News 2008:

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World CO2 since 1750 (cubic feet)

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February 29, 2008

A 69 year old Ken-ichi Horie attempts to ‘wave power’ his way in to history

The Japanese sailor is planning a solo 4,350 mile trip from Hawaii to Japan using the most advanced wave powered boat on the planet. If successful, the trip would earn him a Guinness record while simultaneously proving the viability of wave powered propulsion.

A Windy Evolution

Whether these, and the Commission's overall aim of boosting the European Union's (EU) consumption of renewable energies to 20 per cent by 2020, can be met, is a matter of much debate. Nevertheless, what is clear is that to get anywhere near these figures requires a significant expansion in what was the power generating technology that saw the largest growth in Europe in 2007: wind power.

Alstom, EPRI, We Energies Launch Innovative Pilot Project to Capture CO2

The first pilot project that uses chilled ammonia to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from coal-fueled power plants is expected to commence operation this week, according to an announcement today from Alstom, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and We Energies.

Are you ready for ecodesign?

So questions of design will not only be issues of performance versus cost but may involve additional cost for the sake of reaching mandatory environmentally-oriented benchmarks. This is also likely to extend to a requirement placed upon vendors to "educate" users through documentation put out with products.

Betting on Batteries (Part2)

...kilogram for kilogram, modern cells are the most space- and mass-efficient portable sources of electrical energy to which we have ready access. One possible cause for their poor reputation is that we tend to think of them as voltage sources–a role they play rather poorly. But as energy sources with unregulated voltage outputs they are more attractive ...

Big Oil May Strike Out With Next US President

Oil and gas companies for years have pushed for drilling access on more US government lands, but they could be left out in the cold under the next American president when it comes to getting new acres to explore for energy.

BP May Sell Off Its Green Energy Interests

BP today indicated it could put its $7 billion wind and solar energy businesses up for sale.

In a startling volte-face from the "Beyond Petroleum" future envisaged by his predecessor Lord Browne, chief executive Tony Hayward today signalled green energy will no longer be a BP priority.

BP says mulling future of alternative energy business

BP is considering ways to "realize the value" of its alternative energy business, which includes its wind, solar and biofuels investments, CEO Tony Hayward said Wednesday.

Breeze Falters for Wind Turbine Maker

The 2007 results slightly beat market expectations, but shares in the Copenhagen-based company plummeted 8.6% as a five percentage point drop in the firm's global market share, to 23%, took many analysts by surprise.

Britain Urged To Replace VAT With Environment Taxes

The British government should replace VAT, a European Union-regulated tax on goods and services, with environmental taxes to encourage green products, an environmental lobby group said on Thursday.

Carbon Targets Will Cost Us EUR 2.6bn

The carbon emissions target set for Ireland by the EU will result in the closure of factories as well as adding EUR 2.6billion a year to the countrys energy bill, industry figures warned last night.

China, U.S. to talk energy in Gig Harbor

The United States and China, the two biggest energy users and emitters of greenhouse gas, will hold high-level talks in Washington state this weekend aimed at furthering cooperation on energy and clean technology, Sen. Maria Cantwell said Tuesday.

China's Guangdong prepares for more power shortage in 2008--report

China's southern economic powerhouse Guangdong province is gearing up for an expected power supply crunch this year with a series of measures, including the possibility of suspending electricity supplies to high-consumption industries, the official China Daily reported Friday.

Clean Energy Investment Near $150 Bln In 2007 – Study

Global investment in clean energy technologies soared 60 percent last year to $148.4 billion, London-based researchers New Energy Finance said on Thursday.

Crude futures drift off record highs on profit-taking

Crude futures drifted lower in European morning trading Friday as market players took profits following further record highs earlier in Asian trading. Also, a rebound in the US Dollar Index which the crude market has been tracking closely forced prices to turn lower.

Culver energy plan calls for 'green-collar' jobs

Culver called for establishing a renewable energy standard of 25 percent by 2025 and an energy efficiency standard of 1.5 percent per year. He also wants to create a state board on energy efficiency standards for residential, commercial and industrial buildings.

'Energy Legislation Vital for a Greener and More Prosperous Future'--Pelosi

"This bill repeals those subsidies and invests in the clean renewable energy that will put us on a path toward energy security and energy independence in a fiscally responsible way -- by repealing subsidies only to Big Oil companies already making record profits.

EPA Recognizes Citi Among Nation's Leading Green Power Purchasers

As part of its commitment to sustainable business practices, today Citi announced that it has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its leading green power purchase and participation in the Agency's Fortune 500 Green Power Challenge.

EU Ambassador Calls for Further Carbon Sequestration Push

There is no doubt that coal burning has an impact on the climate. But my message to Governor Freudenthal and other State officials is not that they need to stop producing coal. Coal is such a cheap source of energy that it is unrealistic for us to scrap it in favor of other energy sources.

Exxon Mobil Appeals $2.5 Bln Valdez Oil Spill Award

Exxon Mobil Corp urged the US Supreme Court on Wednesday to overturn the $2.5 billion in punitive damages for the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill off Alaska, arguing it should not be punished for the mistakes of the ship's captain.

Fire Hall packed with those seeking answers for energy concerns

Representatives from the wind development company Iberdrola gathered in the fire hall Friday evening to educate the community about the impact of possible wind energy towers.

Florida to begin outage investigation Monday, will take 'months'

Florida Reliability Coordinating Council President and CEO Sarah Rogers said Thursday that an FRCC-led "event analysis team" will hold its first meeting on Monday March 3 as the starting point for a thorough, months-long analysis...

FP&L Turkey Point nuclear units remain shut down, US NRC reports

Florida Power & Light's units 3 and 4 at its Turkey Point power plant are shut down following a transmission grid disturbance on Tuesday, the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission said Wednesday morning in its reactor status report.

Global Green Light for Renewable Energy

According to attendees and exhibitors at the Renewable Energy World Conference and Expo North America (formerly Power-Gen Renewable Energy and Fuels), entering the renewable energy marketplace is a business imperative that cannot be overlooked as renewables quickly become a solid part of the complete energy mix.

Gold hits record high of $964oz on COMEX

Gold prices have soared to new heights on the COMEX Wednesday morning while silver prices hit 28-year high on the back of record-level crude oil prices and a record low US dollar. Investors continue to seek refuge in gold.

Granholm says Michigan is a renewable energy 'backwater'

Gov. Jennifer Granholm said Michigan is "a backwater" in promoting renwable energy such as wind power, and called on lawmakers to quickly approve legislation requiring the state to generate 25% of its electric power from renewable sources by 2025

Green Britain Gears Up for Climate Change Battle

The goal is ambitious: to install 33 gigawatts (GW) of wind power capacity in the next ten years to supply electricity to 25 million homes.

Hydrokinetic Permits Abound Despite Objections

The nation's first hydrokinetic pilot project proposal has come in an unexpected place -- the Yukon River.

"Our studies show that hydrokinetics has the long-term potential of providing about 10 percent of our current U.S. electricity consumption."

IEA Commends U.S. for Action on Renewables

“The U.S. has made good progress on the way to a more sustainable energy system and successfully demonstrated its ability to react to supply disruptions,” said IEA head Nobuo Tanaka...

International Poll Shows Low Support for Renewables Premium

An international opinion poll shows consumers are unwilling to pay the additional cost for renewable energy.

Loss Of Wind Causes Texas Power Grid Emergency

A drop in wind generation late Tuesday, coupled with colder weather, triggered an electric emergency that caused the Texas grid operator to cut service to some large customers, the grid agency said Wednesday.

Mercury Rules Thrown Out

Coal plants are taking even more shots. The latest salvo is coming from a U.S. Court of Appeals that says that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency illegally removed those facilities from a list of hazardous pollution sources that must comply with air rules to cut mercury emissions.

NERC chief applauds Florida restoration efforts

North American Electric Reliability Corp. CEO Rick Sergel on February 27 applauded the efforts on February 26 by Florida utilities to restore power after a system disturbance in south Florida led to the loss of about 12 power plants, 26 transmission lines and cut power to millions of customers.

Nevada Told to Take Yucca Mountain Money

Ty Cobb told a gathering of Reno business and political leaders that some money from a $27.1 billion national fund to construct the repository could be given to the state.

New Mexico to require utilities to meet 10% efficiency standard

Electric and gas utilities in New Mexico must begin meeting new energy efficiency standards under legislation that Governor Bill Richardson is expected to sign into law later Wednesday that also would allow financial incentives for utilities on cost-effective programs.

NRDC-- 32 Coal-Fired Power Plants in 13 States Now Up in the Air After Major Court Ruling on Mercury

The prospects for 32 coal-fired power plants in 13 states have been shaken up in the wake of a February 8, 2008 federal appeals court ruling that requires each new coal-fired power plant in the U.S. to adopt stringent toxic air pollution control measures meeting the most rigorous standards under the Clean Air Act, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRD).

Ocean Cooling May Solve Antarctic Mystery

Fossil evidence of a cooling of the oceans 35 million years ago may have solved a mystery about how Antarctica froze over in one of the big climate shifts in Earth's history, scientists said on Thursday.

Only Austria, Denmark meet carbon deadline – EU

Just two countries have so far met a deadline on Thursday to allocate to their industry permits to emit carbon dioxide, the European Union's executive Commission said, likely delaying a 2008 carbon spot market.

Paulson on the US Economy and Housing Sector

Let's put this in perspective: 93% of mortgages are paid on time. Less than 2% are in foreclosure.

So while some in Washington are proposing big interventions, most of the proposals I've seen would do more harm than good. I'm not interested in bailing out investors, lenders and speculators. I'm focused on solutions targeted at struggling homeowners who want to keep their homes.

Peabody says air permit for coal-fired plant is 'unappealable'

Legal wrangling over the air permit for the $2.9 billion coal-fired plant being built in Washington County is over, Peabody Energy officials announced today.

Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Calls for Congress to Extend Renewable Energy Tax Credits

Governor Edward G. Rendell today called on Pennsylvania's congressional delegation to support an eight-year extension of the renewable energy production and investment tax credits, saying a failure to do so would put thousands of jobs at risk and imperil the nation's security.

Platinum rebounds to challenge previous peak

Platinum prices, which had been surging forward at a phenomenal rate during the past three or four years, have gained further momentum this year and reached new highs for several consecutive days on speculative buying.

Producers seek US nod this year for more ethanol in gasoline-- RFA

US ethanol producers will seek federal approval this year for greater levels of ethanol blended into gasoline than the currently allowed 10%, or E10 blend, Renewable Fuels Association CEO Bob Dinneen said Tuesday.

Progress Energy Commits To Transparency Regarding Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Continuing its leadership in addressing environmental issues, Progress Energy has committed to providing detailed information about greenhouse gas emissions from the company's operations, through its voluntary participation in The Climate Registry.

Prosperous solar PV sector confronts specter of looming investment 'bubble'

The solar photovoltaic industry since 2000 has established the best track record for growth among all energy sources, oil and gas included.

But some analysts caution that solar PV companies are ramping up capacity too fast, threatening the market with a glut of solar cells and modules that will sink company profits - and perhaps some PV companies themselves.

Renewables in US Rebound to 1996 Levels

Levels of renewable energy in the United States have almost returned to levels of 1996, according to the latest data from the Department of Energy.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 022808

Saskatchewan Government Announces Plans for $1.4B Clean Coal Power Plant

The province says it will rebuild and re-power a coal-fired power generator near Estevan, Sask., over the next seven years at a cost of $1.4 billion.

Sen. to propose nuclear agency in new bill

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr., D-Pa., plans to propose legislation that would create a federal office aimed at addressing concerns raised by nuclear-industry whistle-blowers.

Six federal agencies fined for underground storage

The U.S. Postal Service, the Secret Service, the Architect of the Capitol, the National Park Service, and the Fort Myer Military Community have been cited by the EPA for primarily failing to test for fuel leaks from underground tanks.

Solar Power to Rule in 20 Years, Futurists Say

He predicted the fall of the Soviet Union. He predicted the explosive spread of the Internet and wireless access.

