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June 30, 2006
Airtricity buys $550 mil of wind turbines for US in 2008
Airtricity currently has 4,500 MW of wind capacity under development in Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and New Mexico and has an ambitious build program in place through 2008 and beyond, including advanced plans to develop in the California and Canadian markets, it said.
BA Says Time to Speed Up Alternative Fuel Research
British Airways, Europe's third-largest airline, said it wanted to start working with fuel makers on researching biofuels amid pressure on airlines to reduce emissions and the cost of jet fuel.
Bush administration opposes OCS drilling bill on revenue sharing
The Bush administration Thursday stated its opposition to a Republican bill now being debated on the House floor that would partially lift the Congressional ban on drilling offshore on the Outer Continental Shelf, citing concerns about a plan to allow states to get a share of the revenues from offshore activities.
California Smog Rules May Be Used Nationwide
The federal government may use California's strict pollution rules for lawnmowers and other small-engine machines as a national standard, a top Environmental Protection Agency official said Thursday.
Canadian company looks to produce organic fuel by 2008
Trucks could be running on organic diesel fuel made at a new Canadian facility within two years after a Vancouver company unveiled plans Wednesday for the nation's first ``biodiesel'' refinery.
Clean energy a hot topic in Tallahassee
The debate over the health and environmental effects of a proposed coal plant has shifted to one over the plant's estimated price: $800 million.
Coal's role in meeting future energy needs is growing
Coal's role in a future energy program includes coal liquefaction, coal gasification and near-zero emissions. "We're moving to what I believe will be huge market segments in Btu conversion -- coal to natural gas and coal to oil," said Peabody Energy President and CEO Gregory Boyce Tuesday.
Dell unveils worldwide product recycling program
Dell Inc. has unveiled a program to recycle all of its consumer products anywhere in the world free of charge.
EU's Fledgling Carbon Market Faces Crunch Date
The European Union's key scheme to fight climate change is heading for impasse as member states this week submitted pollution targets that are much softer than the European Commission's guidelines require.
Florida's Renewable Energy Act Is Signed Into Law
At the project launch of Florida’s newest ethanol production facility in Tampa, Governor Jeb Bush signed into law last week a four-year, $100 million plan to diversify the state’s fuel supply and promote energy conservation and efficiency.
Ford Drops Focus on Hybrids, Shifts to Biofuels
In a sharp shift of strategy, Ford Motor Co. plans to focus less on hybrid technology and more on a wider range of alternatives to traditional gasoline-powered engines, Ford Chief Executive Bill Ford told employees of the automaker.
FPL Details Plan to Switch Nuclear Waste Storage
Florida Power & Light Co. plans to change the way it handles radioactive waste at its St. Lucie Nuclear Plant in two years because the storage facility is almost full, FPL and federal officials told St. Lucie County commissioners Tuesday.
Gonzales to start pre-paying for natural gas to reduce cost
Gonzales to start pre-paying for natural gas to reduce cost. The City Council voted Monday night to start pre- paying for natural gas by joining a consortium that promises a 20- cent reduction below the market price per mcf or 1,000 cubic feet of gas.
Green Municipal Fund announces up to $350,000 for the Alberta Solar Municipal Showcase
Groups Sue to Stop Navy From Using Sonar
Environmental groups sued the federal government Wednesday to prevent the Navy from using active sonar during drills off Hawaii next month, saying the sound could harm whales and other marine mammals.
How Can Schools Lead by Example?
I am a senior at Whatcom Community College in Bellingham Washington. I have gotten together with one of my professors to investigate the possibility of incorporating solar (or alternative energies) into our public schools. I believe that for this new technology to catch on, we must teach it to the future generations and demonstrate these implications through the school system. I was wondering if you could help me understand what steps would have to be taken to get this technology in our schools.
Kyoto Climate Pact Backers Waver as Emissions Rise
Five years after berating Washington for pulling out, many backers of the UN's Kyoto Protocol are wavering in the fight against global warming.
Long Term Mortgage Rates Remain at Four Year Highs
Freddie Mac yesterday released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.78 percent, with an average 0.5 point, for the week ending June 29, 2006, up from last week’s average of 6.71 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 5.62 percent. The 30-year FRM has not been higher since May 24, 2002, when it averaged 6.81 percent.
Middle Eastern Countries Pouring Money into Growth
The Middle East is enjoying the current oil boom but with restraint, according to the World Bank this week. Middle Eastern countries have learned their lessons and are pouring new profits into economic development.
Northeast US Floods Stir Global Warming Debate
Images of swamped homes in the US Northeast deepened suspicions over global warming, giving ammunition to scientists and others who say greenhouse gas-spewing cars and factories are fueling extreme weather.
Oak Ridge National Lab Fellow Wants to Change Attitudes Toward Energy
The energy problem is a people problem, says Benjamin Sovacool, and finding a solution means changing peoples' conception of energy's central role in society.
Officials from California and Sweden Agree to Work Together on Biomethane and Renewable Fuels
California and the Kingdom of Sweden have finalized a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperate with one another and the industry to develop bioenergy, particularly biomethane.
Ontario Government Releases 2006 Building Code
Over the next eight years alone, the Building Code's increased energy-efficiency requirements will save enough energy to power 380,000 homes and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an amount equal to removing 250,000 cars from Ontario's roads.
OPA launches province's electricity action planning process
The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) today announced that comprehensive consultations with Ontarians will be a cornerstone of its Integrated Power System Plan (IPSP) - an action plan to assure the province's reliable and sustainable electricity future to 2025.
Pace of oil sands development raises environmental concerns
The projected pace of oil sands development in Alberta, Canada, can't be sustained without significant environmental and socioeconomic impacts, and must be slowed, Canadian environmental and community activists said Thursday.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company Seeks to Increase Renewable Energy Supplies for Its Customers
In an effort to increase the amount of clean energy available for its five million electric customers and meet state goals, Pacific Gas and Electric Company announced today it is asking suppliers to submit competitive bids to provide the utility with additional renewable power resources.
Panel rejects PFS nuclear storage
A Senate panel dealt a blow to Private Fuel Storage's plan to
build temporary nuclear storage in Utah on Tuesday, voting in
favor of short-term storage, but specifically prohibiting storage
at the PFS facility.
Plug Power, Interros and Norilsk Nickel Close On Landmark $217 Million Investment
"We now have approximately $285 million in cash and marketable securities, increased access to the Russian market and a wealth of technical expertise from our new partners. Together with our already strong market position and product line, the outlook for Plug Power has never been better."
Portugal Fires Destroy 20% of Forests in Decade
In one of the first studies on fires in Portugal, Pedro Vieira estimates that between 1995 and 2005 fires wiped out more than 700,000 hectares (1.73 million acres) of forests, leaving 2.5 million hectares (6.25 million acres).
"Crude stocks should indicate a significant decline due to
an expected significant drop in imports and a likely decline in West Coast
supply."
- Energy consultant Jim
Ritterbusch said in a report about US oil inventory stats to be released on
Wednesday.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 063006
Solar wind speed is slowly decreasing from a maximum of approximately 600 km/s to approximately 530 km/s at time of issue. The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet to unsettled for the next three days (30 June -02 July).
Scotland may not need more nuclear power
JACK McConnell believes Scotland can avoid building new nuclear power stations by becoming the "world leader" in renewable energy.
Should coal be used to create ethanol?- Could ethanol itself be used instead?
Rather than burning dirty coal to power ethanol plants, why not use this same ethanol to make more ethanol? Is this a good idea or a bad idea? What are the pro and cons?
So is Ethanol a Net-Energy Producer or Not?
Most studies show the production of ethanol fuels from the 1990's and onward to have a positive energy balance, meaning more energy comes from using the ethanol as a vehicle fuel than making it.
Stationary Diesel Engines to Dramatically Reduce Emissions
On June 29, 2006, EPA announced requirements that will limit air emissions from new stationary diesel engines by up to 90 percent.
SunPower Powers Dartmouth College's 'Big Green Bus'
A group of 12 Dartmouth College students committed to promoting the use of alternative energy has embarked on a 10-week cross-country journey in "The Big Green Bus," a vehicle powered by vegetable oil and a 215-watt silicon solar panel donated by SunPower Corp., a subsidiary of Cypress Semiconductor Corp.
Swedish government approves plans for large offshore wind farm in the Baltic Sea
Synenco Seeks OK for C$1.7 Billion Oil Sands Mine
Synenco Energy Inc said Thursday it has asked Canadian regulators to approve the mining portion of the C$5.3 billion Northern Lights oil sands project the firm is building with Chinese partner Sinopec Corp.
UK announces measures to move to Low Carbon Economy
UK energy minister backs marine energy
The UK should work to build its domestic wave and tidal power industries, including drafting a policy for development in the nation's offshore waters, Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks said late Thursday.
UK's Premier discovers oil and gas offshore Vietnam
UK' explorer Premier Oil and its partners have made an oil and gas discovery in an offshore Vietnam block, the company and its partners said Friday.
US Fed hikes interest rate 25 basis points to 5.25%
The US Federal Reserve, as expected, raised Thursday its key overnight lending rate by 25 basis points to 5.25%. It is the Fed's 17th straight hike.
For each U.S. region medium-range comments and on Seasonal comments. Sea temperatures slightly above normal and much cooler than last year.
What's Moving the Oil Markets 063006
•IPE Brent futures in London continued to firm steadily
Thursday as the market digested the US inventory data which came out Wednesday,
sources said.
•"Despite the price edging upwards there is actually very little movement in the
flat price.
I'm a retired electrician and 30 years ago I did the instrument work on a coal to gas plant in Pittsburgh, Pa. It was nearly pollution free and made methane, which is very clean burning. Why after 30 years do I not hear more about this process? John S., Westbury, NY
Wind Farm Construction To Begin
Construction of the Twin Groves Wind Farm in eastern McLean County begins Thursday, quashing any concerns about national security risks or wetland conservation.
WM to help fund Keep America Beautiful projects
Waste Management Inc. will work with Keep America Beautiful through a new program to develop local outreach and educational projects.
The Houston-based solid waste company will contribute to 35 grants this year to fund stewardship projects to conserve natural resources.
Worst Past in US Northeast Floods, Clean-Up to Come
"In terms of the flood, the worst of it is over. But we still have a long way to go in terms of cleaning it up and getting people back in their houses. The clean-up is going to be massive," said Trenton Mayor Doug Palmer.
June 29, 2006
ADB plans $1 billion for renewables and efficiency
The Asian Development Bank will launch the second phase of an initiative that will involve US$1 billion a year for projects in renewable energies and energy efficiency.
American Electric Power (AEP) Selects Enviance for Title V and Greenhouse Gas Reporting
As a leader in national efforts to address Green House Gas issues, AEP voluntarily participates in programs such as the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX), Department of Energy's Climate Challenge (1605b), and Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Leaders -- each having its own compliance reporting requirements. After extensive study of market alternatives, AEP selected the Enviance System to reduce the cost and time associated with tracking, analysis and reporting
Australia to Debate Nuclear Future Amid Waste Fears
Australia, a top US ally, could become the world's nuclear bank, leasing enriched uranium to other countries to generate power and then storing depeleted fuel rods in its vast, empty outback.
Big Three Cars Emit 230 Million Tons of Greenhouse Gas
Cars built by the Big Three automakers gave off 230 million metric tons of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide in the United States in a year, more than the biggest US electric utility, environmental researchers said on Wednesday.
BP says ready to make its case in court over CFTC propane charges
BP Wednesday denied charges by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission that it manipulated prices by cornering the US propane market in February 2004, but acknowledged it fired several employees for failing to follow company policies on trading activities.
Canada passes 1,000 MW of installed wind energy capacity
Canada has now become the 12th country in the world to surpass 1,000 Megawatts (MW) of installed wind energy capacity. With 1,049 MW of installed capacity now in place, wind energy produces enough electricity to meet the needs of more than 315,000 Canadian homes.
Daimler to Launch Smart Car in US in 2008
DaimlerChrysler AG said on Wednesday it will launch its two-seater Smart minicar in the United States in early 2008, as fuel prices shift consumers' attention to more economical vehicles.
Energy Secretary Announces $170 Million Solicitation For Solar Energy Technologies
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Samuel W. Bodman today announced $170 million over three years (from FY '07-'09) for cost- shared, public-private partnerships to advance solar energy technology.
Energy, Russia to be key EU priorities-- Finnish foreign minister
Energy and the European Union's relationship with Russia are to feature high on the European Union's agenda during the Finnish presidency that begins July 1, Finland's foreign minister Erkki Tuomioja said Thursday.
EU Warns Greece, Italy Over Compliance on Biofuels
Europe's energy chief took legal action against Italy and Greece on Wednesday over their failure to comply with EU rules that aim to boost demand for biofuels over the next few years.
ExxonMobil, Turkish Tupras start loading Kirkuk crude from Ceyhan
ExxonMobil and Turkey's Tupras have started loading Iraqi Kirkuk crude onto two vessels at the Turkish Mediterranean port of Ceyhan, marking the first time Iraq has exported Kirkuk crude in nearly a year, a shipping agent said Thursday.
Ford, GM, Chrysler to Boost Non-Gasoline Vehicles
Ford Motor Co., General Motors Corp. and Chrysler Group plan to more than double annual production of vehicles capable of running on renewable fuels to two million cars and trucks by 2010, the automakers said on Wednesday.
GE Energy opens wind turbine assembly facility in China
GE Energy today announced the official opening of its first wind turbine assembly plant in China. Located in Shenyang, the multi-million dollar facility will provide local support for the growing wind power industry in China and Asia.
Germany Gives Coal Opt Out Under CO2 Emission Plan
Germany proposes to tighten its greenhouse gas emissions limit in the second round of the EU's carbon market, but will allow new coal plants to opt out, the environment minister said on Wednesday.
Global renewables to increase to 9% from 8% by 2030
The market share of renewable energies around the world will increase by only one percentage point over the next quarter-century, according to U.S. data.
'Great Divide' Seen in Muslim and Western Opinions
A "great divide" separates the worldviews of Muslims and Westerners, according to the results of a major new survey which suggests that European Muslims, who held the most tolerant views, could be a bridge between the two groups..
IPE Brent crude oil climbs after digesting US stock data
IPE Brent crude oil futures in London continued to firm steadily Thursday as the market digested the US inventory data which came out Wednesday, sources said. At 1038 London time (0938 GMT) the August Brent futures contract was changing hands at $71.80/barrel, up 38 cents.
New power plant to be fueled by trash
Trash-fueled power plants have proved a great success in Kentucky, turning methane generated naturally in landfills into electricity without the environmental downside associated with coal- fired generating stations.
Niger's President Joins Mass Prayers for Rain
Niger's President Mamdou Tandja and his cabinet joined thousands of Muslims who flocked to mosques on Wednesday to pray for rain and assuage "divine discontent" they fear may bring famine.
BRITAIN'S energy watchdog is preparing to slap a tough set of price controls on National Grid and other network operators, setting the stage for a showdown with the utilities over the coming months.
A New Way To Dump On Staten Island?
The Staten Island Advance offers its take on the latest plot twists
regarding New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg´s long-term plan to haul
waste out of the city by barge and rail in lieu of the current
truck-based system.
Philadelphia expands single-stream recycling program
Philadelphia is expanding its single-stream curbside recycling program to 123,000 residences July 10.
Northeast Philadelphia households will be able to put all their recyclables into one container for curbside collection, said Clarena Tolson, Philadelphia streets commissioner.
"Crude stocks should indicate a significant decline due to
an expected significant drop in imports and a likely decline in West Coast
supply."
- Energy consultant Jim
Ritterbusch said in a report about US oil inventory stats to be released on
Wednesday.
"Refinery utilisation is continuing to increase, but
at a slowing rate, I assume, and we should see some losses in yields due to
problems at huge Baytown, Total Port Arthur and an upset at Exxon Torrance
Thursday."
- Societe Generale
senior energy analyst Deborah White said in a note.
Renewables could quadruple by 2050 with policy incentives, says IEA
The world must “act urgently and decisively” to promote renewable energies, says the International Energy Agency.
“The world is not on course for a sustainable energy future,” warns ‘Energy Technology Perspectives: Scenarios & Strategies to 2050.’
Renewables mitigate rising GHG emissions in Europe
The increased use of wind, hydro and biomass for power generation in Europe helped to minimize the increase in continental GHG emissions from energy industries. CO2 from electricity and heat production decreased by 3.2 megatonnes from 2003 and 2004, while power generation increased 2% to meet increasing demand.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 062906
Newly numbered region 898 (S06E66) produced a B5 flare. Over the past 24 hours, solar wind speed increased to approximately 575 km/s due to the coronal hole high speed stream. The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet to active on 29 June, with mostly quiet conditions expected on 30 June to 01 July.
FOR Jack McConnell, the prospect of a massive build-up in renewable energy in Scotland offers the tantalising possibility of a country that could become nuclear-free. Such a future would simultaneously avoid a dangerous division in the coalition ranks while strengthening the Labour Party's "green" credentials.
South China Island Braces for Second Storm of Year
The south Chinese island of Hainan called ships back to harbour and suspended train ferries to the mainland on Wednesday as it braced for the arrival of the second tropical storm to hit this year.
State Approves Minnesota Power's Emission Reduction Plan
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) has issued an Order approving Minnesota Power's $60 million voluntary emission reduction initiative.
Sweden Aims to Cut Oil Use, Transport Targeted
Sweden should slash petrol and diesel use in transport, use less oil in industry and be more energy efficient, if it wants to meet its goal of breaking its reliance on oil, a government panel said on Wednesday.
Toyota to Double its Number of Hybrid Models to 20 by 2015
Toyota Motor Corporation announced in mid-June that it will double the number of hybrid models it sells by early in the next decade and will accelerate its research and development of plug-in hybrid vehicles. Including its Lexus division, Toyota currently sells 10 hybrid models, although not all are available in the United States.
Trash could be the answer-- Mill may burn waste to save jobs, but clean air a concern
As the Rock-Tenn Co. ponders a future without steam- produced power for its St. Paul paperboard mill, officials are beginning to explore renewable energy technologies -- including fuel derived from household garbage.
UK energy demand shifts to coal in Q1 2006-- DTI
UK energy demand shifted from oil and gas to coal in the first quarter of
2006 compared with the first quarter of 2005, electricity generation using
16.4% less gas and 17.3% more coal, according to figures published Thursday by
the Department of Trade and Industry in its quarterly "Energy Trends" report.
UK sets Phase 2 cap for CO2 emissions at 238 million mt/yr
The UK has set a cap for its industry in Phase 2 of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme at 238 million mt/yr, according to Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs David Miliband. The UK's cap in Phase 1 of the EU ETS is 245.4 million mt/yr.
US DOE may work with Congress on interim storage issue-- Bodman
Licensing as many as 31 storage facilities for utility spent nuclear fuel, as proposed in a Senate appropriations bill, "would be a formidable undertaking," Department of Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman said Wednesday.
US EPA Suffers From Chronic Management Problems-- GAO
The US Environmental Protection Agency does not enforce clean air and water laws consistently and is crippled by sloppy record keeping, the investigative arm of Congress told a Senate panel on Wednesday.
US power output rises 6.1% on year in week ending June 24-- EEI
US utilities generated 86,345 GWh of power in the week ending June 24, 6.1% more than the total generated in the same period of 2005, the Edison Electric Institute said Wednesday.
US Senate Appropriations approves FY 2007 energy spending bill
The US Senate Appropriations Committee approved an energy spending bill that would direct $24.7 billion to the Department of Energy, a $658 million boost over President Bush's budget request.
US utilities 'much better prepared' for hurricanes-- Bodman
US Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman Wednesday said he is "convinced that
the utilities [along the US Gulf Coast] are much better prepared" to respond
to another above-average hurricane season than they were a year ago when
hurricanes Rita and Katrina caused widespread power outages and crippled
oil refinery and oil and natural gas pipeline operations.
USCG may reopen shut Louisiana channel to barge traffic Thursday
The Coast Guard might reopen the Calcasieu Ship Channel in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to limited tug and barge traffic as early as Thursday afternoon, said USCG spokesman Chief Warrant Officer Adam Wine.
What's Moving the Oil Markets 062906
•IPE Brent futures in London continued to firm steadily
Thursday as the market digested the US inventory data which came out Wednesday,
sources said.
•"Despite the price edging upwards there is actually very little movement in the
flat price
Wolfowitz Creates New Sustainable Development Unit
World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz on Tuesday said he was merging the bank's departments that deal with infrastructure and environmental projects into a single unit to promote sustainable development.
Xcel starts new energy saving program
Xcel Energy has announced a new energy-efficient lighting program that will help residential customers in Colorado save energy and money. The company is helping electricity customers switch to energy- efficient lighting by offering incentives on compact fluorescent lights.
June 28, 2006
2006 U.S. Power System Wall Map
The Most Up-to-Date Visual Reference Tool on the
U.S. Power System Available
Changes in the electric industry mandate a comprehensive understanding of the
U.S. power system. This stunning new map is the largest, most detailed and
up-to-date reference tool available for energy professionals, financial
institutions, power marketers, merchant plant developers, or anyone else
involved in this dynamic industry.
Calls grow louder in Congress to revamp US energy policy
Everybody, it seems, is scrambling to remake America's energy policy - proposing ways to reduce US dependence on foreign oil while addressing the environmental aspects of energy production, distribution, and use.
Capitol Hill Funding Slotted for Renewable Energy
Earlier this week, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture funded the valuable and popular Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvements program (Sec. 9006) at $25 million -- $22 million discretionary, plus $3 million mandatory.
Chevron Invests in Large-Scale Texas Biodiesel Facility
Chevron Corporation has invested through a subsidiary in a Texas-based company that is building one of the first large-scale biodiesel plants in the United States. The facility will have the potential to produce 100 million gallons per year of this clean-burning renewable fuel, an amount that would more than double the current production volume of biodiesel in the United States.
Climate Change Bill progress praised
LONDON--The Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill has received Royal Assent this week, in a move that has been welcomed by ministers and environmental organisations. The Private Member’s Bill is aiming to make it easier for homeowners to use microgeneration technologies – and sell unused power back to their supplier.
DOE to begin steps on possible purchase of land near plant
KENTUCKY--A public meeting Thursday will start a four-month process helping the Department of Energy decide whether to offer to buy contaminated private land near the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant.
Domenici drafts bill giving DOE interim nuclear storage authority
The Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee has
drafted a fiscal-year 2007 spending bill that will put the US on a path to
consolidate commercial nuclear waste from 103 reactors at nearly 70 sites at
an undetermined number of temporary federal storage facilities, officials said
Tuesday.
Electrical partnership reveals energy goals
LONDON--Discussions over a voluntary agreement for consumer electricals manufacturers to reduce their carbon emissions and develop more energy efficient products have taken place this week between ministers and industry representatives.
Energy Regulator seeks ceiling of pounds 5bn on investment
ENERGY regulator Ofgem has proposed almost doubling investment in Britain's electricity and gas transmission networks to a maximum of pounds 5bn for the five years to 2012, but analysts said the suggested rate of return was too low.
Entrepreneur says recycling technologies can save water, produce energy
Santa Barbara produces more than 8 million gallons of wastewater and sewage every day -- 80 gallons-plus per person. After treatment, about 20 percent of the liquid is used for irrigation and the remainder is flushed out to sea, while each year about 11,000 tons of leftover organic material is trucked to a composting facility in Kern County.
The European Commission has vowed to ‘intensify’ climate change efforts, following last week’s publication figures that showed an increase in emissions during the last two years across the region.
Focus on drilling permits could hinder development-- Wyo state official
There is support for permit-streamlining efforts that will increase production, Flanderka said. However, "Without improving planning and inspection/monitoring activities, permitting times could continue to languish due to social and even legal constraints related to impacts on other resources."
Greenhouse gas measures advance in California Legislature
Two bills that would limit greenhouse gas emissions in California
advanced in the state Legislature late Monday.
One, S.B. 1368, written by Senate President pro Tem Don Perata, would
prohibit new long-term contracts for baseload generation unless those power
supplies guarantee that their GHG emissions would not exceed those of a
combined-cycle natural gas-fired power plant.
Another bill tackling GHG emissions, A.B. 32 would implement California
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's GHG reduction targets.
Home Wind Turbines Won't Need Planning Approval
UK - Homeowners are to be given free rein to erect wind turbines and solar panels under changes to the planning laws. There will be no need to seek consent for certain home modifications if they are seen to help the environment.
House panel advances US-India trade deal
An initial change to US law to allow nuclear trade with India was approved 37-5 by the House International Relations Committee June 27.
How is Dingo Urine Gathered, Carefully, Study Says
Australian researchers say they have discovered a new repellent that can help with everything from rehabilitating old mine sites to reducing the amount of roadkill. It's dingo urine.
HP to hold e-waste recycling events in seven states
Hewlett-Packard Co. plans to increase electronics recycling awareness with several U.S. collection events this summer.
The Palo Alto, Calif.-based computer maker will accept electronics from any manufacturer during the June through September events. It will hold the collection events in Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico and Oregon.
Husky, CNOOC announce possible 'world-class' find
Husky Energy has posted a deepwater natural gas discovery in the South China Sea it estimates has recoverable resources of 4 Tcf to 6 Tcf -- easily the largest in its history and more than all its proven holdings in Western Canada.
The Canadian integrated company believes the single well could "potentially double" Husky's current Western Canadian proved gas reserves
IGCC would combine best aspects of coal, natural gas power
The growing emphasis on domestic energy sources and concerns over global warming have raised commercial interest in the use of integrated gasification combined-cycle technology, according to a report released Monday by Standard and Poor's Ratings Services.
Innovative Recipients Recognized for Turning Brown into Green Chemistry
Leading researchers and industrial innovators were recognized this week for significant contributions in advancing pollution prevention at the 2006 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. The presidential-rank awards are given to select individuals and organizations that have made innovative science contributions with identifiable applications that result in less pollution, waste or both in a manufacturing process.
Introduction to the House of the Future; Produced in Association with British Gas
This is the energy efficient home of the future.
Kohn on the Effects of Globalization on Inflation and Their Implications for Monetary Policy
The following are remarks by Mr Donald L Kohn, Member of the Board of Governors of the US Federal Reserve System, at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston's 51st Economic Conference.
Part of my intention today is to illustrate some of the considerable challenges that are involved in attempting to identify the extent to which the recent pickup in the pace of global economic integration has influenced inflation dynamics in the United States.
Latin America Becoming Riskier for US Oil and Gas Companies
Oil prices that are hovering near record highs are transforming the political landscape in many parts of the world, including Latin America, where pricey crude has helped spur several governments to push for larger shares of oil revenue and more control over their countries' hydrocarbon assets...
McGuinty Government Promoting Energy Efficiency in Ontario
The McGuinty government is proposing regulatory changes that will promote energy efficiency and reduce electricity demand, Environment Minister Laurel Broten announced today.
Mercury bills based on scientific findings
We need to be smart in how we reduce mercury emissions. The DEP rule will threaten jobs, raise electric bills and could reduce our generating capacity while providing no added public health benefit. Sen. MARY JO WHITE Chairman, Senate Environmental Resources & Energy Committee Harrisburg
Ministers meet to push forward nuclear plans
THE UK Government is poised to move a step closer to committing Britain to a nuclear future. A private meeting of the Cabinet's energy and environment committee is today expected to discuss the go-ahead for the construction of a new generation of nuclear power stations.
Novelis says it recycled more than 35 billion cans in 2005
Novelis Inc. recycled more than 35 billion aluminum cans last year, up from about 30 billion in 2004, the company said June 26. About 30 percent of Novelis´ feedstock comes from recovered material, which requires 95 percent less energy than producing primary aluminum, said Martha Brooks, chief operating officer.
OPEC trims forecast for oil demand growth
OPEC on June 19 shaved its forecast of world oil demand growth in 2006 to 1.36 million b/d from the 1.38 million b/d estimated in May, and well below the 1.6 million b/d forecast in July last year. Total world oil demand is forecast at 84.63 million b/d, up from a revised estimate of 83.27 million b/d in 2005.
Parched Pakistan Feuds Over US$18 Billion Dam Projects
President Pervez Musharraf wants to build five dams -- of which the Kalabagh dam, his top priority, is the biggest -- to head off Pakistan's looming water crisis and cut energy costs.
"This is Pakistan, it happens over here, projects are started, then stopped when new people come," says Zareen Khan, a turbaned 65-year-old villager in Kalabagh. Khan has seen surveyors visit his village, whose name means "black garden", many times before. "They just draw lines and leave."
The commonwealth has been a leader in advancing clean coal technology. Pennsylvania is home to one of the nation's most progressive alternative energy portfolio standards, ensuring that 18 percent of all energy generated by 2020 will come from clean, efficient and advanced resources -- not just traditional renewables but also coal mine methane, waste coal and coal gasification.
Power companies are investigating an ambitious project to place underwater turbines in Cook Strait as an answer to New Zealand's electricity shortage. Scientists behind the idea say harnessing the tidal currents could meet the entire country's electricity needs.
Progress Energy today received new, extended operating licenses from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for its two Brunswick Plant nuclear reactors. These renewed licenses will allow both Brunswick Plant units to operate an additional 20 years beyond their original licenses.
Proposals Are Coming in for Renewable Energy
A state law designed to promote a diverse supply of renewable energy is beginning to bear fruit. New Mexico's three major utilities are studying bids to buy power derived from the sun or from burning wood or animal waste.
"I think waiting for the stats always makes Wednesday
mornings dull. It's the same today. However, the price is up on a technical
follow through after having taken out some good resistance levels over the past
few days."
- Said a London-based
trader about the lack of activity on IPE Brent futures on Wednesday.
RE Finance Forum Woos Wall Street
"It (energy) needs to become a federal priority. It's a vital priority
that affects all of us, and transcends traditional politics."
-- Governor Edward Rendell, Pennsylvania
While Biofuels, and particularly investments and capacity building for ethanol production, are currently hot investments with an estimated 40 new manufacturing facilities planned for the U.S., Wind power and Solar energy were also highlighted at the conference by industry specialists.
ReCellular to help recycle phones in Venezuela
Cell phone recycler ReCellular Inc. has helped launch Venezuela´s first mobile phone recycling program. Venezuela reportedly has 13.6 million wireless subscribers. The RECICL@CEL recycling program will offer more than 1,300 drop-off locations throughout the country. Phones collected through the program will be refurbished or recycled.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 062806
Solar activity is expected to be very low to low. Region 897 may produce C-class activity. The geomagnetic field is expected to be unsettled to active on 28 - 29 June due to a coronal hole high speed stream. Expect mostly quiet conditions on 30 June.
