plants" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/cloche-assembly-complete1.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="435" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Cold frame protecting the young plant</p></div>
<div id="attachment_2180" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/010-768x1024.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2180" title="Coldframe made from old windows" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/010-768x1024.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="773" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Coldframe made from old windows</p></div>
<p>The children are introduced to growing their own vegetables. They plant the seeds and wait patiently for them to germinate.  They are then planted out when weather permits and  each class take turns to water and keep them weed free. There is great excitement when its time to harvest the produce as they get to divide it and bring it home.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Last year the potatoes were harvested and the children cut them into chips. They were then brought to the local diner to be cooked. A very tasty meal was had by all!</p>
<div id="attachment_2076" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/onions-planting1.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2076 " title="Planting potatoes in one of the many raised vegetable beds " src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/onions-planting1.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="301" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Planting potatoes in one of the many raised vegetable beds</p></div>
<div id="attachment_2052" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/wild-marsh-marigold-pond1.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2052" title="Pond and wild flower garden" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/wild-marsh-marigold-pond1.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="435" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Pond and wild flower garden</p></div>
<p>Along side the pond the children have planted a variety of nectar producing plants and shrubs to encourage butterflies and other nectar loving insects into the garden. Rough grass margins have also been successfully established and this provides an excellent habitat for many insects and is ideal for the newly-emerged frogs that are a great attraction for the children every year.</p>
<div id="attachment_2181" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/007-768x1024.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2181" title="Native tree nursery" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/007-768x1024.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="773" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Native tree nursery</p></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Last year the school  began the task of extending the existing Woodland area. It was decided to plant only native species to the area  so the children brought in tree sapplings from their own gardens and created a nursery. When they were strong  enough they were planted out in the well prepared area. Their aim is to create natural habitats so as to introduce various insects, butterflies and birds into the school grounds. The children have great fun walking through the Woodland, turning up stones and wood to see what insects are lurking beneath.</p>
<div id="attachment_2071" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 533px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/woodland14.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2071" title="Newly planted woodland area" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/woodland14.jpg" alt="" width="523" height="499" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Newly planted woodland area</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_2183" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/018-768x1024.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2183" title="Mature woodland area rich in biodiversity" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/018-768x1024.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="773" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Mature woodland area rich in biodiversity</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_2184" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/019-768x1024.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2184" title="Birdboxes are placed in safe areas to attract birds to the school grounds" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/019-768x1024.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="773" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Birdboxes are placed in safe areas to attract birds to the school grounds</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_2160" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Butterfly-boxes.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2160" title="Butterfly boxes" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Butterfly-boxes.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="435" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Butterfly boxes</p></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Last year a Tidy Towns Junior Committee was formed. They are a great asset to the community as they are involved in keeping the school litter free, promote energy efficiency and recycling and reusing in the school. They were also involved with the development of the Community Park.  They were presented with an Endeavour Award  in recognition of their great work and achievements. They are busy planning some very exciting projects at the moment which are so top secret thet they won&#8217;t even divulge the details to the Ferns Tidy Towns Committee. May just watch this space!</p>
<div id="attachment_2164" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Community-Park-5.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2164" title="Sensory garden and hopscotch area" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Community-Park-5.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="435" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Sensory garden and hopscotch area</p></div>
<div id="attachment_2162" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Picnic-Area-3-ok.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2162" title="Picnic Area in the Community park" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Picnic-Area-3-ok.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="435" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Picnic Area in the Community park</p></div>
<div id="attachment_2092" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Junior-Tidy-Towns.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2092" title="Junior Tidy Towns " src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Junior-Tidy-Towns.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="435" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Members of Junior Tidy Towns enjoying the end of year party organised by Ferns Tidy Towns Committee.</p></div>
