News 2008:

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World CO2 since 1750 (cubic feet)

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January 29, 2008

2008 Ground Water Summit Brings Top Scientists And Industry Leaders To Memphis

This 4th annual Ground Water Summit brings together local, national, and international science partners to exchange information on scientific, policy and regulatory issues pertaining to ground water.

A Look at the Energy Trading and Risk Management Systems Market

If your company purchased a new energy trading and/or risk management (ETRM) system in 2007, clearly you were not alone. 2007 was a remarkable year for the number of new systems sold in North America.

Aptera's Super-MPG Electric Typ-1 e

PM hits the streets and gets looked at more than ever before, then heads to the shop for first-look details on a futuristic car so efficient it’ll make your jaw drop. The good news? It’s coming next year.

Brazil Says Amazon Destruction Soars Again

The destruction of the Amazon forest surged over the last five months of 2007, the Brazilian government said on Wednesday, only months after hailing progress in curbing deforestation.

Bush to call for clean technology fund in State of Union

President Bush in his final State of the Union address Monday night will call for Congress to provide $2 billion over the next three years for a new international clean energy technology fund, which would help deploy low-carbon technology in developing nations around the world, the White House said.

Charles Shults' Fresnel Solar Design

Charles Shults III combines solar hot water panels with a large fresnel lens to flash the hot water to steam, which runs a turbine to generate 6 kW of electricity, with hot water left over, which is recycled through the system. The system is expected to cost around $6,000 - $8,000 USD (targeting $1/Watt), with an ROI of 3-5 years.

China faces short supply of wind power generators

With advanced technologies introduced from abroad, China's wind power generator manufacturing industry has grown rapidly in recent years, and many listed companies have participated in this development.

Consumers Click with Energy Savings

It's never been a question of whether the tools would develop to allow such efficiencies. It's always been an issue over whether consumers would respond to the supply and demand curve that electricity follows.

Contamination at former plant won't spread to city, utility says

A voluminous new report from Ameren says the public's health is not immediately threatened by underground contamination at a former coal gasification plant in north Champaign.

But test results in the report show contaminants in the soil, including benzene, have spread...

Could Oklahoma lead wind-power export?

Power officials expect Oklahoma will be a leading exporter of wind-generated energy by 2024.

Crude futures above $91b on expectations of US interest rate cut

Global crude futures moved higher in European morning trading on Tuesday, hovering around the $91/barrel mark, as expectations that the US Federal Reserve Bank could cut rates again on Wednesday lent support to equity markets, which in turn filtered through into the petroleum complex, sources said.

Economy, Planet in Trouble-- Green Energy to the Rescue?

With a tipping point in climate change maybe a few years out, perhaps triggered by the soon completely melted summertime Arctic ice cap, we’re probably well past the point where a semi-market-based-only approach to cutting greenhouse gas emissions, like cap-and-trade, will do any good. Government needs to step in.

Energy Law Will Alter American Households

From light bulbs to clothes washers, the energy law passed by Congress and signed by President Bush in December will change many of the appliances in the average American home.

FDIC Chairman Vows to Pressure Lenders

The federal government will "step up the pressure" on the lending industry to fix America’s mortgage mess and keep fewer people from losing their homes, the chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. said Thursday during a speech to businessmen in Pittsburgh.

Fuel Cells Power Up

Fuel cells are creating a lot of fanfare. But is it warranted? While some say that those hydrogen-oriented devices and the clean byproducts they release are not inevitable, others say that they are playing key roles now that will only grow.

Global Market For Seawater And Brackish Water Desalination Plants Slated For High Growth Through 2012

The Earth’s finite fresh water reserves are dwindling—a situation that will place the challenge of developing new sources at the forefront of global sustainability concerns for decades to come.

Governor Looks to Other States for FutureGen Help

In the month since it was announced that Mattoon had beat out three competing communities for the right to host the facility, federal energy officials have indicated they may want to change the scope of the project because of rising costs.

Hawaii targets 70pct of energy from renewable sources by 2030

Under the initiative, DOE pledged its technical and policy expertise to help demonstrate reliable and affordable technologies in Hawaii. It will focus on deploying existing technologies and investigating which should be commercialized.

Idaho Nuclear Plant Plans Dropped

Elected officials in southwest Idaho say they've been told plans for a proposed nuclear power plant have been abandoned.

Iraq suspends oil supplies to South Korea Energy over Kurdistan deal

Iraq has halted crude exports to South Korea's top oil refiner SK Energy in protest at its involvement in an "illegal" exploration deal in northern Iraq

Minnesota panel supports cap-and-trade, ban on coal plants

A Minnesota climate change task force is recommending the state join a regional cap-and-trade carbon program and adopt strict emission limits that would essentially bar any new coal-fired power plants from being built in the state.

North Dakota's Wind Energy Production Doubles

The wind energy industry is blowing across the North Dakota prairie like an Alberta Clipper. And, it's getting stronger.

Northern Cheyenne Indian Nation seeks donations for Sand Creek Massacre project

The Northern Cheyenne Indian Nation continues to work on its Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site project, this time creating an educational program for the tribe as well as trying to acquire a portion of the site.

Nuclear Plant Workers Show Higher Cancer Risks

Workers at one US nuclear facility have suffered higher-than-average rates of certain cancers, a study shows -- suggesting that on-the-job exposures are to blame.

Nuclear plants become a factor in elections-- Democrats soften their stances on traditionally GOP-backed solution

As climate change rises to the top of voters' minds, many Democrats are reconsidering their anti-nuclear stance... Republican presidential candidates say nuclear power promotes energy independence and offers a solution to global warming.

OPEC says speculation is 'driving force' behind high oil prices

OPEC on Monday described speculation as the "principal driving force" behind rising oil prices and volatility, calling for something to be done about its "damaging hold" on world oil markets.

Platinum set to challenge the $1,700 oz target

Even before last week's power supply problems, analysts were projecting a significant deficit this year. Now the situation will be even worse.

Quote of the Day 012808

"The future of our energy security, requires that we invest in the creativity of our inventors and entrepreneurs."
The US President, George W. Bush said in his final State of the Union Address Monday night,

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 012908

Several senators push to extend renewable energy tax credits

As Congress prepares to consider a short-term economic stimulus package, 33 US senators from both parties are pushing for long-term extensions on federal tax credits for renewable energy projects. The tax credits are set to expire in December.

Six senators support bill on Yucca Mountain

The bill, which was sponsored by Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., would allow the planned high-level nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nev., to receive a temporary license regulating its radiation standard for 300 years rather than 1 million years.

Turkey says Iran resumes gas exports at 1.5-2 million cu m/d

Iran has restarted gas exports to Turkey three weeks after it halted supply but at a sharply reduced rate, the Turkish Anatolya news agency reported late Sunday.

US crude stocks to build 2.6 million barrels-- analysts

Analysts expect US commercial crude stocks to show a 2.6 million barrel build when the Energy Information Administration and American Petroleum Institute release weekly data on Wednesday

US Renewable Energy Market Reports Record Year in 2007

Last year was a record year for the renewable energy industry in the United States. The development and sale of power from wind, solar, geothermal, biomass and other renewable sources in 2007 infused $20 billion into the U.S. economy and created tens of thousands of jobs.

US Senate Majority Leader says coal is 'ruining the world'

US Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on Monday accused the coal industry of lying about the effect the fuel is having on the environment and climate change, adding that coal is "ruining the world."

US, Russia to sign deal on uranium imports this week-- sources

Officials from the US Department of Commerce and the Russian Federal Atomic Energy Agency are expected to sign later this week an amendment to the 1992 Russian uranium suspension agreement...

What's Moving the Oil Markets 012908

•Crude futures moved higher on Tuesday, hovering around the $91/barrel mark, as expectations that the US Fed could cut rates again on Wednesday lent support to equity markets, which in turn filtered through into the petroleum complex, sources said.

•"Petroleum futures markets are once again driven by equities, which are holding the market up..

Wind Turbine Revolution 'to Create 200,000 Jobs'

According to the British Wind Energy Association, over the next 12 years there will be a construction revolution creating a wind energy sector that will rival some of our largest industries.

There are currently about 20,000 jobs involved in the wind industry in Britain, but this is set to grow substantially.

January 25, 2008

A Solar Grand Plan

By 2050 solar power could end U.S. dependence on foreign oil and slash greenhouse gas emissions

After much talk, city goes green-- Mayor to sign agreement

Following much discussion about global warming, the Los Altos City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to sign on to an agreement pledging to reduce carbon emissions and spend $15,000 to find out how much greenhouse gas the city is emitting.

Alaskans consider energy rebates

Legislators in Juneau considered an "energy rebate" for Alaskans Wednesday that could put between $500 and $1,000 in every resident's pocket.

Allentown may form environmental board-- Group would offer officials advice on issues such as energy

Allentown may become the latest local government in the Lehigh Valley to form an environmental advisory council, to help guide the city's redevelopment, conserve energy and protect natural resources.