Russian LNG projects risky due to political-business threats-- S&P
Political risk, opaque legal and business systems, and Russia's short history of contract law and enforcement are key threats to the development of the country's liquefied natural gas business, ratings agency Standard & Poor's said in a recent report.
Senate Says More Disclosure Required on Overseas Oil Deals
A flood of speculative cash has spurred the run-up in crude oil futures prices since 2000 and Congress should require disclosure of more data on U.S. energy contracts bought and sold on overseas exchanges, according to a congressional report released on Monday.
Solar PV Companies Overcome Silicon Shortage and Push Ahead
Frost & Sullivan recently reported that the Global Solar Photovoltaic Market earned revenues of US$6.49 billion in 2005 and estimated this will reach US$16.43 billion in 2012. It found that solar photovoltaic industries are slowly overcoming inhibitions associated with them to become a viable alternative as distribution generation systems.
Texas Wind Farm Receives Solid Backing
Airtricity agreed on $120 million in project equity investment with GE Energy Financial Services, Fortis Capital and Wells Fargo for a 125-megawatt (MW) wind farm under construction in West Texas.
Advocates of renewable energy must be happy to see Wall Street firmly embracing the rise of ethanol, specifically American corn-based ethanol. There has been a surge of ethanol popularity in the media, including stories on "60 Minutes" and CNN and "Live Green Go Yellow" ads by GM, and there is a corresponding ethanol craze among investors. The investment interest in ethanol is borderline frenzy. This is dangerous...
Turkish Economy Faces Double Dose of Rate Hikes
The Turkish monetary authorities have resorted to a second sharp hike in interest rates in an effort to arrest the slide of the local currency. These desperate measures are by no means guaranteed success, given the jittery state of financial markets in Turkey and elsewhere, and risk having a damaging impact on the country's economic prospects.
U.S. researchers develop wireless sensor network to secure power grid
An Iowa State University research team is working to develop a network of wireless sensors that could monitor the country's electricity transmission system, according to a press release published by the university on Monday.
UK's Blair Signals Support for Nuclear Power
Prime Minister Tony Blair said on Tuesday he would need a lot of convincing that Britain could meet its future energy needs without nuclear power, signalling his support for a new generation of reactors.
US congressional analysts put OCS bill's cost at $11 billion
A US House bill that would lift existing bans on oil and gas drilling in
the Outer Continental Shelf and share production royalties with states would
cost the federal Treasury $11 billion over 10 years, the Congressional Budget
Office said Tuesday. The House is expected to debate the legislation later
this week.
US House vote completes Congress' turnaround on Cape Wind bill
The US House approved without a dissenting vote a bill that would give the Coast Guard final say over a wind farm planned in federal waters off Massachusetts, completing a sharp turnaround by Congress. The bill will now head to President Bush for his signature.
What's Moving the Oil Markets 062806
•IPE Brent futures in London continued it's upward
momentum Wednesday ahead of the US weekly inventory report due out at 1530
London time (1430 GMT). The ongoing closure of the Calcasieu Ship Channel in
Louisiana and lingering concerns over the Iranian nuclear issue added to the
support, traders said. At 1058 London time the August IPE Brent futures contract
was changing hands at $71.25/barrel, up 27 cents from the overnight settle, in
thin trading.
•US oil inventory data to be released by the Energy Information Administration
and American Petroleum Institute are expected to show a 1.4 million barrel draw
from commercial crude stocks, according to analysts surveyed by Platts Tuesday.
Wind Energy Goes Mainstream With New Residential Small Wind Generator
A new small residential wind generator from Southwest Windpower will give homeowners a new weapon in the fight against rising electricity costs. Skystream 3.7(TM) is the first fully integrated wind generator designed specifically for the grid-connected residential market.
World First for Perpetual Source of Power
Perpetuum has launched the world’s first effective vibration energy harvester to power wireless and battery-free devices capable of sending large amounts of data from many types of industrial equipment. The PMG7 high-performance microgenerator enables users to power sensors, microprocessors and transmitters for accurately monitoring the condition of plant equipment and machinery without the need for batteries, expensive cabling or maintenance.
WorldWater & Power Corp. a developer and marketer of proprietary high-power solar systems, today announced that the company is breaking ground this week on its largest project to date, the $7.8 million Farm ACW avocado ranch project in Fallbrook, CA.
June 27, 2006
Argentina secures $689 million loan for gas pipeline expansion
Argentina wants to build the $1 billion Northeast Pipeline to import around 20 million cu m/d of additional gas from Bolivia. It is currently importing 7.7 million cu m/d under a contract that expires at the end of 2006, helping to meet domestic demand.
Asia Shows Solar Power is Not Just for the Rich
Solar power does not require steep subsidies to be able to push aside environment-polluting fossil fuels, says proponents of large sun-powered projects in Laos and Bangladesh.
Boutique fuels limit U.S. options if supply is disrupted
If a fuel supply disruption occurs in the United States, boutique fuel requirements would make it more difficult to move gasoline supplies around the country, according to a Boutique Fuels Task Force report released June 23 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Boutique fuels are specialized blends used by states to help meet clean air standards.
Calgary's Regulated Electricity Bills to Rise July 1 by 21%
The Regulated Rate Option (RRO), which applies to all households and small businesses that have not chosen to enter into an energy plan with a retail supplier, will rise effective July 1, 2006 to a starting price of 7.553 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) compared with 5.594 cents for the first half of 2006.
DOE plans extension of renewable energy incentive program
An Energy Department program that provides state and municipal utilities with a financial incentive for renewable-energy based production would be extended for 20 years under a proposal issued Monday by DOE.
Energy Efficient Habitat for Humanity Home Dedicated
New owners of the newest Habitat for Humanity home in Nebraska have moved into their house and one thing they won’t be facing is high utility bills. That is because the home was designed to incorporate energy conservation equipment and construction techniques to efficiently use energy.
Engineer seeks permit on second tidal power project
The Trescott engineer who has gained the attention of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission with his proposal to build both a tidal power dam and a liquefied natural gas facility on U.S. Navy property in Cutler now has a third energy project to offer.
AS GAS prices soared way above levels on continental Europe last winter amid fears that we might even have a shortage, Alistair Buchanan, chief executive of energy regulator Ofgem, was left scratching his head in disbelief. The big mystery was why were European energy companies not exporting gas through a pipe called the interconnector, which links Britain's gas network with the Continent's, to make a killing by selling at our higher prices.
Global carbon emission market to become prominent business-- ADB
The global carbon emission market is expected to become a business of 100 billion U.S. dollars in the coming years, a report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said Monday.
Go-ahead expected for new nuclear stations Decision puts ministers at odds with McConnell
MINISTERS are today expected to give approval to a new generation of nuclear power stations for Britain. Downing Street has indicated it believes the key matter of waste management is no longer the problem it once was. The issue is vital to the Scottish political context as Jack McConnell has made it clear that, while this issue remains unresolved, the executive will not support a new generation of nuclear power stations.
'Green' House Will Help Save Greenbacks
It's not for sale just yet, but homeowners anxious about rising electricity rates may want to take note: A builder has just put the finishing touches on a new four-bedroom house in Bel Air that should cost less than half as much to heat, cool and turn on the lights as do comparable traditional homes.
Harvesting a field full of energy The oil giants are beating a path to Downham Market
IN BILL Forsyth's 1983 film classic Local Hero, a Scottish fishing village is turned upside down by the arrival of a Texan oil giant with a lorryload of cash and blueprints for a refinery.
Fuel´s Gold: All of a sudden, a boatload of ethanol stories are hitting the Web. Here´s a taste: one report from the Washington Post, another from the New York Times. What strikes me about this trend is that many of the ethanol stories I see fall into a trap I´ve dubbed the Environmental Journalism Panacea Booby-Trap ... Pitfall ... Syndrome. OK, admittedly the name needs work. The point is, ethanol, which generally gets an easy ride from the press, does have downsides, as fuels go.Inflation, Bank Stocks & Hedge Funds
The appearance of low inflation and the reality of low interest rates have pushed risk taking to new extremes on Wall Street over the past decade, this even while raising the nominal value of mainstream industries beyond levels where profits and stock prices make sense. The recent revival of investor interest in General Motors confirms the optimism which comes from excess liquidity.
Interactive mapping of biodiesel fuel stations and ethanol 85 fuel stations across the US
MapMuse.com has recently introduced interactive mapping of biodiesel fuel stations and ethanol 85 fuel stations across the US
Iran, Afghanistan sign MoU on cooperation in water, energy
Iranian Minister of Energy Parviz Fattah and Afghan Minister of Energy and Water Mohammad Esmail Khan in a meeting here Sunday [25 June] signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in water and energy sectors.
Kremlin go-ahead for China oil deal
ENERGY-hungry China gained its first stake in a Russian oil field last week, signalling a reversal in the Kremlins attitude to its long-time rival and launching Russias new energy partnership policy.
Munition dump delays Baltic Sea gas pipeline
THE North European Gas Pipeline, a joint project between Russias Gazprom and Germanys BASF and Eon, is likely to push back its 2010 in-service date because of hundreds of thousands of tonnes of second world war chemical weapons dumped in the Baltic Sea. The most deadly agent is mustard gas, which causes cancer and birth defects.
Official-- States Should Withhold Money for Yucca
States that are growing frustrated over delays at Yucca Mountain should consider withholding millions of dollars that utility ratepayers contribute each year into the project's construction fund, the safety adviser to the governor of Maine said in a speech Wednesday to a nuclear waste conference.
Outage blankets region, cause unknown
A widespread power outage at 9:15 p.m. Sunday knocked out electricity all over Southcentral Alaska, with reports of blackouts from the Mat-Su Borough to Homer.
"Russia is already a world-class energy player. The
only issue is how Russia will choose to take advantage of the opportunities
before it and overcome some significant challenges along the road."
- US Ambassador to
Moscow William Burns said Tuesday, noting that Russia must open up its vast oil
and gas sectors to foreign investment if the country is to fulfill its potential
as "a world-class energy player."
The Energy Department is updating 20-year-old data on railroad alignments in western Nevada and should decide by the end of the summer whether it wants to further explore an alternative route to ship nuclear waste by rail through the state to Yucca Mountain, a DOE manager said Thursday.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 062706
Solar activity was very low. Region 897 (N06E57) produced two B1 flares during the past 24 hours. There is a chance for a C-class flare from Region 897. The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet to unsettled on 27 June. A recurrent coronal hole is expected to rotate into geoeffective position on 28 Jun.
S&P expects more nuclear plants, but not before 2015
Standard & Poor's Ratings Services expects US companies to build more domestic nuclear power plants, but does not foresee any stations coming online before 2015-2016, according to a research note released on Monday.
Scientists Seek to Spy on World's Fish
Thousands of marine animals could be tracked under a US$150 million project to understand threats to life in the oceans with technology perfected for supermarket checkouts, scientists said on Monday.
A startup originally funded by Google Inc. last week announced a $100 million financing package and set plans to build what it claims will be the world's largest solar cell manufacturing facility.
Supreme Court Takes Up What Could Be Key Ruling on Climate Change
Running for president, George W. Bush said he was ready to regulate carbon dioxide. But in early 2001, shortly after taking office, he changed his mind. Now the Supreme Court may force the president to shift gears again -- or it may support his argument that there are other, cheaper ways to address climate change
Surging U.S. Coal Demand Requires Supply Side Reality Check
Meeting future U.S. coal demand will require substantial new investment in the coal supply chain, and a fresh assessment of U.S. coal reserves according to a new study, Can Coal Deliver?
U.S. Officials Announce National Renewable Energy Conference
U.S. agriculture and energy officials announced June 23 that they will co-host a national renewable energy conference October 10-12 in Missouri to accelerate commercialization of renewable energy industries and distribution systems.
US congress panel sees Canadian oil sands countering OPEC's power
Canada's vast oil sands reserves are set to boost North American energy security as rising production counters the power of the OPEC oil cartel in world markets, a congressional panel said in a report released this week.
US Has Duty to Lead on Global Warming - Scientist
The United States - the world's richest and most polluting nation -- has a moral duty to take the lead in tackling catastrophic global warming instead of denying it is happening, a leading scientist said on Monday.
US Senate panel blasts CFTC on foreign trade of US oil contracts
A US Senate panel Monday took the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission to task for allowing foreign electronic exchanges, particularly the London-based ICE Futures exchange, to trade US energy commodities.
US senators press Frist for vote ending deepwater royalty relief
One of the US Senate's most conservative members Monday joined with one of its most liberal ones in asking Majority Leader Bill Frist, Republican-Tennessee, for a vote in the next month on a bill that would end deepwater royalty relief. Senator John Kyl, Republican-Arizona, and Ron Wyden, Democrat-Oregon.
US Won't Rule Out Joining Kyoto Successor
Washington cannot rule out joining any successor to the UN's Kyoto Protocol for curbing global warming beyond 2012 but such a move would face big legal hurdles, the US chief climate negotiator said on Monday.
Utah Expected to Triple Geothermal Power Production, Study Reports
A new report from the Geothermal Energy Association documenting Utah's resurgence of geothermal resource development finds that Utah is among the states with the "greatest potential for new development in the West."
June 26, 2006
A look at the FutureGen project
A few facts about FutureGen, a billion-dollar power plant that could be the prototype for tomorrow's pollution-free electrical generation. Illinois has four of the 12 sites contending for the project, with six other states vying.
Reforming an African electricity company requires tough love, persistence -- and a little luck. Just ask Jean-David Bile, a civil engineer in the central African country of Cameroon.
British Climate Change Envoy Sees China as Key
China has a key role to play in the drive to convert the world to a low-carbon economy, according to John Ashton, set to travel the world as Britain's first Special Representative on Climate Change.
Californian Pelicans Held on Suspicion of Being Drunk
Four pelicans suspected of being drunk on sea algae were being tested at a Southern California wildlife center on Saturday after one of them crashed headlong into a car.
China Population to Peak at 1.5 Billion in 2030s - Paper
China's population will peak at 1.5 billion by the mid-2030s, and its sex ratio will remain skewed at 119 boys for every 100 girls, state media reported on Friday.
Coal freight on US railroads in week to June 17 rises 10.3%
Coal carloads on US railroads in the week to June 17 rose 10.3% compared
with the same period a year earlier to 143,863 carloads, the Association of
American Railroads said Thursday. Coal railcar volumes in week 24 in 2005
totaled 130,373, it said.
Constuction of fusion energy test reactor could start in 2007
Construction of a large international fusion energy test reactor could begin
in 2007 if governments of the seven participating partners ratify the joint
implementation agreement, as expected, that ITER participants initialed May
May 24 in Brussels.
Denmark should promote energy efficiency-- IEA chief Mandil
"Both energy efficiency and renewables bring important benefits in reduced emissions and enhanced energy security. However, energy efficiency will likely be more cost effective in achieving these goals in the near and mid-term," Mandil said.
First images made of hydrogen burning in working internal combustion engine
Images of hydrogen combustion have been captured for the first time in an internal combustion engine operating at real-world speeds and loads by engineers at the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory. This window into the inner workings of a hydrogen-powered engine is helping to optimize the engines for street use some day.
Gold seeks direction as traders hug the sidelines
Gold is trading a $580-600/oz range Friday morning as the precious metal gyrates on the back of sentiment which ebbs and flows. US economic data as well as speculation over the outcome of the next Federal Open Market Committee dictates in which direction gold moves.
High oil prices spurring rush towards coal-to-oil plants in China
Producing gasoil or gasoline by coal liquefaction costs around $25-30/barrel for projects with a production capacity of over one million mt/year, the source said, making it extremely competitive at current prices and generating a healthy profit for coal companies.
Hydrogen energy heading for big R&D money?
Hype or the 'Holy Grail', hydrogen energy is set to follow in the footsteps of Galileo and become the next EU Joint Technology Initiative.
IPE Brent rangebound in light trade with no market moving news
"It's very quiet this morning and the market is waiting for a headline to move it. Fundamentally, for the time being, prices should be coming off," a London-based broker said.
Japan a testing ground for clean-energy technologies
Burnaby's Ballard Power Systems is using Japan as a testing ground for what the company hopes will be its first high-volume commercial product by 2008 -- a new fuel cell system for generating heat and electricity for Japanese homes.
Japan Nuclear Worker Exposed to Radiation, Unhurt
A worker at a Japanese nuclear fuel reprocessing plant was exposed to a small amount of radiation on Saturday, but appeared to suffer no health problems, an prefectural government official said.
Japanese Scientists Develop Biomass System For Hydrogen Production
A research team from the Tokyo Institute of Technology has developed a machine that produces hydrogen from woody biomass more efficiently using less nickel catalyst.
Kiwis at odds over wind farms Citizen groups challenge energy projects in special court
Like Senator Edward Kennedy and the energy millionaire William Koch, both of Massachusetts, Wendy Brock, a New Zealand homemaker, is fighting windmills in her backyard. "You can't get away from that throb, throb, throb coming through your house."
Last 25 Years Warmest on Earth Since 1600 - Study
The last few decades were the warmest on Earth in the past 400 years, and may well have been warmer than any comparable period since the Middle Ages, US scientists reported on Thursday.
LNG could hurt bay economy, study says
A study of Passamaquoddy Bay commissioned by a local group opposed to the construction of liquefied natural gas terminals on the bay indicates that such development likely would have an overall harmful effect on the area's economy.
Mandatory US Greenhouse Gas Regime is Now Taking Shape
Just when everyone thought we would have to wait another five years for U.S. action on climate change legislation, action is now taking place at the federal level. Although it won't be this year when the focus is still on red and blue states, green is the color of next year. It will be bipartisan, It will be a real reduction. And it will have industry hollering that it can't make the deadline.
Millions of Indians at Risk From Mercury Poisoning
Millions of people are at risk from the unregulated use of mercury in India, which has become the world's biggest consumer after China, an environmental group said on Friday.
PennFuture Decries Abuse of the Legislative Process for Mercury Bill
"PennFuture is calling on the House to recommit this legislation to the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee where it belongs," continued Hanger. "Yesterday's machinations over SB 1201 mean that this bill is now about much more than the regulation of mercury polluters. It is now about the House of Representatives and what it stands for."
PG&E Continues to Call for Energy Conservation
As the sweltering heat wave continues to blanket the state, Pacific Gas and Electric Company urges customers to practice energy conservation to assist the state's power grid manager.
POWER CRAZY ; as and electricity bills to soar pounds 131
POWER bills for millions of Scots are to soar by another pounds 131 a year. ScottishPower revealed gas prices will rocket by an average of 17 per cent and electricity by 10 per cent.
Purdue researcher finds ways to recycle hydrogen
"Our research involves working on hydrogen storage materials for fuel cells, release of the hydrogen, and how to recycle it," said Ramachandran. "The big question is how to store and ship hydrogen safely because nobody wants to sit on a gas tank filled with hydrogen."
-"There is no reason not to use devices for protecting our
country's interests, and these threats are directed at the ones who are bullying
and seeking to dominate."
- Iranian government
spokesman Gholam Hossein Elham told reporters on Monday, saying that Iran would
only use its vast oil resources as a weapon of last resort in the international
dispute over its nuclear program.
"This issue (oil) is the ultimate (weapon)." Adding
that there "is no need to bring up such issues, and the conditions are good for
a diplomatic solution."
- Gholam Hossein Elham
told reporters on Monday stressing that oil is not the Iranian's "preliminary
device. We have diplomatic means for dialogue and we encourage implementing
peace."
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 062606
New Region 897 (N06E75) produced six B-class flares in the last 24 hours. There is a slight chance of a C-class flare from Region 897. The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet to unsettled for the first two days (26-27 June). A recurrent coronal hole is expected to rotate into geoeffective position on 28 June. Unsettled to active conditions, with possible minor storm periods, are expected.
Reuters Summit - US Consumers Edging Into 'Green' Territory
US consumers are slowly becoming "greener," though the motivation may be more about saving money and less about concern for the environment, executives and analysts said this week.
Scandinavian partnership plans for hydrogen stations
The Norwegian plan to establish "The Hydrogen Road" from Stavanger to Oslo in 2009 is now extended to include a plan for a Scandinavian network of hydrogen stations – which aims to establish a network of hydrogen stations across the south-west of Scandinavia by 2012.
Schumer wants 'Manhattan Project' for energy innovation
Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) wants to create a new federal agency to promote innovation in the development of alternative energy. Schumer says his plan is a bold one that would "break the nation's dependence on foreign oil."Scottish Executive to provide GBP20 million more for renewables
Scotland's devolved government, the Scottish Executive, is to provide a further GBP20 million ($37.6 million) in funding for renewable energy projects, deputy first minister Nicol Stephen said Wednesday.
Spain's Iberdrola Eyes 29% of China Power Firm
Spanish-based Iberdrola, a global leading renewable energy operator, is to acquire a minority stake in a Chinese power company to tap into the world fastest-growing economy.
Supreme Court Will Hear Important Environment Case
The Supreme Court agreed on Monday to consider whether the Bush administration must regulate carbon dioxide to combat global warming, setting up what could be one of the court's most important decisions on the environment.
MSP Tavish Scott turned heads on his way to work yesterday morning (Wednesday) when he chose an unusual mode of transport to travel there.
Technology that holds the key to world's demand for power
The world found a very convenient source of energy in fossil fuels and has been too lazy to look seriously elsewhere. Anyone today who envisages a world without transport, heat and electricity needs to know just one fact.
According to BP Solar: "If all the sunlight hitting the earth's surface in one hour was harnessed and converted into electrical power, it would be enough to fulfil mankind's energy needs for a complete year."
US Senate Energy chief may be considering crude oil price floor
US Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Pete Domenici Thursday said a crude oil price floor of $38 to $40/barrel would increase investment in alternative energy sources, including coal-to-liquids and cellulosic ethanol. While the New Mexico Republican did not specifically endorse such a price floor, he called it is "a very, very interesting proposition."
For each U.S. region:
NORTHEAST:
Saturated ground, active storm tracks and frequent frontal passagesSOUTHEAST: With (warmer) ridging extending eastward into the South at times, critical days (i.e. days > 90°F, 95°F, 100°F) should be more numerous than in 2005, and with Hurricane Season upon us, substantial stresses on both the Agricultural and Energy Industries are likely.
NORTH-CENTRAL: Parts of Iowa, Missouri and Illinois need to be monitored for possible worsening drought
SOUTH-CENTRAL: Stifling humidity
NORTHWEST: potential exists for spikes of warmth across the interior
SOUTHWEST: Surface drought
Gulf: Sea temperatures above normal in Northwest sections, but slightly cooler normal where Alberto stirred up the waters.
Waste plant set to become green fuel factory for islands
SCOTLAND--A £10 MILLION waste management plant is set to be turned into a factory to produce hydrogen as a green fuel for homes, vehicles and industry in the Western Isles under plans expected to be approved today.
The move would see the islands become the world's first large-scale producer of hydrogen derived from organic gas.
Weyerhaeuser Pledges to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 40%
Weyerhaeuser has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2020 while reducing its reliance on high-priced fossil fuels. The company will increase use of biomass as fuel in the boilers that generate steam and electrical energy in its pulp and paper mills, say corporate officials.
What's Moving the Oil Markets 062606
•"It's very quiet this morning and the market
is waiting for a headline to move it. Fundamentally, for the time being, prices
should be coming off," a London-based broker said.
•It seems that the threat by Iran's oil minister, over the weekend, to use oil
as a weapon if the country's "interests are attacked", have had little affect on
crude prices."
Wind Farm Kills Nine Eagles in Norway
Windmills have killed nine eagles in less than a year at a key breeding site in Norway, showing that governments should be more cautious in picking where to set up turbines, a conservation group said on Friday.
Wyo company wants to convert CBM water to hydrogen
The National Science Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant to a Wyoming company that wants to determine the profitability of using wind turbines to convert coal-bed methane discharge water into pollution-free hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen already has several industrial uses in Wyoming, including oil refining.
June 23, 2006
1-day jump in energy use a 'heads-up' for officials
With the hottest days of the year upon us, state energy officials on Wednesday called for California residents to begin conserving power, saying they were surprised by a spike in energy use last week that shot above their forecast.
80% of Americans Want Solar Option on New Homes, Survey Says
Eight out of 10 Americans believe that homebuilders should offer solar power as an option for all new home construction, according to a recent Roper survey commissioned by Sharp Electronics Corporation. The survey was conducted in May among 1,004 adults to measure their perceptions of solar power.
America’s air is more stinky and kids less thinky
Children exposed to high levels of city air pollution while in the womb are nearly three times more likely to have mental deficiencies than other kids, an explosive Columbia University study has found.
ARIZONA-- SOLAR TAX CREDIT BILL PASSES
Good news. On June 20, HB 2429 passed out of the Arizona Legislature and is headed to the Governor's desk for signature. The bill provides for:
Blair turns up pressure on Scottish Executive to accept nuclear power
TONY Blair yesterday stepped up pressure on the Scottish Executive to accept new nuclear power stations, claiming that the UK "depends" on the energy generated by Scotland's existing reactors.
Bodman Says US Must Diversify Energy
With global oil demand on the increase, the United States faces energy shortages and higher prices if it fails to look beyond its traditional Middle East suppliers, Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman said Wednesday.
"We need not only diversity of different types of energy, but we need diversity of the places from which you import in case there are problems of some kind," Bodman said.
Canada pays environmental price for oil
Huge mines here turning tarry sand into cash for Canada and oil for the United States are taking an unexpectedly high environmental toll, sucking water from rivers and natural gas from wells and producing large amounts of gases linked to global warming.
Canadian oil production could double by 2020
Canada's oil production could double by 2020 as new projects in the country's oil sands more than replace declining conventional output, the Canadian oil industry's biggest lobby group said. Oil production in Canada, the biggest supplier to the US market, is expected to grow to 4.9 mm bpd by 2020.
China increases oil imports from Iran
According to recently released official statistics, China's petroleum import volume from Iran rose 25 % in the first quarter of this year.
Creating Strategy in an Unknowable Universe
In his new book The Origin of Wealth, McKinsey & Company Senior Advisor Eric D. Beinhocker argues that the traditional view of economics as a static, equilibrium-balanced system is going through a radical rethinking involving a multitude of disciplines. The new spin: "complexity economics," in which the economy is viewed as a highly dynamic and constantly evolving system that is all but impossible to predict.
Earth Hottest It's Been in 2,000 Years
The Earth is running a slight fever from greenhouse gases, after enjoying relatively stable temperatures for 2,000 years. The National Academy of Sciences, after reconstructing global average surface temperatures for the past two millennia, said Thursday the data are "additional supporting evidence ... that human activities are responsible for much of the recent warming."
El Paso Announces New Natural Gas Storage Project in Arizona
El Paso Corporation today announced that its Western Pipeline Group plans to develop a new underground natural gas storage facility near Eloy, Arizona.
Eon UK in carbon emissions promise
Energy business Eon UK -which runs Powergen and Central Networks in the Midlands - has pledged to further cut carbon emissions in the battle against climate change.
EPA Plan Targets Animal Waste and Water
Large factory-style chicken, hog and cattle farms might soon have to get permits from the Environment Protection Agency when animal waste from their operations finds its way into local rivers, streams and lakes.
EU to convert wine surpluses to energy
The raw alcohol resulting from the distillations could only be used for industrial purposes or as biofuel so as not to disturb the market for potable alcohol, it said. The Commission was also examining distillation requests from Spain and Greece.
EU urged to face up to foreign energy policy challenge
The Commission and Javier Solana have issued a joint paper proposing immediate actions that would allow EU nations to handle the growing dependence on foreign energy suppliers such as Russia.
EU Urges Action as '04 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Rise
European Union nations must boost efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions after data showed they rose 0.3 percent in 2004 among the EU's 15 "old" member states, the bloc's executive said on Thursday.
Final Pieces Falling into Place for Wind Farm
A proposed wind farm at the mouth of Spanish Fork Canyon made crucial strides toward becoming a reality this week as some of the project's final pieces fell into place. The wind farm is projected to produce 60,000 megawatt hours of power annually, enough to power approximately 5,700 homes, based on U.S. Department of Energy statistics for the average household's energy consumption in 2001. Construction is planned to start sometime next year, with completion planned for December.
Florida Energy Bill to Diversify Fuel Supply with Renewables
"It gives us the ability to change the chart on energy use from dependency
on natural gas and oil to more opportunities for alternative, renewable and
recyclable fuel sources. It gives Florida an exponential lead over all other
states when it comes to energy policy."
-- Senator Lee Constantine (R-FL)
Green Mountain Power Corporation to Be Acquired by Northern New England Energy Corporation
Gaz Metro is a major distributor of natural gas in Quebec and the northeastern United States. In addition, the company is a partner with Boralex in a large wind power project in Quebec and operates businesses providing district heating and urban water rehabilitation services in Quebec and Ontario.
Group to offset CO2 emissions with wind power, planting trees
The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy has partnered with Austin, Texas-based Green Mountain Energy Co. to offset 100 percent of the estimated carbon dioxide emissions from its operations. The group is buying wind power and planting trees to avoid more than 330,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions through Green Mountain Energy´s eMission Solutions division.
Home Remedies for a Fevered Earth
Many knew it, some just didn't want to believe it, and others flatly denied it, but it appears that the verdict is in, and the evidence is hard to refute: The Earth is warming up.
Hydrogen Here and Now in the Heartland of Oil
Moving to the heart of the oil industry, Hydrogen Expo US organizer Freesen & Partner GmbH anticipates a growing interest from exhibitors and attendees. Under the theme "Hydrogen Here and Now" the most important showcase for the hydrogen and fuel cells industry will be held on March 19 to 21, 2007 in San Antonio, Texas.
The death of Iraq's al-Qaeda leader will not bring more security to the vital
oil sector in the country, where political instability and violence will
continue to hamper exports and investment, analysts said. Oil prices fell more
than a dollar after Iraq announced that al-Zarqawi had been killed.
Iraq's failure to return oil exports to pre-war levels, due to violence and
mismanagement, has fuelled crude's price rally.
Is oil leading Iran to success or failure?
Oil is an ace up Iran's sleeve. Any sign of turbulence in the fourth largest
oil producer of OPEC will disturb the international crude market and thus put
the West on jitters.
Oil is also Iran's Achilles' heel. The big refined oil importer, as well as a
big crude exporter, will face severe challenges if economic sanctions cut off
gasoline imports. That underlies Iran's eagerness for nuclear power development.