<div id="attachment_2168" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/DSCF2070.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2168" title="Junior Tidy Towns receiving their well deserved Endeavour Award" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/DSCF2070.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="435" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Junior Tidy Towns receiving their well deserved Endeavour Award</p></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It is one of the most energy efficient schools in the area. Over the years the school has taken on projects such as upgrading their insulation, installing new windows and replacing incandescent light bulbs with energy saving light bulbs. The children have a great awareness of energy saving. Simple measures like turning off lights and closing doors when leaving a room help to conserve energy.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Farmers show interest in Micro-hydro power.</title>
		<link>http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/2012/01/20/farmers-show-interest-in-micro-hydro-power/</link>
		<comments>http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/2012/01/20/farmers-show-interest-in-micro-hydro-power/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:27:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Frank</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Shows & Exhibitions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Scale Hydro]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Archimedean Screw]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Archimedes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CAFRE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hydroelectric]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hydropower]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[micro hydro]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Northern Ireland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Renewables]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/?p=2001</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The farm of Focus Farmer Eoin McCambridge recently played host to a large group of farmers for a workshop on micro-hydropower. In a suitable location small-scale hydropower is one of the most cost-effective and reliable of the renewable energy technologies.   It has several advantages over wind and solar power, with a high level of predictability, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="mceTemp mceIEcenter" style="text-align: justify;">The farm of Focus Farmer Eoin McCambridge recently played host to a large group of farmers for a workshop on micro-hydropower.</p>
<div id="attachment_2010" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Micro-hydro-workshop3.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2010" title="Micro hydro workshop" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Micro-hydro-workshop3.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="317" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Nigel Moore, CAFRE, and Eoin McCambridge, Focus Farmer (centre) with John Henderson, Ballykelly and Liam Corry, Castlederg, who attended a CAFRE workshop on Energy from Micro-hydro on Eoin’s farm near Ballycastle recently.</p></div>
</div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In a suitable location small-scale hydropower is one of the most cost-effective and reliable of the renewable energy technologies.   It has several advantages over wind and solar power, with a high level of predictability, varying with annual rainfall patterns. It is a long-lasting and robust technology and systems can readily be engineered to last for 50 years or more.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Those attending were given an understanding of the principles of micro-hydro, connecting to the Grid and the economics of potential systems. Eoin was then able to demonstrate the plant on Ballynalough Farm.</p>
<p><strong>Renewable Energy Event at CAFRE’s Enniskillen Campus on 22 February 2012:</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_2036" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Enniskillen-1.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2036" title="CAFRE's Enniskillen Campus" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Enniskillen-1.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="385" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Organising committee. From left: Gareth Gormley, DARD, Connor Maguire, CAFRE, Lindsay Easson, AFBI, Kieran Coulter, DARD, Eric Long and David Trimble, CAFRE.</p></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For those  interested in energy from micro-hydro and other renewable technologies, DARD, in conjunction with the Ulster Farmers’ Union  and Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute are running another Practical On-farm Renewable Energy Event, this time at CAFRE’s Enniskillen Campus on Wednesday 22 February from 1.30pm through to 10.00pm.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Fair is open FREE of charge to anyone in the farming and rural sector who are interested in reducing their costs through adopting more energy efficient practices and will provide a platform to network, source, meet suppliers and keep up-to-date on energy-saving systems and renewable technologies.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There will again be a series of seminars throughout the day on each of the main renewable energy technologies; wind power, biomass production and utilisation, anaerobic digestion, solar hot water, micro-hydro, and heat pumps.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A second series of seminars will deal with many of the issues facing those considering a green energy source. Topics covered will include the proposed Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), grid connection, planning, NI Renewable Obligation Certificates (NIROC’s), business planning, taxation, as well as finance and funding options.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In addition there will be a Trade Exhibition and the opportunity to see the biomass boiler installation at Enniskillen campus. For further details contact Connor Maguire at 028 6634 4853 or <a title="connor.maguire@dardni.gov.uk" href="mailto:connor.maguire@dardni.gov.uk"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">connor.maguire@dardni.gov.uk</span></a></p>
<p><strong>Hydro projects in Northern Ireland: </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The first ever Archimedean Screw generator in Northern Ireland was only recently installed at Shane’s Castle in Antrim. Rated at 214 kilowatts this is the largest single Archimedean Screw generator ever manufactured. It is now fully commissioned  fully operational.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" align="LEFT">The predicted annual output is a massive 1,125,000 kilowatt-hours. To put this in perspective, an average household uses less than 5,000 kilowatt-hours per year, so this hydro scheme has the potential to power more than 225 houses. This scheme will also save an impressive 484 tonnes or more of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions by generating clean, green electricity.</p>