Arctic Oil Activity Seen Up, Eco-Risks Loom - Report

Exploitation of the Arctic's huge oil and gas wealth poses a growing danger to an icy wilderness that can recover only slowly from heavy oil spills, a report by the eight-nation Arctic Council said on Monday.

Bank of America pulls out of coal

Bank of America has closed its Europe, Middle East and Africa commodities desk based in London and pulled out of the coal market, according to market sources.

Blackouts Prompt Scramble for Renewable Energy

ESKOM's scramble to mitigate an electricity crisis of gargantuan proportions is likely to accelerate the diversification of the power utility's energy mix and its move towards renewable energy sources.

Britain Will Need 12,500 Wind Farms to Satisfy EU Targets

A rapid and vast expansion of renewable energy is on the way in Britain to help with the fight against climate change, it was revealed yesterday.

Budget Office warns against directing US stimulus funds to energy

Though persistently high energy prices will be a major contributor in 2008's grim economic outlook, US Congressional Budget Office Director Peter Orszag told the Senate Finance Committee Tuesday that it would not be effective to add new incentives for alternative energy projects or new energy-related public projects to an upcoming stimulus bill.

Buoyant Water Industry In Singapore

Singapore's island geography exemplifies the old "water, water everywhere" paradox. Surrounded by the sea but with few fresh water resources, it faced shortages, flooding and pollution in the 1960s and 70s.

Can Geothermal Energy Offset Global Warming?

Since we are using the heat of the earth to run the power plant, some of this energy is transformed into electricity. This means there will be a net heat loss from the reservoir, and the earth temperature must decrease (blame the laws of thermodynamics).

Carmakers try to sort out which green technology is a winner

Although hybrid vehicles have stolen the spotlight, auto manufacturers are planning a wide variety of approaches -- ranging from diesel to hydrogen fuel cells -- to improve gas mileage and reduce harmful emissions.

But what is not yet clear is which -- if any -- of the many technologies will rise to the top.

China Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Report-- December 2007

As China's appetite for energy continues to grow, so too does its implementation of renewable energy. The country's wind, biomass and solar industries are moving at an impressive pace -- officials are planning to generate roughly 120,000 megawatts (MW) from renewable resources by 2020

China's State Grid urges government to intervene in power crisis

The State Grid Corp has asked the Chinese government to provide more assistance in handling the current power supply crisis, and to do all it can to boost the delivery of coal to key regions, according to Shanghai's China Business News.

CIA-- Cyberattack caused multiple-city blackout

A cyberattack has caused a power blackout in multiple cities outside the United States, the CIA has warned.

Climate change to hit health above economy-- study

Climate change will have potentially devastating consequences for human health, outweighing global economic impacts, researchers said on Friday, calling for urgent action to protect the world's population.

Coal suppliers who planned ahead seem to be OK in volatile market

Coal companies got some "very nice" extensions of loan terms, revolvers and credit facilities before they needed them, and now with cash on hand and earlier conservative actions, the companies are not likely to have many problems while the stock market is so volatile, according to a veteran industry analyst.

Combining Wind Power with Solar Chimneys

The demand for electric power is increasing worldwide as economies develop and economies begin to prosper. In unregulated markets the price of electricity increases along with rising demand. That higher cost encourages entrepreneurs to develop methods of generating electric power from technologies that would otherwise be considered uncompetitive. Over time improvements are made to these technologies that reduce the cost at which they produce power.

Crude futures higher ahead of US stats, financial markets stable

Global crude futures strengthened in European morning trading on Thursday following gains seen in US financial markets during a late rally on Wednesday, which sent positive signals to Asian markets and the petroleum futures complex.

Drilling Complete on Australian Hot Dry Rock Project

The first commercial attempt to create a commercial geothermal power plant using hot dry rock technology reached a crucial milestone on Tuesday, when a production well successfully reached its target depth. Hot dry rock technology was invented to draw energy from deep underground areas where geothermal heat is abundant, but no water exists to carry the heat to the surface

EC sets out new targets for emissions, renewables

"The 20% cut is going to be achieved even if we give free allowances to energy intensive-industry," - Stavros Dimas, Environment Commissioner

EU Commission Details Plan for 2020 Emissions Cuts

The European Union's executive arm unveiled on Wednesday details on how to slash greenhouse gas emissions by a fifth in 2020, including mandatory targets to produce renewable energy and curb industrial emissions.

EU eyes deal on utilities overhaul

European Union leaders should clinch a deal in June on how to separate power production and distribution activities of utilities as part of an overhaul of the bloc's energy policy, the EU executive said on Tuesday.

FACTBOX-The EU's Energy and Climate Plan

Following are the main elements in the plan, which must be approved by the 27 member states and the European Parliament.

French Billionaire Joins Charge on Car Batteries

Billionaire corporate raider turned ecology activist Vincent Bollore on Thursday opened a factory to produce batteries for electric cars that could be flooding cities from Tokyo to Turin.

From Malawi to Texas - A World of Possibilities

The Front page of the Wall Street Journal recently featured the story of William Kamkwamba of Malawi. Kamkwamba, 20, is intent on providing electricity to his country "one windmill at a time."

Global Warming May Reduce Hurricanes Hitting US

Rising ocean temperatures linked to global warming could decrease the number of hurricanes hitting the United States, according to new research released on Wednesday.

Greening the Planet and Our Economy – Student Style

Businesses and consumers have learned that sustainable development or "green technology" results in both environmental protection and economic growth. And with some help from EPA, college students around the country are also catching the "green wave."

Harvesting Wind is Goal in Japan Looking to the Sea, a Network of Offshore Wind Farms is Planned to Tap Pacific Gales

Overlooking a mountain lake a few hours drive from Tokyo, dozens of tall wind turbines spin in the breeze creating carbon-free power for one of the world's biggest emitters of greenhouse gases.

Iceland's Hydrogen Ship Heralds Fossil-Free Future

...in a few weeks, the Elding -- Icelandic for "Lightning" -- will be transformed into the world's first hydrogen-equipped commercial vessel, the latest sign that Iceland is pushing hard to become the first nation to break free from the constraints of fossil fuel.

In US, Plastic Shopping Bag Still Rules

Australia and China are phasing them out, Germany and Ireland tax them, but in the United States, the plastic shopping bag is still king.

Israel's electric car will cut oil needs

On Jan. 21 the Israeli government announced its support of an ambitious plan to install the world's first electric car network in Israel by 2011.

In a joint venture, Project Better Place, owned by Israeli-American entrepreneur Shai Agassi, will provide lithium-ion batteries and the infrastructure to refresh or replace them, while Renault and Nissan will build the cars.

Lofty Himalaya Magnify Global Warming Impact

The Himalayas are suffering the effects of global warming more acutely because of their height and melting glaciers could flood local settlements, the World Conservation Union (IUCN) said on Thursday.

"The Himalaya, that's really moving very fast. They're being hit very hard...

Making Use of Coal Waste

Burning coal creates a sensitive waste that could ultimately become a beneficial byproduct used in building materials and cement.

Coal waste actually falls under the guidelines set for non-municipal, non-hazardous waste. The rules governing its disposal are vague...

North Dakota council forbidden to consider pollution in power-plant proposals

When deciding whether a new power plant is in the public interest, to what extent should the government consider the pollution it will produce?

The answer in North Dakota is not at all.

NRC names new Resident Inspector at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station

Each of the country's commercial nuclear plants has resident inspectors who serve as the agency's eyes and ears at the facility, conducting regular inspections, monitoring significant work projects and interacting with plant workers and the public.

NRC orders changes at San Onofre nuclear plant

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has ordered Southern California Edison Co. to make changes after finding that an individual falsified records for five years to show they made hourly fire patrols when they did not do so at the San Onofre nuclear plant near San Clemente, Calif.

Nuclear Power Rebirth Revives Waste Debate

Nuclear power's credentials as a carbon-free energy source have helped to calm fears about its safety, but scientists have yet to solve the problem of the hundreds of thousands of years of toxic waste it generates.

PepsiCo Announces Initiatives With Earth Institute And H2O Africa To Drive Sustainable Water Practices

Efforts To Improve Rural Water in Africa, China, India and Brazil

Plant worries crowd

The first thing that the Rev. Jerry Priscaro of Erie did when he walked into the Iroquois High School auditorium Wednesday was sign a petition opposing the proposed 90-megawatt waste-tire-to-energy power plant for east Erie.

Quote of the Day 012508

"The worst period appears to be ending for now. The mood of panic has been fading,"
said Toshikazu Horiuchi, an analyst at Cosmo Securities.

Renewable Energy as a Mainstream Product Choice

A growing body of opinion research shows that Americans are concerned about how consumption of dirty fossil energies is impacting the environment, threatening national security and hindering long-term economic growth. But when the time comes for action, renewable energy and climate change are not yet true priorities for the everyday consumer.

