Warm, getting warmer

Even without the climatic changes, demand for electricity is rising on a global scale. What energy sources are available? How can electricity be produced better, distributed, used and stored more efficiently?

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G20 summit in Korea – Adding the "how" to the energy challenge

The IEC was given the opportunity to present its smart electrification strategy at the November 2010 G20 ministerial summit meeting in South Korea.

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COP16 call for standards

The IEC was present extensively during COP 16 – the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) – that was held in Cancún, Mexico, and brought together 16 000 participants from more than 190 countries.

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CB-FCS: Factory inspection on the path to success

The streamlining of the IECEE CB-FCS earlier this year proved to be a good move. Many IECEE National Certification Bodies have signed the multilateral agreement.

Harmonized documentation and forms and simplified procedures have turned what was a fairly complex scheme into the perfect instrument for companies that plan global product rollouts.

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Focus on safety in hazardous areas

For Brunei Darussalam, safety of its citizens comes first. Brunei authorities have taken a number of steps to raise awareness both in industry circles and among the general public and to implement safety measures and regulations in the country.

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IECQ and VDE at electronica 2010

Networking, meeting electronic component manufacturers and suppliers holding IECQ certification, promoting the IECQ services and increasing visibility were at the heart of IECQ’s presence at electronica 2010.

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Hydro energy around the globe – a world of opportunity

Hydro is high on the global agenda as nations look to energize their economies, bring power to remote regions, and move toward clean, renewable generation.

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A breath of air fuels the power supplies

Electricity is supplying an increasing share of the world’s total energy demand and is growing faster than liquid fuels, natural gas, and coal in all end-use sectors except transportation. One of the solutions to supply electricity, satisfying criteria of low cost and efficiency in an environmentally friendly manner, is in wind-generated power.

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Backpacking it with portable hydropower

Hydropower (water-generated power) has long been recognised as a valuable tool for renewable energy generation.

Improvements in technology mean that many existing dams can be retrofitted to produce power. Water sources, unlike wind or sun which vary, are constant. Now there are even human-portable backpack hydroelectric power generation devices.

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Seven years as Chairman of Standardization Management Board

An interview with Frank Kitzantides, IEC Vice-President on his seven years as Chairman of the SMB.

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On being Chairman of SMB

Jim Matthews is the newly elected Chairman of SMB. He spoke about some of the challenges he faces in his new position within the IEC.

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US National Electrical Manufacturers' Association honours IEC individuals

Three of the five recipients of Kite & Key Awards presented this year by NEMA, the US National Electrical Manufacturers’ Association, are connected with the IEC.

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IEC presence at UPDEA and ARSO General Assemblies

The IEC's Affiliate Coordinator for Africa, Evah Oduor, recently attended two regional events in Africa.

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Harmonizing the approach and strengthening accessibility

In harmony with the World Standards Day theme this year, and as part of a continuing series of joint workshops, the World Standards Cooperation held an international workshop on Accessibility and the contribution of International Standards.

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Harnessing the sun’s energy with photovoltaic systems

As an unrelenting blast furnace pouring out energy, nothing beats the sun. In both desert areas where solar rays pound relentlessly and in temperate regions, the sun can provide useful power.

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Clean energy – IEC TC 45 prepares for nuclear power plant renaissance

Nuclear power provides a safe, economic way to generate electricity, reduce greenhouse gas emission, and spur economic growth, says Morgan Cox, Chair of IEC TC 45: Nuclear instrumentation.

Cox spoke recently about nuclear energy in an Open Council Session during the IEC General Meeting in Seattle, United States.

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Lowering energy loss with high voltage power transmission

Where in some areas of technology small-scale input to national grids are the order of the day, at the other end of the power spectrum there are also significant moves for ultra high voltage or high voltage energy use.

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Storing energy for when it's needed with rechargeable fuel cells

Generating electricity from renewable sources can be problematic. What means exist to store excess energy generated so that it's readily available for when it's needed?

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Safe, efficient electricity supply with new pre-release International Standards

A new series of FDIS pre-release International Standards is now available from the IEC Webstore

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