News 2005:

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November 30, 2005

Aborigines on Australia's Bird-Flu Frontline

Aborigines in Australia's remote north and authorities in Indonesia and East Timor have been drafted in to watch for signs of sick or dead migratory birds as Australia's frontline defence against bird flu.

Another Tropical Storm, Epsilon, Forms in Atlantic

Just when the Atlantic hurricane season was supposed to end, Tropical Storm Epsilon formed in the central Atlantic on Tuesday but posed no immediate threat to land, US weather forecasters said.

Australia Urged to Reconsider Nuclear Alternative

Senior members of Australia's government are pushing for a debate on a home-grown nuclear power industry in a country that digs up and exports a sizeable chunk of the world's uranium but has long shunned nuclear energy.

Blair ready to go nuclear over future energy supplies

TONY Blair will today launch the case for a new generation of nuclear power stations, as he publishes the terms of a review which will lay out in stark terms the energy supply choices facing Britain.

Busy Hurricane Season Ends, Sets Pattern for Future

The busiest and costliest Atlantic hurricane season on record finally ends on Wednesday but meteorologists cautioned that it may be years before the tropical Atlantic settles down. "You bet I'm worried about next year, and several years after that," Max Mayfield, director of the US National Hurricane Center, told a news conference.

California regulators set to reduce barriers for renewables

The development of new renewable resources has been slower than anticipated in California, partly due to the “complex and cumbersome” Renewable Portfolio Standard process, but regulators may adopt a new policy which makes recommendations on how to improve the sector.

Consumption of renewables to decline under Kyoto Protocol says DoE

The use of renewable energies will decline in gross terms under the Kyoto Protocol, compared with a penetration rate without the global agreement on climate change, says the U.S. Department of Energy.

Countries' Nuclear Power Strategies

Attitudes to nuclear power vary widely across the globe. Germany and Sweden are continuing to phase it out while China plans 30 new reactors by 2020.

Gazette opinion- Mulling cleaner coal demands in mine states

On Nov. 21, the California Energy Commission issued its annual policy report, reaffirming past commitments to energy market transparency, conservation, affordability, alternatives to fossil fuels and pollution control. Those goals require that any energy imported into California be generated at plants that have lower greenhouse gas emissions than traditional coal-fired power plants. Montana officials should take note as entrepreneurs float plans to develop this state's vast coal resources. If the market demands cleaner energy, that's what suppliers will have to deliver.

HIGH DESERT SUN RETURNS LOWER ENERGY COSTS FOR TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

When leaders of Yucca Valley California started building their community center complex more than 30 years ago, they had no way of knowing that the sun, which shines nearly 90 percent of the time in this Southern California high desert, would one day help the town save money on its electricity bill.

India Considers a National Hydrogen Proposal

If implemented as proposed, one million hydrogen-fueled vehicles would be riding on Indian Roads by 2020.

To implement the National Hydrogen Energy Road Map, which is hoped to provide sustainable energy security to its citizens and place India in the forefront of a new global hydrogen energy economy.

India's Aiyar eyes symbiosis with rival oil user China

India's globe-trotting oil minister Mani Shankar Aiyar is readying to lay the foundation for what could become the cornerstone of his unique brand of oil diplomacy during a trip to Beijing in January 2006. "The theoretical proposition is that it is better for two principal buyers to join hands and present a monopsony, if you like, to the monopoly of the seller."

IPE Brent futures drifts lower on weak heating oil demand

$54.08/bbl, 24 cts beneath Tuesday settle, close to the opening level. Warmer weather across US Northeast, the world's largest heating oil market, has slowed heating oil demand.

Kentucky Public Service Commission approves Duke-Cinergy merger

Kentucky regulators on Tuesday approved the merger of Cinergy Corp, parent company of the state's Union Light, Heat & Power Co, with Duke Energy Corp, making Kentucky the second state to approve the deal. South Carolina was the first to approve the merger deal. The merger still has to be approved by regulators in North Carolina, Ohio and Indiana.

Key part of power plant hearing cut

AUSTIN -- CPS Energy and environmental groups fighting over the utility's proposed $1 billion coal plant will finally get their day in court next week. But the argument that likely will make or break the case will be conspicuously absent.

Mexico Authorizes Private Plan To Reconstruct Cancun's Hurricane-Ravaged Beaches

Mexican environmental officials said Monday they have authorized a private reconstruction project for Mexico's famous Caribbean beaches after much of the sugar-white sand was washed away last month by Hurricane Wilma.

Natural gas price to drop in December

Mild weather in many parts of the nation has lowered demand for natural gas and will mean your heating bill will cost you less in December.  “The decrease is mainly due to the mild weather decreasing demand,” Nicor spokeswoman Annette Martinez said. “Storage facilities are full. And although there have been a few cold days, for the most part the weather has been warmer than usual and therefore demand is down, causing a decrease in natural gas prices.”

New Jersey Considers Doubling RPS Mandate

New Jersey already has the most generous solar incentives in the nation, and if new policies are adopted to the state's broad requirements, solar and all renewable energy technologies will stand to gain greatly over the next decade and beyond. The proposed amendments would increase the state's RPS percentage of Class 1 (solar, wind, sustainable biomass) to 20 percent by the year 2020 from the current requirement of 4 percent by 2008.

New Nevada Company Answers President Clinton's Call To Develop State's Renewable Resources

In the wake of President Clinton's recent call to make Nevada the "alternative energy capital of the world", a group of prominent Nevadans have launched a new company to do just that.

Poll Shows Canadians Welcome Ethanol in Fuel Supply

"Canadians want alternative fuels," said Chris Kelly, President of The Strategic Counsel. "They support the use of such fuels as additives, even if such use has no impact on price at the pump. They want the federal government to act and indicate that appropriate action will lead to improved assessments of the government."

Proposed power plant could be one of Valley's major polluters

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 113005

Solar activity is expected to be at very low to low levels. Region 824 has the capability of producing an isolated C-class flare.  The geomagnetic field is expected to be at quiet to active levels through 30 November. Minor storm conditions with a chance for isolated high latitude major storm periods are possible on 01 and 02 December as a recurrent coronal hole rotates into a geoeffective position.

Roadmap developed to expedite solar water heating in U.S.

The United States should reduce the energy it uses to heat water by 25% by 2020, mainly through the use of solar and advanced water heaters.

Water heaters consume 13% of residential and 6% of all commercial energy in the U.S.

Scotland Advances its Renewable Energy Commitment

"We have set a target that at least 40 percent of Scottish electricity is generated from a variety of renewable sources by 2020."

Sustainable Gulf Reconstruction

As some hurricane victims return home while others still languish in trailer parks and temporary hotels, the debate over rebuilding hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast communities has been joined, though without much of a blueprint. There has been no near-total reconstruction of a major US city like New Orleans since the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, or the great Chicago fire of 1871, and times have changed radically since then.

The Nuclear Power Industry in the US is Undergoing Change ; Safety is No Longer the Main Issue

Toyota says hybrids sold in U.S. have saved 100 million gallons of gas

Along with saving gasoline, the company also said the hybrids also have avoided creating about 900,000 tons of carbon dioxide and 3 million pounds of smog-forming gases.

U.S. Defends Decision Not To Join Kyoto Protocol as Environmental Conference Begins

The United States defended its decision not to sign the Kyoto Protocol on Monday, saying during the opening of a global summit on climate change that it is doing more than most countries to protect the earth's atmosphere.

The 10-day U.N. Climate Control Conference is considered the most important gathering on global warming since Kyoto, bringing together thousands of experts from 180 nations to brainstorm on ways to slow the alarming effects of greenhouses gases.

U.S. energy department meets goal for renewables

The Department of Energy has met a goal of sourcing the equivalent of 3% of its facilities’ electrical usage from non-hydro renewable energy sources.

The goal was set by the Secretary of Energy, and covers the purchase of green power, on-site generating projects, and the purchase of renewable energy credits.

U.S. reports 18% increase in sales of green power

The United States generated 3.5 million MWh of green power last year, an increase of 18% over 2003 output, according to the latest verification of the Green-e program.

“Sales of renewable energy increase significantly each year, confirming that voluntary markets for renewable energy are strong, and contribute to new generation and supply,”

US vows to let post-2012 climate change agreement happen

Speaking to reporters at what may be the only US media briefing this week, Harlan Watson, the chief US negotiator at the talks, said the Bush administration has no intention of preventing an agreement to follow up the first phase of Kyoto with another legally binding treaty.

Working Together

High energy prices nationally and sustained outages in some areas of the Gulf region have worked to give utilities a black eye. At the same time, nearly all such companies are looking inward and trying to re-define their missions. What can corporate communications do to let communities and customers know they are valued? While utilities have traditionally been seen as stodgy, they have also been viewed as tried and true -- entities in which their stakeholders could depend. But tumultuous times have forced many utilities to rethink their positions. And now some are struggling to adapt and with how to portray their missions.

World Watches Britain for Nuclear Energy Steer

Any decision by Britain to build a new generation of nuclear power plants to replace old stock could accelerate a new global nuclear age, analysts said. Environmentalists have deplored the fact nuclear power is back on the British agenda while industry leaders have welcomed it. But they agree that many countries will be watching the outcome of the British review next year.

November 29, 2005

10,000 expected for this week´s U.N. climate conference in Montreal

Nearly 10,000 people are expected to gather beginning today in Montreal for the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2005.

Acupuncture-- How does it work?

Acupuncturists help their patients by determining where in the body his or her qi is unbalanced, adding that this unbalanced energy will manifest itself physically.

Acupuncture’s Evolution

There was a time when modern Western and traditional Chinese medicine had engaged in a “territorial dispute” over intramuscular stimulation (IMS) pain treatments. Both sides had a point it turns out, as current treatments use needles, complemented by modern medicine.

AVESTOR Launches New SE48S80 LMP Battery

launching its second LMP battery for the telecommunications market, the SE48S80 battery, which offers 80 Ah at 48 V. Similar to the original AVESTOR battery, the SE48S80 is maintenance-free, with a long and predictable service life.

BP Forms BP Alternative Energy

BP today announced that it plans to double its investment in alternative and renewable energies to create a new low-carbon power business with the growth potential to deliver revenues of around $6 billion a year within the next decade.

Building on the success of BP Solar -- which expects to hit revenues of $1 billion in 2008 -- BP Alternative Energy will manage an investment program in solar, wind, hydrogen and combined-cycle-gas-turbine (CCGT) power generation, which could amount to $8 billion over the next ten years.

Canada Stresses Green Agenda, But Emissions Soar

This should be a proud moment for Canada, where a major conference to find a successor to the Kyoto climate change treaty opens on Monday. Instead, the government is faced with an embarrassing predicament.

Canada unphased by rapid growth, rising greenhouse gas emissions

"We have a booming oil and gas industry," Dion said, referring to increased fossil fuel production from "tar sands" in Western Canada. "Despite [that] we don't give up because we believe we can have more [economic] growth with less waste and more energy efficiency," he told reporters in an afternoon briefing.  But the growth created partly by the energy sector and hailed by Dion has come at a price in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.

Canada Urges Wider Global Warming Fight

Host Canada urged a wider fight against global warming at the start of 189-country talks on Monday that will try to enlist the United States and poor nations in UN-led schemes to fight climate change beyond 2012.

Chinese City Restores Running Water after Shutdown Caused by Toxic Spill

Running water returned to this northeast city of 3.8 million people Sunday, ending a five-day shutdown blamed on a chemical spill that embarrassed the government and highlighted China's mounting environmental problems.

Chinese Toxic Spill Could Hit Russia in Days

A toxic spill from a Chinese factory will hit Russia within days and could pollute the drinking water supply of a major city in its far east by the second week of December, officials said on Monday.

Democrats Want Government To Address Rising Energy Costs

"We're controlling rising prices and reducing our use of foreign oil by embracing alternative energy sources," she said.

But to keep pace with the energy demand, she said a comprehensive policy, with commitments from the states and federal government, is essential.

Energy Bill 2005 - A Waste of Time?

From the point of view of my industry’s segment, metering, the Energy Bill 2005 appeared to be ground-breaking: For the first time ever, efficiency measurement, real time tariffs, peak tariffs and specific time period pricing were given a prominent place in a Federal Bill. Issues, for which National and International metering organisations have been fighting for since the early 1990s, finally appeared to be seriously addressed.

Federal government could oust Yucca Mountain contractor

A Bechtel spokesman says the DOE has not decided whether to renew, but claims that it has met all of its performance requirements. The joint-venture, however, has yet to receive 100 percent of its fee, which was reduced somewhat after a recent evaluation.

Fourth Freezing Day Without Power for 65,000 Germans

GE goes for the green

General Electric's strategy of pursuing environmentally friendly business has given its Greenville site new jobs making wind turbines, softening the blow of layoffs that cut the plant's work force by more than 600 jobs in the past three years.  Plant spokesman Mark Reilly said the spending is projected across business lines through 2019, including $4 million spent this year in the gas and wind turbine businesses.

Government Units Take Interest in Efficient Building Initiatives

States and municipalities nationwide are building green in the interest of energy and resource efficiency. At least 12 states are mandating or encouraging the use of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards in government-funded construction since the green building rating system was launched by the nonprofit U.S. Green Building Council in 2000.

Green Roofs In Winter-- Hot Design For A Cold Climate

A University of Toronto researcher has delivered the first-ever analysis of green roofs’ ability to keep buildings warm in winter.  The first conclusive data that winter green roofs can help reduce heat loss and energy consumption during cold months.

How do utilities pay off some regulators?

Consumer advocates like the Citizen Utilities Board's former director Martin Cohen are a rarity on PUCs, a survey by the Center for Public Integrity found. Only eight appointees in the last year have had consumer affairs backgrounds, the survey found.

Indonesia in favor of OPEC maintaining output- Purnomo

Indonesia will propose that OPEC maintain its current output when the cartel meets in Kuwait on Dec 12, because oil prices could still spike if there are cold spells during winter, oil minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said Tuesday.

IPE Brent crude futures extend decline on warm weather in US

IPE Brent crude futures in London continued to slide downwards Tuesday as temperatures in the US Northeast, the world's biggest heating oil market, are expected to stay above-average for the next few days.

Landfill gas displaces coal at TEP

Tucson Electric Power said that an ongoing program to capture and burn landfill gas has allowed the Arizona utility avoid burning a total of 100,000 tons of coal over seven years. "We expect [methane production from the landfill] to be available for about another 20 years, but it only accounts for about 1% of our residential customer generation, [so] this project won't replace our need for coal," TEP spokesman John Brown told Platts Coal Trader. "It helps the city of Tucson with its emissions credits."

Legislators raise health, siting concerns about coal-fired plant

Legislators and locals alike are making a concerted effort these days to learn as much as they can about the coal-fired power plant proposed for Jerome County.

And, they want to educate others, too.

Block's husband, Bill, also put in an appearance at the Council meeting as a member of a newly formed group of doctors, engineers and political leaders opposed to Sempra Generation's plans to build a 600-megawatt coal-fire power plant in Jerome County.

Many British Farmers See Climate Change as Threat

More than a third of UK farmers see climate change as a threat to their livelihood, far more than see opportunities in growing new crops, the National Farmers Union said in a report issued on Monday.

Methyl Bromide Controversy Reveals the Politics of Pesticides

Shoppers rifle through store shelves brimming with succulent tomatoes and plump strawberries, hoping to enjoy one last round of fresh fruit before the Western growing season ends. There is no hint of a dark side to the blaze of red. Strawberries are a painful subject for Guillermo Ruiz. The farm worker believes his headaches, confusion and vision trouble stem from a decade working in the fields with methyl bromide, a pesticide that protects the berries with stunning efficiency.

New Federal Rule Solves Longstanding Florida Wastewater Problem

Nissan's Ghosn Cautious about Hybrid Cars

Carlos Ghosn, chief executive officer of Nissan Motor Co., said Friday he remains "cautious" about producing hybrid cars until it is clear there is a real demand for them. "Until it is definitively established which technology is the final answer to the environmental question, we need to systematically pursue all solutions: diesel, ethanol, hydrogen, electric and hybrid," he said.

Power customers paying $875 more each than they did 6 years ago, data shows

Typical residential customers in Southern Nevada are paying $875 more each year for electricity and natural gas than they did about six years ago, Public Utilities Commission data show. Blame the increase on skyrocketing prices for natural gas, which is in short supply and is used for most power generation in the West, as well as home space heating and cooking.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 112905

Solar activity was at very low levels. A long duration B2 x-ray enhancement was associated with a small eruption.There is a slight chance of a C-class flare.The geomagnetic field is expected to continue at quiet to unsettled levels with isolated active periods on 29 November. Minor storm periods with high latitude major storm periods are possible on 30 November and 01 December as a recurrent coronal hole rotates into a geoeffective position.

State hopes to trade clean coal for older coal plants

Penn. Gov. Ed Rendell hopes to persuade power companies to build cleaner coal-to-gas plants instead of buying equipment to update aging, coal-burning plants as the utilities try to meet toughening federal air quality standards. "We want to encourage investments that will make our energy supplies cleaner, cheaper and more reliable," Rendell said in a statement after announcing the initiative in Scranton on Monday afternoon.

Survey shows alternative medicine becoming mainstream

A recent study shows more employers are providing insurance coverage for alternative medicine. About 36 percent of Americans 18 years and older use some form of alternative medicine, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

U.S. Residential Water Treatment Market to Surpass $2.6 Billion in 2005

As consumer concerns over drinking water purity continue to rise, sales in the home water treatment market will easily soar past the $2.6 billion mark by year's end, according to The U.S. Market for Residential Water Treatment

U.S. To Battle Allies on Post-2012 Global Warming

Washington will battle with its allies over how to slow climate change beyond 2012 at U.N. talks in Canada this week that will also test developing nations' willingness to do more to fight global warming.

UK to review energy policy with focus on nuclear power

Energy minister Malcolm Wicks will lead the review and make a government policy statement in the early summer of 2006 which "will include specifically the issue of whether we facilitate the development of a new generation of nuclear power stations," Blair told business leaders in London Tuesday.

USGS Releases Bacteria Data on Lake Pontchartrain

Findings suggest that, despite expectations that hurricane-related flooding in New Orleans could cause uniformly high concentrations of fecal bacteria in Lake Pontchartrain, water samples from sites in and around the lake commonly were within limits acceptable for recreational waters.

November 28, 2005

$524M spent on Superfund cleanups in fiscal 2005, EPA reports

Ada County garbage may soon be source of power

It may sound strange, but trash at the landfill is actually creating a gas that can be converted into "green power," and Ada County wants to put that gas to good use.

African Electricity Utilities Seek Broader Electrification

Leaders from 45 electricity utility companies across Africa Thursday convened here in a bid to promote cooperation and regional integration in power sector as part of their efforts to realize the access to electricity for all people on the continent.

Asian rivalry ripples across the Pacific

One of the most critical regional rivalries is happening across the Pacific Ocean and it is between China and Japan. The two are in a heated argument over drilling rights in the East China Sea, which is thought to contain 7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and as much as 100 billion barrels of oil.

Austria caps spending on green power in updated renewables law

Environmental group Klimabundnis Osterreich said the new law would lead to Austria missing its climate targets. It said the limit on solar power plants to 15MW capacity was essentially a brake on all new projects.

Ballard Powered Mercedes-Benz Citaro Fuel Cell Buses Roll Onto Roads in Beijing, China

“Governments and regions around the world are assembling the building blocks of the hydrogen economy in fuel cell vehicle demonstrations,

Bank of Spain Chief Takes Aim at Fuel Subsidies

Brazil Ready for Second Sugar Cane Energy Revolution

Record oil prices this year fueled talk of a second Brazilian sugar cane energy revolution to produce electricity by burning cane waste, industry officials said Thursday.

Bulgaria Wants More EU Funds to Close Atomic Plant

Bulgaria will ask the European Union for an additional 280 million euros to finance the closure of four reactors at its Soviet-designed Kozloduy nuclear power plant as it gears up for entry in 2007, it said on Thursday.

California rule discourages Wyoming coal plants

California regulators have approved new standards for energy production that preclude importing electricity generated in conventional coal-burning power plants in Wyoming.

Can 'Tipping Points' Accelerate Global Warming?

Rising temperatures trigger a runaway melt of Greenland's ice sheet, raising sea levels and drowning Pacific islands and cities from New York to Tokyo.

CBI warns of industry shutdown as gas prices spike higher

Britain will be plunged into an energy crisis this winter if temperatures fall, business leaders warned yesterday as gas prices surged to new records yesterday.

China to Invest Heavily in Power Grid Construction

China's two power grid operators, the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) and the China Southern Power Grid (CSPG), plan to invest 900 billion and 300 billion yuan (US$37.1 billion), respectively, in the building of power grids in the next five years (2006-2010), according to a recent report by the National State Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).

China, Russia To Set Up River Pollution Hotline

China and Russia said on Thursday they are setting up a hotline so that Beijing can keep Moscow informed about toxic river pollution heading for Russian territory.

A slick of heavily polluted river water reached the outskirts of the northeastern Chinese city of Harbin on Thursday nearly two weeks after an explosion at a petrochemical plant upstream.

Chinese Oil Firm Apologizes for Polluting Water Supply in Northeastern City

China's biggest oil company is apologizing for an explosion at a chemical plant that sent a toxic slick of benzene flowing through this major city and forced its government to cut off running water to 3.8 million people.

City Hears Methane Proposal

Methane gas produced by decomposing trash could bring cash into city coffers if a California-based company is allowed to expand its landfill gas collection system at the Fort Smith Regional Landfill.

Coal India raises FY07 coal target

State-owned coal producer Coal India Ltd. said yesterday it has raised it coal production target for fiscal 2007 by 4% from its previous forecast to 363.8 million mt.

Coal Power's Future

Seven large electric utilities and coal producers have joined together to develop a new generation of coal-fired generating plants. Mike Mudd, acting chief executive officer of the FutureGen Alliance and American Electric Power program manager of technology development, outlined the initiative in an article appearing in the November/December issue of EnergyBiz, which can be viewed at http://www.energybizmag.com.

Colombian Volcano Spews Fire, People Evacuated

The Galeras volcano in southeastern Colombia shot fire early on Thursday in a small eruption, prompting the government to step up evacuations of about 9,000 people living nearby.

Corporate executives call for more support of renewables in Canada

Eighteen of the largest companies in Canada have called on the federal government to set targets for green heat, green power and green fuels.

Department of Energy Launches Website Supporting Energy-Saving Reconstruction in the Gulf Coast

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today launched a Disaster Recovery and Building Reconstruction website at www.eere.energy.gov/buildings  as part of its continuing effort to support hurricane victims in the Gulf Coast.

Deputy Energy Secretary Recommends More Use of Nuclear Power

Greater use of nuclear energy could help meet the world's increasing need for power to fuel economic growth, U.S. Deputy Energy Secretary Clay Sell says.

EU Hopes To Reach Deal on Landmark Chemicals Bill Next Month

The European Union hopes to reach agreement soon on a controversial bill designed to protect people from effects of chemicals used in products of everyday use, Britain said Thursday.

The European Parliament last week approved the landmark legislation on the issue but voted to water down its tough provisions amid fears they might lead to job losses.

EU Presses U.S. on Gas Emissions, Global Warming

The European Union ramped up pressure on the United States on Tuesday to do more to control greenhouse gas emissions blamed for climate change, saying U.S. reliance on new technology was not working.

"Technology alone is not enough. This has become very clear from the policy that the United States is following," EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas told a news conference.

Financiers say IGCC plants are not yet commercially viable

A variety of financiers, speaking at a recent industry conference, were skeptical about the prospects for financing integrated gasification combined-cycle power projects. A company such as American Electric Power or Cinergy will have to build an IGCC plant and put it into service to determine how much it really costs to build, he said.