Renewable Energy Leaders Urge Congress, Bush to Extend Tax Credits Quickly

Citing the possibility of job losses by the hundreds of thousands and the impact on a weakening economy, leaders of four major U.S. renewable energy trade associations Tuesday called on Congress and President Bush to extend production and investment tax credits that renewable energy developers, their financiers, and local and state governments are counting on to generate tax revenues and cleaner electricity.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 012408

Sales of Compact Fluorescent Lights Jump to 20% of the Market

The sales of Energy Star-qualified compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) nearly doubled last year, according to the estimates of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Solar project aims for cheaper technology

Imagine that instead of paying to install solar panels on the roof of a new home, homeowners could simply purchase roof shingles that have a built-in photovoltaic system, ready to be plugged in to provide a home with energy.

Solar, wind project brings electricity to Navajo homes

On a clear day, the retired engineer for Navajo Engineering Construction Authority can see the power lines that serve a nearby community, but in the 30 years he's lived in his one-bedroom house, the promise of light and heat hadn't come closer than two miles.

South Africa coal prices up on flood problems

A prolonged period of heavy rainfall in South Africa is beginning to cause some disruption to open-cast coal mining operations, according to a number of coal producers and traders.

South Africa's oil companies yet to feel power pinch

Oil companies in South Africa are yet to feel the pinch of a crippling power shortage, which has sparked public outrage and is threatening growth and investment in Africa's economic powerhouse.

South Korea Indicts Crewmen, Ship Owners for Oil Spill

South Korean prosecutors indicted the Chinese owners of an oil tanker and Samsung Heavy Industries on Monday along with five crew members of the vessels involved in the country's worst oil spill in December.

State delegate Hecht proposes solar bill

Randy Williams didn't have to worry about homeowners association rules when he installed solar panels on the roof of his Buckeystown house. But as solar power becomes more popular throughout the state, he thinks people should be allowed to go solar, even if they live in a development with an HOA.

Tax Breaks Would Spur Cleaner Coal Plants, Backers Say

But a coalition of House Democrats and environmental groups called for state laws to prohibit utility companies from charging their customers the cost of new coal plants, and require the utilities' shareholders to bear the expenses.

The cost of combating climate change

Yesterday the European Commission outlined detailed plans to ensure the European Union meets its climate change goals of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020...But these overall figures disguise the impact that the cost of combatting climate change will have on those sectors where the greatest effort is needed to cut emissions. Chief among them is the power generation sector..

The growing concern over CO2

You can't see it or smell it as it rises from smokestacks into the clear blue sky above the prairie. But to an increasing number of policymakers around the world, carbon dioxide emissions have become a very tangible concern.

Time To Move On to the Next Bubble-- Clean Energy

The U.S. economy is a bubble economy -- going from bubble to crash to the next mania -- and the new bubble is likely to be clean energy, says Wall Street insider Eric Janszen in the cover story of the February Harper's.

U.S. Department of Labor Announces $10 Million Competition to Build Skilled Trades Careers in the Energy Industry

There is a shortage of energy workers in this country. This $10 million grant competition under the Presidents High Growth Job Training Initiative will help workers access the training they need to get good paying jobs in the growing energy industry, said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

United States agrees to join Ukraine energy summit in May-- report

The United States on Wednesday agreed to join an energy summit in Kiev later this year, a move that supports Ukraine's attempts to arrange alternatives to Russian supplies of crude oil and natural gas.

Uranium Energy Corp Expands Land Position in Arizona with Acquisition of Coyote Ranch Project

Uranium Energy Corp announces that it has acquired the Coyote Ranch Project in Arizona. This strategically situated project is comprised of approximately 1,120 acres of state leases located in eastern Apache County.

US House hears that GHG auctions don't have to hurt consumers

Economic and environmental policy experts told a US congressional panel Wednesday that a greenhouse gas cap-and-trade system with 100% auction of emission allowances could be designed to cushion anticipated energy price increases for consumers and regions that rely on coal.

US Mortgage Rates Plummet to Lowest Levels in Four Years

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 5.48 percent with an average 0.4 point for the week ending January 24, down from last week when it averaged 5.69 percent as well.  Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.25 percent.  The 30-year FRM has not been lower since the week ending March 25, 2004 when it averaged 5.40 percent.

US Senator offers emissions bill after waiver clash with EPA

Senator Barbara Boxer, Democrat-California, introduced legislation Thursday that would overturn an Environmental Protection Agency decision stopping California and over a dozen states from setting greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles.

US subsidies for ethanol financing higher food prices-- report

US taxpayers, by subsidizing the conversion of grain into ethanol, "are, in effect financing a rise in their own food prices," Lester Brown, chairman of the Earth Policy Institute

Water shortage and population growth will create conflict-- UN

Prevention of the looming water crisis should receive top priority in 2008, according to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 012408

•Crude futures strengthened on Thursday following gains seen in US financial markets during a late rally on Wednesday, which sent positive signals to the petroleum futures complex.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 012508

•Crude futures moved higher on Friday and even traded above $90/b, extending gains seen during Thursday's late session following news of a US stimulus plan

•World stock markets rose further on Friday as a quick agreement by US leaders on a stimulus package eased concerns over the fallout from a weakening US economy

•Crude stocks at WTI's delivery point in Cushing, Oklahoma, fell by 800,000 barrels and distillate stocks were down 1.3 mil barrels.
 

Wichita proposedas wind power hub

Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson is laying out an ambitious agenda for Kansas to export thousands of megawatts of wind power to southeastern states and make Wichita a center for manufacturing windmills.

Wind industry welcomes EU's green energy revolution

BWEA, the body representing the UK’s wind, wave & tidal industries today welcomed the EU Commission’s announcement that Britain should supply 15% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020.

Wind-energy plan draws opposition

A variety of groups interested in wind energy weren't shy about telling regulators on Tuesday how much they don't like a proposed rule.

January 22, 2008

1930s aircraft an inspiration for 100 mpg cars

The company, which came out of stealth mode over the weekend, wants to bring what is called an opposed piston/opposed cylinder diesel engine to market.

A New Home Heating and Cooling Technology that Saves Energy, the Earth - and Your Money

This all-electric single system delivers a new level of efficiency and performance for both heating and cooling, dramatically reduces monthly energy bills and, by not using fossil fuels, eases a household's strain on the environment.

A tenfold improvement in battery life

Stanford researchers say silicon nanowires could help extend the life of a lithium ion battery for laptops from 4 hours to 40 hours.

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

In the opening ceremony of the World Future Energy Summit here today, Abu Dhabi announced the most ambitious sustainability program ever launched by a government -- an initial investment of US$15 billion in projects targeting solar, wind and hydrogen power; carbon reduction and management; sustainable development; education; manufacturing; and research and development.

Arab oil deposits swell by 17 bn barrels

Arab states have pumped in excess of 46 bn over the past six years but their crude resources have gained nearly 17 bn barrels, official figures showed.
Their proven gas deposits also swelled by at least one tcm despite steady growth in production...

Bill will publicize utilities' side deals

Companies that use huge amounts of electricity sometimes get secret "side deals" with utilities that knock millions of dollars off their power bills -- discounts that other customers end up subsidizing. An energy bill pending before the Ohio House would allow the side dealing to continue, but subject it to disclosure and approval by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.

Bodman says US hopes for oil supply boost from Saudis, OPEC

"We are hopeful that they will increase supplies," Bodman told reporters in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi. "I am of the view that there needs to be an increase in supply in order to call the markets of the world well supplied."

Bush signs new biofuels mandate into law

US President George W. Bush signed into law a major energy bill that raises auto fuel economy standards for the first time in more than three decades and requires a quadrupling of biofuel production.

Campaign Backs Coal for Power

A group backed by the coal industry and its utility allies is waging a $35 million campaign in primary and caucus states to rally public support for coal-fired electricity and to fuel opposition to legislation that Congress is crafting to slow climate change.

Coal plant's neighbor seeks relief from dust

His wife's multiple sclerosis diagnosis sent the family from a two-story home they shared in nearby Cleveland for 15 years to the manufactured home with wider doorways and plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair when his wife's health declined.

"Now, she has to take allergy shots three times a week," Bailey said. "The dust is one of the things she's allergic to."

CPV goes commercial - how to build, maintain and run a profitable CPV plant

Today, I want to introduce you to a brand new concentrating solar technology; Concentrated Photovoltaic (CPV)

Credit issuer says data lost for 650,000 customers

A computer tape containing personal data of 650,000 customers of about 230 retailers including J.C. Penney is missing, credit card issuer GE Money said on Friday.

Crude futures lose ground amid ongoing worry over US economy

Global crude futures headed south at the start of the week, with European trading on Monday showing a bearish picture for the whole petroleum complex due to ongoing economic fears regarding a possible US recession dampening market confidence not just in commodities but also in financial markets, sources said.