Now futurist and inventor Ray Kurzweil is part of distinguished panel of engineers that says solar power will scale up to produce all the energy needs of Earth's people in 20 years.

State brainstorms renewable energy proposals

NY-A state task force on renewable energy is recommending an eightfold increase in solar-energy development, offering incentives to attract green-energy businesses to the state and suggesting changes in the law to encourage companies to produce renewable energy on-site.

Study Finds People in Favor of Renewable Energy But Are Unwilling to Pay For It

As energy costs continue to soar, and an increased reliance on traditional oil and coal is questioned, alternate sources of energy are examined more closely. ...When this decision of paying more is translated into actual currency, it makes it even less likely that people will be willing to pay more.

Supreme Court to consider Exxon damages case today

On the heels of Exxon Mobil´s $40.6 billion in profits last year, Supreme Court justices will start deciding today if the oil giant is liable for punitive damages worth just one-sixteenth of that record-breaking total.

Tech group claims low-cost fix to radar, windfarm conflict

Cambridge Consultants claims it has come up with a solution to the acutely embarrassing technical challenge faced by the UK's Ministry of Defense over the potential interference of its radars from proposed energy wind farms.

Tesla Motors Completes $40 Million Financing

The financing will be used for the continued development of a 4 door, five passenger sports sedan planned for introduction in 2010, the establishment of company-owned sales and service infrastructure, and the continued production of the Tesla Roadster, described as a stylish, high-performance, zero emissions car.

Texas power grid operators narrowly avoid rolling blackouts

Operators of the Texas power grid scrambled Tuesday night to keep the lights on after a sudden drop in wind power threatened to cause rolling blackouts, officials confirmed Wednesday.

Toronto residents will pay for waste generated

Toronto is moving ahead with a plan to charge residents based on the amount of trash they generate in an attempt to reach a 70 percent diversion goal by 2010.

UK government consents to 215 MW of new windfarms

The UK government has given consent for three new windfarms, with a total capacity of 215 MW, the Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform said Thursday.

US gasoline stocks rise for 16th consecutive week-- EIA

US gasoline stocks in the week ended February 22, at 232.619 million barrels, were at their highest level in 14 years, the US Energy Information Administration reported Wednesday.

US House passes bill cutting tax breaks for oil and gas industry

The US House on Wednesday again passed a bill that would extend a series of tax credits for renewable energy and energy efficiency and pay for them by eliminating or scaling back oil and natural gas industry tax breaks.

US Mortgage Rates Increase Slightly

Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) yesterday released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.24 percent with an average 0.5 point for the week ending February 28, up from last week when it averaged 6.04 percent.  Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.18 percent

US Senate committee now divided over nuclear waste policy

Reflecting uncertainty over the US Department of Energy's proposed nuclear waste repository in Nevada, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday said there is "no longer a consensus" among its members over government policy for disposing of spent fuel from nuclear power plants.

US, Widespread House Prices Decline in Fourth Quarter

U.S. home prices fell in the fourth quarter of 2007 according to OFHEO's seasonally-adjusted purchase-only house price index. The index, which is based on data from home sales, was 1.3 percent lower on a seasonally-adjusted basis in the fourth quarter than in the third quarter of 2007. This decline was substantially greater than the 0.3 percent price decline between the second and third quarters. Over the past year, prices fell 0.3 percent, as the fourth quarter decline erased earlier price gains.

Utilities face carbon-use limits

South Carolina's utilities warn many state residents will be left in the dark if some congressional proposals designed to reduce carbon-dioxide pollution from coal-fired plants ever see the light of day.

Western Governors to Speed Development of Alternative Fuels

Western governors agreed on Saturday to take action to speed the development of alternative fuels in the West. A resolution adopted by the Western Governors' Association (WGA) commits to the development of a regional framework for a performance-based greenhouse gas standard for transportation fuels, such as a low-carbon fuel standard.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 022908

•The overnight momentum in global crude futures markets continued throughout European morning trading, with Brent and WTI futures prices hovering just under the all-time highs achieved earlier Wednesday.

•Another potential trigger for price movement in oil futures is the weekly US crude inventory data,

White House Wants More Oil; Investment Not Seen

The White House called for more US and global oil output to fight rising energy costs, but a top intelligence official said Wednesday that prices at $100 per barrel had yet to spur production.

February 26, 2008

A blow to get at coal-- Speaker-- Tops of mountains being destroyed

Every day, more than 6 million pounds of explosives are detonated to blow the tops off of mountains in Appalachia, Barbara Strangfeld told a roomful of people Sunday.

Africa Must Invest To Secure Clean Water - GE

Africa should tackle the prospect of increased water scarcity by investing now in technology and not simply hoping the threat will go away, officials of America's General Electric company said on Sunday.

Air Car coming to America by 2009-2010, will cost $17,800

According to Green Business, the Air Car will arrive in the US by 2009 or 2010, courtesy of Zero Pollution Motors.

ANALYSIS-- US presidential hopefuls aligned on key energy issues

Among the three, there is a surprising convergence of views on many key environmental and energy issues, as is seen from a review of their positions,..

Arctic Oil Bonanza Worries Alaska Natives

Modern technology and surging oil prices have suddenly made the prospect of drilling in the remote, icy Chukchi Sea irresistible to the world's oil giants -- and that is worrying the Inupiat people who have lived at the sea's edge for centuries.

Arctic seed vault opens doors for 100 million seeds

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault opened today on a remote island in the Arctic Circle, receiving inaugural shipments of 100 million seeds that originated in over 100 countries.

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil Fail To Find Gas Solution

The presidents of Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil failed to reach a deal Saturday to redistribute Bolivia's diminished natural gas exports and give Argentina the larger share it seeks.

Australia Says Carbon Emissions Keep Growing

Australia's carbon emissions would continue to grow due to a heavy reliance on coal for electricity, a government report said on Monday, although the country would meet its Kyoto emissions targets by 2012.

Braley-- Extend wind energy tax credit

That's roughly the cost difference between producing a kilowatt-hour of electricity with coal (5.4 cents) and wind (7.6 cents). Since 1992, wind enthusiasts and their allies in Congress have narrowed the cost gap with a 2-cent-per-kilowatt tax credit, renewed every year or two.

Canadian government told phased-in carbon pricing is revenue boon

Canada's minority Conservative government has been told on the eve of its third budget that phasing in fees for each tonne of greenhouse gas emissions could generate at least $50 billion/year by 2020 and possibly twice that much.

Catching the wind to use for power

When Peter Hark walks outside his house, just watching the blades turn on his new wind turbine gives him a sense of satisfaction that has little to do with shrinking his electricity bill.

Center for Hydrogen Research gets first hydrogen-powered vehicle

The first hydrogen-powered vehicle registered in the United States was rolled out before a crowd of dignitaries at the Center for Hydrogen Research on Friday.

China Orders Listed Firms To Be Greener

Beijing has launched a "green securities" scheme aimed at making it harder for polluters to raise capital and requiring listed firms to disclose more information about their environmental record.

China, Japan Fail Again To Resolve Gas Dispute

China and Japan failed again to reach an agreement on the development of natural resources under the sea between the two countries at the latest round of dialogue ended in Beijing on Saturday.

Clean-coal power plant seems stalled

What's happening with the $1.5 billion clean-coal power plant proposed for the Huntley Station in the Town of Tonawanda?

CLP To Develop World's Largest Solar Power Station

An Australian subsidiary of CLP Holdings Ltd, the larger of Hong Kong's two power utilities, has agreed with Melbourne-based Solar Systems to develop the world's largest solar power station.

Colorado voluntary carbon offset program set for spring operation

The Colorado Governor's Energy Office on Friday said it expects its voluntary carbon offset program to be up and running by late spring.

Defense Department says satellite shootdown a success

Department of Defense officials said they are confident the missile they sent to intercept a wayward satellite last week achieved its objective of destroying the hydrazine tank and reducing, if not eliminating, the risk to people on Earth from the hazardous chemical.

Diverse group treads The Longest Walk for the environment

Americans look to shed light on ecological challenges facing the nation.

EIA Roundup -- Gasoline supplies continue to tighten

Just when it seemed that concerns over gasoline supplies were fading, falling inventories and surging demand hint that prices may have fallen too far, too fast, leaving outright gasoline prices and crack spread values vulnerable to snapping back higher.

Energy Storage Nears Its Day in the Sun

Energy storage is an unglamorous pillar of an expected revolution to clean up the world's energy supply but will soon vie for investors attention with more alluring sources of energy like solar panels, manufacturers say.

Environmental Lending Standards

Various strategies are on the table to cut global warming pollutants. Installing long-lasting light bulbs and planting trees are two. But a potentially more aggressive step is now underway -- the tightening of lending rules to coal-fired powered plants.

Fivefold Dust Increase Chokes US West, Study Finds

In the 1930s, fierce dust storms created by drought conditions and farming techniques that led to soil erosion swept the prairies of the western United States, causing widespread ecological calamity.


But this so-called Dust Bowl period was just a small example of a huge increase in dustiness in the US West in the past 150 years...

Governors meet in capital, discuss green energy

The National Governors Association´s three-day winter meeting in Washington beginning Feb. 23 included discussions about encouraging green energy development and the unveiling of a new partnership.

Greece Faces Bleak Climate Future - EU Commissioner

Greece will face droughts, higher temperatures and sea levels, and desertification that will damage agriculture and tourism because of climate change, EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said on Friday.

Groups Step Up Efforts to Stop Coal Plants

Spearheaded by a national campaign, environmental activists are stepping up their efforts to block construction of two coal-fired plants in Iowa.

House forges ahead with $18B energy tax package

Though the Senate is still hemming and hawing, the House is forging ahead on an $18 billion energy tax package. A vote is expected this week.

Idaho utility companies, wind developers come to agreement

The disagreement, which involved three major cases that argued how much it costs to add wind power to the public utility grid, was resolved through discussions between the Idaho Power Co. and Idaho wind farm developers.

Infinia on the Sun

“The amount of solar energy that hits the surface of the earth every minute is greater than the total amount of energy that the world's human population consumes in one year. ” Sandia National Laboratories

Legislators hear radical energy proposals

Imagine a future where you can fill the tank of your automobile with clean-burning hydrogen with as much ease and safety as you can pump gasoline today -- and cheaper, too.

McGuinty Says One of Canada's Largest Polluters Won't Be Looking at Carbon Tax

Ontario won't join British Columbia in creating a carbon tax to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Premier Dalton McGuinty said Thursday, adding his province's name to a growing list that have vetoed the idea in favour of other alternatives to tackle climate change.

Nanoparticles could make hydrogen cheaper than gasoline

The hydrogen economy is getting a shot in the arm from a start-up that says its nanoparticle coatings could make hydrogen easy to produce at home from distilled water, and ultimately bring the cost of hydrogen fuel cells in line with that of fossil fuels.

New Market Signals Are Urgently Needed to Change the Global Warming Threat

Everywhere around the globe economies are driven by growth.

The supply side is obviously interested in growth because it is what they do for a living: selling goods and services, as much as they possibly can. The demand side is eager to consume more and more. The Governments are more than happy to sponsor growth and increase tax collection.

Next President Better Than Bush on Climate - Barroso

Any of the top three US presidential hopefuls would be better than President George W. Bush at combating climate change, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said on Monday.

Nuclear reactor reconnected after repair in west Ukraine

Power generating unit No 2 at the Rivne nuclear power plant was reconnected to the power grid at 0811 gmt on 22 February after malfunctions had been fixed.

OPEC supply cut likely despite US pressure for hike-- Iran

"Evidence shows that it is possible that in the next meeting OPEC [will] cut its output.

Quote of the Day 122508

"A decision to increase production at the next OPEC meeting has no justification because the demand for crude oil in spring will drop by 1.5 million b/d to 2 million b/d and last year OPEC also decreased its production ahead of spring."
Said Mohammadali Khatibi

Renewable Energy Portfolios Standards and Transmission Reliability, Part V

If gasoline pump prices varied between $0 and $21,000 per gallon depending on a particular time of year that a driver was filling up, do you think that consumer consumption patterns would change?