Is there enough coal on hand to keep the US cool?
The United States is heading into what could be a hot summer with high power consumption, and a number of electric utilities are scrambling to make sure they have enough coal on hand.
Kyrgyz leader says key energy facilities should be state-owned
During the talks with foreign donors, Bakiyev noted that Kyrgyzstan had no other option but to carry out reforms, and that was why it was reasonable to attract foreign investment into the country's energy sector.
Massive Underwater Volcano Discovered Off Sicily
An underwater volcano with a base larger than Washington D.C. has been discovered just off the shores of Sicily, a scientist with Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Vulcanology said on Thursday.
Mortgage Rates Surge on Inflation Jitters
Freddie Mac yesterday released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.71 percent, with an average 0.5 point, for the week ending June 22, 2006, up from last week’s average of 6.63 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 5.57 percent. The 30-year FRM has not been higher since May 31, 2002, when it averaged 6.76 percent.
Nanosolar Secures $100,000,000 in Funding
"Nanosolar is the one company we believe has really put together all the pieces necessary to produce a distinct leap forward in the cost efficiency and production scalability of PV cells and panels; we're enthusiastically looking forward to be working with the team," said Alec Rauschenbusch, a Managing Director of Grazia Equity and a board member of Conergy AG.
The company that co-owns the South Texas Project nuclear power plant wants to double its size with a $5.2 billion expansion. Saying the move is driven by the state's population boom and the generous nuclear incentives included in last year's federal energy bill, officials with New Jersey-based NRG Energy announced the massive project at the power plant Wednesday morning to a group of local and state officials.
Ontarians To Get Relief From Electricity Costs
The Ontario government passed legislation that will provide $100 million in assistance to low-income Ontarians to help them with rising electricity costs, Finance Minister Greg Sorbara said today.
OPEC President warns speculators not to cash in on geopolitics
OPEC's president admonished oil market speculators, warning them "not to take
advantage" of geopolitics.
Edmund Daukoru, made his comments following a joint European Union and
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries meeting in Brussels.
A combination of supply concerns in Nigeria and Iraq and Iran's nuclear standoff with the West continue to underpin oil futures. US oil futures were trading just under $ 72.00 a barrel, as fresh security concerns in Nigeria's Niger Delta prevented an anticipated major price fall.
Pipeline capacity could be limiting on Canadian oil sands growth
Pipeline capacity could pose a greater constraint on future Canadian oil
sands development than water or natural gas availability, government officials
suggested on June 6.
"Pipeline capacity will be tight by 2007. There will be some incremental
increases from then until 2009. Beyond that, more capacity will be needed," said
Colette Craig, a resource analyst with the Canadian National Energy Board.
The cyclical economy may have come full circle and the result may produce the need for more power generation. In the years following the 2001 recession, an oversupply existed, causing projects to be delayed or canceled. But the economy is now "robust," which has led some major utility executives to predict the need for more plants.
We simply cannot face the fact that time has run out -- that our lease is
expiring -- for a society dependent on cars.
It's actually kind of funny to hear Americans complain these days about the cost
of gasoline and how it is affecting their lives. What did they expect after
setting up an easy-motoring utopia of suburban metroplexes that make incessant
driving inevitable? And how did they fail to register the basic facts of the
world oil situation, which have been available to us for decades?
Rules on cutting off utilities to poor reviewed
New Mexico rules require that utilities attempt to arrange a payment plan before termination. There are also rules that set the framework for and the factors to be considered in a settlement agreement for past-due bills.
Russia revives Turkish-Israeli strategic partnership
On the background of active discussion by the Russian and Israeli press of the possible transaction of the natural gas sale by Russia to Israel, intensive contacts of the both sides in the other power sphere -- oil supply -- have remained absolutely unnoticed.
Singapore joins Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership
Singapore has joined the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) to become its 32nd government member.
Sweden Goes Green! Green Energy Resources Receives $1.6 Million Trial Order
Green Energy Resources announced it has received a trial order
of wood biomass for renewable energy consumption destined for Sweden.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission still needs to change a problematic "safety culture" at the nation's power plants, highlighted by a near-disaster in 2002 at the Davis-Besse nuclear reactor near Oak Harbor, according to the federal Government Accountability Office's preliminary findings in a recent report.
UK Government-- Earn money for your excess energy
Royal Assent was received late last night for a Government supported Private Member's Bill that will make it easier for householders who produce electricity from microgeneration technologies at their homes to sell unused power back to their supplier.
Ukraine Emissions Dive, Risk Swamping Kyoto
Ukraine's greenhouse gas emissions fell by a bigger than expected 57 percent in 2004 from 1990 levels, UN data showed on Thursday, potentially undermining wider climate change aims of the Kyoto Protocol.
Uruguay begins mandatory energy conservation program
The Uruguayan government began a mandatory energy-savings plan as the nation's hydroelectricity generators struggle amid a lack of rainfall. Previously, the energy-savings plan had been voluntary
US explains its presence in Nigeria's oil fields
The United States Government explained its presence in the Gulf of Guinea where Nigeria’s biggest oil field, Bonga Project, is located, saying the move was to help Nigeria secure the area from terrorists and other maritime criminals.
America’s quest for curbing dependence on oil
Since the 1930s, policymakers in Washington have considered articulating and
implementing a national energy policy. Under Franklin D. Roosevelt’s
administration, there was a strong belief that the government could not solve
the economic problems facing the country without playing a role in oil policy,
which was considered a vital factor in the economic recovery.
Venezuela backs proposal to set oil prices in euros
Venezuela has backed a proposal to sell oil in euros instead of dollars, Energy and Mines Minister Rafael Ramirez said. The remarks came ahead of a meeting of OPEC in Venezuela's capital on the same day.
West Coast Truckers To Get Fuel Savings Help
Small-to-medium trucking firms in Oregon, California, and Washington have a new way to become more environmentally friendly while saving money. A new, innovative partnership of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency aims to upgrade 400 trucks traveling along the West Coast's I-5 Corridor with fuel-saving and pollution-reduction technologies.
Wind power firm in line for IPO
China's second-biggest maker of wind-power generators, Zhejiang Windey Wind Generating Engineering Co Ltd, is in talks with investors to raise 200 million yuan (US$25 million) in an initial public offering (IPO) in the next two years.
Wisconsin ethanol plant fined for Clean Water Act violations
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency alleges the companies filled in 7,900 square feet of wetlands near the Stanley facility without obtaining a permit. The wetlands are located next to a Wolf River tributary.
June 22, 2006
Barton asks Bodman to sack embattled nuclear security chief
"His conduct has substantially undermined both your constitutional obligations and those of the US Congress, and the American people expect their public servants to be held fully accountable for their actions," he wrote.
British Energy powers to a profit of Pounds 599 million
The company today unveiled a stunning turnaround, reporting pre- tax profits of Pounds 599 million in the year to the end of March against a Pounds 303 million loss in the previous year.
California Lays Down the Welcome Mat for Renewable Energy Projects
A number of recent actions by California regulators, transmission system operators, and utilities are effectively rolling out the red carpet for renewable energy projects. Last week, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) assured utilities that they can recover their investments in new transmission lines to access known renewable energy resources.
California Sets 'Clean Energy' Oil Tax on Ballot
Californians will vote in November on a ballot measure proposing a constitutional amendment that would tax oil production to fund a range of alternative energy efforts, Secretary of State Bruce McPherson said Wednesday.
Catches of Ancient Fish Off Africa Worry Greens
Fishermen are netting a growing number of "fossil fish", a 400 million-year-old species, off Tanzania, suggesting trawling at greater depths as inshore fish stocks decline, a leading expert said.
Edison won't attempt restart of power plant
The coal-fired facility in Laughlin, Nev. was shut down in late December for failing to meet air pollution standards. The plant had generated about 7 percent of the Southland's electricity although it reportedly produced high levels of sulphur dioxide emissions.
Electric grid chief sees no summer shortages
Even as he kicked off a major energy conservation campaign, New England's top electric grid official said yesterday that there should not be any power shortages this summer, even on the hottest days.
Energy Demands to Rise By 50% in 45 Years
A 50 percent rise in energy demand in the next 45 years means that Scotland needs to keep its nuclear option open, according to a group of the country's most senior academics. With a sharp fall in generating capacity looming, the Royal Society of Edinburgh warns that demand for energy will continue to rise, and a mix of solutions is required.
Europe's hunger for coal It's global warming vs. energy concerns
"We accept the problem of climate change," said Reinhardt Hassa, a senior executive at Vattenfall, which operates the plant. "If we want a future for coal, we have to adopt new technologies. It is not enough just to make incremental improvements."
The environmental engineer who floated a proposal in April to build a tidal power plant and liquefied natural gas terminal on Navy property on Little Machias Bay has received permission from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to proceed with a feasibility study for the tidal power portion of the project.
French Extend Water Rationing Amid Drought Fears
France extended water rationing on Wednesday, with about a quarter of the country now subject to curbs amid fears of another summer drought, the environment ministry said.
From World Cup to World Bank, Climate Actions Rise
The World Cup, a movie by former US Vice President Al Gore and the World Bank are all doing their bit to fight global warming by using the burgeoning but barely regulated business of "carbon neutrality."
How do you dispose of your aerosol cans
How do you dispose of your aerosol cans? The U.S. EPA determined "a can that has been punctured and drained meets the definition of scrap metal and if it is to be recycled, would be exempt from regulation."
Joint Venture Partners Celebrate New Solar Manufacturing Plant
EverQ GmbH, a joint venture of three global leaders in the solar power industry, today marked the official opening of its first production facility in Thalheim, Germany.
Lawmakers reach compromise on Cape Cod wind farm
The new bill, breaking weeks of stalemate on Capitol Hill, also ensures the Coast Guard a primary role in deciding the fate of the offshore wind farm - a group of 130 turbines that would produce electricity.
Major Step for Solar Power-- Bay Area to Host World's Largest Factory for Solar Power Cells
A Palo Alto company has decided to build the world's largest factory for making solar power cells in the Bay Area -- a move that would nearly triple the nation's solar manufacturing capacity and give a significant boost to a growing source of clean energy.
Majority of Americans Think Solar Power Should Be Offered on All New Homes
Eight out of ten Americans believe that homebuilders should offer solar power as an option for all new home construction, according to a recent Roper survey commissioned by Sharp Electronics Corporation. The survey was conducted in May among 1,004 adults to measure their perceptions of solar power.
Nanosolar Plans World's Biggest Solar Cell Factory
Nanosolar Inc., a privately held solar energy company, said on Wednesday it plans to build what it called the world's largest factory to produce solar cells, in the San Francisco Bay Area.
New Science Shows Greenhouse Gases Under-Reported
Many countries may be grossly underestimating the quantity of greenhouse gases they emit according to a new method of monitoring output, scientists said on Wednesday.
Nuclear Plants Can Be Built Without Subsidy, British Energy Insists
British Energy, the country's biggest producer of nuclear power, indicated yesterday that it would be interested in building and operating a new generation of nuclear stations provided it had long- term contracts for their output at guaranteed prices.
Owner quits fight to reopen Mohave Generating Station
The majority owner of Mohave Generating Station, a landmark in Laughlin for 30 years, will not continue efforts to reopen the power plant that was a source of inexpensive electricity for Southern Nevada and a major source of air pollution.
The Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation (OEMC) announces the release of a new guide to help building owners and design teams build better, more energy efficient buildings in Colorado.
Russian gas giant Gazprom buys UK gas supplier Pennine
The deal gives it a small foothold in the commercial and industrial sector, with annual sales of around 10 million therms, but with growth potential.
Sanyo to Invest US$350 Million in Solar Over 5 Years
Japanese electronics maker Sanyo Electric Co. said on Wednesday it would invest more than US$350 million in its solar cell business over five years, aiming to cash in on growing demand for renewable energy.
Shell says exported Brazilian ethanol to US in early June
But the major's plan to export 150 million liters of Brazilian ethanol to the US this year is "merely a test" and does not mean Shell is permanently entering into Brazil's ethanol market. Brazilian ethanol is made from sugarcane.
Soaring power bills see big turnround for British Energy
NUCLEAR power generator British Energy has delivered strong earnings on the back of high electricity prices, in the company's first full-year results after a major financial restructuring.
State cites power line violations, blasts self-investigation
The company building a big new power line to serve northwestern Vermont has violated its state permit in several instances, damaging wetlands and Native American archaeological sites in the process, the state Agency of Natural Resources says
Stephen Hawking Warns About Global Warming
Asked about the environment, Hawking, who suffers from a degenerative
disease, uses a wheelchair and speaks through a computerized voice
synthesizer, said he was "very worried about global warming."
He said he was afraid that Earth "might end up like Venus, at 250 degrees
centigrade and raining sulfuric acid."
Strong gasoline demand fuels rise in IPE Brent futures
IPE Brent crude futures in London rose sharply in trading on Thursday as funds re-entered the market to take new long positions having realized that they may have over-sold the market as it seeks to re-establish itself above $70/barrel, range driven by strong gasoline demand, brokers said.
Supreme Court's wetlands ruling could affect mountaintop mining
Attorneys are reviewing whether Monday's Supreme Court ruling on a consolidated wetlands case may affect future Clean Water Act Section 404 permits issued by the Army Corps of Engineers as they relate to coal mining.
Texas litter motto nominated as all-time favorite ad slogan
A well-known slogan coined by the Texas Department of Transportation´s litter prevention program has been nominated as one of the country´s all-time favorite slogans. "Don´t Mess with Texas" will compete with slogans such as "Got Milk?" and "Good to the Last Drop."
Turkey to build three nuclear power plants by 2015
Turkey wants to build three nuclear power plants by 2015, Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan told an energy meeting in Ankara June 20, according to
news reports. "As a country whose energy consumption is increasing rapidly,
we want to benefit from nuclear energy as soon as possible," he was quoted
by Associated Press as saying. Turkey is dependent on energy imports,
mainly of natural gas from Russia and Iran.
UK-listed Petrel says Iraqi oil fields on track for 2009 start
UK-listed explorer Petrel Resources Thursday said it believes it is on track to start output from its Subba and Luhais oil fields in southern Iraq, during 2009 amid "manageable" security risks in the region.
UN Gives Emergency Food Aid to Drought-Hit Nepal
The United Nations World Food Programme has started distributing emergency food to more than 225,000 people in central and western Nepal hit by the worst drought in decades.
US House resources panel votes down amendment to OCS bill
The House Resources Committee on Thursday voted down on a voice vote and amendment that would have gutted the compromise hybrid bill that would have partially lifted the moratorium on offshore drilling proposed by Committee Chairman Richard Pombo.
What's Moving the Oil Markets 062206
•IPE Brent crude futures in London rose sharply in trading
on Thursday as funds re-entered the market to take new long positions having
realized that they may have over-sold the market as it seeks to re-establish
itself above $70/barrel, range driven by strong gasoline demand, brokers said.
•"Gasoline strength and demand
for light sweet crude is providing support to this rally which has extended
yesterday's gains towards the end of the day," a London-based broker said. "It
seems to be holding support levels and it looks like it will establish itself
back above $70/barrel after sellers realized they made a bit of a mistake and
funds are now buying."
•- Gasoline demand was up 0.9% over the past four weeks compared with a year ago
at 9.41-million b/d, according to the Energy Information Agency. The build in
gasoline stocks was smaller than expected which offset builds in crude.
June 21, 2006
16 states challenge U.S. government´s Clean Air Mercury Rule
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Rule would cap and reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants by 70 percent over 2000 levels. U.S. coal-fired power plants annually emit about 48 tons of mercury. But the rule does not go far enough.
Few Americans are aware that there are a number of easy steps that can be taken to protect against the number one weather-related cause of death in the United States – excessive heat. Most of these deaths are preventable.
Brown Goes Green-- EPA and Partners to Unveil UPS Truck With 60 to 70 Percent Higher Fuel Economy
Your normal UPS delivery truck will not be the same as EPA unveils the world's most fuel-efficient and cost-effective delivery vehicle. The first of its kind, EPA and UPS partnered to develop a UPS truck that uses EPA-patented hydraulic hybrid technology that can achieve fuel efficiency by 60-70 percent in urban driving and lower greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent.
China to import electric power from Russia, Mongolia and Kazakhstan
China will import electric power from bordering countries by building power plants overseas, according to Liu Zhaoshao, Chief Economist of the State Grid Corporation of China.
Clean technology is in vogue. Solar panels and wind turbines are hotter now than ever before. Green energy investments throughout North America climbed to $1.6 billion in 2005, 43 percent more than the year before.
Climate change grants announced
United Kingdom--A new Government campaign is looking to raise the public awareness of climate change, by backing a number of related projects around the country. Fifty-three projects in England will receive a share of £4.6m, it has been announced.
OPEC's estimate for demand for its oil in 2006 is up by 100,000 barrels per day (bpd), despite high prices that are reducing growth in oil demand in certain key regions.
E.U., U.S. Agree to 'Urgent' Action on Climate Change
The United States and the European Union, long at odds over the significance of climate change, will agree on Wednesday to act with "resolve and urgency" to reduce emissions of gases blamed for global warming.
EIA reports global nuclear generating capacity expected to rise
Global nuclear energy generating capacity is projected to rise from 361 gigawatts in 2003 to 438 GW in 2030, DOE's Energy Information Administration reported June 20.
Electric company gives incentive for customers to quit utility
National Grid customers will receive a two-month 7 percent discount if they agree to quit using the utility and pursue alternate energy suppliers, utility officials said.
The program would allow customers to choose a new supplier for electricity or natural gas. National Grid can make the selection for customers, and they would receive the discount off of the new utility's price for the first two months.
EU, US to fund study for gas corridor from Caspian to Europe
The European Union and the US are preparing to launch a study into the feasibility of a new energy corridor to carry gas from the Caspian region to European markets, EU energy adviser Faouzi Bensarsa said Tuesday.
Europe to dedicate funds to renewables under new program
The European Parliament will dedicate two-thirds of its research budget for non-nuclear energy to renewables and energy efficiency.
In the shadow of two hulking boilers, which spew 10 million tons of carbon dioxide a year into the air, the Swedish owners of this coal-fired power station recently broke ground on what is to be the world's first coal-fired plant that produces no carbon dioxide emissions. The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, presided over the ceremony.
Foreigners eye Italian wind power
Italy's untapped potential to generate wind power is attracting the attention of foreign investors interested in economically viable forms of clean energy production, according to an Italian media report.
G8 ministers want access to energy
Energy ministers from the G8 nations have reaffirmed an earlier commitment to promote clean energy and achieve sustainable development around the world by increased access to reliable and affordable energy.
A new energy rating standard for homes in England and Wales will form a key part of the upcoming Home Information Packs (HIPs), it has been announced. The system, similar to that used on electrical appliances, will be known as the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and will cover energy efficiency and carbon emissions.
Hydrogen Power International, Inc. Converts a Ford Ranger Truck to Run on Hydrogen
Hydrogen Power International, Inc. has released that its subsidiary, Hydrogen Power, Inc. (HPI), has successfully completed the first phase of converting an internal combustion engine vehicle to a hydrogen hybrid, ultimately to be powered by AlumiFuel for on-board hydrogen production.
IPE Brent futures fall ahead of expected US crude stock draws
IPE Brent crude futures weakened slightly Wednesday amid quiet rangebound trading ahead of the US inventory stock data due out later today. At 1031 London time (0931 GMT) the August IPE Brent futures contract was changing hands at $67.77/barrel, down 31 cents.
'New era of oil prices' makes fall back to $30s unlikely-- Caruso
The world is in a "new era of oil prices," with prices falling back into the $30/barrel range, as had been expected as recently as last year, unlikely, US Energy Information Administration chief Guy Caruso said Tuesday.
North European gas pipeline to start operating in October 2010
The Russia-Germany North European gas pipeline across the Baltic Sea is scheduled to start delivering Russian gas to Europe via the first line in October 2010, the project's managing director, Matthias Warnig, said Wednesday.
Office Buildings Can Fight Global Warming, Says World Resources Institute Guidebook
Most people associate global warming with industrial polluters. But people who work in office buildings can also significantly impact climate change by introducing energy-efficiency measures to improve building operations.
Ontario Invests In The Science Of Clean Air And Climate Change
The McGuinty government is investing in a wide variety of initiatives and partnerships to provide a firm scientific foundation for actions to reduce air pollution and mitigate climate change, Environment Minister Laurel Broten announced today. "All Ontarians want cleaner air and a better, safer environment for this generation and the next," Broten said.
Power industry deregulation affecting coal-fired generation
As new baseload capacity needs to come online to meet the growing energy needs in the US, one industry leader says deregulation is part of the reason new coal-fired generation isn't being built.
Power industry pushes for peak conservation
Facing worsening strains on New England electric supplies, regional power grid officials today plan to kick off a huge publicity campaign urging residents and businesses to conserve power during periods of peak demand like hot summer afternoons.
Power Rising; PNM's Chairman Says the Age of Inexpensive Electricity Has Passed
We're already paying more for gasoline to run our cars and for natural gas to heat our homes. On the bright side, our electric bills have remained relatively flat.
But not for long.
Proposed Kalama coal power plant has some skeptics
With the Trojan Nuclear Plant reduced to a heap of rubble, a
consortium of public power agencies is proposing to go back to the
future with a new power plant directly across the Columbia River.
Putin, Prodi agree to open markets for Russian, Italian firms
Russia's president, Vladimir Putin, and Italy's prime minister, Romano Prodi, have agreed to open their respective energy markets to each other's companies, the Kremlin press service said late Tuesday following the meeting of the two leaders in Moscow.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 062106
Solar activity was very low. The geomagnetic field was quiet. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was high.
Report says Europe will miss objectives for renewables
Growth of renewable energies in Europe has stagnated over the past four years and the continent will not achieve its targets by 2010, according to one forecast.
Scotland to smash renewable target
Scotland’s successful renewable programme is set to deliver on its target three years ahead of schedule, in a timely boost for the sector
State Reducing Energy Consumption, Saving Taxpayers Money
At the direction of Governor Edward G. Rendell, the Pennsylvania Department of General Services is saving taxpayers' money by reducing energy consumption at all state office buildings.
States seen as leading on renewables in US
A growing portion of electricity in the United States is being provided by renewables, and individual states increasingly are using “aggressive and ambitious” green power mandates to spur economic development and create a reliable and diversified supply of power.
Sumas pipeline damaged; no leaks reported
Vandals did several hundred thousand dollars of damage to a section of a natural gas pipeline near Sumas this weekend, but the public is not in danger, according to Deputy Mark Lann of the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office.
Switchgrass Burn Test Proves Hopeful
Switchgrass is often cited as one of the most promising crops that could be grown in the U.S. for a variety of biomass processes, particularly directed combustion or as a feedstock for a cellulosic-ethanol processing project. For all its hype, there are few actual examples of its use. This week, however, brought news of a successful and promising application of switchgrass crops co-fired with coal.
TheRenewablePlanet.com Launches Innovative Educational Resource
TheRenewablePlanet.com launched this week provides interactive maps and search features to access details about renewable energy projects. Students can quickly do research for school projects. Homeowners can find information that relates to their own home. Businesses and researchers can learn from existing projects in other countries.
To Close Mohave Plant Should Be Manageable Challenge For Salt River Project
Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said that the expected permanent closing of the 1,580 MW Mohave coal-fired plant is unfavorable for Salt River Project (SRP), but should not meaningfully erode credit quality.
Top nuke official hopes MOX program will make strides this fall
The head of the federal nuclear weapons program hopes a plan to convert weapons-grade plutonium into fuel for commercial reactors will make significant strides this fall.
Unintended Consequences for Midwest Wind Power
Military concerns over how wind power projects affect their radar have put the breaks on over 1000 MW of projects. Industry followers, however, believe politics have played a part in the issue.
US Banks' Earnings Reach Quarterly High on a Variety of Tactics
US banks ended the first quarter of 2006 with record earnings of $37.3 billion in aggregate (from an average of $33.9 billion in 2005), benefiting from higher fee income and lower loss provisions, which offset a continuing trend of lower net interest margins.
US EIA sees growth in world coal demand outpacing natural gas
Worldwide demand for coal will outpace growth in natural gas use between 2003 and 2030 as rising gas prices make coal increasingly cost-competitive, particularly in the electric power sector, the US Energy Information Administration said Tuesday in its International Energy Outlook for 2006.
US House committee approves five energy efficiency bills
The US House Energy and Commerce Committee on Tuesday approved by voice vote five bills intended to make small cuts in US consumption of fossil fuels. Members of both parties supported the bills, but no one argued that the measures would lead to substantial reductions in energy use.
'We have to diversify away from oil'-- Bush at EU briefing
Bush said a shift away from petroleum is needed so consumers can develop
new technologies aimed at creating alternative fuels. "That may seem
counterintuitive from someone from Texas," Bush acknowledged during a press
briefing in the Austrian capital, televised live.
Western governors want more renewables
Governors from the western U.S. states want a ten-year production tax credit for all renewable energy technologies, with complementary polices for consumer-owned utilities and native tribes.
What's Moving the Oil Markets 062106
•IPE Brent crude futures weakened slightly Wednesday amid quiet rangebound trading ahead of the US inventory stock data due out later today. At 1031 London time (0931 GMT) the August IPE Brent futures contract was changing hands at $67.77/barrel, down 31 cents
June 20, 2006
Arizona Indian Town Hall helps preserve culture
The preservation of culture and languages was the priority at the 26th Annual Arizona Indian Town Hall, which included a discussion on the apparently rising number of hate crimes and rising xenophobia toward American Indians in Arizona. 'We are always being told that who we are as a people is all wrong,'' she said. ''There is always someone saying, 'Everything about you is all wrong, we're going to fix it.'
BP Pressured on Alaska Spill by US Lawmakers
US Congressional Democrats are pushing federal regulators to clarify how long they will let oil giant BP PLC delay a special corrosion test that was ordered on Alaskan oil pipelines after a line ruptured in March, causing the biggest spill on the Alaskan North Slope.
Brazil to launch diesel fuel refining with vegetable oil mix
Brazil's Petrobras will launch refining of a new diesel fuel that relies on a mixture of soy oil at its Repar refinery in southern Parana State on Tuesday, the government said Monday.
Canadian Oil Sands Joins Canada Southern Battle
Canadian Oil Sands Trust , owner of the biggest interest in the Syncrude Canada oil sands venture, launched a US$146-million bid for Canada Southern Petroleum Ltd. Monday, joining the rush to stake claims on its vast Arctic natural gas deposits.
CO2 Storage Grows; No 'Silver Bullet' for Climate
Energy firms are stepping up projects to bury greenhouse gases but storage will not be a silver bullet to stop global warming, an International Energy Agency (IEA) expert said on Monday.
Combating Global Warming with Community
If rising sea levels, melting glaciers and intensifying tropical storms
have you shouting at all those in power who are still ignoring global
warming, take heart.
“The reason Europeans use half as much energy as we do is not because they
have better technology,” says Bill McKibben, renowned environmentalist and
author. “It’s because they have better communities.”
Contractors begins towing cars, boats abandoned after Katrina
Towing is beginning on thousands of cars and boats abandoned on public property in the New Orleans area after Hurricane Katrina. Letters will be sent to owners´ last known addresses. Cars and boats will be held for a short period of time, the DEQ said.
OPEC's estimate for demand for its oil in 2006 is up by 100,000 barrels per day (bpd), despite high prices that are reducing growth in oil demand in certain key regions.
FERC discussion with railroads, utilities makes little headway
The electric utilities and railroads butted heads again Thursday, this time at a discussion with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on how rail coal delivery affects electricity reliability. In the end, nothing had been solved.
From John Locke to John Wayne-- Doctrines of injustice
We've been showing in recent weeks that the two legal doctrines used to dispossess Indians don't have a leg to stand on. These are the doctrines of Christian discovery and the right of conquest, still - incredibly - cited more or less openly by the U.S. Supreme Court. But there is a third, more deeply ingrained in the Euro-American psyche than even these two, although the Supreme Court has found it too dangerous to fold into constitutional law. This one could be called the ''right of the most productive user.''
House Resources Committee unveils OCS drilling 'compromise' bill
The House Resources Committee unveiled on Monday "compromise" legislation that would open up areas of the US Outer Continental Shelf closed to oil and natural gas drilling while giving states a greater share of revenue from offshore production.
It's time for Congress to allow Native peoples to protect sacred places
Native American sacred places are under attack. Now. Not in the distant past. Not when it's too late to do anything about it. Now. Sacred places are being desecrated and damaged today. When something can be done about it.
MAKING POWER FROM POLLUTANT-- Ford turns fumes into fuel
Most consumers probably never stop to think about all the earthly problems being created by their Screaming Yellow Mustang or a Silver Birch Clearcoat Metallic Expedition. But priming, painting and clear coating millions of new cars and trucks every year is a stinky, complicated process that creates millions of pounds of dirty waste at assembly plants around the world.
New Look at Nuke Waste Issue Urged
The departing chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission said Friday that leaders should re-examine policies for nuclear waste and radioactive material can remain stored safely at power plants for years in the meantime.
Ofgem moves to secure winter gas supplies
OFGEM, the energy regulator, has sent one of its senior executives on a mission to Europe to find out from gas suppliers how much gas they are likely to be able to supply to Britain this winter.
Oregon county to launch collection program for mercury thermostats
Marion County, Ore., is beginning a mercury thermostat collection program this fall
PPL Susquehanna Unit 1 Back in Service
"While the charts are looking bearish the Iranian
situation has not been resolved and all we have are a few positive sentiments,
and the market didn't buy into it fully so I think that the long term trend is
still bullish, particularly as we're on the cusp of hurricane season. There is
also the news that North Korea is testing long range missiles which is adding to
the jitters."
- A London-based broker
discussing the strengthening of crude futures on Monday, June 20.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 062006
Solar activity is expected to be very low. The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet to unsettled.
Researchers Work on Alternative Jet Fuel
Government and corporate researchers are looking into ways to power commercial jet engines with alternative fuels, although many caution that widespread use could be years or even decades away.
Risch should join the mercury posse
IDAHO-
Our state senators are wearing their white hats as they round
up the posse against mercury contamination in Idaho. I hope
Gov. Risch will saddle up with them.
I’m rooting for these heroes because I know there’ll be
another mercury-spewing coal-fired power plant proposal here
in the Magic Valley in spite of the fact that Sempra Energy is
out of the headlines.