Eco-risks loom as arctic oil activity grows

Exploitation of the Arctic's huge oil and gas wealth poses a growing danger to an icy wilderness that can recover only slowly from heavy oil spills, a report by the eight-nation Arctic Council said on Monday.

Environmentalists Launch Assault to Halt Coal Plants

In federal and state courtrooms across the country, environmental groups are putting coal-fueled power plants on trial in a bid to slow the industry's biggest construction boom in decades.

EPIA is back in 2008 with the 2nd International Conference on Solar Photovoltaic Investments

This investment conference will be held on the 19th and 20th February, in Frankfurt.

Ernst & Young make 2008 global oil and gas industry forecast

Increasing global demand for energy and subsequent high prices have created a robust environment for oil and gas producers. At the same time, high prices have had an adverse effect on the downstream sector as the cost of raw materials impacted refining margins.

Georgia co-op group plans $2-billion, 850-MW coal-fired plant

A collection of 10 Georgia electric cooperatives said that they plan to spend $2 billion to build an 850-MW, pulverized coal power plant near Sandersville, in Washington County in the eastern part of the state.

German battery could jumpstart production of electric vehicles

German cars are known for strength, speed and high fuel consumption, but a firm in eastern Saxony has designed a lithium-ion battery membrane that could finally make electric cars common.

Global trade of refined products a mixed blessing for US-- GAO

International trade in petroleum products, which has expanded significantly over the past two decades, has provided access to more sources of supply for the US, but can also have an adverse effect on domestic prices, the Government Accountability Office said in a report released Friday.

Gold prices soar to record levels as rally continues

The gold market has started the new year in a bullish mood just as it closed out the old year. COMEX gold settled above $900/oz for the first time in history on January 14, as the rally in precious metals continues.

Group calls for aiding farmers with renewable energy

The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts has released an energy strategy proposal for increased technical assistance to farmers as they consider altering their farm operations to provide the state and the nation with renewable energy sources.

Groups offer plan for removing dams on Oregon's Klamath River to help salmon population

An ambitious deal calling for the removal of four hydroelectric dams to restore struggling salmon runs has been forged among farmers, Indian tribes, fishermen, conservation groups and government agencies battling over scarce water in Oregon and neighboring California.

Harnessing the sun

"Unlike most places in the world that have high levels of solar radiation, here in the High Desert, we are right next to a huge population center," Barnett said. "This means we can actually use this electricity. While other places like the Sahara Desert, where they may be able to generate it, they cannot use it."

Indigenous leaders take steps to make UN declaration law

Indigenous leaders and other supporters from Ecuador and elsewhere are developing strategies to help all Native peoples turn the United Nations' declaration on indigenous rights into law across the hemisphere.

Industrial air scrubbers may spread disease

An industrial pollution-control air scrubber in Sarpsborg, Norway has been identified as the source of an outbreak of Legionnaires disease that occurred in May 2005, according to health officials who investigated the outbreak.

Inquisition at JPL

The problem began -- as so many have -- in the security mania that gripped the Bush administration after 9/11. Presidential Directive No. 12, issued by the Department of Homeland Security, directed federal agencies to adopt a uniform badge that could be used by employees and contractors to gain access to government facilities.

Iran gets 90% of oil income in euros and yen

Iran has boosted oil export earnings in non-dollar currencies to 90 %, a senior official said, making clear the world's fourth-largest crude exporter would continue to reduce its dollar exposure.

Iraq and Syria rekindle oil pipeline plan

Iraq and Syria have agreed to accelerate efforts to re-activate an oil pipeline linking the Kirkuk fields to the Mediterranean after Damascus took steps to help the US-backed Iraqi government on the security front, Iraqi foreign minister Hoshiyar Zebari said.

Japan's dependence on Kuwait and Middle East crude oil down

Japan's crude oil imports from Kuwait went down 1.2 % in November from a year earlier to 9.15 mm barrels but increased 10.3 % from the previous month, according to the latest data released by a government agency.

Looking for clues on oil demand

One of the biggest clouds over the oil market at the moment is the possibility of an economic recession in the US and what impact this could have on demand in the world's biggest consumer (and elsewhere).

Mexico wants exploration rights in Gulf of Mexico

The Mexican government said it has taken legal steps to solidify its claim and help start oil exploration in a section of the Gulf of Mexico outside standard territorial limits.
The area lies outside both the United States and Mexico's 200-mile territorial limits, a gap known as "the doughnut hole."

Ministers plan massive building of turbines out at sea to power Britain

Britain is set for a massive expansion of wind farms under plans to tackle climate change.
Up to 7,000 turbines could be installed off the UK's coastline in a bid to boost the production of wind energy 30-fold by 2020.

More states crafting greenhouse gas curbs

Rules capping U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are gaining traction at the state level as federal proposals to do the same bog down in Washington.

NERC Cyber Security Standards to Become Mandatory in United States

In a major move toward ensuring the reliability of the electric grid, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) today approved eight cyber security and critical infrastructure protection standards proposed by NERC.

OPEC reiterates ready to boost oil supply if fundamentals justify

OPEC reiterated Tuesday it was ready to boost crude supply to world oil markets when market fundamentals justified such a move.

Plan offers clean-energy loans

Hundreds of Minnesota homeowners, farmers and businesses could get low-interest loans to install clean-energy technologies under a proposal announced Thursday by Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Quote of the Day 012208

"This weakness in crude is purely due to the influence of equity markets. Stocks have been up a bit this morning, so crude seems to be up as well on that,"
said a London-based trader.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 012008

Solar Hydrogen Company Secures $4.7M in Series A Round

Nanoptek Corporation, a renewable energy company that produces hydrogen directly from water using sunlight and its proprietary photocatalyst, has closed a $4.7 million Series A equity financing round led by The Quercus Trust...

TEP joins greenhouse-gas-emission registry

Tucson Electric Power Co. has become a founding reporting member of The Climate Registry, joining 57 other companies, governments and organizations that have volunteered to share information about greenhouse-gas emissions.

Tesla Motors' Stealth Bloodbath

After raising over $100M, Tesla Motors Inc. has fired over thirty people -- nearly the entire team. Nagging transmission problems were partly to blame for the meltdown.

The Fed Hits the Emergency Button

Bernanke and Co.'s surprise 75 basis-point easing in response to economic weakness seemed to be working as financials regained some strength

The Qbox

Once you start generating your own energy, you can also start saving money. But optimizing the financial returns on your investment is rewarding in more ways than one: it will also ensure that energy is not wasted. And while saving money can be fun, you don't want to spend too much time looking after your system.

The Risks Facing the UK Economy Are as Severe as Those of the US

The U.K. economy seems to be facing many of the same challenges that the U.S. has been facing for the past 8 to 10 months. A sharp fall in U.S. house property prices, and the belt tightening by the banks, has meant that homes cannot be so easily used as cash machines to finance life styles by many citizens.

UltraBattery sets new standard

The UltraBattery combines a supercapacitor and a lead acid battery in a single unit, creating a hybrid car battery that lasts longer, costs less and is more powerful than current technologies used in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).

US consumers and energy industry agree on key concerns

A recent survey commissioned by financial services and auditing firm Deloitte & Touche USA found that US consumers and energy industry executives agree that dependence on oil from places unfriendly to US interests is a primary concern.

US corporations, green groups urge action now on climate change

A group of major US corporations and environmental organizations supporting a national cap on greenhouse gas emissions Friday said Congress can take immediate and cost-effective steps to reduce GHG gases even if it is unable to pass a cap-and-trade bill this year.

US Weather Commentary 012208

North American weather roller-coaster still has months left to the ride......

What Could Stave Off a Recession?

Government spending on education and health—two growth areas—might be enough to buoy the economy

What's Moving the Oil Markets 012108

•Crude futures headed south at the start of the week, with European trading on Monday showing a bearish picture for the whole petroleum complex due to ongoing economic fears regarding a possible US recession dampening market confidence not just in commodities but also in financial markets, sources said. The latest downward turn in petroleum futures prices came in line with a fall in financial markets, despite US President Bush's announcement of a fiscal stimulus package on Friday, according to market sources.

•"The selloff today is mainly due to strong losses in stock markets this morning, triggered by US economic woes," a London-based broker said. President Bush said last Friday that his plan would be worth "around 1%"of US gross domestic product and offer tax rebates, incentives for businesses and other measures to encourage growth. However, Bush's package "is seen as too late and not strong enough to make an impact,

What's Moving the Oil Markets 012208

•Global crude futures in morning European trading recovered some of their earlier losses, but were still significantly weaker versus overnight closing prices, market sources said.

•"This weakness in crude is purely due to the influence of equity markets," said a London-based trader. "Stocks have been up a bit this morning, so crude seems to be up as well on that."

•European bourses had strengthened marginally from opening losses, and reversing another substantial sell-off in Asian equity markets.