<div id="attachment_2017" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/DSCF4231.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2017" title="Shane's Castle Hydro Project, Antrim" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/DSCF4231.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="435" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Shane&#39;s Castle Hydro Project, Antrim</p></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.omagh.gov.uk" target="_blank">Omagh District Council </a> are  utilising the weir on the Camowen River, adjacent to Omagh Leisure Complex, to generate electricity through an Archimedean Screw hydro turbine. This hydro project is the second of only two Archimedean Screw hydro projects to date in Northern Ireland. The development of the hydro scheme on the Camowen River will generate sufficient power to meet the needs of Omagh Leisure Complex with excess electricity sold back to the national grid. Rated at 121 kilowatts the hydro turbine is predicted to save in excess of 133 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) annually. It is expected that this project will be fully commissioned and operational in the coming weeks.</p>
<div id="attachment_2018" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/15012012-4-768x1024.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2018" title="Omagh Hydro Project, Tyrone" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/15012012-4-768x1024.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="773" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Omagh Hydro Project, Tyrone</p></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">We look forward to meeting you at the show.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">We offer a friendly one-stop shop for hydro development, from feasibility studies to licensing, to installation and commissioning and everything in between.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Small wind turbines ride out last week’s Atlantic storms</title>
		<link>http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/2012/01/09/small-wind-turbines-ride-out-last-week%e2%80%99s-atlantic-storms/</link>
		<comments>http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/2012/01/09/small-wind-turbines-ride-out-last-week%e2%80%99s-atlantic-storms/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:38:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Frank</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wind Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Agricultural]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Co. Wexford]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Domestic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Electricity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[evance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[EvanceR9000]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tariff]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wind turbine]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/?p=1960</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Last week’s violent Atlantic storm brought extremely high winds to the West and North of Scotland, with the Met Office recording maximum wind gusts of 165mph on Cairngorm Summit and 145mph at Aonach Mor.* The Met Office issued its strongest warning – a red alert – for winds in Scotland, and people were warned to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">Last week’s violent Atlantic storm brought extremely high winds to the West and North of Scotland, with the Met Office recording maximum wind gusts of 165mph on Cairngorm Summit and 145mph at Aonach Mor.* The Met Office issued its strongest warning – a red alert – for winds in Scotland, and people were warned to stay indoors, schools were forced to close and flights were cancelled.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For owners of Evance R9000 small wind turbines, however, Scotland’s extreme wind speeds didn’t present any challenges. The Evance R9000 turbine is designed to keep running in the highest winds, and features an innovative Reactive Pitch™ mechanism that automatically pitches the turbine’s blades so it can regulate energy capture and blade speed.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Evance has over 50 of its R9000 turbines installed in the Orkney Islands. All continued to perform well during the storm, confirming the applicability of small wind turbines even in these most extreme conditions.</p>
<div id="attachment_1969" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/288.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1969" title="Evance R900 5kW Wind Turbine " src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/288.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="435" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Evance R900 5kW Wind Turbine</p></div>
<p>One Evance turbine owner, Adam Cockram, lives on Eday – one of Orkney’s Northern Isles – where peak gusts of over 130mph (58 metres per second) were recorded. According to Adam: <em>“on Thursday night and Friday morning last week the wind gusted at up to 138mph. I did wonder whether our Evance turbine would keep going, and I’m glad to say that there were no problems at all!”</em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Like many in Orkney we experienced several mains power failures. Each time the turbine started back up with no problems at all,” continued Adam. “I’m certainly impressed by the quality of both the Evance turbine and the installation carried out by Orkney Micro Renewables. It’s certainly been tested here on Eday!”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Adam Cockram’s Evance R9000 turbine was commissioned in August 2011, and in five months has already produced 7,343kWh of electricity.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Evance R9000 installed on a farm near Ferns, Co. Wexford.</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Note</p>
<p><em>*</em><em>http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/news/releases/archive/2011/research-flight</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Renewables in harmony with nature</title>
		<link>http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/2011/12/09/renewables-in-harmony-with-nature/</link>
		<comments>http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/2011/12/09/renewables-in-harmony-with-nature/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:06:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Frank</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Renewable news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Biodiversity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Birdlife Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carbon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Carbon Emissions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ecosystems]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Renewables]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[RSPB]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wildlife]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/?p=1882</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[BirdLife Europe is calling for “ambitious” and “binding” EU renewable energy targets for 2030. In its new report, ‘Meeting Europe’s Renewable Energy Targets in Harmony with Nature’, the conservation body says that renewable energy targets can be met without harming nature. Renewable energy technologies do not harm bird populations, provided the most sensitive locations are [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">BirdLife Europe is calling for “ambitious” and “binding” EU renewable energy targets for 2030. In its new report, ‘Meeting Europe’s Renewable Energy Targets in Harmony with Nature’, the conservation body says that renewable energy targets can be met without harming nature.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Renewable energy technologies do not harm bird populations, provided the most sensitive locations are avoided and established best practices in design and operation are maintained.</p>
