Sweden Offers Glimpse of Sustainable Future
 

By Jiji Press, (c) Jiji Press, JCN
May 27, 2008
FEATURE: Sweden Offers Glimpse of Sustainable Future

http://www.japancorp.net/Article.Asp?Art_ID=18369

Stockholm (JCN) - In the global fight against climate change, Swedish answers include a train powered by cattle-derived gas and household cooking heaters fueled by waste water.

The experiences of Sweden in finding new sources of energy and creating energy-saving systems following the oil crises of the 1970s may offer practical lessons for countries hard-pressed to cut greenhouse gas emissions, such as Japan.

While the soaring output of biofuels from farm produce is blamed for causing food price surges and shortages in developing countries, biogas made from waste, regarded as the most environmentally friendly form of fuel currently available, is part of Sweden's efforts to wean itself off oil.

Launched in April 2006, the Amanda, the world's first train powered solely by biogas, is in service between Linkoping, southwest of Stockholm, and Vastervik, also on Sweden's east coast. So far, it has traveled a distance equivalent to going around the globe twice.

The prototype model is carbon neutral because biogas is a renewable energy source. Fuel is produced locally, based on organic waste primarily from slaughterhouses and restaurants..............

http://www.japancorp.net/Article.Asp?Art_ID=18369