News 2008:

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World CO2 since 1750 (cubic feet)

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August 29, 2008

A Decoupling Proposal

According to Ken Silverstein's August 6, 2008 EnergyBiz Magazine newsletter "Re-thinking Energy Savings": utilities must be rewarded for selling less electricity. It's all in the name of encouraging energy efficiency and reducing air pollution. The idea is to separate utility rates from their sales volume. Such "decoupling" allows utilities to promote energy efficiency while still recouping their allowable expenses.

Amazon hides an ancient urban landscape

It could be a case of history repeating itself in the jungles of South America. Huge swathes of the Western Amazon were cleared 600 years ago, though back then it wasn't for logging, it was to make way for an urban network of towns, villages and hamlets.

Another Blackout is Likely

Five years ago, more than 50 million people in the Northeast and Midwest were affected by the largest blackout in North American history. This blackout is estimated to have cost between $4 and $10 billion in economic losses. Despite increased attention and some additional investment, the situation that caused the blackout unfortunately has not been resolved, and the probability of a second devastating blackout is very likely.

Answer to Oklahoma's Growing Fuel Costs Found Blowin' in the Wind

In the quest for affordable energy, what might have been unthinkable less than 10 years ago now is a hot commodity.

Antiquated Grid Stymies Wind Power U.S. Agency Cites Need for 'Transmission Superhighway'

When the builders of the Maple Ridge Wind Farm spent $320 million to erect nearly 200 windmills in upstate New York, the idea was to get paid for producing electricity. But at times, regional electric lines have been so congested that Maple Ridge has been forced to shut down even with a brisk wind blowing.

Arctic ice on the verge of another all-time low

Following last summer's record minimum ice cover in the Arctic, current observations from ESA's Envisat satellite suggest that the extent of polar sea-ice may again shrink to a level very close to that of last year.

Bats; Gone With the Wind

As a wind turbine's blades cut through the air, they lower air pressure, especially around the tips of the blades, Baerwald explains.

Climate Change - Developing Nations Need $170 Billion

The World Bank yesterday in Accra said that a total of 170 billion dollars (N20 trillion) was required between now and 2030 to enable developing countries mitigate and adapt to the impact of climate change.

Collapse in oil prices pauses, but not over yet warn analysts

Oil prices stopped falling last week, but the balance of evidence to hand suggested that the bearish run on the market is not quite over yet, according to most analyst reports looking at the weeks ahead.

Country Sets Ambitious Renewable Energy Target

Nigeria has set an ambitious target of moving 20 per cent of the country to off-grid renewable energy sources by 2012.

Couple cashes in on alternative energy

Seven years ago, Dale and Jeanette Balder cashed in on a new state grant and bought a row of photovoltaic solar panels to help power their new home.

Cut Greenhouse Gases to Save Coral Reefs - Scientists

To keep coral reefs from being eaten away by increasingly acidic oceans, humans need to limit the amount of climate-warming greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, a panel of marine scientists said on Wednesday.

Cutting Fossil Fuel Subsidies Can Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions Says UN Environment Report

Scrapping fossil fuel subsidies could play an important role in cutting greenhouse gases while giving a small but not insignificant boost to the global economy a new report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) says.

DNC; Colorado officials talk global warming with energy leaders

Ten years ago many thought global warming was a hoax.

Today, few would dispute that our planet has indeed warmed.

Elected officials say wind will win

Pelosi said the Bush administration failed the people at the hands of big oil.

"This is God's planet and we have a responsibility," Pelosi said. "We must reduce our dependence on oil and foreign oil."

EPA, States And Tribes Work In Collaboration To Meet The 24-Hour Fine Particle National Air Quality Standard

In an important step to help improve the nation's air quality, EPA identifies areas across the country that are either meeting or not meeting national standards for fine particle pollution, or PM 2.5.

Even 'Green' Energy Needs Lower Oil Price

As a lengthening economic slowdown bites, the antidote for the renewable energy sector may come as a surprise -- a lower oil price.

Exxon Agrees to Pay Out 75% of Valdez Damages

Exxon Mobil agreed to pay out 75 percent of a US$507.5 million damages ruling to settle the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill off Alaska, the Anchorage Daily News reported on Tuesday.

Follow-Up; How Can China's Wind Power Industry Be Growing So Fast

Curiously, despite the presumably large investments that the investment banking community has made based on this very contract, there appears to be a dearth of detailed information about Sinovel.

Green Initiatives Featured at Electric Utility Conference

The Executive Committee of the Utility Purchasing Management Group (UPMG), an electric and gas utility industry association announced today that it will feature several sessions presenting current initiatives that are environmentally focused.

Ground Water And Wells To Be In Spotlight On National TV Network

The public will learn how to be good stewards of ground water and wells in a show sponsored by the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) September 8..

Hydrogen Projects Finding Mixed Funding Sources

Hydrogen projects that cut across a wide spectrum of applications are managing to find enough ramp-up funding from government, industrial, private and academic sources such that several technologies are already breaking in to the commercial space, and others should become mainstream within one or two decades, sector executives say.

Indian activists assert priorities before DNC

On the eve of the Democratic National Convention, some Indian activists are attacking perceived weaknesses in the mainstream political system on several issues of Native importance, including energy development and sovereignty.

Jury reconvenes next week in Davis-Besse trial; Engineer charged with lying

A U.S. District Court jury in Toledo will reconvene Monday to continue deliberating the fate of Andrew Siemaszko, a former FirstEnergy Corp. engineer charged with five counts of lying or withholding information from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission about Davis-Besse's operating status in the fall of 2001.

Major Research Program For CO2-Capture Developed

Emissions from industry and power stations
The agreement concerns chemical processes that can capture CO2 from the process industry and emissions from coal and gas powered power stations.

Maryland Solar Power Grants Prove Popular

Karen and Brian Czarnowski had long kicked around the idea of putting solar panels on the roof of their Galesville home.

Michigan Clean Transportation Expo & Awards

Mileage Costs of Plug-in Hybrids

My question is this: At US $0.10-0.12 a kWh from my local utility, how much will it cost me to drive the Volt's fully charged 40 miles? Since I don't have any idea how many "miles per kWh" it takes, I can't make the calculation...

New Orleans Considers Evacuation as Gustav Looms

Three years after Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Louisiana coast, New Orleans residents Wednesday again confronted the prospect of an evacuation as Tropical Storm Gustav loomed.

Obama pledges $150 bil for renewables; pushes gas, nuclear, coal

"I'll invest $150 billion over the next decade in affordable, renewable sources of energy - wind power and solar power and the next generation of biofuels," he said, pledging to create 5 million new jobs along the way.

Organizations for emergency preparedness campaign

Many communities across the country have been affected by the recent onslaught of severe weather.

Poll Shows Energy Cost Acceptable

In six Western states, a majority of likely voters are willing to pay higher prices for energy from clean renewable resources such as wind and solar rather than continue to rely on oil, natural gas and coal for power, an independent regional poll has found.

Power panel rentals possible

Homeowners, small businesses and schools may yet get a chance to rent solar power panels, rather than having to buy the power generation gear for tens of thousands of dollars.

Renewable Energy Collectors May Be Right Under Our Feet

Research at WPI explores turning highways and parking lots into solar collectors.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 082808

Solar activity is expected to be very low. The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet for the next three days (29-31 August).

U.S. EPA Fines Exxon Mobil $2.64M For PCB Release

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has settled with the Exxon Mobil Corporation for $2.64M for allegedly disposing of and improperly handling polychlorinated biphenyls ("PCBs") on an offshore oil and gas platform in the Santa Barbara Channel...

U.S. Inks Geothermal Pact With Two Nations

The International Partnership for Geothermal Technology will help promote energy security and address global climate change...

US Geothermal Development Up 20% in 2008

The Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) has released its U.S. Geothermal Production and Development Update for August 2008. This report shows continued growth in the number of new geothermal power projects under development in the United States, a 20% increase since January of this year.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 082908

•Global crude futures recovered Friday from Thursday's late selloff, with Tropical Storm Gustav and protective covering ahead of the US' holiday weekend the primary causes for the upward move, market sources said.

•Early morning market sentiment suggests that Tropical Storm Gustav is still weighing on traders' minds despite earlier news that oil supply will be replenished

Wind, Solar Projects Race Expiring Credit

A congressional stand-off that has blocked extension of federal tax credits for renewable energy projects is setting off a boom in the wind and solar industries. Developers and customers are racing to install systems by year's end to qualify for the credits, which can cut the cost of a large commercial system by 30%.

Wind, Solar, Nuclear, and Electricity Storage

Advocates of intermittent alternate energy sources put enormous hopes in electricity storage development as a boon to the market acceptance of their technologies. It is recognized by anyone with an ounce of realism that the timing mismatch between God-given winds and sunbeams and the needs of man is one of the fundamental problems with alternative energy development. Advocates point to the expanded use of electric storage technologies as the fix.

Windmills Split Town and Families

Yancey knows the towers are pumping clean electricity into the grid, knows they have been largely embraced by his community.

But Yancey hates them.

August 26, 2008

50% Of Food Is Wasted Causing Water, Food And Hunger Crisis, Says SIWI, FAO And IWMI

To meet the challenge of feeding growing populations and the global hungry, massive reductions in the amount of food wasted after production are needed.

Americans spent 10 times as much on oil imports in June than was invested in all new U.S. ethanol producing capacity last year

“Americans spent 10 times as much on imported oil in the month of June than all the investment in new U.S. ethanol producing capacity for the entirety of 2007,” U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar said today.

Bats; Gone With the Wind

The energy-generating machines kill bats the world over, yet the exact cause has remained as mysterious as the plot of a movie thriller. Now, a new study appears to have solved the riddle.

Calif. senate passes bill to fight curbside recyclable thefts

It passed Assembly Bill 1778, 21-16, to require recyclers dealing in large cash transactions for recyclables, including aluminum cans, plastic and glass bottles and newspaper, to be more transparent regarding where they got the material.

Chilling Flaws In U.S. Terrorist Database

The U.S. federal government's terrorist database is severely hampered by technology issues and the estimated half a billion dollars in taxpayer funding to upgrade the system is on the brink of collapse, according to a congressional committee.

Chrysler LLC Begins Production of New Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Chrysler LLC's Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) began rolling off the assembly line this week at its Newark (Delaware) Assembly Plant. Chrysler is offering the two-mode hybrid powertrain on both vehicles built at the plant, Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen.

City may accept wind turbine donated by CCEF

Thanks to a project through the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, New Haven could soon find itself the proud owner of a small wind turbine, at no cost to the city.

Coal-fired generators to switch to gas at about $7Mcf; bank

Electric utilities will switch from using coal to natural gas as fuel for their power plants when gas prices hit $7/Mcf, Raymond James' top coal and natural gas analysts said Monday

Democrats tie US energy woes to foreign oil, ailing economy

Democrats kicked off the second day of their national convention in Denver on Tuesday after a series of speeches Monday night renewed calls for energy independence and touched on economic hardships brought on by high gasoline prices.

Developers say tires-to-energy plant would be safe

Developers who want to build a 90-megawatt tires-to-energy plant in East Erie spent almost three hours Thursday trying to reassure about 50 community leaders, health officials and others that their project is environmentally safe.

