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October 31, 2005
Alaskan Pipeline Supporters are Pumped
The Alaskan natural gas pipeline might finally get rolling. One of the principal conglomerates has agreed to the proposed terms outlining a risk-sharing arrangement, which has given the $24 billion project better odds than at any time in 25 years. Clearly, conditions are better than ever before. For starters, the price of natural gas is now at record highs -- $14 per million BTUs for January deliveries. That's well beyond the $3.25 floor that the principals said they would need to offset the risks associated with the 10-year project.
AMD to Power Austin Campus with 100% Renewable Energy
Microprocessor maker AMD has agreed to purchase green energy derived from renewable resources that will power all AMD Austin operations for the next ten years including the new AMD Austin Campus, which is expected to be operational in 2007.
Biofuel plant's design is innovative
The ethanol plant will be powered by methane gas from cattle manure, while the cattle will be fed byproducts from the corn used to make ethanol. The manure and corn residual would be sold as fertilizer.
Bush tries to jump-start 'Clear Skies' legislation
Faced with legal challenges to its efforts to rewrite federal air pollution regulations, the Bush administration is trying to revive its "Clear Skies" legislation to rework the Clean Air Act.
At issue are the rules that govern power-plant emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and mercury.
"This analysis, although far from perfect, does show that the president's Clear Skies bills are no better, and in some respects worse, than the existing Clean Air Act," said Sen. Jim Jeffords, a Vermont independent who has put forth his own power-plant emissions legislation.
Earthquake Dramatizes Human Ecological Assault on the Himalayas
In this once-remote region, loss of green cover from commercial logging, local cutting and overgrazing has weakened the land's ability to retain water, which now rushes easily down mountainsides to set off slides that some call "ecological land mines."
Electricity Free Clothes Washing
The washing machines in my condo just went up by a quarter, and so did the dryers. now it's like $3.00 to do a few shirts, some shorts and some underwear. I figure this is a good time to break free of the laundry machine addiction. I tried the old kitchen sink method, but it ain't working too good. So I'm wondering, does Treehugger have any featured products that I can use to do my wash... without electricity and that I can keep in my one bedroom condominium?
Energy prices blacken US consumer mood in Oct
The mood among U.S. consumers slipped to its worst in around 13 years in October as concern persisted over the long-term effect of high energy prices on the economy, a report showed on Friday.
EPA Recognizes 18 Organizations for Slashing Energy Bills
"Whether you are running a business, a school, or a household, getting the most out of our energy dollars just makes sense," said Johnson. "Today, EPA is proud to recognize the leaders who have accepted the Energy Star Commercial Building Challenge by saving on their energy bills and helping reduce the demand on our nation's energy supply -- all while protecting our shared environment for the next generation."
Europeans Develop Enzymatic Fuel Cell Technology
European researchers at the the University of Oxford in England have reported progress on a fuel cell that generates electricity through a living enzyme rather than a synthetic material, raising the potential for smaller and cheaper power supplies. The discovery involves the use of enzymes known as hydrogenases, which exist in microscopic life forms.
GTI Granted Patent for Novel Direct Solar Hydrogen Technology
Gas Technology Institute (GTI) was recently notified by the United States Patent Office that a U.S. patent for a novel technology for direct splitting of water to produce hydrogen from solar energy will be awarded. Significantly, all twenty-six of the technical claims were allowed.
Hydro Seeks Hydrogen Car Users
The plan calls for Miljøbil Grenland to buy hydrogen vehicles that are leased out to local users. The prerequisite for the project is to have enough local users. A number of parties have expressed interest, but it’s still possible to be a hydrogen car user, in connection with the hydrogen filling station at Herøya.
”The point of building Norway’s first hydrogen station is to show that hydrogen is a new, safe and environmentally friendly fuel that’s well suited for everyday transportation,” said Hafseld, who heads up Hydro’s hydrogen project in Grenland.
Hydrogen revolution in East Valley
If Russ Voorhees has his way, the hydrogen revolution will have started at the East Valley Institute of Technology. The retired Phoenix patent attorney has been talking up the lighter-than-air energy source for years, and finally made some headway in the Valley on his goal to convert the United States to a cheaper, cleaner fuel by striking a deal with Mesa and EVIT, the technical education center that serves students from 10 school districts in the East Valley. Voorhees provides the financial backing, and EVIT students offer the brain and the brawn to pull the ambitious project off. It got started with three used Crown Victorias from Mesa.
A “vision and action plan” was presented to guide South Carolina’s development of a hydrogen and fuel cell technology cluster.
By seeing these innovations at work, Columbia’s citizens will be able to “touch” hydrogen technology and recognize its importance to our economy’s future — all while establishing Columbia’s reputation as the definitive “fuel cell city.”
Japan Wants All Nations in Post-Kyoto Deal
Japan, whose former capital gave its name to the Kyoto Protocol, wants all nations -- including the United States and especially China -- to be bound by the next framework aimed at fighting global warming, Environment Minister Yuriko Koike said on Friday.
Officials from 150 countries meet in Montreal next month to discuss taking the Kyoto Protocol beyond 2012, when its first phase ends, but disagreement is rife and hopes of progress slim.
Large-Business Buyers Drive 1000% Growth in Green Power Purchasing
Renewable energy capacity in the United States supported by voluntary demand rather than regulatory requirements now tops 2,200 megawatts (MW) -- up more than 1000% in just five years, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Energy. The report notes that purchases by large businesses, institutions and governmental entities are driving the growth of the U.S. voluntary green power market.
Nearly 70% of FPL Customers Now Back in Service on Day Six of Restoration
More than 2.2 million of its 3.2 million customers left without power due to Hurricane Wilma now have their electric service back, Florida Power & Light Company said on its sixth full day of restoration in the storm's wake.
Oil companies face heat from US lawmakers over record profits
Outlook bright for hydrogen biofuel cell
OXFORD, England-- British scientists say simple, cost-effective hydrogen biofuel cells could be developed from electrodes coated with a bacterial enzyme to oxidize hydrogen.Traditional hydrogen fuel cells generate energy through chemical reactions involving oxygen and hydrogen, often using precious metals as catalysts for the reactions.
Now University of Oxford scientists say they've developed fuel cells using catalysts from biological organisms, or enzymes.
Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Launches Nation's Strongest Water Quality Protections
Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell announced stronger regulations for large-scale farming operations and new manure management requirements for all agricultural operations to protect Pennsylvania waterways.
The sweeping changes go beyond federal requirements and provide a comprehensive solution to nutrient management problems in the state, balancing the needs of the state's agricultural community with efforts to protect the integrity of commonwealth water resources.
Public Water Systems Face Compliance Date for New Federal Standard for Arsenic
New federal drinking water standards designed to lower the levels of arsenic in drinking water take effect Jan. 23, 2006. "The department has been working aggressively to make sure drinking water suppliers understand the federal requirements and have in place the mechanisms they need to meet the new standard," McGinty said. "Ensuring a smooth transition will strengthen public confidence in the systems that supply our public drinking water."
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 103105
Solar activity continues at very low levels. The geomagnetic field is expected to continue at quiet levels with isolated unsettled periods possible.
It is not a shock that the United States is the number one producer of garbage on the planet; with just 5 percent of the global population we generate 30 percent of the world's trash. The average American throws away a staggering 4.5 pounds of rubbish daily -- that's 1,600 pounds each year, according to Rogers. And garbage is also a global problem; today the middle of the Pacific Ocean is six times more abundant with plastic waste than zooplankton.
Toyota reports that 8 plants have cut landfilled waste by 95% or more
Eight Toyota manufacturing facilities in North America have reduced the amount of waste going to landfills by at least 95 percent compared with 1999 levels, the company said.
And 82 percent of the waste generated by Toyota´s U.S. operations last year was diverted from landfills, the company said.
Wal-Mart's Impact on Local Police Costs
Many cities and towns across the country are reporting that big-box retailers are generating large numbers of police calls—far more than local businesses do.
Weekly status report on the energy industry in the US Gulf 103105
The Interior Department estimates that 30% of pipelines have not been leak tested, and 60% of underwater/riser inspections have not been completed. All told, more than 30% of Outer Continental Shelf pipelines will require repairs, she said. While 45% of pipelines in the area are operational, another 25% are undamaged but cannot flow because of downstream problems, such as damage to gas processing plants or oil terminals, Norton explained.
US Minerals Management Service said on Oct 27. The agency said oil shut-ins in the Gulf were 1,022,313 b/d, or 68.15% of normal production of 1.5-mil b/d. On Oct 26, shut-ins were 1,022,515 b/d, or 68.17% of normal. Gas shut-ins slipped to 5.559 Bcf/d, or 55.59% of normal output
October 28, 2005
Air Pollution Tied to Increased Risk of Strokes
Increases in particles polluting the air are associated with an increase in the number of strokes caused by a blood clot in the brain -- but not the type caused by an artery rupture in the brain -- new research shows.
Coal Becomes the New Utility Fuel as Natural Gas Has Become the No.1 Headache
Energy prices are soaring. Natural gas, in particular, has stopped being the 'cheap, clean bargain' that solved utilities' environmental problems. Instead, soaring natural gas prices have turned it into the No.1 headache for utilities. Poorly thought-out schemes to import liquefied natural gas from OPEC nations aren't going to solve the mounting crisis. Just look at how OPEC is currently manipulating the price of crude oil. There's only one realistic answer, and it's coal.
Daily status report on the energy industry in the US Gulf 102805
All told, more than 30% of Outer Continental Shelf pipelines will require repairs, she said. While 45% of pipelines in the area are operational, another 25% are undamaged but cannot flow because of downstream problems, such as damage to gas processing plants or oil terminals, Norton explained.
Crude and natural gas production shut-ins in the Gulf of Mexico again decreased slightly, the US Minerals Management Service said on Oct 27.
Development of New Coal-Fired Generating Capacity Stays Strong in the Rocky Mountain Region
Researched by Industrialinfo.com (Industrial Information Resources, Incorporated; Houston, Texas). As the price of natural gas remains inflated nationwide, the Rocky Mountain Region is one of the many areas poised to move forward with development and construction of new coal-fired generating capacity.
Disorientation Seen in Mass Australia Whale Deaths
"The most common belief here is that, since these strandings are so regular, it's basically difficult country for a whale to navigate in," he said.
Pharaoh said the whales were stranded in a large bay with frequently changing water depths, sandy spits and rocky outcrops, as well as a narrow opening to the ocean.
"I think they got themselves all disoriented about what's going on," he said.
Dozens Perish as Drought Takes Hold in Somalia
A severe drought in western and southern Somalia has killed dozens of people, hundreds of livestock and raised fears of an outbreak of disease after seasonal rains failed, a minister said on Thursday.
Duke Confirms Plans to Construct Nuclear Reactors
Duke Power yesterday announced that it is preparing a combined construction and operating license (COL) application to construct two nuclear reactors.
EPA seeks nominations for green chemistry award
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is accepting nominations for the 2005 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards that recognize innovative, environmentally friendly chemical technologies.
Entries should incorporate green chemistry into chemical design, manufacture and use and have broad applications in industry, according to the EPA.
EU leaders agree to work on common European energy policy ideas
"There was an agreement to take forward work in the energy sector, including how we try to establish a common European grid," said Blair. "It is important that energy policy is something that we work on together as an EU," said Blair, citing rising import dependency for oil and gas.
For FPL, It's Damage Not Seen Since Andrew
A knot of Florida Power & Light Co. workers, sweating profusely under the afternoon sun, wrestled a shattered wood power pole out of the ground with a crane-like machine Wednesday and replaced it with a new pole.
It was the eighth in a long line of poles toppled and split by Hurricane Wilma that the FPL crew began replacing at 6 a.m. that day along South Dixie Highway in Pompano Beach. This complicated task involved cutting away any branches and other debris from the work area, dropping their heavy load of wires and transformers, removing the damaged pole, using a drill to install a new one and finally replacing the wires high above the street.
"We need to begin exploring modern approaches to decreasing dependence on foreign energy sources across a range of areas," said Gingrich. "We need to incorporate how homes and buildings are designed and constructed with the appliances and products that are on the inside to make the entire structure as energy efficient as possible. Businesses and builders can play a pivotal role in educating consumers on what types of energy efficient products they should consider putting inside their homes. Becoming energy independent doesn't require huge sacrifices; however, it does demand use of the best available energy efficient technologies, continued innovation and a long-term commitment to changing the way America consumes energy.
Half of Coral Reefs Could Be Destroyed
Nearly half of the world's coral reefs may be lost in the next 40 years unless urgent measures are taken to protect them against the threat of climate change, according to a new report released Tuesday by the World Conservation Union.
Heavy Rains hit South India, Death Toll Crosses 100
Heavy rain and storms paralysed life in southern India on Thursday, flooding roads, snapping power and phone lines and disrupting flights as the death toll due to the bad weather this month crossed 100.
Husky Energy to Build C$145 Million Ethanol Plant
The company said the plant, which is scheduled to be fully operational by mid-2007, will have production capacity of 130 million liters of ethanol per year.The plant will be built on the site of Husky's existing plant at Minnedosa, Manitoba and is the company's second major ethanol facility.
Mediterranean to Suffer Most in Europe Due to Warming
The Mediterranean region will suffer most in Europe from global warming and changing land use this century, with more droughts damaging everything from farming to tourism, an international study said on Thursday.
Mexico's Resort Islands Slow To Recover after Wilma Damages Towns, Reefs
Mexico's Caribbean coastline took a beating from Hurricane Wilma, but the resort area's islands -- famous for their diving and snorkeling -- bore the brunt of the storm, with extensive damage to reefs and white-sand beaches.
The natural gas shortage is well known. After all, consumers are paying historic highs for the commodity -- something that should really hit home this winter. But, even if developers were permitted to explore for new resources, more pipelines are essential.
Early into the third day of round-the-clock restoration following Hurricane Wilma, Florida Power & Light Company said it has brought electric service back to 1.1 million customers - nearly one-third of the approximately 3.2 million customers left without power.
Prince Charles Says World Should Give Climate Change Greater Priority
LONDON — The world must make dealing
with the consequences of climate change a greater priority, Prince
Charles said in an interview broadcast Thursday.
The heir to the British throne, a keen organic farmer, told the British
Broadcasting Corp. that society had a responsibility to future
generations to tackle an issue that was "the greatest challenge to face
man."
"Below normal temperatures along the East Coast over the week ahead may help demand catch up, but we may have already seen the largest variances for this cycle over the past 24 hours," Tim Evans, energy analyst at IFR Energy, said in a report. "Moreover, cool readings will no longer come as a surprise, now that the market has already discounted the shift in weather."
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 102805
Solar activity was at very low levels. No sunspots were reported on the visible disk. The geomagnetic field was at quiet to unsettled levels. Solar wind speed has steadily decreased thoughout the day and is now at approximately 460 km/s.
Six Beavers Released in England in Effort To Restore Long-Extinct Species
LONDON — Six beavers from Bavaria were released in western England on Thursday in a second attempt to restore a species that has been extinct in the country since the 12th century.
When Jon Snyder was renovating his historic home near downtown Spokane four years ago, he found himself continually heading to Seattle to find environmentally friendly building materials, such as bamboo flooring and paint that doesn't emit toxic fumes.
"That's changed. Places like Eco Depot are around now, so you can get those sorts of things.
Switch-Off Warning By Chief of Powergen
BRITAIN'S most powerful electricity generating executive has waded into a row with the Government over power shortages during the expected tough winter ahead.
He told the Standard he does not believe that energy shortages will bring power cuts.
But he warned that the wholesale price of energy will go up "sometimes sharply".
Golby explained in an exclusive interview: "For industry that buys electricity on a daytoday basis, it could leave companies with some pretty difficult decisions over whether they continue to operate or simply switch off."
Tropical Storm Beta Bears Down on Central America
Rain and wind from Tropical Storm Beta lashed Caribbean islands off Nicaragua's jungle-clad coast on Thursday and was forecast to strengthen to a hurricane and dump water onto already sodden hills inland.
UK Revels in Record Hot October Day
Temperatures climbed as high as 21.1 degrees Celsius (70 Fahrenheit) in parts of London, surpassing the previous record of 20.3 degrees set in 1888, the Met office said.
US Lawmakers Okay Some Synthetics for Organic Food
Senate and House negotiators have agreed to allow some synthetic materials to be used in processing organic foods, officials of a trade group said on Thursday, calling the step crucial for many organic food companies to stay in business.
US refiners have 'responsibility' to boost capacity
Use Arms Cash for Water, Mitterrand Widow Says
One percent of the world's arms budget should be channelled into providing access to drinking water
in the most parched corners of the planet, the campaigning widow of
former French President Francois Mitterrand said.
Danielle Mitterand, whose foundation France Libertes launched an access
to drinking water campaign on Tuesday, told Reuters ahead of the initial
press briefing that 34,000 people die each day from a lack of fresh
water.
October 27, 2005
Americans Gave More to Charities in 2004 than in 2003
Americans are giving more generously to charities than ever, according to the October 27 issue of the Chronicle of Philanthropy, which released figures for contributions to the 400 largest U.S. charities in 2004.
Bills would update mining laws, increase fees
Biodiesel Working Its Way into the Nation's Fuel Supply
At current prices, the trucking industry, which consumes 35 billion gallons of diesel each year, is on pace to spend an unprecedented $85 billion on fuel this year, that accounts for as much as 25 percent of total operating costs. "Many locations in the United States are now selling biodiesel blend up to 20% at prices below regular diesel price. Truckers are not only saving money but they are getting better lubricated fuel, reduced emissions, and elimination of smoke from tailpipes with B-20 blends."
Daily status report on the energy industry in the US Gulf 102705
Damage to platforms by hurricanes Katrina and Rita has kept 40% of Murphy Oil's US Gulf production shut in, but output should improve over the next month as the company works to increase output by one-third before next year
US crude imports and refinery inputs jumped significantly last week, giving further evidence that the country's energy infrastructure is recovering
After three straight days of rising disruptions due to Hurricane Wilma. The agency said oil shut-ins in the Gulf as of 11:30 a.m. CDT Oct 26 were 1,022,515 b/d, or 68.17% of normal production. Gas shut-ins slipped to 5.563 Bcf/d, or 55.63% of typical production
Going Organic Program Fact Sheet
After completing a successful pilot project, the California State Water Board has renewed funding for CCOF’s Going Organic Program. Going Organic’s primary objective is to aid farmers converting to organic methods by pairing them with experienced organic farmers.
Harsh words for nonprofit sector
The foundation world is intellectually moribund. Many foundations are hiring university presidents, but once they get to their jobs most of them neither think or write. There's no debating the issues. No one's self-critical; no one's analytical.
The nonprofit community is just as derelict in ideas. In the past, every major social and institutional change, all the major movements were the result of nonprofit activity. The conservative foundations understand that.
Honda Bets on Natural Gas Cars
Now gasoline prices are up about 60 cents a gallon from a year ago and
motorists can buy a device that allows them to get natural gas fill ups
at home. Honda plans to expand sales of the natural gas Civic GX next
year to major cities around the country.
In rush toward renewable energy, cheaper options ignored
Nuclear plant's outages to may cause higher rates for Arizona utility customers
Unplanned outages at the Palo Verde nuclear plant could cost Arizona Public Service customers $40million in higher electric rates.
That possibility was raised in a letter to the Arizona Corporation Commission written by APS executive vice president Steven Wheeler. Wheeler said the utility intends to seek approval to recover those estimated costs in the form of higher surcharges for customers.
Number of women in prisons climbing
Women made up 7 percent of inmates in state and federal prisons last year and accounted for nearly 1 in 4 arrests, the government reported yesterday. The number of women incarcerated in prisons in 2004 was up 4 percent compared with 2003, more than double the 1.8 percent increase for men, the study said.
Rebuilding the Power System for the 21st Century in a Post-Katrina World
There is a tremendous opportunity at hand in rebuilding the electric and related infrastructures in a post-Katrina era. While the total destruction that this terrible natural disaster has wrought is unimaginable to us, so too are the incredible possibilities. These opportunities are both technical and economic and are available to us by taking advantage of this occasion to rebuild for the 21st Century.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 102705
Solar activity was at very low levels. No sunspots were reported on the visible disk. The geomagnetic field was at quiet to active levels. Solar wind speed is elevated at approximately 530 km/s due to a geoeffective coronal hole high speed wind stream.
Senate budget panel approves ANWR drilling; Senate vote next week
Senior U.S. officials support ACORE's call for renewable energy policy
Two senior government officials support a new policy for renewable energy in the United States.
The American Council On Renewable Energy is promoting ‘Phase II’ to identify new energy policies that are needed to increase the use of renewables, supply domestic energy, enhance national security, create jobs, improve the environment and health, and reduce the risks of climate change.
Spain remains the most attractive market for renewables
Spain continues to be the most attractive country in the world for renewable energies, remaining one point ahead of the United States.
Spain stays in top spot due to its new five-year energy plan that provides a “firm foundation to its strong indigenous industry,”
Sri Lanka plans 100,000 bd refinery to cut reliance on imports
Volunteering as part of the annual Make a Difference Day, a national effort encouraging community service, local participants said the work was a satisfying experience.
USG oil production not back to normal 'for many months'
Wilma Proves Biggest Challenge To Power Company
Massive, widespread damage to the state's largest electric utility could keep millions in the dark for weeks after Hurricane Wilma.That doesn't include any electric customers in the Tampa Bay area, where Tampa Electric Co. and Progress Energy Florida Inc. have restored service to a combined 77,000 customers.
