Cambridge UK. 28th November 2006: Sometimes lots of small ideas have more impact than one big idea. Currently this seems to be so within the energy market, where concerns over global warming and the security of fossil fuel supplies are driving innovation in the renewable energy sector. In a report published this week, Cambridge UK based analysts, CarbonFree, highlight 101 initiatives that could have a significant impact on carbon emissions and energy demand.

The report, ‘101 Ways To Kick The Carbon Habit’, draws parallels between today’s energy market and the early days of the Internet. Then large IT vendors, claiming the Internet would never be reliable enough to support commercial applications, largely ignored the army of innovative companies building web based software tools and services. CarbonFree feels that incumbent energy providers are making a similar mistake as they jealously guard the last mile of their grids and claim nuclear energy is the only workable replacement for fossil fuels.

The report blames the failure of nuclear power to live up to initial expectations for the industry’s present problems. CarbonFree points out that if safe, miniature nuclear reactors were on sale in DIY stores, distributed power and microgeneration enthusiasts would not be installing wind turbines, solar panels and micro CHP systems.

CarbonFree acknowledges in the report that transport presents a major challenge in the battle to reduce carbon emissions, but points to automobile and journey sharing schemes as a possible solution. The report highlights interest in these online services from investors who see them as a social networking based solution to congestion in urban areas.

The report provides 101 examples of the use of renewable energy technology or emission reduction initiatives. While some of the applications are speculative, for example distributed power generation and household hydrogen refuelling stations, others, such as hot water solar systems and medium size wind turbines, have already been deployed and are earning revenue for vendors.

‘101 Ways To Kick The Carbon Habit’ is available from the CarbonFree website

http://www.carbonfree.co.uk/cf/report_101.htm

About CarbonFree

CarbonFree carries out research and analysis in a wide range of alternative energy related fields and disseminates results in its highly focussed CarbonFree reports. It also helps companies and organisations reposition themselves to take advantage of a rapidly evolving energy market.

For further details contact:-

Toby Jackson
CarbonFree
20 Leaden Hill, Orwell
Royston. Herts.
SG8 5QH