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 022508

Researchers measure force to move a single atom

Researchers at the University of Regensburg in Germany and IBM's Almaden Research Labs in California have calculated for the first time exactly how much effort is needed to drag a single atom of cobalt across the surface of different metals.

Silicon carbide ready for prime time

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration thinks silicon carbide is ready to replace silicon in circuitry that must withstand ultrahot temperatures--as high as 1,000 degrees F--or deliver ultrahigh power.

Solar Sector Set To Shine Through Credit Crunch

Solar power will be a bright investment prospect as the appetite for green energy grows, even though the global credit crisis is making banks more wary of providing financing.

State pushing renewable energy

NY:  A state task force on renewable energy is recommending an eight-fold increase in solar-energy development, offering incentives to attract green-energy businesses to the state and suggesting changes in the law to encourage companies to produce renewable energy on-site.

Technology industry is going green to cut costs

The technology industry is ready to go green, but it's got nothing to do with dodging criticism from activists or regulators.

What has tech firms nervous is a simple bottom-line calculation: Electricity is getting way too expensive.

Tonnes of Dead Fish Wash Up on Taiwan Beaches

Tonnes of fish, from carp to exotic tropical specimens, have washed up dead along 320 km of beach on Taiwan's outlying islands because of cold temperatures, a local official said on Friday.

Traces of Unapproved GMO Trait Found in US Corn

Traces of an unapproved genetically modified trait were found in US corn planted in 2006 and 2007 but the grain poses no threat to food or feed safety, said the U.S Agriculture Department Friday.

UK Government-- Clean up fund is precondition for new nuclear - Hutton

New nuclear power station operators will be required by law to set aside money from day one of generating electricity for their eventual decommissioning and waste costs, Business Secretary John Hutton made clear today.

UK Government-- Founding members of Committee on Climate Change appointed

The first five members of the independent Committee on Climate Change were today announced by Environment Secretary Hilary Benn.

Utilities coal stockpiles high for season

U.S. utility company stockpiles of coal reached a near-record in November 2007, "sufficient to keep electricity flowing," a report released Monday said.

Weather Commentary 022608

Besides the continuation of a NET colder pattern for the Nation, temperature volatility & fluctuations will also be continuing.

Westar takes coal off table in new plan; cites costs, opposition

Westar Energy said in an energy plan released Friday that soaring construction costs and growing opposition to coal-fired plants have led it to focus on a mix of energy efficiency, wind farms, and natural gas-fired plants to meet its incremental power needs for the foreseeable future.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 022508

•European market players woke to news that Iran, OPEC's 2nd-largest producer, Sunday warned Western countries that passing a new UN sanctions resolution over its alleged nuclear weapons program would be "costly" for the West.

•March ICE gasoil futures touched a fresh high of $901.25/mt on the back of solid demand in Asia and supply tightness in Europe, while a cold snap in the US forced NYMEX heating oil to record levels once again.

World Fisheries Face Collapse Within Decades - UN

A deadly combination of climate change, over-fishing and pollution could cause the collapse of commercial fish stocks worldwide within decades, said Achim Steiner, head of the United Nations Environment Programme.

February 22, 2008

22 Pennsylvania Municipalities Commit To 20pct Clean and Renewable Energy by 2010

SmartPower announced today that they have commitments and actions from 22 municipalities in Pennsylvania to purchase 20% clean energy by 2010, as part of the Pennsylvania Clean Energy Communities Campaign.

280-MW Solar Plant to Use Molten Salt for Energy Storage

Abengoa Solar has announced plans to build a 1900-acre concentrated solar trough plant that will store the heat in molten salt towers for round-the-clock power generation capability.

Baird wants to see green spent on environment

If U.S. Rep. Brian Baird had his way, every American household would use their big "economic stimulus" payment to emulate Catherine and Adam Wilson.

Brown to launch anti-warming effort

Attorney General Jerry Brown is taking the global warming enlightenment skills he honed in the Bay Area across the rest of California today -- a move that even supporters such as San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed said will meet resistance.

Business Leaders Sign Tokyo Declaration To Tackle Global Warming And Enact Industry-Wide Change

A business group including leading companies such as HP, Sony, Nokia and Nike recently released the Tokyo Declaration, a joint call to tackle the urgent issue of climate change.

'Carbon zero' project passes first test

His concept plan for a 32-unit, mixed-use project at South Columbia Street and Fordham Boulevard will be "carbon zero" -- meaning it will produce all the energy it needs, on-site, via solar, wind and geothermal technologies.

Change in Wind for Renewables

Bank of Scotland Corporate took its first steps to becoming a leading investor in the renewable energy sector in 1993 and has had a front-row seat in witnessing the huge growth of the industry both in the UK and internationally.

China Factories Move Inland To Avoid Green Scrutiny

New "green laws" and growing public intolerance for polluters are driving dirty Chinese factories inland from coastal regions to escape higher costs and tighter scrutiny, a think-tank said on Wednesday.

Chinese wind power industry forecast to expand rapidly

With the huge market demand at home and abroad and the sound policy environment, China's wind turbine industry promises great prospects in the coming year, and experts have given the "recommended" rating of investment.

Coal Gasification -- Myths, Challenges And Opportunities

There is a growing consensus that increased demand for electricity will cement coal’s place in the energy portfolio for years to come. In fact, more than half of the electricity produced in the United States comes from coal.

Concerned you might be contributing to global warming

If so, Duke Energy wants to soothe your environmental conscience. Soon, you'll be able to pay the utility to offset some or all of the carbon dioxide produced by your life.

Congress may apologize to American Indians

A resolution that formally apologizes to American Indians for years of government mistreatment and abuse will be part of an Indian Health Care Bill expected to pass in the Senate, later in February.

Crude futures reverse Thursday's selloff

Crude futures moved higher Friday with bullish news inciting a rash of buying, sources said. ICE gasoil was the main market mover,

Drawing coal's battle lines

An environmental group's protest in downtown Houston on Wednesday put a spotlight on the debate over coal -- which generates half the nation's electricity but also contributes to climate change.

Ecuador to boost renewable energy on Galapagos Islands

Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa Monday proposed that the Galapagos Islands would become the first area in the country to be free of polluting fuels by 2015, in a boost to the nation's wind power plan.

EPA Seeks Public Comment On Possible Drinking Water Contaminants

EPA is asking for public comment on a list of 104 possible drinking water contaminants that may need to be regulated in the future to ensure the continued protection of drinking water.

Free Power from the Earth 24 /7

From our home on the earth's thin crust, it's hard to believe that 99.9% of the earth's volume is hot enough to boil water. Atomic decay inside of the earth heats it's molten core to a temperature that is hotter than the surface of the sun! To harness this geothermal power, we need only drill through the crust and use that heat to boil water to drive turbine generators.

Funding Tips for Solar Entrepreneurs

Q: I have a great idea for a solar business and I hold patents on the technology I plan to use. How do I go about getting the funding I need to get my business off the ground?

Geothermal Energy Gaining Steam, but Its Future is Up for Debate

A thick, gray sky spits snow, but Lou Capuano's focus is on another, much warmer type of moisture: steam.

Getting a Handle on Energy Usage

… you probably know that energy savings on the order of 15% can be achieved when individual metering is in place but you are concerned about equipment and installation costs and disruption to the building’s operation.

Global clean tech investment growth seen slipping

Booming global investor interest in an emerging industry to supply clean energy alternatives to fossil fuels, such as wind and solar, has temporarily peaked in the wake of a widespread credit squeeze, a U.N. official said.

Group Sues Mich. To Regulate CO2

A citizens group is suing to force the state to regulate greenhouse gas emissions when considering proposed coal-fired power plants.

Groups vow to fight emissions cap-and-trade plan in California

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's move to allow heavy polluters to partly buy their way out of lowering their emissions has met resistance from Low- income community groups, it was reported Wednesday.

Home Builders Launch New National Green Building Program

The new program, launched last week, allows green builders to accrue points in seven categories: water, energy, and resource efficiency; lot and site development; indoor environmental quality; global impact; and homeowner education.

HP Joins WWF Climate Savers Program, Pledges Further Reductions In Emissions And Energy Consumption

“WWF commends HP for its strong commitment to energy reductions—not only within its own operations, but in placing a strong emphasis on increasing energy efficiency in its products,”..

ICs poised to get under your skin

A wireless silicon monitor that can be worn like a Band-Aid and then thrown away. A chip that could become one of the first commercial retina replacements. A device that measures waveforms still being discovered deep within the brain.

IEA backs renewables as a technology answer

"Urgent government action is needed to facilitate the development and deployment of advanced energy related technology," concludes a joint statement from the International Energy Agency and technology officers from 30 major companies...

Investor Confidence Index Rises in February

Global Investor Confidence rose by 3.5 points from a revised January level of 69.5 to reach 73.0. Amongst North American investors, confidence rose 6.0 points from 72.2 to 78.2,...

Key Industries Cut Emissions Intensity by 9.4% in Four Years

Energy-intensive industries that represent about 45% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions cut their greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 9.4% from 2002 to 2006, according to a new DOE report.

Maryland governor to endorse greenhouse gas reduction legislation

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley is expected Tuesday to endorse a bill that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the state at least 25% by 2020 and 90% by 2050, his office said.

N.J. Challenges Air Pollution Reporting Rule; State Says Washington is Letting Industry Off the Hook

New Jersey filed another legal challenge against federal environmental policies Tuesday, this time questioning a new rule that gives industry more leeway in reporting air pollution.

Nation's First, Large Scale Desalination Plant Delivers Drought-Proof Water Supply

The nation's first, large-scale seawater desalination plant is delivering drinking water to more than 2.5 million residents of the Tampa Bay area. It's a timely solution as continued drought is forecast across the southeastern United States.

Neighbors Clash Over Trees, Solar Power

In an environmental dispute seemingly scripted for eco-friendly California, a man asked prosecutors to file charges against his neighbors because their towering redwoods blocked sunlight to his backyard solar panels.

'No way' OPEC will cut output at current oil price-- OPEC source

Current oil prices, which topped $100/barrel for the second time this year, were not in line with fundamentals and there was no way that OPEC would cut production given the current price and market conditions, an OPEC source said Thursday.

Nuclear Energy Making Comeback Despite Doubts

Like it or not, the nukes are coming...

Nuclear Foes Ready for Battle

The arguments against nuclear power used to be pretty simple, even if not universally convincing: The plants are inherently dangerous and doomed to fail.

But in an era of higher energy costs, nuclear foes hope they can make a case that has broader public appeal, based on cost and need.

Nuclear, coal energy renewable?

Nuclear and coal-fired electricity would be considered for renewable-energy credits along with solar, wind and geothermal resources under a bill that aims to reduce carbon emissions.

Of Turnips and Tulips and Carbon

Everyone has heard of tulip-mania, when flower price speculation ran rampant -- until the financial bubble burst: an historic dot.com experience that, of course, we are immune to. . . The unspoken fear today (sometimes dismissed as carping criticism) is that our scientifically plotted market-based approach to reduction of greenhouse gases could fall prey to this too-human tendency to push markets toward pure speculation

Oilman Plans Huge Wind Project

T. Boone Pickens is nobody's fool. Pickens, who has a net worth of $2.5 billion and is ranked as the 131st wealthiest person in the United States by Forbes, is not prone to invest in pipe dreams.

Ontario Hopes to Find Treasure in Trash As It Looks at Garbage Options

The province's environment ministry said Tuesday it's looking at a two-pronged approach that would turn trash destined for landfills into valuable energy.

OPEC production 022208

OPEC monitors its own crude production using so-called secondary sources, including the media. Platts publishes monthly estimates of OPEC production, based on a survey of OPEC and oil industry officials, on a country-by-country basis.

Platts study shows US Gulf fields meet oil output targets

Oil production results from the first generation of deepwater Gulf of Mexico discoveries show key projects generally have achieved total output goals, contradicting some criticism by "peak oil" theory proponents, research shows.