Scientists Back Calls for New Nuclear Reactor at Torness
A group of leading scientists has backed plans to build a new nuclear reactor at Torness Power Station in a bid to halt Scotland's looming energy crisis.
Scientists Take Cues from Nature to Solve Tech Problems
People have always looked to nature for inspiration, capturing the sun to create fire and copying birds to achieve flight. But in the last 30 years, such observations have become the foundation of an increasingly popular scientific field.
Some lawmakers push sugar as source of ethanol
With the market for corn-based ethanol booming, lawmakers from sugar-producing states are hoping that beet and cane growers can soon jump onto the renewable fuel bandwagon.
States sue EPA again over power-plant mercury rule
The suit, filed in the US Court of Appeals in Washington, was prompted by EPA's refusal to strengthen the rule during a six-month-long "reconsideration" process that the agency concluded on May 31.
|
Welcome to the permanent global energy crisis. Though experts differ on
when the precise moment of "peak
oil" (also known as the end of cheap oil) will come, few deny that it's on
the way. Already, supply is tightening, even as demand surges, pushing the
price of oil (and gas at the pump) skyward.
|
U.S. at Risk of Dependence on Foreign Natural Gas
The United States, long "addicted" to foreign oil, now risks becoming dependent on foreign natural gas as well, according to an article in the summer Issues in Science and Technology.
UK nuclear power-- financial uncertainty will not stop scramble for contracts
The probable winners of a new nuclear building program will come from a small niche of foreign construction companies, who have considerable expertise and experience in this specialized market. Coupled with this there is also likely to be a clamor from the big UK utilities to operate the new stations or at least purchase the power on long term contracts, provided some guarantees are put in place.
US precious metals prices are down again
The volatile precious metals markets are down again, victim of long-liquidation in response to the stronger dollar.
US-Russia threat reduction program extended another seven years
The US-Russia cooperative threat reduction program will be extended for seven years under a protocol signed by both nations, the White House said June 19. Established in 1992 and extended in 1999, the program has assisted in the deactivation of thousands of Russian missiles and warheads and installation of security upgrades at Russian nuclear warhead sites.
What's Moving the Oil Markets 062006
While the charts are looking bearish the Iranian situation has not been resolved and all we have are a few positive sentiments, and the market didn't buy into it fully so I think that the long term trend is still bullish, particularly as we're on the cusp of hurricane season
The potential missile launch which North Korea is believed to be preparing has triggered jitters in Asia and drawn sharp warnings from Washington and Tokyo.
Wind power generates a new cash crop in state
Prosperity's in the air for some farmers in Klickitat County, a focal point of the wind-energy boom. For many years, the wind was an unwelcome presence on John and Iva Grabner's wheat farm north of the Columbia River Gorge. Time after time, it would blow away clouds that might otherwise have offered rain for their crops.
Not long ago, the nuclear industry was wind power's primary critic. Now, questions are being raised by bird lovers and Pentagon officials.
As wildlife advocates demand more studies of avian mortality from wind turbines, the federal government has blocked plans for several wind farms in Wisconsin and other parts of the Midwest on the grounds that the giant turbines could interfere with military radar.
With 6,622 wind turbines, 'all of Scotland's views will vanish'
Few people south of the border are aware of the tragedy unfolding in Scotland, where there are proposals for 200 wind farms, from Sutherland and the Isle of Lewis down to the Borders. These include no fewer than 6,622 turbines, many 400 feet high, covering more than 1,000 square miles. If all these are built, according to the Scottish Wind Assessment Project, which has just published a map of these sites, there will be scarcely "a single view in Scotland where you cannot see one of these windmills''.
June 19, 2006
More than two-dozen institutional investors, managing more than $1 trillion of assets, called on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to require publicly-traded companies to disclose the financial risks of global warming in their securities filings.
BP's proposal has generated a fierce debate about safety and terrorism risks and has sparked a border war between New Jersey and Delaware.
BP Not Criminally Liable for Alaska Oil Spill - CEO
BP Plc's pipeline monitoring system exceeded regulatory requirements prior to a pipeline rupture and oil spill in Alaska and the company believes it will not be held criminally liable for the accident, Chief Executive John Browne told Reuters.
Canada's growing reliance on gas-fired generation draws warning
Canada's growing reliance on gas for power could mean higher prices for natural gas and electricity, the country's National Energy Board said in an energy market assessment report.
China Tar Spill Threatens Water for Millions
A toxic spill in north China has contaminated water supplies for 50,000 people and poses a threat to a reservoir supplying millions more, state media reported on Friday.
Dell, Goodwill to accept drop-offs of old computers in San Diego
Dell Inc. and Goodwill Industries of San Diego have launched a free drop-off computer recycling program in the city.
Developer to build $5 billion synfuels plant in Louisiana
A new synfuels company plans to build a $5-billion lignite gasification plant in Louisiana that would produce a variety of fuels and electricity, officials said.
Ethanol's Water Demands Cause for Scrutiny, Not Alarm
City officials in Champaign and Urbana took notice when they heard that an ethanol plant proposed nearby would use about 2 million gallons of water per day, most likely from the aquifer that also supplies both cities.
EU Leaders Move to Secure Energy Imports
EU leaders on Friday endorsed plans to secure Europe's energy imports. This will require creating new supply routes and signing energy treaties with producers such as Russia. EU nations do not have a common energy policy, seeing energy as an issue of national sovereignty, but now aim to adopt an EU-wide energy policy in spring 2007.
First Rockies natural gas report issued
The report represents initial data from a five-year WCS study funded by the Shell Exploration & Production Co., Ultra Resources Inc. and other natural gas developers. The study focuses on how such development influences wildlife in the Rocky Mountains -- a region that serves as a critical wintering ground for pronghorn antelope, the focus species of the study.
Forest Industry Leaders Commit to Action on Global Sustainability
Member companies of the International Council of Forest and Paper Associations (ICFPA) have signed on a major new leadership agreement on sustainability. The agreement was signed by 59 company CEOs and association presidents -- representing some of the largest pulp, paper, and wood companies in the world.
Gazprom mulls plan to enter US LNG market
Russian gas giant Gazprom expects to finalize plans for entering the US LNG market in the next three to six months, an official with Gazprom Marketing and Trading said June 15.
Green Tea May Help Explain 'Asian Paradox'
While smoking is a well-known cause of heart disease and lung cancer, the rates of these diseases have remained inexplicably low in Asian countries where smoking is common. But researchers say there is growing evidence that green tea is one piece of the puzzle.
IKEA Helps British Shoppers Kick Plastic Bag Habit
Swedish furniture giant IKEA has launched a three-pronged program to cut the number of plastic bags wasted by an estimated 20 million a year.
Indiana Dairies to Capture More Than a Million Tons of Greenhouse Gases
Four Indiana dairies, connected by family history and geography, have jointly signed an historic agreement with Environmental Credit Corp (ECC) to create more than one million carbon credits from greenhouse gas-reducing projects. Each credit is equivalent to one metric ton of carbon dioxide prevented from entering the atmosphere. The farms’ greenhouse gas reductions are comparable to planting 4 million deciduous trees or offsetting the emissions of 20,000 cars.
Japan Court Rejects Case Against Nuclear Facility
A Japanese district court on Friday upheld the government's decision to approve operations at a nuclear waste disposal plant in northern Japan, in the country's first ruling on the safety of an underground nuclear facility.
L.A. port earmarks 10% of budget for green initiatives
About 10 percent of the Port of Los Angeles´ new budget will be spent on environmental initiatives, the port said.
A key part of the roughly $85 million in spending involves the port´s Clean Air Plan, designed to reduce health risks from port operations.
Temperatures are rising. It's not about the summer heat. It's over President Bush's plan to cut mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. The administration champions the plan, saying it is the first such proposal by any government to regulate mercury.
Twenty-five per cent of Americans said they oppose any type of energy plant or facility in their hometown, including solar plants or wind terminals, according to a nationwide survey of 1,001 Americans released by RBC Capital Markets. These opponents to new plants or facilities were also more likely to believe that high energy prices are temporary.
Oil prices fall on positive Iranian statements
World oil prices retreated Monday after positive statements were released over the weekend from Iran that the regime is prepared to limit its nuclear program.
OPEC shaves forecast of 2006 oil demand growth to 1.36 mil b/d
The Monthly Oil Market report published by OPEC's Vienna secretariat said that while the biggest share of increased world oil demand growth was mainly in the developing countries, "signs indicate an easing in oil demand, partly due to the high prices."
Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell Honored at Energy Efficiency Forum
Photovoltaic Power Plants Proliferate in Kyoto
The Kyoto Green Fund has been introducing environmental education to local nursery schools and kindergartens by installing "Sunshine" PV power plants since 2001, with the aim of promoting energy conservation, electricity savings, and green energy.
Power plants to be built in Mongolia
Chinese power firms plan to build three 3,600-MW (megawatt) coal- fired power plants in neighbouring Mongolia to meet growing electricity demands in North China.
Proposed Dams to be Chile's Next Environment Battle
On the banks of the Rio Baker, Cecilio Olivares worries his days of guiding tourists on horseback through the magnificent Patagonian scenery could be over if power companies build a series of dams on the striking, turquoise-coloured river.
Quebec Carbon Tax Plan Pressures Ottawa Over Kyoto
Canada's French-speaking province of Quebec plans to bring in a carbon tax to help meet its targets under the Kyoto protocol, putting more political pressure on a federal Conservative government that dislikes the international climate change accord.
Report-- Biofuels Poised to Displace Oil
Biofuels can significantly reduce global dependence on oil, according to a new report by the Worldwatch Institute, released in collaboration with the German Agencies for Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and Renewable Resources (FNR).
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 061906
Solar activity was very low. Two CME's were observed on LASCO imagery. The geomagnetic field was mostly quiet to unsettled. An isolated active period was observed on Boulder magnetometer.
Senate Foreign Relations chairman endorses US-India pact
US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Richard Lugar Friday called on Congress to approve an agreement between the US and India providing the southeast Asian country with nuclear fuel, technology and reactors.
Teflon Chemical Found in New Jersey Drinking Water-- Steelworkers Union Calls for Investigation
The Millionaire Down the Street Was Right, But Now What's in Store for Real Estate
For many across the U.S., the real estate market has been the latest get-rich-quick craze. Indeed, hordes of homeowners and investors have become wealthier as they watched their home values increase or their investment properties sell for multiples of what they paid for them just a few years ago. But the run-up in real estate may be ending.
Toyota's 'Green' Efforts Extend to Cow Dung
When it comes to saving the planet, Toyota Motor Corp. seems to be leaving no stone unturned. Nor, as it turns out, any pile of cow dung.
TXU Corp.'s new renewable energy business, called TXU Renew, is in the market for power generated by eco-friendly means, such as wind.
UAF Gets $1M to Study Sea Ice in Arctic
A team of scientists from the University of Alaska Fairbanks have received more than $1 million in federal grant money to study how sea ice affects the movement of water in the Arctic Ocean.
UPS 'Green Fleet' Racks up 100 Million Miles
UPS's fleet of alternative fuel trucks has hit a major milestone, traveling more than 100 million miles to deliver packages to homes and businesses. UPS was the first company in the U.S.to deploy hydrogen fuel cell technology in a commercial fleet. Since that launch in 2004, the vehicles - which emit only water -- have driven 34,000 miles making deliveries.
June 16, 2006
California Public Utilities Commission Allows Cost Recovery for Green Power Lines
Investor-owned electric utilities in California will be allowed to pass on to customers the costs of building lines to transmit renewable power from sources such as wind farms, the California Public Utilities Commission ruled Thursday.
Chemicals Harming Polar Bears, Belugas, Seals – WWF
Toxic chemicals are harming Arctic animals including polar bears, beluga whales, seals and seabirds, the environmental group WWF said on Thursday.
Commentary - Floating on the Crest of Cheap Credit
In his must read comment in Wednesday's New York Times, author Martin Mayer reminds us all why foreign central banks keep their surplus dollar holdings free of charge with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. But the thing which caught our eye in Mayer's astute opinion piece was the last line, where he warned that a rise in foreign holdings of US Treasury debt could presage "a hard landing for a world economy still floating on the crest of cheap credit."
County will make money from sale of methane gas
In a move that will increase revenues, the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders has struck a deal with GSF Energy LLC to sell the methane gas that is produced from the decomposition of solid waste at the Monmouth County Reclamation Center, Tinton Falls.
Czech Nuclear Watchdog Calls for Greater Atomic Energy Role
The chairwoman of the Czech Republic's nuclear safety body has told a conference that more investment in the fuel is required to meet the country's burgeoning demand for power. "A time will come when reserves of fossil fuels will be exhausted as well, and in the end there will be nothing else than renewable energy sources. However, we have no technologies for their effective use. I therefore claim that nuclear energy gives us time," Ms Drabova said in comments reported by the CTK news agency.
Environmental Hazards Cause Unnecessary Disease - WHO
The United Nations agency said in a study avoidable environmental exposures cause up to 24 percent of global disease and trigger one in three outbreaks in children under age five.
Foreign Oil Woes Drive Trend toward Deepwater Drilling
ABOARD THE DISCOVERER DEEP SEAS — Nearly three football fields long, the ship appears to be sitting idle on the turquoise blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, perhaps even abandoned. The Chevron Corp. crew is developing a deepwater oil field 190 miles off the Louisiana coast that's projected to produce 100,000 barrels of oil a day by 2008 and 500 million barrels overall.
France's Nuclear waste bill voted out of National Assembly
That means it can be promulgated by the French President within 15 days. The law, called the "Nuclear Materials and Waste Sustainable Management Program Act," sets France's nuclear waste policy for the next 15 years.
Greenpeace docked its newest ship, Witness, at Robert Moses State Park yesterday to show its support for a plan to build 40 wind turbines in the ocean a few miles offshore to generate electricity.
Canada's growing reliance on gas for power could mean higher prices for natural gas and electricity says the National Energy Board (NEB) in its Energy Market Assessment report, Natural Gas for Power: Issues and Implications, released today.
Has the Russia-Europe gas relationship hit a rocky patch?
"There is no question of diminishing the dependence that Europe has on Russian gas - why should we even be discussing this?" Alexander Medvedev, deputy chairman of Gazprom, asked on May 26. But memories of the interruption to Russian natural gas supplies to Europe at the beginning of the year inevitably color the relationship.
House approves $35.6 million for mine safety; Senate to vote
The House approved the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill, which includes $35.6 million in funding for mine safety on Tuesday by a vote of 351-67. The Senate is scheduled to vote on it today.
India eyes renewables for rural power
"The Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy aims at adding about 5,000 megawatts in renewables," Panjiar said. "This level of capacity addition should take care of the shortfalls in the country by 2012."
IPE Brent crude drifts lower after early rally
IPE Brent crude futures in London drifted lower Friday after an initial push back towards $70/barrel as a bout of selling from Asian customers took hold and overrode buying interest from hedge funds.
Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan sign deal to send crude via BTC
Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan have signed an agreement to supply Kazakh crude to western markets via the newly-built Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, Kazakh media reported Friday.
Mixed Economic Indicators Cause Slight Fluctuations in US Mortgage Rates
Freddie Mac yesterday released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.63 percent, with an average 0.5 point, for the week ending June 15, 2006, up very slightly from last week’s average of 6.62 percent.
'Myth' That Green Protection Hits Economy – UNEP
"Care for the environment is often portrayed as detrimental to economic growth," he told on his first day as head of the United Nations' top environment body. "We hope to lay that myth to rest in the 21st century," he said.
New Interference on the Horizon for U.S. Wind Power Development
At Tehachipi pass, a well-known wind farm in Central California, even the smallest wind turbine, the tips of its blades whirling at just the right speed, gives off a radar signal larger than that of a Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet, according to Gary Seifert, Program Manager, Idaho National Laboratory, who spoke at last week's annual U.S. wind power industry conference.
Push for alternative-fuel vehicles puts brakes on electric-car development
As waiting lists continue to grow for the gas-stingy Toyota Prius and other hybrids, filmgoers are being reminded of a less successful experiment in alternative-powered cars.
Putin says Gazprom ready to take part in Iran-India gas pipeline
Russia's gas giant Gazprom is prepared to take part in the construction of a gas pipeline to transport Iran's gas to Pakistan and India, Russian's Prime Tass news agency said Friday, citing Russia's president Vladimir Putin. "Gazprom is prepared to participate in implementing this project...
Quebec to raise ethanol usage to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Canada's Quebec province, as part of its 2006-2012 program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the province, is promoting the increased use of ethanol by having a minimum 5% ethanol in gasoline sold in the province, a Quebec government release said Friday.
Renewable Energy Bill Welcomed in Colorado
Recent Colorado legislation signed by Gov. Owens (HB-1322) that provides funding for a new Colorado renewable energy research collaboration was welcomed by leaders of the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the Colorado School of Mines, Colorado State University and the University of Colorado.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 061606
Solar activity was low. Region 892 (S06W85) produced two C-class flares. The geomagnetic field was at quiet to major storm conditions. Major storm periods were observed between 15/0600 - 0900 UTC and 15/0900 - 1200 UTC. Activity was due to the effects from a recurrent coronal hole high speed stream.
Sparks fly at forum over energy policy
Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman and U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) sparred Wednesday over progress on reducing America's dependence on foreign oil at a forum on energy efficiency sponsored by Milwaukee-based Johnson Controls Inc.
Susquehanna operator investigating unit 1 shutdown
PPL Susquehanna is investigating the cause of an automatic shutdown at Susquehanna-1 early this morning. The system is designed to shut down the reactor under any of a number of specific conditions; PPL has not yet determined which of the conditions was responsible for the shutdown.
Thawing Permafrost Could Unleash Tons of Carbon
Ancient roots and bones locked in long-frozen soil in Siberia are starting to thaw, and have the potential to unleash billions of tonnes of carbon and accelerate global warming, scientists said on Thursday.
Tough Choice for Oil Companies Due to Nigeria Threats
Energy companies working in Nigeria are facing a frustrating race between production and disruption. At present some 800,000 barrels a day or 30 percent of Nigeria's crude oil exports is shut down, most of it by attacks since January by militants battling the government for control of the oil fields. The militants have blown up facilities and taken workers hostage.
UK Private Sector Raises Doubts on Nuclear Support
The private sector could not shoulder the full clean-up costs of new nuclear power plants in Britain, potential investors say, casting doubts on government claims this week that it would not subsidise new reactors.
Utilities Keeping Surpluses, for Now
Natural-gas costs have been gradually falling over the past five months, after being pushed to record highs last fall by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. But Rhode Islanders have yet to enjoy a price break. And neither New England Gas nor National Grid plan to lower their rates, even though customers are now paying more than what's needed to cover the utilities' wholesale costs.
June 15, 2006
Australia Says Nuclear Pipe Ruptures, No Threat
Australia's only nuclear reactor suffered a ruptured pipe in a section producing medical isotopes, but there was no radiation leak and no threat to workers or to surrounding areas, the government said on Wednesday.
Calif. to require 10pct recycled carpet in government offices
The carpet standard is the latest step in the state government´s efforts to implement an environmentally preferable purchasing law.
California ISO Planning for Boom in Renewable Power
With thousands of megawatts in new wind, geothermal and solar generation due on line in California over the next five years to meet California's renewable generation targets, the California Independent System Operator Corporation (California ISO) is working on a comprehensive strategy to integrate these renewable resources into the wholesale power grid.
China sets up special fund for renewable energy
Citing anonymous sources with China's Wind Power Association, the Beijing-based newspaper said the fund would speed up development of renewable energy resources, although the size of the fund was unavailable.
ComEd Supports Solar Power and Renewable Energy
ComEd and the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (ICECF) announced today nearly $200,000 in grants to support the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) electric generation systems at 14 schools in ComEd's service territory in northern Illinois.
Details emerge of China's basic energy law
Chinese officials plan to see the country's first energy "basic law" passed by the legislature in two years, laying the groundwork for future national energy policies, said sources with the group drawing up the legislation on Tuesday.
Elephants Drive Hundreds of Bangladeshis onto Boats
"They come back almost every night and romp through human habitation, forcing many to flee," one forest official said.
A growing portion of U.S. states' electricity is being provided by renewable energy, according to a report released today by the Pew Center on Global Climate Change. States are using increasingly aggressive and ambitious Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) in order to spur economic development and create a reliable and diversified supply of electricity, as well as to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conventional pollutants.
Foreign Capital Seen Drawn to Brazil Sugar, Ethanol
Despite rising costs and obstacles for foreign companies looking to enter Brazil's booming sugar and ethanol industry, analysts predicted more multinational would jump aboard after this week's play by Cargill Inc. for a mill in Sao Paulo state.
High prices force US utilities to shut oil-fired generation-- EIA
A decline in oil-fired power generation in the first three months of 2006 because of high oil prices and the "relative moderation" of natural gas prices, has resulted in an 18% increase in petroleum stocks at power plants since March 2005, the US Energy Information Administration said Wednesday.
IN CONTROL ; THERE'S NO MORE RESORTING TO OUTSIDE ENERGY IN TIMES OF NEED
Feel the power. The Riverside city utility has started producing electricity with its new 98-megawatt power plant.
Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani has started making noises that some interpret as the first stirrings of a 2008 presidential bid. So guess what Rudy put forth as his alternative plan: more emphasis on nuclear energy, ethanol, and hybrid vehicles. To which I say: Good, good and good. Super ideas all. But how does that constitute an alternative?
Indonesia Volcano Back on Highest Alert Level
After spewing huge gas clouds and lava last week, Merapi had calmed down for a few days, but on Wednesday began spitting out hot smoke again.
Iraq needs $10 billion to rebuild oil industry-- former minister
Iraq will need to invest $10 billion to 2010 to rebuild its oil industry and lift crude oil production capacity to a targeted 3.5 million b/d from 2.6 million b/d currently with investments to date insufficient to meet that goal, former Iraqi oil minister Ibrahim Bahr al-Ulum was quoted Thursday as saying.
Loss of Venezuelan exports could lift oil prices $13 barrel-- GAO
A six-month loss of Venezuelan exports to the US market could cause a $9-13/barrel increase in crude oil prices and lead to a reduction of up to $23 billion in US Gross Domestic Product, according to the US General Accountability Office.
McGill-based Green Crop Network to tackle global warming
In the first scientific collaboration of its kind, Canada's top plant researchers are joining forces with the federal government and industry partners to come up with new ways to use crops to reduce greenhouse gases, provide alternative energy sources and mitigate climate change.
Minnesota and South Carolina Promote Plug-in Hybrids, Alt Fuels
Plug-in hybrid vehicles have received a lot of attention in recent months, and now two states are prepared to pursue the vehicles, once they become readily available.
Mississippi Power's Plant Watson Fully Restored, Ready for Summer Peaking Season
Employees at Mississippi Power's Plant Watson in Gulfport, Miss., recently completed all repairs to the facility, bringing the plant back to full operational status. The facility suffered significant damage due to flooding during Hurricane Katrina last year.
Nuke decommissioning to stop if Swedish government lose election
Nuclear decommisssioning will not continue if Sweden's four main opposition parties win the September election and run a coalition government, they said in a joint statement yesterday.
NYMEX crude opens 56 cents higher, unwinding oversold conditions
July crude futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange opened 56 cents higher at $69.70/barrel Thursday, recovering from oversold conditions.
Oldest pow wow in North America observes its 140th anniversary
The 140th annual Homecoming Celebration of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska will be held this summer at the Veteran's Memorial Park on U.S. Highway 75 east of Winnebago. The celebration will run July 27 - July 30.
Ontario coal-fired power plants to stay open for now
The Ontario government will not close its remaining coal-fired power plants as planned, Energy Minister Dwight Duncan said in a statement Tuesday. US coal companies, particularly Central Appalachia coal producers, provide millions of short tons/year of coal to the Ontario plants, so the closings would have been a big economic hit for the region.
OPEC has no option but to maintain output at current prices-- Libya
Libya's top oil official Thursday said oil producers' cartel OPEC has no option but to leave current crude production levels unchanged while prices hover close to $70/bbl.
Pew report sees rapid growth in state renewable energy standards
In the 15 years since Iowa became the first state to enact a renewable energy portfolio, 22 states and the District of Columbia have implemented RPS standards and at least one state has such a policy in every region of the nation except the Southeast, according to a report released today by the Pew Center on Global Climate Change.
Pine Springs fire among six to burn through weekend on Navajo Nation
As many as six forest fires started on
the Navajo Nation over the weekend of June 10 - 11.
The uncontained Navajo Mountain fire spread to 1,000 acres, and the Pine
Springs Fire 30 miles southwest of the Navajo capital scorching just under
50 acres of pinon and juniper forest and spreading again the afternoon of
June 12 before being contained.
Power Plants' Fuel Vulnerable To Hurricanes
For months, state regulators have pressed Florida's power producers about inspecting power lines, trimming trees and burying equipment to ensure the lights stay on after a major storm.
Put Up or Shut Up, America on Energy Independence
High gasoline prices have jump-started a long overdue national conversation on the consequences of U.S. dependence on foreign oil.President Bush and members of Congress will soon have the chance to show whether they are serious about solving America's energy problems.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 061506
Solar activity was at very low levels. Region 892 (S07W70) produced low level B-class flares early in the period. The geomagnetic field was at quiet levels. Solar wind speed increased from 400 km/sec to a maximum of 550 km/sec late in the period, this coinciding with an anticipated recurrent coronal hole.
Rising Demand for Electricity Invigorates African Power Generation Industry
Greater engagement with a globalized economy is energizing the African power generation industry. Rising economic growth in the region will allow the power generation industry to achieve sustained turbines capacity addition.
Russian firms to build first floating nuclear power plant
Rosenergoatom and Sevmash Shipbuilding Company today signed a contract for construction of the world's first floating nuclear power plant. The contract was signed in Severodvinsk (Arkhangelsk region) during a visit by Sergey Kiriyenko, chief of the Federal Atomic Energy Agency (Rosatom).
Scientists Urge G8 Not to Ignore Global Warming
World leaders must not allow concern for energy security to distract them from taking promised action on global warming, top world scientists said on Wednesday.
State committee OKs measure to govern mercury emissions
Legislation to align mercury emissions from Pennsylvania power plants with widely criticized federal guidelines was approved Tuesday by the state Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.
UK Government launches compulsory energy rating for homes to help cut carbon emissions
Energy ratings similar to consumer-friendly fridge ratings will have to be produced for every home bought and sold in England from next June, the Government announced today.
US DOE ordered to help Iraq boost oil, electricity output
President Bush Wednesday said he has asked Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman to travel to Iraq to meet with Iraqi oil minister Hussein al-Shahristani and other officials to identify ways the US can provide additional support to boost Iraqi oil and electricity production.
US ethanol maker VeraSun's value soars to $2.4 billion on IPO
Shares of newly public South Dakota ethanol maker VeraSun Energy hovered around $30 at mid-day Wednesday in their first day of trading on the New York Stock Exchange, up 30% from their IPO price of $23.
US House agrees measure to hike funds for fuel economy agency
The US House of Representatives late Tuesday agreed on an amendment to the fiscal 2007 Transportation-Treasury funding bill that would significantly boost funding for the branch of the Transportation Department responsible for setting fuel economy standards for motor vehicles.
What every schoolboy knows' ... is often puerile and wrong
When bad conscience nags at federal judges who base their Indian law decisions on the ''doctrine of Christian discovery,'' they sometimes invoke an even more disreputable legal justification for European theft of Native lands. This is the so-called ''right by conquest.'' It is re-emerging as the Supreme Court slams the door on decades of Indian land suits.
What's Moving the Oil Markets 061506
• IPE Brent futures in London rose over half a dollar
ahead of the July contract's expirty at the close of trading Thursday with funds
poised to take advantage of the lowest oil prices in two months and adopt new
long positions in the market, brokers said.
• Brokers also cited a number of bearish technical elements such as flagging US
gasoline demand and bullish geopolitical concerns in the market which one broker
said made funds uncertain over the direction of crude.
• US demand is now lower than in the same period last year for all oil products
with high oil prices dampening economic growth and hitting retail demand, said a
PFC energy report.
White House opposes giving states share of OCS royalties-- MMS
The head of US Minerals Management Service told a House committee Wednesday the Bush administration opposes a plan that would give states that agree to open their offshore areas to oil and natural gas drilling up to 75% of the royalties from any production.
Wildfires Burn More than 20,000 Acres across Arizona
Strong winds thwarted efforts Wednesday to battle several wildfires that have burned more than 20,000 acres across the rain-deprived state.
World's Rubbish Washed Up On Scottish Beach
Rubbish from as far away as Japan and Brazil is washing up on a remote Scottish beach. The St Kilda archipelago in the Outer Hebrides is a World Heritage site and home to a million seabirds. But its windswept isolation in the north Atlantic is no protection from global garbage.
June 14, 2006
Area Company Pursues Sea Solar Technology
After 40 years of trying to sell the world on clean electricity from the sun and sea, James H. Anderson has come to expect disappointment.
Bill to provide grants for solar energy projects unveiled in House
A congressman from Texas has introduced a measure that would offer federal grants to encourage the development of solar energy projects.U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, introduced a measure June 13 that would encourage state governments and private industry to team up to apply for federal grants to purchase solar panels. The grants would reduce the cost of solar panels by about half,
Bipartisan Group of U.S. Senators Endorses 25x'25 Initiative
"At a time when domestic and global energy demands are growing, the 25x'25
vision is a win for rural America. Growing our agriculture-energy economy
translates into benefits to farmers, energy security, rural economic
development, and the environment."
-- Rep. Mark Udall (D-Colo.), House Agriculture Committee
BP says world oil reserves edge 0.6% higher in 2005
The world's remaining oil reserves rose by just 0.6% to 1.209-trillion barrels at the end of 2005, enough to last another 40.6 years at current consumption levels, down from 40.7 years at the end of 2004, BP said Wednesday in its latest statistical review of world energy.
CanWEA applauds Ontario's call for transmission investments to support wind energy
The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) is pleased that the Ontario Government's "Integrated Power System Plan Directive" to the Ontario Power Authority today called for strengthening the transmission system to facilitate the development and use of wind energy where the most significant development opportunities exist.
China's Economy Continues to Grow Despite Cooling Efforts
China's surging economy has shown no signs of slowing despite recent cooling measures, with official data showing the trade surplus hitting a record high and inflation picked up in May.
Cleaner Fuels Will Need More Hydrogen, Additives
Motor fuel producers must increasingly turn to hydrogen and fuel additives to meet a myriad of stricter environmental rules and more sophisticated engines, industry executives said on Tuesday.