Florida-Based Hydrogain Technologies, Inc. Responds to the Federal Government's Commitment of $1 Billion for Hydrogen Fuel Research and Development

"By making hydrogen fuel accessible, practical and affordable, Hydrogain is providing the necessary technology for explosive change and growth as we transition from a fossil-fuel-based economy to the more highly developed hydrogen fuel economy." Today's dependence on fossil-fuel-based energy and foreign resources puts the United States and other world economies at a disadvantage as supply grows increasingly more expensive and scarce.

Future of West's Power Uncertain; Demand Could Outpace Supply

There is one thing that just about everybody agrees has to be done about the thousands of miles of electricity transmission lines that crisscross the West - build more of them.

But who pays for them? Who controls them? How much should it cost to use them?

Germany displaces 70 Mt of carbon dioxide from its renewables capacity

Consumption of renewable energies in Germany last year avoided the emission of 70 megatonne of CO2.  Green power facilities generated 55,826 GWh in 2004, reducing CO2 emissions by 52.2 Mt, it details in a report to the European Parliament. Green heat provided another 63,937 GWh with annual reductions of 15 Mt, with total national output of 131 GWh.

Global climate change talks begin in Montreal

While the general media has concentrated on the long-term ambitions of member states and their desire for agreement on a post-2012 framework, much of the work in Montreal will concern practical issues affecting the operations of the Clean Development Mechanism and Joint Implementation

Green Heat can reduce GHG emissions at lower cost than green power

The public cost to reduce CO2 emissions from the use of Green Heat could be as little as 1% of the price to reduce the same carbon level by green power, and 5% of the cost needed to support green fuels.

High Hopes For Hydrogen

But the $1 million sticker price is likely too tall an order for most residents of the Tampa Bay area, or anywhere else, energy experts say.

Highs and Lows of Britain’s Power Industry

British gas has become the world's most expensive fuel as the country fast runs out of North Sea supplies, forcing industry to cut output and raising the spectre of winter power shortages.

Hydro picks up slack

New Zealand--Meridian is being forced to drain water from depleted hydro lakes to generate power in order to take up the slack from generation facilities which are off-line for maintenance.

Hydrogen is talk of the town

THE party is almost over for the world's oil consumers, especially car drivers like you and me. As oil supplies rapidly diminish and air pollution worsens, car companies are working on the replacement for today's petrol car, a replacement that is not as far away as you might think.

It's About Us!'-- Climate Change Fires Young Minds

When politicians from around the world meet next week to talk about climate change, young people who will have to live with the consequences of their action or inaction will be nearby, ready to speak out.

Many New Renewable Energy Projects in Penn

Through his state's Energy Harvest Grant Program, Pennsylvania Governor Rendell announced the investment of $5.9 million to support 34 projects, almost all of which are new deployments of renewables.

Mexican Divers Try To Fix Storm-Wracked Coral Reef

Mexican scuba divers are struggling in surging seas to repair one of the world's biggest coral reefs after it was badly damaged by Hurricane Wilma last month.

National Labs - Time to Recalibrate and Step Up to the Challenge

Nevada Power lining up developers for energy rebate program

Southern Nevada electric utility and state officials are backing a $14.5 million program to provide rebates to home builders to install energy-efficient air conditioners that would reduce power bills for homeowners.

New England Looks to Canada for Natural Gas Needs

Energy analysts predict that by 2010, and perhaps sooner, there won't be enough supply to fulfill the region's energy needs. But plans to build liquefied natural gas terminals in New England face stiff opposition.

New Wave of Hybrids Offer More Mean, Less Green

When automakers rolled out the first hybrid cars, drivers who wanted their spectacular fuel economy had to settle for weird shapes and a lack of luxury options.

Now it seems the high-mileage, low-frills trend in hybrid automaking may prove shorter than a Hummer's trips between fill-ups.

New York Adopts Biofuels Initiative

"There's as much as two million acres of underutilized farmland in New York State that could be put into productive use growing energy crops, creating markets for our farmers, supporting jobs and rural economic development, and replacing imported petroleum with home-grown fuels and products."

-- Nathan L. Rudgers, State Agriculture Commissioner

Nuclear Waste Transport Bound for Disputed Storage Site Crosses German Border

A shipment of nuclear waste bound for a disputed storage site in the north of the country crossed Sunday into Germany, where thousands of police were guarding its route from anti-nuclear demonstrators.

Oceans, Greenhouse Gases Rising Faster - Reports

Ocean and so-called greenhouse gas levels are rising faster than they have for thousands of years, according to two reports published on Thursday that are likely to fuel debate on global warming.

One Year On-- Global Compact Maps Progress on Mainstreaming Environmental, Social Considerations

Over a year ago, the United Nations Global Compact released a report titled Who Cares Wins that documented the ushering in of the era of transfusing socially responsible investing (SRI) practices into the lifeblood of mainstream financial institutions.

Patchwork U.S. greenhouse gas market grows slowly

Tom Arnold at a group called Terrapass in California buys carbon dioxide credits from alternative energy producers for consumers who are trying to compensate for the carbon dioxide levels their big cars emit.

Entergy Corp. buys carbon dioxide credits from farmers who sequester carbon by burying crop residue back into the soil.

Plan To Restore Great Lakes Appears Sunk

Federal officials say they won't pay for the $20-billion plan President George W. Bush sought last year to improve the health of the Great Lakes by restoring coastal wetlands and keeping out sewage and invaders like zebra mussels.

Poisoned River Shows Dark Side of China's Boom

As dead fish floated down Harbin's poisoned river and queues of residents waited for safe water in the northern Chinese city, top leaders met in Beijing to discuss tackling the country's "grim" environmental record.

Quote of the day 112805

"As I have said, today the market is beautiful. It's in balance and inventories are at a very comfortable level."
Saudi Arabian oil minister Ali Naimi told reporters Monday on arrival in Kuwait for a meeting of Gulf Cooperation Council oil ministers and European Union energy officials.

Radical/Conservative-- Innovest Integrates Sustainability Factors into Financial Analysis

This strategy allows Innovest to circumvent the so-called "tyranny of the track record," whereby institutional investors judge investment vehicles by at least a three-year track record -- a phenomenon that effectively prohibits innovative strategies.

Renewable Energy in Europe Gains Momentum

According to a new report, the European markets for renewable energy gather momentum as governments across the region offer constituents significant incentives and subsidies in the form of tax relief, capital cost grants and favorable electricity export rates.

Renewable Energy May Bring Economic Boom

A most unlikely partnership between tribes and cities may be in the offing, and the connection could go a long way toward saving the environment by providing clean and renewable energy.

A Native Renewable Energy Summit was held in Denver Nov. 15 -- 17 to brainstorm for ways in which the cities and tribes can partner to achieve their individual goals.

Renewables growth could be cancelled by rising energy demand, warns EC

Renewable energies carry a “real potential for local economic development and for communities under the poverty line,” and their deployment must be accelerated, says the environment commissioner from the European Commission. Renewables are an important source of technological innovation, and offer significant potential savings in transmission and distribution costs, and makes it possible to leapfrog the expensive grid-based energy systems used in Europe and the U.S. since the early 1900s.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 112805

Solar activity levels were very low. There are just two small sunspot groups on the visible disk. Solar activity is expected to continue at very low levels. Isolated B-class flares are possible.  The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet to unsettled with isolated active periods.

Romney signs home energy assistance bill

The tax credit and deduction bill was largely geared toward helping residents of modest means cope with the expected spike in heating costs this winter. The measure pumps $20 million into the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Russia May 'Quadruple' Funding for Fast Reactor Project

The Russian government may "quadruple" its budgeted funding for a project to build a fast neutron reactor (fast reactor) at the Beloyarsk nuclear power plant in 2006.  The Beloyarsk plant already has what is the world's first and only generating unit based on a fast reactor, a BN-600.

S Korea, Japan at odds over 'formalizing' Asian oil cooperation

Though the cause of the Japanese concern was not entirely clear, the feeling was that the Japanese were against "institutionalizing" energy cooperation, the delegate said.

Scientists Discover Singing Iceberg in Antarctica

Sound waves from the iceberg had a frequency of around 0.5 hertz, too low to be heard by humans, but by playing them at higher speed the iceberg sounded like a swarm of bees or an orchestra warming up, the scientists said.

Solar PV limited to two US states

Only two states in the United States have net generating capacity from solar PV, and four have geothermal, according to federal energy data.

California had 390 MW of solar capacity in 2003, while Arizona had 7 MW.

Preliminary estimates indicate there was a slight increase in capacity in 2004, which problem would have been greater if the Production Tax Credit had not expired in 2003.

Statoil Says Spill Clears, Environmentalists Worry

Norwegian energy group Statoil said on Friday that an oil spill by one of its ships in the Norwegian sea is clearing up, but environmentalists said the accident highlighted the risks of developing the Barents Sea.

Study Shows There's More CO2 Now Than Past 650K Years

Scientists are looking back to a time when "greenhouse gases" were not the problem they are today, and it is giving them a clearer picture of how people are making it worse.

Swedish Capital Sees Less Silver Pollution Thanks to Digital Photos

The growing use of digital photography has helped clean the water in the Swedish capital by reducing emissions of silver into the sewage systems from photo labs, experts said Thursday.

Three of U.K.'s Heaviest Industries Take on Voluntary Targets

Britain's chemical, nuclear, and cement industries have become the first to be given tailor -- made targets by the U.K. Environment Agency that combine the force of legislation with the goodwill of voluntary improvements.

Toxic River Water Reaches China City's Outskirts

A toxic slick of polluted river water reached the outskirts of one of China's biggest cities on Thursday, nearly two weeks after an explosion at a petrochemical plant upstream. China said the blast had caused major pollution, spilling benzene compounds into the Songhua River from which Harbin, capital of the northeastern province of Heilongjiang, draws its drinking water. Harbin is home to nine million people, including three million urban residents.

U.S. realtors want more solar panels on homes and offices

Long-term strategies for improving U.S. energy independence should build on the real estate industry's historic successes in addressing supply and demand challenges, and leverage public-private partnerships that encourage energy efficiency and conservation, explains RER chair Robert Lowe. He urged the government to continue to expand the types of buildings covered by the “highly productive and fully voluntary” ENERGY STAR program, which currently does not cover shopping centres or apartment buildings.

UNEP and Beijing Sign Green Games Agreement

The agreement rests on the ambitious programs of Beijing in areas ranging from air, water, and noise pollution up to transport, landscaping, and the disposal of solid waste.

A key part of the plan and one in which UNEP will be actively involved is in the area of public awareness campaigns.

Unfit for Purpose; Shell Consortium Profiting from the Riches of Russia’s Far East

It has been a windfall year for international energy companies, capitalizing on record high gas and oil prices. And, with demand still high, the race to find more of these precious non-renewable resources is on. But at what cost?

Uranium prices continue climb

The spot price of uranium continued to rise during the past week. TradeTech raised its spot indicator to $34 a pound U3O8 Nov. 18, up 50 cents from the week before.

November 23, 2005

‘Historic’ decision on Nigeria’s gas flaring

Environmental campaigners have welcomed a Nigerian Federal High Court judgment this week that ordered oil companies to stop ‘gas flaring’ in the region, calling it an ‘historic’ decision. "For the first time, a court of competence has boldly declared that Shell, Chevron and the other oil corporations have been engaged in illegal activities here for decades.”

A Shift in Wind Power

Control of the global wind-power market is up in the air. As political and environmental concerns surrounding fossil fuels mount, wind has become one of the world's fastest-growing energy sources. Affirming the sector's mainstream appeal, major industrial outfits have jumped in and are throwing their weight around in a space previously dominated by specialized European companies.

Chinese City of Three Million Announces Cutoff of Water Supply, Sparking Water-Buying Rush

A Chinese city of 3 million people has set off panicked buying of bottled water by announcing its water system will be shut down for four days to check for contamination from a chemical plant explosion, news reports said Tuesday.

Cinergy prepares for carbon-constrained world

Although there has been much discussion in Congress about the effects of reducing carbon dioxide, actual regulations or legislation have not been forthcoming. But that hasn't stopped companies like Cinergy Corp. from preparing for it in the future.

"We believe carbon regulation is coming," said John Stowell, Cinergy's vice president for federal affairs.

Fish jeopardised by climate change

According to the report, titled ‘Are we putting our fish in hot water?’, rising temperatures are expected to stunt the growth of various fish species, resulting in fewer offspring. It could also lead to fish populations moving to cooler waters to maintain their normal habitat temperature.

The changing fish levels have already impacted on seabird breeeding during 2005, with sharp declines in kittiwake and puffin populations.

Fla. to dispose of wastewater via underground injection wells

Florida has a new approach to disposing of wastewater through underground injection wells, a move that has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Greens warn against nuclear future

“Tony Blair seems intent on taking the dirty and dangerous route that is nuclear power. This is a deplorable move,” commented Green Party Principal Speaker Keith Taylor. “Britain has been generating radioactive waste for over 50 years, yet no progress has been made on how to dispose of it. Current strategies for dealing with waste are unreliable, unsafe and ruinously expensive.”

Gulf gas, conservation vital to winter prices

With the stark realities of higher heating prices virtually assured this winter, the chairman of the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Joseph Kelliher, on Tuesday pressed consumers and electricity generators to do all they can to conserve natural gas and other heating fuels.

Hydropower is Making Waves

Water from the Mamquam River near Vancouver will turn turbines to generate 25 megawatts of electricity. The new hydro-powered plant is a run-of-the-river project, which does not require dams that upset ecosystems and damage fisheries. Most regions of the world with hydro resources recognize the delicate balance between the environment and the need to generate fewer emissions from power plants. But the review processes in this country have become more inclusive, although they are about to be streamlined.

Md. reports that it diverted 38.8% of its waste in 2004

"We are encouraged by the results and look forward to expanding outreach efforts to promote recycling so we can reach Maryland´s waste diversion goal," said Kendl Philbrick, secretary of the environment department.

Nations Set to Feud over New Global Warming Plan

About 190 nations meet in Canada next week to try to enlist the United States and such developing nations as China and India in the UN-led fight against global warming beyond 2012.

Negotiators will meet in Montreal from Nov. 28 to Dec. 9 for talks on how to replace the UN's 1997 Kyoto Protocol, a tiny first step to curb rising emissions of heat-trapping gases from power plants, factories and cars.

New Orleans utility strapped for cash

In another potential crisis for hurricane-ravaged New Orleans, city officials say the local power company is so financially strapped that it may have to raise rates by 140% unless it gets a $500 million federal bailout - a move the White House opposes.

Possible Solutions to Global Warming

Following are examples of possible curbs:

Renewable power announcement a positive step for Ontario, Ontario power producers say

"It's no secret that reinvesting in energy infrastructure in Ontario is one of the major challenges facing the province over the next decade", Butters noted. "And while there's no "silver bullet" solution for Ontario's energy challenges, it clearly makes sense for Ontario to increase production of electricity from the clean energy resources available to us here in Ontario and to do this in partnership with the private sector.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 112305

Solar activity was at very low levels. Region 822 (S08W37) has decayed in both size and magnetic complexity. There is a chance for M-class activity from Region 822.  The geomagnetic field is expected to be at quiet to unsettled levels.

Small Businesses Footing Higher Bill for Electric Deregulation, Utilities Say

As area small business owners face electric rate increases of 50 to 80 percent this winter, utilities are putting some of the blame on big businesses and institutions that are exploiting the energy market.

Tsunami Survivors Forced from Homes in Sri Lanka Floods

Tsunami survivors were among some 20,000 people forced from homes and makeshift shelters across Sri Lanka on Tuesday after heavy rains triggered severe flooding, officials said.

UK waters recovering from acid rain

New data from studies of the UK’s most sensitive waterways has indicated a recovery from the effects of acid rain. Levels of acidic sulphur in upland lakes and streams have generally halved over the last 15 years, resulting in a revival in fish, plant and insect species. Acid rain is attributable to emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, and it is the cutting of these materials that has led to the recovery.

Unleashing the power of the ocean

It started with a rocket scientist, a Slinky and the first energy crisis of the early '70s.

Now, a generation later with a new energy crisis, the son of that rocket scientist thinks he is close to perfecting that spare-part dream: a machine that might make cheap, clean electricity from the ocean.

US Efforts to Reduce Greenhouse Gases

The United States spends more than other countries on developing new technologies such as hydrogen fuel and "clean coal". The administration is expected to push at Montreal talks for a multinational voluntary plan to sequester greenhouse gases underground.

Vegetables, and Fruits Cause more US Food Illnesses

Contaminated fruits and vegetables are causing more food-borne illness among Americans than raw chicken or eggs, consumer advocates said a in report released on Monday. Common sources of food illnesses include various bacteria such as salmonella and E.coli that can infect humans and animals then make their way into manure used to fertilize plants. The practice of using manure fertilizer is more common in Latin America, which has become a growing source of fresh produce for the United States.

Virginia utility to add $500M worth of pollution control equipment

Dominion Resources Inc. plans to spend $500 million on pollution control equipment for coal-fired power plants in Virginia, the company said.

What is the Kyoto Protocol?

About 190 governments will meet in Montreal, Canada, from Nov 28-Dec 9 to review the UN's Kyoto Protocol meant to cut emissions of gases blamed for global warming.  Here are some frequently asked questions about Kyoto

WSI Energycast Outlook Calls for Warm Winter in Southern US, Cold North; WSI and ESAI Issue an Update of Special Interest to Energy Traders

The WSI December forecast indicates warmer-than-normal temperatures in the eastern U.S., South Central and Southwest regions. Cooler than normal temperatures in most of the North Central regions will increase natural gas demand for heating in these areas. This increase in demand will be largely offset by lower demand in the Northeast. By December, it is likely that 2.5-3.0 Bcf/day of Gulf production will still be shut-in. The warmer weather over most parts of the U.S. in December will help to ease early winter concerns in a market that is very nervous and volatile. If early season draws from storage are lower than normal, fears of shortages later will subside. This may dampen upside volatility in gas prices. Demand for electricity will tend to be lower under the warmer outlook which will result in moderate prices, particularly in the eastern and southern markets.

November 22, 2005

Affordable housing goes 'green'

It's an inside-out apartment house: The boiler is on the top floor, the insulation is outside the concrete walls, and the garden's going to be on the roof.

On New York's Lower East Side, this brick apartment house - still under construction - is one of a number of environmentally conscious and energy-efficient building projects.

Cities can't do deal without NorthWestern cooperation

At least one thing is certain about the push by five Montana cities to buy NorthWestern Energy: Without cooperation from the company, the deal won't happen. "Without the board's approval, we can't do due diligence. Without due diligence, there isn't any money." Money, as in $1.7 billion, which the cities will need to complete the purchase.

Forests Flushed Down the Toilet

The major tissue manufacturers are not offering enough recycled toilet paper, towels and napkins to European consumers and must be more responsible when sourcing their wood, according to a new WWF report.

The global conservation organization says this clearly contributes to the wasteful use of forests, at a time when they are threatened worldwide.

Freezing weather puts pressure on French power producers

With cold continental temperatures increasing power demand and putting pressure on French producers, prices in France rose Tuesday morning from the already high levels seen in the prompt market Monday.

French Retailer to Directly Mix Ethanol in Fuels

A leading French retailer running a major petrol distribution system said it would start a large-scale operation to mix ethanol made from sugar beet with conventional fuel from next March to supply its petrol pumps.

Gas and electricity prices fuel stove businesses

Cooper expects winter to be a hectic time because efficient heating issues usually don’t come up until it gets cold enough for people to turn on the heat. But given the staggering increases in natural gas and electricity this year, consecutive record lows in previous years back East and the Gulf Coast hurricanes -- this year has been the busiest for Eureka Stoves since it opened in 1976 and the busiest for the pellet stove and wood stove industry as well.

HP says it increased recycling by 17% this year

Hewlett-Packard reports that it increased recycling by 17 percent during its recently completed fiscal year.

In Arctic, Evidence for Global Warming Mounts

And mounting conviction among experts may add pressure on governments, who next meet for climate talks in Montreal, Canada, from Nov. 28 to Dec. 9, to do more about a problem that could cost trillions of dollars to fix in coming decades.

'Inspiration for a generation' passes after a life of revolutionary work

Vine Deloria Jr., the intellectual star of the American Indian renaissance, passed away on Nov. 13 after struggling for several weeks with declining health. His immeasurable influence became immediately apparent in an outpouring of tributes from all corners of Indian country.

NERC sees enough power until 2009

The North American Electric Reliability Council issued a report on Monday saying it believes there will be adequate power through 2009, as long as all the expected new generation gets built. But excessive equipment problems and extreme weather could cause local problems, it said.

Old cell phones are piling up in homes, survey finds

The folks at the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp. are taking a look inside our closets.

Ontario awards C$2 bln in renewable power deals

Ontario Energy Minister Donna Cansfield said she had granted awards for eight wind facilities and one hydroelectric development, which will supply a total of 975 megawatts, enough to power more than 250,000 homes.

OPEC's oil benchmark rises back above $50bbl Monday

OPEC's oil-price benchmark rebounded from a five-month low and back above $50/bbl, the cartel said Tuesday, boosted by colder weather in the US and Europe that is likely to increase demand for heating fuel.

Pa. files lawsuit over August spill of contaminated water, ash

Pennsylvania is suing over the Aug. 23 spill of more than 100 million gallons of contaminated water and fly ash into the Delaware River from the Martins Creek power plant in Lower Mount Bethel Township in Northampton County.

Report Says Ocean Noise Harms Dolphins, Whales

Increasing levels of ocean noise generated by military sonar, shipping, and oil and gas exploration are threatening dolphins and whales that rely on sound for mating, finding food and avoiding predators, according to a new report.

Researchers Find Usinc Acid Caused Elk Deaths

Wyoming wildlife biologists and federal researchers have identified the chemical responsible for the death of hundreds of elk in southern Wyoming last year.

They say usinc acid, a substance found in lichen the elk ate, is responsible for the deaths of perhaps as many as 600 elk in a die-off that began in February 2004.

Biologists say they believe the elk moved out of their normal winter range into an area filled with the lichen, which grows on rocks and on the ground.

SDG&E continues to lead the nation -- for high power prices

San Diego Gas & Electric customers paid 17.34 ¢/kwh in October compared with 17.42¢/kwh in July while customers of Dalton Utilities paid only 4.32 ¢/kwh for the same power, about a 20% discount from Dalton's July price.

The Dalton power is nuclear.

Thousands Face Famine In Madagascar

Thousands of children face severe malnutrition in southeastern Madagascar and 1,600 could soon die if they do not receive emergency food aid, a government official said on Monday.

UK making every effort to ensure sufficient gas supply-- minister

The UK government is making every effort to ensure the country's gas supplies remain adequate to meet peak demand this winter, energy minister Malcolm Wicks said Tuesday.
     "No stone has been left unturned to help the infrastructure get [through] this winter," Wicks told a gas conference in London. The minister described the current situation as "unsatisfactory."

UK PM Blair 'hasn't made up his mind' on nuclear-- energy minister

UK Prime Minister Tony Blair "hasn't made up his mind" whether to start building new nuclear power stations, contrary to newspaper reports, energy minister Malcolm Wicks said in an interview on the BBC's "Newsnight" TV program late Monday.

US Western Land Up for Grabs if Mining Law Retooled

Senate Democrats are vowing to kill a House plan they say would allow mining companies to buy millions of acres of western federal land, including some within California's Yosemite and Joshua Tree national parks, at cheap prices.

Utility Execs Pay Soars

Utility executives' total compensation - salary, bonus and stock - increased by 15.8 percent in 2004 compared to 2003 - double the rate of growth the year before that, according to newly released figures by the Conference Board in New York.

Vine Deloria Jr. - In memoriam

Burn tobacco today for the wonderful spirit of Vine Deloria Jr., who passed into the world of the ancestors Nov. 13. Our sincerest condolences and warmest embrace reach out to his family and dear friends, and a great commiseration is extended to all of Indian country, where Deloria - author, teacher, lawyer, man - is universally respected and where his memory will live on for the generations.