Winter remains premium pricing season for natural gas-- analysts

Despite assertions in the market to the contrary, winter will remain the premium price season for natural gas in the coming years, analysts with Barclays Capital said.

Yucca Mountain Layoffs Imminent, Official Warns

The nation's nuclear waste chief painted a dismal picture Tuesday of the Yucca Mountain Project's future, one that shows 500 layoffs and casts doubt on submitting a license application this summer.

January 18, 2008

20 States Encourage Wind Energy

Responding to issues ranging from energy security to global warming, more than 20 States, including California, New York and Texas, have now passed Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards (RPS) which require utilities to generate more "green" power -- and according to experts, the wind energy industry is the major beneficiary.

54 Organizations Take Action on Climate Change

Fifty-four corporations, state and local governments, and other organizations stepped up to the plate and achieved Founding Reporter status by being the first to join The Climate Registry.

2007 was tied as Earth's second warmest year

Climatologists at the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York City have found that 2007 tied with 1998 for Earth’s second warmest year in a century.

2008 Detroit Auto Show Greener Than Ever

On display will be everything from production vehicles that can be purchased today to concepts that won't be on the showroom floor for years to come. Most of this year's exhibitors have at least one thing in common, they will be debuting and displaying the newest developments in clean, green vehicles.

A National Solar PV Incentive Needed

In the coming decade solar could be as transformative, pervasive and essential to our economy as cell phones were in the '90s and the internet is today. If we wish to reap the rewards of this new industry we need to invest now in developing the market, we have already ceded our leadership position to Japan, Germany and most recently China.

Amazon Deforestation Surging Again - Scientist

The rise raises questions over Brazil's assertion that its environmental policies are effectively protecting the world's biggest rain forest, whose destruction is a major source of carbon emissions that drive global warming.

Australia Tells India it Will Not Sell it Uranium

Australia's new Labor government told India's nuclear envoy Shyam Saran on Tuesday it would not sell uranium to New Delhi unless it signs the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), reversing a decision by the previous government.

Burning off energy

As people everywhere search for alternative sources of energy amid rising electricity rates and waste disposal costs, governments in Western Virginia are trying to tap an unconventional power source -- the flammable gas produced when heaps of trash rot in municipal landfills.

Bush calls on OPEC to increase oil supply

US President George W. Bush used a visit to OPEC's top producer Saudi Arabia January 15 to call on the oil group to boost production when it next meets February 1 in Vienna, warning that if high oil prices damaged the economy of the world's biggest consumer there would be less demand for OPEC oil.

Carson basks in the sun-- 27,000 panels on post yield enough energy for 500 homes

Basic training is on a former landfill site at Fort Carson. There, on a 12-acre site, are 27,000 solar panels doing more than just soaking up rays. The solar array can generate 3,200-megawatt hours annually, enough to power about 500 homes.

China Wind Power Hits 5.6 GW, But Not all Connected

China's wind power generating capacity surged to 5.6 gigawatts by the end of last year, but over a quarter of it is still not connected to the grid because of bad planning, an industry expert said on Wednesday.

China's Longest River at Lowest in 142 Years

China is suffering its worst drought in a decade, which has left millions of people short of drinking water and has shrunk reservoirs and rivers.

Hardest hit are large swathes of the usually humid south, where water levels on several major rivers have plunged to historic lows in recent months.

Clean Diesel To Demonstrate Emissions Reduction Technologies For Off-Road Diesel Equipment Fleets

Clean Diesel Technologies recently announced that it will demonstrate the emissions reduction effectiveness and operational benefits of its Platinum Plus fuel-borne catalyst and diesel particulate filter through the California Showcase program.

Coalition plans to sue PGE

A coalition of five environmental groups said Tuesday it plans to sue to force Portland General Electric to install top-notch controls at Oregon's only coal-burning plant or shut it down.

Corn prices rising, ethanol not only factor

Increasing demand for ethanol is helping push corn prices higher, but it´s not the only cause, Bob Stallman, American Farm Bureau president...

Court upholds right to ban surface mining to protect environment

The Interior Department's right to stop surface mining operations to protect people and sensitive environmental areas was affirmed Tuesday...

Crude futures at lowest levels since mid-Dec on US economic fears

Ongoing fears of an economic slowdown in the US, coupled with expectations for US stock builds and weaker demand as well as bearish technicals and gloomy results from major investment banks saw petroleum futures prices heading south on Tuesday, with losses extended on Wednesday, sources said.

Crude stabilizes on short covering ahead of long US weekend

Global crude futures found some floor in European morning trading on Friday ahead of the long US weekend, stabilizing after Thursday's strong selloff triggered by US recession fears and the potential impact on oil demand.

Direct Energy reaches deal for renewable energy credits

Houston-based utility Direct Energy has reached a deal with ten Texas cities to sell them 13,000 renewable energy credits.

The credits will offset 7,500 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

Discussions about coal plants continue

Comments from Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and House Speaker Melvin Neufeld raised speculation Monday about whether a deal is being worked out that would allow a coal-burning power plant in western Kansas.

Diverse Coalition Urges FERC to Stay the Course on Markets

An expansive and diverse group of 82 electricity market stakeholders...today jointly urged federal energy regulators to stay the course in a pivotal rulemaking designed to improve organized regional wholesale electricity markets.

Domenici wants 'robust' US enrichment capabilities

Currently, 80% of US enrichment services are imported, and 42% of those imports come from Russia under a US-Russia nonproliferation agreement to convert excess reserves of high-enriched uranium...

Energy bill may slow down plans for wind farms

Congress' failure to include a renewable energy tax credit in the much-touted energy bill passed late last year could chill wind-farm development in the Columbia River Gorge and elsewhere, industry and utility leaders say.

Energy Firms Are Not Ripping Off Customers, Says Watchdog

The household energy market is not rigged, the Government's regulator said today, despite rising concerns over how power companies appear to act in concert with rip-off price increases.

EPA Reports on Clean Water Infrastructure Needs

A new report from the EPA estimates $202.5 billion is the nationwide capital investment needed to control wastewater pollution for up to a 20-year period.

EPA, National and Environmental Groups Launch 'Green Infrastructure' Plan to Benefit Communities and the Environment

Today, EPA, with state and national partners, released a comprehensive plan to reduce runoff and increase environmental and economic benefits for communities.

Financing PV - the fundamentals II

In the second part of a two-part column, Stefan Shmitz looks at how the issue of construction affects finance planning for PV projects. And how could the next generation of PV technology impact on project costs?

France's vigorous battle ground against genetically modified (GM) foods

France has bent a vigorous battle ground against genetically modified (GM) foods. The international peasants' organization, "La Via Campensina" (literally, "Peasant Life") has been fighting GM crops vigorously in France and elsewhere. They have gone to jail for burning GM crops in France...

Greenland Thaw Biggest in 50 Years - Report

Melt water from Greenland -- excluding ice losses from glaciers slipping into the sea -- totalled 453 cubic kms (110 cubic miles) in 1998, the most ahead of 2003, 2006, 1995 and 2002 in detailed records stretching back to the 1950s.

Harnessing Waste Heat for Electricity

Energy now lost as heat during the production of electricity could be harnessed through the use of silicon nanowires synthesized via a technique developed by researchers...

Here's A Victory

Although the fronts on which the health freedom battle is fought are many, the issues are always the same, "Who makes the decisions about what goes into MY SKIN? Is that my choice or is it the choice of some corporate-driven government bureaucrat or doctor?

Hydrogen Power Plant Plan for UAE

Hydrogen Energy, a joint venture of BP and Rio Tinto, is in talks to build what would be the world's first hydrogen power plant in the United Arab Emirates.

If they build it green, will people buy it; Hybrids' higher cost worries automakers

From plug-in hybrids to biofueled supercars, automakers at the North American International Auto Show say they know how to build environmentally conscious vehicles.

What they don't know is how many customers will buy them, and at what price.

Installed U.S. Wind Power Capacity Surged 45% in 2007-- American Wind Energy Association Market Report

Shattering all its previous records, the U.S. wind energy industry installed 5,244 megawatts (MW) in 2007, expanding the nation's total wind power generating capacity by 45% in a single calendar year and injecting an investment of over $9 billion into the economy, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) announced today.

Militants warn of 'daily' attacks on Nigeria's oil sector

The Nigerian militant group, Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, or MEND, has threatened "daily" attacks on Nigeria's oil industry after claiming responsibility for Monday's attack on the convoy of a port authority official in Port Harcourt.

More of US Grain Crop to be Consumed by Family Car

Almost a third of the US grain crop next year may be diverted from the family dinner table to the family car as fuel, putting upward pressure on food prices, a leading expert warned on Tuesday.

National Grid Agrees to Buy Renewable Energy

National Grid PLC has dropped its objection to signing long-term contracts with suppliers of renewable energy, a decision that advocates of wind farms say could unleash a flood of proposals in the state.