Drinking Water of 41 Million Americans Contaminated with Pharmaceuticals

An investigation by the Associated Press (AP) has revealed that the drinking water of at least 41 million people in the United States is contaminated with pharmaceutical drugs.

Factories to Have to Clean Up Before Reopening

Polluting factories in Beijing ordered to stop work to improve the air quality for the Olympics will have to clean up their operations before being allowed to resume production, state media said on Saturday.

Fire causes heavy damage in battery factory

A fire at Batterie-Montage-Zentrum (BMZ) GmbH in Karlstein, Germany, during the night of August 20 has caused a damage in the double-digit million euro range. A production hall and a warehouse were destroyed.

Food Riots, Anger as Floods Swamp South Asia

Flood victims demanding food and shelter beat up government officials in India on Friday as monsoon rains spread misery among millions of people across South Asia and forced thousands from their homes.

Food, Fuel and Water Crises Converging

"I believe we are at a tipping point," he said, because the scarcity of water poses a threat to the food supply just when the agricultural sector is stepping up production in response to riots over food prices, growing hunger, and rising malnutrition.

Georgia Power Seeks Approval for Coal Plant Conversion to Biomass

Georgia Power today asked the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) for approval to convert coal-fueled Plant Mitchell to renewable wood biomass.

Geothermal Energy's Potential

The presidential candidates are stumping hard. And while energy and environmental issues are getting frequent mentions, both the Republican and Democratic leaders are neglecting one area: geothermal energy.

Group fails to block Duke nuke plant

Environmentalists trying to block Duke Energy Corp.'s new nuclear plant project in Cherokee County, S.C., were denied on one front today.

Hydrogen-Powered Cars Meet in Championship Race

Six international university teams competed in the Dutch city of Rotterdam on Saturday in what was billed as a motor racing championship for hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Hydrogen-Producing Bacteria Provide Clean Energy

Renewable sources of energy—such as hydrogen—that don't produce pollutants or greenhouse gases are needed to solve global energy shortages. Fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas are nonrenewable energy sources implicated in global warming.

Kotzebue wind turbines whirl up proven energy source

Brad Reeve and the Kotzebue Electric Association lead the drive toward alternative energy. But when they first started looking at harnessing wind almost two decades ago, many thought they were out of touch with reality.

Markey to Bush; Keep Our Oil At Home

Even as calls to open up large swaths of America’s offshore areas to oil drilling continue, America is setting new records for exports of domestically produced oil and petroleum products.

Massive Mechanical Mole Surfaces From Nearly Five-Year Journey Under Mountain

A 450-foot tunnel-boring machine emerged from under the San Bernardino Mountains, creating a nearly four-mile tunnel as part of a large-diameter regional water line that will help improve the quality and reliability of imported water serving nearly 19 million Southern Californians.

McGuinty government combats climate change with more green energy supply

"Faster, stronger, cleaner" is the theme as Ontario sets the stage for world-class renewable energy developers to bid on 500 more megawatts of contracts for new green energy supply.

NYMEX crude lower as US dollar surges higher

NYMEX's front-month crude future contract on the CME's Globex system was
75 cents lower at $114.16/barrel Tuesday after touching an intra-session low
of $112.36/b as the US dollar surged against the euro and the UK pound.

OPEC likely to take action to stop further oil price fall; Nozari

OPEC members due to meet in Vienna September 9 are expected to study the impact of a supply surplus on the oil market and might take action to prevent oil prices from falling further, Iranian oil minister Gholamhossein Nozari was quoted Tuesday as saying.

Poll Says 74% of Americans Think T. Boone Pickens' Energy Plan Can Work

In a new national Sacred Heart University Poll, 74.0% of Americans said it was very or somewhat possible that the 10-year energy independence plan proposed by Texas oilman, T. Boone Pickens, could be accomplished.

Expectations of Congress have never been lower.

Potential of a 'cleaner' coal mulled; Opinions vary on spending billions to make coal environmentally friendly

New coal technologies can rival alternative energy sources in cleanliness, the industry argues, but only if taxpayers foot the multibillion-dollar bill.

Renewable energy has bright future

Renewable energy represents an unprecedented economic opportunity for Nebraska and rural America, a top USDA official told Nebraska lawmakers Friday.

Solar power begins to heat up

Electric utilities are warming to solar power in a shift that promises to turbocharge a technology that has been hindered by high prices and slow consumer adoption.

TEP boosting fluorescents with discount

Tucson Electric Power Co. has launched a program to make compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs available from local stores at discounts of up to 50 percent off retail prices.

The Perfect Storm of a Global Recession

The probability is growing that the global economy—not just the United States—will experience a serious recession. Recent developments suggest that all G7 economies are already in recession or close to tipping into one.

Tribes Say Ending Protest At Peru Energy Sites

Indigenous rights groups called off more than a week of protests on Wednesday at two key Peruvian energy sites after congressional leaders moved to throw out a controversial land law issued by President Alan Garcia.

U.S. Could Halve Fuel Consumption by 2035; Report

The U.S. could feasibly halve its gasoline consumption if the country switched to hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles by 2035, according to a new MIT report.

U.S. navy arrives in Georgia

A U.S. navy warship delivered humanitarian aid on Sunday for victims of Georgia's brief war with Russia while Moscow ignored Western demands to pull its remaining troops from the Caucasus country's heartland.

US gasoline spot price climb is unlikely to boost imports; trade

Even though gasoline prices in key US cash markets have climbed slightly in recent days, traders Monday said prices still remain too low to reverse a nearly two-month decline in gasoline imports.

Utilities Readying Clients for Rate Hikes

While energy prices have climbed incrementally in the last couple of years, there's nothing like a 20 percent spike to affect budgets and bottom lines throughout the Tennessee Valley.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 082608

•Crude oil futures lost ground Tuesday as further strength in the US dollar exerted greater influence on prices than concern over tropical storm Gustav, which could head into the US Gulf coast, market sources said.

•The euro fell to six-month lows on data showing weaker consumer confidence and business sentiment in Germany,

Wind developers to take capacity on planned Wyoming-Colorado line

Developers of a proposed transmission line from eastern Wyoming to the Denver area on Tuesday said two wind energy companies have committed to take 585 MW of the 850 MW of capacity offered in a mid-summer open season.

Yingli signs agreement for construction of 10MW solar power plant in Beijing

The Yingli Green Energy Holding Company, a vertically integrated photovoltaic product manufacturer, has entered into a framework agreement with the local government of a county in Beijing, China, regarding the proposed construction of a 10MW solar power plant.

Yucca Mountain application rejection would be premature; US NRC

US Nuclear Regulatory Commission Commissioners on Friday said it would be premature to reject a repository license application now, while agency staff are still weighing the document for a licensing review.

Zimbabwe Power Utility's Deal With Namibia to Result in More Electricity Outages

As if the current frequent power-cuts were not enough, long- suffering Zimbabweans are set to spend even more on candles and firewood as Zesa [Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority] increases power-cuts.

August 22, 2008

Australian 'Hot Rocks' Offer 26,000 Yrs of Power

Barely one percent of Australia's untapped geothermal energy could produce 26,000 years worth of clean electricity, scientists said, as the government announced a a A$50 million (US$43 million) project to help develop the technology.

Brazil; Setting an Important Precedent for Indigenous Lands

The Supreme Court is set to decide next week whether or not to uphold the demarcation of the reservation as a single, unbroken territory.

China Became Net Food Importer In 1st Half

China became a net food importer in cash terms in the first half of this year, as soaring food prices ate into its traditional surplus in agricultural goods.

Creating Realistic Expectations for Renewable Energy

It's a delicate time for the renewable energy industry. Now that the public eye is focused more intensely on clean energy technologies, there are a lot of high expectations about their potential. Properly educating consumers, investors and journalists about what each technology can realistically offer will be one of the most important factors in moving renewables forward, say industry professionals.

Crude futures dip on dollar gains, reversing 'overdone' rally

Global crude futures softened in early European trading Friday, reacting to a recovery in the US dollar amid concerns that Thursday's strong rally was overdone, sources said.
 

First Water Footprint Initiative Launched In Plastics Industry

...a joint initiative to pilot for the first time the concept of water footprint to the manufacturing of a plastic application.

Fixing High Oil Prices

High oil prices can be remedied by conservation, exploration and innovation. Not one of these options is without fault but each is necessary: The United States is increasing its dependence on foreign oil and all this at a time when its own production is down sharply for the previous two decades by 40 percent.

Food riots as floods swamp South Asia

Flood victims demanding food and shelter beat up government officials in India on Friday as monsoon rains spread misery among millions of people across South Asia and forced thousands from their homes.

Former Maryland Public Service Commission Head Frisby Stresses Need for More Capacity

Maryland's former top energy regulator says local leaders around the state must make urgent appeals to their constituents to support electric infrastructure improvements before the state experiences power shortages projected to hit as soon as 2011.

Global Meat Production Expected to Grow 2 Percent in 2008

According to the Worldwatch Institute's latest Vital Signs Update, global meat production is once again on the rise and is expected to top 280 million tons in 2008, up from some 275 million tons in 2007.

Inbox 082108

Lead wheel weights, which are used for tire balancing, have been under attack by environmental groups for years. They were banned in Europe in 2005 and are being phased out in Japan and elsewhere.

Incentives, Grants Reduce Solar Power's Price Tag

Going green may be gaining traction among businesses, but investing in technologies such as solar is still a bit far out for most companies.

Japan Players Bet Big on Emerging Thin-film Solar

While startups attract the clean tech venture capital millions in the U.S. for new kinds of thin-film solar technologies, some big established players in Japan are also putting significant money into major new efforts to move these emerging technologies into volume production in the next few years.

Nation's Most Visible Solar Array Dedicated at Denver International Airport

Today, a two megawatt (MW) solar energy system was dedicated at Denver International Airport (DIA). The solar photovoltaic system, spanning seven and a half acres at the airport's entrance, will generate over three million kilowatt hours (kWh) of clean electricity annually...

Natural Resources Canada; Government of Canada Invests in Renewable Energy in British Columbia

The Government of Canada is investing in renewable energy projects across Canada, thanks to investments in seven projects through the ecoENERGY for Renewable Power program.

Oklahoma Gas & Electric Looks to Recover From Failed Red Rock Plant

Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co. did not get to build the Red Rock coal-fired plant as planned. But the company did spend a considerable amount of money on the planning process for the facility. OG&E may be able to recover that money - more than $7 million - from ratepayers.

Plans for Tackling Climate, From US to China

About 1,000 delegates from more than 150 nations will meet in Ghana from Aug. 21-27 for talks on a new climate treaty to succeed the UN's Kyoto Protocol.

Polar bears found swimming miles from Alaskan coast

An aerial survey by government scientists in Alaska’s Chukchi Sea this week found at least nine polar bears swimming in open water — with one at least 60 miles from shore — raising concern among wildlife experts about their survival.

Receding Arctic icepack opens new shipping frontier

Rapidly melting ice on Alaska's Arctic is opening up a new navigable ocean in the extreme north, allowing oil tankers, fishing vessels and even cruise ships to venture into a realm once trolled mostly by indigenous hunters.