Zambia Declares Food Disaster as 1.7 Million go Hungry

Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa declared a national food disaster on Monday, appealing for immediate donor help to feed hundreds of thousands of people left hungry by drought and crop failures.

November 21, 2005

Acid Drainage Killing Some Fish in Kentucky

Drainage from land disturbed by mining and road construction has caused acid levels to rise beyond acceptable levels in portions of at least 35 streams across the state, killing fish and insects.

Alternative energy producers say the future belongs to them

"The alternative energy sector is hot," said George Relan, director of corporate relations for MTI MicroFuel Cells Inc. "Everybody in the world wants clean energy. This is what you'll be seeing next year--more investment and more products. It's an industry that is starting to get some attention."

Building a better hydrogen trap

Using building blocks that make up ordinary plastics, but putting them together in a whole new way, University of Michigan researchers have created a class of lightweight, rigid polymers they predict will be useful for storing hydrogen fuel. COFs can be made highly porous to increase their storage capacity. But unlike MOFs, COFs contain no metals. Instead, they're made up of light elements – hydrogen, boron, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen – that form strong links (covalent bonds) with one another.

Chernobyl Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Facility to Be Ready Soon

The problem of a spent nuclear fuel storage facility near the Chernobyl nuclear power plant will be resolved in a month or two, Emergency Situations Minister Viktor Boloha told the press in Paris on Wednesday.

Chicago utility hits wind energy milestone

Electric utility Exelon Corp. is celebrating a milestone, selling more than 1 million megawatt-hours of wind energy. The wind farms together produce enough electricity to power about 105,000 homes. Exelon is entering its fifth year in the wind energy business, and its 154 megawatts is enough to power 40,000 homes.

Climate Change Threatens World Fish Stocks, WWF Says

Climate change is warming oceans, rivers and lakes and threatening fish stocks already under pressure from overfishing, pollution and habitat loss, the environmentalist group WWF warned on Friday. The decline in numbers of fish could have a devastating impact on human populations.

Energy company uses waste fuel, old engine

A small energy company in Ann Arbor has come up with a new way to generate electricity from some very unusual fuels: waste gases from landfills, sewage treatment plants and even auto assembly plants.

EPA issues toxic materials report early

The Toxics Release Inventory data provides the public with information on chemical releases from industrial sources.

France Wants to Raise EU Limits on Biofuel Use

As traditional fuel prices have rocketed, France, the biggest agricultural producer in Europe, aims to be the region's leading biofuel maker by 2010, when all fuels should contain seven percent of biofuel.

From surface water to drinking water

At any given moment, about half of the world's poor are suffering from waterborne diseases, of which over 6,000 – mainly children – die each day by consuming unsafe drinking water. 

Today, more than one billion people of the world’s population are without access to safe water, causing lack of safe water supply to rob hundreds of women and girls of dignity, energy and time.

Safe water interventions, therefore, have vast potential to transform the lives of millions.

German Protesters Disrupt Nuclear Waste Transfer

German anti-nuclear activists briefly held up a train carrying nuclear waste from a French reprocessing facility on its way to a storage depot in northern Germany on Sunday, police said.

Hacking Away at Utilities

A computer hacker thought he was being discrete when he tapped into the system of a major utility that serves 120 million customers and 280,000 businesses -- the largest provider of energy in California. But little did the hacker know his exploits were being monitored by the utility and the firm that analyzes all relevant data in its firewalls and application logs.

Home Hydrogen Refueling Technology Advances With the Introduction of Honda's Experimental

Home Station Refueling III

Further advancing its vision of a gasoline- and emissions-free transportation future, Honda R&D Americas, Inc., in conjunction with technology partner Plug Power Inc., today introduced the Home Energy Station III, which provides heat and electricity for the home as well as fuel for a hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle. This third generation unit, located at the company's North American headquarters in Torrance, California, is more compact and efficient than previous Home Energy Station models.

Honda sees hydrogen growth

According to the firm, there are now 25 fuel stations across the country that are equipped with the facilities to pump hydrogen direct into fuel cell and hybrid vehicles, as the clean energy begins to take off.

Hydrogen Means Business in California

Hydrogen and fuel cell initiatives from California have been enviously looked at around the globe. This movement gained new momentum when Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Senate Bill 76 this summer, which provides the first portion of funding to implement the California Hydrogen Highway Network (CA H2 Net). The Golden State has offered fertile grounds for many projects in mobile, stationary and portable applications of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and continues to open up business opportunities for domestic and international suppliers alike.

India Oil Demand May Grow 5 Pct 2005-6 - Minister

Indian oil demand growth could hit five percent in the 2005-2006 financial year as the economy grows rapidly, the country's oil minister said at a meeting of oil producers and consumers in Saudi Arabia.

India Unlikely To Agree to Kyoto Emission Caps

India is unlikely to agree to any emission caps in the next phase of the Kyoto Protocol because of its expanding energy-hungry economy, but analysts say developed nations will continue to pile pressure on the nation.

Asia's third-largest economy and home to about a sixth of humanity has some of the most polluted cities in the world, many of them continually shrouded in eye-stinging smog of noxious fumes from cars and industry.

IPE Brent futures gain ground on cold weather forecasts

IPE Brent futures in London rallied on Monday, finding support from a winter storm bearing down on the US Midwest and Northeast, though some brokers doubted longer-term strength.

Italy Backs Olympic Solar Power Project

Italy will help Beijing build a solar energy system for the city's Olympic Village, supplying hot water and electricity for the Games in 2008 and beyond.

Lab Seeks the Next Energy Revolution

By the time General Electric delivered its latest gas turbine, with half the air pollution and 15 percent greater efficiency, the company had spent 20 years and roughly $1 billion.

Researchers say that magnitude of money and time for developing conventional energy technologies is instructive in light of projections that global energy supplies must grow.

Learning center aims to fuel enthusiasm for hydrogen power

Officials at the Hydrogen Learning Center want people to learn about hydrogen — as an alternative fuel source. OCC is one of the New Jersey institutions of higher learning that employs a fuel cell to provide at least part of its energy needs. The learning center's campaign encourages the schools to use their fuel cells for public and academic demonstrations and to develop fuel efficiency curricula around the cell.

Maryland´s new air plan exceeds federal proposal

Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich Jr. has unveiled a plan to reduce power plant emissions, including mercury, at a faster rate than the Bush administration plans.

Mass. takes first big step away from foreign oil

Mayan Homes Still Flooded, Crops Ruined

While Mexico sweats to repair storm damage to Cancun's luxury hotels and beaches, Maya Indians nearby have been left to fend for themselves as a lake of floodwater the color of black tea swallows their homes.

Oil above $60bbl risk to world economy, oil output growth-- Shell

Oil prices above $60/bbl threaten to spark a global economic downturn capable of curbing future oil output growth and to dent oil demand and push consumers to use alternative energies, Shell's upstream chief Malcolm Brinded said Monday.

Parliament Backs New EU Law on Toxic Chemicals

The European Parliament, seeking to protect the public from toxic substances, backed a landmark new law on Thursday that has pitted Europe's chemicals industry against environmental groups for years.

Project a Big Step for Green Power

A $300 million venture designed to draw geothermal energy from the Salton Sea should account for 12 percent of Los Angeles' power needs, officials said Wednesday, bringing the city significantly closer to the goal of having 20 percent green power by 2010.

Quote of the day 112105

"Under current circumstances, and given this organization's announcement of its readiness to supply additional oil to the market received no demand from the market, there is no need to adjust the production ceiling and the current ceiling will cover the demand of the first quarter of the next year."

R&D Project Uses Avistar Device to Detect Greenhouse Gas Leaks

Avistar Inc., a research and development subsidiary of PNM Resources (NYSE:PNM), and utility industry leader Siemens have agreed to develop a system that could help utilities prevent leaks of one the most potent known greenhouse gasses and automate aging electric substations.

The gas, sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), is widely used in electric substations throughout the world as an insulating and arc-inhibiting medium in large circuit breakers and other equipment used in electric distribution and transmission substations.

Renewing Utility Income - Taking another look at the renewables business

This may seem like an odd time to suggest that utilities look for profitable growth opportunities in the renewable energy sector. Many utilities still think of renewables as a money pit at worst and a public relations opportunity at best. They should see renewables as an opportunity.

Success lies in realizing that only a fraction of the value of a renewable energy asset is created by building and operating a plant. The greater part of the value is created by managing tax incentives, by building and employing political and regulatory capital, by marketing and trading energy, managing the various credits associated with renewable energy facilities.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 112105

Solar activity was low. Region 822 (S08W25) produced two C-class flares. Region 822 is capable of producing an M-class flare.  The geomagnetic field is expected to be at quiet to unsettled levels, with isolated active periods possible on 21 November.

Reversing the Incredible Shrinking Energy R&D Budget

The federal government and private industry are both reducing their investments in energy research and development (R&D) at a time when geopolitics, environmental concerns, and economic competitiveness call instead for a major expansion in U.S. capacity to innovate in this sector.

Safeway Winds Up Usage of Green Energy

In an effort to use renewable energy and reap long-term cost savings, Safeway Inc. bought enough wind energy to power its 270 fuel stations, 15 San Francisco grocery stores, and corporate campuses here and in Walnut Creek.

Second biodiesel plant planned for Washington County, Iowa

Locally owned Riksch Biofuels plans to build the biodiesel plant in Crawfordsville. The plant would produce 9 million gallons of biodiesel fuel and provide a market for 6 million bushels of soybeans annually.

Technologies Of The Year -- Harvesting Hydrogen

Engineers at Purdue University have developed a new way of producing hydrogen for fuel cells that automatically recharge. One method, developed 63 years ago by Herbert C. Brown, a chemist and Nobel laureate from Purdue, produces hydrogen by combining sodium borohydride with water and a catalyst. Another method involves a chemical reaction in which tiny particles of aluminum are combined with water in such a way that the aluminum ignites. The approach: Combine the two known processes.

Three Months after Katrina, Dutch Rethink Their Own Water Defenses

With more than 1,000 years of experience building dikes, the Dutch have flood defenses few can match. But after seeing the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina, the government is reassessing what a worst-case scenario would mean for a nation where 10 million people live below sea level.

U.S. Lawmakers Seek To Protect Animals from Coolant

A proposal that would require industry to add an ingredient to automobile antifreeze to make it less tasty to animals cleared a key Senate committee Thursday.

Utility ridding power poles of hazardous birds

United Illuminating began this week destroying 103 nests on utility poles in a campaign to exterminate a large portion of Connecticut's monk parakeet population that it says is creating fire hazards and the potential for power outages.

W.Va. legislative session tackles workers' comp, black lung

This week's special session dealt with the mechanics of putting together the bureaucracy that will carry out the governor's plans to rescue the long-beleaguered system, which provided hundreds of millions of dollars to injured West Virginia coal miners and ended up requiring increasingly higher premiums from the state's coal companies so the system could stay afloat.

What's moving the oil markets 112105

The weather is expected to be extremely cold over a large part of the US east of the Mississippi River. The storm was poised to bring "the coldest weather of the season" over the Midwest, Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and into the Northeast, according to AccuWeather website.

White House threatens veto of $60-bil bill over oil inventory tax

The provision that the administration is disputing is the repeal of the last-in, first-out credit method of valuing oil inventories for 2005, a move that is expected to generate nearly $5-bil for federal coffers.

Zimbabwe to Process Newly Found Uranium

President Robert Mugabe said Zimbabwe will turn to nuclear power by processing recently discovered uranium deposits to resolve its chronic electricity shortage, state radio said Sunday.

Mugabe, who has close ties with two countries with controversial nuclear programs - Iran and North Korea, spoke of his intention Saturday, the radio station reported.

November 18, 2005

Agency proposes a boost for solar

In a move toward reaching Gov. Schwarzenegger's goal of a million solar rooftops within a decade, a state agency Tuesday released a proposal to add $300 million in rebates next year for businesses that install solar electric systems.

Australian Professor Predicts PV Cost Competition by 2030

Blakers' paper describes how extrapolation of the huge economic and technical gains made by photovoltaics over the last 15 years gives confidence that a dramatic shift in electricity generation technology over the next quarter-century is possible.

Bat Deaths Cast Pall Over Promise of Wind Power

"I can appreciate that we need other energy sources," said Jane Burch, who lives in neighboring Grant County, W.Va., where another large wind farm has been proposed. "But I don't like the look of them, and I don't want them behind my property, and I don't like what they do with the bat kills."

Chicken Killer Seeks Fast, Clean Cull in Asia

As bird flu rippled across parts of the globe, the 47-year-old Dutch businessman has carved an airport-hopping career as one of the world's few experts on killing and handling chickens, ducks and other birds that harbour the deadly H5N1 virus. Governments and scientists have focused on plans for human vaccines and quarantines if the virus mutates into a strain that spreads between people. But Kiezebrink says an urgent challenge is devising faster, cleaner ways to cull exposed birds so the virus has less chance to spread to people.

EC to take on Germany over energy

THE European Commission has put Germany on notice that it is ready to tackle anti-competitive practices that have helped push British energy bills to record levels. At the heart of the problem is the seemingly mundane task of shipping gas from Russia.

Gates Invests in Ethanol Company

Pacific Ethanol announced Tuesday that Cascade Investment LLC, a privately held company serving as Gates' investment vehicle, has agreed to purchase $84 million of Pacific Ethanol stock.

Global oil-in-transit to rise 30-mil bbl by Dec, Oil Movements

While US commercial crude stocks were drawn down sharply in September amid the US Atlantic hurricane season, less noticed has been a sharp build of oil-in-transit stocks so far during the fourth quarter, according to Roy Mason, who tracks global crude oil tanker activity for Oil Movements.  Moreover, that implied change in stocks at sea is "big enough to cover
most of the expected global supply deficit." About two-thirds of the additional barrels at sea are destined for ports west of Suez.

Government support critical to nurturing coal-to-liquids industry

The coal-to-liquids industry will grow, but it will need the support and help of the government to do so in the early stages of development, according to Jack Holmes, president and CEO of Syntroleum Corp.

Honeywell investigating cause of UF6 leak

Honeywell International Inc. is investigating the root cause of a small release of uranium hexafluoride (UF6) at its uranium conversion facility in Metropolis, Ill., NRC said in today's morning event report.

Iraqi oil output averages 1.8-mil bd in week ended Nov 13

Crude output has moved higher from the 1.68-mil b/d for the week ended Oct 30 and the 1.64-mil b/d for the week of Oct 23, but production remains constrained by a leak in a 42-inch diameter pipeline in the south and loading delays at the Basra Oil Terminal in the Persian Gulf.

ISO New England Assessment Indicates Electricity Demand Could Set New Winter Record

Grid Operator is Taking Precautionary Steps to Prepare the Region for Tight Electricity Supply, Stresses the Need for Conservation.  ISO New England Inc., operator of the region's bulk power system and wholesale electricity markets, said today that, even under normal weather conditions, the region's demand for electricity this winter could surpass the previous winter record established during the Cold Snap of January 2004.

Kiwis need to learn more about energy efficiency; commissioner

New Zealand should take energy efficiency more seriously, members of the Sustainable Business Network will hear tomorrow. "To say simply that you could do it all by better efficiency (is wrong), but if we were to make serious investment in the efficiency side of the equation then we could almost certainly delay some of the capital investment we need to make in both generation and distribution."

Know Thyself

The utility industry's roller coaster ride is not finished. There are more highs and lows to come. The role of key executives is to envision potential scenarios and to understand what could result from each possibility. Just how did a sector like utilities go for such a tumultuous ride? A look at the last couple decades might provide a hint. In the 1980s, those companies got into real estate and insurance -- investments that eventually went south. And, in the 1990s, the pressure was on again to participate in the growth segments of the economy.  The landscape is littered with companies that entered into all-consuming enterprises that ultimately failed.

Lab opens to help promote energy efficiency in China

The lab, China's first independent engine test facility, unlike those of Sinopec or PetroChina, will provide data to help China's decision makers set and supervise regulatory standards for fuels, the China Daily reported on Wednesday.

New pricing system for green electricity- China

Senior officials from the government's top pricing and tax decision-making group yesterday said China has come up with a pricing system for electricity generated by renewable energy. Zhang also said further tax incentives should be given to hydro and wind power producers.

OPEC satisfied with $50bbl oil price, officials say

OPEC is "satisfied" with crude prices near $50/bbl because that level more closely reflects supply and demand in the world market, an official for Indonesia, the producer group's only member in Southeast Asia, said Friday.

Pa. earmarks $14.4 million to improve mines, waterways

Pennsylvania has earmarked $14.4 million in grants to invest in projects to address environmental problems at mine sites and improve the quality of the state´s waterways.

Pine Tree Wind Pacts OK'D, Contracts Awarded for 'Green Power' Project

Calling it "our baby," the panel overseeing the Department of Water and Power moved forward Tuesday with the Pine Tree Wind Project, approving a pair of environmental and construction deals related to the $278 million initiative.

The venture has been held up as an example of both the promise and peril associated with the growing use of "green power," which is one of the top priorities of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's new Board of Water and Power Commissioners.

Political interest in environment-friendly renewable technologies grows in Europe

The European markets for renewable energy are gathering momentum as governments across the region offer significant incentives and subsidies in the form of tax relief, capital cost grants and favourable electricity export rates to encourage its development and achieve more environment-friendly power generation.

Prices Lead OPPD to Double Soybean-based Fuel Use

The high price of petroleum has lead the Omaha Public Power District to more than double its usage of a soybean-based biodiesel fuel this year. So far this year, OPPD has purchased 13,200 gallons of a fuel that is 20 percent specially-prepared soybean oil and 80 percent petroleum diesel. The latest batch of the "B20" soy diesel was about 10 cents a gallon cheaper than the diesel fuel OPPD’s fleet of trucks regularly uses.

Quote of the day 111805

"OPEC is satisfied with 50 dollars. Prices are moving closer to fundamentals."

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 111805

Solar activity was very low. Region 822 (S07E15) produced numerous B-class flares during the last 24 hours. The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet on 18-19 November. Quiet to unsettled conditions are expected on 20 November.

Rich nations' greenhouse gas emissions may rise-UN

Rich nations' emissions of gases blamed for global warming risk rebounding in coming years after falling overall since 1990 amid the collapse of Soviet-era industries, United Nations data showed on Thursday. It projected that emissions could rise by 10.6 percent above 1990 levels by 2010, cautioning that most of the overall reductions dated from the early 1990s when smokestack industries in the former Soviet Union and eastern Europe shut down

Romney asks agency to delay review of Cape wind farm plan

Governor Mitt Romney yesterday hand-delivered a letter to the US interior secretary, urging her to delay a review of a wind farm proposed off Cape Cod until guidelines can be established for all offshore wind projects.  Romney's effort infuriated supporters of the project, who criticized him for trying to block the only major energy project now proposed in Massachusetts at a time when energy costs are skyrocketing and demand is outpacing supply.

Seahorse Power Raises $1.1 Million for BigBelly Solar Trash Compactor

BigBelly solar-powered trash compactor, a machine designed to reduce collection frequency in municipalities, parks, eateries and other outdoor sites where trash volume is high. "The BigBelly has enormous potential to reduce airborne pollution from garbage trucks," added Jim Gordon.

The new post-Katrina law makes charitable giving more attractive

The Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act was recently enacted by Congress. This Tax Relief Act of 2005 has a number of charitable giving provisions that are important to individuals and businesses. The act includes new incentives for those who make charitable gifs to charities before the end of 2005, regardless of whether the charity’s purpose is for hurricane relief.

Today’s ‘Fuel Choices’ Bill Could Curb U.S. Oil Habit, But Only With Full Funding, Implementation

The “Vehicle and Fuel Choices for American Security Act of 2005” could significantly reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil – but only if it were fully funded and implemented by Congress and the administration, the Alliance to Save Energy (ASE) said today.  “But without full funding by Congress and strict enforcement of the oil-saving provisions by the Bush Administration, it would be like getting a prescription but not taking the medication,” she added.

Ultrafiltration Membranes

UF systems meet growing demand for pure water With an aging and often overwhelmed water supply infrastructure, ever more stringent government regulations, and growing industrial requirements for pure water, municipalities and companies are increasingly turning to ultrafiltration (UF) membrane systems for water and wastewater treatment.

US FERC eases rules to speed gas infrastructure storm recovery

As part of its continuing effort to grease the skids for recovery of gas deliverability in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Thursday temporarily eased regulatory requirements for replacing gas transportation capacity.

US Senate rejects oil industry windfall profit tax

The US Senate rejected 64-35 a bid by a group of Democrats to penalize major oil companies by taxing their profits when oil prices are above $40/bbl.  The amendment, sponsored by Senators Byron Dorgan of North Dakota and Christopher Dodd of Connecticut, would have required large oil companies to pay a 50% excise tax on their profits when oil prices are above $40/bbl.

November 17, 2005

An issue that refuses to go away

The U.S. House of Representatives last week dropped the controversial provision that would allow oil companies to drill in Alaska´s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. But the proposal is likely to re-emerge, probably before the end of the year,

Branson's Virgin to Go Green for Jet Fuel

Tired of skyrocketing jet fuel prices, Virgin Atlantic Airways boss Richard Branson said on Wednesday he plans to turn his back on hydrocarbons and use plant waste to power his fleet.

California nonprofit to promote renewable energy online

A California nonprofit group has launched the first online forum in the state dedicated to promoting the development and use of renewable energy.

Carbon Dioxide Storage a Success

An experimental project in Canada to inject carbon dioxide into oil fields has proven successful, removing 5 million tons of the heat-trapping "greenhouse" gas, while enhancing oil recovery, the Energy Department said Tuesday.

China has potential to be world’s biggest wind energy market by 2020

China could double its 2020 target for wind energy, according to a report released by the Chinese Renewable Energy Industries Association on the eve of the global renewable energy conference in Beijing.

Clean Energy Gets Green Light- A Response

I thought you might enjoy knowing what our part of the Federal Government is attempting to do in this "wind" area.As you know, most wind farms currently sell to utilities which in turn re-market to retail customers, after adding a premium or markup. Our idea is to work directly with the wind farms and to eliminate the markups capturing the added value for the taxpayer.

Democrats charge CEOs of oil majors lied at Senate hearing

Senate Democrats Wednesday charged that the chief executives of the major oil companies lied on two counts last week when they testified before a joint Senate hearing.

DOE, Alliance to Save Energy Help Consumers Lower Taxes, Energy Bills With Info on New Federal Tax Credits for Energy-Efficiency Home Improvements, Hybrid Vehicles

New information from the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Alliance to Save Energy (ASE) will help consumers reduce their federal income taxes in 2006 and 2007 by making their homes more energy-efficient and purchasing fuel-efficient vehicles.

Energy Tech- Blue Skies Ahead - A Response

Hybrids would make a lot of sense if the batteries had much better energy density (one day they will), and if they were recharged from an external source (not a car engine, that is just a range extender) which would get energy from clean and renewable sources (wind, solar etc.).

Clean coal? I agree the impurities can be cleansed before coal is burnt. But CO2 is still the problem.

Executives warn of a return to the 1970s

Rising fuel prices on top of the need for rate recovery of-bils in investment mean the next decade could be much like the 1970s for regulated utilities, warned panelists at the Edison Electric Institute Financial Conference. "This period feels like the 1970s: a growing deficit, inflation and interest rates," said Cinergy Chairman, President, and CEO James Rogers. "Look at gas prices this winter. A lot of residentials will see 50% to 60% increases. I think we're in for a tougher period."

Global conference re-commits to renewable energies

Representatives of 78 countries want the international community to strengthen its “commitment to the scaling up of renewable energy development and use, especially in developing countries.”

“Despite the growing expansion in the development and use of renewable sources of energy in developed countries, the combined share of renewable sources in the global primary energy supply remains small and limited.