Nuclear Waste Dump Plan for Hunterston

First Minister Alex Salmond has defended plans to build up to six stores spread across the Ayrshire site, Dounreay, Chapelcross and Torness.

Ontario Aligns With Leading States and Provinces To Fight Climate Change

The Ontario government is taking another important step in our commitment to fighting climate change and ensuring a cleaner greener Ontario by joining a pre-eminent U.S.-based climate change initiative, The Climate Registry.

Ontario doubled its wind power generation last year

The province´s more than 400 megawatts of installed wind generation put out 1.04 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2007, compared to 0.44 in 2006. Nuclear power is Ontario´s largest generator, producing 80.9 terawatt-hours in 2007. Coal-fired generation produced 28.2 terawatt-hours that year. Wind power will continue to grow in the province, said Paul Murphy, president and CEO of the IESO.

Overflow crowd speaks out at coal-plant hearing

The times seem to be changing, and not in favor of coal-fired power plants.

Panel urges 40 ct hike in US gasoline tax to fund roads, bridges

The US government should raise the federal gasoline tax by as much as 40 cents per gallon over the next five years to raise money to repair deteriorating highways, bridges and other parts of the transportation system, a congressionally chartered commission said on Tuesday.

Park Service airs complaint against proposed coal plant

The National Park Service says the $3.8 billion, coal-fired power plant that Nevada utilities propose to build near Ely is "unacceptable" because it would damage air and water quality and would interfere with scenic views in the Great Basin National Park.

PetroSun BioFuels Refining Executes Joint Venture Agreement to Locate a Biodiesel Refinery in Coolidge, Arizona

PetroSun BioFuels Refining, has entered into a joint venture to construct and operate a biodiesel refinery near Coolidge, Arizona. The feedstock for the refinery will be algal oil produced by PetroSun BioFuels at company owned and operated algae farms to be located in Arizona.

Quote of the Day 011808

"Our testing of jet biodiesel is going extremely well. I do not have any buyers for the jet fuel yet, but [it has] sparked many interested companies,"
Yale Wong said, General Biodiesel's CEO.

Energy Biz Reader's Comments

What strikes me is that the readers are well informed, engaged, highly experienced and mostly from the practical hands-on side of the energy business. Their knowledge for the most part comes from actually working within the energy production, distribution or research industry. These people care enough to respond and like myself most bristle at the impractical and scream when the ridiculous is sanctimoniously placed on the pedestal of possibility.

Refining environment gets grim indicator Monday on Tesoro move

The already shaky 2008 US refining environment looked grimmer on Monday, as West Coast refiner Tesoro announced weak margins had forced it to cut runs and market watchers warned of troubling indicators.

Retailers Go Green to Cut Costs

Many retailers at the conference were touting their environmental efforts, from building stores with recycled materials to installing low-flow water faucets and investing in solar power, as benefits to the bottom line.

Riverkeeper-- Duke system didn't work during drought-- Company official says protocol was success

The first, naturally, is a shortage of rainfall. The second, she said, is the system in place to prevent such problems did not work.

Solar Industry Faces More Supply, Falling Prices

Solar energy companies are scrambling to ramp up production amid skyrocketing interest in renewable energy, but the pendulum is swinging quickly toward oversupply.

South Korean Town Fights for Life After Oil Spill

A month after South Korea's worst oil spill, blackened west coast beaches have been cleaned by more than 1 million volunteers but residents are struggling to pick up shattered lives.

State seeks deep sites to hold greenhouse gas-- Old natural gas wells could hold key to permanent storage of carbon dioxide

This summer, geologists will study old natural gas wells and other subterranean features in the Southern Tier and western New York as potential resting places for pumped-in CO2 from power plants, under a $4 million, three-year program by the state Energy Research and Development Authority and a host of energy companies.

Survey-- $202.5 billion to deal with wastewater pollution

The 2004 Clean Watersheds Needs Survey, delivered to Congress this week, summarizes the results of the agency´s 14th national survey on the needs of publicly owned wastewater treatment works. The estimate includes $134.4 billion for wastewater treatment and collection systems, $54.8 billion for combined sewer overflow corrections, and $9.0 billion for storm water management.

Talks aim to head off legislative fight on proposed coal plant

Kansas leaders say they're in talks to avoid a standoff between the Legislature and the governor's administration over a rejected coal plant, but a compromise remains elusive.

The Beauty of Waste-Coal

Piles of ugly waste-coal dot Pennsylvania's landscape. But now an international power plant designer will take that abandoned mine cast-off and use it to create steam and additional electricity. Sithe Global, which is applying for permits to build such a 300-megawatt power plant, says that there is enough waste-coal to last well into the future.

The State of Geothermal Energy Technologies-- Part 2

The report details a variety of new and under-used technologies that could revolutionize the industry as binary technology did decades ago.

Total Found Guilty in 1999 French Oil Spill Case

A French court ruled on Wednesday that oil giant Total SA was responsible for the 1999 sinking of the tanker Erika and ordered it to pay millions of euros in damages for one of France's worst environmental disasters.

Tucson officials eye Calif. solar power funding plan

Count on Berkeley, Calif., to bring solar power to the people with a plan to make 20-year funding available to folks who want to put solar panels on their roofs and pay for them in their property tax bills.

U.S. Firm Aids China Response To South Korea’s Largest Oil Spill

On December 7, 2007, the oil tanker Hebei Spirit, anchored 100 kilometers (60 miles) south of Seoul, was pierced by a crane-carrying barge, releasing 10,500 metric tons of crude oil into the sea.

Ukraine to Unload Chernobyl Nuclear Reactors By 2010

Emergencies Minister Volodymyr Shandra has said that nuclear fuel stored at three power units of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is to be removed from the reactors by 2010.

UN Climate Head Welcomes Marshall Plan Climate Fund

UN climate chief Yvo de Boer on Wednesday hailed as a "Marshall Plan" for climate change news that the United States will set up a multi-billion dollar fund to help developing nations acquire clean power technologies.

Unit 3 down after 16 days

Sixteen days after an unplanned shutdown, Browns Ferry Unit 3 remained offline and TVA was making no projections on when it would return to service.

Update on Octillion's NanoPower Window

"Independent tests have shown that the same silicon nanoparticles used in Octillion's NanoPower Window(TM) are also able to enhance the power output of conventional solar cells by up to 70% in the ultraviolet light range and 10% in the visible."

US energy industry aims to get its message out on climate change

American Gas Association President and CEO David Parker suggested that by failing to tell its side of the story, the energy industry is allowing environmental concerns to take center stage in the global warming debate.

US Ethanol Expansion Cooling Next 18 Months

US corn-based ethanol expansion is headed for a cooling-off period over the next 18 months until demand catches up with supply, said a senior executive of leading agricultural research firm Informa Economics on Monday.

US House climate change bill may be ready by summer-- Hoyer

Whereas House Speaker Nancy Pelosi set a firm date for committees to complete work on their sections of the comprehensive energy bill, neither she nor House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer has set a similar deadline for a global warming bill.

US House's Dingell Hopes to Draft Climate Bill Soon

Speaking to reporters at the North American International Auto Show, Dingell said he would like a fair "cap and trade provision" in the legislation and that he continued to weigh the possibility of a carbon tax on industry.

US lawmaker seeks to force Bush White House to protect polar bear

The chairman of the US House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming Thursday said he will introduce legislation that would force the Bush administration to protect the polar bear before it allows widespread oil and natural gas drilling in Alaska.

US Mortgage Rates Down For the Third Consecutive Week

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 5.69 percent with an average 0.5 point for the week ending January 17, down from last week when it averaged 5.87 percent as well.  Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.23 percent. 

US NRC launches special inspection of Wolf Creek nuke problems

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission on Wednesday said it is conducting a special inspection at the 1,170 MW Wolf Creek nuclear plant near Burlington, Kansas, in response to problems plant personnel discovered in a safety system that provides emergency cooling water for the reactor.

Utah groups vow to track gas emissions

Eight Utah organizations have pledged to track their own greenhouse gas emissions as part of a nationwide effort to address global warming.

Vermont's Two Largest Utilities Meet Rigorous Emissions Reductions Goals

Central Vermont Public Service and Green Mountain Power today announced they have both successfully reduced greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with their commitments as members of the Chicago Climate Exchange(R) (CCX), a voluntary, legally binding multi-sector market for reducing and trading greenhouse gas emissions.

Washington governor wants to tackle emissions, energy jobs

Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire said on Jan. 14 that she wants to enact climate change legislation that would require reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and the creation of clean energy jobs.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 011608

•Crude futures extended Tuesday's selling spree during European morning trading on Wednesday head of the release of weekly US stock data later on today. Ongoing fears of an economic slowdown in the US, coupled with expectations for US stock builds and weaker demand

Why the Government Can’t Help the Current State of the US Economy

Forbes predicts that if the US economy contracts in the first quarter as it did in the last one of 2007, a recession is inevitable.