Rell; Extend energy tax provisions

Conn.Gov. M. Jodi Rell is joining a group of governors in calling for federal lawmakers to extend tax provisions that promote energy efficiency and encourage the development of renewable energy resources.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 082108

The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet for the next two days (22-23 August) and quiet to unsettled on day three (24 August).

Resistance May Reshape Duke's Save-a-Watt

Even before North Carolina regulators rule on Duke Energy's Save-a-Watt proposal, it's increasingly apparent that the controversial conservation program is endangered as originally proposed.

Russia's Rise

Russian leaders recognize their clout and want to use that to bargain for such things as new energy infrastructure and seamless entry into the World Trade Organization. But such desires have been offset by their willingness to withhold energy supplies and to use aggression against the Georgian nation.

San Diego Gas & Electric Says It Did Not Mislead State

San Diego Gas & Electric Co. has denied that it deceived the California Public Utilities Commission this summer when it stated that an alternate, southern route for the proposed Sunrise Powerlink high-voltage power line would cross tribal lands.

Scientists Urge US To Protect Economy From Climate

Eight scientific organizations urged the next US president to help protect the country from climate change by pushing for increased funding for research and forecasting, saying about $2 trillion of US economic output could be hurt by storms, floods and droughts.

Survey Reveals US Economy Affecting Consumers' Grocery Shopping Habits

Cost-conscious grocery store habits U.S. consumers developed during the faltering economy in the first six months of 2008 are destined to have a long-term impact on national shopping behavior, according to research results issued by retail analytics firm Precima.

The Fed Keeps Rates Steady as Stagflation Threatens the United States

After a tumultuous first quarter of scheduled and surprise cuts in the overnight federal funds target rate, the Federal Reserve Board voted 9-1 in second quarter 2008 to keep the target rate at a low 2.00%.

The Renewable Energy Solution, Right Under Our Nose!

Five years ago, when a gallon of gas was around $1.79 and home heating oil was 85 cents, I thought then that these prices were too high and began to research viable alternatives to heat a home.

Tunnels To Bring Water To Parched California

A massive mechanical mole surfaced on Wednesday from a nearly 5-year journey under mountains in the final stages of a $1.2 billion tunnel project that will supply extra water to drought-hit Southern California.

U.S. Economy; UM Sees Light At End Of Tunnel

Sure, the United States economy is struggling, but the end to the "growth recession" may be in sight, say University of Michigan economists.

Urgent Steps Needed To Combat Food Wastage - Report

The United States and some other developed states throw away nearly a third of their food each year, according to a report that said on Thursday the world was producing more than enough to feed its population.

US lawmaker Udall wants pre-election vote on new energy bill

Colorado Representative Mark Udall Thursday asked US House of Representative leaders to hold a vote before the November election on a bipartisan compromise energy bill that would include both offshore drilling and a renewable energy standard for utilities.

US Wind Market Reaches New Heights

Following three years of consistent growth, the U.S. wind market is set for a record-breaking surge with cumulative installed wind capacity to surpass 150 gigawatts (GW) by 2020, according to a recent market study from Emerging Energy Research.

Utility rate regulators' hands are tied

Utility regulators said there is little they can do to stand between utility companies and a recent wave of requests for electric rate hikes.

Water Footprints Make A Splash

If the full water requirements of a morning roast are calculated - farm irrigation, bean transportation, and the serving of the coffee - one cup requires 140 liters of water.

This notion of a product's "water footprint" is gaining traction.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 082208

•Crude futures softened in early European trading Friday, reacting to a recovery in the US dollar amid concerns that Thursday's strong rally was overdone, sources said.

•"The market is responding to the dollar," a source said, referring to the strong intraday correlation that currently exists.

Will US Solar Businesses Weather the Coming Storm?

With just over 120 days left before federal incentives expire, solar businesses in the U.S. are taking action to protect their core business. Layoffs, announced and unannounced, have started. Construction projects are being canceled or postponed and new sales have dropped dramatically.

Xcel Ditching 2 Coal Plants, Going to Solar; PUC Approves Plan to Help Meet 2020 Goal

State regulators gave the go-ahead to Xcel Energy's plans for a green makeover: shutting down two coal-fired power plants in the state and building one of the world's largest utility-scale solar power plants.

August 19, 2008

ACEEE INTRODUCES A NEW STATE ENERGY EFFICIENCY POLICY RESOURCE

Today, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) unveiled a new Web resource for state policymakers and energy efficiency advocates. This site is the initial phase of ACEEE's new State Energy Efficiency Policy Web site, an ongoing project under the umbrella of ACEEE's State Energy Efficiency Policy Activities.

Algae; Biofuel Of The Future

As part of the photosynthesis process algae produce oil and can generate 15 times more oil per acre than other plants used for biofuels, such as corn and switchgrass. Algae can grow in salt water, freshwater or even contaminated water, at sea or in ponds, and on land not suitable for food production.

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOLUTIONS STRUGGLE TO GAIN TRACTION

Concerned about high energy prices, many Americans are demanding increased implementation of alternative energy solutions such as wind power, ocean wave electricity and solar energy. However, despite the calls for change, many of these technologies have not been implemented on a broad scale, mainly due to politics and the overwhelming influence of special interest groups.

Americans consider global warming an urgent threat, according to poll

A growing number of Americans consider global warming an important threat that calls for drastic action, and 40% say that a presidential candidate’s position on the issue will strongly influence how they vote, according to a national survey conducted by Yale University, Gallup and the ClearVision Institute.

Bill Clinton calls for renewable energy revolution in US, abroad

Former President Bill Clinton said Monday that wind, solar, and other forms of renewable energy must receive US tax credits lasting six to eight years as part of a much broader strategy to prove economically that scaled-up clean domestic energy can be achieved.

Brown calls California an energy model

California Attorney General Jerry Brown says the federal government should look to the Golden State for ways to improve energy efficiency.

Burning Biomass

Wood chips are part of the biomass family. And unlike other biomass materials such as agricultural crops, using wood will not lead to food shortages. Wood is also advantageous from the standpoint that it can be mixed with certain types of coal before the new compound is combusted. It can all be accomplished, say experts, without having to change the fuel-firing system.

Bush Admin. Denies Congressional Access to More Global Warming Documents

The Bush administration is again denying Congressional access to documents pertaining to important global warming and fuel economy decisions.

Chattanooga; Geothermal schools use less energy

A new TVA energy audit shows city schools with geothermal heating and cooling systems are using about one-third less energy than schools with traditional heating and air conditioning systems.

Diesel and gasoline; the impact on refining margins

Unquestionably the most visible part of the modern oil industry is the filling station.

Our abject reliance upon diesel and gasoline, its influencing of every aspect of our lives, from job choices, to food prices, to social activities, renders the filling station the unlikely backdrop to a shared global experience - the meeting point at which the entire chain, from oil field to end user, unites in a near daily ritual.

Digging Deep for Support

Natural gas may once again become a preferred fuel, but only if the confluence of events surrounding it convinces a majority of U.S. lawmakers to give producers more access to federal areas now forbidden.

Gold is oversold, but remains vulnerable-- Analyst

Gold remains vulnerable and could fall back below the $800/oz level if the dollar rally continues, even though the yellow metals remain oversold, according to Jeffrey Nichols, president of American Precious Metals Advisors. Gold bounced above $800/oz Monday, with the COMEX October contract settling at $801.80/oz.

Google to invest $10.25 mil in 'killer app' for geothermal power

Online information giant Google on Tuesday said it plans to invest more than $10.25 million in a new geothermal energy technology as part of its goal to develop 1,000 MW of renewable energy capacity in the next few years.

Harvesting wind

"I raise wheat and corn and beans, and I've got wind," said the farmer who lives between Sharon and Aneta, N.D.

Hunt for Renewable Energy Leads Researchers to Some Unlikely Sources

Scouring the Earth for new sources of clean, renewable energy, scientists and engineers are exploring some unusual nooks and crannies.

Kites, waves, tides, ocean currents, geysers, garbage, cow manure, old utility poles, algae and bacteria are being enlisted in the effort to lower the world's reliance on climate-warming coal and oil.

Inbox 081908

Nonnoxious Abnormal: The headlines from Beijing tell a surprising tale. The emergency emission-cutting measures enacted by China´s government are succeeding -- with the help of a well-timed spell of rain followed by low humidity -- to produce an Olympic competition free of athletes suffering respiratory debilities:

Interest in Wind Power Has Beach Looking at Controls

What has taken Virginia Beach officials by surprise is the number of other business owners and residents who are inquiring about propping up their own windmills.

Missouri's First Hydrogen Fuel Station Welcomes Cars on Tour

The university uses the equation "E3 = C" (pronounced as "E-cubed = C") as shorthand for the slogan "energy, environment and education equals civilization."

More US States Cooking Up Renewable Energy Incentives

Wisconsin Governor's task force calls for feed-in tariffs; South Carolina tests net metering; New York expands net metering, green building legislation.

New Poll Shows that Americans Prefer Clean Energy

A new national energy poll reveals that Americans favor investment in clean, renewable energy over  increased oil drilling when presented with the full spectrum of energy options.

NOAA; Fifth Warmest July on Record for Globe

The combined average global land and ocean surface temperature for July 2008 tied with 2001 and 2003 as the fifth warmest July since worldwide records began in 1880

Oil faces tough week at the office after biggest US demand slide for 26 years

Energy futures fell by 1-2% across the board last week and look likely to face another rough week at the office in the coming five days, as new evidence that the US consumer is in deep trouble continued to suck oil futures -- in particular -- into a deep whirlpool.

Phoenix Coal debuts earnings with 29pct revenue increase

Fueled by a sharp increase in sales volume, western Kentucky producer Phoenix Coal posted a 29.3% increase in revenue in the second quarter -- $21.3 million versus $16.4 million in the year-ago period.

Presidential Candidate McCain -- Eight Strikes and You're Out

Senator McCain did not show up for the crucial vote on July 30, and the renewable energy bill was defeated for the eighth time. In fact, John McCain has a perfect record on this renewable energy legislation. He has missed all eight votes over the last year — which effectively counts as a no vote each time. Once, he was even in the Senate and wouldn't leave his office to vote.

Record Geothermal Lease Sale Generates $28 Million in Bids

A competitive auction of lease parcels for geothermal energy resources on federal public lands in Nevada held on August 5 in Reno was the largest geothermal sale ever in terms of dollars bid, bringing in a record $28.2 million for a total of 105,211 acres.

Refiners turn to low-sulfur, distillate-rich grades

Responding to the persistent structure of refining margins through the first half of 2008, refiners reacted by turning to low-sulfur, distillate-rich grades and shunning gasoline-rich grades.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 081808

Solar activity was very low. No flares were observed in the past 24 hours and the solar disk continues to be spotless.  The geomagnetic field was initially quiet to unsettled until about 0600Z when conditions became disturbed due to the onset of a high speed stream from a coronal hole.

Rich Urged to Set Deep Climate Cuts, Without US

Rich nations should not wait for the election of a new US president before making progress on agreeing ambitious 2020 greenhouse gas cuts, the chair of a UN committee said on Monday ahead of climate talks in Ghana.