Pollution bill attacked-- Effort to slow global warming carries high price, critics say

O'Malley administration officials said yesterday they don't yet know how they would achieve the governor's ambitious goal of cutting global-warming pollution by 90 percent by 2050.

Polysilicon supply catches up

After years of shortages in the solar-cell sector, polysilicon supply should catch up with the demand this year, according to Frost & Sullivan.

Reid continues power push

In addition to religious reasons, Reid said there are many environmental and economic reasons to support renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and geothermal, over coal-fired power plants.

Remaining 'authentic' in a changing world

Authentic Indians'' are for many non-American Indians only those who look and dress like the stereotypical image of a Plains Indian - stoic and vanishing. There is a tendency for the general public - and often sympathetic foreigners - to believe that the only true Indians are those who greeted the Mayflower in 1620, and continue to live in the same way.

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) for the Western Region environmental market

As more states and the federal government consider implementing renewable portfolio standards and other environmental programs such as greenhouse gas markets, there is an increasing need for comprehensive technological solutions to support these emerging markets.

Renewables will suffer from cost, turbines and carbon footprint, says WEC

The supply of energy must double by 2050 to meet global demand, according to the policy scenario of the World Energy Congress..."It is a myth that the task of meeting the world’s energy needs while addressing climate change is simply too expensive and too daunting," it concludes.

Risk Of Permafrost Thaw A 'Wild Card' In Warming - UN

"The unknowns about the amount and rate of methane release from the thawing Arctic makes it a wild card when considering climate change risks," UNEP head Achim Steiner said in an annual report with a special section on Arctic methane.

Sandia and Stirling Set Solar-to-grid Conversion Efficiency Record

On a perfect New Mexico winter day -- with the sky almost 10 percent brighter than usual -- Sandia National Laboratories and Stirling Energy Systems (SES) set a new solar-to-grid system conversion efficiency record by achieving a 31.25 percent net efficiency rate.

Sierra Club to challenge Dynegy-LS Power plans for coal plants

The Sierra Club on Tuesday said it will launch a major campaign challenging plans by merchant generators Dynegy and LS Power to build coal-fired power plants in Texas, Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Mississippi and Nevada.

Some Aspects of the Future Supply of Oil

One of the prerequisites for successfully completing any course in energy economics that I teach is to understand perfectly the situation in the key oil exporting country, Saudi Arabia, in the early 1970s – specifically, just before and just after the nationalization of oil production facilities that were owned or controlled by foreigners.

Spot uranium prices hold at $75 pound as sellers hold firm

The spot price of uranium remained at $75 a pound U3O8 this week

Study Says Recession Unlikely, Housing Crisis Almost Over

Despite a weakened economy, corporate profits are still rising. Consumer spending has slowed from its growth at about four percent in mid-2005, but is still continuing at a rate of two percent to 2.5 percent a year.

Tenaska Proposes Nation's First New Conventional Coal-fueled Power Plant to Capture Carbon Dioxide

Tenaska, Inc. is developing a site near Sweetwater, Texas, upon which to construct a technologically advanced coal-fueled electric generating plant able to capture up to 90 percent of the carbon dioxide (CO2) that would otherwise enter the atmosphere.

Test Under Way to Address Climate Change

A research team that includes partners from industry, academia and government has begun a test of injecting high pressure carbon dioxide into a deep saline geologic formation more that 3,000 feet underground, 11 miles east of the City of Gaylord.

Two energy firms hope to build ethanol pipeline

Two energy companies are hoping to overcome technological hurdles to construct an ethanol pipeline that would transport the alcohol based fuel from the Midwest to the East Coast.

U.S. ends protection for wolves in northern Rockies

Gray wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains, listed as endangered for more than three decades, no longer need protection under the Endangered Species Act, the U.S. government said on Thursday.

US FERC affirms authorization of Phoenix-area pipeline expansion

Transwestern Pipeline intends to bulk up to serve the fast-growing Phoenix metropolitan area by adding 500,000 Mcf/d of capacity to its existing interstate system in New Mexico and Arizona.

US FERC chairman calls for balanced climate change policies

The notion that there are "two separate universes" -- one for energy policymakers and another for environmental policymakers -- may be "a tenable fiction in most areas, but it utterly fails, utterly collapses if you look at climate change," US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Joseph Kelliher told the National Electricity Delivery Forum in Washington Wednesday.

US Weather Commentary 022108

What this all boils down to is that we could be flirting with some unchartered Temperature/HDD territory over the next few weeks

Vaccine Quotes Worth Repeating

"This is not a rare occurrence. Epidemics in fully vaccinated populations are a rule rather than an exception..."

Warmer World May Mean Less Fish

Climate change is emerging as the latest threat to the world's dwindling fish stocks a new report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) suggests.

What does $100 per barrel oil mean for us?

On the first trading day of 2008, oil prices reached exactly $100 a barrel. Even adjusted for inflation, this is far higher than the highest prices reached in the 70s and early 80s.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 022208

•Crude futures moved lower on Thursday, retreating from fresh all-time highs and above-$100/barrel settlements seen Wednesday

•"The market I suspect feels it is slightly overdone and with bearish US stats estimates and weak economy talk in the background we are seeing a light sell off.

Who's fault is it now? The Fed's?

The general financial news media, playing their favorite game of "pin the reason on the rally," found a new culprit: the minutes of the last Federal Reserve meeting.

Wind Power Development Surging in US

With oil prices on the rise, the U.S. wind energy industry grew at record levels in 2007 and an industry group says it expects similar growth this year. In today's searching for solutions report, Paul Sisco looks at the increasing use and development of wind energy in the United States.

February 19, 2008

A dozen nuclear projects to be in building phase by 2015-- analyst

While there are between 25 to 30 nuclear power projects under discussion in the US, "we are quite certain that there will be a dozen reactors under construction in the US by 2015," an analyst with Cambridge Energy Research Associates said Friday

Bush on to Greener Pastures

President Bush's positions on the environment and the development of clean energy technologies have evolved during his seven years office. In his last year, he seems determined to be remembered as a leader who fostered more renewable energy while pushing the traditional fuels to be cleaner.

Business group endorses Energy Future's coal-plant plans

Energy Future Holdings picked up an important endorsement as the company announced how, exactly, it will follow through on its promise to cut total emissions from coal-fired power plants by 20 percent.

California city wants renewables to help reduce emissions

The draft plan calls for new and existing buildings to achieve net zero energy consumption through increased energy efficiency and a shift to renewable energy sources by 2050.

Coal gasification promoted by scientists

"If we plan to use our domestic supply of coal to produce energy, and do so in a way that does not intensify atmospheric CO2 concentrations, gasification is critical," Muntean said in a presentation at the American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting in Boston. "It has the potential to enable carbon capture and sequestration technologies and play an important role in securing domestic sources of transportation fuels."

Coal plant bill gets tentative House OK

The Kansas House gave preliminary approval today to a bill that clears the way for the expansion of Sunflower Electric Power Corp.'s western Kansas coal plant.

A final vote is expected Tuesday.

Coal's Time Is Up In US, Environmentalist Warns

Wall Street, politicians and public opinion have all turned so dramatically against coal in the last year over climate concerns that it is probably "the beginning of the end of the coal industry," said Lester Brown.

Congressman joins Kansas fray over expansion of coal-fired plant

A powerful congressman and his committee have jumped into the Kansas coal dispute, raising questions about the financial viability of a proposed power plant expansion in western Kansas.

DISASTERS ROCKET UP

While were busy with life last year, upheaval raged. An astounding 950 natural disasters struck around the world according to Munich Re, the global reinsurance company.

Egypt to Provide Gaza Strip With Electricity

The Electricity and Power Sector has finished the study on the establishment of a giant power line by 220 kilovolt to provide Gaza Strip with electricity from the Egyptian network after receiving approval of the countries participating in the electric link project for Arab western and eastern countries financed by the Islamic Development Bank.

Energy Execs Debate Whether Oil Crisis Looms

Are the lacklustre production and reserve replacement rates reported by the largest oil companies precursors to a looming oil crisis?

Feasibility Study on Concentrated Solar

...we believe that solar concentrator-powered boundary layer turbines are the lowest cost, most ecological, and simplest to manufacture route - for bringing in solar energy as a mainstreamable source of energy for advanced cultures. The future of energy is solar.

Global wind power capacity grows rapidly in 2007, but Japan lags

Global wind power capacity that was newly installed in 2007 totaled 20,000 megawatts, an amount equivalent to capacity generated by 15 large-scale nuclear power plants, but Japan lags behind in the field, a recent report compiled by an industry group shows.

Homebuyers of two minds on energy costs-- Energy usage counts, but not commute

Homebuyers seem at odds in their response to higher energy costs.
On one hand, they are demanding more energy-efficient homes to save them money on utility bills.
But they are still willing to burn more high-priced gasoline to commute farther to that new house.

INTERVIEW - Japan Hopes G8 Will Set Emission Peak Goal

Japan hopes rich nation leaders will agree a goal for mid-century cuts in greenhouse gas emissions and a target year when they should peak, at a key summit it hosts this year, a senior official said on Thursday.

Investor coalition pledges $10 billion for 'cleantech'

A coalition of more than forty U.S. and European institutional investors, responsible for more than $1.75 trillion in assets, has announced a commitment to invest in $10 billion "clean technology" over the next two years.

Meeting on Coal-Fired Power Plant Set

Dixie residents fed up with a private company's plan to build a coal-fired power plant about 14 miles northwest of Mesquite in Lincoln County, Nev., will have another chance to voice their concerns.

Nuclear waste costs U.S. gov't millions

U.S. taxpayers reportedly have already paid hundreds of millions of dollars to get rid of nuclear waste from more than 100 reactors that has yet to be disposed.

The federal government has already paid the utilities $342 million, a figure expected to balloon to $11 billion in the coming years, The New York Times reported Sunday.

NYMEX March RBOB jumps 10.52 cents to $2.5990 gal

March RBOB futures on NYMEX jumped 10.52 cents to $2.5990/gal Tuesday
after opening 9.12 cents higher at $2.5850/gal.

The rally was a broad-based move higher in commodities as the US dollar
slipped once again.

Oceans Eyed As New Energy Source

Just 15 miles off Florida's coast, the world's most powerful sustained ocean current - the mighty Gulf Stream - rushes by at nearly 8.5 billion gallons per second. And it never stops. To scientists, it represents a tantalizing possibility: a new, plentiful and uninterrupted source of clean energy.

Oil futures make surprise return towards all-time highs

Oil futures prices rallied between 3% and 6% in value last week, depending on the part of the barrel you compare, as crude oil moved somewhat astonishingly back towards the all-time highs registered as the year began.

Photovoltaics startup raises $10 million

Pythagoras Solar, the first company that was conceived and incubated within Precede Technologies, will use the funds for Israel-based R&D and global commercialization of its technology and products that are claimed to be able to change the economics of solar power.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 021808

Revolutionary “Green” Clothes Dryer Technology to Launch at International Builders’ Show

New Technology Promises to Reduce Energy Consumption up to 50 Percent and Clothes Drying Time up to 41 Percent

Senator's Attempt to Utilize More Renewable Energy is Knocked Down

UTAH-Proposed legislation that would have required big utility companies to provide a percentage of their power from renewable energy sources failed in a Senate committee Friday.

Senators promote renewable energy in new bill

Three U.S. senators have introduced a bipartisan bill that promotes further development of wind power and other renewable energy sources nationwide.

Sens. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Olympia J. Snowe, R-Maine, and Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., introduced the American Renewable Energy Act on Feb. 14.

Solar Industry Begins to Shine

The solar power industry is experiencing a surge on Wall Street despite fears of a recession as some companies increase production, cut costs and vow to be competitive with conventional electricity in the next few years.

South Korea Launches 'Carbon Neutral' Campaign

South Korea has kicked off its first "carbon neutral" campaign aiming to get people and businesses to voluntarily cut back on greenhouse gas emissions, the government said Monday.

Southern Ocean Rise Due To Warming, Not Ice Melts

Rises in the sea level around Antarctica in the past decade are almost entirely due a warming ocean, not ice melting, an Australian scientist leading a major international research programme said.

