Barriers to clean development mechanism renewable energy projects in Mexico

Mexico is not reaching its full potential to capture benefits from clean development mechanism (CDM) projects because of its limited market for independent power producers (IPPs) and the barriers imposed on these entities by the state-run electric utility that controls most of the country's generation and transmission. This state-run entity has pursued CDM revenues only in isolated cases where international financial assistance was given because it is bound by law to pursue the least-cost generation option for its customers. Recent changes in Mexican legislation that provide incentives for renewable energy development could open the marketplace for these types of projects.     

Optimized excitation energy transfer in a three-dye luminescent solar concentrator

The spectral range of sunlight absorbed by a luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) is increased by using multiple dyes. Absorption, fluorescence, and fluorescence excitation spectra, and relative light output are reported for LSCs made with one, two, or three BODIPY dyes in a thin polymer layer on glass. Losses caused by multiple emission and reabsorption events are minimized by optimizing resonance excitation energy transfer between dyes. Increases in the outputs from the multiple-dye LSCs are directly proportional to increases in the number of photons absorbed. The output of the three-dye LSC is 45–170% higher than those of the single-dye LSCs.     

White certificate trading: A dying concept or just making its debut? Part I: Market status and trends

Energy-saving certificate trading programs within the U.S. have not had the success of their counterparts abroad due to the energy efficiency reduction targets not being stringent enough to incite trading. Programs exist in Italy, Denmark, France, the UK and Australia, and each is unique in what it allows to qualify, its units, and other details. The Italian market is the most robust in terms of volumes traded, but programs in Australia are strong and growing.     

White certificate trading: A dying concept or just making its debut? Part II: Challenges to trading white certificates

This article addresses the major challenges to trading white certificates, identify why these obstacles exist, and how successful white certificate markets have addressed these potential problems. Among the challenges are defining a white certificate (including whether it meets the standard of being real, additional, permanent, verifiable, and enforceable) and identifying who owns them and how they are tracked.     

White certificate trading: A dying concept or just making its debut? Part III: Future market potential in the U.S.

Challenges to white certificate markets are formidable, but they are not insurmountable, as demonstrated by successful white certificate schemes worldwide. This article discusses the future potential for these certificates in the U.S. A promising development that could affect implementation of a white certificate-type instrument is the inclusion of an instrument called an emission rate credit in the proposed Clean Power Plan. Other potential drivers include energy efficiency resource standards and voluntary markets.     

A critical review of the Energy Policy Act of 2005's treatment of hydrogen

The paper analyzes the Energy Policy Act's goals and proposed action in Title VIII, the section dedicated to hydrogen. It then assesses whether or not the resources dedicated to this cause are sufficient to overcome the obstacles facing the commercial use of hydrogen and fuel cells.     

Structural determination of NSC 670224, synthesis of analogues and biological evaluation

Follow my lead! NSC 670224, previously shown to be toxic to Saccharomyces cerevisiae at low micromolar concentrations, potentially acts via a mechanism of action related to that of tamoxifen (NSC 180973), breast cancer drug. The structure of NSC 670224, previously thought to be a 2,4-dichloro arene, was established as the 3,4-dichloro arene, and a focused library of analogues were synthesized and biologically evaluated.     

Five–six-year follow-up of broad-spectrum behavioral treatment for alcoholism: Effects of training controlled drinking skills.

The long-term outcome of broad-spectrum behavioral treatment for alcoholism and the relative effects of training controlled drinking skills were examined in a 5–6-year follow-up of the subjects studied in Foy, Nunn, & Rychtarik (1984). Data were collected from subjects and collaterals through structured interviews conducted by individuals blind to initial group treatment assignment. Systematic review was made of death certificates, driving records, and alcohol-related hospitalizations. Results showed no significant difference between groups on any dependent measure at the 5–6 year follow-up point. The stability of drinking patterns is analyzed, and predictors of outcome at 5–6 years are presented. (3 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The status and future of methane destruction projects in Mexico

Of the Clean Development Mechanism projects that exist in Mexico, methane destruction from hog farms dominates the landscape with 56% of the projects developed and 49% of the certified emission reductions that will be generated within the country by 2012. These biodigesters, however, have experienced many technical difficulties that place their future viability and continued development in question. Because of these challenges, future methane capture in the country may focus around other agro industries or landfills.