News from 22 October 2004 on edie

World’s largest solar plant in China

The world's largest solar power plant is being developed in China, to supply power to the city of Dunhuang in Gansu Province.

Pipe sharing could mean greater competition in the water markets

Ofwat has outlined arrangements for new companies to use the water pipes of existing water companies to supply their customers in a new consultation.

Coal and quarry waste turned into peat-free compost

Waste products from coal mining and quarrying can be recycled to produce a peat-free compost, a 12 month study has shown.

Government launches biomass task force and £3.5 million grant scheme

The Government has unveiled its latest move towards meeting renewable energy targets by setting up a biomass task force to stimulate supply and demand of biomass crops.

Global warming will undermine the efforts of environment and development charities

A new coalition of NGOs has warned that global warning threatens to reverse human progress and make the Millennium Development Goals, of halving global poverty by 2015, unattainable.

Flood effects and responses tested

The effects of a major flood were tested in an exercise in Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley, this week. The exercise involved the Environment Agency, local authorities and the emergency services.

When it comes to flooding what exactly do we mean by risk?

The full nature of what exactly is meant by risk when it comes to flooding, was one of the central debates in CIWEM's conference to discuss the Defra 'Making Space for Water' consultation.

First commercial biomass power plant contract

RWE npower has signed the UK's first major purchase order for biomass supplies.

FedEx to build largest corporate solar electric system

FedEx has announced it is building California's largest corporate solar electric system on top of its main office at Oakland International Airport.

Environment Council calls for cleaner, more efficient road vehicles

The EU environment ministers want the European Commission to propose extra measures to make road traffic cleaner, quieter and more fuel efficient.

East England homes plan approved but could cause water shortages and congestion

The East of England Regional Assembly (EERA) has given its backing to a controversial plan to build nearly half a million homes in an area stretching between Buckinghamshire and Norfolk, amid much criticism from environmental groups.

Defra acts to ban hazardous PFOS

The government's next steps towards a unilateral ban on the use of perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS) and the substances which break down to it, were announced this week.

Day: 22 October 2004