Global Warming Poses Ethical Challenge - Scientists

Global warming poses an enormous ethical challenge because countries that produce the least amount of greenhouse gases will suffer the most from climate change, scientists said on Wednesday. Whether it is an increase in poor health from diseases such as malaria or shrinking water supplies, nations in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and South America are vulnerable to the consequences of changes in global temperatures.

Industry planning ahead to meet needs for new plant construction

The (nuclear) industry is taking action now to ensure critical elements will be in place to support the safe and reliable continued operation of existing nuclear power plants while meeting the needs to construct and operate new reactors, said the Nuclear Energy Institute's (NEI) Thomas Houghton.

Investment in renewables sets global record

The global investment in renewable energies reached a record of US$30 billion last year, accounting for one-quarter of all the world’s investment in the power industry. The fastest-growing green power technology is grid-connected solar PV, which increased 60% in capacity each year from 2000 to 2004.

Motorcycle of the Future Will Run on Fuel Cells, Create No Emissions

It does not sound like a Harley, but a new motorcycle coming out soon could run on soybeans or ethanol.

Except for a little heat and some drinkable water, the ENV bike produces no emissions, says Intelligent Energy

Offshore Oil Field Would be a First for Alaska

For eight years after striking oil in the ice-choked Beaufort Sea off Alaska's northern coast, BP officials pondered what to do with the discovery.

OPEC oil price falls below $50/bbl for first time since June

OPEC's oil benchmark fell below $50/bbl for the first time since June, the producer group said on Thursday, a level analysts expect may prompt some members to call for cutting output.

Power On - A Response

A major hurdle to implementing DG (Distributed Generation): opposition to DG by the local electric utilities. Both in our experience and in speaking with others in industry, common utility practices include sending out a team of "cogen killers" to dissuade site owners from installing DG projects, and when projects do proceed placing as many roadblocks as possible to implementation and startup of projects.

Public, private sectors spent $10B on compliance in ´05, EPA says

U.S. companies, government and other entities spent a record $10 billion to comply with environmental laws in fiscal 2005, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Quote of the day 111705

"The economic outlook is brightening for the US, the world's top oil consumer, and demand in China, the second-largest, is picking up. Following six consecutive monthly downward revisions, world oil demand has shown signs of recovery in the last couple of months. The slightly higher figures indicate that we were right to refute last month's presumption of 'demand destruction'."

Report calls on U.S. universities and colleges to support renewables

All colleges and universities in the United States should purchase or generate their electricity from renewable energy resources, suggests a new report on the potential for energy saving policies on educational campuses.

“College and university campuses are uniquely placed to affect America’s energy future.”

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 111705

Solar activity was low. Region 822 (S08E28) produced two C-class flares.  The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet to unsettled.

Rising Sea Levels Threaten New Jersey - Study

Rising sea levels caused by global warming could shrink New Jersey by up to 3 percent in the next 100 years, US scientists warned on Wednesday.

Russia, Japan to conclude gas cooperation deal next week

Russia plans to conclude a comprehensive gas cooperation agreement with Japan during Russian President Vladimir Putin's three-day visit to Japan starting Sunday.

Senate Group Unveiling Oil-Saving Plan

Efforts to stem America's appetite for oil, nearly two-thirds of it imported, is getting new attention in Congress with a push from an unusual coalition of environmentalists, evangelical Christians and conservatives.

Both liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans in Congress are listening.

The Harsh Education of an Iraqi Feminist

While the activist wants to attract attention to what happened in Iraq under Hussein, she is also extremely concerned about the current situation of women in the country.

On the other hand, she also thinks that it is critical to use Saddam Hussein's trial to "go through a process of telling our truth, documenting our past in Iraq". She fears that "he is being indicted only for a handful of crimes" and insisted on the opportunity to include his crimes against women.

Venture Capital Poised To Flood Energy Sector - A Response

First off, at $2,000 per plus travel and lodging expenses, how many struggling startups with every dime they have sunk into their endeavor, do you think will attend an event such as this?

 It seems the same old scenario prevails. Even the fair itself is designed to make enormous profit from the process of companies in need trying to raise some money. It's no wonder we're in such a mess!

World energy database to go live during major Riyadh forum

The International Energy Forum (IEF) will Saturday make public the first global database of energy production and consumption information under the Joint Oil Data Initiative (JODI) for more transparent reporting of market data, IEF head Arne Walther said Thursday.

November 16, 2005

Air Regulators Push for Stricter Plan To Cut Mercury Pollution

State and local air regulators unhappy with the Bush administration's approach to mercury pollution offered a competing plan Monday that would require coal-burning power plants to cut mercury emissions more deeply and more quickly and would raise home electric bills throughout the East and Midwest about a dollar a month.

Their plan would require utilities to reduce their combined 48 tons a year of mercury pollution by 80 percent by 2008, and by 90 percent to 95 percent by 2012.

All About REACH, The EU Chemical Reform Bill

European Union lawmakers debated a major new chemical reform bill known as REACH on Tuesday ahead of a vote in Parliament on Thursday.

REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals. It applies to about 30,000 chemicals found in products as diverse as cars, computers and paint.

California achieves 65% recycling rate for 1st half of ´05

Last year, Californians recycled more than 12 billion bottles and can, the highest container recycling figure in the state´s history. The effort helped the state achieve an overall annual recycling rate of 59 percent, up from 55 percent in 2003. Figures from the first half of 2005 suggest that the annual recycling rate will rise again this year.

Downing Street hit by coal protest

“We’ve blockaded Downing Street with coal because Tony Blair has failed on climate change. We hope he clears his diary and spends the day in his office working to strengthen Kyoto and cut British emissions, because so far all he’s done is make speeches,” said Stephen Tindale from Greenpeace.

Export Financing for Renewable Energy and Water Projects

"Progressive export financing terms are essential for U.S. companies to remain competitive in the global solar industry, which is currently growing at 45 percent each year. We applaud Ex-Im Bank for its initiative in supporting a robust U.S. solar industry."

-- Rhone Resch, Solar Energy Industries Association president

France Takes New Steps To Fight Global Warming

France plans to boost the use of solar power with cash incentives and to hit motorists with higher taxes on the worst polluting cars as it beefs up the fight against global warming.

Fuel Cells 2000 Unveils Searchable Database of Worldwide Stationary Installations

The world is at your fingertips. The world of stationary fuel cell installations, that is. Fuel Cells 2000 has developed the first-of-its-kind searchable database of worldwide stationary fuel cell installations. The database catalogues all installations around the globe - past, present and planned. And like every resource available on www.fuelcells.org , it is absolutely free.

German Police To Use 10,000 Officers To Ensure Passage of Nuclear Waste to Storage Site

German police announced plans Monday to use 10,000 local and federal officers to ensure the free passage of a train that is to deliver nuclear waste to a disputed northern storage site early next week.

Police said they are bracing for about 5,000 protesters

Green, Clean Heating

With projections for an exceptionally cold December and January, everyone is preparing for an expensive heating season. While encouraging energy efficiency and conservation, EPA New England administrator Robert W. Varney reminds us that there are environmental and health concerns associated with some heating sources. Here are some clean-heating tips.

House To Probe Chemical Dumping

Federal lawmakers are demanding the Army reveal everything it knows about where it dumped chemical weapons into the world's oceans, as well as provide proof the munitions won't leak and cause an environmental catastrophe.

New fuel ethanol plant in Texas to be powered by cattle manure

No Turning Back on Civil Society Participation

The most important advance made by the World Summit on the Information Society is having conceived a model of Internet governance in which governments, civil society and the private sector all participate on an equal footing, according to Uruguayan expert Raúl Echeberría.

This multi-stakeholder format could now be extended to other international spheres, such as human rights and the environment.

OPEC raises 2006 non-OPEC supply forecast by 34,000 b/d

OPEC on Wednesday raised a forecast for demand for its oil this quarter because of lower-than-expected supply from rival producers and said oil use was showing signs of recovery after lagging estimates for much of 2005.

Raleigh, N.C., utility can remotely find power disturbance

Now the utility can pinpoint the disturbance from downtown Raleigh and dispatch technicians to the precise location for repairs.

REEEP Issues Fourth Call for Proposals for Renewable Energy

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 111605

Solar activity was moderate. Region 822 (S08E41) produced two M-class flares.  The geomagnetic field is expected to be predominantly unsettled for 16 November, with a chance for isolated active periods.

Senators' Bill to Mandate Ethanol Option for All Vehicles

Sen. Dick Lugar joined Sens. Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Barack Obama (D-IL) in introducing the Fuel Security and Consumer Choice Act. This bill would require all U.S. marketed vehicles to be manufactured as Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) within ten years.

Senators object to EPA plan to halve frequency of toxics inventory

"We are concerned that alternate-year reporting would deny citizens up-to-date information about local toxic releases, reduce incentives to minimize waste generation, withhold important information from public health agencies, and undermine the ability of states and EPA to guide their compliance assistance and enforcement priorities," the senators wrote to agency Administrator Stephen Johnson.

Survey: 70% of Building Execs Say Green Schools Enhance Student Performance

More K-12 school districts and higher educational institutions are recognizing that green facilities provide a more effective learning environment. The interest in green educational facilities is part of a broader recognition of the critical importance of the physical environment to the health and performance of students and teachers.

Sustainable timber site launched

A website has been launched to offer guidance on procuring sustainably sourced timber, aimed at government and companies supplying government. The Central Point of Expertise on Timber Procurement will be maintained by ProForest.

The site contains advice on issues such as how to specify legal and sustainable timber and under what criteria evidence should be assessed. Other areas of information include training workshops, assessing forest certification schemes and a telephone helpline.

U.S. Fights to Remain the Ultimate Webmaster

International efforts to break down the digital barriers facing the world's poor will backfire if governments fail to work out their differences on the issue of internet governance, diplomatic observers here say.

Yellowstone Grizzly Bear Recovery Shows Endangered Species Act Success

“Yellowstone grizzly bear recovery is the best kind of proof that those in Congress who say the Endangered Species Act doesn’t work are wrong,” Jim Lyon, National Wildlife Federation senior vice president for Conservation Programs, said here today. “The nation’s safety net for imperiled wildlife works and the American people want it to stay that way.”
 

November 15, 2005

A new environmental battle is brewing

 A new environmental battle is brewing, as many homeowners have been buying wood burning stoves and similar devices to brace themselves against the onset of winter and the expected steep increases in home heating costs.

Amid Soaring Gas Prices, Energy Efficiency Spells Relief for Manufacturers

Today's record-high prices for natural gas and other fuels are forcing U.S. manufacturers to pursue energy-efficient technologies and practices. Manufacturers are cutting their energy waste -- and thereby energy costs -- in an economical and cost-effective manner, according to the Alliance to Save Energy (ASE).

Arch's Leer Sees Blue Skies for West Virginia Coal

Citing growing energy demand in Asia and the recent hurricane-related disruption of energy production and distribution in the Gulf of Mexico, Leer said the Mountain State is well positioned to provide the nation a larger share of its energy supply.

Further, Leer said, coal will continue to be critical to the nation's energy mix, including the possible conversion of coal to motor fuel. West Virginia is a candidate for such an investment, he said.

Australia Pioneers Energy From Hot Rocks

Generating electricity using the heat of ancient rocks buried deep below the red sands of the Australian outback? Spurred by high commodity prices and a drive to reduce Australia's reliance on coal, several companies are looking to harness hot rock temperatures of up to 300 degrees Celsius (570 Fahrenheit) to unleash green energy.

City of Tempe (Ariz.) Installs On-Site Sodium Hypochlorite Generating Systems at Two Water Plants

The city of Tempe, Ariz., recently replaced the gaseous chlorine disinfection systems at its Johnny G. Martinez Water Treatment Facility (WTP) and South Tempe WTP with on-site sodium hypochlorite generation. The facilities, which were commissioned in October, are each equipped with a duty and standby ClorTec on-site sodium hypochlorite generating system, manufactured by Severn Trent Services.

Clif Bar Greens Slopes to Fight Global Warming

Clif Bar is launching a nationwide campaign this winter to help ski resorts, skiers, and snowboarders combat global warming, which threatens to reduce snowfall and jeopardize winter sports for years to come.

Clif Bar will be a partner in the 2006 Golden Eagle Awards program, which honors the nation's most eco-friendly ski resorts. The company also will enable winter sports enthusiasts to purchase renewable energy to offset their own impact on global climate change, gain access to carpools and public transit, and educate themselves on other ways to offset greenhouse gases.

Climate Change Could Spread Plague - Scientists

Warmer, wetter weather brought on by global warming could increase outbreaks of the plague, which has killed millions down the ages and wiped out one third of Europe's population in the 14th century, academics said.

EC threatens 'stronger action' unless energy markets open fully

 "The Commission will continue to put pressure on member states to implement measures that are key to achieving a higher level of growth and competitiveness in Europe," said European Union energy commissioner Andris Piebalgs. "If this does not happen, stronger action will be needed."

Energy Risk - the Opposite of Disintegration?

The obvious answer to the aforementioned question is "integration" and clearly this is where utilities are heading in respect to many of their operational, customer service, and back office systems. But the path in getting to this integrated promised land is proving to be windier and more treacherous than any trail one might encounter from the Appalachians to the Sierra.

Environmental Groups Accuse Britain's Blair of Squandering Chance To Tackle Climate Change

Earlier this year, Blair promised to use Britain's stints at the head of the EU and the G-8 group of industrial nations to try to make a "breakthrough" on climate change.

But the WWF accused the government of failing to combat German and U.S. attempts to weaken legislation on harmful chemicals and said Blair had "undermined the most central plank of climate change policy" with recent remarks about the Kyoto accord.

German Police Investigating Threat To Poison Lake Constance

Police in southern Germany found two suspect containers in Lake Constance and were investigating a threat to poison the waters, authorities said Monday. He said the water has been extensively tested and that no danger exists for the 4.5 million people who use Lake Constance, which is shared by Germany, Austria and Switzerland, for drinking water.

Home Hydrogen Refueling Technology Advances With the Introduction of Honda's Experimental Home Energy Station III

Further advancing its vision of a gasoline- and emissions-free transportation future, Honda R&D Americas, Inc., in conjunction with technology partner Plug Power Inc., today introduced the Home Energy Station III, which provides heat and electricity for the home as well as fuel for a hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle.

How much will US retail markets grow in coming years?

From now through 2010 the average growth in switching, he expects market growth will be 7%.
     That's the base case. If the growth is on the high side he put that at 13% or as low as 3% on the low side.
     That's the forecast for residential and C&I mixed together.
     What happens to pricing may play a major role as markets unfold, he predicted, thinking about what would happen if prices do fall.

Kayak Crusaders Persuade Polluters To Come Clean

Mark Riskedahl paddles his kayak through pounding rain, heading across the Columbia Slough to a riverbank pipe that pours chocolate-brown liquid directly into the water. Holding steady, he reaches out and fills a plastic bottle with the muck -- it smells like gasoline -- and seals it tight for a trip to the lab for testing.

You'd better hope the drainpipe isn't yours.

Metals, VOCs in New Orleans fall below screening levels, EPA says

New concentrations reported for metals and volatile organic compounds in New Orleans continue to be below health-based screening levels, according to the EPA.

New Dams Destroying Water Sources and Damaging Economies, WWF Says

New dams intended to provide cheaper power and support irrigation systems are destroying important water sources and causing economic disruption, a leading environmental group said in a report released Monday.

The report by the World Wide Fund for Nature noted that dams can destroy wetlands, which hold water like sponges and cannot be replicated by manmade storage facilities.

New England's Winters Growing Warmer - Study

The number of days that northern New England's rivers have a substantial amount of ice dropped sharply over the last century, suggesting the region's winters are growing warmer, researchers said on Monday.

New EPA Arsenic Rule to Impact Public Water Sources

Jan. 23, 2006 is the final implementation date of the EPA's Arsenic Rule. Arsenic, a naturally occurring element in rocks, soil, air, plants and animals, is a slow poison that has been linked to numerous forms of cancer resulting from long-term exposure. Public water systems providing water to more than 25 people on a daily basis will be required to meet the updated and more stringent rule

Oil Spills from Hurricanes Staining the Coast

When Walter Estrade returned to his home in this refinery town 10 miles southeast of New Orleans, he expected the typical hurricane damage -- toppled trees, tossed cars, a waterlogged house.

What he hadn't counted on was the oil.

OPEC sec gen says oil price 'reasonable'; no supply shortage

OPEC's acting secretary-general, Adnan Shihab-Eldin, said late Monday that oil prices had fallen to more "reasonable" levels after spikes caused by the US hurricanes, an indication that there was no shortage of supply.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 111505

Solar activity was at moderate levels. Region 822 (S06E55) produced two M-class flares:  Solar activity is expected to be at moderate levels. If the region continues to grow, there is a possibility for major flare activity.  The geomagnetic field is expected to be predominantly unsettled.

Senate funds FY-06 energy programs

he Senate set fiscal 2006 appropriations for energy projects today when senators adopted the funding bill's House-passed conference report in an 84-4 vote. The $30.5-billion bill gives DOE at $24.2-billion in FY-06, which began Oct. 1. The department's nuclear energy programs will receive $557.57-million, while spending on the DOE repository project at Yucca Mountain, Nev. drops to $450-million. The bill now moves to the White House for the president's signature.

The World's Forests

About 13 million hectares of forests are destroyed around the world each year, an area the size of Greece, although the net loss of trees has finally slowed thanks mainly to new plantations, the United Nations said on Monday.

Tough Calif. GHG standards could be good news for coal

Emerging greenhouse gas emission standards are not necessarily a bad omen for coal, in the view of California Public Utilities Commission President Michael Peevey. In fact, the requirements could spur innovations in technology that could pave the way for the proposed $3.3 billion Frontier transmission line, predicted Peevey.

The four-state line would bring coal-fired power to California.

U.N. study names five most serious environmental hot spots in Iraq

UK day-ahead gas soars to 80p th on cold

Day-ahead UK gas prices soared to 80p/th Monday, up from an average of around 33p/th during October and the early days of November. The prices came as cold weather hit the UK, with a burst of frost Monday morning. But demand was not very high, at 320-mil cu m, or only 59% of a peak day level, according to National Grid.

USG oil shut-ins at 727,054 bd, or 48.47pct-- MMS

  The agency said oil shut-ins in the Gulf as of 11:30 a.m. CST were 727,054 b/d, or 48.47% of normal production of 1.5-mil b/d. On Thursday, oil shut-ins were 736,2790 b/d, or 49.09% of normal production. Gas shut-ins Monday edged down to 3.742 Bcf/d, or 37.42% of normal production of 10 Bcf/d.

Weekly status report on the energy industry in the US Gulf 111505

The short-term recovery profile for the Gulf in the aftermath of the hurricanes was unchanged, but that there were "indications that the impact running through 2006 could be deeper and lasting than previously believed." 

Shut-in US Gulf of Mexico output will gradually decline through March 2006, when shut-in crude volumes should fall to 353,000 b/d, or 22.6% of pre-hurricane production levels, and shut-in gas volumes should fall to 2.1 Bcf/d, or 20.6% of prehurricane levels

What's behind high world oil prices

World oil prices have more than doubled since the beginning of 2004 and the consequences are being felt around the world. 

Windpower survey blows away myths from opponents

Wind power supporters have received a boost from a study that shows Britain has the best wind in Europe because it blows all year round and peaks when there is greatest demand for electricity.

World Forest Losses Slowing But Still Alarming - UN

Some 13 million hectares of forests are destroyed around the world each year, an area the size of Greece, although the net loss of trees has finally slowed thanks mainly to new plantations, the United Nations said on Monday.

World Resources Institute Identifies Prime New Venture Capital Targets

This fall, the World Resources Institute is recognizing several companies from the energy efficiency, agriculture, and construction sectors in three countries as prime candidates for venture capital investment. The companies are being announced as finalists for New Ventures -- a series of green-business accelerators sponsored by the World Resources Institute (WRI).

November 14, 2005

7-Up to pay more than $1M in fines for water violations at Calif. plants

Seven Up/RC Bottling Company of Southern California will pay more than $1 million in criminal and civil fines for industrial stormwater and wastewater violations at its bottling plants in Vernon, Calif., and Buena Park, Calif. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency started investigating the company in 2002 and discovered that the Vernon facility had been discharging grease, petroleum and acid drink byproducts directly into the Los Angeles River.

Americans Battening the Hatches Against Utility Bills

It's not every day you find a Cabinet secretary wedged between a storm-window display and stack of space heaters at a local home-improvement store - unless it's Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman.

He's barnstorming the country these days with tips on how to cut home-heating bills, which his department expects to soar as much as 70 percent this winter.

Appliance Recycling Centers of America Awarded Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling Contract By The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance

Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: ARCI) announced it has been awarded a contract by The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) to remove from service and recycle inefficient, non-commercial refrigerators and freezers targeting the AmerenUE customers in the Missouri cities of St. Louis, Jefferson City and Cape Girardeau.

California is host to renewable fuels revolution

Craig Childers is the first person to admit there is a renewable fuels revolution going on in the Golden State and with the highest number of motorists in the United States, California is currently debating which is the best way to power cars long into the 21st century.

City gets $2M for ethanol-to-hydrogen fueling station

An energy and water appropriations bill passed today grants a $2 million stipend to the City of Chicago to build the world’s first ethanol-to-hydrogen fueling station. The new technology at the fueling station, which is slated to begin construction some time next year, will convert renewable liquid ethanol into hydrogen gas. The city will use the station to fuel a test-fleet of five hydrogen powered vehicles.

Crude loading at Basra falls to 47,000 bbl hr on low stock levels

 "They had been pumping like mad," the shipping agent said. "They need to get oil back in storage, then they will go back to normal rates."
 Iraq usually pumps from Basra at a rate of 65,000 bbl/hour to 85,000 bbl/hour during normal conditions.

Energy Savings Built into Home -The Habitat House is Called 'the Next Generation in Home Construction' Because of Its Efficiency

Habitat for Humanity will soon add an Energy Star to its galaxy. Heating and cooling costs are expected to run 50 percent less than that of a traditionally built home without energy-efficient components, said Garry Ruliffson, the Omaha Public Power District's energy adviser. The house is so energy efficient that it qualifies for a federal Energy Star designation.

EPA to help China retrofit buses with clean diesel technology

The effort, launched Nov. 10, stems from an agreement reached last year between the EPA and China´s SEPA to collaborate on clean fuels and vehicles projects.

FPL Provides Perspectives on `Lost Revenue' Issue

Following are answers to some questions and issues recently in the news regarding Florida Power & Light Company, and reimbursement for "lost revenue" associated with the 2004 hurricane season.

Fuel cells to make coal more efficient

SRI (Menlo Park, Calif.) claims its DCFC technology can convert the chemical energy in coal directly into electricity without the need for gasification.

Gas-powered electronics

Your next computer may run on gas — hydrogen gas, that is, as fuel-cell power comes to portable electronics. It's happening in consumer, industrial, and military gear. Notebook computers, MP3 players, and cell phones feel its effects daily.

Germany to stick to decommissioning of nukes by 2021

Germany plans to stick to its plan to decommission nuclear power plants by 2021, the so-called "grand coalition" partners, the SPD and CDU, said Saturday. The atom consensus agreed between the previous SPD-Green party government and industry plans for the last of the country's 17 reactors to go offline by that date.

Global Renewable Energy Investments Top $30 Billion

The fastest growing energy technology in the world is grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV), which grew in existing capacity by 60 percent per year from 2000-2004, to cover more than 400,000 rooftops in Japan, Germany, and the United States. Second is wind power capacity, which grew by 28 percent last year, led by Germany, with almost 17 GW installed as of 2004.

House funds Idaho nuclear lab to produce electricity and hydrogen at the Idaho National Laboratory

The U.S. Senate was expected to clear the measure Thursday and when it is signed by President Bush, it will direct at least $80 million in "earmarked" federal money specifically requested by members of Congress to projects at the eastern Idaho nuclear research compound northwest of Idaho Falls.