<div id="attachment_1902" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Winllan_Wildlife_Garden_-_Hay_Meadow_with_wild_flowers_-_geograph_org_uk_-_199076.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1902" title="Meeting Europe’s Renewable Energy Targets in Harmony with Nature" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Winllan_Wildlife_Garden_-_Hay_Meadow_with_wild_flowers_-_geograph_org_uk_-_199076.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="435" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Meeting Europe’s Renewable Energy Targets in Harmony with Nature</p></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Ariel Brunner, Head of EU Policy in BirdLife Europe says: “<em>Climate change is a grave threat to both wildlife and people…….wind, wave and ocean power are essential and effective ways to cut carbon emissions, and do not need to put birds, bats or other wildlife in danger. Our report is essential reading for policy-makers across Europe as renewable energy moves to centre stage in the fight against dangerous climate change</em>.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Climate change poses an enormous threat to biodiversity all over the world and we need to develop renewable energy solutions quickly in order to cut carbon emissions and keep warming within safe limits. The report notes that “renewable energy must become the backbone of Europe’s energy supply”, but it also says that it must be developed sensitively. “The challenge we face is to protect nature whilst deploying renewables at the scale and pace required.” However, we need to develop the right solutions in the right locations to avoid negatively impacting on biodiversity.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With the effects of climate change already being felt and carbon emissions actually increasing last year, the need for new sustainable energy has never been greater. But we need to be careful that this renewables revolution doesn’t damage the very ecosystems it seeks to protect. With the launch of its new report, &#8216;<em>Meeting Europe’s Renewable Energy Targets in Harmony with Nature&#8217;</em>, in Brussels on 22 November, BirdLife Europe shows how we can meet our 2020 renewable energy targets without impacting on wildlife.</p>
<div id="attachment_1915" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/River-Bann1.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1915" title="River Bann close to Effernogue,Ferns, Wexford" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/River-Bann1.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="431" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Meeting Europe’s Renewable Energy Targets in Harmony with Nature</p></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">BirdLife Europe supports achieving and going beyond Europe’s 2020 renewables target, in line with four key principles.</p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Renewable energy supply must make a significant difference in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.</li>
<li>Positive planning frameworks are needed so that the most appropriate energy sources are exploited in the most appropriate places.</li>
<li>Harm to birds and biodiversity must be avoided when locating and designing renewable energy facilities. Established survey, design and operation practices reduce or eliminate such risks.</li>
<li>Europe’s most important sites for wildlife must be protected. Where significant impacts on a Natura 2000 site (those protected under the Birds and Habitats Directives) are likely, development may only proceed under strict conditions, which must be robustly applied.</li>
</ul>
<p>Harnessing the clean, renewable energy provided by the sun, wind, waves and tides is the only sustainable energy future for Europe. The renewables revolution can and must work in harmony with, and not against, nature.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">BirdLife Europe/International is a global Partnership of conservation organisations that strives to conserve birds, their habitats and global biodiversity, working with people towards sustainability in the use of natural resources. Seventeen organisations participated in the making of the report, including BirdWatch Ireland and the UK’s RSPB.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Read the full report here: <em><a title="Meeting Europe’s Renewable Energy Targets in Harmony with Nature" href="http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/Renewable_energy_report_tcm9-297887.pdf" target="_blank">Meeting Europe’s Renewable Energy Targets in Harmony with Nature</a></em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Read summary report here: <em><a title="Meeting Europe’s Renewable Energy Targets in Harmony with Nature" href="http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/climate_report_tcm9-298138.pdf" target="_blank">Meeting Europe’s Renewable Energy Targets in Harmony with Nature</a></em></em></p>
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		<title>Better Energy Homes Scheme &#8211; New Grant Amounts</title>
		<link>http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/2011/12/07/better-energy-homes-scheme-reopens-december-8th-2011/</link>
		<comments>http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/2011/12/07/better-energy-homes-scheme-reopens-december-8th-2011/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:53:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Frank</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BER]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Better Energy Homes scheme]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[insulation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SEAI]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/?p=1835</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Better Energy Homes scheme temporarily closed for new applications following Budget 2012 and a subsequent announcement by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources reopened for new homeowner applications on December 8th 2011. A number of scheme revisions have been agreed and the two key changes to the scheme are: Revised grant amounts for all [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">The Better Energy Homes scheme temporarily closed for new applications following Budget 2012 and a subsequent announcement by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources reopened for new homeowner applications on December 8th 2011.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A number of scheme revisions have been agreed and the two key changes to the scheme are:</p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Revised grant amounts for all wall insulation types and Building Energy Rating (BER)</li>