Rising Ocean Acidity Slows Marine Fertilisation

Scientists knew that ocean acidification was eating away at the shells of marine animals, but the new study has found that rising acidity hindered marine sperm from swimming to and fertilising eggs in the ocean.

Seismic shift in demand patterns

The change in the spread between diesel and gasoline spelt a seismic shift in demand patterns, as Europe's balance, net long gasoline and net short distillate, was dramatically exacerbated by a slow down in US demand and burgeoning global demand for diesel and its distillate stable-mate, heating oil.

Small Solar Power Generators Need Grid Interface Help

Trying to resolve technical difficulties that still prevent greater integration of solar energy into the nation's power grid, the U.S. Department of Energy has identified $2.9 million in private-sector solar projects it hopes to fund this fiscal year.

Stone Age Graveyard Shows Sahara Was Once Green

A Stone Age graveyard on the shores of an ancient, dried-up lake in the Sahara is brimming with the skeletons of people, fish and crocodiles who thrived when the African desert was briefly green, researchers reported on Thursday.

Strategy To Assess The Nation's Groundwater Availability

Scientists proposed a strategy to study the Nation's groundwater supply as part of the Federal government's effort to help address the Nation's increasing competition for water.

Study; People Rank Global Warming Lower Than Local Environmental Issues

The U.S. public, while aware of the deteriorating global environment, is concerned predominantly with local and national environmental issues, according to results from a recent survey.

The Realm of Earthworms; NASA Gets Down to the Nitty-Gritty

When you hear the word "NASA," do visions of rocket ships dance in your head?

Well think again. From now on, it's "earthworms."

US gas in storage could approach last year's record level-- report

The US could end its traditional natural gas injection season with 3.52 Tcf in storage at the end of October, just under last year's record 3.545 Tcf as mild summer weather, increased domestic production and reduced industrial sector demand begin to ease a tight supply picture, Lehman Brothers said.

Use of solar power grows as energy costs escalate

Someday soon, Joseph Mercer and his wife, Malinda Henen, will stand outside and watch their electricity meter spin backward.

It will be a very happy occasion...

What's Moving the Oil Markets 081908

•Crude futures fell in early European trading Tuesday, on the back of bearish technicals and renewed dollar strength, sources said. "There are good sellers on Brent today. The strong dollar is adding to negative sentiment," a trader said.

•"We expect energy prices to continue to drift lower

World needs global water agreement now

"This essential treaty has languished in limbo for more than a decade, largely due to the failure of nations in not signing up to what they long ago agreed to.

Wyoming wind may power Southwest

Electricity generated by Wyoming wind farms offers the cheapest renewable energy for growing areas in the southwestern United States, according to a new study.

The report says more than half of the country's best quality wind resources are located in Wyoming.

August 15, 2008

A New Environment for Biofuels

Gas prices may have gone down a bit in recent weeks, but interest in fuel alternatives is reaching new highs. Now the big questions for both lawmakers and consumers are: Where will the fuels come from and how economically and environmentally sustainable will they be?

Alt Energy Results Mixed; Solar Shines, Fuels Flop

Alternative energy companies posted mixed results on Monday as LDK Solar Co Ltd's quarterly earnings tripled on soaring demand for solar power, while Pacific Ethanol Inc reported a wider-than-expected loss on surging corn prices.

Another Huge Power Outage is Unlikely but Not Impossible, Some Say

Government investigations later showed that Akron-based FirstEnergy Corp. failed to properly respond to a power surge, an error that was compounded by failures in other parts of the system.

In the years since, fines were paid, systems were upgraded, and many reports were written. But the question remains: Could a similar blackout happen today?

APS Seeks Renewable Distributed Energy Resources

APS is seeking business proposals for power aggregators who can deliver at least 1,500 megawatt hours from distributed energy systems (generators located at or near customers).

AWEA outgrows proposed location for 2009 conference

Unprecedented and unexpected growth in the wind power industry has forced the American Wind Energy Association to switch the location of its 2009 conference.

The 2009 Windpower Conference & Exhibition was to be held in Minneapolis, June 7-10. But an explosion in demand for exhibition space and hotel rooms made it clear the conference would be too large for the city.

Becker's green goal; Cut carbon emissions another 20%

Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker and City Council members announced a plan Tuesday morning to slash the city's carbon emissions 20 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 to combat climate change.

Britain could meet demand with renewables

The report, ‘Implication of the UK meeting its 2020 renewable energy target’, finds that if the UK Government is able to achieve its commitments to meet EU renewable energy targets and its own plan to reduce demand through energy efficiency, major new conventional power stations will not be needed to meet Britain’s electricity requirements up to at least 2020.

Bush signs bill to provide billions for reservations

President Bush signed legislation Aug. 13 that calls for $2 billion for tribal law enforcement, health care and water projects.

The money for tribes is included with $48 billion designed to fight AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis around the world.

China’s clean revolution

China’s transition to a low carbon economy is well underway with billions of dollars being invested in energy efficiency and renewable energy, according to a report to be issued later this month by The Climate Group.

Coastal 'dead zones' spread globally, study finds

"Dead zones" in coastal waters -- regions of ocean floor so deprived of oxygen that most marine life cannot survive -- are spreading worldwide at an alarming pace, scientists said on Thursday.

CPA Executives See US Economy in Recession

The U.S. economy has already entered a recession and the outlook remains negative according to a majority of chief financial officers and senior-level executive CPAs surveyed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School.

DOE to Invest up to $24 Million for Breakthrough Solar Energy Products

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy John Mizroch announced today that DOE will invest up to $24 million in Fiscal Year 2008 and beyond—subject to the availability of funds—to develop solar energy products to significantly accelerate penetration of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in the United States.

Duke asks court to dismiss lawsuit

The group claims Duke is violating the federal Clean Air Act because a thorough analysis of controlling emissions of mercury, a toxic element, was not done. It wants construction to stop until a new analysis is completed.

EPA, Arizona Utility Agree on Pollution Controls

Pratt said SRP still considers improvements at Coronado to be maintenance and not modifications, and SRP does not admit any wrong in paying the US$950,000 civil penalty.

ERE plans private huddle

Erie Renewable Energy LLC will take the case for its proposed tires-to-energy plant to local political and business leaders.

Federal Government Announces Settlement With Coal-Fired Power Plant

As part of the fifteenth settlement secured by the Justice Department and the Environmental Protection Agency to control harmful air pollution from coal-fired power plants, the owner and operator of a plant in St. Johns, Ariz., has agreed to install pollution controls at an estimated cost of $400 million to reduce harmful emissions and pay a $950,000 civil penalty.

Finland to Re-Examine Safety at New Nuclear Plant

Finland's nuclear safety authority said it plans further studies on safety in the building of the country's fifth nuclear reactor, after a Greenpeace report raised questions over welding works.

Get Ready For The Last Oil War

Experts will forever discuss and dispute the causes of previous wars, both local and civil, both political and religious, for vital space and vital resources, specially oil and gold, to deny markets to, or weaken the money of enemies, and for other reasons. These other war reasons include mass migration to offload population in ‘empty lands’

Going deep; Ocean to power grid, recharge fuel cells

Harnessing ocean power to generate electricity, hydrogen to fuel cars and heat exchangers to cool buildings is the aim of a $13.75 million effort at Florida Atlantic University's Center for Ocean Energy Technology.

'Green' Land Grab Could Sow Seeds of New Conflict

A race to grab land in developing countries and exploit food supply fears and payments to conserve forests could spark conflicts in areas of land disputes, development and civil rights groups say.

Groups seek AGs' help in spent fuel fight

A handful of citizen groups and residents of Massachusetts and Vermont are urging the Bay State's attorney general to not give up on forcing the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to change the way it evaluates the risks of spent fuel storage at Pilgrim, Indian Point and Vermont Yankee nuclear power plants.

Human Activity, El Nino Warming W. Antarctic - Study

Human activity and the El Nino weather pattern over the last century have warmed West Antarctica, part of the world's coldest continent, according to a study based on four years of collecting ice core data.

Inbox 081408

The late great comedian George Carlin said that we all think everyone who drives faster than us is a maniac, and everyone who drives slower than us is an idiot. It´s funny and it´s true.

More Cities Join National Park(ing) Day

On National Park(ing) Day- Friday, September 19, 2008 - metered public parking spaces nationwide will be transformed into temporary public parks.

More than 1,000 people earn green builders designation

The group includes builders, remodelers and other members of the home building industry, the trade group said.

Moving Wind Power Not Cheap

The wind is free, but the cost of harnessing its power doesn't come cheaply. Each wind turbine can cost more than $1 million.

MSU Plant Protein Discovery May Mean Better Biofuels

Scientists at Michigan State University have identified a new protein necessary for chloroplast development. The discovery could ultimately lead to plant varieties tailored specifically for biofuel production.

Multimillion-dollar Manhattan hotel to be certified green

The site will include a green roof, water efficient plumbing fixtures, automated blinds and energy control systems. Demolition waste from construction will be recycled and construction materials "will be sustainable and rapidly renewable," the company said.

N.J. company produces more electricity than it consumes

The 41,508-sq.-ft. building for Ferreira Construction in Branchburg, N.J., has office and garage space and uses a photovoltaic system as well as a solar hot water system.

NREL Solar Cell Sets World Efficiency Record at 40.8 Percent

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have set a world record in solar cell efficiency with a photovoltaic device that converts 40.8 percent of the light that hits it into electricity. This is the highest confirmed efficiency of any photovoltaic device to date

Oil and Gas Firms May Need to Spend More to Protect Infrastructure

Fitch Ratings says international oil and gas players may be forced into spending additional unforeseen amounts on ensuring that their infrastructure assets are adequately protected as terrorist attacks become bolder, frequent and more severe.

Over 33,000 Buyers Signed Up for GM Electric Car

In a bid to show the demand for the upcoming all-electric Chevrolet Volt, a proponent of the car has released details of an unofficial waiting list for the vehicle with over 33,000 prospective buyers.

Partnership to create commercialized algae for biofuels

Allied Minds Inc. and the university have created AXI LLC, a company that will be responsible for developing algal strains that can produce ethanol on a commercial level. Algae is emerging as an option to produce ethanol because it avoids the fuel versus food argument...

Puerto Rico promotes energy conservation, renewables

Puerto Rico's Gov. Anibal Acevedo Vila announced Tuesday a series of projects to create incentives for slashing electricity consumption and motivating the use of renewables in this U.S. commonwealth.

Radioactive Waste Site Nearing OK

Dallas-based Waste Control Specialists already has a license for permanent disposal of uranium mining waste and for storage of low-level waste from medical radiology labs, nuclear power plants and other operations

Reduce carbon footprint or find more energy sources! Americans want to do both, poll finds

With gas prices topping $4 a gallon and the prospect of record-high heating costs this winter, Americans say they're driving less and cutting their electricity use to save money and improve the environment.

But they also support increased oil drilling and building nuclear power plants...

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 081408

Solar disk continues to be spotless.  The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet for the next two days (15-16 August). A small increase to quiet to unsettled is expected for the third day (17 August) in response to a recurrent solar sector boundary crossing.

