openPR Logo
Press release

Turning Back The Damage Done To The Ozone Layer

09-27-2016 04:48 PM CET | Energy & Environment

Press release from: Phelan Energy Group

15 September 2016: The ozone layer is a deep layer in earth’s atmosphere that contains ozone which is a naturally occurring molecule containing three oxygen atoms. Not only does the ozone layer protect our planet from the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation that bombards the Earth on a daily basis, but through the absorption of this radiation it helps to warm our stratosphere – ultimately supporting and sustaining life on our planet. Recognising the importance of this, Friday 16 September marks International Day of the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.

According to Paschal Phelan, Chairman of Solar Capital, this year gives the world a chance to celebrate the fact that the ozone layer is currently on track for recovery by the middle of this century.

He explains that scientists at MIT and elsewhere published an article in the journal Science in June this year announcing the emergence of the healing of the Antarctic ozone layer.

Phelan says that it was during the period between the 80s and 90s that governments around the world started to recognise that the biggest environmental threat to the planet was the depletion of ozone in the stratosphere, most notably above the Antarctic. “As a result of depleting ozone levels, increased UVA and UVB radiation has been proven to have detrimental effects on both humans and the environment alike.”

He adds that to counter the harmful effects of the thinning ozone layer, 196 counties (including the European Union) signed the 1987 Montreal Protocol. “This treaty governed the gradual phase out of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone depleting compounds. CFCs, which had in the past been used in refrigeration and aerosol cans, were in time replaced by other non-ozone depleting gases which allowed for the current reform in the ozone layer.”

Phelan says that we should be proud of what has been achieved since the 80s to turn back the devastating damage done to this protective layer. “The corrective steps taken since then show what can be done if all societies around the world work towards a common environmental goal. We must now move our focus to that of climate change.”

However, he warns that there were a number of unintended side effects resulting from the Montreal Protocol, which included an increase in other toxic gases used to replace chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that have ultimately contributed to global warming through increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases such as Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), Methane (CH₄) and Nitrous Oxide (N₂O).

“Unfortunately, this is compounded by the fact that these gasses are also by-products of our dependence on fossil fuels,” adds Phelan.

Fortunately the world is starting to realise that its dependence on fossil fuels is unsustainable. Phelan says that in recent years there has been a dramatic shift towards renewable energy sources to help counter these negative side effects of the ozone layer reforms emanating from the Montreal Protocol.

He says that, as an example, the production of solar energy diminishes our dependency on fossil fuels and mitigates global warning through lowering the emission of greenhouse gases.

Phelan explains that the production of solar energy has minimal CO2 emissions, little water usage, is inexhaustible, and it is safe. “Global electricity produced by solar power has doubled seven times over since 2000. Part of the reason for this is that solar is not a fuel, but a technology. Owing to economies of scale and increasing efficiency, prices of solar technology and supply continue to fall. As a result, the need for fossil fuels is falling internationally”.

In South Africa, the move towards the provision of renewable energy through the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement (REIPPP) Programme has been lauded for assisting in the reversion of the impact of climate change.

“Let’s support the fight against climate change and the depletion of the life-sustaining ozone layer. By supporting the use of renewable energy, solar power being one of these sources, we are supporting the preservation of our earth,” says Phelan.

Phelan’s company Solar Capital is a shareholder, developer, project manager and joint O&M contractor of the largest solar farm in the Southern Hemisphere (175MW) based in De Aar, Northern Cape.

About Solar Capital

Solar Capital (Pty) Ltd is a subsidiary of Phelan Energy Group Ltd a prominent South African based International Investment and Development Company, with the vision to become a market leader in the production of solar energy in Southern Africa. Based in Cape Town, Solar Capital has built up a local and international proficiency in renewable energy, in order to realize its mission. With Southern Africa having some of the highest annual solar radiation levels in the world, Solar Capital has invested in real estate and technology with the potential to develop the continent's most valuable energy source – the sun.

Phelan Energy Group - Solar Capital
47 Main Road
Green Point
Cape Town
Paschal Phelan
T: +27 (0)21 433 0366
F: +27 (0)21 433 2099
E: info@phelanenergy.co.za

This release was published on openPR.

Permanent link to this press release:

Copy
Please set a link in the press area of your homepage to this press release on openPR. openPR disclaims liability for any content contained in this release.