October 26, 2005
A better sun trap-- NMSU is inventing an alternative, plastic solar panel
A Defense Department grant is helping put New Mexico in the forefront of the race to create a low-cost, lightweight and flexible solar power source. They have created a plastic made from a blend of polymers and carbon molecules that can convert sunlight into electric charges with an efficiency of 5.2 percent.
BP CEO says high oil prices causing 'slight restraint' on demand
Changes afoot in Russian electricity and gas markets
Following the fall of the Soviet Union, the Russian economy slumped and the demand for electricity and gas plummeted. While demand has revived during the economic recovery that began in the late 1990s, the years of neglect have affected the infrastructure of the Russian power industry to the point that without private investment, a lack of capacity may place a cap on further economic growth.
Coal-bed Methane Might Ease Natural Gas Shortages
There may be more than one way around the current natural gas shortages and the corresponding high prices. And it may be found in underground coal seams, in a form called coal-bed methane. But the environmental consequences of production could threaten this potential.
Consumers Demand More Morals on the Menu
Food groups such as Nestle and Sara Lee Corp. face growing pressure from consumers to guarantee farmers in poor countries a better deal, the head of a so-called ethical coffee scheme said on Tuesday.
Daily status report on the energy industry in the US Gulf 102605
An explosion in a crude unit furnace at ConocoPhillips' 239,000 b/d refinery in Lake Charles, Louisiana, occurred while the major was attempting to restart the plant the weekend of Oct 8-9
The US Department of Energy on Oct 25 said it had delivered almost half of the 11-mil bbl of crude oil sold from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in early September in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, but that it will take another month for the balance to make its way to the market.
EarthNews Radio-- Natural Medicines
Aspirin may not look like a flower, but it's one of the many medicines that start out as something found in nature. Studying plants and animals is one of the ways scientist find new medicines for humans.
Federal renewable energy partnership growing
Fortune 500 companies, universities and local, state and government agencies participate in the program, called the Green Power Partnership. They purchase more than 3 billion kilowatt-hours of renewable energy annually, enough to power 300,000 average American homes
Fuel cell firms seek volume sales
Fuel cell companies are steadily cutting costs and boosting reliability for their power plants, but need greater sales to reach widespread commercial acceptance, fuel cell executives at an industry conference said Monday.
House Republicans want record oil profits used for new refineries
Hurricane Wilma causes only minor plant damage, FP&L says
The headline reads, “Waiting to Be Rescued” over a picture of thousands sitting and waiting for the government to save them, in a city that has now become a sewer. They’re waiting because they don’t know what else to do and have never had to think for themselves. What a pathetic people we have become.
Indonesia Gears Up amid Global Green Fuel Rush
"We will back up the development of biofuel. Now we are in the process of preparing the plan for five years," he said.
Biofuels are taking on renewed global importance as countries seek to cut hazardous emissions. Palm oil's emergence in the market comes decades after the introduction of ethanol, made from sugarcane, and other additives.
Merged Pacific Northwest grid agency proposals unveiled
More Retailers Building Environmentally Friendly Stores
The Levin Furniture construction team
ran the numbers on using solar energy before building its Monroeville
store, and they didn't look good. It would likely be 17 years before the
panels would save enough in energy costs to pay for themselves.
President Robert Levin, who has an interest in environmental issues,
decided to do it anyway. Now, more than a year and a shocking rise in
energy costs later, it appears the investment may pay off at least a
little sooner than expected.
Nearly 60 Whales Dead after Stranding on Remote Beach in Southern Australia
Nearly 60 whales died in a mass stranding on a remote beach in
southern Australia, a wildlife official said Tuesday. Rescuers struggled to save
about 10 survivors.
Two groups of long finned pilot whales beached themselves near Marion
Bay on the southern island state of Tasmania.
New Jersey awards grants to promote recycling
The state awarded eight municipalities and counties for their successful recycling efforts through the grants. The DEP has made it a priority to increase recycling and has held 20 public meetings since March to discuss ways to increase recycling rates.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 102605
Solar activity was at very low levels. No sunspots were reported on the visible disk. The geomagnetic field was at quiet to active levels. Solar wind speed is elevated at approximately 450 km/s due to a geoeffective coronal hole high speed wind stream.
Scientists Draft Blueprint to Protect World Oceans
International scientists are mapping out a plan for a network of marine parks to save the world's oceans from fish stock depletion and growing pollution.
Solar Thermal Plant in Nevada to Use SCHOTT Solar Technology
A 64 MW solar thermal plant is being built near Boulder City, NV, which is expected to begin providing power to the grid in 2007. Not only will the plant meet the energy demands of about 40,000 households, it will also dramatically reduce greenhouse emissions.
Tourists Flee Hurricane-Hit Cancun, Beaches Ruined
More than 1,000 visitors lined up in the heat at the newly reopened Cancun airport, shouting and arguing as they tried to get aboard the first flights out since Wilma trashed the area late last week. About 20,000 vacationers spent four or five days in smelly, cramped shelters where food and drink were rationed and some ended up defecating in buckets because the toilets overflowed.
UK energy minister accuses CBI of winter 'scaremongering'
The UK Met Office had warned this winter looked to be colder than average, but said it had a one-in-three chance of being wrong on that. UK beach supplies of gas are lower this year than last, but this year there will be the new Humbly Grove gas storage facility from Nov 4, an expanded UK-Belgium Interconnector and the Isle of Grain liquefied natural gas terminal to bring in additional supplies.
US Senate panel fails to approve Republican-backed refinery bill
exceedingly unlikely.
What's moving the oil markets? 102605
Analysts were expecting natural gas balances to remain tight throughout peak demand season as a result of shut-in production in the Gulf of Mexico. Shut-in gas production was reported Tuesday at 5.582 Bcf per day, or 55.82%, by Minerals Management Services, and cumulative shut-ins from hurricanes Katrina and Rita was put at 348 Bcf.
Consumer Confidence Unexpectedly Falls
The outlook for the holiday shopping season darkened Tuesday as the latest consumer confidence reading showed Americans even more pessimistic about the economy during October. Hurricanes, surging gasoline prices and worries about the job market took a further toll on consumer psyches.
Why consumer confidence matters
To the average person, bamboozled by talk of current-account deficits, exchange rates and bond yields, consumer confidence seems the sort of economics anyone can grasp.
Yet few indicators are as potentially deceptive - or as economically crucial.
The Way Things are Going - A graphical representation
Consumer confidence hit lowest, but has rebounded since.
A major annual survey of birds in the UK has found that many species under threat in the past are showing signs of making significant recoveries. The study finds that populations in 2004 were around 10% higher than they were ten years ago.
The group argued that further investment into renewables and ‘more careful’ energy policy could negate the need for the use of nuclear in meeting the nation’s power requirements.
'Zero energy' becomes positive goal for Boulder homebuilder
Eric Doub plans never to pay another utility bill after he moves next month into his new, $1 million Boulder home.
The specter of steeply escalating energy bills is helping push zero energy from a theoretical ideal to an achievable standard in new-home construction.
October 25, 2005
Africa, Donors Unveil Plan to Fight Desertification
African governments and donors on Monday launched an ambitious plan to fight desertification, which causes chronic food shortages and threatens to drive millions from their homes in coming decades.
BP sees 'no material slowdown' in global oil demand
Coal production for power generation could expand under CAIR
Crude prices fall as Wilma misses USG facilities
Daily status report on the energy industry in the US Gulf 102505
Operators of onshore and shallow-water oil and natural gas wells shut in by hurricanes Katrina and Rita in a 38-parish region of southern Louisiana saw only small gains in production over the weekend.
The US will end 2005 with 48 Bcf more natural gas in storage than the 10-year norm. Smith projects a slow recovery of gas production in the Gulf of Mexico in the wake of Katrina and Rita, but expects this to be offset by large amounts of post-storm demand destruction through the end of the year.
Energy prices pose threat to regulatory utility support
EU Launches New Measures to Protect Seas and Oceans
Climate change, oil spills and commercial fishing have put oceans and seas at risk, driving the EU's executive branch to launch new measures to clean up and protect waters surrounding the European Union.
Floods Maroon One Million and Kill 14 in Eastern India
At least one million people were marooned on Monday by flooding in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal after five days of torrential rains left 14 dead, officials said.
High demand for coal leads to planning new import terminals
House panel's bill would open ANWR; allow offshore ban opt-out
IPE Brent drifts lower on profit-taking, extending downward trend
By 1009 London time, the front-month December Brent futures contract was trading just below Monday's settlement at $58.20/bbl, having dropped as low as $58/bbl earlier in the day.
More Bird Flu in Russia, UN says Keep Focus on Asia
The latest case in Russia killed 12 hens at a private dacha in Tambov, 400 km (250 miles) southeast of Moscow, last week. Authorities culled 53 ducks and hens and imposed a quarantine.Tests confirmed it was the H5N1 avian flu strain which can infect humans, though not yet pass between them, officials said.
Most discarded electronic devices are reused, study finds
Most unwanted electronics do not end up in the waste stream but are reused, according to a study by the Consumer Electronics Association.
Consumers donated, recycled or sold 90 percent of old computers and laptops, 80 percent of television sets and 70 percent of mobile phones in the last 12 months. Charities received 34 percent of the used equipment, while friends got 28 percent and family received 26 percent.
Natural gas demand coming back faster than supply
New rule could affect coal-fired power plants across Nevada
The standard would set requirements for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from power generation plants.
The standard could affect coal-fired power plant development in Nevada and other Western states because the standard would restrict the kinds of coal-fired power plants from which California utilities could buy under long-term contracts
North Carolina appears poised to become the nation´s next mega-importer of solid waste
WFMY News in Greensboro reports that proposals for five large rural landfills in North Carolina are in the works, and while some of those proposals face opposition, the odds look good for several if not all of them to go forward.
OPEC Oct output seen steady at 30.3-mil bd
Out of the Pipe, Into the Watershed
Former assistant administrator for water at EPA explores the next era of the Clean Water ActPrecious metals prices take sharp upturn as dollar weakens
Concerns about the strength of oil demand growth in 2006 have begun to overtake worries about oil production capacity in assessments of the oil market next year
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 102505
Solar activity was at very low levels. No flares were observed during the past 24 hours. No sunspots on the visible solar disk were reported. The geomagnetic field was at quiet levels.
Texas Plans First US Offshore Wind Farm
Wind turbines will join oil and gas platforms in the Gulf of Mexico off the Texas coast under a new plan to build the first US offshore wind energy farm, the state announced Monday.
Underwater River Turbines to Supply Power
US Power Companies Eye Idaho for Coal-Fired Plants
Coal accounts for more than half the electricity produced in the United States, but emissions of mercury, sulfur dioxide and other pollutants draw fire from environmentalists.
There is, however, growing interest in "clean coal" technologies to reduce emissions from power production.
Idaho is among a handful of states with no coal-fired plants. Under new federal air quality standards, the state is set at a zero cap on mercury emissions from power plants, making it virtually impossible for coal-fired facilities to operate.
Voluntary Green Power Purchasing Up 1000 Percent in 5 Years
Renewable energy capacity in the United States supported by voluntary demand rather than regulatory requirements now tops 2200 megawatts (MW) -- up more than 1,000 percent in just 5 years, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released today
What's moving the oil markets 102505
The fear about insufficient heating oil stocks this winter appeared to be unfounded so far with the contango in the gasoil market since mid-August encouraging traders to store material. The latest round of stock data from the US Department of Energy showed that heating oil stocks were 6.4-mil bbl above year ago levels and 2.6-mil bbl above the five-year average.
October 24, 2005
APS to Sponsor Feasibility Study for New Transmission Project from Wyoming to Arizona
Arizona Public Service Company (APS) announced today that it will explore building two 500,000-volt (500-kV) transmission lines from Wyoming to northern Arizona. The completion of the TransWest Express Project would provide Arizona and other western states increased capability to access electricity generated from coal, wind and other resources.
As oil rises, cleaner energy surges
With the price of oil hovering above $55 per barrel, demand is rising for a wide array of alternative energies - from wind turbines to cars fueled by corn oil.
While such devices and fuels always capture attention during spikes in oil prices, the alternative-energy movement is moving well beyond the novelty phase.
BP Designs Biofuel-LPG Flex Fuel Cook Stove
This announcement by the BP Group embodies both a technology and a "service product" which will reduce indoor smoke exposure and overall CO2 emissions associated with cooking. Users can respond to time demands, price fluctuations, and fuel availability as well as follow traditional recipes that benefit from a wood heat.
Nonprofits preparing for their end-of-the-year
fundraising campaigns have one more thing to worry about --
disaster fatigue.
They fear their donors, who have already contributed to
hurricane relief along the Gulf Coast and now to
international aid organizations working in
earthquake-ravaged Pakistan, will feel tapped out come
December. Benefactors might give less -- or not at all.
China's DC/DC Exchanger Opens Way To Mass Production of Fuel Cell Car
The new gadget features high power density, high efficiency, good dynamic property, suitable for fuel cell cars that require small size, light weight, big power and high efficiency. Such vehicles are expected to be seen on the streets during the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai.
Chiquita Offers First Rainforest Alliance-Certified Fruit in Europe
"As bananas are the number one-selling product in most grocery stores, to have a company like Chiquita adopt responsible cultivation practices has far-reaching benefits for the environment, farm workers and the consumer," said Chris Wille, director of sustainable agriculture programs at the Rainforest Alliance. "The Rainforest Alliance-certified seal will help consumers recognize Chiquita's commitment and investment, and therefore allow them to make an informed decision about what they buy."
CHRONOLOGY - Spread of Bird Flu from Asia
The European Commission is due to decide by Tuesday whether to ban imports of live wild birds as demanded by Britain after a parrot died in the country of suspected bird flu. Here is a chronology of bird flu developments
Clock ticking on coal-fired plant
If Idahoans don't want San Diego-based Sempra Generation to build its 600-megawatt coal-fired power plant near Jerome, they better speak up -- and speak up soon, a former power plant operator told about 20 people gathered at the Twin Falls County Farm Bureau Thursday evening.
"Coal plants are a long-term, multi-generational commitment.
Compromise Sought in Power Plan
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Friday said it would promote alternatives to the regional power grid operator's plan to ease congestion by paying plants more to generate power during times of high demand and tight capacity. The plan calls on power plants to convert some of the natural gas plants so they can also burn oil, to mitigate the effect of shortages and price increases.
Daily status report on the energy industry in the US Gulf 102405
The Louisiana Dept of Natural Resources on Oct 21 said operators of onshore and shallow-water wells in a 38-parish region had restored 63,289 b/d of oil production, or 31.2% of the region's output of roughly 203,139 b/d before Katrina and Rita hit the Gulf Coast. The agency put the amount of restored natural gas production at 876,300 Mcf/d, or 39.2% of the region's pre-storm total of 2.235 Bcf/d.
The US Minerals Management Service, in its daily production update in the wake of Katrina and Rita, and now Hurricane Wila, said crude and natural gas production shut-ins in the Gulf of Mexico reversed their slow pace of recovery and increased slightly on Oct 21.
Debris from Hurricanes May Be Used To Fight Coastal Erosion in Louisiana
The mountains of debris created by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
could be the very stuff to protect Louisiana's ravaged coastline and keep
hurricanes at bay.
Louisiana environmental authorities are thinking of grinding up the
approximately 50,000 fiberglass boats destroyed in the storms and mixing
them with cement to build artificial reefs, and using tree limbs and
timber from homes as sediment traps in the marshes.
Delta Waters After Katrina Now OK for Recreation, Officials Say
While casting a nervous eye at Hurricane Wilma, federal and state officials reported Friday that the latest pollution data in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina indicated for the first time that the Mississippi Delta was again a safe place to swim.
Deregulation falls short of promises
A decade ago, backers of deregulation of the electric utility industry believed that the average citizen would see lower bills as a result of increased competition to provide electricity.
Electrical Generation Leaders Seeking Non-Traditional Fuel Sources for New Project Development
In addition to cleaning up pollution from existing generating plants, the nation's two largest electrical generators, the Southern Company and American Electric Power, are looking at different types of renewable energy for new generation that will pollute even less.
EPA opens mercury rule to comment on utility levels, legal issues
Fuel cell-- Work at UCI and in Lake Forest could remake auto industry
Imagine an Orange County freeway filled with cars, but with no roar of engines, no pistons popping up and down, no vehicle vibration, no gas guzzlers. Instead, drivers are ensconced in a cone of silence in fuel-cell vehicles powered by hydrogen.
Gov. Schwarzenegger Backs New Million Solar Roofs Effort
After the legislative demise of the Million Solar Roofs Initiative this summer, supporters have looked towards the California Public Utilities Commission as the next and most promising avenue for passing the program. That effort is officially underway after Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger this week called for the advancement of the program and specifically cited the CPUC as the way to do so.
Groundwork Laid for Improved U.S. Renewable Energy Policy
Should "flex fuel" capability come as a technology directive through federal legislation, according to Khosla and others, it would be at no extra cost and the benefits would be plentiful for the consumer including the opportunity to lower operating costs -- and at the same time usher in nothing less than the beginning of the end for transportation fossil fuels.
Yet with interest in energy security issues and escalating gasoline prices running high in America and likewise among the conference's 350+ attendees, ethanol seemed to capture the attendees' imagination and was unofficially anointed the next big thing.
IEA says prepared for possible oil shortages
The Paris-based International Energy Agency (IEA) said Thursday it would continue to access the market and reiterated its preparedness to take additional action in case of possible oil shortages.
India, U.S. to draft plan to implement nuclear deal
Under the deal, Washington would help energy-hungry India's civilian nuclear programme to boost growth in Asia's third-largest economy.
Washington also promised to help New Delhi -- a nuclear power which has not signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty -- be treated as a permanent exception at the 44-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), which bars nuclear cooperation with non-NPT members.
Intiman’s ‘Grapes of Wrath’ reminds us who we are
Imagine, he said, if theaters hung banners announcing their broader social values, goals that went much further than quality theater into issues such as harmonious race relations, joyful living or economic dignity for all.
That’s essentially what Intiman Theatre is trying to do with its five-year American Cycle, a series of plays that invoke classic American stories as a starting place for discussions about civic priorities.
Inventor's New Drying Process Could Boost the Value of Coal
Don Dunlop, a chemical engineer with
a doctorate and 50 years' experience, believes he has solved the problem
of removing water from coal while keeping the fuel from spontaneously
catching fire.
There is so much water in coal, up to 30 percent, that removing it could
save millions of dollars in shipping costs. Those 100-car coal trains
snaking out of the Powder River Basin of Wyoming and Montana could carry
a third more coal at no additional cost.
IPE Brent tumbles as hurricane oil threat eases
Italian Trains Get Solar Boost
The first solar-power-assisted trains in Europe are from Italy. "The PVTRAIN project, partly funded by the EU, has been under development since 2003, and involves 10 prototype units: 5 carriages, 3 cargo wagons and 2 locomotives." The solar panels on the roof do no help power the wheels, but they provide energy for air-conditioning, lighting and safety systems.
Japan Struggling To Meet CO2 Emissions Target
Japan's greenhouse gas emissions fell slightly last fiscal year,
but the country is far from achieving its target for reducing carbon dioxide
emissions, a government report said Friday.
Japan released about 1.329 billion tons of greenhouse gases in the year
ending March 31, down 0.8 percent from the previous year, according to
the Environment Ministry.
Latin American countries cooperate for E&P
Latin America is buzzing with exploration and production activity, especially where countries are teaming up for joint benefits. Many countries in Latin America are steering away from costly imports and are instead finding ways to protect their businesses and consumers against rising energy prices by delving into untapped resources at home.
More Use of Oil Eyed for Power Plants
Massachusetts environmental officials, hoping to stave off natural gas shortages and blackouts, are weighing whether to let four gas-powered plants switch to dirtier oil up to 50 percent more often this winter in a move that could sharply increase pollution.
Natural gas climbing 26 percent
Winter heating bills will soar 26 percent for 136,000 Arizona
customers of Unisource Energy under a special charge designed to
pass along higher natural-gas prices.
The Arizona Corporation Commission-approved surcharge means the
typical November bill will increase by $7.20 to $60.80.
Plant's future still up in the air
For the Mohave Generating Station, there may be life after death. But nothing's sure yet.The coal-burning, emission-spewing, 35-year-old power plant at Laughlin was expected to close Dec. 31 because the plant owners, which include Nevada Power Co., have not installed $500 million in pollution-control equipment required under a federal court agreement.
Professor says hydrogen age is coming upon us
George Howard isn't as concerned about the rising prices of gasoline, natural gas and electricity as the rest of us. He thinks the answer is already here. He said a hydrogen power system that will replace the need to burn hydrocarbons, coal, gasoline, and so on, already has been invented. And many of the components of it are already in production.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 102405
Solar activity was very low. No flares were observed during the past 24 hours. The geomagnetic field was at quiet levels. The geomagnetic field is expected to be at predominantly unsettled levels, with isolated periods of active conditions, due to a favorably positioned coronal hole.
Once a foe, Russia may be poised to become the United States' most reliable energy partner. Producing close to 9 million barrels a day of oil, production there could soon surpass that of Saudi Arabia, which produces 9.5 billion barrels of oil a day.
SDG&E Contracts for Wind Power, Seeks More Renewable Energy
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) and enXco, a wind energy firm based in Escondido, Calif., today announced an agreement to supply 205.5 megawatts (MW) of electricity to utility customers. In addition, SDG&E has issued two requests for offers (RFOs) to increase its growing portfolio of energy derived from renewable resources, including wind, solar and geothermal.