Road to hydrogen power goes through Billerica

Cars are clogging the roads as never before. Gasoline prices have hit record highs. Global warming is a worldwide concern.

Add these up, and experts agree the world's demand on petroleum fuel supplies must be reduced. The solution may lie in alternative power sources being developed in Billerica.

Rocky Mountain Power gets OK for rate hike; Annual bill for the typical customer will jump $16

Utah consumers are going to be paying Rocky Mountain Power more for their electricity in the months to come, and rate increases likely are not over yet.

Sam's Club launches home efficiency center in southern California locations

Sam's Club, the wholesale division of Wal-Mart Stores, has created a home efficiency center in nine southern California clubs to showcase energy efficiency, water conservation and sustainability that includes products and appliances to help consumers be more eco-friendly and save money.

SCE's Solar-Energy Plan Under Fire for Monopolizing Market

Southern California Edison has long been a leader among utilities for its use of alternative power sources.

But the company's plan to create a massive rooftop solar-energy generating complex in the Inland Empire has come under fire from solar companies, industry trade groups and others who argue it would give Edison too much of a monopoly on California's solar market.

Scientists 'Listen' to Plants to Find Water Pollution

Scientists in Israel have discovered a new way to test for water pollution by "listening" to what the plants growing in water have to say. By shining a laser beam on the tiny pieces of algae floating in the water, the researchers said they hear sound waves that tell them the type and amount of contamination in the water.

Smog-Related Deaths Set to Soar in Canada - Report

Smog-related deaths are set to soar to more than 700,000 in Canada over the next two decades, the Canadian Medical Association said on Wednesday.

Software Predicts Electricity Output for Wind

There's a storm brewing, the wind speed is picking up and you're asking yourself: Just how much electricity will a particular wind park produce in the next five days?

SRP to settle complaint by installing air pollution controls

The owner and operator of a coal-fired power plant in St. Johns, Ariz., will install air pollution controls at an estimated cost of $400 million and pay a $950,000 civil penalty to settle a Clean Air Act complaint filed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Justice Department.

State funds 1st hydrogen fueling station in Hamden

New Haven, Conn. -- The state's first hydrogen fueling station will be parked at the public works garage...

Thirty Reasons Why Organizations Must Get Off Petroleum Now

Don't get me wrong -- I am very concerned about global warming and climate change. In the long run, that's one of the most serious challenges that humans face as a species. But in the short run, the world is no longer able to produce petroleum in sufficient volume to satisfy its demand

Top 10 US solar integrated utilities

The US Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) has announced a list of the top 10 utilities in the US with the most solar electricity integrated into their energy mix at the end of 2007.

U.S. helps fund hydrogen storage projects

The U.S. Department of Energy says it has selected 10 cost-shared hydrogen storage research projects that will receive up to $15.3 million.

U.S. Power Grid in Better Shape 5 Years After Blackout

"I can definitively say the events that led to the 2003 blackout are much less likely to occur," says Rick Sergel, head of the North American Electric Reliability Corp. (NERC), which enforces the new rules.

But there are still concerns:

US Arctic Oil May be LOST to the UN

“The Arctic may hold 90 billion barrels of oil, more than all the known reserves of Nigeria, Kazakhstan, and Mexico combined, and enough to supply U.S. demand for 12 years.” One would have thought Joe Carroll’s Bloomberg News report would have evoked some interest by the public and other media outlets. Instead, news of the U.S. Geological Survey was greeted mostly by a giant collective yawn.

US Leads in Wind Power Production, But Policy Uncertainty Weighs on Industry

U.S. wind farms now generate more electricity than those in any other nation in the world and are on track to expand by over 45% this year, but the looming expiration of the federal production tax credit (PTC) less than five months from now threatens this spectacular progress, AWEA said in its second quarter market report.

US Small wind grew 14% in 2007

The US small wind turbine market (<1kW-100kW) grew 14% and added 9.7 MW of new power generating capacity in 2007

US Wind Markets Surge to New Heights

On the back of three years of consistent growth, the US wind market is poised for a record-breaking surge with cumulative installed wind capacity to surpass 150 gigawatts (GW) by 2020

Xcel's wind power proved to be a July bargain

John Dunlop's electricity bill last month tilted toward windmills.

Dunlop, who orders 100 percent wind power from Xcel Energy, noticed that for the first time his alternative energy of choice was cheaper than the power company's standard fuel rate.

August 12, 2008

6 Utah Plants Help Fuel Rise in Geothermal Projects

Geothermal power projects are developing quickly across the country, with Utah playing a role.

Australia to stick with carbon trading plan despite economic pain

Australia plans to go ahead with carbon emissions trading proposals despite debates on its effectiveness in the scientific community, prime minister Kevin Rudd said in Singapore Tuesday.

Australian Aborigines Get Pristine Forest Back

Australia's largest remaining tract of tropical rainforest was handed back to traditional Aboriginal owners on Wednesday, reversing 30 years of state government opposition to indigenous control.

Bearish oil futures shake off Turkey pipeline blaze, storms

The oil market is bearish indeed, and it looks as though it will take a singularly massive event to change the mood.

BlueFire Ethanol Awarded Final Permits To Construct The Nation's First Commercial Cellulosic Ethanol Production Plant

The new facility will use BlueFire's commercially-ready, patented and proven Concentrated Acid Hydrolysis Technology Process. This will allow the profitable conversion of cellulosic waste ("Green Waste") into as much as 3.2 million gallons of cellulosic ethanol per year. Derived from non-foodstock urban, forestry and agricultural residues, this form of ethanol is a completely renewable and highly-economical alternative to gasoline and other types of ethanol.

CleanTech Biofuels To Begin Producing Renewable Electricity

"We look at the application of biomass co-fired with coal as the low hanging fruit that can be done commercially right now," said Ed Hennessey, CleanTech CEO. "Coal prices have increased dramatically in recent years and that has increased the value of the energy content in our biomass."

Coal still an important ingredient in Canada's energy mix

While coal-fired power generation remains an important component of Canada's energy industry, environmental concerns could limit its wider development, the National Energy Board (NEB) said today.

Consumer Credit Outstanding Hits $2.59 Trillion in June

The increase in consumer credit outstanding, particularly revolving credit, indicates consumers are relying on plastic more often to cover expenses – including rising prices for energy and food, Dennis Moroney

Creating solutions to a water crisis

''There is growing concern about the scarcity of water, and the need to save it, but in many countries, it's still taken for granted as something that pours out of the tap

Crude futures fall to 15-week lows on weak demand, strong dollar

Global crude futures fell to fresh 15-week lows Tuesday, on the back of
economic-growth concerns and strength in the US dollar, sources said.

EPA denies request to reduce Renewable Fuels Standard

Texas Gov. Rick Perry had asked the EPA to reduce by one-half the amount of ethanol and biodiesel that must be blended into petroleum fuel for sale. Perry argued the current mandate -- which requires 9 billion gallons of renewable fuel in 2008 and 11.1 billion gallons in 2009 -- was driving up food prices and harming Texas cattle ranchers who feed their herds corn, the primary feedstock for ethanol.

EU Solar Market Catching Fire

Europe's solar energy market may catch fire. Government subsidies there are playing a big part, all in an effort to help the continent reach its goal of increasing its renewable generation mix from 8 percent today to 20 percent by 2020.

Farmers in upstate New York want electric transmission line put underground

Farmers from the prime agricultural land in the town want the zoning law amended so any new electric transmission lines, such as the proposed line from the Galloo Island Wind Farm, must be below ground.

Forecasters See More Active 2008 Hurricane Season

The Atlantic hurricane season will be more active than forecasters first predicted, with up to 10 hurricanes expected to form, the US government's top climate agency predicted on Thursday

Georgian conflict puts energy security in the spotlight

The recent conflict between Russia and Georgia is not specifically about energy, but has major implications for energy security.

German survey sees rising power, coal, gas wholesale prices

Wholesale prices for electricity, coal and natural are expected to increase over the next six months as well as over a period of five years, a survey of 200 energy experts by German economics institute ZEW found Thursday.

GHG concerns may limit coal as power plant fuel in Canada; NEB

Coal-fired plants remain a key electricity source in Canada, accounting for 13% of installed generation capacity and 17% of the power produced in 2006, but environmental concerns "could limit its wider development," said a report that Canada's National Energy Board released Friday.

Government Action Wanted on Energy

A new national poll shows broad public support for government action in the face of $4-a-gallon gas and other energy concerns, giving Republicans a rare opening to go on the offensive against congressional Democrats and Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill.

High Emissions Reported at French Nuclear Plant

Radioactive gas emissions from a nuclear plant in southeast France were higher than normal in June and July but there was no threat to public safety, nuclear authorities said on Wednesday.

Home solar energy systems in Oregon become more cost-efficient

Rooftop solar electric systems often are associated with the rich or zealous -- a green privilege.

But sky-high energy prices, a degraded environment and new aggressive government policies are changing the who and the why -- so much that the field is getting level.

Honeywell International settles 30 years of violations

Honeywell International Inc. is paying a $5 million penalty and another $1 million for an environmental project to settle 30 years of environmental violations at its Phoenix airport facility, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality said.

Kern's Green Energy Boom; Firms Grabbing Land for Wind, Solar

While the high price of crude has sent local oil companies into a pumping frenzy, Kern County has quietly experienced another energy boom -- one that would make T. Boone Pickens proud.

Millions of consumers waiting for small wind revolution

BWEA welcomes the Carbon Trust’s recent report on small wind systems. There can now be little doubt that the UK is in a fantastic position to benefit from correctly sited small wind systems.

Nesquehoning to become solar power

...a 10.6 megawatt ground-mounted solar energy generating plant would be built on the site.

The facility will be the largest solar energy plant in Pennsylvania and one of the largest in the nation.

Dubbed "Pennsylvania Solar Park," the solar farm will generate enough electricity to power 1,450 homes and eliminate more than 320,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions (the equivalent of planting more than 25,000 acres of trees) within 30 years of operation.

NRC; Terrorist attack on VY plant unlikely

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has concluded that the likelihood of a terrorist attack on a nuclear power plant could cause a severe accident is "remote and speculative."

Power line foes to have a say

Victory may be a long shot, but Earl Hendrix is geared up for the fight.

For more than eight months, Hendrix, a 76-year-old Hoke County farmer, has been protesting Progress Energy's 230-kilovolt power line expected to run through 21 miles of private land in the county.

Power plant to invest in environment as part of settlement

The owners of a Wisconsin power plant embroiled in a three-year legal battle over its water intake structure will invest in renewable energy projects and other environmental programs as part of a settlement.

Power-line proposal concerns residents

An El Paso Electric Co. proposal to add as much as another 14 miles of transmission lines and build another substation on Las Cruces East Mesa has numerous residents concerned about the plans.

Quote of the Day 081108

"Real crude oil prices at the moment are much lower than nominal prices."
OPEC President Chakib Khelil said Sunday that oil prices were not realistic even as he urged member countries to stick with their crude output targets, Iranian oil ministry news agency Shana reported.