<li>Internal and external wall insulation grants will no longer be one single amount, but rather be based upon the house type.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Grants for attic insulation and all heating system upgrades including solar remain unchanged.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A summary of the new grant levels, and how they relate to house type, is shown below:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Better-Energy-Home1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1953" title="Better Energy Home Scheme" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Better-Energy-Home1.jpg" alt="" width="438" height="424" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A <strong>Building Energy Rating (BER)</strong> is an integral part of all grant applications under the Better Energy Homes scheme, whereby homeowners must undertake a BER on their home after grant aided works have been completed. A homeowner is entitled to BER funding of €50 once per home. This funding will be applied to your grant application automatically provided you have never applied previously for BER funding. You will be informed during the online grant application process if BER funding is available for your home or as part of your Letter of Grant Offer if you have applied through the post. It is advisable that you apply for and undertake all planned grant aided works at the same time to minimise the costs of multiple BER assessments.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Please note the minimum grant amount for the first application must be €400. A BER grant, where applicable, does not count towards the €400 minimum.</strong></p>
<p>Further information on the Better Energy Home Scheme Grants can be found at <a href="http://www.seai.ie">www.seai.ie</a></p>
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		<title>Dreaming of a Green, Green Christmas.</title>
		<link>http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/2011/12/05/dreaming-of-a-green-green-christmas/</link>
		<comments>http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/2011/12/05/dreaming-of-a-green-green-christmas/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:46:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Frank</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[energy efficiency]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[festive season]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[green Christmas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[green tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ireland]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/?p=1739</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Christmas is a time of the year when lots of waste is generated and our energy consumption overall is greatly increased. It is a time for celebrations and with a little thought and imagination we can help reduce the environmental impact of the festive season. Here are some Green Christmas tips that&#8217;ll help you to save money, reduce your [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">Christmas is a time of the year when lots of waste is generated and our energy consumption overall is greatly increased. It is a time for celebrations and with a little thought and imagination we can help reduce the environmental impact of the festive season.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Here are some Green Christmas tips that&#8217;ll help you to save money, reduce your Christmas carbon footprint and won&#8217;t cost the Earth!</p>
<p><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/42201_Ornament_C_world_globe_replogle_Christmas.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1749" title="" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/42201_Ornament_C_world_globe_replogle_Christmas.jpg" alt="" width="555" height="553" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Although plastic Christmas trees are reusable from year to year, real trees are the more sustainable choice. Plastic trees are made mostly of plastic and use up resources in both the manufacture and shipping. While artificial trees theoretically last forever, research shows that they are typically discarded when repeated use makes them less attractive. Discarded artificial trees are then sent to landfills, where their plastic content makes them last forever.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Live trees, on the other hand, are a renewable resource grown on tree farms, that are replanted regularly. They contribute to air quality while growing, and almost ninety percent are recycled into mulch. Live trees are usually locally grown and sold, saving both transportation costs and added air pollution. As Brian of <a title="The Secret Garden" href="http://www.thesecretgardener.com/home/" target="_blank"> The Secret Garden </a> based in Cork said  &#8216;A live tree is grown in Ireland and contributes to the Irish economy unlike artificial trees which are produced overseas&#8217;.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Go to your local council’s website after Christmas for details on tree recycling and collection.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Visit your local garden centre and buy a live Irish grown tree in a large pot. This will allow you to reuse the tree for a few years without having to plant or re-pot the tree. If you have a spacious garden the tree can be planted out after Christmas where it can be enjoyed for many years and also help the environment.</p>
<div id="attachment_1752" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 410px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/led-christmas1.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1752" title="LED fairy lights" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/led-christmas1.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="400" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">LED Fairy Lights</p></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">We all like to decorate our Christmas trees and the exterior of the house with hundreds of those little twinkling lights and you don&#8217;t have to stop doing that to go green. However, you do need to replace those traditional Christmas lights from years past with the newest kid on the block &#8211; LED (light emitting diode) Christmas lights.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">They use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent Christmas lights. Beyond the decrease in energy usage, these LED lights produce very little heat which significantly reduces the risk of fire and they last about 10 times longer than traditional lights (about 200,000 hours).</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Look for locally made gifts &#8211; many gifts today come from halfway around the world, and the impact of transportation, the raw materials, manufacturing ethics, use of toxic chemicals etc contributes significantly to greenhouse emissions and global warming. Local markets, craft fairs and artisan shops are a good source for gifts that come without the added costs of transportation.</p>