January 15, 2008

A Smarter Electrical Grid

When the price rose because of greater demand on the grid, the house automatically dialed back the thermostat, or shut down the water heater and clothes dryer. That shaved an estimated 15% from Brous' energy bills,..

Analysts picking up mixed US natural gas storage signals

Analysts are not reaching consensus on the US natural gas storage picture this season, with some predicting a higher-price trend this winter, while others are picking up more bearish signals.

Antarctica Lost More Ice in Last 10 Years - Study

Antarctica lost billions of tonnes of ice over the last decade, contributing to the rising seas around the world, a climate researcher said on Monday.

This ice loss is not from the so-called ice sheets that cover the water around the continent. This melting occurred in the glaciers that cover much of the Antarctic land mass, and when that melts, it contributes to sea level rise in a way that sea ice does not.

Big brother gets bigger-- Government could regulate new thermostats in 2009

As if the government doesn't make citizens sweat enough already, a new mandate, if approved, will require all new buildings in California to install thermostats that can be controlled by the state.

Big six UK energy retailers collude on pricing-- report

The newspaper said that the companies profited from a dramatic fall in the wholesale price last year, which they failed to pass on to householders, leading analysts to predict record profits.

British Decision Rekindles German Debate on Phase-Out of Nuclear Power

The British government's commitment to further use of nuclear energy has revived the debate in Germany on the planned phase-out of nuclear power.

California to Install 'Smart Thermostats'

California energy officials are taking heat over a plan to install thermostats that let utilities change a building's temperature by remote control.

Can coal go green?

Can a black rock that is so important to America's energy strategy go green and become an environmentally friendly energy source?

Can coal stage a comeback?

Coal-fired power has been out of vogue in Europe for the last two decades. While countries like China rush to build new coal-fired power plants, Europe has focused first on gas, and more recently on renewable power for new power generation. But plans are advancing for new coal-fired plants in countries like Germany and the UK...

Casella Waste trucks will refine their own oil

Casella Waste Systems Inc. expects to avoid using some 200,000 gallons of oil each year and save hundreds of thousands of dollars by installing on-board oil refining systems on their trucks.

Coal plant alliance floats funding fix

Developers of a next-generation coal-fired power plant planned for central Illinois are proposing a new cost-sharing agreement with the federal government to alleviate concerns about the project's rising cost.

Coal plant decision to dominate session

The rejection of coal-burning power plants in western Kansas will cause aftershocks throughout the upcoming legislative session, Douglas County legislators told residents Thursday.

Crude futures lower as market resumes bearish 2008 trend

15Jan2008-Crude futures drifted slightly lower Tuesday, resuming the main bearish trend of 2008 and negating some of the rally seen Monday, sources said.

Crude futures stabilize after selling spree last week

14Jan2008-Global crude futures stabilized in early European trading Monday after the selling spree in the last three trading sessions.

Delivering on the Carbon Margin

A new study launched yesterday by Arthur D. Little explores the impacts of the climate change agenda on business strategy and future competitiveness.

Documentary movie highlights coal plants' opponents

"The goal of the film is to inspire people to get engaged in the coal wars that are going on in this country," said Jill Tidman, one of the film's executive producers, who said they're trying to raise money to expand the documentary to a feature-length film.

Energy Star Light Bulbs are Helping to Change the World

Americans are more than making good on their pledges to help fight climate change by replacing their lights with Energy Star qualified CFLs (compact fluorescent lights).

EPA Money and Support Help Make Beach Visits Safe

By providing states an additional $9.75 million in beach grants in 2008, EPA is helping states continue to monitor water quality at beaches and notify the public of beach warnings and closings when bacteria levels rise too high.

EU proposal to ban unsustainable biofuels

The European Commission said Monday its long-awaited proposal to tighten controls on biofuels will introduce "strict" sustainability criteria set to outlaw the use of renewable fuels which fail to benefit the climate.

Forget oil, the new global crisis is food

A new crisis is emerging, a global food catastrophe that will reach further and be more crippling than anything the world has ever seen. The credit crunch and the reverberations of soaring oil prices around the world will pale in comparison to what is about to transpire...

G Force Rotational machine

An Armenian inventor has demonstrated a machine that harnesses gravitational energy to turn a 3 meter diameter wheel, to which a 300KVA electric generator is attached. It allegedly requires no outside energy whatsoever. All that is necessary to turn it on is to release the brake.

Geothermal Energy Growth Surge Continues, New Industry Survey Reports

A survey released by the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) identifies a growing number of new geothermal power projects in states across the country. These projects, when developed, would provide up to 3,368 MW of new electric power capacity for the grid, more than doubling US geothermal power ...

Gold powers through $900 oz level on the back of dollar weakness

Gold powered through the $900/oz level on Monday, mostly on the back of
dollar weakness, analysts said.

Greenland suffers from extreme ice melt

An international team of scientists, led by Dr Edward Hanna at the University of Sheffield, has demonstrated that recent warm summers have caused the most extreme Greenland ice melting in 50 years.

Hydrogen study fuels possibilities-- Penn State researchers are making some inroads

Hydrogen has been spoken of for years as a key to cars of the future. Now, in a very limited way, it seems the future is already here.

Inbox 011508

Bottle This: In a promising-looking new feature on the Salon web site called "Ask Pablo," environmental engineer Pablo Päster provides some statistics-packed straight talk a the ecological impacts of bottled water.

Industry Heeds Call for Hydrogen Fuel

California Air Resources Board officials met with more than a dozen energy companies and automakers Thursday to shore up wavering support for the governor's proposed hydrogen highway -- a network of fueling stations to allow motorists to use nonpolluting fuel cell-powered vehicles.

Iran yet to restart gas exports to Turkey-- official news agency

Officials at Turkey's energy ministry said Monday that Iran was facing serious problems restarting exports due to extreme cold weather and the need to maintain supply to its own customers.

Is Germany next in line for a nuclear rethink?

European and national emissions reduction targets along with concerns over security of supply have sparked a public debate in Germany over whether the country should cancel or modify its nuclear phase-out law, which only came into effect in 2002.

Is it time to cut runs yet?

Crack spreads have collapsed in early 2008, especially for gasoline, shrinking US and European refining margins.

Is the UK nuclear decision the start of a nuclear revival?

Latest from Nigeria-- higher production since August

Platts' chief African correspondent, Cape Town-based Jacinta Moran, has produced her latest estimate on just how much oil is offline in Nigeria as a result of various civil strife. It's an important number -- and rarely defined by others -- because it's constantly cited as a reason why oil sits firmly above $90 for WTI.

Legal action threatens Dutch coal plants

Plans to build a raft of new coal-fired plants in the Netherlands may be halted if a Dutch environmental group is successful in its lawsuit against the Netherlands government.

Legislation aims to build on last year's climate change bill

The goal is to eventually develop what is known as a "cap-and-trade" system in the West.

States would "cap" carbon dioxide and other emissions at strict limits.

Lifting The Lid-- Banks Urged to Address Climate Change

A handful of the world's biggest banks are starting to look at the risk that climate change poses to their businesses, but investors and environmentalists say they need to do more.

Mercury content necessitates professional disposal of energy-efficient bulbs

Switching to those new energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs is a great idea.

Unless you break one, that is: As of last week, it's illegal to throw it away.

Motorists lower speeds, drive as gasoline prices rise-- US CBO

Consumer responses to the upward trend in gasoline prices that began in
2003 have been large enough to halve the steady growth in gasoline consumption
dating back to 1990, the US Congressional Budget Office said in a report
released Monday.

National, state and local group oppose Yucca plan

A dozen national organizations and 68 state and local groups filed comments to the U.S. Department of Energy expressing strong opposition to the nuclear waste site proposed for Yucca Mountain, Nev.

Next-Generation Biofuels Edge to Center

Prices for the agricultural commodities that traditional biofuels are made from have soared to historic levels in recent months on global demand for both fuels and food, driving up all grain prices and hurting customers ranging from Mexican peasants to US beer makers.

NRC orders SoCal Ed to conduct special San Onofre nuke training

...to develop special employee training after a fire inspector at the San Onofre nuclear plant near San Clemente, California, was found to have falsified records for five years that said hourly patrols were made.

NYMEX crude opens $1.20 b lower on weak US economic data

February crude futures on NYMEX opened $1.20/barrel lower at $93.00/b
Tuesday, following weak US retail sale

Process Would Make Coal Burn Cleaner

Global warming already may have hit Utah hard,..The hit was not delivered directly by climate change. It's a financial pounding by the state of California, which is determined to unplug new power sources that would contribute significant amounts of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.

Quote of the Day 011508

"India seeks international cooperation in the field of civilian nuclear energy, including with China. The rapid growth of India and China will lead to expanding demand for energy. We have no choice but to widen our options for energy availability and develop viable strategies for energy security,"
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said, on the last day of a visit to China.