Quote of the Day 081208

"In terms of oil fundamentals, crude and product supply tightness has eased.Oil market fundamentals have changed in recent weeks with supply tightness in both crude and products easing and a slowdown in demand increasingly apparent, the International Energy Agency said Tuesday.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 081108

The visible solar disk was spotless. The geomagnetic field was quiet to unsettled. Solar wind speeds at ACE ranged from 580 to 640 km/s, due to the continued presence of a recurrent coronal hole high speed stream.

Republic Services to pay for Clean Water Act violations

The settlement will ensure effective long-term control of the landfill, which contains more than 49 million cubic yards of waste, according to the government. The remedy, which is expected to take two years to build, will be designed to withstand a 200-year storm and is expected to cost more than $36 million.

Sinking Pacific Nations Face Uncertain Games Future

For a handful of South Pacific athletes it may be now or never to take part in the Olympics because rising seas levels are causing their tiny island nations to sink and maybe one day disappear.

Six nuclear protesters arrested at North Anna plant visitors area

Olson said the protest was held because "we're trying to show visible opposition to the revival of nuclear power. Virginia Power appears poised to build another reactor at its North Anna plant.

Solar Energy Now More Cost Effective With Net Metering Approved in South Carolina

Solar energy has just become more cost effective in South Carolina as a result of a recent Public Service Commission order. Starting July 1, solar customers are now able to use net metering to offset their energy costs like customers in nearly all 50 states.

State says lessons didn't stick for utilities after outages in 2003

Five years ago Thursday, overgrown trees took five Ohio transmission lines out of service, triggering a blackout that swept the Midwest, Northeast and parts of Canada.

Tropical Downpours Worsening, Say Scientists

Tropical downpours are becoming more frequent and the trend seems worse than expected, bringing greater risks of flash floods, scientists said on Thursday.

Two TVA plants taken offline; financial effect not yet known

With TVA already experiencing unprecedented fuel costs and buying more power than ever from outside suppliers, two TVA nuclear plants have been taken offline and two more are operating at 50 percent capacity at the agency's Watts Bar and Browns Ferry sites.

U.S. retailers power up their rooftops

Giant chain stores in the United States are jumping into solar power, trying to beat a year-end deadline for a federal tax break, retailers said.

U.S. ship heads for Arctic to define territory

A U.S. Coast Guard cutter will embark on an Arctic voyage this week to determine the extent of the continental shelf north of Alaska and map the ocean floor, data that could be used for oil and natural gas exploration.

US DOE opens up $340 million in clean coal funding

The US Department of Energy on Monday opened up competition for $340
million in grants to industry that are designed to commercialize clean coal
technologies with no less than 90% carbon dioxide capture and underground
storage.

US gasoline demand may have peaked in 2007; IEA

US demand for gasoline may have peaked last year as sales of large cars
in the country continue to fall sharply and people are driving less because of
high oil prices, the International Energy Agency said Tuesday.

US retail gasoline price dips 7.1 cts, diesel off 14.3 cents; EIA

The average price of regular retail gasoline in the US declined by 7.1 cents, to $3.809/gal as of Monday, but remained $1.038/gal higher than the same time a year ago, the Energy Information Administration reported in its weekly survey.

US Says Submarine Leaked Radiation in 3 Japan Ports

A US nuclear-powered submarine which has steadily been leaking a small amount of radiation for over two years stopped at three Japanese ports, as well as Guam and Pearl Harbor, the United States and Japan said on Thursday.

Villagers Clash in Southwest China Over Pollution

Villagers in southwest China fought with workers from a cement plant, official media reported on Wednesday in another reminder that controls imposed ahead of the Olympics have failed to silence all dissent.

What will power Maine? Sources of electricity debated

As Maine weighs its future electricity needs, a debate has emerged over which sources will truly generate significant amounts of power and fulfill their promise of being environmentally friendly.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 081208

•Global crude futures fell to fresh 15-week lows Tuesday, on the back of economic-growth concerns and strength in the US dollar, sources said.

•"The macro inputs continue to prevail over micro inputs in the oil markets. The [ICE] Dollar Index continued to strengthen and pressured the main dollar commodities (oil and metals)

•The decline in prices comes against the backdrop of the Georgia-Russia conflict and last week's pipeline explosion on the 1 million b/d Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan crude pipeline in Turkey

White House rule would relax Endangered Species Act oversight

The proposal from the Department of the Interior would strip a provision
in the law that now requires that the US Fish and Wildlife Service examine
under all circumstances how local endangered plant and animal species are
affected by new projects.

Wind Power Development Tutorial to be Presented in October

Wind Power is growing 30% annually across North America. Infocast wants you to get up-to-date on the latest business models, innovative financing vehicles, and the role of RECs and RPS at the Wind Power Development Tutorial, October 22-24, 2008, Chicago, IL.

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Cost Soars 67%

The planned US nuclear waste dump at Yucca Mountain in Nevada will cost billions more than previously estimated due to a hike in the amount of waste it will have to dispose of and inflation, the Energy Department said Tuesday.

August 8, 2008

$12bn Thar Coal Project to be completed in three years, 1000MW electricity generation expected

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah Wednesday disclosed that $10-12billion Thar Coal Project to be completed within three years in collaboration with foreigner investors would generate and supply 1000MW electricity to Pakistan and India.

Alaska House approves $1,200 energy subsidy

The Alaska House of Representatives late Tuesday passed a nearly $1 billion spending bill that includes funding for a potential $1,200 "resource rebate" for Alaskans plus preparations toward a natural gas pipeline.

AWEA reports increase in wind power capacity for U.S.

The United States generates more electricity from wind than any other nation in the world, and development is on track to increase another 45 percent this year, according to the American Wind Energy Association´s second quarter market report.

AWWA Explores Cyber Security In The Water Industry

The modern control systems and communications technologies being used in the water industry have become cyber-vulnerable. The webcast will include an introduction to cyber security tools and solutions, and an overview of the "Roadmap to Secure Control Systems in the Water Sector."

Building Momentum to Go Green

Pressure is mounting on all businesses to cut their heat trapping emissions. It's particularly true of commercial buildings that are responsible for 38 percent of those releases. Awareness is growing. But confusion persists as to how to deal with the problem.

Carbon Emissions; Continuing Growth Despite International Efforts

According to the Worldwatch Institute's latest Vital Signs Update, global carbon emissions continue to increase rapidly despite international efforts to address climate change.

Common, EPA-OK'd insecticides causing health problems

More than a quarter of all significant pesticide-related health problems reported to the U.S. EPA in 2007 involved a class of insecticides deemed safe by the agency, says a new report from the Center for Public Integrity.

Daimler in battery trouble

Automotive OEM Daimler AG apparently is in trouble to keep the schedule for the production launch of its hybrid drive SUV ML450: The supplier for the NiMH batteries, US-based company Cobasys, has problems to manufacture the energy storage devices.

DOE to Pursue Zero-Net Energy Commercial Buildings

...two efforts both focus on DOE's ongoing efforts to develop marketable Zero-Net Energy Commercial Buildings, buildings that use cutting-edge efficiency technologies and on-site renewable energy generation to offset their energy use from the electricity grid by 2025.

Energy-freedom panel stands empty

Neither President Bush nor Congress has acted to appoint members to a commission intended to boost U.S. energy independence in the three years since Congress enacted a law establishing the panel.

During that time, oil prices have more than doubled to $125 per barrel from $60, and the price of a gallon of gasoline has increased from about $2.25 to nearly $4.

ENSO-neutral conditions are expected to continue through the Northern Hemisphere Fall 2008

ENSO-neutral conditions continued during July 2008, as sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the central equatorial Pacific Ocean remained near-average. As is typical with ENSO-neutral conditions, atmospheric and oceanic indicators were mixed, with certain areas in the equatorial Pacific Ocean suggesting a lingering influence of La Niña and others reflecting an increase in above-average temperatures, particularly in the eastern Pacific.

EPA Continues Work To Understand Potential Impacts Of Pharmaceuticals In Water

EPA is seeking more information on the practices of the health care industry to inform future potential regulatory actions, and identify best management and proper disposal practices.

Exelon says there is enough water

A nuclear plant wouldn't come to town without the assurance of a water supply, Exelon Nuclear staffers said...."All nuclear plants use a lot of water, but they don't consume a lot of water," Harris said, adding the plant will recycle its waste water. The nature of the plant's design condenses the steam used to spin the turbines back into water for further use.

Govt power projects on target to avoid outages

Kuwait Times --Minister of Oil, Electricity and Water Mohammed Al-Olaim admitted yesterday that the state faces power problems, but explained the ministry was on-track with a slew of costly energy-related infrastructure improvements

Gov't seeks to cut peak power demand 15 percent by 2015; The plan includes payments to large consumers for saving electricity

Tel Aviv, Israel--Sources inform "Globes" that the Ministry of National Infrastructures and the Public Utilities Authority (Electricity) have begun formulating a new plan to reduce anticipated electricity demand and cut peak demand by up to 15 percent by 2015.

Is Your Organic Food Really Organic?

When you buy food with a "USDA organic" label, do you know what you're getting? Now is a good time to ask such a question, as the USDA just announced Monday it was putting 15 out of 30 federally accredited organic certifiers they audited on probation, allowing them 12 months to make corrections or lose their accreditation. At the heart of the audit for several certifiers were imported foods and ingredients from other countries, including China.

McCain Wants Coal to Play a Big Role in U.S. Energy

John McCain thinks West Virginia coal must play a critical role in resolving the nation's energy crisis and that the best way to pull the state out of the doldrums is to enhance America's overall economy, says a campaign aide.

Meridian Asked to Ease Wind Farm Fears

The regional council has asked the company to address concerns about sediment discharges and stream works associated with building a 19.4-kilometre roading network.

Mexico & Agaves; Moving from Tequila to Ethanol

With a history that stretches well back into pre-Columbian times, certain varieties of the Agave family are beginning to capture the attention of investors and researchers interested in indigenous plants and trees in countries around the world that are not used to produce food and have attributes that make them prospective sources of ethanol.

New nuclear plants can compete with fossil capacity

Despite projected high capital costs, new nuclear units in the US could produce electricity at a cost that is competitive with coal- and natural gas-fired generation, but federal loan guarantees and "supportive state policies" are "essential," the Nuclear Energy Institute said Wednesday in a report.

NYMEX crude drops as US dollar surges to five-month high

NYMEX front-month crude futures on the CME's Globex system were $1.86/barrel lower at $118.16/b Friday as the US dollar surged to a five-month high.

Oak Ridge Lab Converting to Biomass

The Department of Energy research facility has long studied energy conservation and alternative fuels. Now it will put that knowledge into practice with an $89 million renovation of its 1950s- era steam plant.

Oil demand 'collapse' needed to avert supply crunch; report

World oil demand needs to collapse in the next five or ten years if an oil supply crunch is to be averted, a new report from Chatham House, the Royal
Institute of International Affairs, warned Friday.

PG&E to Test Electric Car

Pacific Gas & Electric and Southern California Edison will begin testing the electric i MiEV in October.

Who better to test an electric car than an electric utility?

Power Line Fight Not Over; Sierra Club Says It Will Appeal to State Supreme Court

The fight over a $1.1 billion transmission line across northern West Virginia is far from over, despite a wholehearted endorsement of the line from the state Public Service Commission.

