Mar 23 2012
Nissan Leaf Blog
I previously wrote how I love the Nissan Leaf in Nissan Leaf. I have not yet spoken to anybody who owns and drives ones, but I did come across a very interesting blog today by an Irish owner – Irish Electric Dreams.
Jan 30 2012
Software for Smart Energy Meters Event
Enterprise Ireland are hosting an event this week relating to software for smart energy meters. Full details are available in New Niche – Software Apps for Smart Energy Meters (EI Event).
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Oct 29 2011
Renault Fluence ZE
I read a review of the Renault Fluence ZE during the week in Renault drives into the electric future. The aspect that caught my attention the most is:
Renault has confirmed the price of the Fluence ZE will start at €21,620 on the road (after the €5,000 Government grant), the same pricing as a Fluence diesel. But the big difference between the Fenault’s approach and Nissans is that buyers will lease the battery pack for €79 per month instead of buying it outright with the car.
The upfront cost seems very reasonable, but I think that the monthly rental would be quite significant to somebody who does low kilometrage. However, the reasoning behind this approach is explained as follows:
Renault’s approach is based on the fact that the industry is focussing on battery technology these days there are likely to be significant advances in the coming years, particularly in terms of range and weight.
As these improvements are rolled out, owners can upgrade the Fluence’s battery pack and benefit from the better range. The risk of obsolence and redundancy therefore rests with the car firm.
It is an interesting approach, and I wonder if it will succeed.
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Oct 22 2011
Irish Wind Energy Record
I came across the following interesting facts in Ireland on clean-tech high as it sets new wind power record:
Ireland hit a new wind-energy record on Thursday, 6 October at 2.30pm, when the power generated from wind reached 1,341 megawatts (MW) – enough power to supply 870,000 homes.
And:
Wind generation provided 39pc of the electricity being used in the Republic of Ireland at the time of the record on 6 October.
Very impressive!
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Aug 26 2011
Chinese Wind Turbines Coming to Ireland
I am very enthusiastic about wind energy, and I believe that it is likely to be the most sustainable source of energy in Ireland. Indeed, if I was starting my carer again I think that I would probably look at opportunities in that area.
Anyway, I read an article recently about an Irish green energy company called Gaelectric teaming-up with a Chinese turbine manufacturer called XEMC. The article is Three new wind farms planned for Ireland, totalling 13.6MW.
This represents a significant investment, and it is a really good example of globalised technology transfer :)
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Jun 01 2011
Real Irish Experiences of Nissan Leaf
There is an interesting (and encouraging) article about real Irish experiences of the Nissan Leaf in Electric drivers confident in their choice.
Prof Gerry Wrixon was thinking along the same lines as I am :)
I must also keep an eye on the mentioned site: Irish EV Owners.com. There is no content there yet :|
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May 15 2011
Nissan Leaf
I am rapidly falling in love with a new piece of hardware. It is built on cutting-edge technology, and it is strongly associated with mobility :) It is not a PDA, table, or digital camera… It is a car! Not any car, but the Nissan Leaf.
Normally I am not a big fan of cars. They just do not excite me so much :|
However, the Leaf is different. It is widely being described as the first all electric car that is a viable alternative to a fossil fuel car!
So why do I like it so much? I find the concept of a vehicle running on clean energy very appealing. I love the fact that it does not pollute. It think that motor technology is far more exciting than engine technology. It is clean, simple, and far less prone to wear-and-tear (no clutch, gearbox, fan belts, .. no liquids of any type)! Also, it has to be a pleasure to drive a vehicle with an almost constant torque output!
Nissan Leaf (Copyright The Irish Times)
The reports that I have read to date have all been very positive. Here is a small sample:
I will be watching the Leaf keenly :)