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The International Clearinghouse for Hydrogen Commerce www.hydrogencommerce.com |
| THIS COLUMN IS OPTIMIZED FOR THE APPLE iPHONE |
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"Oilgators!"
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Designing the Future WHO WILL LEAD? WHO WILL FALL BEHIND? |
| UNLIKE THE U.S., WHERE THE POLITICAL SYSTEM IS CONTROLLED BY CENTRALIZED ENERGY, OTHERS ARE MOVING QUICKLY TO DEVELOP RENEWABLES | ||
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UK:
Foundations
Laid for Wind-Hydrogen Mini Grid |
| The new Environmental Energy Technology Centre (EETC) between Rotherham and Sheffield should see all its power provided by a 225kW turbine. And, even when the wind does not blow, the turbine should be able to provide the building's power needs through a hydrogen fuel cell system. The system will generate hydrogen from excess power from the wind turbine through an electrolyser, which can then turned back into electricity by the fuel cell during periods of low wind speed. ...It should be the largest wind-to-hydrogen power system in the UK, and is being seen as a "proof of concept" development with hopes that it could help kick-start the use of hydrogen as an alternative power source to fossil fuels. |
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"Car makers who
seize the opportunities to harness cutting edge technologies and forge
partnerships with innovative fuel makers up to city planners can make the
transitions society so urgently need - those who do not may go the way of
the steam engine and the pack horse." |
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United Kingdom: |
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Top Scientists Warn Against Rush to Biofuel |
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John Beddington, the government's
current chief scientific adviser, has already expressed scepticism about
biofuels. At a speech in Westminster this month he said demand for
biofuels from the US had delivered a "major shock" to world agriculture,
which was raising food prices globally. "There are real problems with the
unsustainability of biofuels," he said, adding that cutting down
rainforest to grow the crops was "profoundly stupid".
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Kyushu University to Create Graduate
Hydrogen Program for Hydrogen Energy Engineering |
The new master’s program for hydrogen
engineering is to be offered at the university’s new Ito campus in Fukuoka
Prefecture. Lectures will cover such topics as hydrogen energy and
developing the fuel cells needed to convert hydrogen into heat or
electricity. ...The new graduate school will conduct hydrogen-related
research in a broad range of areas, from basic research to fields tests
using fuel cell vehicles.
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SUDDEN FAILURE OF CENTRALIZED ENERGY IS RETURNING PARTS OF CHINA TO THE STONE AGE |
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China Regime faces its own ’Hurricane Katrina’
Confusion Hamstrings Chinese Storm Response |
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Hythane Building Alternative Fuel Station in India Denver Business Journal Feburary 4, 2008 India is attempting to have at least 20 percent of all vehicles run on hydrogen-based fuel by 2020.
Massive Increase in Wind Turbines on Horizon for UK |
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THE WORLD BANK: A TOOL OF BIG OIL |
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At least $61.3 billion in international money has gone to subsidizing the oil and gas and industries worldwide since 2000. |
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...The $61.3 billion in oil aid is in
addition to the estimated $150-$250 billion in domestic subsidies that national governments provide to their oil and gas industries annually, according to the recent Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change. They also do not include any of the costs of military operations around the world which are often fairly characterized as a subsidy to the oil industry.
"The World Bank Group should phase out investments in
oil production by 2008 and devote its scarce resources to investments in
renewable energy resource development..." The World Bank Group remains the single largest multilateral leader in oil aid, with about $8 billion since 2000. Recent analysis by the End Oil Aid coalition has revealed very disturbing trends at the Bank: |
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...The world's addiction to oil
runs deep and oil corporations are among the most influential companies in
the world. They are actively using their influence to develop allies
within government and block much needed reforms. The result is that we are
pursuing an incoherent and often contradictory energy policy whereby
governments are promoting the expansion of the oil industry and working to
overcome oil addiction at the same time. |
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Denmark's Wind-Hydrogen Projects
Hythane Building Alternative Fuel Station in India |
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MUTUAL NEGLECT |
| In this report, we examine the proxy voting records of 64 major families of mutual funds on 15 toxics-related shareholder resolutions filed by investors. ...In most cases, these data show that most mutual funds tended to vote against resolutions expressing concern about toxics liabilities. |
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Wholesale Prices Spike As Ethanol Gobbles Up Crops |
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A number of local restaurant operators have been tracking hikes in
wholesale food prices. Restaurants: Nino's, Vincent's, Grappino's, Pronto.