The Car That Makes It's Own Fuel
A unique system that can produce Hydrogen inside a car using common metals such as Magnesium and Aluminum was developed by an Israeli company. The system solves all of the obstacles associated with the manufacturing, transporting and storing of hydrogen to be used in cars. When it becomes commercial in a few years time, the system will be incorporated into cars that will cost about the same as existing conventional cars to run, and will be completely emission free.
The Latest Investor in Green Energy - The CIA
What if you had a power unit that generated substantial electrical energy with no fuel? What if it were so rugged that you could parachute it out of an airplane? What if it were so easy to set up that two people could have it running in just a few hours?
Now there is such a device - built by a small Virginia start-up - and the federal government has taken notice.
Tokyo show proves hydrogen is popular
If there were any doubt about the
auto industry's fascination with hydrogen, one need look no further than the
Tokyo Motor Show.
Hydrogen-powered concept vehicles have a
starring role as automakers try to divine their future. Six automakers rolled
out new versions, signaling the industry's seriousness about the zero-emission
alternative to gasoline.
Toyota Scrambling To Produce Hybrids To Meet Growing Demand
When Toyota unveiled its first hybrid vehicle nearly a decade
ago, many people were skeptical about its environmentally friendly
gas-and-electric-powered engine that dramatically boosts mileage.
Today, Japan's biggest automaker is scrambling to keep up with the
growing demand for hybrids, especially in North America, where soaring
oil prices -- now double from several years ago -- are suddenly making
hybrids an attractive cost-saving alternative.
UCF Researchers to Develop Water Purification System for Hurricane Relief
US DOE report says retail green power programs on the rise
More than 50% of electricity customers now have the option of purchasing green
power.
October 21, 2005
Like a lot of cities across the United States, Duluth, Minn. wants to cut its energy bills while also being better environmental stewards. One of the options it is considering is the use of biomass fuels that include such burnable organic materials as wood chips -- all to create steam and electricity.
Bush Administration Supports ACORE's Call for Renewable Energy Policy
With over 350 policy professionals in attendance, the U.S. Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior spoke in support of new policy for renewable energy at the "Renewable Energy in America: Policies for Phase II" forum that took place October 17-18, 2005 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
Daily status report on energy industry recovery efforts in the US Gulf 102105
The International Energy Agency on Oct 20 reiterated that its 26 member countries were ready to release more oil from emergency stocks in case of hurricane-related supply disruptions in the US. The amount of onshore and shallow-water oil and natural gas production in Louisiana sped up on Oct 20 as more wells were accounted for, the Louisiana Dept of Natural resources said.
EERC Awarded $2.5 Million for New Hydrogen Facility
The Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) at the University of North Dakota (UND) was approved for a $2.5 million award from the North Dakota Centers of Excellence Commission to build a new facility for the EERC's National Center for Hydrogen Technology.
Firms outline transmission plans
If Montana begins generating more electricity, there may be no shortage of power lines crisscrossing the state to ship it to the booming Northwest and southern California, transmission line executives said Wednesday at the governor's energy summit here.
Global Warming a Major Threat to Africa
Deadly epidemics. Ruined crops. The extinction of some of Africa's legendary wildlife. The potential consequences of global warming could be devastating for the world's poorest continent, yet its nations are among the least equipped to cope.
Greenland Icecap Thickens Slightly Despite Warming
Greenland's ice-cap has thickened slightly in recent years
despite wide predictions of a thaw triggered by global warming, a team of
scientists said on Thursday.
The 3,000-metre (9,842-feet) thick ice-cap is a key concern in debates
about climate change because a total melt would raise world sea levels
by about 7 metres. And a runaway thaw might slow the Gulf Stream that
keeps the North Atlantic region warm.
Grid Congestion Costs Continue to Drop; Grid Upgrades Reduce Bottlenecks, Save Money for California
Improvements and upgrades to the high-voltage power grid controlled by the California Independent System Operator (California ISO) are showing their value for California energy consumers as the costs associated with congestion -- bottlenecks on the grid -- continue to drop dramatically.
The Plan identifies the requisite amount and type of additional electric generation and transmission infrastructure required to ensure a reliable and efficient supply of electricity in New England. RSP05 also specifies when and where enhancements to power system infrastructure are needed.
Italy's Enel to invest heavily in Russia
Italy's Enel SpA, Europe's second largest utility, is planning to invest millions, if not billions, in Russian power plants.
N.J. classifies carbon dioxide as air contaminant
New Jersey´s acting Gov. Richard J. Codey took action Oct. 18 to classify carbon dioxide as an air contaminant, paving the way for the state to participate in a greenhouse gas reduction program.
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative seeks to stabilize and reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, which most scientists agree contributes to global warming.
NREL Supports Development of World’s Largest Solar Electric Power Plant Project in 14 Years
Researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have collaborated with Solargenix Energy on the solar collector technology to be used in the development of Nevada Solar One, a 64-megawatt (MW) Solar Thermal Electric Generating Plant in Boulder City, Nev.
Oil Depletion! It's All In The Assumptions -- Part 1
CERA's Worldwide Liquids Capacity Outlook To 2010— Tight Supply Or Excess Of Riches predicts we humans will have 6 to 7.5 million barrels per day of excess capacity and we can expect an extended period of lower prices – perhaps by 2007. Petroleum production will be expanding faster than demand over the next 5 years.
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.
Public Vs. Private Ownership of Utilities Debated
Comparisons between publicly and privately owned utilities across the United States show a simple trend. On average, the rates at publicly owned utilities are lower. Yet the difference has been slight enough that cities or other public entities have rarely purchased the assets of investor-owned utilities in hopes of securing low rates for themselves.
"Oil and product prices remain on the defensive following Wednesday's bearish inventory data and will minimal impact seen due to Hurricane Wilma...The unwinding of longs in the energy markets continues with crude oil likely to give up another $1-2/bbl now that it has broken below $60/bbl"
Rain-Forest Damage Much Worse Than Thought
Loss of trees in the Brazilian rain forest is much worse than had been thought, according to a new study. Losses in clear-cut areas where all trees are removed have been monitored by satellite observations, but those were not able to detect the cutting of individual trees in areas where others are left behind.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 102105
Solar activity was very low. No flares were observed during the past 24 hours. Unsettled conditions, with a chance for active periods, are expected for 22-23 Oct, due to a favorably positioned coronal hole.
The Future Potential for On-Site Small-scale Power Generation
In recent months, several commentators who have published on EnergyPulse have expressed concern over the future supply and future prices of oil and of natural gas. The increasing demand for oil from growing economies in India and China along with supply interruptions from the Middle East would likely keep world oil prices at over US$50 per barrel for several more years. In the USA, natural gas has become the premium fuel for new power stations. An increased demand for electric power while the supply of natural gas remains constrained means higher natural gas prices and higher electric power prices. Where alternate sources of energy are available, these higher prices would encourage development of alternative energy technologies.
U.S., Mexico agree on border air pollution plan
Officials with the U.S. EPA and Mexico´s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources met Oct. 19 in Tijuana, Mexico, to announce Mexico´s plan to reduce sulfur levels in gasoline and diesel fuel beginning in 2006. Mexico hopes to introduce these cleaner fuels first in key areas of the country, including along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Warming Up to High Heating Bills
Our current state of comprehensive high fuel prices is simply the cost of unregulated environmentalism. Now is the time for the feds to take action. Every single environmental rule and regulation needs to be analyzed for its real measurable economic effect, and those that have been shown to contribute to our current energy situation should be tossed.
Whatever is going to happen to PUHCA?
In August, PUHCA's
repeal in the energy act was exciting -- certainly to David Sokol, CEO
of MidAmerican, maybe the nation's leading PUHCA opponent.
He envisioned the repeal as an invitation to his boss Warren
Buffett to invest in power.
But FERC's NOPR (9/16) on a new PUHCA has left people scratching
their heads.
Will New England Suffer From Power Emergencies Like California?
Last week, the California Independent System Operator, which operates the state's electrical grid, declared a Stage 1 power emergency for Southern California because of a potential shortfall in electrical supplies and high demand from customers.
October 20, 2005
Australian investment in renewables starting to stall
“Renewable energy is a proven source of clean electricity and will play an essential role in reducing Australia's GHG emissions,” he says. “Without future market mechanisms to encourage continued investment in renewables, or other low emission energy for that matter, reducing Australia's greenhouse emissions from stationary energy will be extraordinarily difficult.”
Britian's nuclear waste plan in danger
Plans to privatize the cleanup of Britain's nuclear waste face possibly insurmountable opposition, the Financial Times reported Wednesday.
Calif. to give low-income car owners financial aid for smog repairs
The program, which began this year, pays a motorist $1,000 to voluntarily retire his or her high-polluting vehicle and have it crushed, or as much as $500 for smog-related repairs.
'Clean Coal' Push Concerns Environmental Activists
Coalfield state environmentalists are concerned that the latest push for new "clean coal" plants is ignoring the impact of large-scale mining on mountains, forests, streams and nearby communities.
Colorado Energy Groups Team to Find Way to Store Energy Created By Wind Farms
In a pilot program, Xcel Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory plan to use wind power to create hydrogen fuel.
The idea is to increase the efficiency of wind generation by using it during off-peak hours to produce hydrogen. The hydrogen would be stored, then used later to produce electricity during periods of peak demand.
Consumers likely to see some effect from nuclear power station's shutdown
A special hearing of the Arizona Corporation Commission will likely be held in the coming weeks to review the impact of the shutdown of the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station on Arizona Public Service customers' bills.
Daily status report on energy industry recovery efforts in the US Gulf 102005
Hurricane Wilma --The storm's projected path takes it mostly away from oil and gas producing areas in the Gulf of Mexico, poses no immediate threat to Mexico's main oil-producing region
The joint venture Lyondell-Citgo refinery in Houston will operate at 30-50% of its 268,000 b/d capacity until mid- to late- November due to equipment problems
Eight States and New York City Appeal Global Warming Dismissal
Eight states and the city of New York have appealed last month's dismissal of their global warming lawsuit against five of the largest US utilities. The states originally filed suit against American Electric Power Co. Inc., Southern Co., Xcel Energy Inc., Cinergy Corp. and the Tennessee Valley Authority public power system in July 2004, arguing that greenhouse gas emissions from their plants were a public nuisance and would cause irreparable harm to property.
Energy policy puts wind power funding in doubt
LONDON---Doubts about the UK Government's long-term energy policy and competition from abroad are threatening Britain's wind power industry, according to consultants Ernst and Young.
Environmental Studies Waived in Push for New Oil, Gas Drilling
In an aggressive push by the Bush administration to open more public land to oil and gas production, the Interior Department has quit conducting environmental reviews and seeking comments from local residents every time drilling companies propose new wells.
Environmentalists worry NPS changes may relax pollution rules
EU continues its focus on renewables and efficiency
Countries in Europe should boost research on wind, wave, solar and small hydro energy technologies, clean coal and carbon sequestration, says EU energy commissioner Andris Piebalgs.
The “increasingly urgent” high price for oil has led the EC to adopt a five-point action plan to address the situation, and both renewables and energy efficiency are key elements of this plan.
The 16,000 square-foot warehouse at 401 NE Rock Island Avenue in Peoria is piled high with computers and televisions -- all used. It's the place where Recycling for Illinois, a not-for-profit recycling company, seeks to stem the tide of an onrushing sea of electronic appliances.
Gold slides in Europe as US dollar posts good gains
Fears in the US that the Federal Reserve will continue to raise interest rates has sparked debates about inflation.
Honda Unveils New Hydrogen FCX Concept Vehicle
Honda Motor Corp. (Japan) unveiled a new hydrogen-powered, fuel cell concept car that runs on a refueling unit, which also supplies electricity and hot water for the home. The FCX Concept uses the Home Energy Station, which generates hydrogen from natural gas supplied to households.
Hurricanes wiped out boats, docks; stalling recovery-- Dallas Fed
"Katrina's damage to Louisiana's staging areas for the Gulf forced the industry to move its logistical base to Cameron[, Louisiana], which was wiped out by Rita," the Dallas Fed noted in its "Beige Book" released Wednesday. "Loss of docks, boats, warehouses and equipment has hampered repairs in the Gulf.
Impacts of Peak in World Oil Production Addressed by Worldwide Experts at Denver Conference
The Association for the Study of Peak Oil (ASPO-USA) has announced that the first conference of its kind is taking place in Denver addressing the impacts of an imminent peak in world oil production. The Denver World Oil Conference – Beyond Oil: Intelligent Response to Peak Oil Impacts, will feature worldwide oil and energy experts and political leaders who will convey important facts about the world’s past, current and future oil supply, the fundamentals driving peak oil, the status of alternative fuels, the economic risks of peak oil, demand reduction strategies, national security and foreign policy issues, and policy options at municipal levels.
Natsource Closes Greenhouse Gas Credit Aggregation Pool With Over Euro 455 Million (US$550 million)
The GG-CAP is the first private-sector initiative to provide a cost-effective means for companies to meet requirements to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions under the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme and the Kyoto Protocol.
New Energy Commission Building Standards Go Into Effect to Cut Energy Use
New energy efficiency building standards went into effect in California on October 1, 2005 -- standards that will reduce energy use in the state by an estimated 180 megawatts of electricity load and 8.8 million therms of natural gas each year.
A new chapter is being written on the long saga of restarting a mothballed 50-megawatt, new-technology coal power plant at Healy, between Anchorage and Fairbanks.
HEA general manager Brad Janorschke said his utility is keenly interested in developing alternatives to the use of natural gas for the generation of electricity.
"As most people are aware, the price of natural gas has been escalating, and there is concern about an adequate future supply of gas in the Cook Inlet area.
Ontario Trash disposed at Michigan landfills
That rumble you hear is the drumbeat of Michigan lawmakers girding for yet another attempt to halt Ontario from shipping its trash over the border for disposal at Michigan landfills. And the grinding sound accompanying the rumble is Ontario politicians’ teeth gnashing as they quarrel over their failure to work out a contingency plan for disposing of the province’s waste in the event Michigan does succeed in shutting the door.
Project will carry natural gas from Rockies
Kinder Morgan Energy Partners and Sempra Energy have customer commitments for at least half the capacity of their planned $3 billion, 1,500-mile natural gas pipeline out of the Rockies.
This puts the companies a step closer to being the first to build a major pipeline connecting the natural gas-rich Rocky Mountains with other U.S. markets clamoring for more supplies.
Puget Sound Region Feeling Climate Change
"We've been in denial about this problem," said Brad Ack, director of
the Puget Sound Action Team, a state agency responsible for protecting
the Puget Sound. "Denial is no longer an option."
The future of the region in the next 100 years is unknown, but the
report released this week makes a number of dire predictions: vanishing
beaches; increasingly inhospitable water for salmon and shellfish; more
rain and less snow, causing a chain reaction of flooding and landslides.
"With all of the refineries coming back on stream, prices could take a bit of a tumble later on in the day. Since the end of August, barring a couple of blips, the market has been in a bit of a downtrend,"
Rat Outsmarts Scientists, Eludes Capture for Four Months
A cunning rat released on a deserted island off New Zealand outsmarted scientists and evaded traps, baits and sniffer dogs before being captured four months later on a neighbouring island, researchers said on Wednesday.
Renewables groups oppose California ballot measure
An increasing number of renewable energy organizations are fighting a ballot measure proposed for the state of California, which they claim will stop consumers from buying green power.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 102005
Solar activity was very low. No flares were observed during the past 24 hours. The geomagnetic field was quiet to unsettled. There is a chance for isolated active periods on the third day (22 Oct) due to a favorably-positioned coronal hole.
Senate Energy panel approves budget measure with ANWR drilling
Tribal Wisdom Valuable Against Earthquakes
As the death toll mounts in the earthquake that struck the Himalayan territory of Kashmir on the weekend, fresh light is being shed on the remarkable escape of an Indonesian community from another natural disaster -- last December's devastating tsunami.
UK 'faces higher gas bills after Spanish takeover'
THE creation of an overarching national energy champion in Spain via Gas Natural's Pounds 15 billion takeover of its largest electricity generator, Endesa, will have dire consequences for competition in the EU power market, leading to higher UK household bills.
That is the warning from the UK's biggest residential energy group British Gas, whose parent Centrica is this week demanding the European Commission block the deal.
US DOE plans to form research consortia on oil, natural gas
US Navy Sued over "Ear-Splitting" Sonar on Whales
A coalition of environmental groups sued the US Navy on Wednesday over the use of sonar, saying that the ear-splitting sounds can cause mass whale and dolphin strandings and internal bleeding.
Vietnam to build first nuclear power plant in central region
Vietnam's energy demand is estimated at 230 billion kwh in 2020, of which 165 billion kwh will be met by domestic primary sources like fossil fuel, some 5 billion kwh by renewable sources, 20 billion kwh by imports, and 40 billion kwh by nuclear energy and thermoelectricity generated from plants using imported coal, he said.
"Because the power plant will generate only 14 billion kwh, or even the output doubles (28 billion kwh), we'll still face power shortage in 2020.
Worried about Bird Flu? Wash your Hands
Little can be done to prevent an outbreak of bird flu if it comes in the next year or so before vaccine production can get started, health experts caution, but they say common sense measures can help individuals protect themselves.
October 19, 2005
Antarctic Ozone Hole may have Peaked, UN Agency says
Depletion of the ozone layer above Antarctica, caused by emissions of industrial chemicals, seems to have peaked, indicating that global environmental pacts were working, UN scientists said on Tuesday. "It is the third largest ever, more or less as one would expect from present levels of chlorine and bromine in the atmosphere.
But uncertainties remained regarding the pace of the ozone's recovery, according to the Norwegian expert.
"At the same time there is this issue of climate change which will lead to higher temperature on the ground -- the globe is warming up -- but in the stratosphere temperatures will decrease. That will encourage more ozone loss in the Arctic and the Antarctic," he added.
Argentina Angling to Join Biofuels Race
Armed with 12 tonnes of soybeans, a young Argentine engineer named Edmundo Defferrari can produce enough fuel in one day to fill the tanks of five soy trucks. The engineer's goal is to sell similar plants to farmers who are anxious to lower their fuel costs or even achieve self-sufficiency in the face of soaring oil prices.
Asian groups demand GM rice ban
A coalition of 17 Asia-based NGOs have urged authorities to impose a global ban on genetically modified (GM) rice. The call follows growing concerns over biotechnology companies looking to commercially introduce GM varieties into the region.
Britain at War Over EU Energy Scandal
Britain is threatening to use its presidency of the European Union to force France and Germany to open up their energy markets or face the threat of unlimited fines.
"We have been relaxed about foreign energy companies coming into our country, but we are not going to be relaxed about their refusal to open up their markets," he warned.
Bulgaria's Nuclear Plant Manager Views Negative Consequences of Reactors Closure
The price of electricity generated by the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant will increase 56 per cent after the plant's Units 3 and 4 are shut down, Kozloduy Executive Director Ivan Ivanov told a joint meeting of the plant management and Parliament's Energy Committee on Tuesday [18 October].
Coal is hot. But, it could quickly cool off unless the most advanced technologies are applied to the combustion process. The aim is to cleanse it of all of its impurities, including carbon dioxide that is thought to cause global warming. Even the biggest skeptics of the validity of global warming recognize that it is an issue that is not going to evaporate. It's here -- and the drumbeat for a carbon constrained world is going to get louder and particularly as new technologies come to the fore that make "zero emissions" possible, as well as "carbon sequestration." Clearly, it's now possible to dramatically cut such pollutants as nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide. But, it's also becoming increasingly real to trap carbon dioxide (CO2) in trees or to bury it underground.
Bushmen's Quiver Tree Threatened by Climate Change
A famed desert tree used for generations by Africa's bushmen to make quivers for their arrows is threatened by global warming, a conference heard on Tuesday. She also said the quiver trees' situation highlighted the fact that climate change was having an impact on desert ecosystems, regions where many people assume the affects should be minimal as they are already hot and dry.
China Seeks to Explore for Uranium in Australia
Chinese companies are setting their sights on investing in uranium exploration and mining in Australia as sustained high oil prices accelerate China's drive to develop alternative energy sources and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Chinese five-year plan prioritizes nuclear, wind, solar energies
A proposal for China's national economy and social development over the next five years (2006-2010), released on Tuesday [18 October] by the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), calls for stepping up development of nuclear, wind and solar energies. The proposal says that China should accelerate oil and natural gas exploration and increase cooperation with other countries to enhance its capacity for strategic oil reserve.
Daily status report on energy industry recovery efforts in the US Gulf 101905
The US Minerals Management Service said on Oct 18 in its daily production update in the wake of Katrina and Rita, that oil shutins were 982,011 b/d, or 65.47% of normal production. Natural gas shut-ins as of Oct 18 stood at 5.346 Bcf/d, or 53.46% of normal output
EPA fines Mass. city for discharging wastewater into river
The city of Holyoke, Mass., is facing a $157,500 penalty for alleged Clean Water Act violations.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking the penalty in an administrative complaint that claims the city discharges as much as 500 million gallons of wastewater annually into the Connecticut River. The discharges allegedly are the result of combined sewer overflows from the city´s inadequate sewer system.
EU Rapeoil Selling out for Biofuel use - Oil World
Sudden demand for rapeseed oil as biofuel means European Union rapeoil producers are increasingly sold out, Hamburg-based oilseeds analysts Oil World said.
"The most obvious sign of the market being in disequilibrium is the fact that biodiesel as well as rapeoil are partly completely sold out in northern Europe," it said.