Club of Rome wants deserts to become source of renewable energy
The world’s deserts could serve as an “overabundant source of clean energy through solar thermal power plants,” according to the president of the Club of Rome.
Environmentalists, state quarrel over mercury rule
IDAHO--When it comes to determining the future of coal- fired power plants in the state, everyone wants a say. But who gets the first crack at it and who has the final authority?
ESF Task Force For Clean Solar Energy
The European Union and its member states are being urged by leading scientists to make a major multi million Euro commitment to solar driven production of environmentally clean electricity, hydrogen and other fuels, as the only sustainable long-term solution for global energy needs.
EU Assembly Backs Tighter Rules on Water Pollution
EU lawmakers called on Tuesday for tighter rules to control pollution of Europe's groundwater but fell short of agreeing bloc-wide standards for maximum levels of toxic metals such as mercury and arsenic.
EU policies could benefit renewables
Europe needs sustainable energy policies with tough policies to combat climate change, in order to simultaneously improve air pollution, energy security and competitiveness in the EU. Stringent climate policies could reduce the continent’s oil imports by 30% and its natural gas imports by 10%, says the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency
Europe must set targets for green power, green fuels and green heat
Europe should source at least 35% of its electricity from green power by 2020, as well as 12% from green fuels and 25% from green heat sources.
Federal directive delays wind-energy projects in Minnesota
At least four wind-energy projects in Minnesota have been delayed because of a federal directive to study the effect of wind turbines on military radar installations.
France Declares Drought Areas, Warns Elderly
France declared a drought in 15 departments on Tuesday as temperatures climbed above seasonal norms and officials took early steps to protect the elderly who were vulnerable during a 2003 heat wave that killed thousands.
Global gas reserves inch up 0.5 percent to 6,348 Tcf in 2005-- BP
Global proved gas reserves grew marginally to 179.83 trillion cubic meters (6,348 Tcf) in 2005, up from 179 trillion cubic meters at the end of 2004, BP said Wednesday in its 2006 review of energy statistics.
Gold still a safe haven asset despite plunge-- Japanese analyst
Commodity market analysts in Tokyo said the nature of gold as a safe haven asset has not changed despite its sharp fall in prices this week from $600/oz on Monday to $546/oz Wednesday.
Green fuels are ready to displace gasoline
The use of ethanol and biodiesel can “significantly reduce global dependence on oil,” according to a report from the Worldwatch Institute and the German Agencies for Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and Renewable Resources (FNR).
House joins Senate in passing Miner Act, bill awaits president
By an overwhelming majority, the House joined the Senate in passing the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 late Wednesday. The same legislation was passed by the Senate last week (PCT 5/25).
IEA Says Global Oil Demand Growth Maintained Despite High Prices
A healthy world economy is underpinning oil demand growth, but high prices are slowing consumption in the United States, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) on Tuesday.
Key Facts on Pacific 'Ring of Fire'
Indonesian authorities monitoring restive Mount Merapi lowered its alert status on Tuesday after a visible decline in activity, but said the volcano, one of the most dangerous in the Pacific "Ring of Fire", remained a threat.
Labor, Business Coalition Applauds Senate Action to Reduce Mercury Emissions
A labor, business and coal industry coalition today applauded action by the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee to approve bipartisan legislation requiring an 86 percent reduction in mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants in a way that protects Pennsylvania's environment, public health and economy.
Mexico, Guatemala link power grids
President Vicente Fox and Guatemalan counterpart Oscar Berger met Tuesday in the southern Mexican border town of Tapachula to inaugurate a link between the two countries' power grids as part of a regional integration initiative.
Military jets test new windfarm-friendly radar
The Royal Air Force is conducting military manoeuvres with a selection of different RAF aircraft to assess a technology that is designed to overcome the interference from wind turbines on air traffic radar.
Minnesota Law Endorses Plug-in Hybrid, Flexible-Fueled Vehicles
"Minnesota has the resources necessary to make flexible-fuel plug-in hybrid production a reality. We have the research at Minnesota State-Mankato. We have the corn and ethanol industry. We have a growing number of wind farms. And we have the Ford plant."-- -- Frank Hornstein, the bill's chief House author
New Iowa Legislation to Boost Renewable Fuel Use
Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack signed a legislative package on May 30th that is expected to significantly increase the use of ethanol and biodiesel throughout the state. The legislation creates a tax credit for selling E85 (a blend of 85 percent ethanol with 15 percent gasoline) that starts at 25 cents per gallon and phases out by 2021, and another tax credit of three cents per gallon for diesel blends containing at least 2 percent biodiesel.
Nigeria said to increase power output
An initial 200 megawatts out of the projected 335 megawatts of electricity from the Papalanto thermal power plant in Ogun State [in southwestern Nigeria] will be injected into the national grid by December this year. He said the decision to inject the initial 200 megawatts was to curb the persistent power outages in the country.
Norway makes a $3.23 billion push for more renewable energy
Norway is to allocate NOK 20 ($3.23) billion to a project fund that will boost production and use of renewable energy and increase energy efficiency,
Oil company invests in green fuels
Chevron has formed a business unit to pursue commercial opportunities in green fuels.
“Biofuels are a growing component of the world's energy base and will be an active part of Chevron's efforts to help diversify the world's energy supplies,” says vice president Donald Paul.
Oil Prices Continue Decline in Asia
Oil prices extended declines Tuesday on news that Tropical Storm Alberto would not threaten the Gulf of Mexico's petroleum infrastructure and crude supplies would be largely unaffected.
Ontario Plans Multibillion-Dollar Nuclear Program
Ontario announced a multibillion-dollar plan Tuesday to build and refurbish nuclear power plants as it struggles to keep pace with rising demand for electricity.
Proponents Puzzled By Study Delaying Alternative Energy
Wind-power proponents remain puzzled and perturbed by a Defense Department study that, two decades since wind farms and radar systems first co-existed, is delaying alternative-energy projects.
They charge that the study, aimed at determining the effect of turbines as tall as 40 stories on military radar, is motivated more by politics and personal agendas than national security.
Iran was "in the process of examining
the proposal very seriously and will reply to it as soon as possible".
Renewables help to displace 1,000 Mt under CDM
A scheme to promote the use of renewable energy in developing countries will help to displace the emission of more than one billion tonnes of greenhouse gases by 2012.
The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) was set up under the Kyoto Protocol to allow industrialized nations to obtain credits against their GHG emissions by investing in emission reduction projects.
Renewables need planning support - Cooper
Local authorities will be urged to support renewable energy measures in their developments, Housing and Planning Minister Yvette Cooper has announced. "We need to seize on new development as an opportunity not a threat. It is time to rethink the way we build. It is time to rethink the way we design our homes and communities, if we are to build communities for the future that are truly sustainable,” commented Yvette Cooper at the TCPA / Renewable Energy Association conference.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 061406
Solar activity was at very low levels. The geomagnetic field was at quiet levels. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached high levels today.
Loans for green roofs and energy-efficient heating helped boost ShoreBank Corp.'s conservation loan portfolio by 16 percent from a year earlier. "Our borrowers are starting to see that energy efficiency makes so much sense," Arvia said.
State Bill Revamps Solar Initiative
Depending on your perspective, the state Legislature is on the brink of either bolstering or diluting the historic solar initiative enacted in January by the California Public Utilities Commission.
The Need for Mandatory Power Supply Efficiency Standards - Part II
Part I of this article estimated that in the long-run U.S. households could save 47 billion kWh/yr. and more than $4 billion per year if electronic devices used high-efficiency power supplies. Part II of this article addresses the issue of whether high-efficiency power supplies are worth the cost and whether anyone is doing anything about it.
Toyota to Double Hybrid Line-Up Early Next Decade
Toyota Motor Corp. said on Tuesday it would double the number of hybrid cars in its vehicle line-up soon after 2010, renewing its endorsement of the technology as critical to reducing pollution and oil dependence.
U.S. wind energy industry statement on Western Governors' Association
U.S. wind sector to create action plan for 20% target
An action plan will be developed to determine how wind turbines can provide 20% of electricity in the United States. The American Wind Energy Association, U.S. Department of Energy and DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory have committed to develop an action plan, and technology officials joined policy, public outreach, utility and project development stakeholders at the wind power conference in Pittsburgh to start the process.
The UK Government has unveiled a new range of sustainability targets, in a bid to demonstrate best practice green behaviour to business and the public. The general aim, outlined in the Sustainable Procurement Task Force’s report, is to reduce office-based emissions by 30% by 2020, through a number of initiatives which will cover the entire central government and its departments.
US Lawmaker Wants to Cut Hazmat Risks to Rail
US freight railroads want lawmakers to either provide them with liability limits or eliminate the federal mandate to carry toxic substances.
US total petroleum imports climb to new high in May-- API.
Total US petroleum imports climbed to a new high in May of 14.331 million b/d, up 6.2% from May 2005's 13.495 million b/d, the American Petroleum Institute reported Wednesday in its monthly survey.
Washington state nuclear waste law unconstitutional, court says
A federal court judge declared a Washington state law unconstitutional that
prohibits the storage of additional mixed radioactive and hazardous chemical
waste at DOE's Hanford site until existing waste at the site has been cleaned
up, treated, and disposed of..
Western governors OK energy plan including coal plant incentives
Western governors adopted proposals Sunday to allow their states to install at least 30,000 MW of clean power generation by 2015 and increase overall energy efficiency 20% by 2020. Coal-fired plants are included under certain circumstances.
FIRST, the good news. According to Scottish Renewables, the trade association for the renewable power industry, the Executive is on course to meet its target for electricity consumed from clean sources three years early. The Executive wants to see 18 per cent of Scotland's domestic electricity needs coming from renewable sources, such as hydro and wind power, by the year 2010. But at the current rate of bringing new wind farms on stream, that target will be met next year.
However, this success - while very welcome - is not all it seems. The target is for energy consumed. In fact, Scotland already produces a third more electricity than it consumes: the surplus is exported.
With natural gas stocks up, power plants could switch from coal
With underground natural gas storage stocks running ahead of usual this year, many analysts are predicting prices will fall and power plants, which switched from natural gas to coal when supply tightened and prices skyrocketed, could switch back.
June 13, 2006
Africa Seeks 'Green Revolution' To Help End Hunger
African leaders and international donors launched an ambitious attempt on Friday to foster a "Green Revolution" in farming, based on increased fertiliser use, that would help end hunger in the poorest continent.
Ballard Delivers First Prototypes of Fuel Cell for Residential Cogeneration
Ballard Power Systems Corp. has delivered the first prototypes of its next generation fuel cell, the Mark 1030 V3, for the residential cogeneration market to Ebara Ballard Corp. "Together with our key partners and customers, Ballard is firmly committed to the residential cogeneration market and meeting the needs, and budgets, of Japanese consumers."
Carbon Costs Menace Investment in Europe - Analysts
The rising costs of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by smokestack industries may trigger a shift in major investments in such sectors from Europe to countries where carbon controls are less strict, analysts said.
China to build dozen more hydropower plants on Yangtze
A dozen new hydropower plants, with a combined installed capacity totalling 90.2m kW, will be built on the upper Yangtze River catchment area in the next 20 years, a hydropower development official has said.
China's coal, world's peril-- No easy solution
One of China's lesser-known exports is a dangerous brew of soot, toxic chemicals and climate-changing gases from the smokestacks of coal-burning power plants. In early April, a dense cloud of pollutants over northern China sailed to Seoul, sweeping along dust and desert sand before wafting across the Pacific. A U.S. satellite spotted the cloud as it crossed the West Coast of the United States.
Russian, American, European and Japanese officials are negotiating over whether Russia should be allowed greater freedom to invest in utilities, pipelines, natural gas facilities and other infrastructure in the United States and Europe. In a draft declaration intended to be offered for endorsement at a Group of 8 summit meeting this summer in St. Petersburg, broadened Russian access is endorsed for approval as long as it is in accordance with market principles.
Debunked-- Electricity deregulation seems ready to deliver-- Higher bills
So Dominion Virginia Power plans to hike residential rates by 10 percent or more next year, huh? No big deal. This is the age of deregulation. We'll simply opt for another supplier. Choices. That's what's great about a free market. Huh? What do you mean there are no other choices?
Desalination Roadmap Seeks Technological Solutions to Increase Nation’s Water Supply
'Divine Strake' detonation halted
The ''Divine Strake'' detonation has been halted, but Western Shoshone continued their protest at the Nevada Test Site over Memorial Day weekend to demand respect for Western Shoshone land rights at the site, as stated in the Treaty of Ruby Valley of 1863.
DOE, NRC to start on licensing strategy for NGNP this year
DOE and NRC staff plan to begin developing a licensing strategy this year for the Next Generation Nuclear Plant Project, Dennis Spurgeon, assistant secretary of nuclear energy, said today.
Environmental Power to open cattle waste natural gas plant in Texas
Environmental Power Corp. is building a new facility that will produce natural gas from dairy cattle waste in Dublin, Texas. The site, called the Rio Leche facility, will utilize waste from approximately 10,000 dairy cattle and the food industry to create enough gas to heat approximately 11,000 homes each year.EPA Negotiates Landmark International Pollution Agreement
Fatigue issues vex nuclear industry-- Overtime on rise as worker pool shrinks
The nuclear power industry is so shorthanded that workers often put in numbingly long hours on the job, with critics warning that safety at nuclear plants could be endangered by employee fatigue.
Federal task force finds flaws in wholesale markets - Lots and lots of them
Many wholesale power buyers have had trouble signing long-term contracts, a federal task force found in a draft report on the state of competition. Buyers think that generators in RTOs don't want to sign long-term deals because they can get higher prices in the spot market -- taking advantage when high-priced gas-fired generation sets the price.
Gazprom capacity allows for pumping 620 Bcm this year-- deputy CEO
Russia's gas giant Gazprom is able to produce 620 billion cubic meters
per year this year, if there is a demand for this amount of gas, the company's
deputy CEO Alexander Ananenkov said Tuesday, following earlier concerns by IAE
about a looming shortage of Russian gas for supplies to Europe.
Gore to Train 1,000 to Spread Word about Climate
Al Gore hopes to train 1,000 messengers he hopes will spread out across the country and present a slide show about global warming that captures the essence of his Hollywood documentary and book.
Illinois governor signs radioactive release reporting bill
Effective immediately, House Bill 1620 requires nuclear plants to "report releases of radioactive contaminants into the soil, surface water or ground water to the state of Illinois" within 24 hours and mandates quarterly inspections by the state's environmental protection and emergency management agencies at each of the state's six nuclear power plants.
IPE Brent drifts lower, market unfazed by Tropical Storm Alberto
IPE Brent crude futures drifted lower in London as the first tropical storm of the new hurricane season, Alberto, looked unlikely to hit any US Gulf Coast oil or gas facilities. The sell-off was further exacerbated by a small cut in the latest oil demand growth forecast by the influential International Energy Agency.
Iraq's gasoline, LPG output falls; exports from Turkey resume
Turkey resumed exports of gasoline and other refined products to Iraq in May for the first time since they were suspended on January 21 in a dispute over payment to Turkish traders, Iraqi Ministry of Oil figures obtained by Platts show.
ITER 'at the heart' of France's energy strategy-- De Villepin
ITER is "at the heart" of France's energy strategy, Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin said on a visit June 9 to Cadarache, where the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor is to be built in the context of a six-party cooperation.
Michigan lawmakers urge Bush to press for more E85 stations
Sixteen members of the Michigan congressional delegation Tuesday urged US President George Bush to ask major oil companies to increase the number of stations providing E85, a biofuel blend that is 85% ethanol.
More power plants may be in the pipeline-- Utilities share vision of future
Think Wisconsin's power plant and power line building boom is nearly done? Think again. Wisconsin has spent billions on new power plants and new power lines, but utilities have plenty more projects in mind for the next decade.
Moving the agenda of Native Hawaiian self-governance
The crucial moments for the
process of establishing a Native Hawaiian self-government are upon the U.S.
Senate as it considers the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act,
Senate Bill 3064.
The controversial new measure rises in the heels of a Supreme Court decision
(the 2000 case of Rice v. Cayetano) that sought to dash the ability of
Native Hawaiians to elect their own governing authority.
OPEC crude output rises to 29.83 million b/d in May-- IEA
The International Energy Agency Tuesday trimmed its forecast of world oil demand growth this year to 1.24 million b/d, down marginally from a previous estimate of 1.25 million b/d. For the second quarter of the year, however, the IEA raised its estimate of consumption by 160,000 b/d, saying that strong demand in China and the US was offsetting weakness in OECD Europe and Asia.
Missouri's first wind farm is coming in the northwest.
Don Quixote tilted at windmills, and people laughed at him. Tom Carnahan is building windmills in Missouri, and nobody laughs.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 061306
Solar activity was at very low levels. Region 892 continues to show steady decay. The geomagnetic field is expected to be at quiet to unsettled levels. Isolated active conditions may be possible on 16 June due to a small recurrent coronal hole.
Shell to Pick a Renewable Energy Source, Not Yet
Royal Dutch Shell will pick a renewable energy source for commercial production but it is much too early to tell which one, its Chief Executive said on Friday. "We don't know which form of energy will win, and we don't know how quickly we will know."
Small town will try life off the grid
Like many withering rural communities, this corn, soybean and hog farming town, which has only 533 residents, worries about keeping the school open, persuading sons and daughters to stay and finding a role for small farms in a changed economy. But a different worry has risen, too.
Solar Power Competes with Diesel, Dung in Himalayas
Many of the monasteries, or gompas, lining Ladakh's Indus valley, in northwest India near China, boast a small blue rectangle of photo-voltaic technology. Standing 3,500 metres high (11,480 ft) they have the advantage of being closer to the sun than many other inhabited places.
Storm Water Rule Finalized to Comply with Energy Policy Act
The Need for Mandatory Power Supply Efficiency Standards - Part I
If household electronic devices used high-efficiency power supplies, residential electricity usage would be 47 billion kWh per year less than business-as-usual, saving consumers more than $4 billion per year.
U.S. Government Plans to Phase out Use of Common Pesticide on Fruit, Other Crops
The federal government plans to phase out a common pesticide that has been used on apples, pears and other crops since the late 1950s, acting amid complaints from environmental groups that the chemical poisons farmworkers.
UK Sets 'Green' Targets for Government
The British government, under fire for missing its own targets on combatting global warming, set itself a new goal on Monday, pledging to ensure that within six years its own offices would not add to the climate crisis.
US FERC proposes gas pipe reporting rules as storm season begins
With Hurricane Alberto heading for the Florida Gulf Coast, the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has proposed new gas pipeline reporting rules that would provide it with more information about pipeline damage and service interruptions.
Western governors agree to add 30,000 MW of clean power by 2015
Western governors on Sunday adopted proposals they had been discussing for two years that will see their states install at least 30,000 MW of clean power generation by 2015 and increase overall energy efficiency 20% by 2020. They also committed to ensuring there will be adequate electricity transmission for the next 25 years.
Western states governors group calls for U.S. investment in green energy
The bipartisan Western Governors´ Association during its annual meeting approved a number of policies to ensure adequate energy supplies while addressing environmental concerns, including global warming.
What's Moving the Oil Markets 061306
• IPE Brent crude futures drifted lower in London as the
first tropical storm of the new hurricane season, Alberto, looked unlikely to
hit any US Gulf Coast oil or gas facilities. The sell-off was further
exacerbated by a small cut in the latest oil demand growth forecast by the
influential International Energy Agency.
• The front-month July Brent contract was trading at $68.21/bbl, down 72 cents,
at 0921 GMT, having traded as low as $68.11/bbl earlier in the day. Crude
futures in London have shed over $2/bbl since the start of the week.
EPA Retrofit Guidance Will Help States Calculate Air Quality Benefits
EPA has issued guidance to states on how
retrofit projects can be used in state plans to meet federal air quality
standards and conformity determinations.
Diesel retrofit technologies can reduce pollution from the existing diesel
engine fleet by up to 50 percent for nitrogen oxides and up to 90 percent for
both particulate matter and volatile organic compounds.
Public Workshop June 27 to Discuss Review of National Air Quality Standards
EPA will hold a public workshop Tuesday, June 27, 2006 to discuss the process the agency uses to review its National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The agency is examining the process to determine whether it can be strengthened and streamlined.
June 12, 2006
A Build it yourself Wind Generator
We built a 1000 watt wind turbine to help charge the battery bank that powers our offgrid home.
It's a permanent magnet alternator, generating 3 phase ac, rectified to dc, and fed to a charge controller.
Aging nuclear plants pushed to the limit-- Increased power output raises safety concerns
The Exelon nuclear plant here has suffered damaging vibrations for years, the unintended effect of an industry effort to run reactors harder, longer and faster than ever before.
America's sportsmen say global warming is an urgent problem that needs immediate action
The majority of America's sportsmen say global warming is an urgent problem that needs immediate action, and they want clean energy solutions that create jobs and cut pollution from burning fossil fuels, a national poll of hunters and anglers reveals.
Big Thames Wind Farm is Blown Away By Planners
The Government's promised green energy revolution appeared to be in tatters today after a planning application for a landmark wind farm for London was rejected.
Blair and Chirac Seal Nuclear Deal
Britain and France created a body yesterday to share civil nuclear expertise, suggesting the Government is moving towards the nuclear option to solve long-term energy needs.
BP's Browne sees oil price falling to $40barrel in medium term
Oil prices are "very likely" to fall from current levels of around $70/barrel to $40/barrel in the medium term and could dip as low as $25/barrel in the longer term as new reserves are developed, BP chief executive John Browne predicted in an interview published Sunday.
Commercial Hydrogen Plant to Open in Boise
Surrounded by 160 acres of bare farmland in Elmore County, Sythentic Energy might not look a big company. But it's a company with a big future. This week, Synthetic Energy became fully operational, producing hydrogen that flows slowly but steadily through tiny pipes. In fact it takes two full weeks to fill each storage tank, which is then shipped off to a Boise-based commercial gas distributor called Norco.
Complaints only precede wind farms
AS SOMEONE who works in the wind energy industry, and who can see a wind turbine from their garden, I am frustrated by the persistent antiwind-power arguments that blatantly ignore the evidence from thousands of wind turbines operating in the UK today. Windfarms actually have very little impact on their surroundings; and how do I know this?
Consultant Estimates Yucca Mountain Costs
The Yucca Mountain repository would cost local agencies $385 million before the proposed nuclear waste site opens, and another $3.7 billion over 24 years after it opens, according to a consultant helping Nevada and local governments fight the proposal.
Delta insurgents cut Nigerian oil output by 800,000 bd-- official
Attacks on oil industry personnel and facilities by militants in the Niger Delta have cut Nigeria's oil output by up to 800,000 b/d, a government official said Sunday. The loss represents 32% of Nigeria's total production of 2.5 million b/d. Chukwueke added, however, that the situation in the Niger Delta has not reached a level to scare investors, both local and foreign.
DEP Displays Hydrogen Vehicle in Celebration of Clean Air Month
Fashion Square Mall patrons got a first-hand look at new alternative fuel technologies today. In celebration of Clean Air Month, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) showcased a new hydrogen-powered vehicle and a gasoline hybrid vehicle at the Fashion Square Mall in Orlando.
Energy Coalition Hopes to Stir Debate
The New England Energy Alliance, a nonprofit coalition of business and trade groups, issued excerpts this week from an April debate about possible solutions to the region's appetite for energy.
Ethanol prices still higher in New York Harbor on logistics
Ethanol prices have again hit new highs in New York Harbor on supply and logistical issues, as sources put the prompt market at $4.50-4.60/gal, FOB New York Harbor.
EU, Balkan neighbors sign energy cooperation accord
The EU signed an accord Thursday with its Balkan neighbors that guarantees investment in the region's electricity and natural gas networks and fosters energy cooperation among nations there. It takes effect July 1.
Favorable incentives at both the national and federal levels mean more renewable energy projects are possible. But, it is still tough to launch wind, solar or biomass deals without sustainable financing, which is still challenging in today's environment.
Fire breaks out at Atlantic LNG
Atlantic LNG officials contacted fire fighters and alerted residents on Wednesday night after fire broke out at the billion dollar Point Fortin facility. However, fire officers said they did not have to respond because the company's internal system dealt with the fire.
Give Tax Breaks to Energy Savers, Says E.ON; Power Giant Calls for Households to Be Given Incentives
LONDON--Energy group E.ON is leading calls for the Government to give tax breaks to people who have installed insulation and double glazing in their homes.
With the Government's Energy Review to be published next month, E.ON is suggesting that energy-efficient households qualify for a lower council tax band.
Global LNG market to reach $65 billion by 2012-- CERA report
Short-and long-term global liquefied natural gas supply is building strongly on the way to becoming a more than $65 billion dollar market that meets 15% of the world's natural gas demand by 2012.
Government of Canada Opens New Green Building in Montreal
25% Less Water, 50% Less Energy, 35% Less Money to Maintain
The opening of this building reinforces the new Conservative government's commitment to "greening" government operations.
Greens guru offers to bury nuclear waste in his garden
PROF James Lovelock, the scientist who inspired the Greens, yesterday offered to store high level nuclear waste on his land if it would help to revive the fortunes of atomic energy in Britain. But the economics of the nuclear industry have always been dogged by the failure of politicians of all parties to decide what to do with the high level nuclear waste.
"I would be glad to have it. I would use it for home heating. It would be a waste not to use it.''
H2 Truck demonstrates practical and beneficial use of hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicles in Denmark
The H2 Trucks are used for around 10hrs a day, and in that period are used efficiently for around 5hrs, but only require re-fuelling every 3-5 days. Another important advantage to note is that, due to the H2 Trucks fuel cell-battery hybrid, they provide greater traction power meaning greater loads can be transported across bigger distances and steeper inclines.
Hydrogen boat to cut marine pollution
A hydrogen-powered boat that aims to become the world's first mass produced H-vessel could be the answer to air pollution from the marine transport sector.
Last month, we took an in-depth look at alternative fuels. Among them was Earth’s most abundant element, hydrogen. Although its future looks bright—the only by-product of a hydrogen fuel cell is water, and experts believe they can one day be used to create electricity to fuel cars—the cost and energy required to create hydrogen has taken it out of the running as a near-term energy alternative to oil.That may be about to change.
Japan Tries to Cut Down on Plastic Bags
Buy lunch and a magazine at any Japanese convenience store, and you're likely to get your drink in one plastic bag, hot lunch box in another, and your magazine in yet a third.
Natural gas prices may fall further-- Canada's NEB
Natural gas prices, already near year lows, will fall further if North American storage facilities fill before summer's end, Canada's national energy regulator said on Thursday.
New EPA Program Saves Dollars and Makes Sense
WaterSense, a new water efficiency program launched by EPA today, will educate American consumers on making smart water choices that save money and maintain high environmental standards without compromising performance.
Norwegian minister says no to nukes
2.6bn renewable fund launched.
Nuclear power is not considered an option for resolving the predicted
power crisis in Norway, energy minister Odd Roger Enoksen told Platts Monday.
"This is an ambitious move which confirms Norway's position as a leading
nation within the development of renewable energy.
Officials Review Energy Options-- Groups Present Ideas on Expanding Renewable Energy in Texas
The timing is right for alternative forms of energy, such as ethanol fuel and wind power, to come to the Rio Grande Valley, officials from advocacy groups and the state said Friday.
Outside View-- Questioning Russia's supply
Recently, foreign mass media have been engaged in a heated debate on whether Russia will honor its commitments on natural gas supplies. However, statistics of global gas reserves is quite controversial, as is the assessment of Russia's share of them. The question is whether gas reserves on Russia's sub-polar shelf are ready for industrial exploitation and bring export revenues any time soon.
The state’s hydrogen and fuel cell industry is growing up.
With more money flowing into the field from disciplined investors and companies sobered by expansive predictions from the late 1990s that never came true, alternative energy technology companies are focusing on developing ideas, selling products and making money, an industry expert said yesterday.
Putin calls for developing hydrogen, thermonuclear power industry
President Vladimir Putin has urged Russian nuclear industry officials and experts to develop production of hydrogen and thermonuclear energy for civilian purposes, as well as to build floating nuclear plants.
Putin-- Russia Needs More Nuclear Energy
The nuclear industry potential is crucial for the interests of national security, Putin said. Putin said 16 percent of the country's energy comes from nuclear power -- but that will drop to an insignificant percentage by 2030 if no action is taken
Report Asks, Is Ethanol a Golden Opportunity or Fool's Gold?
We are strong advocates of alternative energy, and we are happy to see the American ethanol industry growing. But we are also advocates of informed investments and not “irrational exuberance” manufactured by hyperactive investment bankers and a media that goes with the flow.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 061206
Solar activity was at very low levels. The geomagnetic field was at quiet to unsettled levels.
Saudi Arabia can add 200 bil barrels to oil reserves-- Aramco CEO
Saudi Arabia currently has proved oil reserves of about 260 billion barrels, roughly a quarter of the world's total, and "conservatively" estimates it has recoverable reserves of another 200 billion barrels, Abdallah Jum'ah, President and CEO of Saudi Aramco, said Monday. "At Aramco's current production, it is centuries worth of oil," Jum'ah said in an address...
Scotland's 'Forest' of Wind Farms
Nearly 600 square kilometres of Scotland - an area bigger than North Lanarkshire - will have to be covered with wind farms to meet renewable energy targets, it was claimed yesterday.
Steelworkers, Sierra Club Join to Promote Cleaner Environment, Better Jobs
The United Steelworkers (USW), North America's largest private sector manufacturing union with 850,000 members, and the Sierra Club, the nation's largest grassroots environmental organization with 750,000 members, have formed a strategic alliance to pursue a joint public policy agenda under the banner of Good Jobs, A Clean Environment, and A Safer World.
U.N. Scheme to Save One Billion Tonnes of Greenhouse Gas
A U.N. scheme to promote renewable energy use in poor nations is growing sharply and will axe emissions of greenhouse gases by more than a billion tonnes by 2012, the U.N. Climate Change Secretariat said on Friday.
US releases map of potential energy corridors on federal lands
Four federal agencies Friday released a draft map of potential energy corridors in several western US states for electricity transmission and oil, natural gas and hydrogen pipelines.
US trade deficit in April widens to $63.4 billion; oil costs soar
The US trade deficit widened $1.6 billion to $63.4 billion in April, as oil import costs soared, according to data released Friday by the Department of Commerce. Crude oil import costs jumped $4.56/barrel to $56.82/barrel, the highest level since September 2005 when import costs hit an all-time high of $57.42/barrel.