Owner: Vincent Mandola.
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Europe's Biodiesel Drive Sputters |
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Since January, prices
for the crops that make most biodiesel have doubled, driving the cost of a
ton of biodiesel up 50%, to around $1,440 a ton, or about $4.80 a gallon.
Prices for regular crude-oil-based diesel have risen sharply, too, but
only to $840 a ton, or $2.80 a gallon. Biodiesel has become more expensive
for oil companies to buy than fossil fuel, and they are cutting back. ....Europe's governments are finding it difficult to adjust policy to a new and volatile market. In 2006, when commodity prices were low and margins were fat, Germany decided to trim the tax breaks it offers to biodiesel producers. Earlier this year, France raised taxes on biodiesel. Now that producers are in trouble, governments aren't giving the tax breaks back. |
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UK Kyoto commitment
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| Prof Smith is among a growing number of transport experts that believe the UK will fail to meet even its first carbon reduction target, let alone a 60% reduction by 2050. |
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Comment
by Richard D. Masters -- posted by the UK Telegraph
As a Californian involved in the hydrogen effort, the reasons why Britain is lagging and failing are clear to me. Your young companies do not have the support they require from your government to gain a foothold in a landscape virtually owned by entrenched fossil and nuclear power. As with my own federal government, your politicians are bought and paid for by a vast octopus of military, oil, nuclear and fossil utilities. The "Great Game" hinges on oil riches and they will not abandon it for the little understood simplicity offered by limitless, free renewable energy. The difference is that California does not have a military/industrial complex using national security rationalisms to guide policy. Our great adventure revolves around commerce. Our politicians are seen as rogues and pariahs. This is a wonderful thing. California will lead the world into the new energy future while most nations, most certainly your own, will struggle ineffectively to shake off the shackles of oil until it is too late and you become slaves to OPEC or the new nuclear OPEC on the horizon. This is all very sad and I do wish you the best, but there are a lot of Brits over here who have fled, along with a ton of Canadians, all ready to build this new world in California. We like them a lot. We hope they stay. It's called brain drain and it happens when nations fail to lead. November 24, 2007 |
‘‘The
overall message is fairly grim unless we do something radical. We need
fewer, shorter reports and more action from the Government.’’|
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| Conservative Prime Minister John Howard suffered a humiliating defeat Saturday at the hands of the left-leaning opposition, whose leader has promised to immediately sign the Kyoto Protocol on global warming and withdraw Australia's combat troops from Iraq. |
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OWNED BY OIL, NUKES AND COAL, THE
BUSHBOTS BLATANTLY DELAY PROGRESS ON CLEAN AIR AND THE PRODUCTION OF
LIMITLESS FREE FUEL.
-- RDM |
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California Sues
EPA For Stonewalling Landmark Global Warming Law |
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WASHINGTON D.C. — In a precedent setting lawsuit,
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Attorney General Edmund G.
Brown Jr. today sued the U.S. EPA, to force the agency to take action on
California’s request to curb greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles.
