The overall intensity of society's response to environmental challenges today seems to have rapidly accelerated, and policies aimed at pursuing the dual goals of achieving a healthy ecology and economy are being vigorously promoted around the world. In concert with this trend, the consumer electronics industry is also undergoing significant changes. Panasonic Unveils Concept for a Virtually Zero-CO2-Emissions House that Conserves, Generates, and Stores Energy. Written by Taeko Ohno

The market was liberalised in 2003, dividing the market into power generation and power grid. In principle, all electricity generators have “free and equal access to the grid”. The former “State Power Corporation” was split into two power grid corporations, five power generation corporations, two power consulting corporations, and two hydropower construction corporations, all of them are solely owned by the central government.

The temperature of the Earth's inner core is about 6,000 degrees Celsius. almost the same as the surface of the Sun -- and it is estimated that 99 percent of Earth's volume is at a temperature of more than 1,000 degrees. Thus, there is an enormous amount of geothermal energy in the planet's interior that could potentially be tapped; an obvious manifestation of this is the ongoing volcanic eruptions and hot springs found around the world. In light of the issues of global warming and energy problems, more effective use of geothermal power should be closely examined as a significant source of energy. Written by Kiyoshi Koshiba

First System of Advanced Renewable Tariffs in North America. Follows from the Continent's Most Aggressive Climate Change Policy.

Electrical Energy Markets: Electricity is primarily regulated by public utilities commissions at the state level, although the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has jurisdiction over certain matters such as interstate transmission, wholesale electricity sales and transmission grid interconnection. By Florian Bennhold, Andrew Belden, Wilson Rickerson

The German electricity sector was liberalised in 1998 with a new energy law (Energiewirtschaftsgesetz, EnWG). The German regulation authority for the energy market is the so called Bundesnetzagentur. lt is supposed to guarantee competition in the electricity and gas supply markets. Since the late nineties a number of additional-regulations have come into force to stimulate competition.

SERIES 1: Wind Energy International 2009/2010. This yearbook Wind Energy International 2009/2010 aims at giving its readers an overview of the worldwide status of wind energy.

Funding Will Speed Adoption of Efficiency and Renewable Energy Technologies in Nevada, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. 

In the centre of the Hamburg metropolis there is a unique location which combines creativity, chances, contrasts and suspense.

After successful installation of a 220 kW PV system, the Vatican is planning to install a 100 MW solar power system on Vatican Radio’s grounds.