"Sustainable Development" is one of those awkward, abstract ideas. But, for the more enlightened petrolheads it's worth thinking about: how can we use our cars in such a way that we minimise the environmental damage?
Seems that companies of all types are now wrestling with that question -- and deciding that it’s in their best interests to reduce, trade, or offset their emissions rather than fall back on business as usual.
World Bank Group Goes Carbon-Neutral
This World Environment Day, the World Bank Group announced its commitment to going carbon neutral at its Washington, D.C., offices, its Spring and Annual meetings, staff commuting, and all operational travel from headquarters.
June 9, 2006
A four-point plan to cut US energy use
How many times over the last year -- as oil was
on its way to $ 75 a barrel and gasoline crept toward $ 3.50 a gallon -- have
you said, "I could come up with a better energy plan than these bozos"?
Well, here's your shot.
APS - EPS Credit Purchase Program
Through the Environmental Portfolio Standard (EPS) Credit Purchase Program, Arizona Public Service (APS) offers customers who install photovoltaic and solar hot water systems the opportunity to sell the credits associated with the energy generated to APS. Solar energy systems are eligible for the following credit amounts:Automakers group partners with fuel providers
Members of the Alliance of Automotive Manufacturers are taking part in more than 25 programs with fuel providers regarding alternative fuels.
Azeri natural gas will reach Greece by end-2006 via Turkey
Turkish Energy Minister Hilmi Guler said that Azeri natural gas would reach Greece via Turkey by end of 2006 and it would eventually reach Italy too.
Booming ethanol industry to consume 20% of this year's US corn crop
The booming ethanol industry will consume 20 %
of this year's US corn crop, the government forecast, and soy-based biodiesel
also is taking off. Biofuels will bolster corn and soybean prices, the
Agriculture Department said in its first look at this year's crop harvest.
Voracious demand for corn from ethanol makers will help cut the corn (maize)
surplus in half by fall 2007, or 1.14 bn bushels.
"Renewable energy is making a difference" in the corn and soybean markets, said
USDA chief economist Keith Collins.
Britain Appoints Climate Change Ambassador
British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett, credited with helping to push global warming up the international agenda last year, ratcheted up her campaign on Thursday by appointing a climate change ambassador.
Buyers are more important than sellers-- EU commissioner Piebalgs
Buyers are more important than sellers, the European Union's Energy
Commissioner Andris Piebalgs told delegates at the World Gas Conference in
Amsterdam Friday. And Norway, Algeria and Russia were not enough, as demand
rises and indigenous production declines. "We need to add to the mix of three
suppliers. Caspian gas is also needed."
Canada may bury CO2 pollutants in prairie
Canada could help bury its image as one of the
world's worst polluters by pumping millions of tons of carbon dioxide
underground, says a new federal report.
The report calls for immediate action on carbon capture and storage using a
network of pipelines to collect the carbon dioxide spewing from factories and
energy plants and inject it deep into underground disposal sites.
Canada-- US oil addiction could make us sick
As Prime Minister Stephen Harper takes his turn
at steering the Canadian ship of state, Ralph Klein's latest health care
proposals may not be the only thorny problem originating from his home province.
The Athabasca tar sands project in Alberta, coupled with the lack of a
made-in-Canada energy strategy, could soon prove to be an albatross for the new
Harper government.
Unbeknown to most Canadians, Canada is now the Number 1 foreign supplier of oil
to the United States.
Canada Wrests Oil from Sands, but at What Cost?
Mining the earth for molasses-like bitumen that can be turned to oil involves clearing vast swaths of land, stripping off layers of soil and digging out lake-sized holes with giant shovels that scoop up to 56 cubic yards of material a swing.
Chavez believes hike in oil prices is caused by Bush policy
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said that he
expected world oil prices to continue to rise because of the policy US President
George W. Bush's policies contribute to oil price hikes.
"Every time Bush speaks, the price of oil goes up one dollar," Chavez told
during his visit to Rome. "Bush should remain in his ranch and be silent."
China Says Pollution Will Worsen with Economic Boom
China's drive for economic growth is in direct conflict with efforts to safeguard the environment, the government warned on Monday, and degradation is worsening despite official efforts to curb pollution.
Florida critics of offshore oil drilling say rigs would blight
Gulf of Mexico vistas.
Coconut Oil May Be the Answer for the Philippines' Biofuel Needs
International Fuel Technology (IFT) and CIIF Oil Mills Group of the Philippines plan to expand the use of coconut oil in biofuels blended with diesel fuel by developing a program for research and development.
Demand may outpace Saudi oil capacity
The world's only oil superpower boosted output
in April, launching a pair of projects that are part of a massive $ 55 bn
endeavour to keep pace with the world's ever-intensifying thirst for oil.
But demand for the world's premiere source of energy is rising so fast -- by
around 2 mm bpd each year -- that even Saudi Arabia's vast resources will be
unable to cope without drastic help, oil executives and analysts say.
DWP OKs Contract to Purchase Windmill Power From Wyoming
The deal, if approved by the council, would help the city toward its goal of getting 20% of its energy from renewables. Over the next 16 years, the city of Los Angeles could be powered, in part, by winds blowing across the Wyoming plains.Energy secretary says coal and oil will power US for decades
Oil and coal will continue to power the US
economy for many years, even as more emphasis is put on developing alternative
sources of energy, US Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman said in Houston.
"Fossil fuels will continue to dominate... for several decades at least," Bodman
said during a commencement address.
Estimates of Ontario's electricity reserves 'miscalculated'
Ontario's electricity reserves are going to be "much tighter" than originally forecast this summer and next because a group that monitors the province's energy system "miscalculated" figures in previous forecasts, government sources said Thursday.
Ethanol Grabs Attention of White House, Wall Street, Automakers
Ethanol production in the United States is growing so quickly that for the first time, farmers expect to sell as much corn this year to ethanol plants as they do overseas. "It's the most stunning development in agricultural markets today.
EU and Russia try to find solution for difference on energy security
The European Union and Russia said that big
differences remained over energy security after a two-day summit, but they were
on track to find a solution.
The leaders put on a public display of friendliness, in marked contrast to the
tense atmosphere since Russian gas exports were briefly disrupted in January
Gorbachev Warns Against New Nuclear Power Plants
From Japan to the United States governments seeking an alternative to burning fossil fuels for power are reviewing the de facto ban on building new nuclear plants that followed the explosion at Chernobyl nuclear station in Ukraine in April 1986."Think again, think seven times again before you leap and start construction of new nuclear power plants," Gorbachev told a meeting of British lawmakers at London's Houses of Parliament, speaking through an interpreter.
Growing U.S. Ethanol Industry Still Mostly Speculative-Grade, Report Says
Over the past year, ethanol industry fundamentals have improved dramatically, but it is uncertain whether this progress can be sustained, according to a report published today by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services titled "Ethanol Is Hot, But That Doesn't Ensure Stronger Ratings For U.S. Producers."
Hydro-Québec renews its commitment to sustainable development
In its Strategic Plan 2006-2010, Hydro-Québec will continue to focus on its three main priorities: energy efficiency, complementary development of hydroelectricity and wind power-the two major renewable energy sources in Québec-and technological innovation.
Hydro-Quebec to build transmission line to energy-hungry Ontario
Hydro-Quebec will build a $400-million transmission line to Ontario to sell the energy-hungry neighbouring province electricity, utility chairman Thierry Vandal said Thursday.
Iceland may help Russia build more geothermal plants
Russia's PM Mikhail Fradkov does not rule out the possibility of building a number of geothermal power plants in some of Russia's regions in the long term, he stated at a press conference in Reykjavik after a discussion with Iceland's PM Halldor Asgrimsson.
IPE Brent slides under $69 a barrel, extends overnight weakness
Front-month July Brent futures on London's Intercontinental Exchange slid under the $69/barrel mark in early trade during the Asian afternoon Friday, extending their weakness from Thursday.
IPE Brent futures continue to rally as funds buy on the dip
IPE Brent crude futures in London clawed back some of the losses seen since Monday extending Thursday's rally as a number of funds continue to reverse short positions looking to buy on the dip, brokers said Friday.
Iraq’s new oil minister vows to promote transparency in oil industry
Iraq’s new oil minister said he would seek clear
laws designed to attract billions of dollars in foreign investment and vowed to
promote a culture of transparency in the country’s shattered oil industry.
In remarks that could put him on a collision course with other political
leaders, Hussain al-Shahristani said oil deals with foreign firms struck by
regional authorities, such as one reached in the Kurdish north earlier, should
require backing from the central government.
Japan's poor appetite for burning crudes leads to overhang
In 2005, Japan's thirst for direct burning crudes pushed the price of Indonesian benchmark Minas, which serves as the basis for all regional medium, sweet grades, above North Sea reference Brent grade. This year, however, crude sellers are facing a marked lack of homes for their cargoes as high inventory levels as well as cooler-than-expected temperatures keep Japanese buying interest at bay
Kazakhstan recommends Iran borrow its nuke experience - minister
Kazakhstan recommends that Iran borrow its nuclear experience and insists Iran should openly cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Kazakh Foreign Minister Kasymzhomart Tokayev said in an exclusive interview with ITAR-TASS on Wednesday [7 June] after his visit to Tehran.
Kicking Our Oil Addiction-- Minnesota Becomes First State to Endorse an Electric-Alcohol Strategy
Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty has signed into law H.F. 3718, the nation’s first law promoting plug-in hybrid, flexible-fueled vehicles.
Maine's Solar Rebate Program Takes Off
The Maine State Energy Program’s Solar Rebate Incentive has had a very fast start. Since Governor Baldacci signed into law, the “...act to encourage the use of solar energy,” the Solar Rebate Program has either rebated or reserved 150 photovoltaic or thermal systems.
Measure to pressure companies to renegotiate Gulf of Mexico leases
In an attempt to revoke billions of dollars worth of government incentives to oil and gas producers, the House approved a measure that would pressure companies to renegotiate more than 1,000 leases for drilling in the Gulf of Mexico.
More mileage yet in oil sector, says Oriel
IT looks as if the days of cheap oil have gone for ever. At least, that appears to be the view in the Square Mile where oil shares have been reaping rich rewards during the past year. Broker Oriel Securities reckons that despite the recent correction, crude markets look to be well-supported by near-term factors such as Iran's threat to the US to cut back on production and disrupt supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
New US Investment in Nuclear Power is Risky - Study
Energy conservation and renewable energy such as wind power would be a better investment for US taxpayers than subsidies for new nuclear plants, according to a study released on Thursday by several environmental, health and public interest organizations.
Nigerian differentials lose 50% as high US stocks start to bite
The slowdown in US crude oil buying and overhang in Nigerian crude from the June program have put a substantial pressure on Nigerian crude prices. Nigerian June cargoes struggled to find buyers as the US market, the main destination for sweet Nigerian grades, has record crude inventory levels which reached about 350 million barrels this week, a five-year high.
NREL, Universities Hail Renewable Energy Collaboratory Bill
Leaders of the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the Colorado School of Mines, Colorado State University and the University of Colorado welcomed Governor Owens' signature on House Bill 1322 - legislation that provides funding to a new Colorado renewable energy research collaboration.
Number of oil and gas permits in Utah soars
The number of new oil and natural gas well permits issued in Utah is soaring. For the first three months of 2006, the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining handed out 513 permits, a 72 % increase over 298 applications granted in the first quarter of 2005.
Oil shortages hit Iraq with onset of summer heat
As Iraq's brutal summer heat sends temperatures
soaring above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), a dire shortage of petroleum
products is damaging the economy and cutting electricity supplies in Baghdad to
new lows.
The shortage is due to a host of reasons, including rivalries among political
parties in the south, but an interior ministry spokesman said the security
situation was a major cause.
Private Investors Seek Utility Assets
Kinder Morgan Inc. may go private. The proposed $22 billion buy-out by the company's management would be the biggest leveraged deal in the U.S. since 1989 when Kohlberg Kravis Roberts purchased RJR Nabisco for nearly $25 billion. In the late 1990s, many cash-starved companies sought to go public. Today, some are reversing that trend and seeking to go private...
"We had absolutely no doubt whatsoever that Zarqawi was in
the house."
- Said Major General
William Caldwell, a spokesman for Multi-National Forces in Iraq as Iraqi and US
officials hailed the killing of Al-Qaeda icon Abu Musab al-Zarqawi as a major
blow to the insurgency but warned that the war was not over.
"I expect the price of crude to be a lot higher by the
end of the day because it has fallen too far this week and it has fallen too
quickly."
- A London based broker
said Friday as IPE Brent crude futures in London clawed back some of the losses
seen since Monday extending Thursday's rally as a number of funds continue to
reverse short positions looking to buy on the dip.
Report Finds No Impact on Property Values from Wind Farm
Despite beliefs that wind farms adversely affect property values, a study examining the impacts on local property values of the Fenner wind farm in New York state finds that property values were unaffected by the 2001 installation of a 20-turbine wind farm in the Fenner Township of Madison County, New York.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 060906
Solar activity was very low. Activity consisted of several B-class flares. The geomagnetic field was unsettled to active with a period of minor storming between 08/0300Z and 08/0900Z due to a coronal hole high speed stream. The solar wind velocity remains elevated at 550 - 650 km/s. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux reached high levels during the past 24 hours.
Shrinking Dead Sea Faces Fight to Survive
These days, a cart takes visitors from Israel's Ein Gedi resort to the edge of the Dead Sea. Twenty years ago, tourists stepped right onto the shore.
Taxing Profits, Draining Energy
Gasoline prices last year never reached the inflation-adjusted peak of the 1980s, but due to a variety of factors they were much higher than Americans have become accustomed to recently. The record profits posted by all major oil companies in 2005 only added to the public’s feeling of victimization.
Fortunately, no windfall tax proposal has gained traction yet. Contrary to the claims of tax proponents, oil industry profits are not unusual relative to other industries and a new tax is more likely to increase the United States’ dependence on foreign oil rather than reduce it — while doing nothing to raise production or lower prices.
The healing powers of a sensible energy policy
Once again, the downsides of its quite reckless energy policy are hounding the United States of America. High energy prices are triggering a crisis in confidence that, upon closer inspection, reaches far beyond the price of a gallon of gasoline at the pump.
Two industry officials cautious on outlook for US nuclear revival
The US nuclear resurgence that the industry has been touting may be slower or smaller than some recent projections have suggested, two nuclear utility executives said in featured speeches at an industry conference this week.
UK Government-- Planning system must support renewables - says Cooper
Housing and Planning Minister Yvette Cooper today urged all local authorities to include on-site renewable energy measures in their local development plans to help tackle climate change.
Understanding ethanol-- What you need to know…
What is ethanol? What is the next-generation ethanol President Bush talks about? How much ethanol would be needed to replace gasoline?
US asks Pakistan to abandon gas project with Iran
The US has asked Pakistan to abandon the $ 7 bn
gas pipeline planned to Pakistan and India ahead of the visit by a high-level
Iranian delegation.
"The US has asked Pakistan to distance itself from the pipeline, but the
leadership is adamant in its refusal to the constant US demands," a senior
government official was quoted as saying.
US House panel to probe MMS lease transactions-- Chairman
The chairman of a House subcommittee investigating offshore oil and natural gas leases issued by the Minerals Management Service said the panel is looking into the possibility of "criminal activities" by government personnel responsible for the transactions.
US is increasingly giving up its strategy of promoting democracy
The United States, eager to find new sources of
oil at the time when petroleum prices are skyrocketing, is increasingly giving
up its strategy of promoting democracy, analysts say.
The US government of President George W. Bush has recently made contradictory
moves towards key foreign oil producers, sowing confusion about its policy
goals,
US legislators take closer look at energy security
Lawmakers in the United States are taking a closer look at energy security, an issue that has been pushed to the forefront by a series of recent events threatening the global supply of crude oil. Energy security was the topic of hearings in both houses of Congress.
Washington firm eyes Cape Cod, Mass., for tidal energy project
What's Moving the Oil Markets 060906
•IPE Brent crude futures in London clawed back some of the
losses seen since Monday extending Thursday's rally as a number of funds
continue to reverse short positions looking to buy on the dip, brokers said
Friday.
•It is a busy morning with short covering going into the weekend and we are
seeing the market up alongside a recovery in global equities," said one broker.
"I expect the price of crude to be a lot higher by the end of the day because it
has fallen too far this week and it has fallen too quickly," he added.
•- Since Monday, front-month IPE crude values have fallen $4.94 from
$72.66/barrel to a low of $67.73/barrel at around 1630 GMT on Thursday as
bearish fundamentals weighed heavily on the market.
June 8, 2006
Alternative fuels push may help fight high prices at pump
A major push to find alternate fuels is underway in Tennessee.
"In fact, the stated goal towards which we are working is to have 30 percent of our transportation fuel coming from renewables," he continues.
That's 30 percent by the year 2030.
Bank of America offers employees $3,000 to buy a hybrid
Bank of America is launching a pilot program that will reimburse employees $3,000 when they purchase a new hybrid vehicle.
Biofuels Have Risks if Not Managed Right - Report
Biofuels have the potential to replace growing amounts of oil, but can cause agricultural and ecological damage if not not developed carefully, a report released on Wednesday said.
California Municipal Utilities Adopt Greenhouse Gas Reduction Principles
The Board of Governor's of the California Municipal Utilities Association (CMUA) adopted a resolution pledging to support State goals for greenhouse gas reductions. CMUA is a statewide association of local governments serving water, gas and electricity to California consumers.
Carmakers Say Combustion Engines Here For Years
Internal combustion engines will rule the roost in the automotive world for decades to come despite the gradual rise of hydrogen-powered fuel cells that emit only water, industry experts say.
China, Denmark launch wind energy development program
City willing to fund new nuclear plants
LONDON--THE City is willing and able to finance a new generation of nuclear power stations, MPs were told today.
Coal companies lose, more challenges to W.Va. export tax expected
The US Supreme Court, refusing Monday to hear coal companies' case against
West Virginia seeking the return of between $250 million and $500 million in
severance taxes on exported coal, remained mum on the constitutionality of the
law, an attorney representing the companies told Platts Tuesday.
Deal could lead to new nuclear plant
TVA has extended an agreement with the Southern Co. that could lead to construction of one of the first new nuclear plants in more than three decades.
EU to Convert 'Wine Lake' to Energy
The European Union has opened tenders to sell off wine surpluses in France and Italy to make biofuel or industrial alcohol at a cost of 131 million euros (US$168 million), the European Commission said on Wednesday. France would distil a maximum of 1.5 million hectolitres of table wine and the same amount of quality wine, while Italy would distil 2.5 million hectolitres of table wine and 100,000 hectolitres of quality wine, it said in a statement.
Fiji War Chant Used to Spur Marine Conservation
A Fijian war chant with a blood-thirsty message helped persuade South Pacific islanders to support an award-winning plan to protect the area's marine life, a regional chief said Wednesday.
I want to say one word to you. Just one word.
IPE Brent falls on death of Iraq's al-Qaeda leader Zarqawi
IPE Brent futures in London extended losses Thursday, falling over a dollar earlier after Iraq's prime minister announced the death of Iraq's al-Qaeda leader, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, in an airstrike.
Solid majorities of Massachusetts residents -- including conservatives and those who live on the Cape/the Islands -- want the Bay State to emerge as a national leader in alternative energy, including wind power projects such as the proposed Cape Wind offshore project, according to a new Opinion Research Corporation poll
Nafogaz says Ukraine may face gas shortages during winter
Ukraine may face shortages of natural gas during the winter when demand for energy sharply increases, an official at Naftogaz Ukrayiny, the national oil and gas company, said Wednesday.
Nuclear power plant pushed-- The chairman of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission says
The first effort to build an Oklahoma nuclear power plant failed in 1982 amid widespread public opposition. But attitudes about nuclear power have changed, and state and industry officials are now saying Oklahoma should consider nuclear generation again.
Pollution Can Change Sex Ratio Among Fish - Study
A lack of oxygen in highly polluted waters can sharply alter the sex ratio among fish, resulting in far more males than females, a study has found, which could result in the extinction of a species.
Possible closing of power plant spurs worries
The New York investment firm that expects to soon take control of a critical Dane County power plant says it might be forced to shut it down, a move executives say could jeopardize the area's electricity supply during high- demand summer months.
"The market is using the killing of al-Zarqawi as an
excuse to sell out of the market. If this was a bullish market then that news
wouldn't have had any impact on prices."
- A London-based broker
said on Thursday as Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki announced that Iraq's
al-Qaeda leader, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi had been killed in an airstrike outside
the Iraqi city of Baquba.
"On the nuclear question, we prefer cooperation to
confrontation."
- The official IRNA news
agency quoted Iran's foreign minister Manouchehr Mottaki as saying on Wednesday.
Iran gave a cautious reception earlier Tuesday to the international proposal
aimed at resolving the crisis over its disputed nuclear drive, saying the offer
contains "positive steps" but also "ambiguities"
Ralph Klein rakes Ontario over coal-fired power plants
Alberta Premier Ralph Klein believes Ontario's plans to eliminate its coal-fired power plants are "short sighted," and says affordable, clean coal-burning technologies are inevitable.
Renewable Energy Effort Gains Steam in US Congress
A group of mostly farm-state lawmakers in the US Congress want the federal government to require that 25 percent of the nation's energy come from renewable sources like ethanol and solar power by 2025.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 060806
Solar activity was very low. Activity consisted of several B-class flares. Region 892 (S07E29) has grown in size and magnetic complexity and developed a weak delta configuration. The geomagnetic field was mostly active the past 24 hours due to a coronal hole high speed stream. The solar wind velocity remains elevated at 550 - 650 km/s. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux reached high levels during the past 24 hours.
Saudi oil official sees rising dependence on Middle East oil
The world is becoming increasingly dependent on oil from the Middle East, whose share of global oil trade is set to rise from 19.8% now to 25.2% in 2010 and 35% by 2020, a senior Saudi oil official said Thursday.
Senators introduce legislation that would provide CTL incentives
The interest in using fuel made from coal continued to grow in Washington on Tuesday as Republican Senator Jim Bunning of Kentucky and Democratic Senator Barack Obama of Illinois announced legislation to help boost coal-to-liquids infrastructure.
State in multimillion-dollar bid for coal-fueled plant
To attract a $1 billion coal-fueled electric plant touted as better for the environment, Illinois is offering a $17 million direct grant, $15 million in sales tax exemptions and $50 million in below-market-rate loans.
Taking Stock of Our Oceans -- A Guest Commentary
Today is World Ocean Day, a day to
pause and take stock of our marine resources and our personal connection
to the sea, even for all those who are landlocked or haven’t had time to
go to the beach this summer.
Considering the sad state of our oceans these days, it seems that there is
not much to celebrate.
Tens of Thousands Flee as Floods Kill 46 in China
Floods have killed at least 46 people in southern China in recent days and forced more than 120,000 people to flee their homes, with more rain expected to hit central, eastern and southern provinces.
The Trials of Climate Change-- RAF fly-pasts test new wind farm friendly radar systems
The skies over Clatter mountain near Newtown in Powys, mid-Wales are the setting for unusual military manoeuvres as the MOD trials new technology designed to overcome interference on civil and military air traffic control radar.
Theoretical Blueprint for Invisibility Cloak Reported
Using a new design theory, researchers at Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering and Imperial College London have developed the blueprint for an invisibility cloak. Once devised, the cloak could have numerous uses, from defense applications to wireless communications, the researchers said.
Toyota's Cumulative Prius Sales Top 500,000 Units
Toyota Motor Corp. said on Wednesday cumulative sales of its Prius hybrid car hit 504,700 units worldwide at the end of April, passing the half-million milestone in 8- years.
Turkey-- World Bank supports electricity generation rehabilitation and restructuring project
US House passes bill to ease refinery construction
The US House of Representative Wednesday passed legislation intended to facilitate permitting of new refinery construction. The bill was approved by a vote of 238-179.
US lawmakers offer resolution setting 25pct renewable goal by 2025
A bipartisan group of US legislators Wednesday said it would press Congress to pass a non-binding resolution directing that the country obtain by 2025 25% of its energy from renewable sources, which are low sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
US to exempt oil, gas construction sites from storm water permits
The US Environmental Protection Agency Wednesday said it will publish a final rule exempting construction activities at oil and gas sites from federal permitting requirement for storm water discharges, except in very limited instances.
What's Moving the Oil Markets 060806
•IPE Brent futures in London extended losses Thursday,
falling over a dollar earlier after Iraq's prime minister announced the death of
Iraq's al-Qaeda leader, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, in an airstrike.
•Brokers believe that the market has been looking for a reason to take a
breather and come off the prices above the $70/barrel mark. Market players feel
that the $67.50/barrel level for WTI crude futures is the critical support level
dictating where prices will go.
•- The EIA reported a 1.1 million barrel build in crude stocks to 346.6 million
barrels, in contrast to expectations for a 400,000 barrel draw. At this level
crude stocks are "well above" the upper end of the average range for this time
of year, EIA said in its weekly report. The API showed 348,000 barrel rise.
Wind energy advocates urge consistency
Although the wind often changes direction, policies governing wind energy should be consistent, energy company representatives said yesterday at Windpower 2006, the four-day conference at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center that ends today. That consistency, utility company spokesmen said, will come as states learn to think regionally -- something they should seek to do, because the alternative is greater federal regulation.
June 7, 2006
‘Pressure’ governments on climate change
International legislators must keep pressure on governments to develop a co-operative agreement on global warming, UK Climate Change Minister Ian Pearson has claimed, during a speech at a meeting of Canadian and UK MPs. Last year’s Gleneagles Dialogue, agreed during the UK’s G8 presidency, was highlighted during the event as a way to create collaborative solutions aside from the formal UN negotiating process.
Aquila plant gets judge's go-ahead-- But Cass County still plans to appeal commission's ruling
After months of litigation, public hearings and hot tempers, Aquila Inc. is free to fire up its South Harper power plant, a judge ruled Thursday.
Australian group wants more focus on low-cost renewables
The cost to generate from geothermal is less than half the cost to generate from nuclear, according to the Australian Business Council for Sustainable Energy.
Brazil and Japan to sign ethanol deal
Brazil and Japan will sign in October a pact presaging Japanese investments here of $1.29 billion to produce sugar-based ethanol fuel as well as biodiesel, the Brazilian Agriculture Ministry announced Thursday.
Brazil bank would fund Bolivia-Argentina pipe expansion-- report
Brazil's BNDES government development bank is ready to partly fund the capacity expansion of a natural gas pipeline from Bolivia into Argentina that would triple the capacity for Bolivian gas exports to its southern neighbor, according to Argentine Planning Minister Julio de Vido, as reported in the Buenos Aires-based Cronista Comercial newspaper on Tuesday.
Brazil sugarcane boom allows more US ethanol exports
Brazil's bumper sugarcane crop this year, along with a cut in exports to India, will help free up more ethanol shipments to the US, according to Brazilian industry and trading sources consulted by Platts on Wednesday.
California Assembly Passes Bill to Increase Renewable Energy
On a bipartisan 56-8 vote, the California State Assembly approved legislation Thursday to increase the production of renewable energy in California.
California to determine future of incentives for solar homes
The California Energy Commission will decide if its monetary incentive for new solar homes should be based on installed capacity or on performance.
Cost is key for energy efficiency - study
More than a third of Europeans rate the cost implications of becoming more energy efficient higher than their environmental concerns, according to the new research on energy consumption attitudes from LogicaCMG. While a massive 80% of respondents claimed that they were worried about climate change, 36% admitted that the expense was a key factor against doing more to prevent energy overuse. In addition to this, the investigation found that if energy prices rise, less than half of those surveyed (44%) would continue to use energy at the current rate.
Cross Border Deals in the Spotlight
NorthWestern Corp.'s long history may soon take another turn. Shareholders are expected to vote in August on a proposed buyout by an Australian-based infrastructure firm called Babcock & Brown. And while those corporate owners appear satisfied with the current bid of $2.2 billion, the key battleground will likely take place in the state regulatory agencies and specifically in Montana.
'Demand Management' is Way Ahead for UK Energy Sector- Darling
The UK's trade and industry secretary Alistair Darling has said that measures to make energy consumption more efficient will be a key element of the government's forthcoming energy review.
Draft House boutique fuels bill needs to address bio-fuels
While a draft boutique fuels bill being reviewed Wednesday by the US
House Energy and Commerce Committee contains a number of positive provisions
that should help to increase fuel supply reliability, it needs to go further
in addressing bio-fuels, an American Petroleum Institute official told the
panel.
EIA ANALYSIS-- Crude stocks build on unseasonal throughputs
US commercial crude stocks continued to build counter-seasonally as refinery throughputs remain well below year-ago levels, an analysis of data released Wednesday by the Energy Information Administration showed. US crude inventories rose 1.1 million barrels in contrast to expectations for a draw of 400,000 barrels.
England would win ‘Litter World Cup’
A survey from litter charity Keep Britain Tidy has found that a high number of English people are ‘ashamed’ of the state of the country’s streets and if there was such a thing as a ‘Litter World Cup’ awarded for the amount of rubbish discarded – England would be clear winners. The results of the questionnaire found that 70% of people were unhappy with the situation, and other nations are perceived to be cleaner with their waste.
European CO2 prices dip under Eur15.00 on waning demand
EU emissions Allowance prices dipped below Eur15.00 in mid-morning trade Wednesday as the market gave way to a combination of poor demand and weakening German power prices, sources reported.
GE, PowerLight Break Ground on World's Largest Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant
GE Energy Financial Services, PowerLight Corporation and Catavento Lda broke ground today on the world's largest solar photovoltaic power project. The 11-megawatt solar power plant, comprising 52,000 photovoltaic modules, is under construction in Serpa, Portugal, 200 kilometers (124 miles) southeast of Lisbon in one of Europe's sunniest areas.
Global warming behind bird decline?
Climate change could be the reason behind the decline of one of Britain’s least understood birds, according to new research from RSPB Scotland. The Ring Ouzel is being monitored with a radio tracking system in order to determine population movements of the species, which suffered a 60% drop in numbers between 1990 and 1999.
Global warming film producers buy energy credits to offset emissions
The new global warming motion picture "An Inconvenient Truth" is the first documentary to be carbon-neutral.