The lawsuit, filed today in Washington D.C., charges the EPA with an
unreasonable delay in reaching a decision on California’s landmark law,
known as the Pavley bill, which mandates a 30 percent reduction in motor
vehicle emissions by 2016. “Despite the mounting dangers of global warming, the EPA has delayed and ignored California’s right to impose stricter environmental standards,” Attorney General Brown told a news conference at the state capitol with Governor Schwarzenegger and California Air Resources Board chair, Mary Nichols. “We have waited two years and the Supreme Court has ruled in our favor. What is the EPA waiting for?” Brown asked. Under the Clean Air Act, passed in 1963, California can adopt environmental standards that are stricter than federal rules, if the state obtains a waiver from the U.S. EPA. Congress allowed California to impose stricter laws in recognition of the state’s “compelling and extraordinary conditions.” After a California waiver request is granted, other states are permitted to adopt the same rules. In the Act’s 40-year history, EPA has granted approximately 50 waivers for innovations like catalytic converters, exhaust emission standards, and leaded gasoline regulations. In today’s lawsuit, California asserts that EPA has failed to act in a reasonable length of time. " In 2002, California passed AB 1493 which require a 30 percent reduction in global warming emissions from vehicles by 2016, starting with model year 2009. In December 2005, the California Air Resources Board applied for a waiver to implement the law. Governor Schwarzenegger wrote to the EPA in April 2006 and in October 2006, requesting action on California’s application. Sixteen other states— Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington —have adopted, or are in the process of adopting California’s emissions standards. The state asserts that EPA does not need any additional time to review the facts—the California Air Resources Board submitted a detailed 251-page assessment in 2005 and the U.S. Supreme Court already issued a decision that greenhouse gases are pollutants. In September, a Vermont District Court ruled in favor of the state regulations, rejecting a challenge from the automobile lobby. There are 32 million registered vehicles in California, twice the number of any other state. Cars generate 20% of all human-made carbon dioxide emissions in the United States, and at least 30% of such emissions in California. If California’s landmark global warming law—and the corresponding 30% improvement in emissions standards—were adopted nationally, the United States could cut annual oil imports by $100 billion dollars, at $50 per barrel. Last year, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the landmark Global Warming Solutions Act, AB 32, which sets a goal to cut California greenhouse gas emissions back to 1990 levels by 2020. To meet this target, California must reduce emissions by 174 million metric tons. If California’s motor vehicle emissions law is implemented, it will account for 17% of this reduction target. Climate research shows that global warming is having a profound effect on California’s temperature, weather, air quality, and mountain snowfall. Last year Southern California experienced its driest year since record-keeping began 130 years ago. Between 1949 and 1999, average temperature in California increased 1.03 degrees Fahrenheit and mountain snow accumulation declined ten percent. By 2099 there will be virtually no snow below 3280 feet. California’s complaint, filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia is attached. California’s petition for review, filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, is also attached. Later today, fourteen other states are expected to support California as interveners in the lawsuit. |
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Environmental Failures |
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COULD
THE GLOBAL TRANSITION TO RENEWABLE ENERGY CRIPPLE THE MIDDLE EAST OIL WAR
AND SERVE AS THE FOUNDATION FOR THE RESURGENCE OF ARAB SCIENCE AND
INFLUENCE? OR WILL THE DEEPLY ENTRENCHED OIL AND NUCLEAR INTERESTS STEER
THIS CRITICAL ARAB INVESTMENT TOWARD ANOTHER DEAD END? -
RDM |
| WFES's inaugural event in 2008 will be held 21-23 January 2008 in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. This event will stage a global summit of leadership coming together to discuss key issues around sustainable and alternative energy solutions and technologies. An international exhibition will showcase the latest developments in future energy solutions with a number of educational and inspiration features. |
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For almost half a century Abu Dhabi has
been a world leader in energy production. Now we as a nation are keen to
play our part in the development and implementation of alternative sources
of energy. We have embarked on a journey to expand and complement the
