population has been growing at a phenomenal rate. With more people on this planet, there is increased energy consumption. Experts predict that with the current rate of population growth, CO2 emissions would have increased by 55% in 20 years time. The amount of CO2 that is emitted is directly responsible for global warming. Many countries are already feeling the effects of a warmer climate. International committees and organizations are starting to pay attention to the startling consequences. A couple of possible solutions have been proposed.

Solution 1: Alternative energy sources.

Some have started to look at alternative energy sources as the solution. The assumption here is that if these alternative energy sources (e.g. solar, wind, and other renewable sources) are viable, we can stop emitting CO2 into the environment. At present, the heavy reliance on oil means that the more energy we use, the more CO2 we emit. A shift away from oil would result in drastic improvements in the environment.

Unfortunately, development of such energy sources have been slow. Cost is the primary concern. If it’s not economically viable, it’s very hard for an energy source to acquire mass adoption. Besides, development of alternative energy sources threaten the very existence of some of the largest companies in the world. These companies develop products that depend primarily on oil for power. So the tendency for them is to put up strong resistance against any initiatives for alternative energy sources.

However, despite such formidable challenges, some companies have gone ahead with green initiatives. For example, more and more web hosting data centers are going green. International organizations are putting pressure on countries to adopt green policies.

Slow but surely, the message is getting through. Governments are now beginning to realize that the environment is hurting, and they can no longer sit back and do nothing. Hence, many countries are offering support for commercial companies that are willing to go green.

Solution 2: Energy efficiency.

The second solution is a more immediate and economically viable solution. By getting more from less, the amount of CO2 emission can be reduced directly. Energy efficiency leads to cost savings in the long term, and less environmental damage. While we wait for a viable energy source (of course, there is no guarantee that one will arrive), energy management appears to be the most practical solution.

When energy measurements are implemented, companies and organizations find that they can save cost without having to sacrifice performance. These are measures that can be used immediately.

Alternative energy sources may be the future. But while we wait for the technology to mature, the environment is hurting. A middle ground solution can be very useful during this period.

If you haven’t looked at green initiatives, you may wish to start soon. Many initiatives are backed by the government, which means that there may be incentives for your company for taking the Green movement seriously.

No effort is too small, and every single step counts. Even if it means taking a small step today, it’s going to make a difference. So start taking action.

Learn more about Enigin and how to be an Enigin partner.

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The oil and gas industry, including exploration and production, consists of about 7,000 companies who pull in a combined, estimated revenue of around £450 billon. However, the production and associated revenue are fragmented; around 10% of companies generate approximately 60% of this figure. Demand for oil and gas is caused by economic activity, population growth and the need for energy for residential, industrial and transportation uses. The growth of an individual company is determined by the success rate of new finds, as well as the ability to continue to produce from existing sites.

Larger companies have the upper hand, having greater access to capital and the capacity to buy smaller companies or propagate amalgamations. Smaller companies rely on their abilities to focus on and develop expertise in a few geographical areas. In addition, oil and gas competes with other fuel-types, such as coal, nuclear power and hydro-electricity. In addition, other sources of energy are emerging, such as ethanol and bio-diesel and there are other forms of application arriving on the market, such as the new generation of hybrid-electric car.

Oil and gas are found in huge, underground basins that meet certain geological criteria. As well as creating three-dimensional maps of underground structures and using seismic waves to ascertain a site’s potential, exploratory drilling is still a major factor in finding oil and gas. Last year, the number of exploratory drillings that took place exceeded 53,500. Once an area has been designated as having promise, the area is cleared and a drilling rig and crew are brought in to begin the process of extracting the resources that have been found.

Oil and gas jobs generally fall in to one of two categories: upstream and downstream. Upstream jobs are found in the process of obtaining oil and gas from natural resources: drilling jobs are upstream jobs. Other jobs are likely to include those in construction and those involved in production facilities. Not all upstream jobs take place on land; for many, part of the attraction of this industry is its variety. Gas and oil fields are also developed below sea level, such as in the North Sea and the sub-sea sites recently discovered in West Africa. These require specialists to find and extract the resources available.