Global Warming Potential referenced to the updated decay response for the Bern carbon cycle model and future CO2 atmospheric concentrations held constant at current levels.Gold lower in early London trade, looks to support at $620oz
Gold was marked lower in early London trade Wednesday as the dollar posted gains against the euro and oil prices continued to soften. Spot bullion was indicated at $623.20-624.20/oz
The town of Columbus, Nebraska, bills itself as a "City of Power and
Progress." If Archer Daniels Midland gets its way, that power will be
partially generated by coal, one of the dirtiest forms of energy. When
burned, it emits carcinogenic pollutants and high levels of the greenhouse
gases linked to global warming.
Ironically this coal will be used to generate ethanol, a plant-based
petroleum substitute that has been hyped by both environmentalists and President
George Bush as the green fuel of the future.
Parties to the Convention submit national greenhouse gas inventories to the Climate Change secretariat. The data contain only the most recently submitted information, covering the period from 1990 to 2003, to the extent the data have been provided.
Greenpeace protest uncovers nuclear threat
A Greenpeace campaigner has dramatically revealed the security threat that nuclear power stations pose to terrorists, with a protest at France’s Flamanville facility in Normandy. The protester flew within 300m of the two reactors currently operating at the plant in a ‘pego-jet’ powered parachute and landed on the site, despite a 3km air exclusion zone being in place to protect the plant.
The simple answer is "probably not." But the
question raises interesting issues that are worth a brief exploration.
It is true that one's greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint could differ
depending on the source of the power in your area.
Indonesia Evacuating Thousands From Volcano Area
Indonesia has evacuated about 2,000 people from areas at risk from a volcano spewing hot gas and lava, and expects to move thousands more amid signs of increased activity from Mount Merapi, officials said on Tuesday.
Indy 500 Seen Helping US Get on Ethanol Bandwagon
Last month's Indianapolis 500 auto race, which required drivers to use ethanol fuel for the first time in the event's 95-year history, gave a glimpse of what's in store for the future of US energy, a USDA official said this week.
IPE Brent drifts lower as US products stocks set to increase
Brent crude futures in London drifted lower ahead of the latest release of the US stock data with expectations for builds in the key US gasoline and distillate markets, trading sources said. The front-month July IPE Brent futures contract edged lower in early trading pegged at $70.55/barrel, down 26 cents from the overnight settlement.
May 20 incident fuels MOX issue, again
An unusual event at Catawba Nuclear Station May 20 that caused generating units to be shut down temporarily is again fueling controversy over use of MOX fuel.
On May 20, failure of one transformer among dozens in a switchyard at Catawba Nuclear Station began a cascade of failures that led to shutting down both reactors at the York County power plant.
Mean Circulation and Transports in the Atlantic
A major role of the oceans in the coupled climate system is the meridional transport of heat and freshwater and the subsequent exchange with the atmosphere through air-sea fluxes. Hydrographic sections across a selected few latitudes in the Atlantic sector (such as 26 °N) provide us with "snapshots" of these meridional transports.
Millennium Cell Receives Notification of Allowance for US Patent Application on New Sodium Process
The newly allowed patent application describes a method to reduce the cost to produce metallic sodium, a main raw material and cost driver in the production of sodium borohydride. The new sodium production process could require 60 to 75 percent less electricity than used today in sodium production, saving cost and preserving energy.
NEW NOAA ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITE LAUNCHED, REACHES ORBIT
May 25, 2006 — NOAA and NASA officials confirmed that a new geostationary operational environmental satellite, designed to track hurricanes and other severe weather impacting the nation, successfully reached orbit last night
NY Indian Point Nuke's Energy Hard to Replace - Study
New York could replace the electricity generated at the Indian Point nuclear power plant without building another nuclear unit, but political, regulatory, and financial hurdles would make it hard to do, according to a report from the National Research Council.
Oil Slick Threatens Tourist Beaches in India's Goa
An oil slick from a cargo ship that sank off India's coast is threatening popular tourist beaches in the southern resort state of Goa, environmentalists said on Tuesday.
OPEC 10 production down 10,000 bd in May to 27.435 mil bd-- EIA
The US Energy Information Administration Tuesday revised its estimate of Saudi Arabia's April crude production downward by 400,000 b/d to 9.2 million b/d, saying it had "better information" on the kingdom's output this year.
Panera Launches Kids' Menu With Organic Items
Panera Bread Co. is now the first US chain with a kids' menu touting organic and all-natural items, a move that comes as restaurants face increased scrutiny for offering high-calorie, high-fat meals.
Plants hold key to future of energy
The search for the Holy Grail of a renewable energy source has
led researchers to Oklahoma and a native plant that grows wild
statewide. It's not corn and it's not wheat.
Renewables could be ‘major economic opportunity’ for U.S., says study
Using green power to meet 20% of U.S. electricity demand would create one-quarter of a million jobs by 2020, according to a report from a university in Dallas.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 060706
Solar activity continues at very low levels. No new growth was observed in Region 892. There is a slight chance for a C-class flare. The geomagnetic field ranged from quiet to minor storm levels. A large recurrent coronal hole is rotating into a geoeffective position.
Saudis will produce whatever oil customers need-- Gulf source
Saudi Arabia will produce as much or as little oil as its customers ask for, a Gulf source said Wednesday, confirming remarks by the country's oil minister in a newspaper interview that Saudi crude production had declined in recent months because of lower demand.
Shell Looks to Expand into Renewable Energy
"Sustainable development" has become a familiar catchphrase in China these days. To Lim Haw Kuang the phrase really means something. "It's a balance between the economy, society and the environment, making them come in line with the ultimate objectives of both our company and of the country," said Lim, a Malaysian of Chinese origin who is now head of the China business at Royal Dutch Shell.
Solar thermal offers potential in Europe, says energy commissioner
Solar thermal will play “an important role in the future” and contribute to a sustainable continental energy policy, and the industry “will succeed in bringing the solar thermal energy at the place it deserves in the market,” says the energy commissioner of the European Union.
Each time America's Production Tax Credit (PTC) for wind power gets a new lease on life, the negative aspects of doing business under the mechanism are fast forgotten in the ensuing rush of industry euphoria. The PTC, however, for all its transparency, simplicity and success, is as often criticised in private by wind industry leaders as it is praised in public by the lobbyists charged with keeping it alive.
U.S. report summarizes role of renewables
The U.S. government has released the tenth in a series of annual publications on the production and consumption of renewable energies in that country. The individual reports have been released over recent months, to cover the use of biomass (wood, wood waste, municipal solid waste, landfill gas, ethanol), geothermal, wind, solar (thermal and PV) and conventional hydropower.
U.S. survey shows support for renewables over nuclear
The use of more wind and solar energy should be explored before the U.S. considers building more nuclear reactors, according to 88% of Americans in a national poll.
“Despite a major sales push by the Bush administration and the electrical utility industry, nuclear power is viewed in a deeply skeptical way by a ‘strong and strikingly bipartisan majority’ of Americans.”
US energy plan swayed by election year price fears-- House leader
US House Majority Leader John Boehner said Tuesday that the prospect of high gasoline prices later this year is driving a House energy agenda that may not lead to legislation being signed into law, but could gain favor in the polls this November.
Utility CEOs Weigh In On America's Needed New Power Plants
A quartet of top electric utility executives at the Standard & Poor's Ratings Services' 2006 U.S. Utilities Annual Credit Conference in New York City took on some of the hottest topics in their industry at a June 2 panel discussion, excoriating--for the most part--last year's federal energy law, disagreeing with each other on the best way for the industry to combat global warming, and figuring out how to get a frequent target of utility companies--state and local regulators--on their side as they embark on the biggest wave of plant construction in a decade.
Water mass transports and transformations in the North Atlantic
In the North Atlantic, large-scale meridional transports can be related to water mass transformation through air-sea heat and freshwater exchange. These transports clearly show the poleward flow of warm, salty waters and the equatorward return flow of cold, fresh water at high density.
What's Moving the Oil Markets 060706
•Brent crude futures in London drifted lower ahead of the
latest release of the US stock data with expectations for builds in the key US
gasoline and distillate markets, trading sources said. The front-month July IPE
Brent futures contract edged lower in early trading pegged at $70.55/barrel,
down 26 cents from the overnight settlement.
•Analysts polled by Platts predicted that gasoline stocks would rise by a hefty
1.8 million barrels with distillates also posting gains of 1.6 million barrels.
•- Prices also came under pressure Tuesday following reports out of Iran that
there could be a positive resolution to the nuclear crisis.
Wind integration poses no technical barriers to 20pct level for utility grid
The U.S. power grid can accommodate more electricity from windfarms, but “understanding and quantifying the impacts of wind plants on utility systems is a critical first step in identifying and solving problems.”
June 6, 2006
BTC pipeline - Community cooperation
TURKEY--The key to security remains cooperation with communities along the way. It was villagers who spotted our car and reported strangers taking photographs of pipeline activities. "We're glad to have that kind of concern," said Tuncok. "Local people who work hand-inhand with local gendarmerie; that makes the gendarmes' job - and ours - easier." It's helpful, he added, "to have eyes and ears on the spot all the time."
Bush visits Limerick, continues promoting nuclear expansion
President George W. Bush visited Exelon Nuclear's two-unit Limerick station
May 24 and in a speech to plant employees continued pushing nuclear power as
"a really important way to meet our goals" of "abundant, affordable, clean,
and safe sources of energy."
China Warns Pollution to Worsen with Economic Boom
China warned on Monday that its goals for economic growth were in direct conflict with environmental protection and said degradation was worsening despite official efforts to curb pollution.
China 'World Leader' in Artificial Rain - Xinhua
Drought-plagued China has used an arsenal of rockets, artillery and aircraft to seed clouds and produce enough artificial rain to fill one of the country's biggest rivers four times over, Xinhua said on Sunday.
DEP Data Shows Power Plant Mercury Emissions Do Not Cause Local 'Hotspots'
Information from the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP's) own Mercury Monitoring Network shows no connection between a 47 percent reduction in mercury emissions from power plants and an alleged mercury "hotspot." "What this information does say is that mercury is a multi-state and regional problem, just like acid rain and ground level ozone pollution, and it should be handled in the same way through a cap and trade program," said Biden.
Egat expects less resistance to new coal plant
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) plans to build a new coal-fired power plant at Tap Sakae in Prachuap Khiri Khan as part of its policy to reduce dependence on natural gas.
Facing a $2 billion price tag to build a railroad from eastern Nevada to Yucca Mountain, the Energy Department wants to take a new look at shipping nuclear waste by rail through the western part of the state to the proposed repository site, local, federal and industry officials said.
Energy Efficiency Program On Way
A $7 million program intended to help small tourist businesses, municipal agencies and residential customers use energy more efficiently is about to be launched in the Monterey Bay area.
Energy-Hungry China Warms to Solar Water Heaters
At least 30 million Chinese households now have one and last year the country accounted for around 80 percent of the world market, said Eric Martinot, visiting scholar at Beijing's Tsinghua University. "We are at 15 to 20 percent annual growth and I don't see that slowing down."
EU needs more nuclear power to reduce oil dependency
The European Union needs more nuclear power to reduce dependency on oil, French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin said June 5 in Helsinki at a press conference that was broadcast by Finnish Radio
Four out of Five Pennsylvanians Prefer State Plan on Mercury Pollution
Four out of five Pennsylvanians want stronger and faster state regulations against mercury pollution from power plants instead of the proposed federal rule, according to a poll released today at a press conference in the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg.
Gazprom sees no gas shortage for supplies to Europe,Asia-- Medvedev
Russia's gas giant Gazprom is not experiencing shortages of gas for supplies both to European countries and Asian-Pacific markets, Russia's first deputy prime minister Dmitry Medvedev said late Friday, as Prime-Tass news agency reported Monday.
GE Energy Wind Turbines to Help Los Angeles Meet Its Aggressive Renewable Energy Goals
As part of its ambitious program to supply 20 percent of the electricity for the city of Los Angeles from renewable sources by 2010, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is moving forward with a project that will utilize GE Energy's wind turbine technology to produce up to 120 megawatts of wind power.
Geologists Unearth More UK Sites for Nuclear Waste Storage
Around 40 per cent of the UK has the right geology to store the country's 470,000 tons of nuclear waste, according to initial findings by the British Geological Survey (BGS).
If Sweden Can Do It, Can't Santa Barbara?
Sweden surprised the world last year by announcing its intention to get off oil by 2020. We’d like to think the Swedes got the idea here in Santa Barbara, California - the Community Environmental Council, based in Santa Barbara, has been calling for “fossil free by 2033” for a couple of years, and the City of Santa Barbara is performing a greenhouse gas inventory and is on its way to adopting similarly ambitious goals for its energy use.
Is Corporate America Going Green?
Corporate America, which once dismissed fears about global warming as unfounded, appears to be changing its mind, publicly acknowledging its influence on climate change and striving for a greener image.
Japan's METI sees energy prices staying high, stresses security
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry expects energy prices to remain high mid- to long-term because the back end of the crude oil futures curve, representing deliveries several months out, has shifted higher
Key Facts About Desertification
Deserts cover about a quarter of the world's land surface from the Sahara in Africa to the Atacama in Chile and degradation of soil in dryland areas, due mainly to a rising human population, is making them spread.
With every boom market comes the potential for excess, and the current biofuels market is no exception -- to paraphrase an old adage: “Let the investor beware!” As I think everyone is aware, the biofuels market, including ethanol, biodiesel, and biomass conversion, is red hot. Every day it seems we have one or two new announcements of projects. As may be expected from such a frothy market, too many plants were built.
Mass. is urged to lead the way on wind farms
Massachusetts business and political leaders are urging the state to embrace offshore wind power as a way to attract thousands of new jobs and meet the region's growing energy needs, arguing that the Bay State can stand at the forefront of an emerging multi billion-dollar wind energy market.
Mexico's 'Green Wall' Preserves, Protects Rio Grande
Mexico is creating an environmental reserve about 30 feet wide and 600 miles long on the Texas border, a "green wall" to protect the Rio Grande from the roads and staging areas that smugglers use to ferry drugs and migrants across the frontier.
Michigan town´s power plant falls under scrutiny
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said the plant failed to comply with emission limits in its state operating permit and in state regulations on opacity, which is the amount of light obscured by particulates such as smoke, dust and ash. The agency also cited the plant for excessive releases of nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide.
Although most Americans support increased energy conservation measures and alternatives, 53 per cent do not think a solution to the country's energy problems will be found in their lifetime and nearly 80 per cent reject the suggestion that high energy costs are temporary and will go away, according to a nationwide survey of 1,001 Americans released today by RBC Capital Markets.
New Guidance Helps Small Drinking Water Systems Identify Affordable-Treatment Options
EPA has released a new guidance document to help small drinking water systems provide safe and affordable drinking water to their customers. Cost can be a serious impediment for very small systems planning to install expensive centralized contaminant-removal equipment.
New product release - PWR50 wind charger
50 Amp / 12-24V wind charge controller for DC wind turbines The PWR-50 wind charge controller is suitable for wind turbines with brushless permanent magnet generators or hydro systems with brushless permanent magnet generators, which have DC output within the corresponding voltage range. It regulates the generator�s output voltage in order to be able to charge 12 or 24 V battery banks in a smooth and safe way. The PWR-50 also protects the batteries from over-charging through its dumpload techniques.
Oahu electric company predicts more summer outages
Strained by higher temperatures and demands, Hawaiian Electric Co. says it is anticipating more power outages on Oahu as the islands head into the summer months.
Oil sands - A short term solution to Middle Eastern oil dependence?
Geopolitical pressures and economics play important roles in the sourcing and development of energy and new strategic supplies of fuel. The availability of economical and secure supplies of energy, in particular crude oil, is especially important to the US, a nation that consumes approximately 25% of the world’s energy. Instability in the Middle East, most recently hostilities in Iraq and potential uncertainties involving the continued supply of oil from Iran, have been a catalyst for the US to seek crude oil supplies that are closer to its demand base and in recent years three of the four top crude oil suppliers to the US have become Venezuela, Mexico and Canada - all in close proximity to the US with more favorable freight economics than other suppliers.
On Beyond Organic -- States Vs. Feds-- Food Policy
While the federal government drags its heels and pays lip service to important food and health issues, state lawmakers and activists are having a major impact by addressing problems locally.
"If their aim is not to politicize the issue and if
they take our demands into consideration, we can reach a reasonable agreement.
We will examine this proposal and give our reply after the end of the defined
period."
- Iran's Foreign
Minister Manouchehr Mottaki commented in response to the international proposal
aimed at resolving the crisis over Iran's disputed nuclear drive.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 060606
Solar activity was at very low levels. Region 892(S08E53) continues in a growth phase. The geomagnetic field is expected to range from quiet to minor storm levels. Quiet to unsettled conditions are expected on 06 June. A large recurrent coronal hole is expected to rotate into a geoeffective position on 07 June.
Russia to Build Fourth Unit at Kalinin Nuclear Power Plant
It has been decided to build a fourth power-generation unit at the Kalinin nuclear power plant by 2011, the head of Russian Federal Agency for Atomic Energy (Rosatom), Sergey Kiriyenko, said while visiting the plant in Udomlya, Tver Region.
Russian ministry looks to widen ban on foreign control of fields
Russia's natural resources ministry has proposed reducing significantly the size of gas fields which can fall in a so-called "strategic reserves" category from 1 trillion cubic meters of gas to 75 Bcm to put more acreage out of reach of foreign companies, Russia's daily Vedomosti said Tuesday.
"The Samsun-Ceyhan pipeline will provide easier and less risky traffic not only in the Turkish Straits, but in the Thrace region and Aegean Sea also," he says. "Running parallel to the BTC from Sivas to Ceyhan is also advantageous for Samsun-Ceyhan because it uses the existing right of way, which will decrease land expropriation, construction, operation and maintenance costs."
TransCanada seeks approval to convert gas lines into crude lines
Calgary-based TransCanada said Tuesday it has filed an application with the National Energy Board for approval to transfer part of its natural gas transmission facilities in Canada to its Keystone oil pipeline project.
Turkey's Gas supply diversification
Turkey's role in providing diversity for European gas users is arguably more important than that for oil, believes Emre Engur, deputy head of business development at Turkey's state-owned oil and gas giant Botas. "I think that the natural gas business will be the driving force for Turkey on the way to becoming an energy bridge," Engur says.
UN Warns of Conflict Risk Due to Desertification
From Australia to Zambia, activists mark World Environment Day on Monday with the United Nations warning that desertification was a main obstacle to ending poverty and can trigger conflicts.
US could use SPR crude if Iran cuts oil exports-- Bodman
The US does not import Iranian oil but the loss of Iranian production on
the world market could impact buyers who would then seek alternative supplies.
US Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman said Tuesday that the United States
could absorb any disruption to oil supplies that might arise if Iran is
sanctioned over its nuclear program.
US gas storage levels could lead to 'abrupt' price drop-- CERA
Absent a warmer-than-normal summer or significant gas supply disruptions
by hurricanes, CERA said it expects the October 31 North American gas storage
inventory level to reach 4.2 Tcf, a more than 95% fill of expected working gas
storage capacity.
US 'understands' why markets spooked by Iran comments--White House
"[We] understand why commodities markets may be unsettled by a comment like that, but over time if this succeeds, then commodities markets are going to be very happy and so should we all be," Snow told reporters during his daily briefing, televised live.
Water issues surface at open house
There is an old saying: "You never miss the water till the well goes dry." It is more apt than ever today. Imagine drinking only sewage water that has been treated and recycled, or only desalinated seawater, or bottled glacial water that costs as much as a gallon of gasoline. Like oil, fresh water is a non-renewable resource in much of the world.
Margaret Miller's a big fan of fans.
What's Moving the Oil Markets 060606
•Bearish news weighing on the market is the expectation of
large builds in US gasoline stocks in the US when the US Energy Information
Agency releases it's figures on Wednesday. "With no fresh news on the Iran
situation it is still ever present but there is more negative news dampening the
market including the Bernanke speech," a broker said.
•Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said the US central bank would keep a
vigilant watch over rising inflation. In a speech to a conference in Washington
on international monetary policy, Bernanke said the US economy was clearly
flagging but that inflation had risen to "unwelcome" levels that would require
vigilance. Bernanke's comments on inflation also caused the market odds on a
potential June interest rate hike to jump.
•- Oil markets went into a frenzy after Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali
Khamenei on June 4 said energy supplies could be disrupted if tension escalates
between the US and Iran over the country's nuclear program. "You threaten Iran.
You say you want to direct energy in the region. If you make a single mistake
about Iran, the supply of energy will definitely be put in serious risk," he
said.
World's Key Deserts in Danger From Climate Change
Far from being barren wastelands, the deserts that occupy one quarter of the earth's land surface could be key sources of food and power, the United Nations said on Monday. But these vast open spaces, home to rare and useful plants and animals, are at risk from climate change and human exploitation.
June 5, 2006
AES weighs expansion of US coal plants
Global power developer AES is considering expanding all of its coal-fired power plants in the US to capitalize on an industry trend away from natural gas-fired generation, said company President and CEO Paul Hanrahan. The company is reviewing expansions of its power plants in Oklahoma and Texas.
Allegheny Energy Remains Committed to Reduce Emissions at Coal- Fired Power Plants
Allegheny Energy, whose coal-fired plants are among the nation's heaviest polluters, continues to take steps to clean up emissions from its power plants.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of Energy Karen Harbert today announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will award $314,000 to New Mexico to help improve energy efficiency throughout the state. This funding, from DOE's State Energy Program (SEP) is part of a $34.6 million nationwide announcement made by Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman earlier today.
Azerbaijan offers Europe energy resources alternative to Russia
The Azerbaijani MP underlined that owing to a problem of energy resources, transport or energy security the international cooperation in the sphere of security of energy resources assumes special importance. Therefore, he offers Europe to use the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline which will connect Azerbaijan with Turkey via the territory of Georgia.
BMW and TOTAL Promote Ongoing Development of Hydrogen as the Fuel of the Future
Carmaker BMW and petroleum company TOTAL have agreed to cooperate closely in future in promoting hydrogen as a source of energy in road traffic. The two companies have signed an agreement specifying that TOTAL will set up and operate three hydrogen filling stations in Europe by the end of 2007, supporting the introduction of BMW hydrogen cars into the market.
Canada to provide funds for Chalk River cleanup
The Canadian government today promised (Cdn)$520 million over the next five years to begin a cleanup of radioactive waste and contamination at Atomic Energy of Canada's Chalk River Laboratories.
Are hydrogen fuel-cell cars decades away? John Whitmore looks at an unvconventional approach
We all face an environmental crisis. Hybrid cars and biofuels might be interim steps in the right direction, but they are not sustainable solutions. Most people believe that the future will be powered by hydrogen, but that affordable fuel-cell vehicles are decades away. Conventional wisdom predicts great technical problems and cost. But what about unconventional wisdom?
China, Arab states to hold first oil meeting
The two sides vowed to establish a dialogue mechanism to further promote their energy cooperation. Under the mechanism, China and the Arab countries agree to increase visits and dialogue and coordinate in relevant activities of the United Nations and other international organizations.
Climate change will impact plant efficiency, demand-- UK report
Climate change will make the UK less efficient at producing power while also negatively effecting the energy demand profile, according to a report from the UK's Met Office, in collaboration with E.ON UK, EDF Energy and the National Grid, presented Monday.
Coal gasification may get closer look-- PSC urges state, utilities to adopt new technology
Wisconsin should explore the potential of an emerging technology for making electricity from coal, particularly as the United States considers whether to impose taxes or other limits on emissions of carbon dioxide, members of the state Public Service Commission said Thursday.
Court upholds challenge to NRC ruling on reactor storage site
The US 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Friday ruled partly in favor of two groups who had challenged the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission's approval of an onsite spent fuel cask storage facility at Pacific Gas & Electric's Diablo Canyon nuclear plant in California. The advocacy groups argued that NRC violated the National Environmental Policy Act by failing to consider the environmental consequences of a potential terrorist attack on the plant in conducting its environmental review.
Durbin, Obama Criticize Wind Farm Orders
A government order to halt wind farm construction across the
country drew criticism Friday from a group of Midwestern senators,
including Illinois Democrats Dick Durbin and Barack Obama.
The most controversial comments made by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice during her visit to Athens were her warnings against Europe’s energy dependence on Russia. A few days after her meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, the Russian energy giant Gazprom and an energy trading unit of the German chemical holding BASF signed a major natural gas deal in the Siberian city of Tomsk
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reaffirmed the Clean Air Mercury Rule, meaning it will go into effect as originally planned.
In response to petitions for reconsideration, the EPA on May 31 made some technical changes and clarifications to the rule, but reaffirmed its overall approach for regulating mercury emissions from power plants.
EU seeks energy ties with Kazakhstan as trust in Russia wanes
The European Union sent its energy commissioner to the Central Asian state of Kazakhstan for the first time to talk about gas and oil pipelines and investment opportunities, a move in line with Europe's desire to limit its reliance on Russian energy supplies.
EU turning Balkans into fossil fuel highway
The EU is encouraging dirty energy production by funding oil pipelines and fossil fuel power stations in the Balkans, an international group of NGOs said. Bosnia-Herzegovina is one Balkan country with important hydropower potential.
Feds-- Keep power plant open, reduce emissions
Mirant Corp. must address environmental concerns at its Alexandria, Va., power plant, which the U.S. Department of Energy required to stay open last year despite pollution concerns. Mirant shut the plant down Aug. 24 because it could not comply with air quality standards. It restarted limited operations at the plant Sept. 21. In December, the DOE issued an order requiring the plant to operate to prevent possible blackouts in Washington.
Fitch-- Cost Recovery and Public Power - Who Is at Risk?
Volatile and higher energy and fuel commodity prices represent a challenge to electric utilities, including public power utilities, according to Fitch Ratings. In a newly released report, Fitch said this issue affects all public power credits and if not addressed effectively, could result in negative rating actions.
France urges nations to cut oil use
French Industry Minister Francois Loos called on large energy consuming countries to reduce their oil demand and increase their energy efficiency to help bring down record high oil prices. Loos also urged the European Commission to publish data on the region's oil stocks on a weekly basis, as in the United States, to end speculation in the oil markets.
Glaciers are melting in western China
Glaciers in western China's Qinghai-Tibet
plateau, known as the “roof of the world,” are melting at a rate of 7 % annually
due to global warming.
The figure is drawn from data from China's 681 weather stations over four
decades.
Greece and Bulgaria pledge to proceed with pipeline project
Ensuring the construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline stays on schedule is a priority for Bulgaria, as it is for Greece, Bulgarian Prime Minister SergeiStanishev said.
Hydrogen & Fuel Cells Canada's Ottawa Day
Representatives from Canada's hydrogen and fuel cell sector will be in Ottawa on June 6th and 7th to meet with key Government of Canada decision makers and discuss ways to ensure the viability of a sector that is considered world-leading.
Hydrogen fuel cell cars could be on the road much earlier than the decade or more so far predicted. Honda has confirmed it plans a production model “in three to four years”.The car uses hydrogen to generate electricity that powers a motor. Britain’s first hydrogen filling station opened last year in Hornchurch, Essex, and there is already a fleet of hydrogen buses carrying passengers in London.
The journalists were in Iceland because the country has big plans for hydrogen, and GM has become a leading player in developing fuel-cell vehicles. The latest GM test vehicle, the Sequel, is expected to combine both excellent durability (150,000-mile fuel-cell life) and range (300 miles or more).
IFC Report Lights Path for Finance Sector to Capitalize on Sustainability
The report also shows how the largest investor in private equity in developing countries is using its unique position and resources to respond to global challenges such as climate change, poverty, corruption, HIV/AIDS, women in private sector development, and the preservation of biodiversity.
In its quest for energy, New Delhi is in danger
of falling between two stools in its dealings with the US and Iran. Ratification
of the India-US nuclear deal over civilian nuclear energy cooperation has hit
major roadblocks in Congress, with sharp differences emerging over various
definitions of the deal.
Tehran, on the other hand, has announced that it wants to renegotiate a $ 22 bn
gas deal signed last year.
IPE Brent hits three-week high after Iranian crude export warning
IPE Brent futures in London hit a three-week high Monday in reaction to the warning from Iran that the country's crude exports could be "put in serious risk" if the US makes any "mistake" in dealing with the Islamic Republic.
Louisiana to ease nuclear, coal plant construction process
The Louisiana Public Service Commission wants to encourage greater power plant fuel diversity in the state and on Friday launched a process that could make it easier for utilities to build coal and nuclear plants.
Miller, Busch threaten PSC-- Act fast or be fired
MARYLAND--Frustrated by what they interpreted as defiance, the leaders of the General Assembly gave members of the Public Service Commission an ultimatum yesterday: Act quickly in the interests of consumers or be fired.
NATO to secure oil and gas transit from Western Africa to Europe
NATO's executives are ready to use warships to ensure security of offshore oil and gas transportation routes from Western Africa, said Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, NATO’s Secretary General, speaking at the session of the foreign committee of PACE.
Natural signs enough deals to expand Gulf Coast, Louisiana lines
Natural Gas Pipeline Co. of America has entered into enough long-term, firm gas transportation contracts to proceed with a proposed $69 million expansion that would hike capacity by 200,000 Dt/d on its Gulf Coast and Louisiana mainlines for delivery to the Henry Hub interconnect, it said.
New ministry recommended to handle energy challenges
CHINA--The government's think-tank and the World Bank have both recommended China set up a cabinet ministry to oversee energy security.
New power plants will help meet state energy needs
California has six new power plants with total output of more than 2,000 megawatts that will help the state meet electricity needs this summer, the California Energy Commission said Friday.
Nigerian militants warn Chinese government and oil firms to stay away
Niger Delta militants fighting for control of oil resources warned the Chinese government and oil companies to stay away from the Niger Delta region.
Nigerian transparency initiative to locate missing oil revenues
Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, or NEITI, said it will summon oil companies and relevant government agencies to a meeting in a bid to locate $ 250 mm of oil revenues said to be missing from official records.
NYMEX crude opened 97 cents higher as US-Iran tensions escalate
July crude futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange opened 97 cents
higher at $73.30/barrel Monday as geopolitics moved back to the forefront of
oil market concerns. Tensions between Iran and the US escalated with Iran's
supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, warning of possible supply disruptions
should the US attack.
NYMEX crude vaults over a dollar in Access to cross $73 barrel
World crude oil futures rocketed up in early electronic trading Monday, rattled by Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's threat Sunday that a "single mistake" by the US on Iran would put energy supplies at "serious risk."