Illinois Launches Community-based Wind Power Loan Program

Illinois' new loan program is particularly well suited to promote small wind power projects for farms in the state.

Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich announced the launch of a $4 million Renewable Energy Development (RED) Fund that will support community-scale wind-energy projects throughout Illinois. The Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) will work with community banks and lenders to provide loans and loan guarantees to qualified farmers and farmer co-operatives who construct wind turbine projects less than 20 MW in capacity.

Illinois Senate seeks speedy ruling on coal plant

Wading into unfamiliar waters, the Illinois Senate this week passed a resolution urging a federal court to expeditiously rule on a Sierra Club appeal of EnviroPower LLC's state air permit for a proposed 534-MW coal-fired power plant in southern Illinois.

Sen. Gary Forby, D, a strong supporter of the Franklin County Power baseload plant and the resolution's author, told Platts Coal Trader Thursday that he's worried that a drawn-out litigation process could doom the $900 million project. EnviroPower has begun site preparation for the plant to be located near Benton in Franklin County.

Kyoto Eyes Garbage-Based Hydrogen for Power Generation

There are already research projects on biomass power generation, but this is the first attempt in Japan to produce hydrogen from raw garbage for use in fuel-cell power generation, according to Kyoto officials.

Nation en route to new hydrogen economy

Dorgan, who said he convinced Congress to set those targets, spoke in Grand Forks, where the Hydrogen Energy Action Summit he sponsored is taking place. He was surrounded by examples of hydrogen-powered technology already coming into use, according to a Dorgan staff news release.

Nuclear Power Back in the Game

A combination of several important factors is making the resurgence of nuclear power more likely than ever before. Several power generators are seriously considering new nuclear power plants in their mix of generation assets.

The power industry in the United States is poised for a major shift with respect to the construction of baseload generating capacity, and nuclear power plants are sure to be part of the mix that will help diversify the country's generation sources.

OPEC not considering output cut despite price fall-- president

OPEC President Sheikh Ahmed Fahed al-Sabah said Monday that the producer group was not considering a production cut despite falling oil prices and would wait for a Dec 12 meeting in Kuwait to decide on whether to extend an offer of 2-mil b/d of spare capacity beyond end December.

Proposal to rescind $166 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund

Recent news has shed light upon an administrative proposal put before Congress to rescind $166 million for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund in order to subsidize costs relating to hurricane relief efforts. Water & Wastes Digest maintains that the issue of water quality and the social and economic benefits safe water programs provide are important to the water industry and to the general welfare of the nation.

Quote of the day 111405

"Warm weather has recently been the key depressing factor for oil though we note that in the main US northeast heating oil region, forecasts are for significantly colder weather to arrive late next week. We continue to view the market as getting a little complacent about product availability and the arrival of colder weather could be the catalyst required to end the recent downtrend."

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 111405

Solar activity was moderate. Region 822 (S06E66) produced an M2.5 flare.  The geomagnetic field was quiet to active. The solar wind averaged around 420 km/s. 

Robotic Assembly of Fuel Cells Could Hasten Hydrogen Economy

The project, which will combine the resources of Rensselaer’s Flexible Manufacturing Center (FMC) and Center for Automation Technologies and Systems (CATS), was recently supported with a major research equipment award from the Robotics Industries Association (RIA).

Saudis say oil capacity expansion plans on track

The Saudi Arabian oil ministry issued a statement Sunday saying its oil production capacity expansion plans were on track and there was no obstacle to raising capacity to 12.5-mil b/d by 2009, contrary to remarks by a former board member of state-run Saudi Aramco.

Scientists Offer Hydrogen Fix

Wind on its own is too variable, Miller says, leaving electrolysis equipment frequently idle and driving up costs. "The economics just don't work," he says. "It produces very expensive hydrogen."

Pairing it with nuclear would keep the equipment operating closer to full capacity and bring the cost down, he says. A bonus is that when the wind is strong and electricity demand is high, excess power can be sold at a profit to the grid. This means that, unlike traditional electricity-based hydrogen production, Miller's system actually makes hydrogen cheaper as the cost of electricity goes up.

Solar Cell, Module Manufacturing for New Mexico

New Mexico will soon be home to a new 25-MW solar-photovoltaic cell and module manufacturing facility. Advent Solar, a company with research roots in the state, this week committed to a large new facility in Mesa del Sol as the future location for its research, development and manufacturing plant.

U.S. Power Prices 46% Higher Than Last Year Despite Recent Declines; Prices for Coming Winter Also Much Higher

Heading into the 2005-06 winter heating season, electricity prices are 46% higher than a year ago, despite recent declines, according to Platts, the energy information business of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP).

US' Bodman confident Arab oil producers will 'do right' by market

"Judging from conversations in the first two countries, they have given indications of being very responsive and wanting to provide sufficient crude oil to world markets, and I expect that they will do that and I have no doubt that that will be the outcome of the upcoming OPEC meeting," Bodman told reporters in Kuwait with OPEC president Sheikh Ahmed Fahed and Sabah.

USDA Energy Program Promotes 'Cow Power'

Gold Top Farms in Maine (left) is saving 90,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually with high-volume, low-speed fans in its barn. Above, an anaerobic digester converts cow manure into methane gas, which in turn produces electricity.

Energy and the issues sur-rounding it continue to be a high priority for the Bush Administration and USDA. The recent passage of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 emphasizes the importance the President and Congress place on the issue.

Venture Capital Poised To Flood Energy Sector

Indeed, the economy is apparently poised for an explosive rebound in venture capital investment in entrepreneurial startups of all kinds. In a gushing article in the current issue of Business 2.0, writers Michael V. Copeland and Om Malik assert, "Venture capital is flowing more profusely than it has since the late 1990s; money invested in early-stage startups could top $1.5 billion this year, up 50 percent from last year and almost double 2003's figure." Furthermore, they continue, the floodgates have been thrown open. "... the average seed investment, $4.4 million, is three times what it was a year ago and larger than it was in 2000."

We Energies Can Keep Windfall; Nearly $52 Million Could Have Gone Back to Customers

State energy regulators missed an opportunity to give customers relief from rising energy costs, customer groups said Thursday.

At issue before the state Public Service Commission: Should We Energies be entitled to keep $51.7 million in savings it achieved following its acquisition of the parent company of Wisconsin Gas five years ago?

Why (and When) to Invest in the Smart Grid

Big government, big corporations and big venture financiers appear heavily fixated on funding new “displacement” technologies to sweep away the old order and usher in the new order of clean energy. Fuel cells, hydrogen generation and infrastructure, thin-film lithium batteries, flywheel electrical storage systems, distributed generation similar new technologies have drawn the bulk of the political and media attention, as well as the lion’s share of investment capital.

Wisconsin legislature introduces bill with 10% renewable mandate

Wisconsin's current RPS sets a goal of 2.2% retail electric sales to come from renewable sources like wind and biogas by 2011. Currently, about 4%  of electric sales statewide come from renewable sources.

November 11, 2005

Belleville farm owners installing cow-manure-fueled power plant

Sheland Farms started construction of a $1.5 million manure-fired power plant Monday, and the owners expect the plant will start churning out electricity by late spring.

'Building Green' Movement on Rise in Georgia

When she needs a break from her day as a city council aide, Theressa Hamilton retreats to a garden oasis on the roof of City Hall.

There, among the cement, steel and glass, Hamilton smiles at an orange butterfly alit on a green bush with pink flowers.

Chicago to build first ethanol-hydrogen fueling station

The city of Chicago plans to build the world´s first ethanol-to-hydrogen fueling station thanks in part to $2 million funding included in the federal Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, according to members of the Illinois congressional delegation.

Colorado power plan may include coal-fired plant in Wyoming

A coal-fired power plant to be built on North American Power Group's property in Campbell County, Wyo., is part of the company's bid to provide additional electricity to northern Colorado.  NAPG is still in the review stage about what type of clean-coal plant to build, if it wins the award.

Delaware to require older power plants to cut emissions

Delaware has begun a rulemaking process to reduce emissions from the state´s older coal- and oil-fired power plants.

Energy proposal may curb local authority

Virginia local governments would lose zoning and land- use authority over designated sites for wind farms, nuclear plants and other low-emission energy facilities under a proposal being studied by a legislative panel.

Environmental groups sue Alameda County, Calif., over windmills

The Golden Gate Audubon Society and Californians for Renewable Energy filed the lawsuit last week. The lawsuit claims the county violated state law by not ordering an in-depth environmental report before renewing 29 permits for windmills in the hills that straddle San Joaquin and Alameda counties.

An environmental report likely would show that the wind-energy companies can do more to limit the number of birds killed each year by the fast-turning turbine blades, environmentalists said.

EPA issues instructions on cutting ozone to meet 8-hour standard

Federal environmental regulators issued a final rule Nov. 9 that instructs states and local and tribal governments on how to develop plans for reducing ozone pollution in areas that do not meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency´s health-based standards.

The analysis indicates the new standard each year could result in a reduction of hundreds of premature deaths, thousands of hospital admissions, and more than 900,000 school absences, according to the EPA.

Fort Collins lauded as energy sustainable city

The report, authored by Denver sustainable energy consultant Ken Regelson, encourages city leaders to work with local utilities to come up with programs designed to conserve energy consumption in city-owned buildings and then helping local businesses and residents do the same for their own homes and buildings.

Global Warming Moved Plants Northward

The group studied a period called the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, when the planet warmed up over about 10,000 years, raising the average temperature by between 9 degrees and 18 degrees Fahrenheit. The warmth lasted for 80,000 to 120,000 years.

The southern plants had spread 1,000 miles from the Gulf Coast to Wyoming, but disappeared when the climate cooled off.

That warming was caused by an influx of carbon into the atmosphere, similar to current concerns about the potential cause of global warming.

Gov. Romney Sees Explosive Growth in Clean Energy

"This is an industry that is going to be explosive in its growth in the next decade," Romney said. "We as a commonwealth stand to benefit dramatically."

Greening the Home Mortgage Deduction

President Bush’s Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform recently called for dramatic reductions in mortgage interest and property tax deductions. This proposal will surely be greeted as one of the least popular ideas ever floated, right up there with eliminating federally-guaranteed social security payments or raising gasoline taxes. That’s too bad, because this proposed reform is precisely what’s needed to cure a host of problems, including runaway housing prices, urban sprawl, and even global warming. A new tax deduction policy should also include incentives to build more environmentally sustainable homes.

Higher price cap on power sought; Impact on consumers limited, experts say

On the heels of a nationwide rise in natural gas costs, California energy authorities are considering a 60 percent increase in the cap on wholesale electricity prices, marking the first time the cap might rise since the state's energy crisis of 2000-01.

Independents lead new charge for Africa's oil, gas assets

The scramble for Africa's oil wealth over the last decade saw the world's majors compete for the giant prizes on offer, but on the back of soaring prices the continent is again abuzz with an oil boom as independents scout for opportunities in existing and new petroleum provinces.

IPE Brent futures deepen losses on US stocks rise, weak demand

Brent futures traded at $54.88/bbl, down 80 cts, at 1040 GMT, a level not seen since June 15. Brent is trading over $1 below the 200-day moving average of $56.04/bbl, leaving prices vulnerable to technical selling.  "The market has been technically driven and we might see some more technical selling later in the afternoon," one trading source said.

Legislators Renew Push for Underground Utility Lines

After Hurricane Wilma left more than 3.2 million Florida Power & Light Co. customers without electricity, U.S. Rep. E. Clay Shaw Jr. decided it was time to do more to encourage utilities to put power lines underground.

"I know the power companies will say that, economically, it doesn't make a lot of sense, but if we're in for 20 years of hurricanes, it makes a lot of sense," Shaw, R-Fort Lauderdale, told reporters Tuesday, referring to predictions of a decades-long period of increased hurricane activity.

Mexican Villagers Homeless and Scared after Hurricane

Thousands of Mexican villagers whose homes were wrecked by Hurricane Stan's flooding and landslides last month are clawing through the mud to rebuild on the same perilous mountainsides.

Mohave Plant Deal May Be Coming

The Mohave Generating Station, a coal-fired plant at Laughlin that provides Southern Nevada with low-cost power but is a major source of air pollution, may get a new lease on life.

The Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation, Southern California Edison and a coal company are near an agreement that could keep the plant open -- if three environmental groups back off a Dec. 31 deadline requiring the installation of pollution-reduction equipment, Hopi Chairman Wayne Taylor said Tuesday.

Philippine Dept Health Cites Benefits Of Alternative Medicines

The Philippine Department of Health has cited the benefits and effectiveness of alternative medicines.

"The poor and the rich should be able to access the same quality and level of care. Alternative health care modalities are safe, effective, but most importantly are accessible to all," said secretary Francisco Duque III.

Portland considered for Maine hydrogen development site

Facilities that could produce hydrogen for industrial gases and for fueling buses and delivery vehicles are being considered for Auburn and South Portland.

These facilities could get all or part of the power they need to make hydrogen from renewable resources, such as solar electric panels.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 111105

Solar activity is expected to be at very low levels.  The geomagnetic field is expected to be at quiet to unsettled levels. Isolated active conditions are possible for 11 November due to coronal hole effects.

Russia sees Arctic Oil Cooperation with Norway

Russia and Norway, the world’s number two and three oil exporters respectively behind Saudi Arabia, are both looking north for new finds. By some US estimates, the Arctic could hold a quarter of the world's undiscovered petroleum reserves.

Seattle City Light reduces net greenhouse-gas emissions to zero

Seattle City Light has become the nation's first major utility to cut its net greenhouse-gas emissions to zero, courtesy of plentiful hydropower, conservation and payments to companies to cut their emissions when City Light couldn't, city officials announced Wednesday.

Sediment, debris are main challenges remaining in hurricane cleanup

About 1,700 homes and many public areas have been contaminated in St. Bernard Parish, La., following a Sept. 4 oil spill at the Meraux Refinery of Murphy Oil USA Inc.

Senate panel clashes over EPA ozone, particle standards

Republicans on the Senate Environment and Public Works subcommittee on clean air, climate change and nuclear safety spoke critically of the standards, fearing they will retard economic growth.

Democrats took a different tack, arguing that the standards will benefit the nation economically in the long run due to the pollution-related deaths and illnesses they will stave off.   "The cost of protecting public health is far less than the cost of
breathing dirty air," said Sen Thomas Carper (Democrat-Delaware).

Seventh Generation Issues FY04 Corporate Responsibility Report

Seventh Generation, the nation's leading brand of non-toxic and environmentally safe household and personal care products, today announced the release of its third corporate responsibility (CR) report. Based on Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Sustainability Reporting Guidelines, the CR report details the impact of Seventh Generation's economic, environmental, and social performance on all of its stakeholders.

Study Concludes Britian Must Build More Nuclear Power Plants

Britain must consider building new nuclear power stations urgently if it is to meet its international commitments on cutting greenhouse gases as well as plugging a looming 'energy gap', a study by more than 150 experts has found.

It concluded renewable sources of green energy would be unable to generate enough electricity to meet the expected shortfall resulting from the closure of existing nuclear power plants. Power stations would be unable to supply 20 per cent of peak demand in 10 years' time.

Sustainability in the National Parks--Part VI

The vehicles are used by interpretive rangers and other highly visible staff. Not only do the vehicles cut down on emissions, they also help educate many of the Yellowstone’s three million annual visitors about hybrid technology and the park's commitment to explore new and innovative technologies.

Yellowstone also has been using alternative fuels, such as biodiesel and other alternative fuels and vegetable-based lube and hydraulic oils, in many of its vehicles. In addition, all diesel-powered vehicles used by park employees and by Xanterra (Yellowstone’s concessionaire) use a 20 percent blend of canola-derived biodiesel and petroleum diesel. Gasoline-powered vehicles in the park use an ethanol blend (E-10).

UK to require 5% biofuel levels in road fuels by 2010

The UK government announced Thursday plans to require biofuels to make up 5% of all UK fuel sales by 2010, up from 0.25% currently but still below the EU's biofuel penetration targets.

US Army Awards Quantum Contract for Hydrogen Refueler

The Quantum-manufactured HyHauler Plus is a large trailer-mounted hydrogen fuel-dispensing system, specifically designed to provide fast fills in less than three minutes. The HyHauler Plus utilizes an on-board electrolyzer to generate hydrogen from water and electricity. The complete refueling system includes the electrolyzer, a high-pressure hydrogen compressor, high-pressure hydrogen storage cascade, dispensing system, and integrated balance-of-plant.

Utah Asks Federal Appeals Court To Reject Nuclear Dump

Utah asked a federal appeals court on Wednesday to overturn the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's approval of a nuclear waste storage site in the state's western desert.

The petition, filed by lawyers in Washington, D.C., challenges a license authorized but not yet issued by the commission. It allows a group of nuclear-power utilities to stockpile 44,000 tons of spent fuel rods at the Skull Valley Goshute Indian Reservation, about 45 miles southwest of Salt Lake City.

Very unlikely refinery measure will pass Congress this session

The US Senate Environment Committee failed to pass a Republican-backed refinery and fuels bill Oct 26, making passage this session of legislation to address soaring gasoline prices in the wake of recent Gulf hurricanes exceedingly unlikely.

Water Vapor May Be Biggest Contributor to Higher Global Temperatures, Researcher Says

An unexpected greenhouse gas -- water vapor -- may be the biggest factor contributing to higher global air temperatures, a Swiss researcher said Wednesday.

Other greenhouse gases heat the ground, which causes more water evaporation that in turn further increases ground and then air temperatures.

What's moving the oil markets 111205

Brent is trading over $1 below the 200 -day moving average of $56.04/bbl, leaving prices vulnerable to technical selling. "The market has been technically driven and we might see some more technical selling later in the afternoon," one source said.

Wind Power to Become China's Third Major Power Supply

Wind power is expected to become China's third major power supply by 2020, with an expected installed capacity of 40 million kilowatts, according to an industrial report.

The annual capacity can satisfy the power demand of 80 million people with an estimated production of 80 billion kilowatt hours, and can also help reduce the emission of carbon dioxide by 48 million tons in the country.

November 10, 2005

Biodiesel Production Soars; 2005 Production Expected to Triple Last Year’s Figures

John Plaza can’t seem to make biodiesel fast enough. The president and founder of Seattle Biodiesel says the plant is producing biodiesel at full capacity – and his customers snap it up as soon as it is made. A federal tax incentive, state legislation and a diesel shortage all contribute to the rise in demand. But Plaza says he thinks Americans are finally waking up to alternative fuels.

Britain replaces funding for renewable energy installations

The LCBP is designed to take a holistic approach to reducing carbon emissions from buildings by combining small renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency measures. It is part of the government's strategy to promote microgeneration, which aims to remove the barriers currently hindering development of a sustainable market for these products.  “As well as continuing to fund single installations, the programs will fund large-scale developments in the public and private sectors,” he adds.

Cargill to build new enthanol plant at Nebraska complex

Cargill Inc. plans to more than double the production of ethanol at its Blair, Neb., complex with the construction of a new plant.

Corporate Social and Environmental Accountability

U.S. corporations have been striving in recent years to be more socially and environmentally accountable -- or at least, depending on your level of skepticism, to create the impression of moving in that direction. The reason they're doing this is not, shocking though some may find this, to salve their collective consciences. (I remain steadfast in my belief that corporations do not have consciences, collective or otherwise.) The reason corporations are doing this is because the marketplace tells them they'd be fools -- and dinosaurs -- not to.

DOE Launches New Website Aimed at Improving Industrial Energy Savings

The program, launched on October 3, 2005 as part of a national energy saving effort, seeks to improve the energy efficiency of America's most energy-intensive manufacturing facilities through comprehensive energy assessments.

European, US traders buy gasoline to exploit contango

Gasoline traders are storing European gasoline on both sides of the Atlantic, as the current contango has boosted cash buying interest, traders said Wednesday. 

Expect Sparks, No Flames, at U.S. Senate Oil Hearing

Wednesday's Senate grilling of top U.S. oil industry executives is likely to be heavy on political theater but light on energy policy initiatives, analysts said.

Both Democrats and Republicans are expected to lambaste five Big Oil executives about their companies' $30 billion in collective profits last quarter, even as Americans paid record-high prices for gasoline to fill their tanks and natural gas to heat their homes.

GreenShift's Portfolio Company Sterling Planet and Con Edison Offer Renewable Energy Options

For as little as $5 per month, residential and nonresidential customers alike can support cleaner renewable electricity from New York State sources - and make a difference for the environment, for energy security and independence, and for sustainability. Customers choose how "green" they want to go - buying enough to cover the electricity use of a small, medium or large house or apartment.

Hurricanes Cause $1.67 Billion in Losses in Mexico

IPE Brent crude extends decline following bearish US DOE data

IPE Brent crude futures in London extended losses Thursday with the US weekly inventory report and warmer temperatures providing bearish sentiment on the energy complex. IPE Brent contract was trading at $56.36/bbl,
down 52 cts from Wednesday, it's lowest price since Jul 22.

Market for renewables has few barriers, concludes US agency

The market for renewable energy services faces few barriers, according to an independent U.S. federal agency.

“There are few barriers that specifically affect trade and investment in the wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, or ocean energy production or services sectors,” concludes the International Trade Commission in its report

New England Energy Alliance Report Cites Major Challenges in All Parts of New England Energy Infrastructure

New England faces major near-term challenges in all parts of its energy infrastructure including natural gas facilities, electric transmission lines and electric power generation, according to a report released today by the New England Energy Alliance.

The Alliance also released public opinion research results indicating that New England voters consider energy supply and prices as one of the top three most important issues facing the region and strongly support significant improvements to the region's energy infrastructure.

New Report Shows Clean Energy Can Lower Natural Gas Prices for Virginia Consumers

A coalition of Virginia renewable energy stakeholders, lead by the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN), released a report today that outlines how adopting mandatory renewable energy legislation will save Virginians' $30 million dollars in energy costs over the next ten years.

New York State to Cut Greenhouse Gases from Cars

Cars sold or registered in New York State must cut carbon dioxide emissions beginning in 2009, state officials said on Wednesday, in Republican Gov. George Pataki's latest break with the Bush Administration over steps to cut greenhouse gases.

Price of Plastic Skyrockets in Hurricane Katrina's Wake

Of all the raw materials that have seen price hikes since hurricanes ravaged the Gulf Coast -- including plywood, drywall and metal -- few have been as sharp as the rise in prices in the plastic industry. Prices for the three most common resins used to make plastic have jumped between 20 and 30 percent since August

Remaining 48,900 FPL Customers without Power after Hurricane Wilma Are Focus of Final Push; Most of Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade Now Essentially Restored

After restoring power to 3,192,500 or more than 98 percent of the 3.2 million customers of Florida Power & Light Company left without electric service by Hurricane Wilma, FPL and assisting crews are pressing on with their commitment to bring back power to each remaining customer as quickly and safety as they had worked at the outset of this massive restoration effort two weeks ago. Only 48,900 FPL customers now remain without electric service.

Renewables to provide 2pct of global energy by 2030, says IEA

Energy from emerging renewables will grow faster than any other source in the world until 2030, increasing at 6.2% per year, according to the latest forecast from the International Energy Agency.

However, wind, solar and geothermal will supply less than 2% of world demand in 25 years since the technologies start from a low base.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 111005

Solar activity was low. Region 820 (S16W81) produced a C1 flare.  The geomagnetic field was quiet. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached high levels again today.

Rural health-care struggles-- One doc paid with jars of jelly

SCS Energy Awarded Landfill Gas To Compressed Natural Gas Project

SCS Energy, an operating division of SCS Engineers, has been awarded a multi-year contract by Sonoma County, California, under which SCS will design, fabricate, install and operate a facility that will convert landfill gas (LFG) to compressed natural gas (CNG).

SDG&E to Unveil Potential Corridors for Sunrise Powerlink Transmission Line

With input from community and business leaders, and the general public, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has mapped out broad potential route corridors for the proposed Sunrise Powerlink electrical transmission line.