This has happened despite European Union rapeseed crushers and processors running at full capacity.
Global Warming Takes Toll on Africa's Coral Reefs
Global warming is taking a toll on coral reefs off east Africa, which will likely be killed off in a few decades if sea surface temperatures continue to rise, a leading researcher warned on Tuesday. "Dangerous climate change has already happened for coral reefs," Dr David Obura told a conference on climate change science in Johannesburg.
In an effort to get more New Jersey consumers to support cleaner electricity, Green Mountain Energy Company today announced that it is offering the lowest rate product in the New Jersey CleanPower Choice Program. This new Green Mountain Energy(R) electricity product is being offered at the introductory rate of 0.9 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), in addition to the local utility's electric generation charges.
Hybrid Owners Say EPA Mileage Estimates Hard to Reach
Amy Branch paid $50,000 for a Lexus hybrid SUV in part because she wanted to save money on gas.
But after a month of driving, she was still getting less than 25 miles to the gallon, not the 31 estimated by the EPA.
IPE Brent edges up as Hurricane Wilma upgraded to category five
The front-month December IPE Brent futures contract was trading at $59.45/bbl at 1048 London time, up 16 cts from Tuesday's settle of $59.28/bbl.
"Overall nothing massive is taking place at the moment, the market looks rather quiet," a trader said. Many major oil companies and investment banks have been largely confined to the sidelines in recent days due to the volatility, traders said.
Let the Markets Define the Incentives
"It is time to allow IOU's a greater rate of return on clean, safe,
renewable energy investments than they are allowed on fuels with huge external
costs to society."
- Bill Roush, RE Insider
Louisiana's onshore oil, gas production shows little improvement
As of Tuesday, 27%, or 1,609 of the state's 5,949 wells have been reported returned to production, the DNR said. Another 2,811 wells, or 47%, remain shut-in after the twin hurricanes and 26%, or 1,529 wells, have yet to report
their status, DNR reported.
"To impose this high monthly rate increase on the working people of this state is appalling and to assess such a dramatic increase during the expensive winter heating season is unacceptable," said Cox. "That is why I have proposed a plan that would significantly cut the expected monthly rate increase."
Oil Leak at Maine Power Plant Spills into River
The Wisconsin-based power company said 4,000 to 5,000 gallons leaked from the WPS New England Caribou Steam Power Plant in Caribou, Maine. The leak occurred when a float switch on a day tank failed. The fuel oil spilled onto the pavement, across an earthen berm and some flowed into the Aroostook River.
Palo Verde Units 2 and 3 Return to Service
Operators at the nation's largest nuclear power plant began making preparations Monday to return two of its three units to service after questions were resolved regarding the capability of an important safety system to perform as designed. Units 2 and 3 were operating at full power when they were shut down Oct. 11 after the Company could not immediately validate a calculation from the 1970s upon which operation of certain aspects of the plant's Emergency Core Cooling System (ECCS) is based.
Plan Seeks New Nuclear Reactors
Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman said Tuesday the first new nuclear power plant in more than two decades could be completed by 2014 under administration proposals to reduce construction risks and speed licensing.
Polar Regions Take Centre Stage in Climate Crisis
World scientists are aiming to spell out in graphic detail the threat of flooding faced by millions of people from America to Asia as global warming melts the polar ice caps. A major coordinated study of the Arctic and Antarctic ice sheets intends not only to lay the bald facts before world leaders but offer courses of action.
"Combined with a plan to increase production from OPEC from 32.5-mil b/d to 38-mil b/d by the year 2009 and an additional 1.5-mil b/d of natural gas liquids coming also from OPEC over the same period...cumulative world oil production capacity, including non-OPEC countries, will rise by around 12-mil b/d over that period,"
(Shihab-Eldin said. This will be, in his
opinion, above the expected cumulative rise in demand
over that period which is estimated to be around 7-8-mil
b/d).
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 101905
Solar activity was very low. No solar flares were observed during the past 24 hours. Solar activity is expected to be very low. The geomagnetic field was quiet to unsettled. The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet to unsettled.
South Africa to get Hotter, Water Impact seen - Government
Temperatures are set to rise in South Africa over the coming years, in a trend likely to lead to drier soils and drive changes in both water management and land use, two government ministers said on Tuesday.
Southern Company's Energy Efficiency Programs Continue To Keep Energy Demand Below Peak
Southern Company continues to see successful results from its comprehensive demand- side management and energy efficiency programs currently in use across its system. This summer, Southern Company established consecutive new record peaks for its system on July 25 and 26. On each of those days, Southern Company was able to reduce its peak demand by more than 400 megawatts, the equivalent of the peak demand for 80,000 homes, as a result of these programs.
State OKs ethanol plant near Hereford
HEREFORD, Texas Texas has issued an air permit for Panda Energy Group to build a 100 (M) million gallon biomass-fueled ethanol plant east of Hereford.
Dallas-based Panda says the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality had approved the permit for the plant.Toyota, Honda score highest in survey gauging commitment to hybrids
Two Japanese automakers scored the highest on a survey of Americans regarding companies´ commitments to making hybrid vehicles.
Some 41 percent of 1,011 consumers said they see Toyota as being committed to hybrid vehicles, followed closely by 40 percent for Honda
Using most efficient power plants first, not a good idea-- EEI
What's moving the oil markets 101905
The National Hurricane Center said that Wilma, recently upgrade to a category 5 hurricane, would likely avoid the oil infrastructure in the US Gulf coast and swing north towards Florida.
Winds could change face of power generation
Wind turbines could generate enough electricity to power the southern city of Guanzhou, a Greenpeace report claimed yesterday.
By 2020, winds breezing through Guangdong could be producing 35,000 gigawatt hours of electricity 17 per cent of the province's total 2003 power consumption, and enough to match the provincial capital's yearly power demands.
October 18, 2005
Alabama's Rivers in Fast Decline
Jim Graham likes canoeing in
Alabama's rivers and streams. Swimming, however, is a different story.
The water is too dirty, the Montgomery resident said, and he isn't sure
about the "foam" he sees on the top of the water while he paddles down
the Locus Fork, a branch of the Black Warrior River near Birmingham.
Antarctic Ice Melts as Sea Warms but Cause Unknown
Antarctica is melting, adding to the inexorable rise in global sea levels, endangering millions of lives and whole economies, leading scientists said on Monday. "We know sea levels will rise. We need to know by how much and why," Anthony Payne of the University of Bristol.
Brazil Races Supplies to Towns Stranded by Amazon Drought
Military ships and cargo planes loaded with food raced Monday to supply Amazon River communities stranded by drought, while sporadic rains raised hopes that the worst dry spell in decades could be ending.
Chilly Winter Forecast for US Northeast - Earthsat
US households should brace for a frosty winter, particularly in the Northeast which is the biggest consumer of heating oil around, private forecaster EarthSat predicted on Monday.
China may Emerge as World Top Wind Power - Greenpeace
Greenpeace on Monday called for greater investment in wind turbines in China, the world's top coal consumer, saying Beijing's ambitious target for renewable energy means it could emerge the global top wind power by 2020.
The time is now to look toward clean electricity generation and not saddle Sevier County with the burden of being the home of yet another coal-fired power plant.
Daily status report on energy industry recovery efforts in the US Gulf 101805
Valero Energy on Oct 17 said its 250,000 b/d Port Arthur refinery was currently running at 75% of typical capacity and that it expected the facility to be at full rates by the end of this week.
Lyondell-Citgo early on Oct 17 was performing a damage assessment of the fluid catalytic cracker at its 268,000 b/d refinery in Houston after an explosion and fire hit the unit on Oct 16, a company spokesman said.
The US Minerals Management Service said on Oct 17 in its daily production update in the wake of Katrina and Rita, that oil shut-ins were 996,291 b/d, or 66.42% of normal production of 1.5-mil b/d. On Oct 14, oil shut-ins were 1.009-mil b/d, or 67.26% of normal. MMS also said natural gas shut-ins as of Oct 17 stood at 5.498 Bcf/d, or 54.98% of normal output of 10 Bcf/d.
El Paso Natural Gas Company Announces Expiration of Navajo Right of Way
It expects its right-of-way agreement across lands held by the United States in trust for the Navajo Nation to expire at midnight tonight. "We are deeply disappointed that after more than a year of good-faith effort we have not been able to reach agreement with the Nation's negotiating team," said James J. Cleary, president of El Paso Natural Gas.
Encouraging signs in state’s effort on hydrogen power
RECENT EVENTS IN South Carolina’s exploration of building an economic nucleus around hydrogen as a power source show that the state is forging ahead on several fronts — despite one setback. Those involved hope that the setback is a temporary one. The Savannah River Site was passed over as one of two locations for new nuclear power reactors, the first to be built in two decades. A small research reactor alongside the power plant would have offered a place to try to generate hydrogen cleanly in the proper form to power fuel cells — a way to break the cycle of fossil fuel use that the world now is locked into.
EU Ministers Seek Post-2012 Climate Change Plan
European Union ministers on Monday called on countries around the world to form a global plan to fight climate change after 2012, but activists said the bloc must be more clear about its timetable for progress.
"It was made clear that the council (of EU ministers) wants to see as many of our global partners as possible engaged in this dialogue because of course we are talking very much about something which is a global problem," British environment chief Margaret Beckett told a news conference.
Fortune's Lost Fox deposit has 60.8 mt of reserves
Government and Bruce Power Reach Agreement to Restart Nuclear Units
Energy Minister Donna Cansfield today announced that the government and Bruce Power have reached an agreement to produce another 1,500 megawatts of electricity capacity with the refurbishment of Bruce A Units 1 and 2 at the Bruce Nuclear facility near Kincardine. The agreement will bring on-line enough generating capacity to power one million homes, or a city the size of Ottawa.
Green Oil-- New Energy Crop for Farmers
A private Pennsylvania company wants farmers along the East Coast to grow a new cash crop that it would convert into bio-energy products. The crop is canola, which currently is used mostly in cooking oils.
How green is hydrogen automobile?
Major transformations do happen. Perhaps that's why the folks pushing hydrogen cars don't seem too discouraged by the long odds.
Sure, our gasoline-powered tradition is a century old and has become so ingrained in our culture that it colors everything from work to leisure to U.S. foreign policy. But that doesn't mean things can't change. Ask the makers of buggy whips.
A house in the Scottish seaside village of Eyemouth, Berwickshire will soon test a home energy centre with technology that could prove to be the heating and power supply solution for the future.A micro-CHP (combined heat and power) unit that runs on hydrogen converted from natural gas and is powered by a fuel cell supplied by heating company Baxi is part of a field test involving 100 such units, mainly in Germany and the UK.
Higher gasoline prices, sporadic fuel shortages and growing uncertainty over the stability of supplies are clouding our nation’s energy and security picture. It is more critical than ever to speed development of an alternative energy source that is under our control. Fortunately, there is such a source — hydrogen.
Indigenous Hydrogen fuel for Russian vehicles
The Bellona Foundation supports the development of environmentally clean transport and extends an invitation to Russian organisations to cooperate with Bellona to develop emissions-free hydrogen-based technologies to forward this goal.
The law referred to but not identified in the story is Subtitle D of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
According to the article, Iowa is the last state in the Midwest to enforce the rule. Which makes me wonder: Am I the only one who's surprised that Subtitle D -- enacted all the way back during the reign of George Bush I -- isn't the law of the land everywhere?
IPE Brent retreats as hurricane fears recede
Is hydrogen a viable fuel alternative?
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as filling up with water. With hydrogen gas, you either need huge tanks – the space shuttle utilizes hydrogen fuel – or dangerously high pressures, according to Dr. William Yelon.
Local utility rates may rise as much as 55 percent, officials predict
Hurricane-related damage to Gulf Coast natural gas facilities will cost Inland Empire homeowners and businesses this winter, with heating prices expected to rise sharply.
The federal Energy Information Administration has predicted that home heating bills will increase by an average of 48 percent nationwide this year.
Maine governor seeks 5% reduction in New England gas use by 2011
and energy efficiency effort aimed at cutting New England's gas consumption 5% by 2011.
New technology could allow more coal power to be piped in to California
No Sign Bird Flu Mutating Towards Humans - UK Scientists
There is no evidence that the killer H5N1 bird flu virus is progressively mutating to leap the species barrier into humans, but that is no cause for complacency, British scientists said on Monday.
But Alan Hay, director of the World Influenza Centre, said that if or when it did hit the right mutated form to successfully multiply in humans in large numbers, there would be a pandemic.
"Once it does start to spread, it is likely to spread around the world in a matter of months," he told the same news conference.
Professor to give free lecture on the future of hydrogen energy at HSU
Joan Ogden, co-director of the Hydrogen Pathway Program at University of California at Davis, will present a free public lecture on the future of hydrogen energy at Humboldt State University next week.
"Although the global economic expansion appears to have been on a reasonably firm path through the summer months, the recent surge in energy prices will undoubtedly be a drag from now on,"
US Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 101805
Solar activity was very low. No flares were observed during the past 24 hours. The geomagnetic field was unsettled to active during the past 24 hours. The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet to unsettled for the next three days (18-20 October).
Savings surge; Energy tweaks; could keep your; piggy bank warm,; cozy and full
Mind the gap. Or pay the price.
That's the choice before homeowners this winter, when fuel bills are predicted to soar, making every little unsealed nook and cranny an expensive oversight.
Significant CO2 removal in Norwegian forests
Each year, Norwegian forests sequester enough CO2 to equal 40 percent of Norway’s emissions of greenhouse gases, according to a recent report. How is the forest able to sequester so much CO2, and can this count towards meeting Norway’s Kyoto targets?
Study calls for more push on electricity demand-response programs
THE COLOUR OF MONEY Biogas power plant in bad odour
LONDON: The Great Wind Turbine Scam is not the only means whereby canny businessmen are rushing to cash in on the "green energy'' bonanza: subsidies offered by our Government in its desperation to meet an EU target, by more than trebling the energy we generate from "renewables'' in just five years.
The Hydrogen Loop – The Means for Making the Hydrogen Economy Realistic
The hydrogen economy has already started with the introduction of the Ovonic nickel metal hydride battery which has enabled the rapid growth of hybrid vehicles. Reversible storage of hydrogen in a solid hydride permits the entire loop of hydrogen generation, storage and utilization, all of which have been placed some time in the future. It is often stated that the hydrogen infrastructure does not exist and cannot be put in place. I will show that the hydrogen economy based upon hydrogen, the ultimate fuel, is practical, realistic and is available near-term to our global society. The crisis regarding global warming, pollution, and wars over oil can be solved, at the same time building much needed basic new industries, providing higher value jobs feeding back on the educational system.
U.S. Northeast dries out, hit by new power outages
Floodwaters receded and clear skies stretched across the Northeastern United States on Sunday after a record week of torrential rain, but a blast of gale-force wind knocked out power to thousands of homes.
Winds of up to 50 mph (80 kph) uprooted trees in the saturated ground, bringing down power lines and leaving nearly 14,000 Connecticut homes without electricity and a peak of about 18,000 in the rest of New England.
Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Thomas Dorr today announced a $16 million loan guarantee to help finance construction of an electrical generating plant in rural Arizona that will use wildfire-damaged timber along with waste wood and paper fiber from a nearby paper mill as a fuel source.
US DOE awards grants for unconventional oil, gas research
US gold prices climb higher on worries of tropical storm damage
US Senate budget bill will not include language to open OCS
US to have 'enough gas' stored to meet colder winter-- EIA's Caruso
previously."
USDA backs construction of wood-burning power plant
A $16 million loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Monday will help to build a 20-megawatt wood-burning electrical power plant outside Snowflake.The $23 million biomass facility will use wildfire-damaged wood from the Rodeo-Chediski fire, waste-wood from a nearby paper mill and trees from federal forest-thinning projects for fuel. The project, expected to be fueled for 30- years
W.Va. jumps on liquefaction bandwagon with coal-conversion
"The West Virginia Coal Conversion Initiative is a comprehensive plan that will encompass public/private development of liquefaction and other coal conversion facilities and infrastructure in West
Virginia
Wal-Mart to open 2nd experimental green store in Colorado
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. will open a second experimental store in Aurora, Colo., on Nov. 9 to test more efficient water and energy systems and other environmental projects.
The store will test solar energy use in a retail setting as well as wind energy projects. It also will use waste oil boilers that will burn used motor oil and vegetable oil. Other features include an environmentally friendly gas station, waterless urinals and the use of recycled material from a local airport in the building´s foundation and monument signs.
October 17, 2005
2 Utah Legislators Tour Proposed Yucca Mountain N-Site
Officials maintain that the highly radioactive rods can be safely contained for a long time in dry casks.
"If that's the case, why not just cask them . . . and leave them where they're at?" Curtis asked.
2005 Globally 2nd or 3rd Hottest Year - MetOffice
2005 will be the second or third warmest year on record globally, Britain's national weather service said on Friday, as climate concerns build among people in polar and low-lying areas and in the insurance and utility industries.
Andrews, Texas Eyes Nuclear Test Reactor
UTPB and General Atomics are looking at a new type of nuclear technology -- one that could fuel both electricity and transportation -- and they'd like to put a reactor here in West Texas.
Birdflu Could Kill 50,000 Britons - Government Adviser
Britain is braced for a pandemic of birdflu which could result in at least 50,000 deaths throughout the country, the government's chief medical officer Liam Donaldson said on Sunday.
Coal terminals near New Orleans slowly reopening
Contractor Declares Rocky Flats Nuclear Cleanup Complete
The contractor hired to clean up the former Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant declared the $7 billion, 10-year project completed Thursday, a major milestone in the conversion of the site to a wildlife refuge.
Daily status report on energy industry recovery efforts in the US Gulf 101705
Chevron has successfully restarted its 325,000 b/d refinery at Pascagoula, Mississippi.
BP has won US government approval to use shuttle tankers in the Gulf of Mexico as an alternative for moving oil from working platforms to onshore sites.
Colonial Pipeline has had full commercial power restored to all its facilities, allowing its gasoline and distillate mainlines to operate "at full rates, subject to product availability," the company said.
Disease Threatens Survivors of Guatemala Mudslide
Thousands of people from Panabaj have crammed into churches and houses in the nearby village of Santiago and other towns while the government races to build temporary shelters."The worst problem now is the risk of epidemics," Alfonso Verdu, coordinator of Doctors Without Borders in Guatemala, said late on Saturday. "I don't think the situation in Santiago is under control."
Fayetteville Officials Want Progress Energy to Bring Nuclear Plant to Town
Public officials in Fayetteville see a bright economic future, in the form of a giant cooling tower, armed guards and casks of radioactive waste.
Progress Energy hasn't even said for certain that it will build a nuclear plant -- only that it will file papers -- but it is already being courted.
G20 Vows Coherent Global Economics, Sees Oil Worry
The G20 group of rich and developing nations vowed on Sunday to pursue coherent policies in a world of increasingly global business and trade where high oil prices and protectionism threaten growth and prosperity. The joint communique, endorsed by rich countries including the United States and France and others such as China, India, Brazil and Saudi Arabia, voiced concern about high oil prices as a risk in terms of both inflation and lost economic growth.
Consumer watchdog magazine Consumer Reports launched this Web site dedicated to the environmental impact of consumer products. Find health and environmental information -- including an energy-efficiency rating -- on products for home and office (or home office), including consumer electronics, cars, home appliances, and garden products.
Group Says Power Plants Will Double State's Mercury Emissions
Big Sky coal is contributing to a national mercury pollution problem and the power plants that burn it should be under tougher regulation, a University of Montana-based activist group said Thursday.
Houston refinery explosion, tropical storm push IPE Brent higher
Invasive Plant Found in Alaska
The plant, which resembles fireweed, has already choked creeks
and wetlands across the Lower 48 and Canada.
The hardy flowering perennial is native to Europe and can multiply into
dense thickets almost impossible to eliminate.
Katrina Floodwaters Not as Toxic to Humans as Previously Thought, Study Says
Market Forces Make Alternative Energy More Viable
From a credit research perspective, sky-high oil and gas prices may be creating the best environment yet for alternative energy companies, according to Standard & Poor's in a special report to be published on Monday, October 17. In the current lending and oil price environment, nearly any rating at all seems sufficient to secure financing for these projects, which include wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and hydropower.
More Than 3,500 Megawatts of Coal-Fired Generation Under Development in Florida
Currently, there are about 50 power-generating units of all fuel types in various stages of development (planned, engineered or under construction) in Florida.
Next Human Pandemic 'Inevitable', Says US Scientist
The next human pandemic is "inevitable" and the world must prepare now against bird flu and other potentially deadly viruses, a top US government scientist said on Saturday. "It's not a matter of when or if," he told reporters in Vietnam, where 41 people have died from the H5N1 virus that has now spread to Europe.
Oregon State Univ. Researchers Hope to Make Hydrogen Without Burning Fuel
Two Oregon State University researchers are guiding an effort in Corvallis to harness photosynthetic microbes that use solar energy to split water molecules and produce hydrogen fuel.
Planet Sees Warmest September on Record
Worldwide, it was the warmest September on record, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Friday. The second warmest September was in 2003 with an average temperature of 1.02 degrees Fahrenheit (0.57 Celsius) above the mean.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 101505
The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet, with unsettled to active conditions possible on 15-16 October as a coronal hole high speed solar wind stream becomes geoeffective.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 101705
Solar activity is expected to be very low.The geomagnetic field is expected to be predominantly quiet.