<div id="attachment_1759" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 468px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-antipasti-2011.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1759" title="Local markets and Artisan Food Shops" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-antipasti-2011.jpg" alt="" width="458" height="344" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Local markets and Artisan Food Shops</p></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Choose gifts made from recycled sources &#8211; many individuals and small businesses have developed great products using recycled materials. Supporting these businesses helps reduce the waste stream while promoting the concept of making best use of available materials.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Why not consider the gift of a tree for someone special this Christmas.  Planting a tree can be a very touching gift as it will last a lifetime.  Trees are also very beneficial for the environment and help set off our carbon footprint. Trees can be sponsored through  <a title="The Native Woodland Trust" href="http://www.nativewoodlandtrust.ie/images/stories/tree_sponsor_application__form_1.pdf" target="_blank">The Native Woodland Trust</a> . They will plant a tree here in Ireland and you receive a beautiful A4 certificate with wording or dedication of your choice on it.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Alternatively you may know someone who would like to start growing their own vegetables but doesn’t know where to start.  By growing vegetables in your own back yard, you directly reduce the demand for produce shipped from remote locations and thereby, reduce your own carbon footprint. So, whether they have a sunny windowsill, a small back garden or a few acres why not contact <a title="Greenside up" href="http://www.aztecsailing.co.uk/baurnafea/greensideup/" target="_blank">Greenside Up</a> in Carlow and <a title="Aisling Designs" href="http://www.aislingdesigns.ie/" target="_blank">Aisling Designs</a> in Wexford who, with their expertise  can point them in the right direction to realise their dream.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Just imagine being able to go out into your own garden on Christmas morning to harvest your own organically grown vegetables that ‘taste’ like vegetables should!</p>
<div id="attachment_1792" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Gift-wrap31.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1792" title="Eco friendly gift wrapping" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Gift-wrap31.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="360" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Eco friendly gift wrapping</p></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Remember to wrap your gifts in an eco friendly way and try to avoid using foil or plastic wrapping, plastic ribbons and sellotape. Try wrapping your presents in brown or recycled paper,  recycled foil or newspaper, and using string or raffia (made from bark which regenerates) to tie it up.  Better still find inspiration from things lying around the house and get creative. Wrap presents with old maps, calendars, the comics section of newspaper, or children&#8217;s artwork. Once you start looking at material as potential gift wrapping aids, the possibilities are endless.</p>
<div class="mceTemp mceIEcenter" style="text-align: justify;">
<dl id="attachment_1801" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/candles-with-holly.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1801" title="Deck the halls with boughs of holly…" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/candles-with-holly.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="430" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">Deck the halls with boughs of holly…</dd>
</dl>
</div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&#8216;Deck the halls with boughs of holly…&#8217; Take a look around the garden and countryside and you will discover an abundance of natural materials to decotate your home.   Evergreens, berries, fruit, twigs, pine cones, holly, mistletoe, bark, and moss can all be used to create an amazing festive feel throughout your home.  Mantle pieces, door wreaths, centre pieces, swags, the list is endless, the list is endless and remember it won&#8217;t have cost the Earth!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Candles add a lovely festive touch to the home. Paraffin candles are made from petroleum residue and are not good for your health or for the environment. Only buy candles made from soy, beeswax or natural vegetable-based wax are more eco-friendly because they biodegrade and are smoke-free.</p>
<div id="attachment_1806" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Christmas-ferns.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1806" title="Happy Christmas from Ferns" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Christmas-ferns.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="386" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Happy Christmas from Ferns</p></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Sending Christmas cards to friends, family, neighbours and co-workers is a tradition in most Irish families. This year, try to buy cards that have been made from recycled paper or from sustainable forests or better still send an e-card where possible. The amount of cards sent every year places a huge demand on natural resources not to mention the transport emissions from moving these cards through the post!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Making homemade cards is a fun activity for the family. They may not be as professional as shop bought cards, but they are more personal and just as appreciated.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Instead of throwing the cards that you have received in the bin at the end of the season, recycle them or better still cut them up to make gift tags for next year’s presents.</p>
<p>Finally, buy cards from a charity that uses the funds to make a difference. Charity cards bought in major retailers do not raise a lot of cash for the charities whose names are on them. As little as 10 per cent of the sale price of some cards actually goes to the cause. If a card is bought directly from the charity, closer to 80 per cent of the total price goes to the charity.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Shane&#8217;s Castle Green Generation</title>
		<link>http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/2011/10/24/eureka/</link>
		<comments>http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/2011/10/24/eureka/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:00:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Frank</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Scale Hydro]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Antrim]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Archimedean Screw]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Archimedes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Electricity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Generater]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Green Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hydro]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hydroplan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mann Power]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Northern Ireland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shane]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shane's Castle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[turbine]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/?p=567</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Shane&#8217;s Castle on the shores of Lough Neagh near Randalstown in Co. Antrim is the family seat of the O&#8217;Neills of Clandeboy. The Demesne is one of the most beautiful and well maintained in Ireland with a rich variety of flora and fauna, including a lovely herd of fallow deer that have been resident there [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;" align="LEFT">Shane&#8217;s Castle on the shores of Lough Neagh near Randalstown in Co. Antrim is the family seat of the O&#8217;Neills of Clandeboy. The Demesne is one of the most beautiful and well maintained in Ireland with a rich variety of flora and fauna, including a lovely herd of fallow deer that have been resident there for many years. The Castle is in ruins due to a devastating fire in 1816 but the remaining structure, including a unique Camellia House designed by John Nash, is still a prominent feature in the landscape. A recent and fitting addition to the Demesne is an Archimedean Screw hydro turbine, ancient technology but with a 21st century application.