Ukraine's Nuclear Reactor Disconnected From Power Grid Due to Malfunction

Power generating unit No 2 of the Rivne nuclear power plant was disconnected from the power grid at 2200 gmt on 15 February due to an unspecified malfunction, the Ukrainian UNIAN news agency reported on 18 February...

US' Alon Energy shuts Big Spring refinery after explosion, fire

Alon USA Energy late Monday said it has temporarily shut its 70,000 b/d Big Spring refinery located 290 miles (467 km) west of Dallas after the facility was hit by an explosion and fire.

US budget contains $242 million for green power

President George Bush has asked Congress for US$25 billion in funds for the Department of Energy, of which $1.25 billion is allocated for the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy.

US Power Plant Costs Up 130% Since 2000 - CERA

The cost of building a US power plant has risen 130 percent since 2000, and 27 percent in the 12 months to October 2007 alone, according to a new index developed by Cambridge Energy Research Associates and released Thursday.

US Power Shortage Without More Coal Plants-- AEP

The United States faces an electricity crisis if it eschews coal-fired power plants on its way to a low-carbon economy, said the chief executive of American Electric Power, one of the nation's biggest utilities.

US Should Speed Up Energy Efficiency Plans - IEA

The US government needs to move more quickly on plans to boost automobile fuel efficiency standards, improve efficiency of power plants and take hard action on heat-trapping greenhouse gases, the International Energy Agency said Friday.

US will again turn to gas for generation fuel-- US FERC Chairman

The chairman of the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said Friday he believes the US will, once again, turn to natural gas to fuel new generation over the next decade.

Water Back In South China City After Oil Spill

Much of the city of Foshan, in the Hong Kong border province of Guangdong, was without water for several hours on Saturday after a white, foul-smelling slick was spotted in the Xijiang River, forcing an emergency operation to clean up the spill.

February 15, 2008

Arizona Wastewater Utility First In U.S. To Achieve Triple Certification

Certification to quality standards, a clear indication of professionalism, is an achievement that is respected on a global scale. For an organization in the public sector, seeking and receiving triple certification is a goal that even large corporations would hesitate to attempt.

As US economy faces downturn, commodities to be resilient-- S&P

Although the odds now favor a US recession, the Federal Reserve's quick action in lowering interest rates in January will help keep the downturn under control, Standard and Poor's analysts said in a commodities and the economy conference call Tuesday.

Australia's Worst Drought Ending After Rains

It is finally raining in eastern Australia, turning outback dustbowls into inland seas and beginning to end the country's worst drought in 100 years.

Carbon Capture Strategy Could Lead To Emission-Free Cars

Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a strategy to capture, store and eventually recycle carbon from vehicles to prevent the pollutant from finding its way from a car tailpipe into the atmosphere. Georgia Tech researchers envision a zero emission car, and a transportation system completely free of fossil fuels.

Clean Energy-- Recovery vs. Addiction

If America is addicted to oil, as President Bush and others have said, then why is nothing being done to help us break this addiction?

Climate looms for legislators-- Policies likely to take shape next year, officials say

Action will heat up next year in Congress and the Legislature to craft policies to tackle global warming, federal and state lawmakers said Monday.

Coal's future not in Carolinas

At a global warming conference Monday, Duke Energy chief executive Jim Rogers said he wouldn't build another coal-fired power plant in the Carolinas because of its geology.

Coca-Cola sets goal to recycle 100% of aluminum cans, PET bottles

US bottler Coca-Cola Company on Wednesday announced a long-term target to
recycle or reuse 100% of the aluminum beverage cans it sells in the US. This
new objective builds on the company's previously announced goal to recycle or
reuse 100% of its PET plastic bottles.

Crossing the Divide-- The Future of Clean Energy

Increasing public concerns about climate change, and its potential economic and political security consequences, are helping to drive public policy change and private investment to bring clean energy technologies to the center of the world's energy activities as quickly as possible, a new analysis by Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA) has concluded.

EPA Boosts Renewable Fuel Requirement by 66% for 2008

The RFS applies to refiners, importers, and non-oxygenate blenders of gasoline and sets a minimum percentage of the fuel that must be displaced with renewable fuels, such as ethanol.

Europe Falling Short of Renewable Energy Goals for 2010

Renewable energy seems to growing at break-neck pace throughout the world, and particularly in Europe, but a new report shows the European Union (EU) falling far short of its goal to use renewable energy for 12% of its energy needs by the end of 2010.

Ex-PUC official-- Seek alternatives to coal

A former Nevada utility regulator is urging state leaders to consider alternatives to a coal-fired power plant at Ely, given uncertainty about whether the proposed plant will be built and growing demand for power in the Southwest.

Finding other plants or weeds for fuel

With corn and soybeans now being tapped for fuel as well as food, increasing concerns about the best use of these plants has turned into a food-versus-fuel debate.

FPL Energy looking to build 840 MW of Ontario wind capacity

FPL Energy plans to build at least eight wind farm projects in Ontario, with a capacity of more than 840 MW, it said Tuesday.

Going Off Grid with Chris Anderson and Borrego Solar

Anderson decided to build his own, entirely off-grid, home. The house is powered completely by solar photovoltaics, a solar thermal system, a wood pellet boiler and a few other unique features.

Gov. sees green future

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger touted green technology as a clean engine for economic growth during a Monday night address.

Green building group unveils new online tools

The Green Building Initiative has two new interactive tools designed to help promote environmentally friendly construction.

Huffman-- Bill would pay for creating renewable energy

Homeowners, businesses and farms that produce renewable energy should be paid by utilities for the excess power they send to the state grid, Assemblyman Jared Huffman says.

INTERVIEW - Arctic Ice Unlikely To See Record Melt In 2008

Arctic summer sea ice is unlikely to shrink drastically in 2008 beyond a record low set last year even though the long-term trend is a thaw tied to global warming, a leading scientist said on Wednesday.

INTERVIEW - Mankind Can't Afford More Oil Drilling - Ex-BP Exec

Known oil, gas and coal reserves may already contain a quarter more carbon than mankind can emit and still avoid dangerous climate change, putting the value of new oil exploration in doubt, said a former oil major executive.

IRS Allocates $406 Million in Clean Renewable Energy Bonds

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced last week that it has allocated $406 million in Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) for a total of 312 renewable energy projects to be located throughout the United States. Unlike normal bonds that pay interest, CREBs are known as "tax-credit" bonds, and they pay the bondholders by providing a credit against their federal income tax.

Is Boom or Bust Ahead in Solar Power Sector?

Prospects for the solar power sector are puzzling investors juggling on the one hand a possible dot-com-style bust and on the other fresh support in Europe, home to one-third of the world's market.

Kansas Senate OKs bill that would allow coal project to proceed

The Kansas state Senate in a voice vote late Wednesday passed a bill that would require the state's Secretary of Health and Environment to approve air permits for any generation project that meets federal air quality standards.

Nitrogen Pollution Boosts Plant Growth In Tropics By 20 Percent

A study by UC Irvine ecologists finds that excess nitrogen in tropical forests boosts plant growth by an average of 20 percent, countering the belief that such forests would not respond to nitrogen pollution.

Nobel Laureate Urges Oil Cos To Help Cut Emissions

Rajendra Pachauri said he thought he was "walking into the lion's den" Tuesday when he told oil executives they need to take a lead in cutting greenhouse gas emissions in order to save the earth.

Ontario town opposes solar panel park

Residents of a southwestern Ontario town voiced opposition to a proposed 35-megawatt solar energy park because it might lower property values, a report said.

OPEC should cut output if stocks continue to build-- Ramirez

OPEC should cut crude production at its next meeting if the recent buildup in US stocks continues, Venezuelan Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez said Thursday.

Peacekeeping Budgets and Personnel Soar to New Heights

The world spent 228 times as much on its militaries in 2006 as it did on U.N. peacekeeping operations, according to the latest Vital Signs Update from the Worldwatch Institute.

Prices Need to Decline for Solar Power to Rise

Prospects for the solar power sector are puzzling investors, who on one hand are juggling a possible dot-com-style bust and on the other, fresh support in Europe, home to a third of the world's market.

Proposal calls for cleaner power, more efficiency

Warning that Marylanders face rising electricity costs, rolling blackouts and environmental havoc if nothing is done, the O'Malley administration urged lawmakers yesterday to act on its bills aimed at encouraging energy conservation and producing cleaner power.

Public Power 'Lite' Looking Very Green

A Renewable Portfolio Standard of 15% couldn't survive in the most recent federal energy bill that became law. But 28 states have renewable standards, most of them more stringent than the proposed federal mandate. California's is the most ambitious, requiring 20% by 2010, and the Governor has proposed 33% by 2020.

Red-Tape is Stifling Growth in the Solar Power Sector

America must become energy "independently-efficient." Encouraging federal, state and local governments to offer easy-to-understand incentives and grants for on-grid and off-grid power applications is a major hurdle that needs to be expanded over and above the complicated and expensive regulations being enacted today.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 021408

Selling electricity back to state-- Utilities, S.C. officials to debate giving consumers energy credits

If you're laying solar panels on your roof or building a windmill in the backyard, soon you will know how much utility companies will pay for the electricity you generate.

Sovereign Wealth Funds Pump Up Free Enterprise

The big investment banks may rise from the depths of their despair. But the lifeline that is being extended is under question. Sovereign wealth funds that are set up by national governments are investing billions in those distressed institutions.

Studying Rivers For Clues To Global Carbon Cycle

In the science world, in the media, and recently, in our daily lives, the debate continues over how carbon in the atmosphere is affecting global climate change. Studying just how carbon cycles throughout the Earth is an enormous challenge, but one Northwestern University professor is doing his part by studying one important segment -- rivers.

Sun Farmers of Canada

Utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) power is breaking ground on Canadian soil and dispelling myths about the viability of this energy resource in "the North."

U.S. expected to be 1 trillion USD carbon trading market by 2020-- study

The United States will be home to a 1 trillion U.S. dollar carbon emission market by 2020 if its federal and state policymakers continue on their current path towards a comprehensive "cap-and-trade" program that is confined to domestic trading only, a latest analysis released on Thursday said.

U.S. moving toward ban on new coal-fired power plants

In a report compiled in early 2007, the U.S. Department of Energy listed 151 coal-fired power plants in the planning stages and talked about a resurgence in coal-fired electricity. But during 2007, 59 proposed U.S. coal-fired power plants were either refused licenses by state governments or quietly abandoned. In addition to the 59 plants that were dropped, close to 50 more coal plants are being contested in the courts, and the remaining plants will likely be challenged as they reach the permitting stage.

UK Research Team Aims To Decrease Cost of Solar Energy

Eight UK universities, led by Durham and including Bangor, Bath, Cranfield, Edinburgh, Imperial College London, Northumbria and Southampton, are involved in the project. They will work together with nine industrial partners towards a "medium to long-term goal" of making solar energy more competitive and sustainable.

US Credit Market Stability Unlikely Until Late 2008

Stability in the U.S. credit markets is not expected to return until third quarter-2008 or later, while stability in the housing market is likely even further off, according to the latest Fitch Ratings/Fixed Income Forum Survey of institutional investors.

US House panel unveils tax rollbacks, renewable bill

The US House of Representatives will consider legislation Wednesday that would extend renewable energy and energy efficiency tax credits for several years beyond their December 2008 expiration dates.

US Misses Second Deadline To Protect Polar Bears

The United States has missed its own postponed deadline to decide if polar bears need protection from climate change, and critics link the delay to an oil lease sale in a vast swath of the bear's icy habitat.

US Mortgage Rates Experience Little Movement

Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) yesterday released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 5.72 percent with an average 0.4 point for the week ending February 14, up from last week when it averaged 5.67 percent.  Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.30 percent.

US Power Plant Costs Up 130% Since 2000 - CERA

The cost of building a US power plant has risen 130 percent since 2000, and 27 percent in the 12 months to October 2007 alone, according to a new index developed by Cambridge Energy Research Associates and released Thursday.