Rising Natural Gas Prices Expected to Affect Electricity Costs
Pacific Gas and Electric Company today alerted the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) that the skyrocketing cost of natural gas across the nation is causing wholesale electric generators to charge PG&E higher prices for the electricity the company buys for its customers.
Saving The Planet at Flick of Switch
Eve Black always turns the light off when she leaves a room and never leaves the TV on standby - and she wishes others would follow suit. Black is among a growing band of young people who have been made abruptly aware of the problems of climate change as a result of campaigns by non-governmental organisations, scientists and celebrities.
Scientists in Nordic Region Call on Governments To Act against Global Warming
Throughout the Nordic region, scientists have noted signs of warming,
including an earlier start to the pollen season in the spring, more
butterfly species from southern Europe, and fish normally found in
tropical waters.
Experts from environmental research institutes in Denmark, Finland,
Sweden and Denmark, said the climate changes mainly were caused by man,
especially by emissions of so-called greenhouse gases that trap heat in
the atmosphere.
Survey Finds Slovenia Well Prepared for Possible Energy Shocks
A survey has found that Slovenia's ability to avert or recover from sudden or prolonged energy shocks is better than in 11 other Central and Eastern European countries.
Tackling Wastewater Pollution at Source Cheaper than Cleaning Up, Report Says
The Up-Hill Road to a Better America -- A Guest Commentary
As we all are painfully aware, in addition to the human tragedy of the recent hurricanes, the catastrophic storms also are inflicting economic hardship on American consumers and businesses coast-to-coast in the form of high energy prices. American consumers are finally waking up to the personal and societal implications of our country’s over-reliance on petroleum in the transportation sector.
Toyota Recalls 75,000 Prius Gas-Electric Hybrids
Their engines can stall due to an electrical problem. Involved in the recall are some 2004 and early 2005 model year Prius cars. The cars have a gas engine as well as a battery-powered electric motor that can run separately or together to save fuel. In affected vehicles, dashboard warning lights may come on and the gasoline engine shuts down.
Tropical depression nears storm strength on GOM track early Mon
UNH Research Center Studies Rain Runoff
Who ever thought a rain-soaked parking lot could provide so much information? In this season of stormy weather and floods, the University of New Hampshire has been studying the runoff that flows off parking lots, roads and lawns -- the chief source of water pollution in the country.
Union Pacific chugs toward reduced pollution in Texas
Union Pacific Railroad expects to cut nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 80 percent at rail yards in Texas by using 111 new technology locomotives in 2006 and 2007.
The locomotives will be used in rail yards in the Houston/Galveston, Dallas/Fort Worth and San Antonio markets, the Omaha, Neb.-based company said.
University of Colorado Wins 2005 Solar Decathlon
US Senate Panel to Vote on Alaska Drilling Plan
Giving energy companies access to the refuge's billions of barrels of crude oil is a key part of the Bush administration's national energy plan to boost domestic production and reduce US dependence on imported oil.The legislative proposal, which is expected to be cleared by the energy panel and then folded into a much bigger budget bill to fund the federal government, calls for oil drilling on ANWR's 1.5 million-acre coastal plain
Venezuela Talks to Argentina, Brazil on Nuclear Energy
"We are studying forms of cooperation in this area, as we have in the oil area," Garcia said during a meeting of Iberian and Latin American leaders.
Garcia's statement appeared to reverse previous statements by Brazil's government, which said earlier this year no nuclear cooperation with Venezuela was under consideration.
Westport Innovations to Showcase Hydrogen-Blend Buses
The IWHUP will demonstrate clean energy solutions that make use of an existing, but currently untapped, source of hydrogen fuel -- hydrogen emitted as the by-product of a sodium-chlorate manufacturing plant in the North Vancouver area. The purified hydrogen could be used to continually fuel a fleet of up to 20,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles in the Vancouver area, greatly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, local air pollutants, and the use of fossil fuels.
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita may have brought out the best in utilities. But, they also exposed some potential weaknesses, namely the level of investment in transmission. The need for a more vast and modern grid is widely recognized. But the chief obstacles to building them deter construction, principally resistance by neighborhood organizations and environmental groups.
Like drifting continents, a slow-motion collision of two opposing philosophies about waste is currently underway in North America. Understanding what's at stake is crucial for anyone in the waste management and recycling business, which is being rattled by seismic shifts.
October 14, 2005
Big Stars are Born Near Milky Way's Black Hole
Dozens of massive stars, destined for a short but brilliant life, were born less than a light-year away from the Milky Way's central black hole, one of the most hostile environments in our galaxy, astronomers reported on Thursday.
Bush Admin Seeks to Weaken Utility-Emission Rules
The Bush administration on Thursday proposed changing environmental rules to give US coal-fired power plants more leeway to expand aging facilities without installing expensive equipment to cut air pollution.
Environmental groups said the EPA's plan, if finalized, means US utilities can spew more nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide -- precursors of acid rain and smog linked to respiratory diseases like asthma.
Chicago says plant would be a polluter
The City of Chicago has told the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that a coal-fired power plant proposed in Will County would use outdated technology and create far too much air pollution.
Chicken Growers Hope Measures Will Prevent Flu Breakout
President Bush heightened awareness
of avian influenza -- or the bird flu -- last week when he compared the
potential devastation on an outbreak to that of the 1918 flu that killed
an estimated 50 million people.
But area chicken growers and a company that buys from them say they
aren't yet worried about an American outbreak of the virus.
China's economy showing no signs of slowing
China’s economy continues to grow at a blistering rate.
And now the country faces mounting pressure from the United States to slow its soaring trade surplus by letting market forces set the value of its currency.
Critics Dominate Final EPA Hearing on Radiation Rule
Most speakers said the EPA's two-tiered rule -- which proposes one standard for radiation releases from the dump for 10,000 years and a much weaker one after that -- isn't protective enough.
Daily status report on energy industry recovery efforts in the US Gulf 101405
Refinery inputs averaged 12.6-mil b/d for the week ended Oct 7, up 868,000 b/d from the prior week. Refineries ran at 74.9% of their operable capacity during the week, up from 69.8%. Gasoline and distillate production rose as a result of increased refinery throughputs.
The US Minerals Management Service said on Oct 13 that oil shut-ins were roughly 1.031-mil b/d, or 68.75% of normal production.
Natural gas shutins as of Oct 13 stood at 5.670 Bcf/d, or 56.7% of normal output.
Devices To Save Energy are Hot Sellers
The temperatures may still be mild,
but sales of cold-air fighters like insulation are heating up as area
residents prepare to contend with soaring energy costs.
A check with local retailers found sales are unusually brisk for
insulation, weather-stripping and plastic sheeting for windows, caulking
materials, and even programmable thermostats.
Downtown Los Angeles hit by major power outage
A third major power outage in less than a month struck the downtown Los Angeles area Tuesday, prompting renewed calls for an explanation from Department of Water and Power officials.
Drenched Northeastern US Braces for More Rain
"We usually don't see this overall weather pattern this time of year. It usually occurs in the spring," he said.
Energy From Earth Could Make Power
Geothermal energy is extracted from the earth for heating and electricity generation from natural steam, hot water or hot dry rocks in the earth&s crust.
Energy policy certainty leads to supply security
UK energy issues are in the limelight at the moment: new nuclear build, gas supply and renewable obligations have all been debated amid the increasingly vocal complaints of energy buyers facing steep price rises. Given that the investment timeframe is so long term and buyers seem unwilling to take action themselves, the government should act sooner rather than later to provide some clarity for what is currently a very murky future.
Experts Link New Mexico Tree Die-Offs to Warming
Researchers believe the massive die-offs of New Mexico's state
tree during 2002 and 2003 could be a harbinger of life in a warming world.
High elevation pinon forests that had survived previous droughts endured
as much as 90 percent mortality.
Final generator firing up at SRP's Santan operation
Steam plumes and louder-than-normal noises are coming to some
Gilbert neighborhoods later this week as the Salt River Project
fires up the final generator at the Santan power plant.
The start-up, at times, will result in periodic loud noises and steam permeating
from the 150-foot stacks at the plant near the southeastern corner of Val Vista
Drive and Warner Road.
However, SRP officials say the disruptions should greatly
subside once the major testing process wraps in March.
Generation and Consumption of Fuels for Electricity Generation, July 2005
Energy Information Administration
Generation in July 2005 (401.3 billion kilowatthours) was the highest on record, eclipsing the previous record of 381.8 billion kilowatthours produced in August 2003. Generation in July 2005 was 5.1 percent higher than the August 2003 level. Records were also set for coal-fired generation (186.0 billion kilowatthours) and gas-fired generation (96.5 billion kilowatthours), up 2.7 percent and 23.1 percent, respectively, when compared to July 2004.
Green Mountain Energy Company Introduces New Renewable Energy Product in Pennsylvania
The new product launch coincides with the decision by Green Mountain Energy Company to no longer provide electric generation service to approximately 30,000 residential and commercial customers in Pennsylvania.
Hawaii Removes 125 Tons of Marine Debris
The buildup moves with the currents. Most of the debris usually flows to
the northernmost islands of the archipelago. In El Nino years, the
currents take the debris south to beaches in the main Hawaiian Islands.
An estimated 40 tons of marine debris -- from ropes and plastic bottles
to medical waste -- washes up on Hawaiian reefs and beaches each year.
Hayward, Calpine agree to swap
The City Council unanimously voted Tuesday night to let Calpine Corp. carve out 12 acres of city-owned land so the company can build a 600-megawatt power plant.
The power plant will use 4 million gallons a day of the city's 16 million gallons a day of treated wastewater.
The recycled water would be used as a coolant to make the plant's energy generation process more efficient, Hatfield told the council.
IPE Brent falls as Chevron restarts Mississippi refinery
Iraq referendum vote unlikely to bring politcial, energy security
If the constitution is approved, national elections will be held Dec 15. Iraq is expected to become a loose federal state with strong regional control, split by the Shi'ite-Muslim south, Sunni center and Kurdish north.
But rather than lead to stability, federalism could cause greater political instability as sectarian violence increases and oil sector reconstruction work languishes.
ISO New England Assesses Hurricane Impact on Region's Electricity Supply
Lamar, Colo., power plant plans switch to coal
The power plant in Lamar, searching for ways to hold down customer costs, continues to move ahead with its planned switch to coal as part of an overall $66 million plant expansion.
Currently fueled by gas and diesel, the Lamar plant, owned by the Arkansas River Power Authority, feeds electricity to Lamar, Holly, Springfield, La Junta, Las Animas, Trinidad and Raton, N.M.
Local control over our energy future is the best option
”If you step away from the details and look at the concept, electric co-ops throughout the state have done a terrific job at serving customers,“ he said. ”I'm no expert, but I have every reason to believe that this is viable.“
Lower Hudson Valley counties not concerned about nuke pill delay
Emergency officials in the Lower Hudson Valley say a federal delay in distributing potassium iodide pills to residents within 20 miles of a nuclear power plant hasn't affected residents' abilities to get the protection against a possible radiological release from the Indian Point plants in Buchanan.
The federal government already has distributed enough of the tablets, commonly called KI, to take care of the 4.7 million people who live within 10 miles of the nation's 103 working nuclear plants.
Meeting The Sustainability Challenge
The Executive Education Program at the USC Center for Sustainable Cities is presenting an innovative and dynamic leadership training in urban sustainability in Los Angeles, California, on November 11-13, 2005. This training provides a thorough introduction to sustainability concepts and gives participants practical tools for improving business and government operations by putting these concepts into practice.
Mercedes-Benz Unveils F600 Merc Hygenius Vehicle
A fuel cell uses the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to generate electrical power in a process that produces no emissions. The fuel cell in the Hygenius is around 40 percent more compact than previously, runs more efficiently, and is notable for its good cold-start characteristics
Montana governor promotes synfuel while considering other options
For the past several months, Schweitzer has been encouraging the development of Montana coal-derived synthetic fuels to replace gasoline, diesel and even jet fuel to ease the nation's reliance on foreign oil. "These are clean-burning, high-performing fuels that require no engine modifications," a synfuel fact sheet on the governor's website said.
New Calif. law requires retailers to take back rechargeable batteries
The Rechargeable Battery Act of 2006 requires California retailers selling rechargeable batteries to take back the batteries at no cost to the consumer by July 1. The law exempts stores that primarily sell food and retailers with annual gross sales of less than $1 million.
New Orleans eyes major resurgence
Downtown New Orleans looked like it was back in business. Bumper-to-bumper traffic snarled Canal Street. Parking spaces vanished.
Nigeria Shuts Lagos Schools after Unexplained Fumes Sweep City
Lagos Governor Bola Tinubu ordered the closure of all primary and secondary schools in Lagos, a city of 14 million, and launched an investigation to determine the cause of what a government statement called a "high concentration of gas in the air."
Norway Government to Okay Oil Drilling in Arctic - Reports
Norway's incoming left-of-centre government will permit oil drilling in the Arctic and raise spending on welfare under a policy platform to be unveiled on Thursday, Norwegian media said.
On Plate or In Tank- Europe Vegoils in Demand
Pouring vegetable oil over your salad or into your car's petrol tank is increasingly becoming a critical choice as Europe's rapidly growing biofuel industry soaks up more and more of available supply.
Palo Verde Nuclear Power Plant Shut Down
PHOENIX (AP) -- A problem with an emergency reactor core cooling system is responsible for shutting down the nation's largest nuclear power plant. There's no immediate word when the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station may be back in operation.
Québec Mining Association and Hydro-Québec target energy efficiency
Red Tide Still a Problem in Florida Panhandle
Red tide, which has beachgoers complaining of alergy-like symptoms while causing fish kills and closing oyster harvesting areas, remains scattered across the Florida Panhandle, state officials said on Wednesday.
Renewable-energy source rules debated
State regulators are close to completing rules that will shift more of Rhode Island's electricity supply to renewable resources.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 101405
Solar activity has been very low. No active regions appear on the visible disk.The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet to unsettled all three days.
Russia sees role for China in floating nuclear plant project
Rosenergoatom has lobbied for the project, which has been on the drawing board for years, to be financed in full by the Russian government budget. If that money is allocated in next year's Russian budget, "we will drop the Chinese loan and build the floating stations ourselves," he said.
Serbia approves agreement to create Balkan energy community
The Serbian government approved on Thursday an agreement to create a Balkan energy community to regulate the natural gas and electric power markets in the region.
Study Shows Wyoming Gas Projects Harming Mule Deer
A new study suggests natural gas development in western Wyoming is forcing mule deer into less suitable winter range and affecting the animals' movements in an area known as the Pinedale Anticline.
Sustainability in the National Parks--Part II, Yellowstone
It had been almost two decades since I had last visited the park, but I wasn’t surprised at the ecological-savvy changes that I had read about--bears no longer beg along the roads (begging bears is a strong childhood memory), wolves (not a sight in my youth) now can be glimpsed in Lamar Valley and recycling and sustainability efforts have reached levels not even dreamed of at age 10 when I would pick up trash I found along Yellowstone's trails.
US refinery rates, crude imports continue post-storm recovery-EIA
Utilities issue heat cost alert
Heating bills could head through the roof this winter, the American Gas Association said Tuesday in alerting consumers to take steps now to conserve.
Utilities are stocked with plenty of natural gas but the supply came at a cost, the association said. Air conditioning demand during a warmer-than-usual summer pumped up energy prices, the group said.
The temptation to dabble in broadband communications is too great.
After all, such high speed Internet access is growing exponentially and the possibilities are potentially limitless. The United States in particular lags many parts of the world in terms of broadband deployment. Internet service providers want to get direct access to the homes and the local utility companies with their ubiquitous wires can permit them to do just that -- and evade the local phone and cable companies that tend to hog the wires for their own usage.
What's moving the oil markets? 101405
On Thursday, the US Department of Energy released its latest weekly stock figures showing that distillates and gasoline fell by 3.4-mil and 2.7-mil respectively, outstripping analysts expectations. On the crude side, rose by 1-mil bbl, slightly less than the 3-mil bbl that had been projected. Refinery utilisation also rose, up 5.1% to 74.9%, but at the same time, demand was falling against year ago levels, a signal of a bearish market.
Xcel- Wind Power Will Soon Be Cheaper
DENVER Customers who use Xcel Energy's
Windsource wind-energy program will soon pay less in exchange for
a greener energy source. Customers who use wind power have been
paying more than regular electric customers.
Residential customers who buy all their power from the Windsource
program will pay about $59 a month for electricity in November.
But because of Xcel's rate increase, conventional customers will
pay $53 to $69 a month.
October 13, 2005
Before the oil runs out- How can US cope when gas prices surge?
Gasoline prices set a new record earlier in the wake of hurricane Katrina,
but costs were already rising fast before the super storm collided with the Gulf
Coast.
The average price of regular gasoline has more than doubled since 2002, when it
stood at just $ 1.36 a gallon. Since reaching $ 3.01 earlier, topping the 1981
high of $ 3.00 (adjusted for inflation), consumers are worried. Will this
four-year price spiral stop? Or could we be headed for $ 5 gas?
Brazil and Venezuela sign oil refinery agreement
The refinery, to be built in the north-eastern Brazilian state of Pernambuco,
is to process up to 200,000 barrels of heavy oil daily.
The signing of the agreement was "an important step" toward the integration of
South American countries, said Lula.
Chavez, who is attending the first summit of the South American Community of
Nations (CSN), said the agreement demonstrated Venezuela and Brasilia are taking
concrete actions to realize the integration of the South American continent.
Capsized Typhoon platform in USG may be 'total loss'--Chevron exec
He could not provide a financial value for the tension leg platform, which was found capsized about 70 miles from its location in 2,000 feet of water at Green Canyon 236-237 after Hurricane Rita landed Sep 24 on the Texas-Louisiana border.
Chavez proposes to expand South American oil alliance
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said he is seeking to share his country's
oil wealth with every nation in South America, aiming to strengthen ties while
offering an alternative to the US-backed Free Trade Area of the Americas.
Chavez says his "Petroamerica" initiative is intended to reach countries across
the hemisphere, and that Venezuela has ample reserves to help the region deal
with high oil prices for generations to come.
China's pursuit of energy to put world relations to test: S&P
Coal, gas, oil and uranium production on the rise again in the West
Today's energy boom, he says, is "managed chaos."
"We're better prepared. It's 25 years later and we've got infrastructure," he
said.
Some two decades after the West's last oil bust, production of coal, natural
gas, oil and uranium is on the upswing as the world's energy supplies dwindle
and demand rises unabated. Even oil shale is getting a fresh look.
Commission to test first-time mothers´ blood for environmental chemicals
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation will conduct a North America-wide testing program to analyze the blood of first-time mothers for selected environmental chemicals. "The project will allow, for the first time, a basic comparison of the population of all three North American countries using data that were collected in a scientifically consistent manner.
Daily status report on energy industry recovery efforts in the US Gulf 101305
It will take until the end of the 2006 first quarter for Gulf of Mexico oil and natural gas production disrupted by hurricanes Katrina and Rita to return to near normal levels, while 98.3% of the Gulf refinery capacity idled by the storms should be back on line by the end of December.
The EIA also raised by 10 cts, to $2.68/gal, its forecast for fourth-quarter retail regular-grade gasoline. The average pump price in the US is "expected to increase to $2.68/gal for the fourth quarter due, in part, to the effects of the hurricanes on refinery capacity
Deforestation Doesn't Trigger Floods - UN Report
Deforestation is often wrongly blamed for causing floods, like in Guatemala this month, under a myth that has skewed agricultural policies, an international report said on Thursday. The report said it was incorrect to believe that forests acted as giant sponges that soak up water and release it during dry seasons. After heavy rains, excess water runs off waterlogged forest floors like off other surfaces.
EU Study Suggests PCBs may Damage Human Sperm
Toxic man-made industrial chemicals in the environment can damage sperm but do not seem to dramatically effect male fertility, scientists said on Thursday.
The damage to sperm increased with the level of exposure to the chemicals in European men but did not have the same effect on 193 Inuits men from Greenland in the study.
"We can only speculate, at this stage, that genetic make-up and/or lifestyle factors seem to neutralise or counterbalance the pollutants in this group.
Food Crisis Feared in Rain-Battered Guatemala
Guatemala - Army helicopters and aid trucks ferried food and water on Wednesday to Guatemalan highland villages where thousands are packed into shelters, their homes swallowed by mudslides last week.
Framework released for offshore windfarm development in the U.S.
Achieving a cost-competitive offshore wind energy industry in the United States will require “significant advances in the technology and policy arenas,” concludes a document to guide development of offshore windfarms in that country. “Tapping into offshore wind energy, a free fuel source that is not impacted by fluctuating prices or volatile fuel import schedules, can offer long-term competitive electricity costs,” says Jim Lyons of GE.
Heavy Downpours in Britain Bring Flood Chaos
Scotland - Hundreds of homes were left underwater and driving was said to be hazardous after the overnight downpours, while further flooding was feared as weather forecasters issued severe warnings that the heavy rain would move south.
Homeowners Urged to Prepare for Worst Winter in a Decade
LONDON - Homeowners should prepare their homes for the winter now to prevent unnecessary damage, said the insurance arm of Halifax, which has seen a 40 percent increase in weather-related claims since 2001. Wednesday's warning from Halifax came on the day the Environment Agency (EA) said many Britons living in areas at risk from serious flooding were failing to take precautionary measures.
How the seismic shift in the energy world affects Trinidad
Who are we to believe on this question of the future of fossil fuels? The school of thought that energy reserves that lie beneath the Earth are inexhaustible, or those who believe that not only are fossil fuels are not only dangerous to the Earth's future, but that they will become increasingly expensive, and will ultimately be replaced by alternative, renewable energy sources? This debate is not one we should shun, or approach ostrich-like.