Register online for alternative-energy fund

Homeowners and businesses seeking new ways to produce and conserve energy can register online for updates on the state's new $650 million Alternative Energy Investment Fund.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 080708

No flares were observed during the past 24 hours. The geomagnetic field is
expected to be unsettled with a chance of active periods for day one (08 August). Unsettled to active conditions are expected for day two (09 August), with mostly unsettled conditions expected for day three (10 August).

SDG&E Earns No. 4 Ranking Among U.S. Utilities for Installed Solar Power

Today, 6 percent of SDG&E's energy-resource mix comes from renewable resources such as wind, solar, biomass and geothermal.

The Rubber Band Snaps at 140 USD-Per-Barrel

If we take a flashback view on “official forecasts” from one year ago – in June 2007 – the unreality of those Cheap Oil Hopes jump from the page. While the OECD’s IEA is mutating quite fast into a Peak Oil friendly organization, able to admit that future oil supplies will not meet likely or probable demand, the US EIA and other diehards, ironically including the OPEC Secretariat and its far out underestimates of world oil demand growth, have not yet made that cultural revolution.

U.S. EPA Helps Green' Humboldt County

"Pilot projects are providing sustainable assessment, cleanup, and redevelopment at properties throughout the country," added Strassmaier. "This particular grant is especially exciting because it not only builds on the work done with prior EPA Brownfields assessment grants, but creates a green framework for redeveloping the area.

US uranium production down 17% in first-half 2008

US uranium production in first-half 2008 dropped 17% to 1,883,504 lb
from 2,282,273 lb during first-half 2007,

US Weather Commentary 080708

While every Season is as unique as a snowflake, the only years in recent history that even come close to doing cumulative justice to the historic warm East Coast Summer of 2008, are a blend of 2005 + 1999.  The only years in recent history that even come close to doing cumulative justice to the historic warm Texas/South-Central Summer of 2008, are a blend of 2005 + 1998:

Washington County Schools Prepare To Implement Climate Change Curriculum

After an in-service training session last week, some Washington County, Va., school teachers are preparing to implement a curriculum on climate change and environmental stewardship.

Water Advocates Speak Out for Improved Sanitation

Hindu leaders are threatening massive protests unless if the government takes action to improve the water quality of the sacred Ganges River. ...In hopes of improving the river's fate, a coalition of Hindu spiritual leaders, environmental scientists, and water advocates is threatening the Indian government with large-scale protests if sanitation controls are not soon improved.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 080808

•Crude futures fell in early European trading Friday, weighed down by bearish technicals and demand, and strength in the US dollar, sources said. "The demand picture and bearish technicals are behind the move," a London-based broker said.

•The US Dollar Index on ICE hit a five-month high against the euro at $1.5139 in early European trading, following the ECB's interest rate announcement on Thursday, when it left rates unchanged at 4.25%.

Wind Energy Could Provide 28% of EU Electricity by 2030

According to the SRA, wind energy could cover 12-14% of the EU’s electricity consumption by 2020, with a total installed capacity of 180 gigawatts (GW). This could increase to 22-28% of consumption and 300 GW by 2030.

Wind Energy Development Path Cleared in South Texas

Babcock & Brown's wind farm on the Texas Gulf Coast, which will provide enough clean and renewable energy to power 80,000 Texas homes, will be completed and operational later this year.

Wind farm could blow cash into the county

A Conneaut wind farm could produce a tax windfall for the city, schools and Ashtabula County, City Council learned at a Monday night work session

Wind Power Helps Propel 25-Percent Increase in Net Income for Alliant Energy

In spite of major problems related to severe spring floods in its Iowa service territory, Alliant Energy Corp. reported a 25 percent increase in net income in the second quarter over the same period last year.

And the Madison utility holding company's wind power development arm, WindConnect, is responsible for much of that.

August 5, 2008

11 cities seeking places to raise wind turbines; A focus on renewable energy is spurring wind energy projects from Anoka to East Grand Forks

Residents in Anoka and 10 other cities across the state could soon be looking up to the whipping blades of a wind turbine towering over their communities.

48 State Governors Urge Congress to Renew PTC/ITC

Governors from 48 US states have called on the US Congress to extend federal tax credits considered critical of the development of US renewable energy.

Beijing Bathes in Blue Skies as Pollution Falls

Olympic host city Beijing was bathed in blue skies on Sunday as official pollution levels stayed low while late-summer heat climbed five days before the Games open.

City Opposes Green Power Initiative

The city is opposing a green power initiative on November's ballot that would mandate that a set percentage of a utility's power be generated with renewable power.

EPA OKs Air Permit for Massive Navajo Coal Plant

The president of the Navajo Nation said that US environmental regulators approved a final air permit on Thursday for a proposed 1,500 megawatt coal-fired power plant in New Mexico, considered an important step in moving the US$3 billion to US$4 billion project forward.

French scientists solve paradox about lithium batteries

...said they can explain why lithium iron phosphate, to be used in future lithium batteries, conducts electricity despite being an insulating material.

Illinois senator to keep blocking US DOE nominees over coal plant

An Illinois lawmaker said Friday he will continue to prevent US Senate confirmation of President Bush's nominees for Department of Energy positions as long as the agency refuses to reconsider its decision not to build a 275-MW clean coal plant and carbon storage project in the state he represents.

Incredible injustice for indigenous women

In many creation stories, a woman was the first being to walk Mother Earth. In honor and reverence of this first woman, all matters of import were bestowed upon her daughters and granddaughters. Throughout history, indigenous women bore and supported life, tended to sustenance and medicines, brought forth leaders and themselves led nations. And so it is a sorrowful time, then, when we are confronted with painful reminders of a long history of the subjugation of indigenous peoples by systematically degrading women.

Lawmakers to Big Oil; Invest in Alternative Energy

Congressional Democrats on Thursday urged big oil companies to invest more of their record profits into boosting US oil production and developing renewable energy instead of buying back their own stock.

McCain; Congress Should Reconvene to Deal With Energy

Speaking in Montgomery County today, Republican presidential candidate John McCain called on Congress to return from its summer recess to deal with the nation's energy crisis.

And he urged his Democratic opponent, Barack Obama, to join him in that call.

Miles Per Kilowatt

The electric car has been quietly rolling down the road for more than a hundred years, but it's never picked up much momentum. And once gas-powered cars sported mufflers and no longer frightened the neighbors out of their wits, electric cars lost their quiet advantage to the greater range and power of the internal combustion engine.

NRG agrees to lower its pollution

A coal-fired power plant planned for Jewett, Texas, won't increase the facility's total air pollution under an agreement announced Monday between NRG Energy Inc. and two key environmental groups.

Obama says US should sell 70 mil barrels of SPR crude in swap

US Senator Barack Obama Monday called for expanded oil drilling in the
US, but only as a part of a broader compromise designed to boost renewable
fuels and low-carbon energy sources in the coming decades.

Platinum futures price crashes under $1,600oz in New York

Platinum plummeted again in New York, with the active contract crashing
under $1,600/oz for the first time since January 24 on a steady dollar and
ongoing concerns about physical demand for the metal in the automotive sector.

Plutonium Leak Contained at Ageing IAEA Laboratory

A small amount of plutonium has leaked from an ageing International Atomic Energy Agency laboratory outside Vienna, but radioactive contamination has not reached the environment and no one was injured, the UN watchdog said.

Power Line Fight Not Over; Sierra Club Says It Will Appeal to State Supreme Court

The fight over a $1.1 billion transmission line across northern West Virginia is far from over, despite a wholehearted endorsement of the line from the state Public Service Commission.

Record Heat Forces Closure of Canada Arctic Park

A major national park in Canada's Arctic has been largely closed after record high temperatures caused flooding that washed away hiking trails and forced the evacuation of tourists, an official said on Friday.

Senate 'Gang of Ten' Forges Compromise Energy Bill Before August Recess

A bipartisan group of Senators calling themselves the ""gang of 10" were finally able to package a compromise bill on Friday aimed at breaking the persistent deadlock in the Senate over energy issues.

Texas Builders Working To Prevent Storm Water Pollution

Keeping Texas waterways free of storm water pollution is the goal behind an agreement signed recently by the Texas Association of Builders (TAB), Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and Environmental Protection Agency.

Texas just misses power use record, remains under 'power watch'

The state's peak electricity demand today fell just short of a record today, as clouds moderated Houston temperatures. But Texas power customers remain under a "power watch" encouraging reduced usage until 7 p.m.

The Global Leadership Vacuum

The G8 Summit in Japan last month was a painful demonstration of the pitiful state of global cooperation. The world is in deepening crisis. Food prices are soaring. Oil prices are at historic highs. The leading economies are entering a recession. Climate change negotiations are going around in circles. Aid to the poorest countries is stagnant, despite years of promised increases. And yet in this gathering storm it was hard to find a single real accomplishment by the world's leaders

U.S. Cities Try 4-Day Workweek to Save Energy

Many Americans are looking for new ways to save money, due to the rising price of gas. With nine out of ten Americans driving to their jobs ' about three-quarters of them alone in the car ' and many more on the road for work, one solution gaining popularity is the four-day workweek.

Untouched Forests Store 3 Times More Carbon - Study

Untouched natural forests store three times more carbon dioxide than previously estimated and 60 percent more than plantation forests, said a new Australian study of "green carbon" and its role in climate change.

US Presidential Candidates on Energy Issues

With US crude oil prices hitting record levels above US$147 a barrel before retreating and retail gasoline pump prices topping US$4 a gallon, energy is a a major issue in the 2008 US presidential contest.

US Submarine Radiation Leak Raises Concern in Japan

Water containing a small amount of radiation leaked from a US nuclear-powered submarine that stopped by Japan earlier this year, the US Navy and Japanese government said on Saturday, prompting calls by civic groups for full disclosure.

Water Refineries?

Using a surprisingly simple, inexpensive technique, chemists have found a way to pull pure oxygen from water using relatively small amounts of electricity, common chemicals and a room-temperature glass of water.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 080508

•The global crude oil futures complex continued to fall Tuesday with both ICE Brent and NYMEX WTI contracts losing $3/barrel in early European trading. The bearish mood comes amid news of a US consumer spending slowdown and fresh reports of an increase in oil production, but the speed of the downturn has been largely attributable to sell stops being activated at key support levels, market sources said.

•In currency markets, the ICE US Dollar Index reached a six-week high at 73.828 in earlier European trading, ahead of the US Federal Reserve's interest rate announcement later in the day. Rate are expected to remain at 2%.

With wind farms, concerns about 'slaughter' of bats, birds

"I am not against wind energy," Williams said. "I just think that there are better places for it. Am I fighting a losing battle? Maybe, but at least when it's said and done, I can say I fought it."

August 1, 2008

Anheuser-Busch plants to run on 15% renewable energy

One in seven Anheuser-Busch Companies Inc. beers will be brought to you by renewable energy by the end of 2009, according to the company.

Arctic Ice Bigger Than 2007, But Thawing Long-Term

Arctic sea ice is unlikely to shrink below a 2007 record low this year in a reprieve from the worst predictions of climate change even though new evidence confirms a long-term thaw is under way, experts said.