evolving global energy market. In this spirit, I look forward to welcoming you to the inaugural World Future Energy Summit being held by Masdar this January 21st – 23rd, where leaders and experts from around the world will convene to stimulate innovative solutions for some of the most pressing challenges of our times: energy conservation, energy security, the environment and truly sustainable human development. "We invite you to also play a role in envisioning and creating a cleaner, more sustainable future by joining us in this remarkable event" The World Future Energy Summit brings together the world’s leading innovators, educators, scientists, venture capitalists and experts in the field of future energy - people who are champions and catalysts in creating real and sustainable Solutions. We invite you to also play a role in envisioning and creating a cleaner, more sustainable future by joining us in this remarkable event. For its part, Abu Dhabi is leading significant developments in this sector through its Masdar Initiative. These efforts include the world’s first attempt to create a zero-carbon, zero-waste city, the development of a national carbon capture and storage network, and creating a whole new economic sector dedicated to sustainable energy and new clean technologies. The World Future Energy Summit offers a privileged opportunity to participate among leaders in a unique forum that is changing the debate on energy and sustainability. It also offers the chance to become part of a new global platform that is creating the future of energy. We look forward to your valued participation and collaboration. -- Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber CEO, Masdar, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company |
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Mazda and Norway to Collaborate on Hydrogen Future |
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EUROPE:
Hydrogen Hopes |
| Germany alone is set to invest more than 1 billion [euros] during the next ten years in hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies. The federal ministry of transport will provide some 500 million [euros] through a national innovation programme for R&D, and industry is expected to contribute roughly the same amount. The programme could create up to 1,000 jobs for scientists, engineers and technicians, says Detlef Stolten, director of the Jülich institute. |
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RELEASED |
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HYWAYS -- HYDROGEN ENERGY IN EUROPE |
| Hydrogen use will take off mainly in densely populated centres and, during the transition phase, gradually expand towards locations difficult to supply. Hydrogen supply infrastructure build-up depends strongly on regional particularities such as the available feedstock, population density and geographic factors. Each delivery option is beneficial under certain conditions, with a trend towards centralized production for areas with higher population density in later phases. |
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"...Canada must be part of the
solution, not only part of the problem. And if we are part of the
solution, we’ll be rich because we will sell our solutions to the world." |
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WILL ALBERTA'S OIL
CONTINUE TO RULE CANADA? |
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| What Dion can say with certainty is that a Liberal government would not allow Canada's industrial base to keep deteriorating. He rejects the view that a modern nation can sustain itself by buying and selling services. "We need a balanced economy. We need to build on what we've done well." As prime minister, he would encourage Canada's manufacturers to change. The successful industries of the 21st century won't be characterized by smokestacks, Dion says. They will use clean technology. They will consume less energy, create less pollution and free people from their dependence on fossil fuels. "We need to move there right now." Canada is already well positioned, Dion says, to become the first mass producer of hydrogen-powered cars. "We have the expertise. Ballard (Power Systems of Vancouver which manufactures hydrogen fuel cells) is one of the best in the world." | |
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"The direction, the hope, is to see
us on the podium of the sustainable economy." "It could well be that the first country
to seriously address the issues of creating a market for renewables
would become the central location for a major new international
business sector - with all the positive consequences that carries in
terms of economic activity and employment." |
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WHY SUPPORT RENEWABLE
ENERGY, ANYWAY? |
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UNITED KINGDOM:
Hydro-Genius Quentin Wilson Sunday Mirror (UK) June 10, 2007 I've seen the future and it's powered by hydrogen. This week I was privileged to lead a convoy of the greenest vehicles in the world from Brighton to London, driving both a hydrogen-powered Ford Explorer and Focus. ...BMW fielded two hydrogen-powered 7-Series, Saab a 9-5 Biopower, Honda a Civic Hybrid and Vauxhall a hydrogen-powered Zafira, sponsored by Ikea. ...So it's time to forget the urban myth that the car industry doesn't want to change. It does and it's leading the charge. The public are far more enthusiastic about owning green cars than we ever dared believe. The only problem is the Government. They talk the talk, but are yet to walk the walk. |
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RELEASED A SUSTAINABLE INVESTMENT PLAN FOR THE POWER SECTOR TO SAVE THE CLIMATE European Renewable Energy Council July 2007 |
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THIS REPORT SHOWS THAT INVESTMENT IN RENEWABLES PAYS OFF QUITE QUICKLY DUE TO MASSIVE SAVINGS IN FUEL COSTS. IN FACT, A ‘BUSINESS AS USUAL’ MIX IN THE WORLD GLOBAL POWER GENERATION SECTOR WOULD RESULT IN 10 TIMES HIGHER FUEL COSTS, WHEN COMPARED TO THE ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT NEEDED TO IMPLEMENT THE ENERGY REVOLUTION PATHWAY.