Hybrids, Diesels Dominate US Fuel Economy List
Toyota Motor Corp.'s Corolla was the sole gasoline-only car to make a US government list issued on Wednesday of the ten most fuel-efficient 2006 model vehicles.
New Mexico looking for tougher laws controlling oil and gas production
Gov. Bill Richardson called for
tougher laws governing oil and gas production in New Mexico, saying that higher
gas prices would lead to increased production, and the state must do more to
protect both its ground water and the rights of landowners.
Richardson named Bill Olsen, chief of the Environmental Department’s Ground
Water Quality Bureau, to serve on the Oil Conservation Commission. And, he
expressed his support for rule changes under consideration by that commission,
as well as a landowner protection bill.
NMSU and WFU Report Organic Solar Cell Breakthrough
A team of scientists from New Mexico State University (NMSU, Sante Fe, NM) and Wake Forest University (WFU) have developed a breakthrough in solar research with organic solar cells. While traditional solar panels are made of silicon, which is expensive, brittle, and shatters like glass, the newly developed organic solar cells are made of plastic that is relatively inexpensive, flexible, can be wrapped around structures, or even applied like paint.
NOAA Degree-Days Indicate Warmer than Normal Winter
This winter will be cooler than last year but slightly warmer than a normal winter, based on heating degree-days for October through March, a government official said on Wednesday.
Oil shock- Taking the long view
With the heartbreaking toll of Hurricane Katrina and the surrounding media
fury, it is easy to forget that there was an oil shock under way long before the
storm surge hit the levees of New Orleans. The problem is, no one was taking it
seriously.
With Katrina's damage there are now real worries about an energy crisis in the
United States; but they primarily involve near-term shortages of oil and gas
while we try to restore our energy infrastructure in the Gulf of Mexico region.
However, we still aren't facing up to the long-term issue that a lingering
period of high prices will be a long-term drag on our national economy.
Pennsylvania considers raising fines for polluters
A Pennsylvania state representative is proposing toughening penalties for polluters, and the state´s attorney general is backing the effort. In addition, the legislation allows for tougher penalties in cases where prosecutors can prove the pollution was intentional and allows penalties to increase based on the amount of waste that is dumped.
Peru says Cleaning Up Old Mines could Cost $1 Billion
Peru, which so far has collected $2 million from the private sector to clean up centuries of environmental damage at abandoned mines, needs up to $1 billion to do the job, a government agency said on Wednesday.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 101305
Solar activity was low. Solar activity is expected to be very low to low. The geomagnetic field is expected to be at mostly quiet levels on 13 October. Quiet to unsettled conditions are expected on 14 October. Isolated active conditions are possible on 15 October as a coronal hole high speed stream moves into geoeffective position.
Saudi Arabia interested in building new US refinery capacity
Saudi Arabia is a willing and eager partner with potential investors
interested in building new refining capacity, particularly in the United States.
"The consumers are clamouring for more fuel, which cannot be supplied due
to a lack of refining capacity," Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal
said.
Solar housing contest starts in DC
Eighteen university and college teams have assembled a ‘solar village’ on the National Mall in downtown Washington.
The Solar Decathlon involves the design, construction and operation of attractive and energy-efficient solar-powered buildings, with judging based on ten contests that range from architecture and livability, to how well the solar homes provide energy for heating and cooling, hot water and lights. Each house must also install sufficient PV panels to power an electric car.
Study Uncovers Source of California Beach Sand
Scientists have cracked one of the enduring geological mysteries of Southern California's famed beaches: where the sand comes from.
Two new research projects by scientists at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) found that erosion of the area's majestic sea cliffs is the primary source.
"We were very surprised," said UCSD engineering professor Scott Ashford
The end of oil- Preparing for an energy-challenged future
Mr Roberts said talk of the politics of energy raises the question of why doesn't the United States adopt a stricter policy for oil alternatives. As demand for oil grows in countries like China, and the United States remains reliant on a Middle East oil supply, it is evident the situation cannot remain the same.
This was state of the art in the 1970s. Then it started leaking
Anyone who wonders how well all the buried landfill liners out there across North America will hold up as the decades seep by may be forgiven for finding the foregoing quotation disconcerting.
US DOE helps Entergy plan reconstruction of storm-damaged system
US Reduces Protection of Waters, Wetlands - Report
"Losses of wetlands in many areas in the United States are unprecedented, yet the corps is allowing many of the remaining wetlands to be destroyed, in violation of its Clean Water Act obligations, without even trying to figure out why," said Christy Leavitt of environmental group US PIRG.
US refinery rates, crude imports continue post-storm recovery: EIA
Venezuela offers low-cost gasoline to American Indian tribal communities
While setting new global standards for the recognition of indigenous rights
in Venezuela, President Hugo Chavez has made an offer to bring low-cost gasoline
to the poor in the United States, including American Indian tribal communities.
''There is an offer on the table for low-cost heating oil and gasoline for poor
communities in the United States,'' said Robert Free Galvan, who is contacting
tribes in the United States with Venezuela's offer. ''Hopefully, Indian tribes
and Native entities will take advantage of this opportunity to become stronger
in the global community.''
Wave power system receives more U.S. funding
The U.S. Navy has provided additional funding of US$2.8 million for development of a 1 MW wave power station off Hawaii.
Ocean Power Technologies is building the facility at the Marine Corps Base at Kaneohe Bay on the island of Oahu. The new contract will support development of its 150 kW PowerBuoy in the project, which will provide power for 500 to 1,000 homes.
October 12, 2005
Five days before Saturday's referendum on Iraq's proposed constitution, the U.S. foreign policy elite appears both anxious and gloomy, increasingly worried that win or lose, the process will bring Iraq one step closer to civil war and, with it, the possible destabilisation of the wider region.
A World Helpless Against the Assaults of Nature
In a more hopeful time, the promise of science brought
assurances that hurricanes could be tricked into dispersing, earthquakes
disarmed by nuclear explosions and floodwaters held at bay by great mounds of
dirt.
Such conceits are another victim of a year of destruction.
The planet's controlling forces romp over dreams like those.
Amazon Rainforest Suffers Worst Drought in Decades
The worst drought in more than 40 years is damaging the world's biggest rainforest, plaguing the Amazon basin with wildfires, sickening river dwellers with tainted drinking water, and killing fish by the millions as streams dry up.
Brazil Asks Army to Take Drinking Water to Amazon
Brazil said on Tuesday it will use the Army to help deliver drinking water, food and medicine to river dwellers in the Amazon basin, which is suffering its worst drought in 40 years.
Brazilian Governor Declares Amazon River a Disaster Area
Authorities declared part of the Amazon River a disaster area after a drought left the levels of parts of the river too low for navigation, officials said Tuesday.
Critics Attack Agency Yucca Mountain Radiation Exposure Limits
U.S. scientists and environmentalists said Monday that radiation limits proposed for the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste dump beneath a volcanic ridge 90 miles (144 kilometers) northwest of Las Vegas aren't strict enough to protect the public.
Daily status report on energy industry recovery efforts in the US Gulf 101205
Valero Energy said on Oct 11 its 250,000 b/d refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, that was idled ahead of Hurricane Rita and damaged by the storm should be back online by the end of the week.
According to DNR, restored oil production as of Oct 11 was 46,069 b/d, or 22.7% of the region's pre-storm output of 203,139 b/d. Restored natural gas production was put at 683,600 Mcf/d, or roughly 30.6%.
Environmental Decay may Prompt Refugee Surge - Study
A deteriorating environment could drive about 50 million people from their homes by 2010 and the world needs to define a new category of "environmental" refugee, a UN study said on Tuesday. Desertification, rising sea levels, flooding and storms linked to climate change might displace hundreds of millions of people
Exploring Natural Gas Policies
One of Hurricane Katrina's lasting effects might be on the nation's energy policy. U.S. lawmakers say that the storm proves just how vulnerable the country's supply of oil and gas is and that public policy ought to support greater drilling rights in areas now off-limits to production.
The U.S. House Resources Committee just voted to ease a decades-long moratorium on drilling in the so-called Outer Continental Shelf, which is home to the 85 percent of federally-controlled waters in which drilling is strictly forbidden.
Exxon Mobil to Spend $571 Million Upgrading Refineries
Exxon Mobil Corp. will spend $571 million to install pollution-reduction equipment on seven US refineries in a settlement with the US government, the Justice Department said on Tuesday. In the settlement, Texas-based Exxon Mobil, the world's largest publicly traded oil company, will also pay a $8.7 million civil penalty and spend $9.7 million on community environmental projects, the Justice Department said.
Final repairs to be the toughest
Entergy Texas has restored power to nearly 250,000 customers in less than three weeks since Hurricane Rita came ashore. But now comes the hard part. The last 40,000 are in hard-to-reach places, tucked away in rural areas or surrounded by path-blocking trees and fragile property.
Florida Announces Okeechobee Cleanup Plan
Lake Okeechobee, covering 730 square miles north of the Everglades, has long suffered from phosphorus-laden runoff from nearby farms and towns that promotes harmful plant growth. It's similar to the problem in the Everglades, which is the subject of a federal-state restoration.
Gender-Benders; How Safe are Chemicals in Cosmetics? -- A Guest Commentary
For the first time in a human study, scientists have discovered that some of the most common industrial chemicals, called phthalates, actually alter male sexual and reproductive development in the womb.
Gov´t messages warn returning residents of post-hurricane hazards
They highlight hazardous situations such as leaking natural gas lines; carbon monoxide poisoning from using unvented fuel-burning equipment indoors; toxic fumes from household cleaners and disinfectants; airborne asbestos and lead dust; hazardous waste; and contaminated flood water.
India Develops Energy Service to Fight Poverty
As part of the Clean Energy Initiative, GVEP will provide energy in all its forms, including electricity. Since it provides light, drives industry and improves health care, electricity is an effective tool to combat poverty and improve livelihoods. GVEP works in 26 countries throughout Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Indigenous Groups Demand Chavez Stop Coal Mining in Western Venezuela
The protesters said three mines were set to go into production -- beginning with the Socuy mine in January 2006 followed later by the Cachiri and Cano Seco mines -- despite a pledge by President Hugo Chavez to revoke mining concessions that would damage the environment and indigenous communities.
LNG imports unlikely to make up for lost Gulf production; analyst
More Bones of Hobbit-Sized Humans Discovered
Australian scientists said on Tuesday they have discovered more remains of hobbit-sized humans which belong to a previously unknown species that lived at the end of the last Ice Age.
New Mexico Honored for Its Energy Alliance
The Mid-Continent Region of the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer has selected the state of New Mexico for the "Outstanding Partnership Award," in recognition of the state's development and implementation of an alternative energy source to combat increasing oil prices.
New power cell works for nearly 20 years
University of Missouri-Columbia scientists say they've developed a power cell capable of providing continuous power for years.
Nonprofit Center Ushers in a New Generation of Energy Diversity
Nuclear Power Quietly Confident in Energy Debate
The nuclear power industry is quietly confident that the world
is about to beat a path to its door in an increasingly desperate search for
"clean" energy that doesn't heat up the planet.
Soaring oil prices and new data on global warming -- brought into sharp
focus by devastating hurricanes in the United States -- have heated up
the nuclear debate and outraged the environmental lobby, which says
nuclear power is not the answer.
Oil instability to spur biofuels – analysts
Ongoing uncertainty over oil supplies coupled with supportive EU legislation will boost the market for biofuels in Europe, research analysts Frost & Sullivan have claimed. "Biofuels are likely to play an increasingly important role in the transport fuels mix as governments try to limit carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions,
Post Katrina, Some Experts Say Gulf of Mexico Not Greatly Affected
Rumors the Gulf of Mexico and its critters have been harmed by pollution washing into the sea after Hurricane Katrina's deadly landfall more than a month ago are untrue, so far, according to two government agencies.
PRB producers may be in for sweet ride
Recycling incentives on the way
LONDON: A series of pilot schemes designed to offer incentives for households across England to recycle more waste have been announced this week, in a bid to change attitudes on the issue. Around fifty schemes around the country will be launched.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 101205
Solar activity was low. A single C1 flare occurred in newly numbered Region 814. Forecast: Solar activity is expected to be very low to low. The geomagnetic field was quiet to unsettled. Solar wind speed has declined from 650 km/s to near 450 km/s.
Russia clinches first gas supply contract for Baltic gas line
Senators ask EPA to adopt interim rule for TCE vapors
Six U.S. senators have written a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency asking it adopt a health protective interim standard for exposure to trichloroethylene vapors.
The senators noted that TCE, a solvent used for cleaning metal parts, is a widespread contaminant found in at least 325 of the nation´s more than 1,200 Superfund sites, and that the chemical has been linked to cancer and damage to the nervous and immune systems.
Six-Nation Climate Change Meeting Likely Delayed
The Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate between Australia, the United States, Japan, India, South Korea and China was unveiled in July with an aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions by developing energy technology.
Spot price of uranium increases
Texas-based seller of green energy stops Pennsylvania service
Green Mountain spokesman Andy Prince said the rising price of natural gas -- which the company uses to produce power for some customers in Texas and Ohio -- made it difficult for it to continue competing here with the rates charged by utilities such as Peco, which are capped under terms of the deregulation of Pennsylvania's electricity market.
Three Alaska Volcanoes Showing Signs of Unrest
The three volcanoes, including two located on remote Aleutian islands distant from any population centers, are setting off frequent tremors and minor bursts of ash or steam, seismologists said on Tuesday.
UCLA Engineers Develop Polymer Solar Energy Cells
UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science (Los Angeles, CA) have developed a new and affordable way to harness the power of the sun using solar cell panels made out of everyday plastics.
UK failing on EU climate laws - report
A new report published this week has claimed that UK is failing to fully implement European Union regulations designed to combat climate change, despite the issue being ‘prioritised’ by leading ministers throughout 2005. Entitled ‘So Much Hot Air’.
US utilities installing enhanced grid monitoring equipment
Vince First Tropical Storm to Reach Land in Iberia
Tropical storm Vince became the first tropical cyclone on record to make landfall in Iberia on Tuesday, bringing heavy rain and winds to southern Spain and Portugal, meteorologists said. "The historical record shows no tropical cyclone ever making landfall on the Iberian peninsula," the center said.
What's moving the oil markets 101205
The IEA provided some upward momentum Tuesday as it said that oil output outside OPEC this year will rise at the slowest pace in six years after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita sank Gulf of Mexico rigs and flooded refineries.
Yale to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Yale will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 10% below 1990 levels through investment in energy conservation and alternate energy sources, University officials have announced.
October 11, 2005
Amazon Rainforest Suffers Worst Drought in Decades
The worst drought in more than 40 years is damaging the world's biggest rainforest, plaguing the Amazon basin with wildfires, sickening river dwellers with tainted drinking water, and killing fish by the millions as streams dry up.
Appliances steal energy when off
But few will think to stop the steady siphoning of energy that occurs where they least suspect it: Many everyday appliances, when they're turned off, continue to consume an average $100 a year from the typical household, according to some estimates.
Arctic riches coming out of the cold
It seems harsh to say that bad news for polar bears is good for Pat Broe. Broe, a Denver entrepreneur, is no more to blame than anyone else for a meltdown at the top of the world that threatens Arctic mammals and ancient traditions and lends credibility to dark visions of global warming.
Still, the newest study of the Arctic ice cap finding that it faded this summer to its smallest size ever recorded is beginning to make Broe look like a visionary for buying this derelict Hudson Bay port facility from the Canadian government in 1997. Especially at the price he paid: about $7
China to close down ill-operated coal mines
Before this bid, the bureau had ordered 8,648 coal mines which failed to renew their work safety certificates to stop operation for safety checks due to the frequent blasts and accidents took place in coal mines throughout the country.
Daily status report on energy industry recovery efforts in the US Gulf 101105
Restored 43,592 b/d of oil production, or about 21.5% of the region's production of 203,139 b/d. restored natural gas production at 608,500 Mcf/d, an amount equal to about 27.2% of the region's pre-hurricane output.
Sabine Pipe Line on Oct 10 lifted a force majeure at the Mayne & Mertz/Calacasieu interconnect with its natural gas mainline in western Louisiana. Sabine, which operates Henry Hub, late Friday lifted force majeures effective Saturday
Debate flares over health of power grid
The energy fallout in the wake of Hurricane Rita has thrown a harsh light on one of the power industry's biggest problems -- transmission.
No one knows that better, perhaps, than some East Texas customers of New Orleans-based Entergy.
Two weeks after the storm, some 58,000 of its residential and business customers were still without power as the weekend began, thanks to lines that were ripped down and transformers and substations that were knocked out.
Electric and Gas Deregulation; Not-So-Cold Cases
“We believe that the energy trading model is fundamentally flawed,” observed John Diaz, managing director of the power and energy team at Moody’s Investor Services. This is the polite way of putting it, however I prefer the explanation of one of the greatly disappointed clients of a trading firm that was cited in Business Week (December 9, 2002): “All traders offered us was manipulation. My position is goodbye and good riddance.”
Energy upgrade gets tax credit
Energy prices are up, but take heart. A new law offers homeowners a 10 percent tax credit for many costs related to improving energy efficiency.
This applies as long as the addition or improvement meets the federal energy-efficiency standard.
Fired-up gas prices mean he will fire up wood
Dr. Ken Shane has a simple reason for wanting a wood- burning stove in his family room.
"I like having those cheap gas bills," he said. He figures his natural gas bills would be about $400 a month this winter without help from the stove. He believes he can cut that bill by about 70 percent with the $1,299 stove he bought
Hopi Foundation's visionary projects recognized
While preserving its villages and promoting solar energy and a torture-free world, the Hopi Foundation, one of the first independent foundations in Indian country, is being honored for survival and self-determination.
The House's shocks and struts took a beating last Friday as Republican leaders arm-twisted, buttonholed and browbeat their rank and file party members to eke out a 212-210 win on the federal oil refinery bill.
Turmoil and fallout -- both inter- and intra-party -- over the government's response to the hurricanes, President Bush's nomination of Harriet Miers for the Supreme Court, and the indictment of former House GOP boss Tom DeLay have raised Washington's everyday partisan antagonism to a boil.
IPE Brent rebounds as the IEA forecasts steep product losses
Iran seeks Russian cooperation for more nuclear plants
Novelis improves British plant to increase recycling of cans
Atlanta-based Novelis Inc. completed a $2.5 million project to increase the recycling of used beverage cans at its Warrington recycling plant in England. Novelis, with 36 sites in 11 countries, focuses on aluminum rolled products and aluminum can recycling. The company was spun off by Alcan Inc. in January.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 101105
Solar activity remains at very low levels. Region 813 (S07W48) continues to decay. The geomagnetic field was quiet to unsettled. A coronal hole high speed stream remains in effect, with solar wind speed ranging 600 - 650 km/s.
Solar power takes lot of green
A single panel costs about $480 and produces about 120 watts or around 14.5 kilowatt-hours per month, Weliczko said. A typical home uses between 10 and 20 of those panels. So, for 20 panels, you would pay about $9,600 and get about $30 of electricity a month, she said. The system would pay you back in about 320 months, or more than 26 years. The panels can last 30 years.
SunPower Solar Panels Chosen by Solar Decathlon Contenders
Decathlon is a US Department of Energy-sponsored competition in which teams of college and university students compete to design, build, and operate the most attractive, effective, and energy-efficient solar-powered home. The University of Colorado, champion of the 2002 Solar Decathlon, and the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University both selected SunPower’s high-efficiency solar cells for their power performance and sleek aesthetics.
UK's Chapelcross nuclear site gets go-ahead for decommissioning
"Formal approval of our plans by the regulator was a key step on the way to decommissioning the station. We have already started defuelling operations at the
site
US Gulf gas output bottled up as processing plants make repairs
US truckers association demands end to OCS drilling moratoria
The trade association for the trucking industry said such a move would "reduce US dependence on foreign oil, increase national fuel supplies and curb skyrocketing fuel prices."
Vaccines, Drugs No Answer to Birdflu, Experts say
Many governments around the world are stockpiling antiviral drugs and some companies are trying to speed up vaccine production but these measure give a false sense of security and will do little to counter a flu pandemic, an expert cautioned on Monday.
Venture Capitalists Eye Energy Projects
With oil prices surging and increased talk of global warming, venture capitalists are straying from their traditional focus on computer technology and biotechnology to put increasing sums into alternative-energy companies.
Venture activity is way up in the past six months, with more energy companies presenting business plans to investors and more high-priced deals being done.
What's moving the oil markets 101105
Brokers said that the severity of the winter would test the supply side. "If we get a harsh winter, an we predict it will, prices are going to surge higher," one broker said.
Wyoming coal price surges to record amid new supply problems
The price of coal mined in Wyoming's Powder River Basin surged to record highs last week, as electric utilities bid aggressively in the market to make up for shipments lost by a host of problems that have dogged coal producers and railroads since May.
October 10, 2005
Bill would establish energy-water research program at US DOE
Boiler Modifications Cut Mercury Emissions 70%, Researchers Find
Researchers at Lehigh University's Energy Research Center (ERC) have developed and successfully tested a cost-effective technique for reducing mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants.
China to explore nuclear fusion source on the Moon
Clean Coal Isn't Climate-Friendly Yet
The world's first substantially cleaner coal plants are being planned in the United States, but they may do little to cut global warming risks until the US forms climate regulations, experts said.