US Senator says tax break extenders bill likely will fail again

A leading US Senate supporter of renewable energy tax credits said Tuesday that if a bill that uses rollbacks to oil and natural gas subsidies to pay for extensions for other energy industries were to come to the Senate for another vote, it would likely fail a third time.

Using Rainwater To Grow Livable Communities

U.S. communities are poised to take advantage of the perfect storm. Landowner awareness of the need for water-smart landscaping practices is intersecting with government planning requirements to manage stormwater… and everyone can benefit from innovative ideas on how to use rainwater to grow livable communities.

Wave Energy Project Proposed for Maui

The $20 million project will include three wave platforms and could be operating by the end of 2009. Each platform will employ oscillating water column technology, in which a cylinder is suspended in the ocean with its open end facing down, trapping air in the top.

Way found to capture carbon from cars

U.S. scientists have developed a way to capture, store and recycle carbon now emitted by vehicles, thereby preventing it from polluting the atmosphere.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 021508

•Commercial crude stocks in the US increased by 1.1 million barrels in the week ended February 8, the Energy Information Administration reported Wednesday. The build was lower than analysts' expectations of a 3.2 million barrel increase, and encouraged the complex to move higher despite sluggish demand indications and bearish products stocks.

•"If you take out of the picture a 2.5 million barrel build on the autonomous West Coast, then you end up with a crude draw of 1 million barrels in the main refining centers of the Gulf Coast, Mid-Continent and the East Coast," Michael Wittner, analyst at Societe Generale, said in a report.

February 12, 2008

As FutureGen fizzles, a different clean coal plant waits

As Illinois bemoans the decision by the administration of President George W. Bush to scrap plans for the experimental FutureGen power plant in Mattoon, Ill., another "clean coal" project remains on hold, awaiting legislation that developers say is critical to move forward.

Biofuels Deemed a Greenhouse Threat

Almost all biofuels used today cause more greenhouse gas emissions than conventional fuels if the full emissions costs of producing these “green” fuels are taken into account, two studies being published Thursday have concluded.

California Proposes a Global-Warming Fee on Businesses

In the first such program in California, and perhaps the United States, Bay Area air pollution regulators are proposing to charge an annual fee to thousands of businesses based on the amount of greenhouse gases they emit.

Chavez threatens to cut oil supply to US over Exxon row

"Here I am addressing the American Empire, because you are really the
master (behind the decision to freeze PDVSA's assets). Keep it up and you will
see that we will not be sending you a single drop of oil, the United States
Empire. ...

Commentary – Alm’s For the Poor

In the Sunday (February 10) op-ed section of The New York Times, Dallas Fed economists W. Michael Cox and Richard Alm argue that consumption is “a better guideline of economic prosperity than income” (You Aree What You Spend).

Congress Prioritizes Drinking Water And Sanitation For The World’s Poor

The U.S. Congress demonstrated once again its leadership regarding the key development challenge of the 21st century—the global safe drinking water and sanitation crisis.

Costs to rise under US MSHA's rescue team rule

By February 9, 2009, two certified rescue teams must be at the mine, each
having had 96 hours of annual training instead of the originally proposed 40
hours and participated in two local mine rescue contests

Crist to Dedicate Solar-Powered System

The following are environmental benefits from the solar-powered system:

Prevents the release of more than 654,000 pounds of carbon dioxide (C02) into the atmosphere each year.

Removes from the atmosphere the amount of carbon dioxide equivalent to a car making the 460 mile round-trip from Sarasota to Miami nearly 1,600 times.

Enough energy to power 40 average homes.

Domenici Says RFS Standard May Need Changes

At a committee hearing to discuss the market effect of the RFS, Domenici noted that RFS contained in the new law differed significantly from the version drafted in the Senate Energy Committee.

Egypt Embraces the Age of Renewables

Most discussions of the Egyptian power sector focuses on the political battle over liberalisation and the replacement of oil with gas as a feedstock for thermal power plants. Yet the country is fast becoming the biggest wind power producer in the Middle East and Africa.

FERC approves incentive rates to accommodate renewable energy projects

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) today granted Xcel Energy Services, Inc.'s request for incentive transmission rates as part of its plan for six transmission upgrades to meet state renewable energy generation standards and serve increased power demand in the Upper Midwest.

Help Sought for Ex-Yucca Workers

Seeking to soften the blow for workers losing jobs at Yucca Mountain, Nevada lawmakers on Tuesday announced a bid to boost retraining while they pursue other strategies to create more tech jobs in the state.

Hydrogen Battery Technology for Portable Devices

Like a traditional battery, a hydrogen battery converts chemical energy into electrical energy. However, there are important differences.

Hydrogen Energy Company Receives Patent On Technol

Limnia™ recently announced that it had been awarded U.S. Patent No. 7279222, which provides for methods to safely store large amounts of hydrogen and a method to reuse waste material as a new energy storage compound.

Increased coal exports could stoke higher power bills-- If more fuel is sent overseas, there's less here to run coal-fired plant

Fast growth in global demand for U.S. coal is eating up part of the domestic supply that American utilities count on during peaks in power use That's boosting energy prices and threatening to hit consumers' pocketbooks.

Make-your-own power promoted-- Agencies promote wind, solar and biodiesel options on a small scale to cut farmers' grid reliance

The same things that draw people to farms -- sunshine, fresh air and beautiful rows of crops -- could provide the energy needed to sustain agriculture.

Solar energy, wind power and biofuels can be produced through farm-scale technology on farms...

'Massive carbon tax' pitched

New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman told a crowd today that the country needs a "massive carbon tax" so energy companies would be forced to look to alternative and green energy to survive.

New Landfill Technology Offers Green - And Cost-Effective - Solutions

With the patent, Viridis now has available the Bioreactor Landfill Technology that is the best available technology for America's solid waste disposal landfills. The patented technology provides significant advances and dramatic enhancements in the reduction of greenhouse gasses, delivers substantially greater air and water pollution reduction, and increased methane production and recovery from landfills.

Northwestern province expected to be China's largest wind power generation base in 10 years

Northwestern China's Gansu Province is expected to be the country's largest wind power generation base in ten years' time, analysts said on Friday.

Ontario Centres of Excellence Injects $28 Million Into Breakthrough Clean Energy Technologies

The Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. and its industry and academic partners today announced an investment of $28 million in the research and development of six groundbreaking clean energy projects that promise to create cleaner and more efficient ways for Ontarians to generate, consume and manage energy.

Perdue urges end to coal-fired era-- She calls for no new power plants like one the state just approved

Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue called for a halt to any future coal-fired power plants as part of an energy plan she released Friday, though there may be no new plants to block.

Philippines Strives to Control Boom on Paradise Isle

"Twenty years ago, it was quiet, but there was no cold beer."

Renewable energy within reach for many-- More homeowners gain access to cleaner energy

It wasn't long ago that powering a home with renewable "green" power meant erecting a windmill in the backyard or covering the roof with solar panels.

Either option requires a big up-front investment with an uncertain payoff.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 021108

The geomagnetic field was at unsettled to active levels due to the continued influence of a recurrent coronal hole high speed stream. Solar wind speed at the ACE spacecraft reached a maximum of approximately 760 km/s at 11/0825Z.

Solar Power Boom Faces First Test

Prospects for the solar power sector are puzzling investors juggling on one hand a possible dotcom-style bust and on the other fresh support in Europe, home to a third of the world's market.

State hopes for U.S. energy funds-- Carbon capture research could be key

With its recent withdrawal of hundreds of millions of dollars of support for a proposed $1.8 billion power plant with near-zero emissions, the U.S. Department of Energy announced it will be looking to spin that money off to more projects and smaller projects in various states.

US court vacates EPA mercury cap-and-trade rule for power plants

The US Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia on Friday struck down US Environmental Protection Agency regulations for controlling mercury emissions from power plants, reversing the Bush administration's attempt to allow utilities to meet a cap on the hazardous air pollutant through a cap-and-trade system.

US DOE to reissue key Yucca Mountain contract tender

The US Department of Energy said Monday it plans to reissue a tender for a multibillion-dollar management and operating contract for support of the proposed spent nuclear fuel repository project at Yucca Mountain, Nevada.

Vote canceled on Kansas coal-plant bill

A bill to resurrect Sunflower Electric Power Corp.'s rejected coal plant expansion hit the skids today when a committee opted to postpone a vote.

Waste To Energy Market Is Booming, 100 New Plants By 2012

Waste management in Europe is no longer a haulage and disposal business. The legislative shifts of the past decade have seen major moves towards the implementation of advanced technology and innovative recycling solutions

What's Moving the Oil Markets 021208

•Crude futures weakened in European morning trading Tuesday on a lack of support, having rallied by more than $2.00/barrel Monday on a combination of bullish weather and a refinery outage in the US.

•"Heat oil has taken over the leadership of the complex and should be monitored for further directional signals"

•Trading is expected to be on the choppy side for the rest of the week

February 8, 2008

175 + Businesses, Organizations, Activists urge Members of Congress to Join House Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Caucus

In a letter sent today, 176 businesses, organizations, and individual activists called upon Members of Congress who have not yet joined the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RE/EE) Caucus to do so.

250 Rally Against a Coal-Fired Plant

"The Episcopal Church has taken a forward effort on sustainability. It is time for us to take a great deal more wisdom and thought into what we do," she said. "We are the only creatures on Earth that can contemplate the ramifications of our actions."

Abu Dhabi Commits US$15 Billion to Alternative Energy, Clean Technology

The investment will be channelled through the Masdar Initiative, a company that aims to explore, develop and commercialize future energy sources. Masdar will leverage the Abu Dhabi government’s initial US$15 billion investment with joint ventures and other investment partners for a grand portfolio many times larger...

Africa's Energy Hope

Developing The Continent’s energy infrastructure is widely seen as one of the key growth strategies for Africa. The continent’s electricity supply industry is expected to require a total investment of $563 billion over the next 20 years to meet the growing demand.

Aikido-Ai's 26th annual

Train in Aikido, Tai Chi, Qigong and Zen in the mountains above Southern California.

Air Pollution Survey Of Top 10 Ports Urges Action At National Level

U.S. ports are among the biggest sources of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in their cities, and progress toward reducing harmful emissions has been slow, according to a new research study conducted by Energy Futures, Inc.

Arizona lawmaker joins demonstration supporting right-to-die legislation

Rose Epstein of Sun City West says she deserves the right to die like a dog.

"We have compassion on our dogs, but we don't allow people, who are more than dogs, to make such an important decision for themselves," ...

Biomass-based 'Coal' Makes Coal Plants Renewable and Clean

NewEarth Renewable Energy, Inc. produces a "coal" equivalent from 100% biomass sources. The pellets do not smoke, are odorless, and produce virtually no pollution; yet they have the same BTU content as coal, and are available at a lower price, when all the costs of coal are factored in.

BP's ARCO to Pay US$187 Million for Cleanup

BP Plc's s Atlantic Richfield (ARCO) unit has agreed to pay US$187 million to finance a cleanup of the Clark Fork River, a well-known Montana trout stream, under a settlement announced by the Justice Department and Environmental Protection agency Thursday.

Bush budget offers $400 million decrease for EPA

The EPA would receive about $7.1 billion -- down from $7.5 billion in fiscal year 2008. President Bush´s overall budget for the entire federal government next year totals $3.1 trillion.

Bush budget would boost funding for US Department of Energy 4.7%

The White House requested $25 billion for DOE, an increase of 4.7% over the current level.

California Approves Feed-In Tariffs, Rewards Energy Efficiency

The California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) has approved long-term prices for the state's utilities to buy renewable energy from their customers.

CERA vs. Peak Oil-- it's getting serious

We wrote the other day about criticism leveled at Cambridge Energy Research Associates' relatively optimistic view of world oil supplies from followers of the Peak Oil theory. The latter group has now thrown down the gauntlet.

Clean energy tech spending could hit $7 trillion by 2030-- CERA

Increasing public concerns about climate change -- and its potential economic and political security implications -- are driving public and private investment in new clean energy technologies that could exceed the $7 trillion mark by 2030, Cambridge Energy Research Associates said Tuesday.