Downstream jobs involve the transportation of oil and gas in their basic forms, the liquefaction of those substances and their processing. While upstream jobs tend to be comparatively more transitory, being based on exploration and ultimate extraction, it is in the downstream category that gas and oil careers are made; while oil rig jobs, for example, will only last as long as the resource is there, marketing jobs can become life-long opportunities as the team packages the combined products across the globe.

The oil and gas industries are two of the world’s biggest and most profitable enterprises. They employ huge numbers of staff that work in an incredible range of department, from those on the ‘front-line’ to those who design advertising campaigns to those who put it in our vehicles.

Oil Rig Jobs Jobs Search is a job site dedicated to the specific needs of candidates who work in the Oil and Gas industry. We also provide recruiters with an online service that is effective in terms of cost and ease of use. Contacts For interviews, images or comments contact: John Roberts Marketing Manager Email: john@thejobsearchgroup.com

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3. The Economic Fallout From Flood Disasters

A sports car that has been flooded is likely to experience numerous difficulties that will shorten its lifespan.

Among the risks is the greater likelihood of significant rust problems. A previously soaked interior lends itself to rusting out floorboards and other often hidden spots.

More importantly, however, are the very real mechanical problems that can come about due to the flooding of a sports car. If water levels reached a high enough point, it is possible that grit, grime and water entered the engine and exhaust system. The residue can significantly impair performance and can shorten the car’s effective life considerably.

Flooded sports cars also frequently suffer from electrical problems. A soaked electrical system lends itself to corrosion and an increased risk of short circuits. Repairs will be necessary, and electrical work can bring with it considerable expense.

Fortunately, it is possible to avoid purchasing a sports car that has been flooded. There are a few things you can easily due to mitigate the risk of acquiring a previously flooded car.

First, perform an automobile history check through a service such as CarFax. Although not foolproof, this kind of check can tell you if any flood-related insurance claims were made with respect to the vehicle and may provide you with other information hinting at water-related problems.

Secondly, beware of too much new car smell. A soggy car is likely to start producing interior mold and an unscrupulous seller may attempt to hide this telltale sign of flood damage by utilizing strong deodorants. An unaware buyer may purchase the car and not smell the hint of flood damage until some time after the purchase is made. If a car smells “too good” or seems to be over-deodorized, make sure to take extra time to investigate possible flooding.

Finally, advise your mechanic to look for signs of water damage. Any time you buy a sports car, particularly a used model, you should have your mechanic evaluate the vehicle. If you have reason to be concerned about potential flood history, remind your mechanic to be on the lookout for any water damage indicators.

The great devastation wrought by floods has been known to bring out the best in people willing to help those adversely affected. Unfortunately, history also indicates there will be people willing to profit on sports cars impacted by storms without offering full disclosure of past water damage. Do not allow yourself to be victimized by the seller of a once-flooded car, take steps to protect yourself from these unscrupulous sellers.

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. Get quality car care products from http://www.5starshine.com

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Ruchi Soya Industries Ltd recently signed an agreement with the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd to undertake Jatropha plantation over 50,000 hectares of land in the districts of Jhansi and Lalitpur in Uttar Pradesh. The company said that alternate fuel sources will have to be exploited to meet the growing fuel demands of India in particular and the world at large.

Jatropha, or the wonder weed as it is popularly called, shot into prominence some 7-8 years back for its astounding abilities to survive drought conditions, thrive on acrid land and yet yield amazing quantities of fuel that could be put to use without any processing.

It wasn’t long before a mad rush to buy waste lands across the world broke out.

The search for an alternate fuel has strengthened in the last few years amidst growing concerns based on the rapidly drying up conventional sources of energy. Various experiments are underway around the world to find an alternative for the time when we would have exhausted all fossil fuels.Nuclear fuels, hydrogen, nitrogen, even water has not been spared the machinations of discerning scientists in their search for the alternative to coal, oil and gas that could power the technologies of tomorrow.Jatropha weed is one such probable source of fuel that has gained popularity over the last few years. On hindsight, its rise to popularity is natural, given that fuel from the weed might easily turn out to be the cheapest to produce.

What is Jatropha?