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" align="LEFT">The O’Neill family are well known for their preservation and conservation and love of nature and the environment and this Archimedean Screw hydro project complements their environmental initiatives very well indeed. Rated at 214 kilowatts the hydro turbine is predicted to save an impressive 840 tonnes or more of Carbon Dioxide (CO<span style="font-family: TTE28485B0t00; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: TTE28485B0t00; font-size: xx-small;">2</span></span><span style="font-family: TTE28485B0t00;">) </span>emissions annually by generating clean, green electricity and will make a major contribution to the Demesne’s green philosophy.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This project is a reinstatement of an old hydro system that was installed circa 1900 that was used to power the estate before mains electricity was introduced to Shane’s Castle in the 1950’s. The old system was capable of generating a maximum of about 55 kW so the new Archimedean Screw system, with its high efficiency across a wide range of flows, is capable of producing at least five times the amount of energy over the year.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" align="LEFT">The predicted annual output is a massive 1,300,000 kilowatt-hours. To put this in perspective, an average household uses less than 5,000 kilowatt-hours per year, so this hydro scheme has the potential to power more than 260 houses in the locality.</p>
<div id="attachment_571" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Shanes-castle-51.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-571  " title="Shanes castle 5" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Shanes-castle-51.jpg" alt="The arrival!" width="580" height="435" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Arriving on site</p></div>
<div id="attachment_580" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Shanes-castle-41.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-580 " title="Shanes castle 4" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Shanes-castle-41.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="435" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Almost 15m long the screw weighs approximately 35 tonnes</p></div>
<div id="attachment_574" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Shanes-castle-6.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-574" title="Shanes castle 6" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Shanes-castle-6.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="435" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Offloading from the lorry</p></div>
<div id="attachment_575" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Shanes-castle-1.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-575 " title="Shanes castle 1" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Shanes-castle-1.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="435" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text"> With a diameter of 3.5m this screw can take a flow rate of up to 5.5m3/s</p></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Archimedean Screw turbine provides a fish-friendly alternative to conventional turbines, ideally suited to low-head (1m-15m) sites, and sites with fish protection issues. Extensive fish passage tests have conclusively demonstrated that the large water chambers and slow rotation of the Archimedean Screw allow fish of all sizes, and debris, safe passage through the turbine.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As a result, the Environment Agency (UK) has agreed that no screening is required.Literally thousands of fish passages have been monitored and recorded using underwater cameras at the intake, inside the chamber of the Screw itself and at the outflow to assess the effect of the Screw on salmonids (including smolts and kelts), brown trout and eels.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The trials looked at fish passage across a broad spectrum of sizes and turbine speeds, possibly the most impressive of which was the safe passage of a kelt measuring 98cm in length and weighing 7.6kg. In addition, behavioural and migrational patterns across the species have been shown to be entirely unaffected by the turbine.</p>
<div class="mceTemp mceIEcenter" style="text-align: justify;">
<dl id="attachment_583" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Shanes-Castle-7.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-583 " title="Shanes Castle 7" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Shanes-Castle-7.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="435" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">Screw is installed at an angle of 26deg. in this channel</dd>
</dl>
</div>
<div id="attachment_584" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Shanes-Castle-9.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-584" title="Shanes Castle 9" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Shanes-Castle-9.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="435" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Moving into position</p></div>
<div id="attachment_585" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 490px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Shanes-Castle-10.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-585 " title="Shanes Castle 10" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Shanes-Castle-10.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="640" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">In situ</p></div>
<div id="attachment_586" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Shanes-Castle-8.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-586" title="Shanes Castle 8" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Shanes-Castle-8.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="435" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">A lifetime of clean, green generation ahead</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_1630" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/DSCF42411.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1630" title="Fish pass installed along side the Screw" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/DSCF42411.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="435" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Fish pass installed along side the Screw</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_1641" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/DSCF42312.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1641" title="Completed project" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/DSCF42312.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="435" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Completed project</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" align="LEFT">The scheme was designed by Hydroplan and the Archimedean Screw equipment was supplied by Mann Power Consulting based in Yorkshire. Mann Power are the pioneers of the Archimedean Screw in the UK and Ireland and Eco Evolution based in Co. Wexford are their authorised representative for the whole of Ireland. This Hydro project at Shane’s Castle is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland and rated at 214 kilowatts this is the largest single Archimedean Screw generator ever manufactured. Eco Evolution and Mann Power installed the massive machine at Shane&#8217;s Castle earlier this year. The scheme was commissioned during the summer and it is now fully operational.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_2219" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/shanes_castle_ecoevo.png"><img class="size-full wp-image-2219" title="Shane's Castle Worksheet " src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/shanes_castle_ecoevo.png" alt="" width="580" height="824" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Shane&#39;s Castle Worksheet</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Ampair Launches ‘off the Shelf’ Range of Offshore Power Supplies</title>