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Danish Prime Minister Embraces Hydrogen for Transport |
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Prokhorov Planning $17Bln Fund |
Mikhail Prokhorov on Thursday
announced plans to form a giant $17 billion investment fund, Onexim, from
his assets in Norilsk Nickel, Interros and Polyus that would branch out
into areas as diverse as hydrogen fuel cell technology and nanotechnology.
The fund will focus on "innovatory projects in the fields of hydrogen fuel
cell technology, nanotechnology and mining and metals ... in which Russia
has objective competitive advantages," Prokhorov told a news conference.
...Onexim Group would put hundreds of millions of dollars into
nanotechnology over the next three years, Prokhorov said.
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"The large investors in California
need locally based facilities where they can test new environmental
technologies at full scale, in order to see whether it is possible to
bring them the critical way from the desk to the market. Lolland has
arranged itself in a way which is perfect to become such a test area." "The Americans are very interested
in how to integrate large amounts of renewable energy into the existing
net. Denmark has gained experience in this over many years, and Lolland is
now offering the opportunity to test it in practice." |
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Lolland, Denmark to Become |
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"Our goal is to use fuel cells to produce heat and electricity right at people's homes," said Nakskov's mayor, Flemming Bonne Hansen according to Borsen, adding that he hoped the investment in the region by fuel cell developers would also bring jobs to the local economy.
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RELEASED MAPPING ANALYSIS OF Suzanne Shaw January 2007 |
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The European Community of Consumer
Britain on Brink of Nuclear Mistake, Says Greenpeace DOES BIG OIL RUN CANADA |
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"We are set to
develop hydrogen energy
on a world scale." |
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Although it is still too early to
speak about concrete schemes, it is known that Norilsk Nickel's energy
assets not directly involved in the power supply of the Norilsk industrial
area are soon to be split off to form a separate company. The new energy
company will be headed by former Director General of 'Norilsk Nickel'
Mikhail Prokhorov, who for several years has provided active support to
scientific research in the sphere of hydrogen energy and its practical
applications. Mikhail Prokhorov Fis (Russia) April 4, 2007 |
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YOU HAVEN'T SEEN
ANYTHING NYET |
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Prokhorov Planning $17Bln Fund |
Mikhail Prokhorov on Thursday
announced plans to form a giant $17 billion investment fund, Onexim, from
his assets in Norilsk Nickel, Interros and Polyus that would branch out
into areas as diverse as hydrogen fuel cell technology and nanotechnology.
The fund will focus on "innovatory projects in the fields of hydrogen fuel
cell technology, nanotechnology and mining and metals ... in which Russia
has objective competitive advantages," Prokhorov told a news conference.
...Onexim Group would put hundreds of millions of dollars into
nanotechnology over the next three years, Prokhorov said.
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DOES BIG OIL RUN CANADA AS
WELL AS THE U.S.?
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British Columbia, California, Align The two leaders announced plans to build a series of futuristic hydrogen fueling stations from San Diego to Whistler, B.C., to encourage the use of hydrogen vehicles. Campbell said he hopes to bring all the coastal governors to a global warming planning summit this spring. |
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EU Agrees on Carbon Dioxide Cuts
Europeans Firmly Behind Research into New Energy |
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RELEASED |
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The hydrogen scenario |
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| Total energy demand | |
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