The project will serve as a new energy superhighway to dramatically improve the reliability of the region's electrical transmission grid, according to David L. Geier, SDG&E's vice president of electric transmission and distribution.

Significant steps towards UK’s offshore renewables powerhouse

The UK offshore wind industry is making significant progress in its second phase of development, reports the BWEA (British Wind Energy Association). A total of 1800 megawatts (MW) of capacity – are now being considered by the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) and Defra*. They will be seeking views from statutory and non-statutory consultees over the coming weeks.

Solar PV promoted for pumping water in New York State

The state of New York has published a guide to provide information to farmers and landowners that want to install solar-powered water pumping systems.

More than a dozen PV-powered systems have been installed in upstate New York since 2001 by one company alone, and all are “doing well, meeting or exceeding projected daily water production

Survey shows OPEC October crude output falls 240,000 b/d

Crude production from OPEC's 11 members fell 240,000 b/d to 30.07-mil b/d in October from 30.31-mil b/d in September, a Platts survey of OPEC and oil industry officials showed Wednesday.

The drop largely reflected a plunge in output from Iraq, whose production and exports have fluctuated widely since the March 2003 US-led invasion as the country has struggled to rebuild its beleaguered oil sector.

OPEC PRODUCTION GRAPHS INCLUDED

Thorp reprocessing plant may restart in May 2006

Some 83,000 liters (about 21,933 gallons) of dissolved liquid spent fuel spilled unheeded from a broken pipe onto the floor of one of Thorp's shielded cells over at least eight months before it was discovered in April this year.

U.S. government increases use of renewables 14-fold

The U.S. government has increased its use of green power by 14-fold over the past six years.

The Department of Energy says the federal administration is consuming 2,375 GWh a year of electricity from renewables, compared with 173 GWh in 1999. At that time, Executive Order 13123 required federal agencies to increase their use of renewables and the secretary of energy set a goal of sourcing 2.5% from renewables by September 2005.

U.S., Chinese Environmental Chiefs Start Regular Meetings on Cleaner Atmosphere

The world's established superpower and superpolluter is meeting with an emerging superpower and superpolluter, seeking new and greener common ground.

Chiefs of the environmental agencies of the United States and China said Tuesday they want to collaborate more to reduce air pollution, water contamination and harmful effects of toxic chemicals.

University to receive US$53 million to double efficiency of solar PV

A consortium led by the University of Delaware could receive US$53 million to double the efficiency of terrestrial solar cells within 50 months.

The DARPA program expects the consortium to develop and produce 1,000 very high efficiency solar cell prototypes that are affordable and which operate at efficiencies of at least 50%. Currently, the peak efficiency of high-end solar cells is 24.7% and solar cells off a production line operate at 15% to 20% efficiency.

US commission warns Congress about China oil needs

A US panel on China Wednesday advised Congress to pay greater attention to that country's energy needs and its attempts to "hoard" crude to avoid a "collision course" over oil supplies.

US House panel rejects bill seeking agency climate-change data

A US House committee Wednesday rejected a bill that would have required the Bush administration to turn over agency documents used to formulate its climate change policy.

US House Republicans drop ANWR leasing from budget bill

US House Republicans late Wednesday dropped language from the budget bill that would have authorized leasing in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska and opened it to oil and gas development.

Virginia approves Mirant's proposal to test emissions reduction technology at power plant

DEQ authorized the tests after requiring Mirant to take steps to ensure the accuracy of its procedures and to protect people and the environment in the area of the plant. DEQ staff from the Northern Virginia Regional Office will be at the plant to observe the testing.

World Bank criticized for low support to renewables

The World Bank is not meeting its commitment to lead the global transition to renewable energies, and is actually lagging in its efforts in developing countries, according to the environmental group Friends of the Earth. The World Bank was asked at the G8 summit in July to develop a new framework for climate change that would remain in effect after the 2012 expiration of the Kyoto Protocol.  “This failure to adequately fund clean energy misses a tremendous opportunity to use these energy sources to promote development and poverty alleviation, and it continues the Bank's long-standing over-investment in harmful energy sources.”

Year of disasters has given Americans 'charity fatigue'

The tsunami in Asia, Katrina and Rita in the Gulf Coast, the earthquake in Pakistan, all of these disasters have touched hearts and pocketbooks.  Some organizations fear the giving spirit may be gone and people are feeling a little "charity fatigue."

Concerns are echoed by Major Dan Sjogren of the Salvation Army, "Some people have within their budgets X amount of dollars that they give to charity. And so if they give it for the hurricane down south, they don't have it to give us locally."

November 9, 2005

Ballard-powered Fuel Cell Buses Surpass 1 M km Mark

Ballard Power Systems' fleet of 33 Mercedes-Benz Citaro fuel cell buses currently operating in Europe, Iceland and Australia has surpassed one million kilometers of service. The buses have carried more than four million passengers.

Chinese President Calls Renewable Energy 'A Must' To Battle Pollution, Energy Shortages

Chinese President Hu Jintao and U.S. and European officials called Monday for a sharp rise in the world's use of solar and other nonpolluting power sources as they opened an international meeting on renewable energy.

Connecticut DEP switches to clean electrical power

The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection is switching to clean electrical power, becoming the first agency in that state to do so.

Consumers Get 'Extreme Workover' From Auto Lobbyists

Forget plastic surgery or renovating your home. How about an “Extreme Auto Makeover” so your vehicle goes a lot farther on a tank of gas?

A new online parody from the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) kicks off a campaign countering a flawed Bush administration proposal to revamp fuel economy standards.

Daily status report on the energy industry in the US Gulf 110805

Chevron has resumed operations at its Empire crude terminal in southern Louisiana after completing the majority of repairs needed at the facility, which was heavily damaged in late August by Hurricane Katrina. "The terminal is now at close to 100% operations.

The 190,000 b/d Chalmette refinery in Louisiana, heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina in August, began a "sequenced" restart on Nov 1 and should be operating at full rates in two weeks

Ecuador joins multinational Methane to Markets Partnership

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, 23 times as effective as carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the earth´s atmosphere

Electric Service for 3,065,000 Impacted by Hurricane Wilma Restored by FPL and Assisting Crews

More than 94 percent of Florida Power & Light Company customers impacted by Hurricane Wilma have received electric service back as of this morning. The company remains on track for 95 percent of its customers being restored by tomorrow.

Electric Utilities Offer Home Heating Help

With today's news from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) that consumers will likely be paying as much as 41 percent more, on average, than last year to heat their home, the nation's shareholder-owned electric utilities are telling their customers that energy-saving advice and help is a phone call or 'mouse' click away. Low- income customers, who spend a disproportionate amount of their income on energy, will find assistance from electric utilities nationwide as well.

Energy Security Now A National Buzzword

Energy Tech-- Blue Skies Ahead

A generation later, "The Times they-are-a-Changin" -- in ways neither Bob Dylan nor anyone else envisioned. The world's economy is starved for fossil fuels but it is also receptive to clean technologies that cut the level of harmful emissions.

Fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal not only have volatile prices but they are also responsible for a host of pollutants as well as carbon dioxide emissions tied to global warming. New discoveries would diversify national fuel portfolios and help sustain the environment. And, today, major companies such as General Electric are coming to the table because investments in green energy are profitable.

Environmentalism meets the market

SOMETIMES it seems we never reach any middle ground on environmental issues. Conservatives say we have to dig for more energy. Environmentalists claim conservation and solar can do the job. Energy companies argue we need liquid natural gas terminals. Environmentalists say they're too dangerous. Environmentalists worry about global warming. Conservatives say it's a false alarm.

There is one thing that environmentalists and their critics have finally been able to agree upon, however: Markets are by far the best tool for tackling pollution.

EPA Promises Lead-Remodeling Regulation by End of Year

The Environmental Protection Agency said Monday it would propose regulations by the end of the year to limit people's exposures to lead paint during home remodeling.

EU Commission backs clean transport plan

Presently, thirty-six countries across Europe are involved in CIVITAS.  “The pioneering experiments launched by the 36 CIVITAS cities provide the essential foundations for building an ambitious urban transport policy. Europe needs to help cities deal successfully with the growing congestion and pollution caused by urban transport.

Evangelicals call for carbon reduction

A coalition of evangelical groups is drafting a policy statement encouraging lawmakers to create mandatory controls for carbon emissions.  As to why evangelical organizations would want to get involved in environmental policy, Jewel admitted he wasn't an authority but he did say, "The Bible says a lot about taking care of the Earth."

Fuel's paradise? Power source that turns physics on its head

· Scientist says device disproves quantum theory
· Opponents claim idea is result of wrong maths

It seems too good to be true: a new source of near-limitless power that costs virtually nothing, uses tiny amounts of water as its fuel and produces next to no waste. If that does not sound radical enough, how about this: the principle behind the source turns modern physics on its head.

GreenFuel Technologies Corporation Honored for Energy Competitiveness

GreenFuel Technologies Corporation, a privately held company providing emissions-to-biofuels(TM) conversion services to power plants and industrial facilities, today announced it has been selected for recognition by the American Society of Competitiveness (ASC) at its 2005 awards ceremony

How Much Will 'Million Solar Roofs' Cost?

The California Public Utilities Commission is now just weeks away from voting to create the largest solar program in the United States. If passed this "Million Solar Roofs" initiative would create a 10-year incentive program to increase and extend California's current solar programs, and achieve Governor Schwarzenegger's 3000 MW solar target -- equivalent to one million 3kW residential solar energy systems. But will the Commission provide adequate funding for the Million Solar Roofs Program? How much money is really necessary? What will it cost the average residential customer?

Hurricane recovery to be 'slower' than predicted in October

Recovery from hurricanes Katrina and Rita is taking longer than anticipated, and "it now appears unlikely that anything close to complete recovery will occur before the end of the second quarter of 2006," the US Energy Information Administration said Tuesday.

IEA calls for investment in oil-rich Middle East, North African countries

The International Energy Agency (IEA) released Monday a report, warning the world will suffer if oil- rich Middle Eastern and North African countries fail to invest sufficiently in energy production by 2030.

The report said some largest-energy producing states in the Middle East, including Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as North African producers such as Algeria, Egypt and Libya would be responsible for 44 percent of world oil production by 2030, against 35 percent at present.

Indonesia eyes solar, microhydro power plants

The Indonesian government is planning to build thousands of small scale solar power units and microhydro plants on its eastern islands next year to boost power capacity in remote areas.

The government will build 15,000 household solar power units, each with a capacity of 100 watts

Lawmakers Cut Funding for Yucca Mountain to $450 Million in 2006

Lawmakers agreed Monday to cut 2006 spending for the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste dump well below past-year levels and President Bush's budget request, reflecting the faltering prospects for the project in the Nevada desert.

Louisiana House panel approves suspension of energy sales tax

Louisiana Gov Kathleen Blanco's plan to suspend until 2009 the sales tax businesses must pay on electricity and natural gas easily passed its first hurdle Tuesday when a Louisiana House committee passed the measure unanimously.

New dispute arises over Peabody plant

Environmentalists have a new bone to pick with Peabody Energy Corp.

The St. Louis-based company is seeking separate water-discharge permits to mine coal to feed its proposed power plant in Southern Illinois and to store the combustion waste produced at the plant on a separate piece of land.

Pick your fights

PJM and the PSC of Washington, D.C., have asked FERC to order Mirant Corp. to restart a chronically polluting coal-fired plant in Virginia that the company shut down in late August. The two petitioners say the lost generation could create an “emergency” that threatens the security of the capital’s energy supply and, consequently, national security as well. FERC should decline to intervene.

Quote of the day 110905

Recovery from hurricanes Katrina and Rita is taking longer than anticipated, and "it now appears unlikely that anything close to complete recovery will occur before the end of the second quarter of 2006," the US Energy Information Administration said Tuesday as changes to its recovery projections were driven by more detailed information on damage to production wells, pipelines and natural gas processing plants from the powerful back-to-back storms, which hit the Gulf region in late August and early September.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 110905

The geomagnetic field was quiet. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached high levels again today.  On 11 November, a recurrent coronal hole high speed stream is expected to move into geoeffective position causing unsettled to active conditions with minor storm periods possible.

Russia to consider tax incentive for LNG projects

Russia plans in late November or early December to consider scrapping statutory exports duties for liquefied natural gas in a bid to attract investments in the country's upcoming LNG projects,

Salvation Army Energy Assistance Program Gets $1 Million Boost From Consumers Energy in Anticipation

One of the side effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita will be higher heating bills this winter. But there is good news for those in need: The resources The Salvation Army has to meet energy needs are rising as well.

Consumers Energy recently notified The Salvation Army that it will increase its bill credit assistance for the PeopleCare program by $1 million, from this year's $1.5 million to $2.5 million!

Senate Republicans to press for ANWR, amid uncertainty in House

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Pete Domenici (New Mexico) and two other chairmen, Sens Judd Gregg (New Hampshire) and Ted Stevens (Alaska), spoke to reporters amid speculation that the House may
scuttle its ANWR provision, along with others in the bill, to win approval of the budget measure.

Sharp to Expand Solar Cell Production Capacity

Sharp will boost its solar cell production capacity of its Katsuragi plant in Nara Prefecture. Plans announced on October 31 call for investing 4 billion yen ($34 mil) to give an additional 85 MW to the plant's capacity, increasing annual power generation to 500 MW, the world's largest. The new line will be up and running in November.

Shipping markets still imbalanced post-hurricanes

Both dirty and clean tanker markets have been impacted by the recent hurricanes that devastated the US Gulf coast between August and October. While there are indications that tanker markets are gradually steadying, rates in both dirty and clean markets are still primarily being driven by the effects of the hurricanes' impact on US reserves and refining capability.

Step up investment, energy agency urges big oil producers

Oil prices will keep rising over the next two decades unless the oil-rich nations of the Middle East and North Africa substantially increase investments in their energy sectors, according to a report released on Monday by the organization that represents energy- consuming nations.

TXU chief sees only three new coal plants being built in Texas

Wilder also downplayed concern that TXU's newly announced strategy to buy or otherwise gain control over another 3,500 to 7,000 MW of coal-fired capacity in the US might backfire if a federal carbon tax were implemented.

UK ‘lagging’ on climate change - Lucas

The UK was accused last night of ‘lagging’ on climate change, by Hampshire Euro-MP Caroline Lucas, despite PM Tony Blair’s aim of exercising ‘global leadership’ on the issue during 2005. The comments come after the PM’s calls for a new approach to combating the problem earlier this week, which were seen by many environmentalists as abandoning past efforts.

UN vote lets US-led force stay in Iraq for 2006

The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to let the U.S.-led multinational force in Iraq remain in place through the end of 2006, as requested by Iraq's government.

Without council action, the mandate of the force, which now numbers about 178,000 soldiers, would have run out on December 31, when a democratically elected government is to take power in Baghdad under a new constitution approved October 15.

US 2005 power demand to rise 3.3pct, coal prices seen up 14.2pct-- EIA

US electricity demand, spurred by a return to more normal weather patterns and continuing economic growth, is projected to increase 3.3% in 2005 compared with 2004, the US Energy Information Administration said Tuesday in
its November Short-Term Energy Outlook.

US EPA says Ecuador joins international effort to recover methane

In adding a 17th member country, the group now represents more than 60% of global methane emissions, the agency said. The participating nations have the potential to reduce methane emissions each year to the equivalent of up to 50-mil metric tons of carbon dioxide by 2015.

Wal-Mart opens experimental green store in Colorado

November 8, 2005

95% of oil spilled after storms has been cleaned up, dissipated, La. officials say

Ninety-five percent of the oil spilled in Louisiana during hurricanes Katrina and Rita has been removed, evaporated or dissipated, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.

Calif. Vote May Reregulate Energy Market

Calif.'s GHG policy may disrupt coal-fired power, interstate transmission

California's pending plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions would block utilities from using coal-fired generation and stop a proposed 500-kV power line between the two states, a Wyoming agency is warning California regulators.

China Lifts Target for Renewable Energy Use

China on Monday raised its target for reliance on renewable energy but acknowledged that coal would remain its primary source for electricity for decades to come.

China to Promote Small Cars to Save Energy

China will encourage production of small, efficient cars to cut oil consumption, clean smoggy city skies and reduce traffic jams, an official said on Monday.  Car ownership has exploded in recent years in China, the number of vehicles per thousand people rising from fewer than five in 1990 to 21 last year. The government may use tax policy to encourage the production and buying of fuel-efficient cars, he said.

EC 'in no hurry' on EU nuclear safety, waste laws

"The EC will continue to strive for adoption of the nuclear package," said Piebalgs. "Both safety and waste management must be ensured for nuclear to remain part of the EU energy mix."

Delegates at the conference supported the bottom up approach, arguing that the differences between each nuclear power plant's situation were too great for top down safety standards to be useful.

Former US EPA chief urges utilities to help shape air policies

US investor-owned utilities need to get involved early to help shape state or federal regulations on carbon emissions and climate change and abandon its opposition to any changes in current policy, former Environmental Protection Agency administrator Christine Todd Whitman told a meeting of industry executives Monday before a group of investor-owned power utilities.

"It's important not just because it's the right thing to do, but it makes good sense for business,

High prices said key to keeping US winter gas market in balance

Only continued high prices will dampen demand and keep the US natural gas market in balance this winter, a leading energy analyst said Monday. The gas market will strive to end the winter season with 800 Bcf in storage, Adkins said and even with storage close to 3.2 Tcf there is enough demand to draw supplies down to 531 Bcf by the end of the season.

Indigenous geography is a good approach

Considering the nomadic nature of modern American life - nearly 20 percent, or 43 million, of all Americans move within any given year - it is significant that Native peoples tend to maintain strong ties to their homelands. Americans manifest as a free people who continue to freely crisscross the hemisphere, now not only going west but north and south and east as well - following the weather and economic security as primary motivations, but all too regularly unattached to place.

For Native peoples, the geography of origin, consistent with culture and history, is always imbued with meaning and identity. Even after the many instances of warfare and forced relocation, the love of the land is carried and taught through the generations.

IPE Brent crude futures fall further as mild weather sets in

       IPE Brent crude futures in London on Tuesday extended the previous session's losses as milder-than-normal weather across much of the northern hemisphere continued to impact oil demand, traders said.
     "Demand is weak from both sides of the pond," one broker at UK-based Man Financial said.

Mexico's Fox pushes $7.5-bil Central American energy plan

Mexican President Vicente Fox is pushing ahead with a $7.5-bil plan for energy development in Central America that includes a large refinery, liquefied natural gas plant, a gas pipeline and a major hydroelectric project.  Notably absent from the meetings was President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, accused by the US of using oil as a political weapon.

New Orleans' hurricane cleanup is back in the news

Most of the recent noise centers around the Old Gentilly Landfill, an ancient disposal site just east of the city that federal regulators shut down in the early 1980s after identifying it as a hazardous waste site. Millions of taxpayer dollars have been spent since cleaning it up.

Last month the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality reopened the Old Gentilly to receive demolition debris, reasoning that the state needs a nearby place to dump the Katrina waste because there's so much of it -- an estimated 22 million tons' worth.

Oklahoma gathering praises Native renaissance

'In Oklahoma, we are very proud of our Indian culture,'' Henry told the convention, stressing that Indian culture is interwoven into the fabric of Oklahoma. Rep. Dan Boren, D-Okla., thanked NCAI for returning to Oklahoma for the first time in 16 years and spoke of the need to protect tribal sovereignty.

Plan for US coastal drilling emerges

"Mother Nature proved just how vulnerable America is to supply disruption," said House Resources Committee Chairman Richard W. Pombo (R-Tracy). "We must do more to increase and to diversify domestic supplies."

Quote of the day 110805

"This week's weather shock was enormous -- US weather was a record 32% warmer-than-normal for the first week of November while Asia and Europe were both also far warmer than normal -- and warrants a modest correction in heating oil and natural gas prices."

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 110805

Solar activity was very low.  The geomagnetic field was quiet to unsettled. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached high levels today.  The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet to unsettled on 08 and 09 November.

Schwarzenegger signs four energy bills

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed several notable energy bills, including A.B. 380, which requires the California Public Utilities Commission in concert with the California Independent System Operator to establish resource adequacy requirements for all load-serving entities (LSEs).

The Monday Interview Elliot Morley, Minister for Climate Change

The quiet, burly Scouser has progressed steadily with an unspectacular but very sure touch, until now, as No 2 to the Environment Secretary, Margaret Beckett, he has reaped the reward for such reliability: a very large political hot potato has been dumped in his lap.

UK Seeks Chinese Lead on Climate Change

Beijing, like Washington, rejects targets-based approaches to climate change like the Kyoto pact and Prime Minister Tony Blair knows he must focus on developing less-polluting ways to burn coal and on pursuing alternative power sources with China.

US States say Power Bills Won't Soar on CO2 Plan

Businesses who oppose a plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions in nine Northeastern US states have overestimated how much the plan will raise electric bills, according to a study released by the states on Monday.

Washington bank begins offering sustainability-oriented checking

A Pacific Northwest bank is starting a new checking account designed to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support sustainable initiatives.

What's moving the oil markets 110805

A bearish set of statistics was also expected when the US Department of Energy delivers its latest weekly stock report on Wednesday. Early indications pointed to a build of 800,000 bbl on distillates, an increase of 1.8-mi bbl on crude and a 1-mil bbl hike on gasoline. Refinery runs were expected to rise by 2% as more of the idled Gulf coast capacity comes back onstream.

Winter heating bills drive Montana residents to energy efficiency

In the last two-plus decades, Mike Gardner, owner of Target Energy Systems, has rarely seen such demand for his firm's home improvement services: insulation, windows, doors, weather stripping and other improvements designed to make homes more energy efficient.

"I've been doing this for 22 years, and this is like it was back in the early '80s," he said. "It's directly related to both the amount of hype and the reality of higher energy prices."

World's Energy Policy is Not Sustainable - IEA

The world must change its energy habits or struggle with choking fumes, runaway oil demand and a growing dependence on the volatile Middle East for fuel, the International Energy Agency said on Monday.

Writer Taiaiake Alfred urges freedom from colonial thinking

''It is time for our people to live again,'' the book begins. It goes on to detail a journey away from the effects of the white invasion of the Americas, which Alfred sees as the source of most major problems in Indian communities today.

''The journey is a living commitment to meaningful change in our lives by ... regenerating our cultures, and struggling against the forces that keep us bound to our colonial past,'' Alfred wrote.

November 7, 2005

Advanced Plants for Nuclear Power's Renaissance

This article summarizes nuclear power's status and potential, means for achieving very competitive economics, very high safety levels and proliferation resistance for advanced plants; overviews global development of advanced plants, including non-power applications; and summarizes international initiatives.

Affordable Power for Colorado Takes Step Forward

Construction of the transmission system is contingent upon acceptance by Xcel Energy of NAPG's proposal to build a 586 MW clean coal project.  "This project, identified as Path 39, is deemed a cost effective, high value project that would enhance the North American grid. It provides a market avenue for a reliable source of abundant wind and coal generated power,

Amazon Drought Relief Efforts Alleviate Danger, but Damage Could Be Long-Lasting

Relief efforts have eased the immediate anguish of the Amazon's worst drought in decades, but the damage done to the region's economy and health could linger for years, officials said Thursday. River levels are rising more than 20 centimeters (8 inches) a day and have already revived river traffic in the major port city of Manaus, 1,663 miles (2,682 kilometers) northwest of Sao Paulo, according to the Brazilian government's geological service.

But rivers in the eastern Amazon, downriver from Manaus, are still shrinking.

APS Seeks Retail Rate Increase; Rising Fuel & Purchased Power Costs Make Request Necessary

Impacted largely by skyrocketing prices for natural gas and purchased power, as well as other fuel cost increases, Arizona Public Service (APS) announced plans today to request a 20 percent, or $409 million, overall rate increase for its retail customers to become effective no later than December 31, 2006. About 60 percent of the total request is due to the higher cost of fuel and purchased power.