Daily status report on energy industry recovery efforts in the US Gulf 101005
Have restored 39,641 b/d, or 19.5%, of the area's daily oil production. Have restored 535,700 Mcf/d of gas production, or 24%. US gasoline demand has fallen 200,000 b/d, or about 3%, in the past month amid near-record prices at the pump.
Entergy lowers the number of customers without power to 46,320
Factors Collide to Fuel New Solar Optimism
President Bush signed this summer's federal energy bill under the backdrop of a large concentrating solar dish. Republican support for solar has been among the many factors contributing to a fresh sense of optimism for the solar industry.
European Polar Satellite Crashes Into Sea
A satellite designed to measure how fast the polar ice caps are melting crashed into the Arctic Ocean after its launch in northern Russia went wrong, the European Space Agency said on Saturday.
Romania reported three cases of avian flu.
Federal, state and tribal authorities advise caution on dangerous Klamath River algae
In response to the emergence of dangerous algal blooms in the
Klamath River in California, the Karuk Tribe, the North Coast Regional Water
Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are joining other local,
state and federal agencies in warning residents and recreational users of the
river to use caution when near such blooms.
“This algae produces toxins that pose a significant potential public
health concern.
GE Announces Expansion of Water Scarcity Relief Efforts in Africa
The national focus is on creating viable wholesale electric markets. But proponents of retail electric competition say they are dedicated to building robust markets where all consumers can get better products and services.
Green Fuel Revolution a Challenge for Grain Sector
The multibillion-dollar US grain sector faces a major challenge as soaring oil prices boost demand for 'green' fuels, setting up a competitive tussle between energy refiners and traditional users of grain as food.
Heart of coal: Planned Hugo power plant reflects trend
Soaring energy prices over the past few years have led to an increased focus on new energy sources, but they also are driving many of the country's power plant operators back to coal and other more traditional fuels.
House approves refinery bill; New Source Review portion scrapped
The House narrowly approved a bill Friday afternoon aimed at boosting production at oil refineries by easing environmental regulations.
However, one of the most controversial provisions -- reforming the New Source Review portion of the Clean Air Act -- was removed from the bill.
How To Save $15 Billion Let The Market Speak Out
Consumers in the Eastern Interconnect saved $15.1 billion over five
years thanks to production efficiencies driven by wholesale power
competition.
That’s what Global Energy Advisors (formerly Henwood) found when it
quantified savings produced since Order 888 opened the door to merchant
generation in 1999.
Hurricanes Cause Peru Amazon Waters to Fall - Report
Water levels along Peru's stretch of the Amazon river have fallen to 35-year lows following a series of recent hurricanes along US and Mexican coasts and years of deforestation in the Amazon jungle, Peru's National Meteorological Service, SENAMHI, said.
The EVIT program is a first step in the hydrogen revolution, Voorhees said, along with having ample hydrogen supplies for cars and trucks and plenty of fueling stations where consumers can fill up. Right now there's only one in the Valley, in downtown Phoenix.
Hydrogen gas production plant to be built in Idaho
A federal grant awarded last week will help create a new hydrogen production facility in Elmore County.The prototype facility, which could be expanded considerably in the future, will cost less than a million dollars to start up, and will sell its product to a Boise commercial gas company.
Hydrogen scheme hailed a success
The backers of Europe's first community-owned hydrogen production facility have claimed to be close to making the project viable.The scheme, on the Shetland island of Unst, uses wind power to supply storage heaters, with the rest of the energy producing hydrogen from water.
If Green Algae Can Produce Hydrogen, Then....
Hydrogen, abundant in nature, is a likely candidate fuel to replace a national dependence on gasoline. But the challenges in obtaining it are due to the need for other sources of energy like natural gas or electricity to enact the chemical change. Tasios Melis, a professor at the University of California at Berkeley discovered several years ago that green algae, which forms plentifully in tidal pools and freshwater ponds, emits hydrogen when deprived of sulfur.
India Faces Turbulent Water Future, World Bank Expert Says
Conflicts caused by severe water shortages could plague India in
the coming decades as rivers dry up, groundwater is depleted and canals are
polluted, a World Bank expert warned.
To head off the "extremely grave" situation, India's government needs to
dramatically change the way it manages water
Indiana Company Saves Environment From Chemically Contaminated Water
JOHANNS ANNOUNCES NEARLY $1 BILLION IN TOBACCO TRANSITION PAYMENTS
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced that tobacco quota holders and producers have received more than $900 million under the Tobacco Transition Payment Program (TTPP), concluding the first of ten annual payments.
More States Anxious to Buy Utilities
The percentage of customers served by public versus private utilities has remained virtually unchanged for the past 50 years, said Hausman and others.
Over the coming months and years, that may change. A public backlash against power companies has a number of cities across the country - from Oregon to Florida and in between launching independent efforts to buy out utilities.
New Orleans floodwater testing reveals excessive manganese
The latest round of testing of floodwater in the New Orleans metropolitan area revealed manganese levels at concentrations that exceeded federal health guidance values.However, officials with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control said they did not feel the levels posed a human health threat because ingestion of floodwater should not be occurring.
Pakistan Quake Toll 20,000: Rescuers Dig On
Rescuers dug through the night on Monday in the hope of finding more survivors of the Pakistan earthquake, after it killed more than 20,000 people and buried hundreds alive in rubble.
Protecting Forests by Purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates
The USDA Forest Service and the Colorado Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation (OEMC) are partnering on a new and innovative way to both reduce hazardous fuels and expand the use of biomass to produce energy.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 101005
Solar activity was at very low levels. Solar Activity Forecast: Solar activity is expected to be at very low levels.
Study Confirms Consumer Buying Power Influenced by Environmental and Social Considerations
The study found that simply receiving a convincing piece
of information from a pressure group is enough to make almost two thirds of
consumers stop buying a brand.
Consumers care, and it is time to get marketing people involved in corporate
responsibility communications.
Turbine Shortage Slows Wind Power Industry
On again, off again support from the U.S. government has put tight manufacturing constraints on the wind turbine business in this country, leading to overall worldwide shortages.
Water Vapor & Climate Change: New Study Confirms Global Warming Predictions
A new study published in this week’s issue of Science confirms evidence of global warming using satellite measurements of water vapor — a well-known greenhouse gas — in the troposphere.
What's moving the oil markets 101005
The front-month November IPE Brent crude contract was changing hands at $59.05/bbl, down 16 cts from Friday's settle, at 1103 GMT, amid thin volumes. "Technical buying had pushed the price up earlier today but the Brent program has pushed that down now with more crude barrels being available," one London based broker said.
Why Is Africa Unable To Feed Itself?
The green sugar cane fields of southern Malawi bear testimony to
the fertile soil that blankets the sun-drenched land.
But aid agencies say 5 million people there, or close to half the
population, need food aid -- a shocking state of affairs in a country
which should be a farmer's paradise.
Why the wind in Spain blows mainly without pain... unlike Scotland
LOOKING out across miles of mountain terrain, the rugged landscape is punctuated in every direction as far as the eye can see by wind turbines... A nightmare scenario for many in Scotland, who see the structures as unsightly scars on the pristine countryside, in Spain it is already a reality in one region which has seen a renewable energy industry spring up in a decade - with little or no opposition.
LONDON
GAS shortages could lead to power cuts which would cripple industry this winter, it emerged yesterday.
As an official study highlighted the shortage, business leaders warned that a harsh winter could mean there is not enough gas to maintain supplies to both homes and businesses.
October 7, 2005
Annan Urges Leaders to Pool Drugs Against Bird Flu
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan called on world leaders on Thursday to pool resources including antivirals and vaccines to ensure that all countries are equipped against a feared human influenza pandemic.
Bishop Ends Fast Over Brazil Irrigation Project
Cappio said his decision was based on a government pledge to begin talking with concerned parties on other possibilities for the project before starting work.
The government also committed itself to pushing through Congress 300 million reais ($130 million) per year in funding for a 20-year plan to revitalize the polluted Sao Francisco River and protect the region's environment, he said.
Brazil to build Latin America's largest wind-power park
Being the largest of its kind in Latin America and the second in the world, the wind-power park will represent an effort to diversify energy sources in Brazil and is expected to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the country.
Bush release of heating oil stocks 'very unlikely'; EIA analyst
Changes afoot in Russian electricity and gas markets
Following the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Russian economy slumped into deep decline and the demand for electricity and gas plummeted. While the economic recovery that began in the late 1990s has led to a steady growth in demand, according to a new report from independent market analyst Datamonitor* (DTM.L), the years of neglect have affected the infrastructure. Russia is the worlds biggest gas exporter and gas exports contribute 25% of the Russian budget.
ConocoPhillips pays fine for problem at haz waste facility
ConocoPhillips will pay $22,500 to settle groundwater monitoring violations at its Carson, Calif., hazardous waste facility.
Daily status report on energy industry recovery efforts in the US Gulf 100705
The Department of Energy has received no new requests for loans of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in the wake of Hurricane Rita, a DOE spokesman said.
US gasoline demand has fallen 200,000 b/d, or about 3%, in the past month amid near-record prices at the pump.
Operators of onshore and shallow-water wells in a 38-parish region have restored 38,053 b/d, or 18.7% of the region's oil production.
The agency also said operators have restored 515,400 Mcf/d of gas production, or 23.1% of the region's pre-storm output
DOE repository application likely to be delayed until Q3 '06; NRC
Envoy Says U.S. Greenhouse Gas Growth Slowing
The chief U.S. negotiator on global warming acknowledged Wednesday the nation's glacial pace in reducing greenhouse gases and said even that might not continue in the future.
Floods Paralyze Central America, Kill 164
Raging flood waters cut off large areas of Central America and southern Mexico on Thursday, hurting efforts to rescue victims of mudslides that have killed at least 164 people in the wake Hurricane Stan.
Fly ash won't go airborne in dump, Xcel Energy says
The same hardening properties that made Xcel Energy's fly ash useful for cement will keep the waste from going airborne when put in a dump, the company said.
GM Sees Long Drive to Hydrogen-Fuelled Cars
General Motors Corp. is committed to building low-pollution cars which run on hydrogen but cost and design challenges mean commercial production is still about a decade away, the company said on Thursday.
ICE to resume Henry Hub physical natural gas spot trades Friday
Direct Energy Business Services is making it easier for commercial and industrial customers in Alberta and Ontario to Be Green with its new renewable electricity plans.
Lithuania should build new nuclear power plant; president
Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus said Tuesday that his country should remain a country with nuclear energy and build a new nuclear power plant as soon as possible, said reports from Vilnius, capital of Lithuania.
Wrangling over the shutdown of the Ignalina nuclear power plant, located 130 km northeast of Vilnius, should come to an end, Adamkus said in an interview with local media.
MMS Launches OCS Renewable Energy & Alternative Use Website
The Minerals Management Service now has lead authority for renewable energy projects, such as wave, wind or solar energy on offshore lands, and other projects that make alternative use of existing oil and natural gas platforms. With that authority comes the launching of a new Web site explaining outer continental shelf renewable energy and alternative use.
NUCLEAR POWER, WELL MAYBE, SAYS LABOUR
LONDON: WITH oil prices apparently lodged permanently above the $60 level, those involved in the energy debate look close to taking the nuclear option,
In what many regard as an exquisite volte-face, the government appears to have abandoned its earlier plans, which indicated that the UK would soon rely purely on renewables and gas for power generation.
Recognizing the growing need for a new generation of energy specialists to power the province, and continuing a long-standing partnership in education with the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, and Durham College, Ontario Power Generation today announced a $10-million investment in education.
Pa. grants support county recycling coordinators
Pennsylvania Gov. Edward Rendell has awarded $1.2 million in grants to 51 counties to offset the costs of salaries and expenses for county recycling coordinators.
Philippines to be regional hub for energy delivery; foreign secretary
The Philippines is now making its move to be the regional hub for the delivery of Russian fuel and energy products to other Asia Pacific countries, the foreign affairs secretary said on Wednesday.
Pittsburgh manager guilty of wastewater tampering
The samples either were tampered with to yield false results or taken from sampling locations not authorized by the company’s wastewater discharge permit.
The laundry monthly discharges about 1 million gallons of wastewater, which contains benzene, toluene and oil.
Polishing the RTO Business Model
Energy regulators are now grappling with how to ensure fair and open access to electric transmission lines. The discussions center on whether utilities should relinquish control of their wires to third parties that would not discriminate against power generators or to allow the utilities to maintain control of their assets but to enforce strictly the laws that guarantee any qualifying entity equal access to the grid.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 100705
Solar activity was at very low levels. Region 813 (S08E05) showed a slight decay in the trailing portion of the sunspot group. Region 813 is capable of producing isolated C-class flares. The geomagnetic field was at quiet levels. The geomagnetic field is expected to be at quiet to unsettled levels. The onset of a recurrent high speed coronal hole stream may result in active conditions on 09 October.
Representative Barton drops NSR section from bill on House floor
The bill's main goal is to increase refining capacity by streamlining the federal permit process in an effort to increase gasoline supplies. The last US refinery was built in 1976. The legislation would also cap at six the number of fuels in the US and would require the Federal Trade Commission to define price gouging.
Some US Plastic Shortages Seen From Natgas Price
Shortages may develop for plastic milk and detergent bottles, automobile tires, disposable diaper liners and bread bags because of high natural gas prices and hurricane-hit chemical plants, the head of Dow Chemical Co. said on Thursday.
Southern Africa Faces Food Crisis
Drought and a raging AIDS pandemic which is killing much of the rural workforce, plus poor farming practices leading to serious soil erosion have hit food output and increased poverty.Poor government planning in places has led to an inadequate rollout of seed and fertilisers to peasant farmers.
Texas utility works to restore power to more customers today
In a briefing on progress Wednesday, Entergy Texas President and Chief Executive Joe Domino said repair crews had reconnected more than 27,000 customers, making the grand total as of Wednesday morning 179,000.
Crews restored power to 8,000 more Wednesday, leaving just under 100,000 customers still without power, he said.
U.S. Public Power Utilities Coping With High Fuel Costs, Report Says
As fuel prices change dramatically, we need to ask whether the robust credit profiles that are broadly associated with U.S. public power utilities are sustainable if fuel prices remain exceptionally high over time, according to a report published today by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services titled "High Fuel Costs May Present A Challenge For U.S. Public Power Utilities."
US Bill to Expand Refining Seen Costing $1.5 Billion
A Republican bill that would ease environmental rules to help US oil refineries expand would increase federal spending by $1.5 billion over five years, the Congressional Budget Office said on Thursday.
US May Face Tough Winter For Heating Oil Imports
A fuel hungry United States may have a tough time importing heating oil this winter from across the Atlantic due to high European distillate demand, low European inventories, and French labor strife that could cut exports, experts said on Thursday.
US merchant coal, nuclear plants benefit from high gas prices
US, GE Agree to Begin Dredging Hudson River
The effort to remove polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from a 43-mile stretch of the Hudson River is due to begin in 2007 under the terms of the agreement filed in federal court in Albany, New York.
October 6, 2005
British PM risks revolt over new nuclear plants; report
California's resource planners think long-term
Plans call for thousands of megawatts of coal-fired generation to be built near the open-pit, low-sulfur coalmines in the Powder River Basin of eastern Wyoming. Around 3,900MW of power could be exported west to California over one or more proposed transmission lines that would need to be built to transport the electricity.
Daily status report on energy industry recovery efforts in the US Gulf 100605
ExxonMobil on Oct 5 said its refinery in Baytown, Texas -- the largest in the US -- "has resumed normal operations." Swift Energy on Oct 5 said it has restored about 80% of pre-Hurricane Katrina production at its Lake Washington Field in Louisiana. US contract driller Rowan plans to add nine land rigs,Hurricane Rita apparently sunk three of its jack-up rigs while leaving a fourth severely damaged.
DOE Kicks Off National 'Easy Ways to Save Energy' Campaign
DOE unveiled a comprehensive national campaign on Monday to highlight ways to save energy in response to rising winter energy costs. Called "Easy Ways to Save Energy," the campaign consists of a three-pronged strategy aimed at energy efficiency and conservation measures for consumers, for business and industry, and for government facilities.
Entergy Provides Hurricane Rita Update
Just under two weeks since Hurricane Rita made landfall, Entergy Corporation (NYSE: ETR) announced today that it had restored power to over three quarters or approximately 586,000 of the more than 766,000 customers with power outages at the peak of the storm.
EPA cites 2 natural gas processors for air violations at Mich. plant
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has cited Shell Exploration & Production Co. and Merit Energy Co. for the alleged violations. The agency claims from 1996 through 2000 Shell modified the plant, which significantly increased sulfur dioxide emissions, without getting a permit. Shell also allegedly did not complete a required sulfur dioxide impact analysis before modifying the plant.
EPRI's Patented Nuclear Fuel Cleaning Technology Receives R&D 100 Award
The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), three member companies, AmerenUE, Exelon Corp., and South Texas Project Nuclear Operating Co., and Dominion Engineering, Inc. (DEI) have earned a prestigious 2005 R&D 100 Award for ultrasonic cleaning of nuclear fuel, a promising new technology that safely removes deposits from irradiated fuel assemblies in nuclear power plants.
Europeans reassess nuclear option as fuel prices, fears grow
ExxonMobil confirms power restored to Beaumont refinery
throughout the refinery." ExxonMobil did not provide a tentative re-start schedule for the refinery, but said that, "when repairs are complete, we will implement the process for sequenced start-up of the refinery."
French, US Chemists Win Nobel For Carbon 'Dance'
The research into molecule synthesis has laid the groundwork for the production of new drugs to treat illnesses like Alzheimer's, Down's Syndrome, HIV/AIDS and cancer, as well as having uses in agriculture, chemicals and plastics.
Gale Force Energy and Padoma Wind Power Form Joint Venture to Create 500 MW of Clean Energy
Gale Force Energy, a Toronto-based wind farm developer, announced today that it has entered into a joint venture with California's Padoma Wind Power to develop more than 500 MW of wind energy projects across Canada.
Global Warming to Hit Migratory and Static Species
Changing weather patterns, rising sea levels, and increases in extreme weather events like droughts and floods due to global warming are already destroying habitats, and scientists expect the rate of destruction to increase, it said. And the species most at risk are those that either can't move and can't adapt fast enough or those that migrate over long distances.
GM joins effort to develop hydrogen-powered vehicles
GM is working with the lab to test a hydrogen-storage tank.
Green groups decry House refinery bill slated for action
The Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club and the US Public Interest Research Group said the bill should reopen some 50 refineries closed in the 1990s and encourage renewable energy to lessen demand for record-priced natural gas. They charged that the oil industry has "actively manipulated" refining capacity to drive up fuel prices. The groups said they would try to defeat the measure, rather than seek changes to it.
House Pulses with Solar Energy
Jeff Martin bear-hugs a massive, insulated 1,000-gallon water tank in his basement. "This," he proclaims, "is the heart of the house."
Built three years ago on Lake Norman, the house is a living experiment of the potential of solar energy and eco-friendly construction techniques. And with heating costs expected to hit record highs this winter, the Martin home also offers a lesson of what's possible today.
Hydrogen Hybrid Vehicles Set to Showcase Solid H2 Storage
Even as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles gather increasing attention, it's a less exotic - and these days a surprisingly more mainstream - auto technology that's set to showcase the near-term viability of hydrogen fuel.
IPE Brent futures below $60/bbl for first time in two months
Minnesota begins requiring that fuel contain 2 biodiesel
Minnesota is the first state to mandate the sale of biodiesel.
The requirement took effect Sept. 29. The state Legislature approved the requirement in 2002, but it could not take effect until the state verified that sufficient quantities of B2 biodiesel would be available to meet the state´s needs.
Sabine to reopen three more interconnects at Henry Hub Thursday
Super-Efficient Nuke Reactor Set for Trial
A team of scientists has already mapped a detailed plan to speed up research and utilization of the so-called next-generation fast reactors.
The new reactors are expected to burn 60-70 per cent of their uranium fuel - a conventional reactor consumes only 0.7 per cent of the uranium it is fed.
Think Tank Issues Two-Year Iraq Exit Plan
A think tank with strong links to the administration of former President Bill Clinton has called for a two-year "strategic redeployment" of U.S. forces there that would ensure their almost total withdrawal by January 2008.
Two more mine accidents in China leave at least 64 miners dead this week
Two more mine accidents left at least 16 dead and 22 missing in China, state media said today, continuing a black week for the industry, which has been rattled by four deadly disasters this week alone.
UK Sees No Major Accord at Montreal Climate Talks
The Kyoto agreement on cutting emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide finally came into effect in February, but there is already deep disagreement about where to go after its first phase ends in seven years time."Montreal is the next step on the road," British Environment Minister Margaret Beckett told a gathering of businessmen from around the world to discuss what they could do to help stop catastrophic climate change. "But there are huge sensitivities and it will not be easy."
US gas exec calls for government aid to help recover from storms
US Gasoline Spike Fuels Surge in Bicycle Sales
A spike in gasoline prices is fueling what could be the biggest year for US bicycle sales since the Arab oil embargo more than three decades ago, a leading bike association said on Wednesday.
US is in 'natural gas crisis,' Dow Chemical chief tells Congress
"This [natural gas] price of $14, simply put, renders the entire US chemical industry noncompetitive," Liveris said in testimony to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources
Committee.