You can edit or delete your press release Turning Back The Damage Done To The Ozone Layer here

News-ID: 367508 • Views:

More Releases from Phelan Energy Group

Driving Down Global Costs Of Solar Energy
Increasing global energy demands have ensured that driving down the cost of producing electricity has become an imperative. Coupled with a strong push to combat climate change, worldwide people have turned to renewable energy as the solution to the current energy challenges that the world faces. But, are renewable energy solutions a realistic and affordable alternative to traditional energy supplies? Solar power developers are currently competing to break world records
What Is Solar Irradiation And How Does It Make South Africa An Excellent Locatio …
The sun emits radiation that travels to the earth. This radiation we call solar energy. The solar energy is transmitted as electromagnetic radiation of various wavelengths. Before the solar energy reaches the earth it has to travel through the earth’s atmosphere. During this time the energy transmitted is reduced by, for example, absorption, scattering and reflection mechanisms due to the content of the earth’s atmosphere, pollution, cloud cover, etc. The
Rethinking Energy Supply In South Africa – Power-Gen 2016
During South African Public Enterprise Minister Lynne Brown’s address at the POWER-GEN & DistribuTECH Africa conference held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg in June 2016, she focused her attention on the current difficulties faced in keeping the country powered. As part of her speech, she highlighted the long-term need for the Integrated Resource Plan for Electricity which would see 9.2GW of electricity being generated by wind, 8.4GW from
Power Solutions And Jobs Need To Be Top Of SA Government’s Agenda
President Zuma in his State of the Nation address on 12 February 2016 elaborated on how progress has been made to stabilize the electricity supply in the last year, which included the investment of R194 billion in the Department of Energy’s (DoE) Renewable Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPP Programme). The DoE has shown its support to developing this sector through its REIPP Programme, which has been very successful in electricity

All 5 Releases


More Releases for Solar

Biohybrid Solar Cell Market Professional Survey Report 2022 - Jinko Solar, JA SO …
The Biohybrid Solar Cell Market Report 2022 provides a comprehensive analysis of observable trends and projections. This research shows how to attract a large number of customers. Our certified crew of economists, researchers, and advisers has made further attempts in projecting the global industry by utilising accredited global Biohybrid Solar Cell market information tools as well as various instruments and ways to successfully review and get information. The research argues
Home Solar Power System Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth - Tesla, Panasonic So …
The Global Home Solar Power System Market study includes new innovations, market dynamics, strategic profiling in terms of the future market strategies and shares for the subsectors of the industry. This research consists of details related to the size of the industries, the major players, markets, sales volume and value. This study offers a detail data on the historical data pointers as well as forecasts by region/country for the sectors
Solar PV Module Market Outlook To 2024 - Trina Solar, Canadian Solar Inc., JA So …
Solar PV module market from utility sector has witnessed a substantial growth globally in recent years. In the first quarter of the year, Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade have talked about their FiT scheme related to utility-based solar power projects. Ongoing electrification programs and incentives benefit pertaining to grid connected power generation is surging the demand for on-grid solar PV modules. On-grid connection represented 55% of the overall solar
Solar Simulator Market Distribution Channel 2019: Spire Solar, Solar Energy Inte …
Solar Simulator Market report aims to examine the developments of market including its market improvements, developments, positions and others. This report on the Solar Simulator market offers explanatory knowledge on the market parts like dominating players, drivers and restraints, production, revenue, consumption, import and export, and the most effective development within the organization size, deployment type, inside, segmentation comprised throughout this analysis, also major the players have used various strategies such
Solar PV Module Market By Key Vendors: Trina Solar, Canadian Solar Inc., JA Sola …
UK solar PV module market is set to expand owing to government initiatives towards sustainable energy integration. The export tariff introduced by the UK government facilitates USD 0.06 per unit for the surplus electricity injected back to the grid by the generator. Favorable government reforms with ambitious plan towards carbon footprint reduction will further boost the business outlook. Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/1563 Solar PV Module Market size
Global Solar Thermal Market 2016 Abengoa Solar, SUPCON Solar, Solar Euromed
Global Solar Thermal Market Research Report The MRS Research Group Solar Thermal report by QY Research represents an inclusive evaluation of the Solar Thermal Market and comprises considerable insights, historical data, facts,and statistical and industry-validated data of the global market.Additionally,it consists of estimated data that is evaluated with the help of suitable set of methodologies and assumptions.The MRS Research Group report research highlights informative data and in-depth analysis of Solar Thermal