Congress Conjures Up an Energy Deficit

Let's understand a simple fact. You cannot squeeze any more energy out of a gallon of gasoline than already exists. If you mix it with an additive which itself provides less energy, what you get is less energy.

So, when Congress passed a so-called energy bill in mid-December that demanded more “fuel efficiency” by a measure of forty percent, requiring that automobiles be built to get 35 miles per gallon in 2020 as opposed to the former mandate of 25 mpg, it was essentially telling American auto makers to start making cars out of paper mache...

Congressional Democrats hit Bush cuts in renewables, efficiency

Democrats on the US Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on
Wednesday sharply criticized Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman for proposals in
the department's $25-billion fiscal 2009 budget that would cut funding for
energy efficiency and renewable energy programs by 27% from current levels.

Consequences of Delay in Extending Renewable Energy Incentives

A new economic study by Navigant Consulting finds that over 116,000 U.S. jobs and nearly $19 billion in U.S. investment could be lost in just one year if renewable energy tax credits are not renewed by Congress...

Crude futures trading close to $90 b in a weather-led rally

Global crude futures rallied higher in European morning trading on Friday, extending late Thursday's gains which were led mainly by a strengthening in heating oil futures due to expected colder temperatures along the US Atlantic coast, sources said.

DOE Proposes $494.7 Million for Yucca Mountain

The Department of Energy proposed a $494.7 million budget for Yucca Mountain on Monday, and braced for another year of defending the project against critics in Congress.

E. Coli Fuels New Energy Research

Two ongoing research projects are using E. coli to create two very different types of fuel. In one project, researchers have "tweaked" E. coli so that it will produce large amounts of hydrogen. In another, E. coli is being used to create higher-chain alcohols, which can be used as a gasoline substitute.

Environmental Research Program To Continually Monitor Air And Water Quality Around The Globe

The program will develop pervasive environmental sensor networks to collect data on parameters such as air and water quality from many sources, and use this data to provide accurate, real-time monitoring, modeling and control of the environment.

Fifty Die as Tornadoes Sweep US South

Tornadoes and thunderstorms shattered parts of the US South on Tuesday and Wednesday, killing at least 50 people and injuring more than 150 in the deadliest such storms in nine years.

Finance Chiefs Urge Support for Clean Energy Fund

The finance chiefs of the United States, Britain and Japan on Thursday urged other governments to join their efforts to launch a multibillion-dollar fund to help developing countries switch to clean energy technologies.

Food-Based Biofuels Can Spur Climate Change - Study

Alternative fuels made from corn, soybeans, sugarcane and palm trees can in some cases increase the amount of climate-warming carbon dioxide that goes into the atmosphere, US researchers reported on Thursday.

Global-warming legislation may see light of day

With climate-change legislation picking up support like so many political endorsements, this may be the year that global-warming legislation finally breaks through.

Google Says to Help Green Technologies Amass Scale

Google Inc is prepared to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in big commercial alternative-energy projects that traditionally have had trouble getting financing, the executive in charge of its green-energy push said on Wednesday.

Groups urge US Congress to raise number of royalty auditors

The request, the groups said, comes as "oil companies have demonstrated a
pattern of shortchanging the government on royalties,"...

Hawaii meeting shows US climate position is changing-- Ambassador

The US-sponsored Major Economies Meeting on Energy Efficiency and Climate
Change ended Thursday with some plaudits for the US' more proactive stance,
but also recognition that differences of opinion remain over the future course
of climate change action.

Hawaii's Clean Energy Initiative

"With an abundance of natural resources and environmental treasures, Hawaii is the ideal location to showcase the broad benefits of renewable energy at work on an unprecedented scale,"

Industry leaders gather to 'chart the course' for competition and clean energy

KEMA’s 19th annual Executive Forum, “Charting the Course for Competition and Clean Energy,” is gathering leaders from across North America to discuss critical strategic issues facing the merging retail power and clean energy industries.

Inventors eye biomass chances-- Switchgrass planted on power line rights of way could be energy source, pair say

Where many people see an eyesore -- the swaths of low brush and high-voltage power lines that snake over ridges and valleys -- Leonard Reggie and his sons, Adam and Bryan, see an eco-friendly economic opportunity.

La Niña is expected to continue through the Northern Hemisphere spring 2008.

Current atmospheric and oceanic conditions indicate that La Niña has continued to strengthen in the tropical Pacific. By the end of January 2008, equatorial SST anomalies were more than 2.0°C below average across parts of the central and east-central equatorial Pacific.

Lessons From an Emerging Wind Power

The people of Denmark have a story to tell in their own Nordic unassuming way. You hear it from quietly proud Per Volund, an engineer, as he takes a group of Americans out on a small boat to tour the Middlegrunden wind farm in Copenhagen harbor.

Market Reportedly Well-Supplied With Oil

OPEC repeated that the market continues to be well supplied with oil, and that oil stocks have remained within their five year average and with the projected economic slowdown in the first quarter of the year, production was sufficient to meet demand.

Milestone Achieved in Advancing Global Use of Biofuels

An international effort to regulate biofuel standards could spur trade, lower costs.

More sparks fly over power line

After bowing in December to pressure from conservationists who didn't like Georgia Transmission's first plan, the utility construction company now is moving forward with a new route nearby.

New House panel chief praises Texas' environmental efforts

The chairman of a new Texas House committee to study power generation capacity and the environment said Wednesday that Texas has done more for the environment than most other states.

New Study Links Technology to Dramatic Energy Efficiency, Says Technology is Net Energy Saver By 10 to 1 Ratio Across Economy

A new study has found that technology leads to a dramatic increase in energy efficiency and is actually a net saver of energy by a 10:1 ratio across the economy.

Oklahoma regulators mull possible renewable portfolio standard

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission is examining whether it has authority
to implement a mandatory renewable portfolio standard

Protecting The Nation’s Water Sector From Security Threats

Clean Water Organizations Release Overview of Legal and Policy Framework for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Security

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 020708

Retailer E.ON UK to raise power price 9.7%, gas by 15%

UK energy retailer E.ON UK said Thursday it would increase its power prices by 9.7% and its gas prices by 15% from Friday.

Sen. Finance Committee Adds Renewable Energy Tax Credits to Stimulus Bill

On Wednesday, the Senate Finance Committee included measures to extend the Production Tax Credit (PTC) for renewable energy through the end of the 2009 in its version of an economic stimulus package originally proposed by President Bush.

Solar cell technology, which it says will be as cheap as conventional electricity

Suniva will commercialize its monocrystalline silicon solar cell technology, which it says will be as cheap as conventional electricity. Suniva will make very thin solar cells--less than 100 microns, with efficiency of 20% and a manufacturing process that is efficient as well.

State pondering renewable energy rules

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission requested a more comprehensive study Tuesday before it considers requiring utilities to use renewable energy sources.

State Sets Lofty Goal for Wind Energy-- Proposed Output Level By 2010 Will Require New Projects

To meet Minnesota's renewable energy goals, Gov. Tim Pawlenty wants 800 megawatts of wind energy developed through a grassroots state program by 2010.

Unfortunately, just 2.5 megawatts of wind power are "up and spinning" at the moment...

Stimulus package to reach US Senate floor Wednesday, battle looms

The US Senate is set to act on an economic stimulus package Wednesday that includes $5.5 billion in tax credit extensions for renewable energy.

Sunflower co-op considering biomass fuel at coal-fired plant

Sunflower Electric Power of Hays, Kansas, said Saturday that it and Prairie Fire Bioenergy have agreed to evaluate the potential for burning a biomass-based solid fuel with coal at Sunflower's 360-MW coal-fired plant near Holcomb, Kansas.

Sustainable Supply Chain Initiatives Booming

There’s an incredible amount of activity taking place in the area of sustainable supply chains.  Because supply chain challenges are so broad, it is hard to capture the full scope of what’s happening.

The Arizona refinery-- still trying, but another delay

You've heard it before: there hasn't been a new refinery built in the US in the last 175 years. Actually, it's closer to 32 years or so, but the repeated references to it, as if some giant opportunity was squandered by the industry, don't go away.

The Final Tipping Point

There are good reasons to think that the world may be on the verge of a major transformation of energy markets.

Timing of carbon control measure will be critical-- EEI's Kuhn

The timing of any carbon control legislation from the US Congress and the flexibility in being able to comply with such a mandate will be key factors in whether utilities can meet any mandate without significant effects, such as increased strains on natural gas supply and demand, Thomas Kuhn, president and CEO of the Edison Electric Institute, said Tuesday.

US banks set guidelines for addressing CO2 'risk' of coal plants

Three large US-based banks on Monday issued a series of principles designed to help them evaluate and address "carbon risks" in the financing of coal-fired power projects.

US climate policy reversal assured as Romney ends White House bid

Whomever is elected US president later this year will support a national greenhouse gas emissions cap since the remaining opponent of the policy, Republican candidate Mitt Romney, suspended his White House bid Thursday.

US gasoline stocks hit 14-year high of 227.487 million b-- EIA

Total US gasoline stocks rose 3.6 million barrels to 227.487 million barrels the week ending February 1, the highest level in 14 years, according to data from the Energy information Administration.

US Mortgage Rates Flat on Continued News of a Weak Economy

Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) yesterday released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 5.67 percent with an average 0.4 point for the week ending February 7, down slightly from last week when it averaged 5.68 percent.  Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.28 percent.

US Senate Majority Leader hints oil, gas taxes may come back

US Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid revived talk of possible rollbacks to oil and natural gas incentives Friday, saying that the high profits reported by major oil companies for the fourth quarter of 2007 proved the industry could afford to invest more in renewable energy.

US senator attacks Bush plan to increase size of oil reserve

A senior US Democratic senator on Wednesday criticized the Bush administration's proposal to double the capacity of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to 1.5 billion barrels, saying current prices are too high to put oil back in the ground.

US Weather Commentary 020608

On schedule, the Upper-Midwest will now embark on a 10-Day stretch very similar to the previous 10 Days, exemplified by Chicago contending with another significant snowstorm and several max temperatures failing to get above the freezing mark

US Weather Commentary 020808

* Milder Southwestern quadrant of Nation than experienced past several weeks.

* New England and Mid-Atlantic to participate more in Midwest Polar Waves (a la December 2007).

Water Planners Call For Fundamental Shift To Deal With Changing Climate

The past is no longer a reliable base on which to plan the future of water management. So says a new perspectives piece written by a prominent group of hydrologists and climatologists, recently published in Science, that calls for fundamental changes to the science behind water planning and policy.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 020608

• Crude futures edged up on Wednesday despite mostly bearish forecasts for the weekly US crude inventory data due to be released later today.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 020808

•Crude futures rallied higher in European morning trading on Friday, extending late Thursday's gains which were led mainly by a strengthening in heating oil futures due to expected colder temperatures along the US Atlantic coast, sources said.

World turns to us for coal, Dominion Terminal's volume could double

A surge in demand for U.S. coal is expected to continue for two to three years

February 1, 2008

$1 million fund created to boost solar power

Colorado--Gov. Bill Ritter said the state is creating a $1 million fund to encourage residents to equip homes with solar power. Under the Solar Residential Program, the state will give cities, municipalities and utilities matching grants of up to $25,000 if they give rebates to solar power users.

Alaska groups, Audubon join fight against Chukchi sale decision

A coalition of 13 environmental and Alaska native groups filed suit Thursday in federal court challenging the Interior Department's decision to hold a lease sale in the Chukchi Sea, scheduled for February 6.

American Alternative Energy Systems To Promote Anaerobic Digesters

The digester will capture the biogas created by heating the manure which in turn will run a cogen unit creating electricity to run the farm. The cogen unit will also produce enough thermal heat to heat the digester and can be used for other on site farm applications.

Analysts-- Winter gas price premium here to stay

Despite recent assertions to the contrary, gas prices will retain their winter premium for years to come, analysts with Barclays Capital said the week ending January 18.

Antarctic Ice Riddle Keeps Sea-Level Secrets

A deep freeze holding 90 percent of the world's ice, Antarctica is one of the biggest puzzles in debate on global warming with risks that any thaw could raise sea levels faster than UN projections.