US Renewables Group Closes Initial $80 Million to Fund Renewable Energy Projects
US Renewables Group ("USRG"), a company organized to acquire, develop and operate renewable energy and clean fuel assets, today announced an initial close of $80 million as part of its plan to raise a total of $250 million in financing. Initial investors include Rustic Canyon Partners and several other investors. Founded in 2003 to invest in renewable energy operating assets, USRG focuses on stationary power generation (landfill methane, waste-to-gas, biomass and geothermal) and clean fuels (biodiesel, ethanol and coal-to-liquid).
October 5, 2005
A New Concentration for U.S. Commercial-scale Solar Power
The new 30 percent federal investment tax credit (effective next year) will take the financial sting out of large investments in solar that might otherwise be a riskier venture without it. And the companies making these new commercial-scale investments are charting a new course for solar energy in the U.S.
Bush reiterates US needs more refining capacity in wake of storms
"We need more refining capacity," Bush told reporters at a press briefing at the White House, televised lived. "It ought to be clear to everybody that this country needs to build more refinery capacity to be able to deal with the issue of tight supplies."
California Energy Commission chief calls for winter conservation
In a news conference, CEC Chairman Joseph Desmond noted that California imports about 87% of its natural gas, and that half of its usage goes to power generation.
Canada May Offer to Broker Deal on Arctic Pipeline
Canadian governments may offer to broker a deal between major oil companies and native groups in the Arctic to push forward a pipeline that would ship natural gas to the energy-thirsty United States, a Northwest Territories official said Tuesday.
Daily status report on energy industry recovery efforts in the US Gulf 100505
The Louisiana Dept of Natural Resources on Oct 4 said 710, or 11.9%, of the 5,949 onshore and shallow water oil and natural gas wells in a 38-parish region have been restored to production in the aftermath of Katrina and Rita.
All Mexico's crude-loading ports on the Gulf of Mexico were closed to shipping early on Oct 4 as Hurricane Stan whipped up high winds and heavy seas
Colonial Pipeline is currently running at 86% of its average 100-mil gal/d operational capacity
Democrats seeks 40% cut in federal energy usage by 2020
El Paso proposes pipeline linking its eastern, western systems
southern and eastern pipelines, which serve markets from Florida to New England and the Midwest.
Electricity bills get green detail
UK electricity bills, from this week, will include information on how much energy is sourced from renewable fuel, giving customers an insight into the environmental-friendliness of the supplier.
Environment group names EU's 'Dirty Thirty' power stations
Coal-fired power stations in Greece, Germany and Spain top a new table of Europe's dirtiest electricity plants, the environmental group WWF International said.
EU to support renewables to counter ‘high and volatile’ oil prices
The European Commission is very concerned with the “unprecedented rise” in oil prices, and has proposed a five-point plan to address the issue, says energy commissioner Andris Piebalgs.
“The most logical response to high oil prices is to switch to using alternative, competitive and, wherever possible, more environmentally friendly energy sources,” he told the continental parliament. “We should work actively to build global alliances to explore more viable use of renewable energy sources, especially in the developing world.”
European Parliament Okays 20% Renewable Energy by 2020
"The current oil crisis makes clear that we have to substitute finite energy sources with infinite renewable ones. We are currently consuming the major share of the primary energy for heating purposes. Therefore, we have to go for more renewable energy in the heating sector."
Frustrated Scottish region proposes its own strategy for renewables
Highland Council developed its own policy for wind and wave power schemes after it became frustrated by the failure of the Scottish Executive to issue guidelines on projects. The local politicians hope the strategy will allow applications to be accelerated, resulting in greater employment opportunities and economic benefits for their communities.
GE Energy Wind Turbines Selected for Projects in China
"Increasingly, the benefits of using wind as a clean fuel source for electricity generation are being recognized around the globe," said GE Energy Wind Segment General Manager Robert Gleitz. "Wind will play a major role in supporting China's national target to create 20 GW of new, renewable energy by 2020."
Global Disaster Death Toll Soared in 2004 - Red Cross
The death toll from natural disasters soared in 2004 to around 250,000, due largely to the Indian Ocean tsunami, three times that of the previous year and 10 times more than in 2002, according to a report on Wednesday.
Group disputes state findings on coal dust from Massey's Goals
State regulators previously nixed a second coal-storage silo at the site because it was too close to the elementary school, and critics say the existing silo is the source of coal dust at the school and causing numerous health problems.
Hurricanes Destroyed 108 Offshore Platforms - US Government
A total of 108 low producing oil and natural gas offshore platforms were destroyed by hurricanes Rita and Katrina and some of the other 53 heavily damaged platforms could be offline until next year, the US Interior Department said Tuesday.
Louisiana says 9.8% of pre-storm oil, 9.7% of gas production back
Governor Schwarzenegger Signs Biodiesel Bill Into Law
Last Thursday September 29, 2005, Governor Schwarzenegger of California signed into law a proposal authored by State Senator Roy Ashburn (R-Bakersfield) that would allow public agencies and utilities to use vehicles that run off of biodiesel and biodiesel blends.
Renewables account for 6.1% of U.S. energy consumption
The consumption of wind energy in the United States has increased 500% over the past 15 years, while the use of solar has increased only 50%, according to latest data from the Department of Energy.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 100505
Solar activity remained at very low levels. Old active Region 808 (S10, L=232) is rotating into view on the southeast limb and still appears relatively complex. Old Region 808, which is currently rotating onto the visible disk, may produce C-class activity. The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet on 05 October. Isolated unsettled to active periods are possible on 06 and 07 October.
Report: PET recycling rate rose from 19.6% to 21.6% in 2004
The rate rose to 21.6 percent in 2004, up from 19.6 percent the previous year, and the amount of PET bottles collected for recycling jumped dramatically to a little more than 1 billion pounds, according to a Sept. 29 report from the National Association for PET Container Resources.
Republican Study Committee Calls to Drop Energy Star Program
In the wake of both hurricanes Katrina and Rita the Federal government's ability to help pay for reconstruction is likely to involve some fiscal belt-tightening. Barring any change in tax policy, this could spell the end of the popular Energy Star program and a separate renewable energy research program if influential forces in the capitol have their way.
Satellite set to give new Arctic data
The European Space Agency satellite ‘CryoSat’, which is set to be launched in Russia this weekend (October 8th), will give the environmental research community a new level of insight into climate change in the Arctic and other areas, scientists have announced.
Thousands Join Fasting Brazil Bishop in Protest
A 2,000-strong crowd gathered around a small chapel on the banks of Brazil's Sao Francisco River on Tuesday in a show of support for a bishop who is staging a hunger strike to stop a government project that would divert its waters for irrigation.
Truck drivers in Scotland are being urged to be more environmentally-conscious with the help of two hi-tech driving simulators, in a new £3m scheme. The simulators, one of which is a mobile touring unit that will travel around the country, show truckers how to become more fuel efficient with their driving methods.
Venezuela to send two gasoline cargoes to US this month; official
Warming Up to High Heating Bills
The turning of the seasons will soon bring autumn leaves across parts of the country. And the coming weeks will also signal the beginning of the home heating period and the seemingly never-ending trend toward higher utility bills.
Low income energy assistance doesn't get enough money to support all of those in need. Budget constraints and other pressing needs are almost always an impediment. That's why the solution must extend beyond government backing and into the hands of community action groups and utilities that are at the heart of the issue.
October 4, 2005
13,000 utility workers try to restore Port Arthur area
Utility trucks were plentiful here Sunday as 13,000 workers from across the country worked to get electricity back to Southeast Texas, where 171,660 customers were still without power.
Rita caused more damage to the company's transmission grid than any other storm, said Don Pumphrey, customer service manager for Entergy Texas Inc.
Composting Council moves show site from New Orleans to Albuquerque
The U.S. Composting Council has relocated its 2006 annual conference from New Orleans to Albuquerque, N.M.
Corps Scrambles to Stop Another New Orleans Flood
Strong east winds had pushed tides higher than normal, the Corps said in a statement, and water already was spilling over a 20-foot-wide levee breach in Terrebonne Parish near the town of Montegut 60 miles (96 km) south of New Orleans.
Costly Sewer System Divides Coastal California Town
At a groundbreaking for the sewer in July, two black-clad members of the board overseeing the troubled project tossed down their shovels and turned their backs in protest. Sewer supporters kept digging, even flipping some dirt on the downed shovels as hecklers booed.
In fits and starts, some parts of hurricane-smashed New Orleans are struggling back to their feet. Residents are flowing back in, but the city faces a steep challenge restoring services to working order. And for the time being, job No. 1 consists of getting all the trash out of New Orleans and off to disposal sites pronto, if for no other reason then simply to quell the stench that pervades the city.
House GOP Drops Plans To Try To End Offshore Drilling Bans
House Republicans have abandoned plans to lift the ban on offshore drilling along most of the country's coastline as part of new energy legislation, GOP congressmen said Monday.
How Harry Reid can Save us $80 billion and Fuel $1 Trillion of Electricity
Do you recycle your trash? Aluminum cans, glass bottles, plastics, paper generated in most US households gets separated in the home and sent to a recycling facility where the materials hopefully re-enter the commercial materials streams. Yet, once-used nuclear fuel doesn’t get recycled in spite of its tremendous residual energy potential and economic value.
Intelligent Design and Construction: Doing More With Less
As we begin a new century, the “peak oil” (1) phenomena could be reached at any time. Predictions of the aftermath are too dire to mention here, but one thing is for certain. After the peak, each successive barrel of oil will cost more to produce. Global market forces paint a bleak picture on the demand side, with a booming China and India competing for oil using their new wealth. Since China has made a bid for Unocal, Americans are starting to realize economic security and national security are the same thing.Japan Ships Uranium-Contaminated Soil to U.S. for Disposal
Japan's nuclear research and development agency on Monday shipped uranium-contaminated soil to an undisclosed location in the United States for disposal, officials said.
Month After Storms, Louisiana Still Mops Up Spills
A month after Hurricane Katrina struck, Louisiana was still mopping up after the storm caused 190,000 barrels, or nearly 8 million gallons (36 million liters), of oil to spill in waterways in southeastern Louisiana, officials said on Friday.
Nissan Unveils New Pivo 360-Degree Electric Concept Car
Nicknamed Pivo after the word "pivot," which only goes forward and features an egg-shaped cabin atop a wheeled platform that can swivel around 360 degrees, eliminating the need to reverse.
No Relief From Busy Hurricane Season - US Forecaster
The Atlantic hurricane season may produce two more hurricanes in October, adding to what is already one of the busiest and most destructive seasons on record, a noted forecaster predicted on Monday.
LONDON: "We have to now make government decisions so we can put proposals before the British people next year,'' said Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.
Many Labour members would be furious at new nuclear construction. "It is still very controversial - what do we do with the waste?'' he said.
The Government has stalled and fudged the issue of new nuclear build for years.
Now that it is an annual $15 billion
market in the United States, organic food is no longer considered a
niche market.
But it may be a battleground.
"Fifty percent of organic food is now sold in supermarkets. It's gone
mainstream.
"There is lots of crude around but limited refinery capacity due to the two Hurricane's [which hit the US Gulf of Mexico coastline] last month.
Rapid Hurricane Intensity Changes; Loop Current spawns ‘60s Style Weather Phenomenon
Not since 1961 have two category 5 hurricanes assailed the same basin in the way that Katrina and Rita made their mark this hurricane season, demonstrating once again, the power of the Gulf of Mexico Loop Current system. A team of researchers has learned a lot from Katrina and Rita as the scientists monitored ocean heat circulation on the surface and at greater depths in the Gulf of Mexico to understand why tropical storms can gain intensity so quickly and ultimately to improve forecasting of these intense land-falling storms.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 100405
Solar activity levels were very low again this period. The geomagnetic field was quiet to unsettled. The geomagnetic field is expected to continue at quiet to unsettled levels with isolated active periods.
Reported 10th Planet Xena Has Moon Named Gabrielle
Xena, the possible 10th planet in our solar system, has its own moon, a dim little satellite called Gabrielle, its discoverers reported.
Russia starts production of oil, gas project in Far East
A major oil and natural gas project off the Sakhalin island began its industrial production Sunday as Russia looks increasingly to its Far East region to tap energy reserves.
San Francisco will consider a mercury in seafood warning sign ordinance today. The multilingual ordinance will improve public health by educating seafood consumers about dangerous mercury exposure from fish.
Spanish, Portuguese Get Best View of Solar Eclipse
Thousands of office workers in Spain and Portugal streamed into streets on Monday to marvel as an orange disc appeared around the black sphere of the moon, the sky darkened and it suddenly turned chilly.
Sweat, Fire Help Bring US Midwest Prairies Back
Restoring vanished prairies that looked to long-ago observers like an endless inland grass sea covering the US Midwest requires backbreaking work to clear brush, collect and spread seeds and, most importantly, set fires.
US Government Unveils Energy Hog to Promote Conservation
With US heating bills expected to hit record highs this winter, the Bush administration on Monday launched a conservation campaign featuring a cartoon mascot "Energy Hog," which critics said does little to discourage energy use.
US Refiner Bill, Minus ANWR Drilling, Heads For Vote
Republican leaders in the House slated a Friday vote on a bill that would boost US refining capacity and postponed a plan to lift an offshore drilling ban and open an Alaskan wildlife refuge to exploration, aides said Monday.
World Bank seeks best ideas for water, sanitation and energy projects
The World Bank said it would hold a competition to award $4 million to the best ideas to provide clean water, sanitation, and energy to local communities in developing countries lacking these basic services.
October 3, 2005
A hydrogen future — out of lab, onto road
New era could come about sooner than expected thanks to current problemsWith gasoline pinched by rising prices, tight supply, pollution and worries for national security, energy companies and auto makers are eyeing the end of the age of oil and the emergence of a new era based on hydrogen.
It is everything oil isn't: Clean. Plentiful. Non-toxic.
Arizona copper smelting plant cited for air violations
The facility allegedly emitted more than its allowable 20 percent of opacity emissions from September 2002 through December 2002, and it failed to properly operate pollution control equipment at the facility to minimize emissions, the agency said.
BNFL Reviews Its Options; Nuclear Sites Could Go to Private Sector
BRITISH Nuclear Fuels last night insisted it was still reviewing its options amid reports that it had decided to sell its nuclear sites and clean-up division to the private sector.
CALIFORNIA SCHOOL DISTRICTS 'EXPEL' RISING UTILITY BILLS WITH SOLAR ELECTRICITY
The solar electric, or photovoltaic (PV) systems manufactured by RWE SCHOTT Solar, Inc. (RSS), will meet 85 to 95 percent or more of each school’s electrical needs. Low-cost finance options ensure each district has a known monthly payment approximately equal to each school’s current utility bill. Over time, the systems will pay for themselves freeing up funding for other student programs.
Changing Trash into Fuel Study Says L.A. Could Build Conversion Plant in Next Five Years
Los Angeles could build a plant to convert household trash into compost, ash, electricity or gas within the next five years, said a study released Wednesday.
City Eyes Credits for Solar Energy
Tucson already has abundant solar energy, and now city residents could get a hand to help pay for the equipment needed to use it.
Tucsonans putting solar-energy systems in new buildings, or retrofitting existing ones to make use of solar, could receive up to $1,000 in building permit credits under a plan the City Council will consider Tuesday.
Human activities have little to do with the Earth’s current warming trend, according to a study published today by the National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA). In fact, the study concludes that global warming and cooling seem to be part of a 1,500-year cycle of moderate temperature swings.
Daily status report on energy industry recovery efforts in the US Gulf 100305
The Louisiana Dept of Natural Resources said 291, or 4.9%, of 5,949 onshore and shallow water oil and natural gas wells in production in a 38-parish region before Katrina and Rita are back in operation.
Marathon Oil said its 72,000 b/d Texas City refinery was successfully restarted on Sep 28 and was operating at full rates.
DeCaf Co. to License Patented Inexpensive Removal of MTBE From Polluted Drinking Water
Eco-Friendly Car Runs on Hydrogen
It may not be a favourite for petrol-heads - but a new eco-friendly car has been designed that runs on hydrogen. The vehicle can hold a driver and three passengers, has a maximum speed of 30mph and does around 150 miles to the gallon of hydrogen.Fresno may lead research in clean energy
They took the first steps toward developing a strategy -- a "clean-energy road map" -- for the use of renewable energy and for generating energy-related jobs in the Valley. The huge amounts of waste produced by the Valley's agriculture industry and the ample sunlight make "innovative energy" a natural candidate for growth.
Gas price sets record; now over $14 mmbtu
Jackson Mueller writes that the NYMEX October gas contracts "catapulted to a new all-time high of over $14/mmbtu Wednesday surprising many who recall" the $3-4 for NYMEX expiration prices.
Mueller doubts stepped up production will return quickly or that weather will become remarkably mild as we approach winter, or even that consumer demand will fall because of record prices.
His advice is to “hope for the best and plan for the worst.”
Global Sea Levels Could Rise 30 Centimeters by 2100, Study Finds
World sea levels could rise 30 centimetres (12 inches) by the end of the century and freak weather will become more common due to rapid global warming, according to a new study by a leading German research institute.
Groups Call for Congress to Clean Up Streams and Water Supplies Polluted by Abandoned Mines
Henry Hub delivery point still under force majeure, no power yet
The spokesman said the main complex, which houses most of the buildings, pipelines, and compressor stations had been drained of water late last week, but a timetable for when restoration of electricity services will happen remains elusive.
Flood waters recede from Henry Hub's main complex, company says
"We have the main complex that houses most of the buildings and some pipelines dewatered, but the rest of the Henry Hub complex is still under water," Sabine spokesman Mickey Driver said. "We continue to wait for the water to recede there." Henry Hub, along with much of the parish, sustained heavy flooding from Hurricane Rita.
IBM Cuts CO2 Emissions by More Than 1 Million Tons, Saving $115 Million
The World Wildlife Fund and the Center for Energy and Climate Solutions have announced that IBM, a participant in their Climate Savers program, has surpassed its reduction target and avoided more than 1.28 million tons of CO2 emissions since the company joined the program in 1998, saving $115 million in reduced energy costs.
In future, filling 'er up might not drain wallet
Twenty years from now, soaring gasoline prices and high home electric bills could be a thing of the past.By 2025, vehicles may be powered by pollution-free hydrogen. Cars and trucks would emit only water vapor.
IPE Brent higher amid slow progress in US GoM recovery
Green Energy Resources (nasdaq otc pk GRGR) is forging American efforts to recycle hurricane damaged wood for renewable energy. Hurricane wood waste could generate up to 10 percent of America’s electric power needs. Nearly 50 million tons of wood waste was openly dumped in Florida last year from four hurricanes.
Levees Fixed, but City Still at Risk
The last of the brown, festering stew that invaded New Orleans
after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita was being pumped back into the Industrial
Canal this weekend.
The breached levees that allowed all that water to rush into the city's
most impoverished and low-lying neighborhoods are fixed. For now.
Regardless of what method engineers come up with, they must contend with a few natural complications. Most of New Orleans is below sea level, and it's sinking.
Louisiana Ecological Harm Called Unprecedented
The environmental damage from hurricanes Katrina and Rita is unparalleled in its scope and variety, scientists say, with massive oil spills blanketing marshes, sediment smothering vast fishing grounds, and millions of gallons of raw sewage scattered in New Orleans and along the 400-mile Louisiana coast.
An agenda aimed at tapping abundant offshore winds, especially
over deep waters, to increase the nation’s production of clean, sustainable
energy.
New Algae Species Causes Earthy, Musty Taste and Smell in California Drinking Water
Regional water quality experts reported progress today in dealing with an unrelenting new strain of algae in Lake Skinner that is affecting the taste and smell of drinking water in San Diego and southwest Riverside counties.
NGWA Testifies Before Congress on Hurricane Katrina Well Flooding
North America Has Untapped Energy
WIND IS THE FASTEST GROWING source of electricity in the world, and the U.S. has the most.
Stanford University scientists produced a world map that plots wind power potential for the first time. They say harnessing even 20% of that energy would produce eight times more electricity than the world consumed in 2000.
"The main implication of this study is that wind, for low-cost wind energy, is more widely available than was previously recognized
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 100205
Solar activity was very low. Activity is expected to increase to low levels with isolated M-flares possible. The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet to unsettled with isolated active periods possible.
Roadmap to Energy in the Water and Wastewater Industry
True to its title, this August 2005 report offers strategies for improving energy efficiency in municipal water treatment facilities.
U.S. Department of Energy Financial Opportunities
New WEBSITE! This Web site lists opportunities for financial assistance from the U.S. DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The site lists current and past solicitations from EERE and provides specific funding information for business, industry, and universities, as well as consumers, federal energy managers, inventors, states, and tribes.
US Gulf production should be in 'good shape' within month: MMS
"It will take some time for them to sort all the problems out in the US Gulf of Mexico. We do not expect much of the production to be coming back on-line straight away."
Wildlife Effects of West's Gas Boom Still Unknown with More Development Looming
He pointed to the natural gas wells springing up across the land
where he has taken hunters for 15 years.
"Elk and deer move out when rigs move in," said Mead, a lanky,
mustachioed 50-year-old. "Up on the mountain during hunting season, if
you sneeze, you can hear the elk running. So, don't tell me they like
eating by a drilling rig."
One step forward and one step back for hydrogen fuel cells this week, as General Motors deferred the development of its Sequel fuel-cell concept due to its financial problems, but also said that rising fuel prices will help to drive forward the adoption of fuel-cell cars.
Yucca Mountain: Long Row to Hoe
The U.S. Department of Energy says that "sound science" is on its side and that it has the will to see the Yucca project through to its finish. But it is up against some strong opponents that include key congressional leaders. If the country decides that nuclear energy's prominence should grow, a national repository will get built.
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