		<link>http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/2011/10/23/ampair-launches-%e2%80%98off-the-shelf%e2%80%99-range-of-offshore-power-supplies/</link>
		<comments>http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/2011/10/23/ampair-launches-%e2%80%98off-the-shelf%e2%80%99-range-of-offshore-power-supplies/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 23 Oct 2011 14:12:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Frank</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wind Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ampair]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Offshore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Power Supplies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wind Turbines]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/?p=1601</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[UK small wind turbine manufacturer Ampair has continued its push into the renewable hybrid power system market by launching the containerPod™ range of power solutions predominantly designed for providing platform power for the offshore wind measurement sector. Jeremy Davies Ampair’s sales and marketing manager says that, “Onshore heated met-masts and LIDAR installations use between 50 [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>UK small wind turbine manufacturer Ampair has continued its push into the renewable hybrid power system market by launching the containerPod™ range of power solutions predominantly designed for providing platform power for the offshore wind measurement sector.</p>
<div id="attachment_1604" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Ampair-Img-0002-containerPod-with-vertical-deploy-masts-at-Ampair-works.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1604" title="Ampair containerPod with vertical deploy masts at Ampair works" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Ampair-Img-0002-containerPod-with-vertical-deploy-masts-at-Ampair-works.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="433" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Ampair containerPod with vertical deploy masts at Ampair works</p></div>
<p><strong>Jeremy Davies Ampair’s sales and marketing manager</strong> says that, “<em>Onshore heated met-masts and LIDAR installations use between 50 and 200 watts of power and to date we have been able to power these with our existing solutions. However in any offshore installation, the loads are typically 400 Watts at a minimum, reaching up to well over 1kW for periods. The main reason for these higher loads is the requirement for essential navigation lighting and communications equipment to be powered coupled with the simultaneous use of traditional met-mast and LIDAR measurement systems on the same platform.”</em></p>
<p>Ampair’s OF4000 ‘containerPod™’ unit is a turn-key packaged power solution that includes wind generators, PV arrays and an integrated back-up diesel generator which is designed to ‘rescue’ the system should there be a prolonged bout of poor renewable generation weather. The OF4000 system is designed to power continuous loads of up to 850W for 12 months without the need for a support vessel needing to be chartered to refuel the unit.</p>
<p><em>“After extensive modelling with our in-house stochastic modelling software proAmpair™ we could see that that using a purely renewable solution just didn’t add up as they required much larger battery banks, larger wind turbine arrays and larger solar arrays. These carried a price, weight and deck space premium that was not attractive. From the model, we could see that the best efficiency was obtained by using a small DC diesel generator that should only need to be run for 50-100 hours a year. By keeping the generator run time so low, we still deliver the low/no maintenance benefit of a purely renewables-based system, but we can supply power year round in a much more cost and size effective package”.</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_1608" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Ampair-Img-0003-view-of-containerPod-showing-generator-compartment1.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1608" title="View of containerPod showing generator compartment" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Ampair-Img-0003-view-of-containerPod-showing-generator-compartment1.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="433" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">View of containerPod showing generator compartment</p></div>
<p>Ampair’s containerPod solution includes a variety of proprietary innovations designed to minimise the platform size needed by its customers. These include a unique ‘through-deck’ turbine pole which allows the Ampair 600 wind turbine to be lowered vertically to chest height, and also a tightly integrated generator and fuel tank compartment which share a common bund.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_1609" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Ampair-Img-0001-Ampair-team-on-top-of-OF4000-containerPod.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1609" title=" Ampair team on top of OF4000 containerPod" src="http://ecoevolution.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Ampair-Img-0001-Ampair-team-on-top-of-OF4000-containerPod.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="776" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Ampair team on top of OF4000 containerPod</p></div>
<p><strong>David Sharman, Managing Director at Ampair</strong> commented:<em> “Ultimately Ampair’s system can be configured to power all of the required loads on a met platform in one single containerised package with the added benefit of providing additional internal real estate for all of the customers electrical panels. The containerPod is the natural progression from our successful land based heliPod and trailerPod hybrid systems, and leverages our deep understanding of the offshore industry. As a result interest to date has been significant and we have increased the size of our manufacturing plant and workforce to cope with demand which is a great step forward for us.”</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>For further information contact <a title="Eco Evolution" href="http://www.EcoEvolution.ie" target="_blank">Eco Evolution</a> &#8211; authorised representatives of Ampair in Ireland.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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