Australia to Stage Clean Energy Mission at Beijing Olympics

The Minister for Trade, Simon Crean, said on Thursday the Clean Energy Mission would provide a platform for Australia's expertise in renewable energy to connect with the potential of the Chinese market.

Caged Hens Spark Battle Over Eggs in California

What do hens want, and how do humans know?


That's the issue at the heart of a fierce battle looming in California between animal rights campaigners and egg producers over the welfare of caged hens that could crack the state's US$300 million egg production industry.

California to Sue EPA on Greenhouse Gas Emissions

California will sue the US Environmental Protection Agency for "wantonly" ignoring its duty to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from ships, aircraft, and construction and agricultural equipment, state Attorney General Jerry Brown said on Wednesday.

Chile to be site of Latin America's biggest wind farm

Spain's Grupo Enhol energy firm and Chilean developer Haciendas Talinay announced Wednesday that they plan to spend more than $1 billion building Latin America's largest wind farm in this Andean nation.

Confessions of a presumed terrorist

There is something peculiarly impersonal about the modern lack of privacy. I remember when I was a traffic court judge intervening for an Indian who was born on the reservation and had no birth certificate and was being denied a driver's license. I don't think I could swing that today, judge or not. I can't even put my money in a bank.

Consumer Advocate Says Save-A-Watt is Bad Deal

In a hearing before the N.C. Utilities Commission in Raleigh, energy consultant Richard Spellman denounced Save-a-Watt as an overpriced proposal that would deliver minimal efficiency to customers. Spellman has said that under Save-a-Watt, a compact fluorescent light bulb that costs $1.65 at Wal-Mart would end up costing Duke's customers $18.23.

Cost doubts assail new nuclear growth

On paper the case for new nuclear in Europe is as compelling today as it was during the 1970s oil crisis, indeed more so because of new imperatives to control CO2 emissions.
Until CO2 regulations are set in stone well beyond 2020 a nuclear revival of substance is doubtful.

Court hears arguments over proposed Muhlenberg plant

For their part, lawyers for the Sierra Club argued the lower court had ruled properly to deny Thoroughbred an air emissions permit, saying the proposed plant's pollution controls were recognized as insufficient by the lower court judge.

DOE to Provide $36 Million to Advance Carbon Dioxide Capture

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced today that it will provide $36 million for 15 projects aimed at furthering the development of new and cost-effective technologies for the capture of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the existing fleet of coal-fired power plants.

Dominion gets first permit for fly-ash dump

The intense environmental debate over a proposed power plant in Wise County in southwest Virginia turned on Tuesday from air pollution to fly ash.

Dominion to continue to run Massachusetts coal-, oil-fired plant

Dominion on Thursday said it plans to continue to operate a 745-MW coal-
and oil-fired power plant it owns near Salem, Massachsuetts, adding that it
believes it can economically meet new state and regional emissions
restrictions scheduled to take effect in the next several years.

Drilling amendment to spending bill in US Congress seen as likely

Though Democratic leaders in the US Congress have managed to avoid it so far, they may be forced to hold a vote on offshore oil and natural gas drilling before October 1, it emerged Thursday

Dry Lake Wind Project Assessment Continues

"The BLM supports renewable energy development on public lands," said BLM Safford Field Manager Scott Cooke. "At the same time we must ensure that all environmental and socioeconomic concerns are addressed in our analysis, and this takes time."

EPA Determines Regulation Not Needed For 11 Potential Drinking Water Contaminants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has made a final determination not to regulate 11 contaminants on the second drinking water contaminant candidate list (CCL 2).

Farmers can cut carbon for cash

It's like a commodity you can't see or feel.

But it's still worth cash

Ford Shifts Towards Smaller, More Fuel-Efficient Cars

Ford Motor Company announced last week that it will accelerate its plans to transform itself into a maker of smaller and more fuel-efficient cars, changing both its North American manufacturing plans and its lineup of vehicles available in the United States.

Freedmen gain a partial victory in appeals court

The District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals on July 29 delivered a partial victory for the voting rights of Cherokee freedmen, as well as unvarnished triumphs for tribal sovereignty and sovereign immunity from lawsuits.

Fuel Cells for Portable Electronics, and Beyond

As fuel cells enter the portable electronics market, they will create opportunities for other businesses. With such a broad array of portable electronics on the market, the solution is not necessarily one-size-fits-all.

Govt. program to target improvement of West Coast water

The plan commits the three states to collaborate closely with federal agencies, as well as ocean users, academic institutions, the public and other regional entities on 26 bold actions to meet seven priority goal areas related to ocean protection.

Green group touts Al Gore's clean energy goal

The head of a group founded by Al Gore told lawmakers on Thursday that the former vice president's goal of generating all U.S. electricity from clean, renewable sources within 10 years is ambitious but attainable.

Grids ready for solar

...a working group of ten institutes from seven countries developed a comprehensive online-portal for the integration of PV systems in urban settlements and buildings, including a database with exemplary systems...

Interstate Transmission Superhighways; Paving the Way to a Low-carbon Future

Imagine, for a moment, that today's Interstate superhighway system did not exist. Coast-to-coast delivery time for all sorts of goods we take for granted, from automobiles to asparagus, would take much longer and cost substantially more. Some goods might even be priced out of reach.

Across the country, hundreds of wind projects comprising tens of thousands of wind turbines are on hold because no one wants to step forward and pay for upgrades that will primarily benefit others.

Investor Confidence in US Capital Markets Declines Due to Energy Costs, Weak Dollar and Home Foreclosures

Although investors are less confident in the U.S. capital markets than they were a year ago, 70 percent or more continue to voice confidence in the markets and U.S. companies in general,..

MIT claims 24/7 solar power

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have combined a liquid catalyst with photovoltaic cells to achieve what they claim is a solar energy system that could generate electricity around the clock.

A liquid catalyst was added to water before electrolysis to achieve what the researchers claim is almost 100-percent efficiency.

New coal plants threaten EU carbon scheme; UK thinktank

The EU Emissions Trading Scheme--Europe's flagship program to cut greenhouse gas emissions--is in danger of collapsing if new coal-fired power plants are built across the continent, according to the UK think-tank, the Institute for Public Policy Research.

NRDC reports hike in beach closings, advisories for 2007

American beaches saw the second most closing and advisory days due to sewage spills and overflows in 18 years, according to a report released by the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Nuclear loan guarantees 'undersized'; Goldman Sachs banker

At $18.5 billion, the US Department of Energy's loan guarantee program
for new nuclear reactors is "undersized," John Gilbertson, a managing director
at investment bank Goldman Sachs said Thursday.

That would only be enough for about three new reactors,..

Public Utilities Urged to Adapt Solar Programs; Shifting Away From Rebate Model

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities voted Wednesday to require three of the state's electric utilities to develop programs to strengthen the state's solar energy program in a post-rebate era.

Renewing the Fight for Renewables

My new book, A Declaration of Energy Independence, describes a poignant moment in June of 1979 when President Jimmy Carter dedicated an array of thermal solar panels on the roof of the White House, set a national goal of 20 percent of energy coming from renewables by 2000 and advocated multiple programs to achieve his ambitious objective.

Renewing Urban Communities through Renewable Energy

"The real-world experience the youth gained from installing a 2kw system is invaluable," says Dailey. "Not only are our students better prepared for meaningful jobs in the solar industry, they are actively engaged in making positive contributions to green their community."

Scientists Search For Answers From The Carbon In The Clouds

An aerosol mass spectrometer developed by chemists from Aerodyne Research Inc. and Boston College is giving scientists who study airborne particles the technology they need to examine the life cycles of atmospheric aerosols – such as soot – and their impact on issues ranging from climate change to public health.

Solar group slams Congress over failed tax credit bill

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) slammed the U.S. Senate for failing to pass a critical solar bill that would extend an investment tax credit.

Solar inverter market to grow 40%

According to IMS Research, the global solar inverter market is projected to grow by more than 40% in 2008 driven primarily by continued strong demand from both Germany and Spain.

Spain Sees 1 Mln Electric Cars in Energy Plan

Spain's government aims to have 1 million electric cars on the roads by 2014 as part of a plan to cut energy consumption and dependence on expensive imports, Industry Minister Miguel Sebastian said on Tuesday.

The Death of the Globalization Consensus

The world economy has seen globalization collapse once already. The gold standard era—with its free capital mobility and open trade—came to an abrupt end in 1914 and could not be resuscitated after World War I. Are we about to witness a similar global economic breakdown?

Three US Senators Call for EPA Chief to Resign

Democratic senators called on Tuesday for the resignation of Stephen Johnson, head of the US Environmental Protection Agency, saying he sided with polluters instead of fighting global warming and other ecological problems.

Tidal feeds electricity to grid

What is said to be the world’s first commercial-scale tidal turbines in Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland, has delivered electricity onto the grid for the first time.

Trade Failure Clouds Climate Talks and Beyond

The collapse of world trade talks deals such a blow to international negotiations that the prospect of agreeing effective solutions to global warming or the spread of nuclear weapons seems more remote than ever.

U.S. Utilities Advance Solar Projects

Several major U.S. utility companies may accelerate plans to integrate solar power into their electricity mix following a fact-finding trip to Germany.

UK government seriously considering windfall tax; reports

The UK government is seriously considering levying a windfall tax on energy companies, according to UK media reports.

US Bill Renewing Clean Energy Credits Fails Vote

US legislation extending renewable energy and energy-efficiency tax credits failed a key procedural vote Wednesday and lawmakers will now set the bill aside, at least temporarily

US DOE aids research to cut water use in coal power plants

The US Department of Energy plans to award nearly $8.8 million to 10
projects designed to use water more efficiently to cool large coal-fired power
plants, the agency said Tuesday.

US PTC stalemate

 The battle over funding for the US Production Tax Credit (PTC) is still in a stalemate following the 4 July recess...The PTC is set to expire at the end of the year, and although the Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (Democrats) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnel (Republicans) agree the PTC should be extended, no agreement can be reached on how to fund it.

US' Vaalco sees first oil from Gabon's Ebouri field in December

Houston-based Vaalco Friday said it has completed the installation of the
production platform at its Ebouri field offshore Gabon with first oil
production expected in December 2008 at an initial rate of 4,000 to 6,000 b/d.

US Weather Commentary 073008

US$30.5bn loan guarantees from DoE

The projects must employ advanced energy technologies that “avoid, reduce or sequester air pollutants or greenhouse gas emissions”, and the solicitations are in the areas of: energy efficiency, renewable energy and advanced transmission and distribution technologies

What's Moving the Oil Markets 080108

•Crude futures continued to fall Friday, led by the deteriorating demand situation in the US, sources said. "The focus is on weak US demand," one analyst said.

•"The bearish fundamentals and technicals are reasserting themselves after a mid-week rally," a London-based broker said.

Wind energy farm signs up SRP; Utility agrees to buy electricity from planned project

Salt River Project has agreed to purchase electricity from Arizona's first wind energy farm to be built about 18 miles northwest of Snowflake.

World Bank Struggles to Prioritize Sustainability

Although the world's largest multinational financer has heightened its focus on mitigating environmental degradation and climate change in recent years, the institution places uneven emphasis on the economic benefits of environmental preservation, the assessment revealed.