Oil companies begin producing cleaner diesel fuel
Oil companies as of June 1 had to begin producing ultra low sulfur diesel fuel, which contains 97 percent less sulfur than the government permitted in traditional diesel fuel.
OPEC chief calls for concerted effort to stabilize oil prices
OPEC president Edmund Daukoru Monday called for a concerted effort by both oil producing and consuming countries to stabilize oil markets, saying that high crude prices did not benefit oil exporters.
Platinum-based catalyst used to produce hydrogen fuel
A group of scientists in the US have developed a way of using a platinum-based catalyst to help produce hydrogen from glycerol.The process could help in the development of new fuel sources. Glycerol can be produced from organic material such as wood, when treated with enzymes, according to the Chemie.de information service.
Portugal makes alternative energy from wind and ocean waves
Portugal's sunny climate and picturesque
coastline have long been a magnet for tourists. But now, those natural
attractions are drawing a different kind of attention.
From solar photovoltaics to electricity generation from wind and ocean waves,
some of the world's most ambitious and innovative renewable-energy projects are
taking shape in this historically poor country of 10.5 mm on Europe's western
rim.
"You threaten Iran. You say you want to direct energy in
the region. If you make a single mistake about Iran, the supply of energy will
definitely be put in serious risk," Khamenei said.
- Iran's supreme leader
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in reference to a possible disruption to oil
supplies in the event of a US military strike against the Islamic republic.
Renewable Electricity-- Poised to Make a Difference
Our appetite for electricity is insatiable. By 2025, global demand is projected to reach more than 26 trillion kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. That's a lot of power, almost double the 13.6 trillion kWh the planet consumed in 2000. While most of this demand will come from the emerging economies of the world, the United States is a major player. U.S electricity demand is projected to grow from 3.6 trillion kWh in 2000 to 5.5 trillion kWh in 2025, an increase of over 50%.
Renewables growth is driving European power plant service market
Rapid expansion in the installed capacity of renewable power plants in Europe will be accompanied by the rising need for related power plant services with revenues estimated to rise to $ 1.2 bn by 2012, according to market researchers Frost & Sullivan.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 060506
Solar activity continues at very low levels. B-class flares were observed from newly numbered Region 892. The geomagnetic field is expected to range from quiet to minor storming. Quiet to unsettled conditions are expected on 05 and 06 June. A large recurrent coronal hole is expected to rotate into a geoeffective position on 07 June and produce active to minor storm periods.
Research shows chocolate can generate electrical power
British scientists have succeeded in powering a fuel cell by feeding chocolate-factory waste to sugar-loving bacteria, according to a report in the New Scientist magazine to be published on Saturday.
Rising energy costs are crippling British industry
Spiralling energy costs are crippling British industry and threatening thousands of jobs, a senior union leader was due to warn at a conference in Edinburgh. Mr Simpson was expected to warn that energy costs are overtaking globalisation as a factor leading to job losses in manufacturing.
Russia’s gas price increases are not political
Three months ago the Russian energy giant Gazprom forced Ukraine to pay sharply higher prices for natural gas. At the time, the story was portrayed as a political struggle for control in Kiev. The truth is that these price increases are not political. Rather, they reflect worrisome economic and geological facts about Russian gas fields.
Sakhalin oil spill risk is unacceptable
Sea ice could render any clean up operations
ineffective for six months of the year at Shell's Sakhalin oil operation,
according to a new report published by conservation charity WWF.
The project on the remote Russian island of Sakhalin has angered
environmentalists and locals alike as it involves piping oil through the last
remaining feeding ground of the endangered western grey whale.
The winter scare is over. But a summer storm could tip the nation's natural gas balance. The concern is over whether a devastating hurricane such as the one experienced last summer could happen again. Right now, there's enough natural gas in the supply chain to meet expected demand. But, a heated summer compounded by natural disasters could put a crimp in the system that could result in exacerbated prices.
State Department Releases Safe Water and Sanitation Strategy
Strong Wind Uncovers Weaknesses
Wind energy installations grew at a record pace in 2005. With the extension of production tax credits, the wind industry is in a boom cycle. However, challenges still buffet the industry.
The scramble to grab central Asia’s gas
A proposed gas pipeline from central Asia across the Caspian Sea to Europe will get an important boost when Dick Cheney, US vice president, meets Nursultan Nazarbayev. Mr Cheney will seek to enrol Mr Nazarbayev’s support for a scheme to bring Kazakh gas to Azerbaijan to join a new line to Turkey -- ending Russia’s stranglehold on gas export routes out of landlocked central Asia.
Turkey and Greece enter period of strategic partnership
Despite the long-standing problems that face Turkey and its neighbour Greece, a strategic partnership period is being launched by the two countries.
Turkey has energy supply and security as top priority
As the natural gas crisis between Russia and Ukraine brought possible power cuts to the agenda in Turkey, discussions over "energy supply and security" have restarted. The Energy Ministry, developing a project to affect the liberalization of the electricity market, is working to pave the way for the construction of a state-run nuclear station.
U.S. Under Secretary of Energy David Garman today visited the General Motors (GM) Advanced Technologies Facility in Honeoye Falls, New York, with Rep. Randy Kuhl (NY-29th), to tour the facility and view new advanced energy technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells.
Weak growth of U.S. natural gas supply
Inventories of U.S. natural gas last week rose less than normal for this time of year, the Energy Department said.
At the end of last week there were 2.243 trillion cubic feet of working natural gas supplies, which implies a net addition to the nation's stockpile of 80 billion cubic feet.
What's Moving the Oil Markets 060506
•IPE Brent futures in London hit a three-week high Monday
in reaction to the warning from Iran that the country's crude exports could be
"put in serious risk" if the US makes any "mistake" in dealing with the Islamic
Republic.
•During a speech marking the 17th anniversary of the death of Iran's Islamic
revolutionary leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Iran's supreme leader
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that energy supplies from the region could be
severely disrupted if tension escalates between the US and Iran over the
country's nuclear program.
•-Supply disruptions in Nigeria were brought to the fore again after eight
foreign oil workers were kidnapped on Friday. However on Sunday, Nigerian police
said all of the workers had been released and were in the custody of the
southern Bayelsa state government. "Despite the release of the workers, the
manner in which they were taken is extremely worrying and definitely bullish.
These things are a reality and the market is reacting accordingly," a broker
said.
June 2, 2006
Babcock ready for first UK 'clean-coal' power plant
POWER infrastructure giant Mitsui Babcock is to install the first UK application of "clean" coal technology in the UK in a deal to fit GBP 250 million worth of carbon capture technology at Scottish and Southern Energy's Ferrybridge Power Station in Yorkshire.
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline connects Central Asia to the world market
The first tanker carrying Azerbaijani crude delivered via the long-awaited Baku-Tbilisi- Ceyhan pipeline is about to complete loading at the sparkling new BTC terminal at Ceyhan. Platts John Roberts visited southern Turkey to report on the completion of a 14-year dream for a direct oil pipeline from the Caspian to the Mediterranean and assesses both the pipeline's own security and its contribution to security of supply.
Biomass fuel project gets $1.2 million grant
A $1.2 million U.S. Department of Energy grant will help the Laurentian Energy Authority study potential wood resources and the effect of using forest waste products for biomass burning projects at the Virginia and Hibbing public utilities.
CEO Economic Confidence Remains Positive, But Pace Slows
With this positive economic outlook, CEOs still find hiring and retaining good people a more immediate concern than addressing rising energy costs or proposed immigration reform.
China, Arab Countries Target Energy Sector in Trade Plan
China and the Middle East will target the energy sector in an effort to double trade volumes over the next few years. In an agreement signed on the final day of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum, Beijing and the 22 Arab League members would begin holding meetings on oil issues as part of an expansion of ties.
Clean Edge Teams Up with NASDAQ for New Clean Energy Index
NASDAQ will now play a key part in Clean Edge's abiltiy to track the performance of renewable energy-related stocks. The recently established partnership between NASDAQ and Clean Edge, a San Francisco and Portland, Oregon-based clean energy research and publishing firm, signals the mainstreaming and maturation of renewable energy.
Corporate America Warms to Fight Against Global Warming
Corporate leaders don't normally invite the federal government to raise their taxes. But that's exactly what Paul Anderson is doing. Anderson, the chairman of Charlotte-based Duke Energy, wants the federal government to fight global warming by taxing companies based on the "greenhouse gases" they pump into the atmosphere -- just the sort of big-government remedy the Bush administration says would hobble the economy.
Criticism Rains Down on Mega Gas Pipeline
A mega pipeline in South America that would transport gas across the Amazon and other ecosystems is being drowned in criticisms in Brazil, where many say the project is dead, given the recent nationalisation of Bolivia's energy resources.
Dovetail Completes Two of the Largest Solar Electric Installations in the Cincinnati Area
Dovetail Solar & Wind, one of Ohio’s providers of renewable energy
systems, has completed two of the largest solar electric installations
in the Cincinnati area as prominent elements of new green buildings.
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden engaged Dovetail to install a 19.3
kilowatt solar photovoltaic array on the zoo’s new Harold C. Schott Educational
Center building.
Emissions Grow, Temperatures Rise, Talks Advance as Globe Confronts Warming
Britain and Sweden are on target for reducing global-warming gases, but other countries will have to toughen policies and rely on "carbon trading" to achieve their Kyoto Protocol goals by 2012, says a new U.N. report. In the United States, meanwhile, emissions of so-called greenhouse gases climbed by 16 percent between 1990 and 2004.
EPA Publishes Proposed List for Boutique Fuels
To comply with the Energy Policy Act of 2005, EPA is publishing a proposed list of seven different "boutique fuel" types. A boutique fuel is a unique fuel specification developed by a state or local air pollution agency and approved by EPA as part of a state plan to meet the nation's air quality standards. The proposed list will help limit the number of different state fuels required around the country and serve as the basis for any future adoption of boutique fuels. EPA is requesting public comment on the proposed list.
Exelon CEO sees high odds of US GHG limits in next five years
Exelon Chairman and CEO John Rowe said Thursday he believes odds that the US Congress will enact greenhouse gas emission limits in the next five years have increased "very substantially" now that a number of key Senate Republicans are pressing the administration to take stronger action on global warming.
Fear of Inflation Causes Mortgage Rates to Bump Up this Week
Freddie Mac yesterday released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.67 percent, with an average 0.4 point, for the week ending June 1, 2006, up from last week’s average of 6.62 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 5.62 percent.
Four Ethanol Plants Move Forward
Georgia Considers Strict Mercury Rule
Georgia is considering one of the nation's toughest mercury
guidelines in an effort to limit emissions of the toxic pollutant.
Global Anti-Poverty Plan Must Include Native Peoples
At the close of a major United Nations meeting in New York Friday, indigenous leaders urged the world's developed countries to take into account the concerns of native communities living within their borders while implementing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Java Hospitals Overwhelmed by Quake, Over 6,000 Dead
Hospitals and clinics in the earthquake-hit region on Java are overwhelmed with patients and homeless five days after the tremor now known to have killed more than 6,200 people, officials said on Thursday.
June 1 Marks Historic Milestone in Clean Diesel
Starting today, EPA will require refiners and fuel importers to cut the sulfur content of highway diesel fuel 97 percent, from 500 parts per million to 15.
Laidlaw Energy Group, Inc. Closes Financing for New York Renewable Energy Project
Laidlaw Energy Group, Inc. (Ticker Symbol: LLEG) announced today that it has closed on a significant round of growth financing that will be used to fully fund the development of its Western, New York Biomass Energy Project. The Project involves the conversion of an existing natural gas fired power plant to exclusively use clean wood biomass fuel.
Parts of Latin America are labeling the United States and other Westerners as colonialists and are instead trying to harness ties to other regions of the world. Venezuela, the world's fifth largest producer of oil, is moving to take control of foreign-owned oil investments while Bolivia is set to do the same with its natural gas industry.
Today the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board (ASLB) issued a summary of a partial initial decision regarding three of the contentions filed by Nuclear Information and Resource Service and Public Citizen (NIRS/PC) challenging the licensing and operation of the National Enrichment Facility (NEF) to be located outside Eunice, New Mexico
Natural gas rate plan comes under scrutiny
Imagine requiring stores to discourage shopping or an ice cream parlor to advocate dieting. It seems illogical, but for Piedmont Natural Gas, its a proposition that has landed the company in a tug of war between the Utilities Commission and Attorney Generals Office.
New Orleans Levees Repaired as Storm Season Starts
The US Army Corps of Engineers has met its goal of fixing battered levees around New Orleans as the new hurricane season starts, but residents still face flood risks, senior officials said on Wednesday.
New Solutions for World's Energy Woes
The number is staggering: Approximately 2 billion of the world's people, nearly one-third of the human population, have no access to electricity. Consequently, they do without many of the amenities that people in the developed world take for granted -- everything from air conditioning and refrigeration to television, indoor lighting, and pumps that supply drinking water. And without electricity to power factory operations or other commercial endeavors, those 2 billion people remain mired in an endless cycle of poverty.
NY Gov. Pataki Highlights $20M Program for Cellulosic Ethanol Pilot Facility
New York Governor George E. Pataki recently highlighted a $20 million program in the state budget for the development of a cellulosic ethanol pilot facility in New York state, and renewed his call for the adoption of his energy independence plan to reduce our dependence on imported energy.
NYMEX crude to open 85 cents higher on strong US demand
July crude futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange are called to open 85 cents higher at $71.19/barrel Friday with strong petroleum demand readings in Thursday's Energy Information Administration report underpinning the rally. A renewed slide in the US dollar also helped push prices up across the commodity complex.
Oil Sands' Natural Gas Demand Expected to Triple
A massive rise in crude production from Canada's oil sands region over the next decade will nearly triple the area's call on strained natural gas supplies, Canada's national energy regulator said Thursday.
OPEC seals expected deal to leave production levels unchanged
OPEC ministers meeting in Caracas Thursday sealed a widely-expected deal to leave crude output levels unchanged for the time being, and to meet again as planned in September to review the market situation.
Quest for Energy Alternatives Heats Up
The future of energy is bright in Said Al-Hallaj's invention lab at the Illinois Institute of Technology, and not just because of the solar window that lies in development on a table. All around the lab are advanced alternative energy projects that testify to the war on oil that's proceeding quietly at laboratories and research centers across the country.
"Fundamentals remain unchanged since the last review.
The market is oversupplied and commercial stocks are at comfortable levels in
terms of forward cover."
- A formal communique
from OPEC on Thursday said, confirming its decision to leave crude output quotas
unchanged for the time being, saying that it believed the oil market was
currently oversupplied and that stocks were adequate.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 060206
Solar activity is expected to remain very low. The geomagnetic field was quiet to active. Solar wind speed has been steadily increasing over the past 24 hours, rising from approximately 400 km/s to approximately 550 km/s, indicating the onset of the coronal hole high speed stream.
SDG&E Adds 20 Megawatts of Renewable Biomass Energy
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) today announced that it has contracted to purchase 20 megawatts (MW) of biomass electricity from Bull Moose Energy LLC (BME), beginning in 2008.
Sen. Obama's Bill Calls for Oil Industry to Invest in Renewable Fuels
"It's time for the oil companies to give something
back to America by investing just 1% of their record profits into the cheaper,
cleaner renewable fuels like E85 that can finally free us from our dependence on
Middle East oil."
-- U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)
Steel recycling rate reached record 63pct in 2005, SRI reports
The U.S. steel recycling rate increased to a record 63 percent in 2005, according to the Steel Recycling Institute´s latest figures released June 1. The 2005 recycling rate improves on 2004´s record setting 61.7 percent effort, said Bill Heenan, SRI president.
Texans want wind energy progress
West Texans are tired of waiting for the Public Utility Com-mission to place transmission lines necessary to supply energy for the state.
There Really is a Healthy Alternative
The Prince of Wales is well known for his interest in complementary medicine. Addressing the World Health Assembly in Geneva last Tuesday he issued a plea for patients to be offered both conventional and complementary treatments as part of an “integrated approach” to healthcare.
Three dams to get power upgrades along Penobscot
In June 2004, PPL Corp. signed an unprecedented agreement with environmental groups, government agencies and the Penobscot Nation to demolish two dams and bypass a third on the Penobscot River. The deal, if fulfilled, would give salmon, alewives and other fish species access to 500 miles of river now largely blocked by hydroelectric dams.
Turkey aims for pivotal role as a secure transit corridor
With energy security currently at the top of the political agendas of most European countries, Turkey has spotted the opportunity to take a pivotal role as a secure transit corridor for oil and gas supplies.
US Government Seeks US$92 Million Extra for Exxon Valdez Spill
Four US agencies including the Justice Department and the state of Alaska say it will cost that much more to clean up lingering environmental damage from when the Exxon Valdez supertanker ran aground in Alaska's Prince William Sound and spilled about 11 million gallons (50 million litres) of crude oil.
US Hurricanes May Wipe Out 20-40 Insurers - AM Best
For 3 to 7 percent of insurers exposed to the catastrophe, that could spell disaster, Williams said. Likely to fail are thinly capitalized property casualty carriers that are low-rated at Best, along with some firms not rated at all.
Volcano Spirits Trusted More Than Scientists
Mount Merapi, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, has been wheezing, belching and threatening to blow its top for the last few weeks. Yet, while scientists call for mass evacuation, most of the locals have stayed put, trusting to centuries-old mystical traditions to calm the spirits of the mountain.
What's Moving the Oil Markets 060206
•IPE Brent futures in London recovered Friday losses seen
in late trading Thursday with gasoline demand providing support near the
$70/barrel mark, brokers said. Short covering is also buoying the price going
into the weekend.
•The US Energy Information Administration's latest report showed high prices had
done little to dent gasoline demand in the world's largest oil-consuming nation.
•-Earlier in the week news that talks between Iran and the US To resolve the stalemate over Iran's uranium enrichment program was interpreted at reasonably bearish however the market is now more sceptical about the possibility of a smooth resolution.
World Bank Ramping Up Renewable Energy
For the past year, the World Bank has been researching what it would take for the world to substantially reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere, according to World Bank Energy Economist Gary Stuggins. The analysis is finding that renewable energy technology may be able to take the place of fossil fuels more quickly than previously believed as higher energy prices make these technologies more attractive.
June 1, 2006
A Letter from eBay CEO, Meg Whitman
Right now, the telephone and cable companies in control of Internet access are trying to use their enormous political muscle to dramatically change the Internet. It might be hard to believe, but lawmakers in Washington are seriously debating whether consumers should be free to use the Internet as they want in the future.
African Countries Urged to Ratify Nuclear-Free Deal
Nigeria's Foreign Minister Oluyemi Adeniji on Wednesday appealed to African Union (AU) members to urgently ratify a long-delayed a treaty aiming to stop proliferation of nuclear weapons in the world.
Apple begins offering computer recycling free in U.S.
Apple Computer Inc. launched its free U.S. computer recycling program May 31, allowing any customer who buys a new Mac computer to recycle their old one at no cost.
Belgium Plans First Renewable Energy Antarctic Base
Belgium will build the first polar station powered solely by renewable sources of energy at a site in the Antarctic that will study climate change.
Brokers in India Wary After Last Week's Crash
The 1100-point crash in the Sensex last week was largely due to the highly leveraged positions in the derivatives market. Sensex represents the benchmark index of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). It is composed of 30 of the largest and most actively-traded stocks on the BSE. Initially compiled in 1986, the Sensex is the oldest stock index in India.
Buzzards Bay wind farm application filed
BOSTON: A Quincy developer on Tuesday applied for state approval to
build a $750 million offshore wind farm with 90 to 120 turbines in
Buzzards Bay.
By 2020 China is Expected to Need 2.8 Billion Tons of Coal and 600 Million Tons of Crude Oil
China's economic trajectory has driven its expanding energy needs, and it is now the world's second largest energy consumer behind the United States. Accompanying this increasing energy demand has been a growing dependence on imported oil, and China is now the world's third largest oil importer. China will continue to be a major player in world energy markets, but increasing energy demands pose tremendous challenges.
Canada lagging in wind power, Wind Energy Association chief says
Canada has "probably the best wind resource in the world" but lags behind other developed countries in generating electricity from the air, the head of the wind industry's national organization told a Bay Street crowd Tuesday.
CanWEA Releases New Siting Guidelines and Model Zoning Bylaw for Small Wind Turbines
The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) today released a report designed to facilitate the installation of small wind turbines across Canada.
CenterPoint, Duke units plan Texas-to-Pennsylvania gas pipeline
CenterPoint Energy Gas Transmission and Duke Energy Gas Transmission Thursday said they had signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a 1,600-mile natural gas pipeline that would run from west Texas to western Pennsylvania.
Chevron forms new business unit to pursue biofuels opportunities
Chevron has formed a biofuels business unit to advance technology and pursue commercial opportunities related to the production and distribution of ethanol and biodiesel in the United States, the major announced Wednesday.
Consumer, Environmental Fury Kicks Off Exxon Meeting
Simmering consumer fury over soaring gasoline prices and angst over Exxon Mobil Corp.'s environmental policies converged on a Dallas symphony hall on Wednesday as the company kicked off its annual shareholders' meeting.
Crude down on weakened curve, Rice comments, OPEC
World benchmark crude futures prices were sharply lower Wednesday on a variety of factors. Among them were a weakening of the front of the curve, products markets under selling pressure ahead of the afternoon's contract expiration, market reaction to US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's announcement that the US was prepared to join talks with Iran, and the seeming lack of interest on the part of OPEC ministers to lower the cartel's production ceiling when they convene in Caracas on Thursday.
Dairyland Power Invests in Landfill Gas-to-Energy Plants
Dairyland Power Cooperative has invested in more renewable energy for its members by purchasing the electricity from two new landfill gas-to-energy (LGE) generating facilities, owned by Waste Management, Inc.
Data Collected Over Eight Years Show Mercury Levels 47pct Higher in Areas Near Power Plants
Sample results from Pennsylvania's two longest-running mercury deposition collection sites reinforce other state and national studies that show the neurotoxin tends to concentrate around local emission sources, creating "hot spots" of contamination.
Department of Energy Prepares for Hurricane Season
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Director of the Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (OE) Kevin Kolevar today outlined a number of steps that the department is taking to prepare for hurricane season in the United States.
Ecuador, Venezuela sign energy cooperation agreements
According to the agreements signed by Ecuadorean President Alfredo Palacio and his visiting Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez, Caracas will offer Quito technical support to boost its oil infrastructure. Venezuela will also help refine up to 100,000 barrels of Ecuador's crude oil per day.
Energy Coal in comeback as gas prices surge
BRITAIN is more reliant on coal for its electricity than it has been at any time over the past decade, according to government figures. This pushed up Britain's carbon dioxide emissions to their highest in 10 years.
EPA Retains First-Ever Reductions of Mercury from Power Plants
The Clean Air Mercury Rule, established under the Bush Administration, is the first-ever rule to regulate mercury emissions from power plants.
Fear of CO2 Regime Helps Spur US Coal Rush
US power companies are rushing to build coal-fired plants, in part because they are hoping to get them on the books ahead of potential US regulations on greenhouse gases, the author of a book on the coal industry said in an interview.
* Hurricanes and typhoons are the same thing. * Wind speeds are an important factor in determining a hurricane's capacity to cause damage. * The eye of a hurricane is often dry and windless * Tropical cyclones use warm, moist air as fuel. * The word hurricane is derived from "Hurican," the Carib god of evil.
FPL has storm plan for power poles
When Hurricane Wilma raked South Florida last year, the Category 3 hurricane toppled power poles and caused power outages over a vast area.
Planning has begun on a new fuel cell power generation plant in
Bridgeport that could become the world's largest.
Global Warming Threatens Baltic Sea Marine Life
Global warming is adding new threats to marine life in the almost land-locked Baltic Sea, where fish are already struggling in polluted, brackish waters, a leading expert said on Wednesday.
Green Power Partners Challenged to Do More
Because of increasing demand for large-scale green power purchases, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Green Power Partnership members will raise the bar to maximize environmental benefits of purchasing green power from renewable sources of energy.
Iowa Gov. Vilsack signs ethanol, wind energy bills
Gov. Tom Vilsack signed a package of bills today designed to expand the use of renewable fuel and wind energy in Iowa. One of the chief goals is boosting motorists’ use of E85 fuel, which is made primarily with ethanol.
IPE Brent falls ahead of expected US crude stock draw
Front-month IPE Brent futures in London Thursday retreated to below the $70/barrel mark ahead of the US stock data release and the OPEC meeting in Caracas, where ministers are expected to maintain the group's current 28 million b/d output.
Iran would gain 'economic benefits' if halts nuclear program--Rice
The US will join its European allies in talks with Iran once Tehran "fully and verifiably suspends" its alleged nuclear weapons program, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Wednesday.
America needs to invest more in biofuels such as ethanol and
biodiesel, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind said Tuesday.
Midcontinent spot gas falls with the temperatures, demand
Spot natural gas prices in the Midcontinent slid between 15 cents and 25 cents Wednesday compared with Tuesday's averages following a dip in regional temperatures to seasonal norms and resulting diminished demand.
Nuclear Threat to French Champagne - Greenpeace
In a report sent to the French Senate, the environmental group said high levels of the radioactive isotope tritium had been detected in ground water near a now closed La Manche storage site.
NYMEX platinum and palladium follow gold lower
Long liquidations pushed platinum and palladium futures lower on the New York Mercantile Exchange, Thursday morning, as precious metals came under downward pressure from a stronger dollar, led by gold.
OPEC set to keep output unchanged despite apparent oversupply
The cartel is convinced that there is too much oil on the market, some ministers and delegates expressing the view that if the group were looking only at fundamentals of supply and demand, it would in fact have to consider cutting production. But, as several ministers have made clear, cutting production is not an option when oil prices are riding high at $70/barrel.
"The olive branch offered by the US seems to be the main
reason for the fall yesterday and today the fall seems to be on the back of
expected unchanged OPEC output levels and builds in US gasoline stocks."
- A London-based broker
commenting on the factors pushing down the price of crude futures
"Funds have been surging in and out of the market.
Open interest levels on Tuesday were a lot higher than previous sessions as the
funds computer programs wait for pre-programmed flat prices to be reached which
triggers a buy or sell."
- A broker speculating
on the automatic buy and sell responses from major funds
"We support dialogue in a fair and unbiased
atmosphere, but we will not talk about our undeniable and legitimate rights,
because this is the right of our people according to international laws and
treaties."
- Iran Foreign Minister
Manouchehr Mottaki talking to reporters about Iran's right to continue enriching
uranium.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 060106
Solar activity was very low. No new regions were numbered today. The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet to active for the next three days (01 - 03 June) with possible minor storm periods due to a recurrent coronal hole moving into geoeffective position.
Scientists Say Arctic Once Was Tropical
Scientists have found what might have been the ideal ancient vacation hotspot with a 74-degree Fahrenheit average temperature, alligator ancestors and palm trees. It's smack in the middle of the Arctic.
Scientists Say Warming Threatening Florida
Florida's governor cautiously entered the debate Wednesday over whether rising global temperatures are to blame for an increase in the number of strong hurricanes, meeting with two researchers who say global warming is threatening Florida with a long-term future of more bad storms.
Sediment Core Hold Secrets of Arctic Climate
Sediment drilled from the floor beneath the Arctic Ocean holds prehistoric climate records that show Arctic temperatures reached subtropical levels about 55 million years ago, according to research reported on Wednesday.
Shell Nigeria shuts in additional 50,000 b/d after pipeline spill
The leak occurred on the Nembe Creek truckline, in the eastern Delta forcing Shell to close four flow stations, the spokesman said.
Some of Abilene's refuse to become energy
A good chunk of Abilene's trash will soon become electricity to help power Dyess Air Force Base. The base will use 42-thousand tons -- equal to four-thousand dump trucks -- of garbage annually at a new power plant which will be built on the base.
Study Finds Yellowstone Air Quality Worsening
Visibility has improved at most national parks, and ozone levels have dropped at about two-thirds of them. However, 10 national parks in the West -- including Yellowstone, Glacier and Rocky Mountain -- continue to see an increase in ozone.
Survey-- Americans Not Warming Up to Nuclear Power as Solution to Energy Crisis and Climate Change
Despite a major sales push by the Bush Administration and the electrical utility industry, nuclear power is viewed in a deeply skeptical way by a "strong and strikingly bipartisan majority" of Americans, according to a major new Opinion Research Corporation (ORC) survey released today by the Civil Society Institute, a nonpartisan and nonprofit think tank that has conducted extensive public opinion research into the attitude of Americans about energy-related issues.
Survey Shows Strong Support for Nuclear Energy
The Clean and Safe Energy Coalition released a national public opinion poll that shows strong support among Americans for nuclear energy and reveals a dearth of knowledge among many that currently shapes opinion.
US Forecaster Sees 17 Storms, 9 Hurricanes in '06
A noted US storm forecaster predicted on Wednesday the Atlantic season will see nine hurricanes and said there was an 82-percent chance the US coast would be hit by a big one, far above average but not as busy as last year's record-breaker.
US working gas in storage rises 80 Bcf to 2.243 Tcf-- EIA
The US Energy Information Administration on Thursday reported a net 80-Bcf storage injection for the week ending May 26, raising nationwide inventories to 2.243 Tcf
Utility Fired Up About Using Wood at Power Plant
Train cars loaded with sawdust could become nearly as common on the Front Range as coal cars.
Preliminary results from a renewable energy study show Colorado Springs Utilities' downtown Drake Power Plant would require little or no modification to be stoked with cleanburning wood byproducts.
Volunteers fight global warming In absence of rules, some U.S. companies cut emissions
When Timberland, the outdoor clothing company based in New Hampshire, studied ways to reduce its carbon emissions four years ago, it weighed several options: building a wind farm in the Dominican Republic, buying power generated by renewable resources or setting up a vast bank of solar panels at one of its distribution centers in Ontario, California. It chose to do all those things, but that was the easy part.
What's Moving the Oil Markets 060106
•Front-month IPE Brent futures in London Thursday
retreated to below the $70/barrel mark ahead of the US stock data release and
the OPEC meeting in Caracas, where ministers are expected to maintain the
group's current 28 million b/d output.
•On Wednesday, the energy complex plummeted as the US shifted policies by
offering to join the European-led negotiations with Tehran.
Women's Help Vital in Slowing Spread of Deserts
Women, who make up about 70 percent of rural workers worldwide, are key to turning back the spread of deserts, the head of the United Nations' main agency on rural poverty said on Wednesday.
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