Australia's La Nina Rains Set to Last Until Mid-'08

A rain-bearing La Nina weather pattern, which has begun to end years of serious drought in Australia, was expected to remain until the middle of 2008, the weather bureau said on Thursday.

AWWA Webcast To Discuss Harmful Algal Blooms

Water professionals will discuss how to take a proactive role in dealing with blue-green algal blooms in drinking water and recreational water supplies. The toxins produced by the algae, cyanotoxins, cause animal mortalities and disruptions to natural food webs. Cyanotoxins also present a public health risk.

Bill to study climate change in Idaho needs reworking-- The measure's sponsor says the state can make money from alternative energy

A Senate committee Monday delayed a hearing on a bill that would task a Legislative study group with researching how Idaho can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

BP makes 'significant' oil, gas finds offshore Egypt

BP announced Thursday a "significant" gas discovery at record depths in Egypt's Nile Delta and an "important" oil discovery in the country's North Shadwan concession in the southern part of the Gulf of Suez.

Brazil Unable to Curb Amazon Destruction - Enviros

High commodity prices and increased land use elsewhere in Brazil are driving ranchers and farmers deeper into the Amazon in search of cheap land, environmentalists say.

Chinese Factory Turns Environmental Bane into Boon

Using equipment and technology from Germany, the plant processes the dung, urine, and waste water from some 10,000 cows on Mengniu’s farm. The facility is able to produce 12,000 cubic meters of methane and generate 30,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity daily.

Coal-fired generation's fate tops S&P list of utility issues

The fate of coal-fired generation and controlling greenhouse gas emissions tops the list of important issues facing electric utilities in 2008 and beyond, Standard & Poor's said Tuesday in a new report.

DOE Announces Restructured FutureGen Approach to Demonstrate Carbon Capture and Storage Technology at Multiple Clean Coal Plants

Clean coal technology is a vital component of the Bush Administration's vision for a cleaner, more secure energy future and this more cost-effective approach will demonstrate IGCC-CCS clean coal technology to enable wider use and commercialization more rapidly.

E. coli used to produce hydrogen

A U.S. chemical engineer has "tweaked" a strain of E. coli so it produces about 140 times more hydrogen than is produced in naturally occurring processes.

Energy dept. invests more than $84 million in ethanol

The Department of Energy is investing more than $84 million in three small-scale cellulosic ethanol plants that will help determine whether the processes would work for commercial production.

Energy ministry unlikely for China in 2008-- sources

The first draft of the energy law, which called for the setting up of an energy ministry, was ready late-2007 and was circulated for comments. But it will not be ready for legislators to read and vote on by March when the annual session of the National People's Congress will be held.

Environment a fleeting topic during State of the Union

Ho-hum. Anyone expecting to be dazzled by plucky, courageous green initiatives during President Bush´s final State of the Union address probably needs to stop singing all those verses of "Kumbaya."

Europe agrees to binding goals of 20pct from renewables

The European Commission has agreed on proposals to "dramatically increase" the use of renewable energies in each country by 2020, through the setting of legally-enforceable targets.

Fuel Cells Power Up

Hydrogen, a carrier of energy, has many applications. It can be used to fuel vehicles, power stations and heavy equipment.

FutureGen changes could land it in Texas after all-- Energy Department says it will reveal plans for coal project soon

Texas lost out last month when a government-sponsored zero-emissions coal plant went to Illinois, but its bid could be revived because the project has stalled over questions about its rising cost and technological scope, officials said.

Green group calls on US Senate Democrats to back tougher GHG cuts

An environmental group is calling on US Senate Democrats to either "fix or ditch" a climate-change bill that would impose less stringent cuts in greenhouse gas emissions than what the party's leading presidential candidates have endorsed.

Illinois vows to save FutureGen after DOE withdraws support

Illinois legislators and state government officials are vowing to save the nearly $1.8 billion FutureGen project after the Department of Energy told them it was withdrawing its support for experimental emissions-free coal-burning power plant.

Inbox 013008

I´ve often felt that if the main players at these events aren´t going to do anything legitimately important -- and they seldom have, not in the ones I´ve seen -- they ought to at least make them entertaining.

Israeli-Led Venture Develops Auto Hydrogen Fuel Tank

An Israeli-Russian-German venture said it had developed a safe and lightweight hydrogen tank, overcoming a significant obstacle to the mass manufacture of automobiles operated by hydrogen fuel.

Kansas lawmakers suggest way for controversial coal plant expansion to occur

While supporters touted the bill as being the first of its kind in the nation, many states already have placed restrictions on their coal plants' carbon emissions. And critics of the bill say it could actually represent a step backward because the penalty for emitting excessive carbon dioxide "is a pittance."

Latest Scientists' Views of Sea Level Rise

Following are details of a Reuters poll of 10 leading climatologists about likely rises in world sea levels this century:

Lawmaker Focuses on Renewable Energy

Legislation designed to encourage broader development of clean, renewable energy sources in Utah made its public debut Wednesday inside the Capitol rotunda.

Makani Power, Inc. High Altitude Wind Harvesting

"Makani Power is seeking to harness high-altitude wind energy to produce energy at an unsubsidized real cost significantly below that of the least expensive coal-fired power plants, the current benchmark of the lowest cost source of power."

Nearly 60 new members join Climate Registry

Fifty-four corporations, state and local governments, and other organizations have joined the Climate Registry as founding reporters.

Nevada lawmakers seek US help for laid off Yucca Mountain workers

Nevada's US congressional delegation has asked the Department of Labor to help find jobs and provide transition funding for the more than 500 employees expected to be laid off this year from the US Department of Energy's high-level nuclear waste disposal project at Yucca Mountain, Nevada.

New 'Green' Energy from Dirty Sources

Wall Street has piled billions into solar panels, wind farms, and other alternatives to oil and gas, but many investors also see big opportunities in making better use of older, dirtier energy sources

No deal yet on coal plants

Recently, supporters of the $3.6 billion plants said they hoped to reach a compromise with Sebelius that would allow the project to go forward.

Nuclear Clean-Up Bill Pounds 12bn Higher Than First Predicted

Decommissioning Britain's growing radioactive waste mountain is likely to cost the taxpayer 12bn more than previous highest estimates, raising fresh questions about the expense of the new generation of nuclear power stations.

OPEC ministers say no need to change output, Saudis stay silent

Asked whether OPEC might heed a US call for more output to bring down
prices, Khelil said Washington's plea was for markets to be well supplied and
applied not only to OPEC but to other oil producers outside the cartel.

Pricey Gas Drives US Shoppers to Fuel Efficiency

Shoppers looking at cars and light trucks become more sensitive when prices rise above an average national price of US$2.80 a gallon, according to Edmunds.com Executive Director David Tompkins, who called that level a "psychological turning point for consumers."

Renewable Energy Portfolios Standards and Transmission Reliability, Part IV

Most economists believe that they can solve any problem with the right mix of incentives. They dream them up and implement them, study their results, and then reshape them. Many economists believe the world has not yet invented a problem that cannot be fixed if given a free hand to design the proper incentive scheme. The solution may not always be pretty—often involving coercion—but the original problem can be fixed.

Renewables will suffer from cost, turbines and carbon footprint, says WEC

The supply of energy must double by 2050 to meet global demand, according to the policy scenario of the World Energy Congress.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 013108

Research Project Compares Two Solar Hot Water Systems

Bringing together two types of solar hot water systems, state-of-the-art meteorology technology, donated and surplus military equipment, and a non-traditional collaborative team, D-Acres, a non-profit organic farm and educational homestead in New Hampshire is currently hosting an innovative solar research project.

Scientists see looming water crisis in western U.S.

Trends over the past half century foreshadow a worsening decline in water, perhaps the region's most valuable natural resource, even as population and demand expands in western states, researchers led by a scientist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography wrote in the journal Science on Thursday.

Screen-printed solar cells

The key component of the new modules is an organic dye which in combination with nanoparticles converts sunlight into electricity. Due to the small size of the nanoparticles, the modules are semi-transparent. This aspect makes them well suited for façade integration.

Senate postpones uranium decision-- A bill would establish a panel to examine the pros and cons of mining in Pittsylvania County

At stake is the future of what is believed to be the largest concentration of uranium in the country, now several miles underground in Pittsylvania County. Advocates say mining the site could bring jobs and revenue to that part of the state; opponents say mining the uranium could pose a health risk.

Simple Payback-- The Wrong Tool for Energy Project Analysis

Industrial decision-makers everywhere depend on "payback" as a way to evaluate proposed investments in their facilities. Compared to more sophisticated financial measures such as net present value and internal rate of return, payback is comparatively simple to understand and calculate -- perfect for "back of the envelope" analysis. But its inherent simplicity also creates problems.

SmartWay-- It’ not just a clever name

The E.P.A.’s SmartWay Transport Program is helping shippers make drastic emission reductions without substantial monetary investments

Although shipping emissions are one of the largest contributors to total CO2 emissions in the U.S. and beyond, they have only been recently studied in depth.

Study Shows Hurricane Impact of Warmer Atlantic

British researchers say they have shown that a half-degree Celsius temperature rise in the Atlantic ocean can fuel a 40 percent increase in hurricanes.

The State of Green Business in 2008

Hardly a day goes by without a company proclaiming their intent to slash energy consumption, reduce waste or take some other bold action to green their operations or products. The wave of announcements is dizzying. Is this is just lip-service, or is the adoption of green business practices really growing?

Turkey signs wind-power plant agreement

Rotor Energy Co, a subsidiary of Zorlu Energy, signed an "Emission reductions sale agreement" with Ecosecurities group for a wind power plant to be constructed in southern province of Osmaniye on Tuesday [29 January].

UK Government-- Turning up the heat on heat

Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks today launched a call for evidence on the best ways to decarbonise the way we heat our homes and businesses.

UN climate head outlines plan to fight climate change

A UN top climate official outlined detailed steps Wednesday to enhance global cooperation in fighting climate change during an address at the U.S.-sponsored international climate change conference in Hawaii.

UN Climate Panel Report's Findings

The world's biggest emitters of global-warming greenhouse gases met behind closed doors on Wednesday for a US-sponsored conference as protesters pointed up Hawaii's vulnerability to climate change.

US DOE confirms FutureGen is dead, will test CCS at other sites

The US Department of Energy on Wednesday confirmed it is ending its support of FutureGen, a $1.8-billion project designed to build a nearly emissions-free coal-fired power plant...

US DOE seen distributing FutureGen funds to smaller CCS projects

The US Department of Energy will likely divide some of its funding for the scrapped FutureGen power plant between a handful of carbon capture and storage projects, Illinois officials and industry sources said Wednesday.

US FERC head opposes dominant federal CO2 pipe regulation role

The chairman of the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Thursday urged Congress not to strip states of the authority to site carbon dioxide pipelines as lawmakers consider possible changes to the regulatory scheme that governs the infrastructure.

US judge backs Indians in royalty suit against government

A group of American Indians that alleges the US government cheated it out of billions of dollars in oil and natural gas royalties has won a key victory in a long-running lawsuit against the US Interior Department.

US Mortgage Rates Bounce Back From Five-Week Downward Trend

Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) yesterday released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 5.68 percent with an average 0.4 point for the week ending January 31, up from last week when it averaged 5.48 percent.  Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.34 percent. 

US renewables groups on the offensive

Asserting that hundreds of thousands of job losses are at stake, leaders of four major US renewable energy trade associations have called on Congress and President Bush to extend production and investment tax credits to sustain hard-fought gains in cleaner electric generation...

US senators ask whether EPA moving fast enough on CCS regulations

Members of the US Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Thursday suggested that the Environmental Protection Agency is not moving fast enough to develop rules for capture and geologic storage of carbon dioxide emissions after learning that such rules may not be ready until 2011.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 020108

•Global crude futures were weaker Friday, taking some of the heat out of Thursday's late spike, as market participants sought trend indications from equity markets and from gasoline demand in crude markets

•"There's an OPEC meeting but no one really cares about that right now," said a London-based trader.