Arkansas Seeks to Sue Oklahoma over Rules about Rivers Tainted by Poultry Waste

Central to the dispute is the Illinois River, which flows west from Arkansas. Oklahoma says farm runoff in Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma taints the river, and this summer it sued Tyson Foods and seven other Arkansas poultry companies, asking that they pay to repair the watershed.

Beijing lowers thermostats to avoid energy crunch

China's capital will keep thermostats at a maximum 20 degrees Celsius (68 Fahrenheit) this winter to avoid another energy crunch, the Beijing News said on Friday.

Can Texas Regulators Screw Up America's Best Market?

Marketers argue that greater credit curbs -- now being debated by the PUC -- would harm competition by discouraging entry or even forcing out existing retailers.

The Office of Public Utility Counsel agreed. The PUC is weighing risk. It has a draft of a new pro-forma retail delivery tariff that would raise credit curbs 500% for marketers to protect grid owners

Change in oil output taxes on table in gas pipeline talks-- Alaska

A wholesale restructuring of Alaska state taxes on oil production has been added to the mix in negotiations with North Slope producers over the planned $20-bil natural gas export pipeline, state officials said.

Clean power plant meeting in Marshall, Texas, demonstrates wide interest

Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams said that judging by the number of people attending a Thursday meeting on FutureGen, East Texans must really want the project in their area.

Computer recycling group opens e-waste facility in California

"This new facility is the harbinger of a new and powerful American industry and places Fresno at the epicenter of a trend that will bring more jobs and a cleaner environment to our communities

E. Coli

Which microbes lurk in the clear, crisp water that flows from the tap? The potential answer to this question has spurred millions of Americans to purchase point-of-use and point-of-entry removal technologies as a preemptive strike. However, these units rely heavily on water utilities to remove most, if not all, contaminants that pose a health threat.

Federal Government Increases Renewable Energy Use Over 1000 Percent since 1999; Exceeds Goal

The Department of Energy (DOE) announced today that the federal government has exceeded its goal of obtaining 2.5 percent of its electricity needs from renewable energy sources by September 30, 2005. The largest energy consumer in the nation, the federal government now uses 2375 Gigawatt hours (GWh) of renewable energy -- enough to power 225,000 homes or a city the size of El Paso, Texas, for a year.

FPL and Assisting Crews Restore Power to 92 Percent of Customers

Florida Power & Light Company announced that its restoration team from 33 states and Canada has restored power to 2,980,000 customers - or about 92 percent of customers affected by Hurricane Wilma.

Fuel Cell Today Report-A nine percent increase in large stationary installation

The large stationary market, which includes fuel cell power generation systems of more than 10kW, is moving closer towards commercialisation. Over 760 systems with cumulative generation capacity of around 35MW have been operated worldwide according to the new Fuel Cell Today market survey.

GaN helps scientists generate hydrogen from water

A research group based in a Tokyo university has succeeded to produce hydrogen using a Gallium Nitride (GaN) device as a photocatalyst, which scientists believe could lead to a process that extracts hydrogen directly from water using only solar energy.

How is COMPETE trying to make electricity more competitive?

We can't prove it but we think EPACT 2005 is pro-competitive because of COMPETE, the new lobbying group.   It had lobbied hard to make it that way at a time when anti-competition forces were hard at work.

Hydrogen as fuel-Chemist seeks way to make hydrogen stick

Storing hydrogen is problematic. A WUSTL chemist and his colleagues are exploring different approaches to help make hydrogen fuel more practical. Gaseous at room temperature, hydrogen is even lighter and less dense than natural gas and thus harder to store. So, while hydrogen has a high energy-per-weight, it has a low energy-per-volume.

Gelb works on one possible solution to this storage problem, a process called gas physical adsorption.

"The idea here is to create materials composed of molecules hydrogen likes to stick to."

Jones sees bright future for Sterling Planet

It sells green power via renewable energy certificates (RECs).  It's signed up over 222,000 customers, he said, tallying the volume at over 2.4 billion kwh.  The firm has partnered with 27 utilities to sell RECs where markets are open and where they're not.  Utilities are where the rubber meets the road, he added, because that's where customers expect to get power.

Look What's Coming

When I was a working doc I had no special concerns or insights regarding medical privacy. I tried to go by the rules and the spirit thereof, remember the Hippocratic oath, and that was that. Of late I am less certain that the value we attach to the privacy of medical records is justified. I’m becoming convinced that excessive concern about medical privacy is killing people. I doubt that medical privacy is worth dying for.

MasterCard Study Shows Automatic Payments Surpass Checks for First Time as Bill-Paying Method

Automatic payments have for the first time surpassed check writing as the dominant method for paying recurring bills, according to the results of a MasterCard International consumer research study released today.

Montana's Energy Future-- Clean or Dirty?

But it’s not alone - never alone. And precisely because hydrogen must be extracted from another compound, the element gives Governor Brian Schweitzer the perfect opportunity to tap into the 120 billion tons of coal he’s been ardently eyeing.

New Turbine Design May Boost Wind Energy

Company officials said traditional propeller-driven turbines are able to convert 25 percent to 40 percent of wind power into transmittable energy. But TMA's design is 43 percent to 45 percent efficient, creating up to 80 percent more power from the same wind.

That power is generated even though the blades are moving slower than on traditional propeller models, meaning the turbines are less noisy and less dangerous to birds

Phosphate-Cathode-Based Lithium-Ion Batteries in Large-Format Applications

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology has been in the marketplace for fifteen years, but it has not been widely accepted into applications other than the portable electronics. Lead acid (PbA), Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) and Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) have remained the dominant battery chemistries for applications in the utility, motive and consumer markets. In recent years, a new class of lithiated metal phosphate (LMP) cathode materials has emerged. The metal (M) can be a transition metal or mixture of transition metal and non-transition metal.

Renewable Energy Investment at Record High - Report

Global investment in renewable energy hit a record $30 billion last year, accounting for 20-25 percent of all investment in the power industry, and with solar power the fastest-growing energy technology, a Worldwatch Institute report released on Sunday said.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 110705

Solar activity was low. Region 820 (S17W41) produced a C1 flare.  The geomagnetic field was quiet to active. Solar wind speed at ACE has declined to approximately 600 km/s.

Russia could help build light-water reactors for North Korea - official

"If North Korea rejoins the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and asks us for help with building a light-water reactor, why not participate in this," Rumyantsev said. He said that most likely the construction of a nuclear power plant in North Korea will be carried out by "a major international consortium", not by a single state.

Russian-Chinese trade and economic co-operation is steadily on the rise

The rapid development of bilateral economic ties and exchanges recorded over the past several years is based on a firm foundation of strategic partnership and co-operative relations in the political area and on steady economic growth in Russia and China.

San Francisco plan averts tax on plastic bags

Seven Ways to Fuel Savings to Offset High Gas Prices

With fuel prices continuing to rise, NAPA AUTO PARTS recommends that consumers strategically invest in seven short-term maintenance tactics to achieve long-term savings from improved engine efficiency and fuel mileage. Specifically, replacing air filters, fuel filters, oxygen sensors and spark plugs will help boost fuel mileage.

Study- Injecting CO2 into oceans is tricky

Some scientists propose capturing carbon dioxide and injecting it into the ocean to cut global warming -- but a Michigan scientist questions the theory.

The plan involves capturing carbon dioxide as it's emitted from power plants, then liquefying the gas and injecting it into the ocean.

Small-scale ocean experiments have been conducted, but not with good results since they are too costly and time-consuming to carry out under a wide range of ocean conditions.

Sunball - the World's First 'Solar Appliance'

They believe their SunBall Solar Appliance is the bee knees of domestic energy delivery. Their calculations suggest the Sunball should provide electricity to residences cheaper than current grid pricing. How are they going to manage this feat? Well, the Sunball (a bit smaller than a basketball) uses triple junction solar cells, which are apparently related to the same panels driving the Mars rovers

Sunshine Canyon Landfill Needs a Sunset, Says POWER

The Sunshine Canyon landfill in the San Fernando Valley could expose residents in the region to more trash for a far longer period than they are being told, according to Protect Our Water and Environmental Resources (POWER), a coalition of environmental and labor groups dedicated to protecting residents of Southern California from the dangers of landfills.

Trash Haulers Move Mountains, Yet More To Go

It may be 2006 before all the trash from Wilma is gone from South Florida, waste-management officials in Miami-Dade and Broward counties say.

When it's gone, state, federal and local officials will be dividing up a removal bill that could hit $500 million, based on early estimates.

Turning wind into hydrogen

Xcel sells electricity made by wind turbines, and NREL develops cutting-edge "green" energy technologies. Wind energy has stubbornly remained more expensive and less reliable than traditional power sources. A key problem always has been how to store wind energy so it can be used to make electricity at any time.

UK Government- Consent process for wave and tidal renewable energy projects announced

"The U.K. has a fledgling marine renewable energy industry. This consenting guidance together with the previously announced GBP50m package of financial support gives the marine renewables sector an opportunity to develop.

UK manufacturers, lawmakers push for expanded role for nuclear

Challenges to the ruling U.K. Labor Party's attitudes toward new nuclear construction were raised last week in two influential venues, with assertions that nuclear deserves to be given the same status as renewable energy sources and that new reactor designs could be brought on line in half the time predicted.

US considering regional product reserves

The Bush administration is considering establishing regional reserves of gasoline, diesel fuel and jet fuel to help avert the type of shortages that occurred following hurricanes this year, Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman told reporters Oct 27. But he rejected the notion the White House was considering a tax on the oil industry to fund a federal program designed to help poor families pay winter heating bills.

US Midwest Farmers' Latest Harvest-- Wind Energy

For 150 years, farmer Dennis Cradduck's family grew corn and soybeans along a ridge. For the past 20 months, he's also been harvesting the wind.

What's moving the oil markets 110705

Talk of warm weather in the US Northeast is having a bearish effect on products markets, especially heating oil, causing a knock-on effect on crude, market sources said. Analysts expect mild temperatures across the US Northeast to keep pressure on heating oil

November 4, 2005

11 Sam´s Club outlets in 4 states to recycle cell phones, batteries

Eleven Sam´s Club wholesale warehouses are participating in a program to recycle mobile phones, batteries and printer cartridges.

Bill to ban mercury dental fillings reintroduced in House

Calif. Quake Could Devastate Water Supply

A major Northern California earthquake could severely damage the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta levee system and jeopardize the water supply for two-thirds of Californians for more than a year, a top state water official warned Tuesday.

Caribbean Reefs Bleached by Warm Water

A bleaching phenomenon caused by unusually warm waters is whitening coral reefs throughout the Caribbean, raising fears of a large-scale die-off of the organisms, scientists said Wednesday.

The warmer atmosphere has been slowly raising ocean temperatures, threatening sea coral that can only live within a narrow temperature margin, according to scientists.

Compromise on Unified Power Grid is Blocked

The Bonneville Power Administration and a cast of utilities, independent power generators, Native American tribes, environmental groups, regulators and consumer groups spent millions of dollars over the past decade haggling over how best to improve the efficiency and reliability of the Northwest's power grid.

Tuesday, the participants all but admitted their effort to create an independent entity capable of managing a unified grid is dead.

Environmentally Friendly Buildings Also Most Market Friendly

A new study has shown a clear link between the environmental friendliness of a building and its market value.

"This research shows that the interests of business and the environment can converge. The property and construction industries have a leading role to play in tackling climate change. This work shows that achieving real environmental benefits can also be profitable."

EU Seeks Talks, Not Targets at UN Climate Meeting

A UN climate change summit is not expected to agree new targets for the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions when it convenes later this month in Canada, the European Union's environment chief said on Thursday.

Fed's Greenspan warns of continued US gas price vulnerability

The environment for natural gas prices in the US this winter remains precarious, and the likelihood of price spikes will remain into next spring, outgoing Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said Thursday.

Following US, Russia aiming for more nuclear commerce with India

In the wake of the July 18 agreement between India and the US for future nuclear cooperation, calling for compromises to exempt India from some domestic and global nonproliferation restrictions, the Russian Federation is likewise preparing to intensify nuclear cooperation with India, Indian and Russian officials said.

Groups launch site to help consumers dispose of paint

A new Web site has been launched to help consumers manage their paint use and disposal.

Hurricanes Sunk 100 Square Miles of Southeast Louisiana

The storm surges from hurricanes Katrina and Rita submerged 100 square miles of southeastern Louisiana marshes, according to satellite data compiled by US scientists.

Illegal Logging Devours Honduran Forests - US Group

Illegal logging driven by an underground timber trade that stretches from Central America to the United States and Europe is destroying the forests of Honduras, a US -based environmental group said on Thursday.

Louisiana special session to consider ending tax on power, gas

Legislators also will consider eliminating the sales tax on equipment that will replace equipment damaged by the storm and eliminating the corporate franchise tax on new debt incurred by businesses in the storm zone. Blanco also will ask the legislature to forgo the windfall profit tax so businesses can reap the full benefit of federal assistance.

New Orleans' Toxic Soup Is Served Up All Over America -- A Guest Commentary

News of the "toxic soup" contained in the floodwaters of New Orleans has been making headlines around the world, but this recipe is served up daily in practically every city throughout the United States. While the recipes differ from state to state, the "backbone" ingredients -- pesticides, heavy metals, petroleum products and other industrial chemicals -- are virtually everywhere.

Organics groups differ over standards

Heated debate over an amendment and a rider to the 2006 Agriculture Appropriations Bill has sparked a rift in the organics community. At issue is how to accommodate the changes mandated by a federal court after the U.S. Department of Agriculture lost a lawsuit filed by Maine organic blueberry farmer Arthur Harvey. The court ruled that organic regulations must be rewritten before June 2006 to ban 38 synthetic ingredients currently allowable under NOP; require that dairy herds receive organic feed for 12 months prior to the sale of their products, rather than the three months currently required; and stipulate that nonagricultural, nonorganic ingredients no longer be used in organic products.

PA Governor Rendell Building Clean Energy Future for Pennsylvania

Governor Edward G. Rendell is making investments and putting policies in place to help Pennsylvania build a clean energy future and keep the state in the forefront of alternative energy development.

"Pennsylvania is leading the way with cutting-edge projects to develop home-grown energy resources and solutions, encourage conservation and build a diversified energy base that creates jobs and improves our environment,"

Pacific Gas and Electric Company and Sea Breeze Pacific to Explore Major New Electric Transmission Project

Pacific Gas and Electric Company and Sea Breeze Pacific West Coast Cable, LP, have agreed to study the possible development of an undersea electric transmission line that would enhance power supplies in northern California by connecting the region with sources of low-cost and renewable electricity in the Pacific Northwest.

Parents Worried about Pesticides Turn to Organic Food

She is among the increasing number of parents who buy organic to keep their children's diets free of food grown with pesticides, hormones, antibiotics or genetic engineering.

"The pesticide issue just scares me -- it wigs me out to think about the amount of chemicals that might be going into my kid.

Peabody Energy Acquires More Than 100 Million Tons of Reserves in Western Kentucky

Peabody Energy today announced that a subsidiary has acquired more than 100 million tons of high Btu coal reserves and associated mining facilities from Alcoa Fuels, Inc., a subsidiary of Alcoa Inc., in Union and Webster counties in Kentucky.

The underground mineable reserves would be developed for the planned Dyson Creek Mine, which would produce up to 4 million tons of Kentucky No. 9 coal per year. Development timing will be dependent on market conditions.

PNM Signs 10-Year, 150-MW Power Sale with APS

PNM Resources' (NYSE: PNM) New Mexico utility, PNM, has signed a 10-year agreement to sell 150 megawatts of power to Arizona Public Service Co. during the summer months beginning in 2007.

The agreement gives APS the option to take delivery of power over the 10-year term.

Power On

The 2005 hurricane season has highlighted the need for reliable power. Creating a 21st Century electric grid is one thing. Developing new technologies to provide better on-site power -- distributed generation -- is another.  Distributed generation is all about creating an uninterruptible flow of power. If businesses derive their energy from such power sources, traffic along the transmission lines would go down and reliability would go up.

Prince Charles Meets with Marin Organic Farmers; Visit Marks International Recognition of American Organic Pioneers

The royal visit, organized by Marin Organic, draws attention to the efforts of Marin Organic and many other organizations in Marin County working to promote and protect sustainable agriculture.

“We are working to create the first all-organic county in the nation. A county in which residents and eaters recognize their mutual interdependence," said Helge Hellberg, executive director of Marin Organic.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 110405

Solar activity was at very low levels again today. Region 819 (S09W14) was the source for two B-class events including a B9 x-ray flare.  The geomagnetic field ranged from unsettled to minor storm levels. A high speed coronal hole stream is responsible for the elevated conditions. The solar wind speed has exceeded 600 km/sec throughout most of the period.

Sustainability in the National Parks--Part V

The National Park Service has long been a federal leader in making its facilities and operations more “green” by employing practices such as sustainable building: In 1990, the NPS initiated its sustainable design initiative; in 1994, the NPS adopted its Guiding Principles of Sustainable Design and, in 1997, the NPS and Department of Energy created "Green Energy Parks" to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Team Working around the Clock to Get Remaining 17% Back into Service

Aggressive efforts continue to restore power to the 17 percent of Florida Power & Light Company customers remaining without electric service since Hurricane Wilma hit Florida. The restoration team of more than 18,000 workers mobilized by FPL has brought power back to more than 2.7 million customers of the 3.2 million impacted by the major storm; it's now focused on the 532,300 customers remaining out of service.

U.S. Wind Industry to Break Installation Records, Expand by More Than 35% in 2005

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) stated today in its Third Quarter Market Report that the U.S. wind energy industry will install about 2,500 megawatts (MW) of new wind power this year, a record amount that will help lower skyrocketing home heating and electric bills by reducing the demand for natural gas.

US Senate approves budget bill opening ANWR to oil, gas drilling

Drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge moved one step closer to reality late Thursday, when the Senate passed a budget reconciliation bill that includes a provision to open the refuge to oil and gas drilling.

Vermont Adopts New Rules To Cut Car CO2 Emissions

Vermont on Wednesday approved stricter standards for vehicle emissions to reduce greenhouse gases, leading five other Northeastern states working on the same rules.

The changes by the Legislature's Administrative Rules Committee means that all 2009 and later model cars sold in Vermont will be required to meet higher fuel efficiency standards to reduce emissions such as carbon dioxide.

VW, Hybrid Technologies to develop lithium-powered vehicle

Volkswagen America and Hybrid Technologies Tuesday signed an agreement to jointly produce a lithium powered concept vehicle to be utilized by Volkswagen. In a statement Hybrid Technologies said that the vehicle will highlight demonstrable lithium technology placed into a concept vehicle.

Wind Power seen Reducing Need for US Natgas

Growth in US wind power could reduce the amount of natural gas used to produce electricity by up to 5 percent at the end of the year, which could provide some relief to consumers from near record prices for the fossil fuel, an industry group said.

Wind Towers Construction Approved

As a prelude to the possible construction in Maine of hundreds of electricity-producing wind turbines, the state's top land-use agency on Wednesday approved the construction of 10 meteorological towers in two counties.

Wisconsin nuclear plant calls off reactor shutdown

The Point Beach Nuclear Plant began -- and then called off -- a shutdown of its Unit 2 reactor early Wednesday while workers scraped problematic paint from a pipe inside the reactor.

The shutdown was called off after just over an hour, and the plant resumed operating at full power.

November 3, 2005

10 WAYS TO SAVE THE WORLD

Today, Tony Blair will address energy ministers from around the world on...

1.   SET LEGALLY BINDING ANNUAL CO2 REDUCTION TARGETS

2.  DECENTRALISE THE ENERGY SUPPLY SYSTEM

3.   ALL NEW BUILDINGS TO BE CO2-FREE

4.  INSIST ON USE OF ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIGHT BULBS

About Piping Gas - October 28, 2005

California has added significant pipe and NG storage capacity in the past 5 years. Our capacity additions have been at a much greater rate than demand growth. We now enjoy a significant surplus in capacity in both areas. Our pipes run 60% - 70% full most of the year. While our interstate pipes are not capable of supplying all of California's needs on peak, we plan for the combination of interstate pipe capacity and our in state NG storage withdrawal capacity to provide more total capacity than we need, with an ample surplus.

Blair backs away from carbon targets and leans towards technology

British Prime Minister Tony Blair has backed away from reliance on binding targets and timetables to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, saying that such mechanisms get people "very nervous and very worried."

China's September fuel oil imports via Huangpu dip 19% on August

The largest fuel oil imports bulk-breaking port in China also saw its September volume dip 6.61% year-on-year. The monthly decline seen in Huangpu was in stark contrast with a 13.71%  increase in China's overall fuel oil imports in September compared with August at 2.23-mil mt.

DOE sees strong distillate imports this winter from Asia

The US Department of Energy expects there to be strong imports into the country this coming winter from around the world, but most notably from Asia, Deputy Assistant Secretary Mark Maddox told a House panel Wednesday. Maddox said that as US moves into winter, distillate demand will increase everywhere, but that higher demand should be offset by an increase in US distillate supply as refineries continue to come back online after the recent hurricanes.

Earth energy adds 13,000 MW of green heat capacity in five years

The United States accounts for 28% of the world’s installed geothermal energy, when both electric and thermal heat capacity are examined.

There is 8,932 MW of installed power capacity in 24 countries, generating 56,951 GWh per year of green power, according to the International Geothermal Association.

Fed Chairman Greenspan voices optimism economy won't be substantially harmed by hurricanes

Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan told Congress Thursday that fallout from the recent spate of devastating hurricanes should prove fleeting and that the economy remains sturdy.

Great White Hope Wind Energy – Electricity Forever

If only one fifth of good wind energy locations were made use of, the worldwide electricity demand could be met seven times: Scientists have found out by extrapolation of data. They produced a world map which shows potential on- and offshore locations, concluding that especially locations on the shores of the North Sea (those are partially already developed), the North American West and East Coasts, the Great Lakes area and Tasmania in Australia are promising.

Greenvehicles

The 2006 models, including cars, SUVs, pickups, and vans, are now available in the EPA's Green Vehicle Guide.

Higher gas prices hit rural Americans hard

Hurricanes' flying debris sure to cause outages

After getting hit by its seventh hurricane in a little more than a year, Florida Power & Light is facing an inevitable question from customers weary of repeated power outages: Is there anything more the utility can do to minimize the impact of severe storms on its electric system? FPL president Armando Olivera said the company's transmission lines and substations are built to withstand hurricane-force winds. However, he quickly added that they aren't able to take the impact of flying debris, the main factor behind the high number of substations damaged by Wilma.

I love parks

I love parks, especially our national ones. And when I visit them, I want to see nature in all its splendor, pure and unsullied. Note that I said want, not expect. I know it's impossible because many thousands of other people want the same thing, and usually, it seems, they want it at the same time and in the same place that I want it. And so, more often than not, a trip to a national park often seems more like a trip to a zoo. A human zoo.

IEA urges Saudis to invest in boosting oil output to meet demand

The price of oil could rise by 50% by 2030 if Saudi Arabia, holder of a quarter of the world's oil reserves, does not invest in oil production, the chief economist at the International Energy Agency warned Thursday.   Fatih Birol told the Financial Times newspaper that the giant oil producer would have to almost double its current oil production of 10-mil b/d to meet expected demand in 2030.

Impact of hurricanes on heating oil supplies 'uncertain'

"While solid progress in post-hurricane repairs to infrastructure has occurred, it remains unclear at this time when, or even if, a full recovery to pre-hurricane status will be possible prior to the onset of severe winter weather," according to EIA's This Week in Petroleum.

Indigenous People Protest Coal Mining

Coal-mining in northwestern Venezuela near the border with Colombia "has brought deforestation, polluted the rivers and air, and caused sickness among many of our brothers and sisters. The mining companies must leave,"

Installing renewables has ability to affect family outlook and behaviour

Generation of energy from renewables “has the power to engage homes and schools to actively cut their energy use and connect with climate change solutions,” concludes ‘Seeing the light: the impact of micro-generation on the way we use energy,’ prepared by the Sustainable Consumption Roundtable.