Jatropha curcas is a poisonous scrub weed belonging to the euphorbia family and is believed to have originated in Central America. It is touted as a bioenergy crop that grows in marginal, eroded land, and is resistant to drought. Hence, it is not expected to compete for land that could grow the more important food crops. Another factor adding to its popularity is that itdoesn’t require a lot of water or fertilizers and pesticides, quite unlike corn, oilseed rape, soybean, sunflower and other food crops that are usuallydiverted into biofuel production.

Jatropha is a non-food plant, which is believed to start producing seeds within 12 monthsof planting, with maximum productivity level achieved in 4-5 years. According to research, the plant remains useful for around 35-50 years and its seeds can produce around 37% oil content. Its kernels can produce up to 60% oil content. The plant is said to produce up to 12-20 tonnes of oil per hectare. Add to it the fact that it considerably reduces polluting emissions and one can rightfully assume to have landed a formula to make green gold. Here is a plant that promises boundless oil supplies to drought-ridden countries.

Jatropha and India

Not unnaturally then, one can consider Jatropha to be a blessing in green coating to the hundreds of farmers saddled with several hundred hectares of arid, semi-arid and non-arable lands. Taking cognizance of the fact, in 2003, India’s Planning Commission recommended a national mission on biofuel, a two-phase project for wide-spread cultivation of Jatropha on wasteland across much of India.

The committee on development of BIO-FUEL presented its report that recommends a major multi-dimensional programme to replace 20% of India’s diesel consumption. One of the objectives was to blend petro-diesel with a planned 13 million tonne of bio-diesel by 2013, produced mainly from non-edible Jatropha oil, a smaller part from Pongomia. For this end, eleven millions hectares of presently unused lands are to be cultivated with Jatropha.

Jatropha curcas is considered most suitable for thissince it uses lands which are largely unproductive for the time being and are located in poverty-stricken and watershed areas and degraded forests. Jatropha is also planned to be planted under the poverty alleviation programmes that deal with land improvements.

Additionally, scientists at Central Salt and Marine Chemical Research Institute (CSMCRI) at Bhavnagarrecently discovered a microbe from Indian waters that can manufacture bio-degradable plastic using a by-product of theJatropha plant. CSMCRI has said that it successfully made bio-degradable plastic from glycerol, a side-stream product of Jatropha found during the process of bio-diesel extraction from the plant’s fruit.

Jatropha Fever

Indiais not alone in the research to tap most effectively into the potential of this rather versatile plant. China, Netherlands, Germany, Israel, Belgium and Italy are some of the other countries involved in Jatropha research. China, which claimed to have 2 million hectares of Jatropha already under cultivation, has plans to plant an additional 11 million hectares across its southern states by 2010. Neighbouring Myanmar (Burma) has plans to plant several million hectares; and the Philippines, as well as several African countries, have initiated large scale plantations of their own.

As per reports, the total land under cultivation for Jatropha was estimated to shoot up to 21 million hectare in 2014 from over 720,000 hectare in 2008 with an achievable total potential of around 30 million hectares.

D1 Oils, a UK-based biodiesel producer and the world’s largest commercial Jatropha cultivator is responsible for around 81,000 hectares of Jatropha plantation in Chhattisgarh and in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, with plans for an additional 350,000 hectares over the next few years.

According to media reports, some of the best-known business houses, including India’s largest private sector company Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), is the race for planting this green gold in the South Asian country. The company plans to set up the country’s first biodiesel refinery in Andhra Pradesh at a cost of around Rs. 700 crore. (Source: Media Reports)

How fruitful is this quest?

However, all that glitters is not gold. And all that is said about Jatropha is not an established fact.Against the popular belief to the contrary, Jatropha does need rain, fertilizing andample amount oftime to come to fruition. It takes about 4-5 years for a plant to mature. Jatropha needs at least 600mm of rain a year to thrive. Even though the plant is touted to survive drought, it does not have any correlation to the eventual yield.