Investors becoming more positive towards renewables, suggests survey

Investors are becoming more positive towards renewable energy, and have a keen interest in learning more about green power technologies.

Renewable energy is attracting “significant attention” in the UK investment community, with 46% reporting an increase in positive perceptions over the past year, according to the second survey on investors' attitudes towards renewables.

IPE Brent rebounds as WTI moves back above $60/bbl

Brent crude futures on London's International Petroleum Exchange rebounded prompted by the increasing likelihood of an restart at Shell's Pernis refinery in Rotterdam and after NYMEX WTI pushed above $60/bbl, brokers said.

More Than 38 Million Americans are Food Insecure as Congress Considers Food Stamp Program Reductions

As the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have reawakened the American conscience of hunger and poverty, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a study today showing 38.2 million Americans-including 13.8 million children-are food insecure.

One Light Bulb to Shut Down Nation's Largest Power Plant

Last month, the Washington Post reported a Harris Interactive survey showing that business owners project a major loss in revenue as consumer concern over energy costs continue to grow and in profits as their own energy bills soar. With energy costs on the rise and confidence in the economy taking a hit because of it, C. Crane Company, Inc., the pioneer in Light Emitting Diode or LED flashlights, offers a solution to save consumers and businesses approximately $70 a year for every bulb they replace.

Online Job Exchange for Renewable Energy

Job-seekers can now look for the job of their dreams in the renewable energy industry at an online market. In addition to detailed job offers, all useful company information and contact data can be found. Rencomp.net

Pakistan Increases Quake Toll to Over 73,000

Pakistan on Wednesday dramatically increased the official death toll from the devastating earthquake that hit the north of the country last month to 73,276 and said it could rise further.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 110305

Solar activity was at very low levels today.The geomagnetic field was at quiet to unsettled levels.  The solar wind speed increased from near 400 km/sec to over 550 km/sec shortly thereafter.

Retail giant pledges full support for renewables

“Our environmental goals at Wal-Mart are simple and straightforward,” says chief executive officer Lee Scott. “One - to be supplied 100% by renewable energy; two - to create zero waste; three - to sell products that sustain our resources and environment.”

Revealed - Why London's Millennium Bridge Wobbled

A natural phenomenon rather than a design fault caused London's Millennium Bridge to wobble and sway, forcing its closure just two days after opening in 2000. "The phenomenon was that people who were walking at random, at their own favourite speed, not organised in any way spontaneously synchronised," said Steven Strogatz, of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.

Russian oil output to hit 530 million tons by 2015

By the year 2015, oil production in Russia will reach 530 million tons and exports increase to around 310 million tons, Russian Energy and Industry Minister Viktor Khristenko said Monday. Europe will remain Russia's main energy market, Khristenko said. He also emphasized Russia's growing energy exports to the United States, saying exports of Russia's oil and oil products to the US have more than doubled over the past year, according to the Itar- Tass news agency.

Senators Tell National Park Service To Back Off New Management Guidelines

Republican senators joined Democrats in telling the National Park Service on Tuesday to back off proposed new guidelines that could allow Segway scooters and more cell phones, noise and air pollution in the national parks.

Study Reveals Mice Sing in the Presence of Mates

Scientists have known for decades that male lab mice produce high-frequency sounds -- undetectable by human ears -- when they pick up the scent of a female mouse. But it turns out those sounds are more complex and interesting than previously thought. "There was a pattern to them. They sounded a lot like bird songs."

The High Costs of Lost Intellectual Capital,' White Paper Suggests Aging Workforce Strategy in Utilities 'An Imperative, Not an Ideal.'

Surprising results were revealed: "The problem might be worse than was previously expected. Among its findings, the study suggested that a major disconnect could exist among many utility executives and the lower level operations and engineering personnel who are charged with operating and maintaining the utility's mission critical T&D and generation functions."

UK manufacturers’ organisation presents views on energy strategy

Energy supply in the UK has taken on a “renewed sense of urgency” following price increases for manufacturers of 80% since the summer, and there are fears of short-term supply shortages and concerns over rising carbon emissions, says EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, in ‘Sustainable Energy - a Long Term Strategy for the UK.’ The report contains modelling analysis of the costs of various energy sources.

Utility plans up to 4 nuclear reactors

Progress Energy said Tuesday that it will apply for licenses to build as many as four nuclear reactors, marking the nation's most ambitious nuclear construction program in two decades.

November 2, 2005

Alternate energy not in cards at ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil, which stunned Americans on Thursday by reporting nearly $10 billion in profit for the third quarter, says it has no plans to invest any of those earnings in developing alternative or renewable energy — something other oil companies do.

Blair asked to clarify climate speech

Mr. Blair, speaking at the end of the first day of the event, talked of a ‘more sensitive framework for tackling global warming’ after the Kyoto Protocol in 2012, and the introduction of ‘informal mechanism’ that would not impact upon economic interests. The PM’s comments appear to echo his statements in New York recently, where he spoke of ‘changing his thinking’ on the issue.

"By downplaying clear targets and frameworks, the Prime Minister is ignoring calls from UK companies who want a clear framework to operate within now

Breakthrough for new solar technology

The development of ultra-thin photovoltaic solar panels known as ‘nanocrystal cells’ has passed a ‘scientific milestone’ at the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory according to reports, which could see the application reaching market sooner than anticipated.

Britain Calls for Global Approach to Curb Pollution

Britain called on Tuesday for a broad international agreement to curb pollution amid signs that natural disasters may be linked to global warming.

Chevron's Energy Campaign Draws Mixed Reviews

Almost daily rises in oil and gas prices are putting the world’s oil majors on the spot, especially with U.S. consumers, prompting them to launch concerted public image campaigns.

China Faces World's Worst Water Crisis

China is struggling to overcome what a minister called the world's worst water crisis caused by widespread drought, pollution, rapid economic growth and waste, the China Daily said on Tuesday.

Clean Energy Gets Green Light

Renewable power is getting the green light. In the past, the pursuit has been largely enabled because of federal tax incentives and mandates handed down by state government. Now, though, there are encouraging signs that the demand for sustainable energy is getting more and more support through voluntary means.

Climate Change Linked to Rise in Malaria, Asthma

Climate change may promote the spread of deadly diseases like malaria and asthma in both rich and poor countries by increasing the range of parasitic insects and whipping up dust from storms, a new report says.

Coal may be hot, but cooler if you can't mine it

With coal fetching sky-high prices, mining companies should be making money as fast as they can dig it out of the ground and ship it to customers.

But not when there is a shortage of skilled miners, and the railroads are backed up.

Daily status report on the energy industry in the US Gulf 110205

restored 88,769 b/d of oil production, or about 43.7% of the pre-storm output of 203,189 b/d. The agency put restored natural gas production at 929,300 Mcf/d, 41.6%

Dead Trees Give Birth to Businesses

Instead of putting the wood to good use, officials were left with disposing of it any way they could, using powerful wood chippers, ultra-hot incinerators and simply dumping it in landfills. "We try to salvage everything we can," said Mike Holmes, a regional manager for Alpha Services, an Idaho-based company that also sought to take advantage of the forest crisis.

Energy Security and Emergency Preparednes

The Clean Energy Group has released “Energy Security & Emergency Preparedness: How Clean Energy Can Deliver More Reliable Power for Critical Infrastructure and Emergency Response Missions-An Overview for Federal, State and Local Officials”.   The report identifies many opportunities for federal, state and local governments to greatly improve power reliability at their critical facilities.  

EPA awards $40M in grants to Southwest Indian tribes

"These grants will help more tribal members breathe clean air, drink safe water, and enjoy better protected lands

Friends of the Earth-- World Bank failing to meet renewable targets

G8 ministers meeting in London today (Tuesday 1st November) risk contributing yet more hot air to the discussions on tackling climate change, Friends of the Earth warned, unless they agree firm action with clear funding for sustainable energy

Great Salt Lake May Return to Normal Level

The drought-shrunken Great Salt Lake could be back at its typical level in as few as two or three years, experts say.

The U.S. Geological Survey automated gauge has recorded the level at about 4,195.5 feet above sea level for the past three weeks. That translates to a surface area of about 1,000 square miles.

Greenpeace to Pay Fine for Damaging Philippine Reef

House Committee Cuts Renewable Energy Farm Bill Program

"These cuts could not come at a worse time with energy prices hitting all time highs and farmers and other citizens reeling from high fuel, heating and power costs."

-- a statement from Environment and Energy Study Institute

Is there really a voluntary market in the U.S. for greenhouse gas reductions?

We keep hearing about the expansion of corporate and municipal mitigation activities, but is anyone looking for domestic offsets that aren’t simply cheap and PR-oriented? PR is important, but there should be SOME market for particularly high-quality reductions, too.

We’re still looking.

NORTHEAST STATES MOVE FORWARD WITH IMPLEMENTATION OF RENEWABLE PORTFOLIO STANDARDS

States in the northeast continue to implement and improve upon their Renewable Portfolio Standard (“RPS”) programs. This article provides a brief summary of the latest developments in three states in the PJM control area: Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, and two states in the NEPOOL control area: Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

On Your Bike - North Korea Makes Virtue of Necessity

North Korean leader Kim Jong-il is urging workers to produce more bicycles to cope with the lack of transport, improve people's health and prevent pollution just days after the country's first bike factory opened.

Pa. power company never inspected plant equipment that failed, data show

PPL Corp. officials never inspected the part of a power plant's discharge area that failed in August, causing a major environmental problem on the Delaware River across from Warren County, according to Pennsylvania records.

The Pennsylvania plant's 1,500-foot-long basin was to let the fly ash - a byproduct of burning coal - settle to the bottom while clear water from the top flowed out a discharge pipe. But a leaking barrier allowed the ash to mix with the discharge water, officials said. About 100 million gallons of coal ash slurry spilled into the river.

Pacific Ethanol Grows Its West Coast Facilities

"We are moving ahead with concrete plans to build out an initial five ethanol plants on the West Coast with a projected combined annual production capacity of 200 million gallons,"

Pitfalls on renewable energy

We would all like to live in a pollution-free world, but investment opportunities in emission-free renewable energy might not be as sustainable as interest in the sector would lead us to believe. "Although there is a high correlation between the oil price and stock market performance of clean-energy companies, there are other drivers to be aware of," Buxton said.

Power plant shutdown bringing gloom to N. Arizona

Putin welcomes new partners to North European gas pipeline

"This project is much more ambitious than a simple construction of a pipeline across the Baltic Sea floor," Putin said during his visit to the Netherlands. "It includes the construction of additional storage facilities in various European countries.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 110205

Solar activity continues at very low levels. There is a slight chance for a C-class flare.  The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet to unsettled with isolated active periods on 02 and 03 November. Isolated minor storm periods are possible on 04 November as a large recurrent coronal hole rotates into a geoeffective position.

Researchers Develop Fuel Cell On A Chip

A research partnership between the University of Freiburg in Germany and Micronas AG is developing a PEM fuel cell on a chip.

Setting the Record Straight on Ethanol

Biofuels, and specifically ethanol, have been the subject of a great deal of criticism in recent months by detractors claiming that more energy is required to produce ethanol than is available in the final product, that it is too expensive, and that it produces negligible carbon reductions. These critiques are simply not accurate.

Six-Nation Climate Change Meeting set for Mid-Jan

The world's top polluting nations will meet in Australia in mid-January to try to work out ways of curbing greenhouse emissions without hurting their economies, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said.

Swampy Part of New Orleans Turns into Dumping Ground

From its beginnings, New Orleans has viewed the surrounding wetlands and Mississippi River as the logical places for its waste. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the city again is turning to the swamp.

Tainted Water Spotlights Canada Aboriginal Crisis

Six-year-old Kenneth Stephen is so afraid of water that he cried when he had to shower at the community center in this Canadian mining town where scores from his Cree reserve were evacuated to escape tainted water.

Ten Ways to Save Energy and Money Using Renewables

If you are planning a new home, consider building a zero-energy home like this one designed and built by the University of Colorado and the winner of the Solar Decathalon. In addition to powering all of its own needs, the home also powered a hybrid car.

UK energy expert Helm says gas security of supply is failing

Energy expert Dieter Helm believes that the UK does have a problem with the security of its gas supplies.  On Monday energy regulator Ofgem and energy minister Malcolm Wicks told the House of Commons that this winter was "tight"  on gas supplies, but that they did not want to "over-dramatize" the problem.

University of North Dakota Awarded Funding for New Hydrogen Facility

The University of North Dakota's Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) has been approved for a $2.5-million award from the North Dakota Centers of Excellence Commission to build a new facility for EERC's National Center for Hydrogen Technology.

'View Tax' Triggers Revolt in Rural New Hampshire

State officials say there is no such thing as a "view tax" -- it is a "view factor," and it has always been a part of property assessments. The only change is that views have become so valuable in some towns that assessors are giving them a separate line on appraisal records.

The change has stirred passions in Orford, a town of 1,040 that overlooks the Connecticut River and has views of neighboring Vermont and the White Mountains.

What's moving the oil markets 110205

US oil inventory data from the Department of Energy and American Petroleum Institute are expected to show a 2.75-mil bbl rise in commercial crude inventories, analysts surveyed by Platts said Tuesday. Analysts were projecting a 1.4-mil bbl build in gasoline stocks with higher runs resulting in a jump in production. Distillate inventories were expected to decline 1-mil bbl. Fresh set of US inventory stock data will be the main driving force today.

November 1, 2005

Biofuel injection facility opens in Pennsylvania

The terminal will replace 3.2 million gallons of oil with biodiesel.

Blair gives green light to new nuclear power plants

Tony Blair has decided to back new nuclear power stations, which would be built on the sites of existing plants and presented to the public and his party as a job-creating answer to climate change.
A year-long government inquiry into Britain's future energy requirements is expected by the Prime Minister to conclude that more nuclear energy is the only plausible answer to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Boom time for African oil

Billions of dollars will be invested in Africa's oil and gas industry in the next few years, and South African companies have to position themselves to take advantage of the boom in the global oil market.

Brazil fights oil prices with alcohol

Canada to increase oil exports to China

Canada, the biggest supplier of oil to the US, may export as many as 450,000 barrels of oil a day to China within six years, Canadian Energy Minister John McCallum said.

Climate change efforts need concensus, cooperation-- Beckett

Speaking to the press at the start of the meeting, Beckett said the challenge was to better use technology to reduce the impacts of climate change and to satisfy the demand for cleaner energy worldwide.

Climate Conundrum as Biofuel Threatens Rainforests

To meet Kyoto protocol commitments, various European and other governments are encouraging the use of biomass as fuel (biofuel) in transport and electricity. Indeed, dramatic climate change necessitates an embrace of renewable energy, and biofuel is an important and immediately available alternative energy. Biofuels are made from plant oils, crop wastes or wood, and can be used to run cars and power plants. They are mostly carbon neutral, as their burning returns to the atmosphere the carbon that the plants extracted during growth. Switching from fossil fuels to biodiesel is promoted as a solution to climate change, but there exist serious concerns regarding biofuel's impacts upon tropical rainforests, land and the poor.

Daily status report on the energy industry in the US Gulf 110105

Extensive destruction of the Bahamas Oil Refining Co.'s (BORCO) oil terminaling complex by Hurricane Wilma, including the loss of a pivotal dock used to accommodate ocean-going vessels, will keep almost all operations "down for a couple of months,"

Operators of onshore and shallow-water wells in a 38-parish region hit by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita had restored 88,769 b/d of oil production, or about 43.7% of the pre-storm output of 203,189 b/d. The agency put restored natural gas production at 929,300 Mcf/d, 41.6% of the region's pre-hurricane output of 2.235 Bcf/d.

Ecologists demand protection of Barents Sea

Russian and Norwegian environmental youth organizations have united to protect the Barents Sea. The activists want the prospecting and development of new offshore oil and gas fields in the Barents Sea to be banned.
The activists also signed an appeal to the Norwegian leadership, in which they propose establishing oil and gas production free zones in the Barents Sea.

Green building is going mainstream

Eco-friendly houses aren't just a fad anymore -- they've become a specialized niche.

New building standards are now providing house buyers with more ways to go "green," without spending too many greenbacks.

Green Power Marketing in the United States-- A Status Report

A new report from NREL documents green power marketing activities and trends in the United States. The first section of the report provides an overview of green power markets, including product pricing, sales, and consumer response. Subsequent sections provide brief descriptions of utility green pricing programs, companies that actively market green power in competitive markets and those that market renewable energy certificates

Greens protest Britain opting for new nuclear power stations

The country needs a "major culture change" in the way energy is produced and consumed instead of opting for new nuclear power stations, the Green Party warns. Nuclear power is expensive and dangerous and say the Greens, who also claim it won't solve the problem of reducing greenhouse gas emissions enough to meet the UK's obligations.

GridPoint Unveils First Intelligent Energy Management Appliance for Renewable Energy Customers

GridPoint, Inc, has made its GridPoint Connect system available, enabling customers to integrate renewable energy and leverage instant, automatic, silent backup power. GridPoint products are the first energy management and backup power appliances to combine battery storage with power electronics into a single “plug-and-play” cabinet, designed for use inside a home, business or government building.

La. officials report 1M lbs. of household hazwaste collected since storms

Methanol as a motor fuel

Methanol is a clean-burning, high octane, liquid fuel. These are facts not subject to argument or dispute. Race car drivers have been using methanol as a high performance fuel in automobile engines.

More Than a Thousand Birds Covered in Oil after Spill off Denmark's East Coast

A Danish coast guard helicopter searched Sunday for an oil slick that covered more than a thousand birds in the Kattegatt Sea between Denmark and Sweden.

The birds were still alive when they were found late Saturday on the shores of the island of Anholt in the middle of the Kattegatt Sea but crews from the Danish Forest and Nature Agency destroyed some 100 of the worst affected birds.

Nerve Agent Destruction Halted in Indiana after 500-Gallon Wastewater Spill

Army contractors halted operations Saturday at a western Indiana complex built to destroy a deadly nerve agent after nearly 500 gallons of caustic wastewater spilled in a contained area.

New York City Leads the Nation With First Solar Powered Train

New York’s Stillwell Avenue Subway Station officially became the first solar-powered train station in the country on October 3, according to Schott Solar, the company that installed the solar modules, which light up the roof of the Coney Island station.

Oil and Saudi Arabia - Part 1

Everything that you need to know about the future of Saudi Arabian oil production can be found in a staff report to the subcommittee on international economic policy of the committee on foreign relations of the United States Senate (1979). Regardless of what you may or may not have heard on that increasingly relevant subject, between 1979 and now hardly anything has changed, although the question must still be asked why this and similar documents were – and still are – overlooked by many energy professionals.

Oil and Saudi Arabia - Part 2

Some citizens of Middle East countries – to include Saudi Arabia – were quite vocal about the economic and social inadvisability of producing too much oil. According to an article in The Economist, (May 29, 2004), Mr bin Laden was one of them.  We can now ask how we reach equilibrium, and the answer is uncomplicated. If the flow demand and supply curves are of the usual types – i.e. have the usual slopes – then the increase in price raises flow supply above flow demand, resulting in an increase in inventories that continues until AI = DI, and Dp =0.

Oil Depletion, It's All In The Assumptions -- Part 1

In good news for the SUV set, Daniel Yergin's Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA), is predicting we will soon be awash in light, sweet crude - ideal for making gasoline. CERA doesn't believe in peak oil, at least not before 2010, and probably not before 2020. The report indicates that the “inflexion” point will come between 2030 and 2040. Moreover, rather than a “peak,” it will be an “undulating plateau” that will continue for several decades.

Oil Depletion, It's All In The Assumptions -- Part 2

Wall Street firm John S. Herold Inc. of Norwalk, CT http://www.herold.com/ has estimated peak production for about two dozen oil companies. Without substantial new investment and additional discoveries, the company believes that French oil company, Total S.A., will reach peak production in 2007. Exxon Mobil, ConocoPhillips, BP, Royal Dutch/Shell Group, and the Italian producer, Eni S.p.A. will hit peak production in 2008. In 2009, Herold expects ChevronTexaco Corp. to peak. In Herold's view, each of the world's seven largest publicly traded oil companies will begin seeing production declines within the next 48 months or so.

OPEC sees oil stabilizing at $45-$55, sees no need to pump more

OPEC sees no need to raise its crude production next year, when it expects world oil prices to stabilize between $45 and $55/bbl, the group's top administrative official said Monday.

Quake Kills 17,000 Children in Pakistan Schools - UN

At least 17,000 children died in schools destroyed in Pakistan's devastating earthquake and a second wave of deaths could happen unless the United Nations gets funds to ensure proper care for survivors, UNICEF said on Monday.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 110105

Solar activity continued at very low levels. A B8 flare was observed.  A C-class flare is also possible from old active Region 814.  The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet to unsettled with isolated active periods. A recurrent coronal hole high speed stream is expected to rotate into a geoeffective position on 03 November.

Report Slams World Bank Role in Clean Energy

The World Bank is lagging behind global efforts to promote clean energy instead of leading them and rarely considers climate change strategies when lending for projects in developing countries, a new report said on Monday.

Russia covers 90%  of EU natural gas needs

Russia covers 90 % of the European Union's natural gas needs, President Vladimir Putin told at the end of the Russia-EU summit.
"Russia is a reliable partner and has never let its partners in Europe down," the Russian leader said. "Rumours that Europe could lose its energy independence are greatly exaggerated," he said, echoing British premier Tony Blair's opinion that neither side depended on the other.

Saudi crude supplies to China in September surge 45pct from August

The September increase for the largest crude supplier to China came on the back of a 35.57% month-on-month drop in August.  Chinese customs also reported increased crude imports from other major conventional crude suppliers to China.

Scientists Unsure of How To Protect Colorado River

Scientists say they still don't know how to protect the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon without disrupting water and power production upstream.

Despite a decade of trying, few attempts have succeeded in trying to mimic the natural conditions erased by construction of Glen Canyon Dam, which supplies water and electricity to millions of people.

Small changes mask big swings for US reserves

Proved reserves of natural gas in the US were up nearly 2 % in 2004, while proved oil reserves fell more than 2 %, the Energy Information Administration said. Coalbed methane reserves fell 2 % to 18.4 tcf, almost 10 % of US dry gas proved reserves. Exploration and developmental gas completions were 15 % higher than in 2003.

Storms destroyed mostly old rigs in Gulf of Mexico

Sustainable energy supply tops agenda at G-8 conference on climate change

Prime Minister Tony Blair will push for international commitment to tackle climate change when ministers from G-8 countries and other major polluting nations gather in London on Tuesday.

"What he is trying to achieve out of this is a consensus about how we move beyond Kyoto, how we involve not just the U.S. but also India and China in agreeing how to develop sustainable energy supplies and that is the key objective," said Blair's official spokesman Monday.

UN warns of poverty as world’s lakes evaporate

Lakes around the world are shrinking and becoming less productive because of climate change, pollution, poor irrigation practices and neglect, the United Nations warned on Monday.

US admits Iran's nuclear right

The United States has admitted that Iran has the right to use peaceful nuclear technology, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi said. Asefi was commenting on the recent remarks made by the US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Iran.

US is making the case for an oil import fee

There is a growing consensus that the United States and the world face an increasing problem with respect to both the price and the availability of energy, particularly oil and natural gas. However, that consensus breaks down quickly when we consider the appropriate US public policy response.

US publishes plans for climate change pact

Vietnam to build more power plants

Vietnam's biggest electricity producer and sole distributor, Electricity of Vietnam, said Monday it planned to construct 51 power plants from now to 2010.

The construction of new thermoelectric and hydroelectric plants will help boost the country's electricity capacity from current 11,400 mw to some 26,000 mw in 2010, meeting demand for its socio- economic development.

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