Jatropha, just like any other plant, needs to be cared for, quiteunlike the belief that it can be planted and left to grow. Similarly, fertilizing or adding manure is essential to maintain good long-term seed yields. The fact that Jatropha plants can survive droughts does not mean they will not be more productive if they get more water. However, the optimum amount of water required is still unknown. The early experiences from the cultivation of Jatropha as a managed agricultural crop have pointed that although Jatropha can indeed survive hostile environmental conditions, oil yields can be much higher in conditions where the plant has adequate access to soil nutrients and water.

According to the Discipline Coordinator for Discipline of Wasteland Research at Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar, Dr. Jitendra Chikara, “The yield from the plant is very uncertain. We are researching the ways to improve the yield and productivity of the Jatropha plant”. 

Additionally, the yield of the plant has been widely hyped. However, the facts point to a different direction. Dr. Chikara says “The per-hectare yield for Jatropha stands at about 2 tonnes against 12-20 tonnes claimed by various sources.”

Being still in the research mode, Jatropha is not a cheap crop to plant either. The cost of planting the weed comes to about Rs. 20,000 per hectare.

It has also been excessively advertised that the oil pressed from the crop can directly be used sans any processing. This however, may lead to damaging the engine of a vehicle running on this fuel, says Dr. Chikara.

Jatropha is neithera leguminous plant nor onethat can fix the eroded nitrogen content in the poor soils like legumes. Hence, it is only fair to believe that it would need some nitrogen inputs in the form of fertilizers in order to maintain good longer-term yields, considering regular harvesting of the seeds withdraws nitrogen from the plants.

The road ahead

Jatropha may seem like the most sustainable option among bioenergy crops, however, it still has to prove its potential. There are many uncertainties over the potential of jatropha as a biodiesel crop, including its unpredictable yield, the conditions for its optimum growth and the potential impacts of large-scale cultivation. There exists an obvious need for further research in this area before we can expect assured yields from Jatropha as well as the techniques needed to achieve them on a large scale.

Though, Jatropha does have a future, it is going to take sometime before it can live up to all the claims that have been made on its behalf, for which its genetics will need to be better developed. Only further studies will tell if the Jatropha is indeed green gold or fool’s gold.

The author is Business Editor. Visit at www.religareonline.com.To read more such stories on Financial Services like Online Stock Trading, Derivatives Market

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Potential buyers of electric vehicles and electric powered scooters have an increased incentive to purchase these vehicles due to a tax credit buried in the recent Economic and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Incentives for plug- in hybrid vehicles take effect in 2010 but incentives for smaller electric vehicles take effect with the passage of the bill. The $787 Billion bill passed by the Congress, and signed by the President gives a tax credit incentive to purchasers of electric vehicles of different types.

All electric powered vehicles benefit from the new tax credit. Immediately benefiting are buyers purchasing a category of vehicles known as light electric vehicles or LEV’s. The LEV category includes four wheeled Neighborhood Electric Vehicles or NEV, and two and three wheel electric powered scooters.

The criteria for qulaifying are based on the electric energy storage capacity of the battery. For two and three wheel vehicles the minimum size battery storage that qualifies must be rated at a minimum of 2.5kwh of stored energy capacity. For a NEV type vehicle the minimum battery storage capacity that qualifies is 4 kWh. To determine if the vehicle you are considering qualifies take the amp hour capacity rating of the battery times the battery voltage and divide by 1000. If the result is 2.5 or greater, the scooter, or three wheel vehicle, will qualify for the credit. For example if the specifications on the scooter you are considering has a battery rated: 5X12V/50 Ah the calculation is as follows: (5X12v) 60 X 50 Ah = 3000 Divided by 1000 = 3 KWh, which exceeds the 2.5 kWh minimum criteria.

For vehicles that qualify there is a 10% tax credit on electric vehicles up to a maximum purchase price of $25,000 which would result in a maximum credit of $2,500 on a vehicle costing $25,000.

This tax credit may be in addition to local tax or purchase incentives that may be in place in some local municipalities, and is effective for purchases made after the date the bill was signed The tax credit incentive will be welcome news to anyone considering purchasing an electric scooter.

Web entrepreneur and father of two children. Writes on broad variety of subjects in the computer and consumer products field. His website focuses on Scooters of all types. Scooter Bargains

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