With fears of recession looming large in the US, President George W. Bush said he would speak to Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah "about the fact that oil prices are very high, which is tough on our economy."

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 011408

Solar activity was very low. The visible disk remains spotless. The geomagnetic field ranged from quiet to active levels under the influence of a recurrent coronal hole high speed stream. Solar wind speed at ACE reached 750 km/s during the period.

Rocky Mountain Power proposes power legislation on pollution-reduction targets

Hoping to avoid mandatory reductions in greenhouse-gas emissions, Rocky Mountain Power is proposing legislation that would prohibit the state from imposing specific deadlines on pollution-reduction targets.

SCE&G to Upgrade Eastover Plant-- Work Will Help Air Pollution, but Proposed Landfill Raises Questions

SCE&G plans to upgrade its largest coal-fired power plant, near Eastover, with $200 million in "scrubbers" to improve air quality.

While that's good news to people concerned about air pollution, there are questions about SCE&G's plans to bury ash and gypsum -- byproducts of the new smokestack scrubbers -- at a proposed 140-acre landfill on plant property.

Scientists study photovoltaic solar energy

The $12.3 million, four-year PV-21 program is to focus on making thin-film light absorbing cells for solar panels from sustainable and affordable materials.

Solar plant planned for Albuquerque

The $100-million, 200,000-square-foot plant will start producing photovoltaic modules and receivers for concentrated solar power plants in 2009. It initially will employ 350 workers

Study says grass grown on marginal land can produce almost as much ethanol as corn can

New research shows that prairie grasses grown using only moderate amounts of fertilizer on marginal land can produce significant amounts of ethanol.

The Nation’s Strongest and Weakest US Real Estate Markets

Covering the period from December 1, 2007 through December 1, 2008, the numbers reflect both the current and anticipated prospective impact of the current mortgage credit “crisis.”

Three Mile Island nuclear plant to NRC-- We want to keep running

As expected, the operator of the Three Mile Island nuclear plant has announced it doesn't want to close down the world's most famous nuke plant in 2014. ..asked the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for permission to allow the plant to continue to generate "a clean source of energy" until 2034.

Thurmont considers eco-friendly power plant

Compared to fossil-fuel power plants, which can generate several thousand megawatts of energy, the Thurmont plant would generate as much as 30 megawatts. Of the thousands of biomass plants in America, however, Rodenberg believes it would be among the largest.

Tobacco Farmers Receive Transition Program Payments

News_Jan08/Transmission Developers Jolted

A proposed project to supply power throughout the East has come under fierce opposition.. . In the end, West Virginia commissioners will deem whether the line provides an "acceptable balance" between economic and environmental positions.

US coal exports unlikely to fill gap-- Merrill Lynch

The US is unlikely to make up for a shortfall in global coal supply even if it ramps up its exports, according to the latest research from investment bank, Merrill Lynch.

The rising cost of coal has made it profitable for US producers to sell into Europe and as a result, exports increased in 2007...

US House members seek inquiry into carbon offset market

"With sales expected to increase steeply in coming years plus the mounting potential for government mandates that would intensify such activity, we are troubled by the potential lack of integrity in the offering of such services and products," Representative Joe Barton, Texas...

US Supreme Court declines to hear ozone emissions case

...plaintiffs argued that EPA must apply the same deadlines for controlling smog in the Midwest as it does in the Northeast. EPA had sought to exempt these upwind areas from these deadlines. The court also held that held that EPA could not relax requirements for new-source review of coal-fired power plant emissions, emission fees, and contingency measures when implementing the eight-hour ozone standard.

US Weather Commentary 011408

Winter gradually resumes.........

The chronology of January 2008 past, present and future, was already outlined weeks ago, and the cold-warm-cold-warm swings across the Nation are materializing on cue.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 011408

•"It is not really clear what is moving the crude futures markets this morning," a London-based broker said. "It is a bit weird that gold and other metals are roofing and crude is not following and is ignoring potentially bullish news... especially keeping in mind the big draws in US crude stocks last week. Funds should be looking for safe havens away from equities and credit-based instruments like commodities... but as the dollar is still getting hammered they should buy crude and not gold," he said.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 011508

•Crude futures drifted slightly lower Tuesday, resuming the main bearish trend of 2008 and negating some of the rally seen Monday, sources said. "I think the mood is bearish," a London-based broker said. "so after the geopolitical news of Iran and Nigeria blew over, the market confirmed it's bearish sentiment."

•Prices surged higher Monday in a broad-based rally across the commodity sector that was initiated by a fall in the US dollar, and more specifically to oil, prices surged due to supply problems continuing in Nigeria. News that Shell declared force majeure on Forcados loadings that will affect both January and February programs helped boost prices.

•However, since the start of 2008 when crude futures hit all-time highs prices have slipped around $6/barrel as fears of a US economic slowdown, growing US product stocks and a generally stronger US dollar forced market players to lighten their long positions.

January 11, 2008

2007-- Did We Reach the Tipping Point?

At the beginning of each year, as the renewable energy industry looks back on its progress over the previous 12 months, the phrase "tipping point" always seems to enter the discussion. But how will we know when renewables have truly hit that tipping point?

"I haven't been calling renewable energy 'alternative' for years...This is an industry that is proving itself in markets around the world."

2007 Record Year for Wind Power

2007 will go down as another record year for the wind energy industry, according to projections from the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA).

A Snapshot of Canadian Green Power

After a slow start, Canada is now ramping up its renewable energy and energy-efficiency developments with increasing conviction.

Australia to End Plastic Bags in Supermarkets

Australia has followed China in announcing it plans to end plastic bag use in supermarkets, with its new environment minister saying on Thursday he wants a phase-out to start by the end of 2008.

Bingaman climate bill would not meet its targets-- US EIA study

A non-partisan research agency at the US Department of Energy released
analysis Thursday that showed that a climate change bill proposed by Senate
Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Jeff Bingaman would encourage utilities
to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, but would have a much
smaller impact on other major emitters like the manufacturing and
transportation sectors.

California Exercises Legal Options

California is flexing its muscle. It is now suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for preventing it from strengthening its standards for tailpipe emissions in cars.

Can a Drop in the Dollar Actually Be Healthy For the Economy?

“... the significant depreciation of the U.S. dollar over the past year is healthy for our economy as our export sector is being significantly stimulated. While the higher cost of oil is adversely affecting consumer spending, our growing export sector will make up for much of this drop in consumption.”

Coal plant would be 'waste of money'

One of the world's top climate scientists says a new coal-fired power plant planned for Marshalltown would be a waste of money because it will soon be necessary to close such coal-burning facilities to save the earth's climate.

Costs, GHG fears kill or delay 31 coal plants in 2007

Thirty-one coal-fired plants totaling about 24,250 MW were canceled or delayed in 2007 because of rising construction costs and concerns over greenhouse gas emissions

Dallas launches stand-alone 'green' site

Dallas city officials have launched a Web site dedicated to environmental initiatives, making it the first major U.S. city with a comprehensive stand-alone site addressing green issues, said Mayor Tom Leppert.

DOE gets approval for nuclear energy loan guarantees

Congressional appropriators reached a deal in mid-December giving DOE the authority to issue $18.5 billion in loan guarantees for new nuclear plants and $2 billion for uranium enrichment projects over the next two fiscal years.

Drought driving deadly snakes into Australian cities-- official

Australia's harsh drought is driving venomous snakes into urban areas in search of moisture, resulting in an increasing number of attacks on people, officials said Thursday.

EL NIÑO SOUTHERN OSCILLATION (ENSO) DIAGNOSTIC DISCUSSION

La Niña is expected to continue into Northern Hemisphere spring 2008.

EPA Approves Plan By Northeast States To Lower Mercury Levels In Fish

The EPA has announced the approval of a Northeast states’ plan designed to lower mercury levels in fish throughout New England and New York.

EPA, Calif. work to clean up crude oil spill

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Department of Fish and Game are working to ensure the cleanup of a 25,000 gallon crude oil spill near Buellton, Calif.

Farmers investigate shot at carbon credits

Randall Farris, who owns farmland in Warren and Butler counties, was among the 100 or so property owners Wednesday who came to see if they could sell the carbon captured by their land.

Gold slips in Asia, but still above $880oz amid thin trade

The spot price of gold in Hong Kong Thursday morning slipped from the previous day, but remained firmly above $880/oz.

Green groups sue US DOE over 'national interest' grid corridors

A number of environmental groups Thursday said they have or will soon sue
the Bush administration to block US Department of Energy Department from
establishing two vast electricity transmission corridors in the US Northeast
and Southwest.

High fuel oil prices lead more US generators to burn gas-- Bentek

Sharply higher fuel oil prices pushed up daily natural gas deliveries to US power plants capable of burning either fuel by an average of 31%...

Idaho's First Geothermal Power Plant is Now Online

U.S. Geothermal Inc. achieved commercial operation last week at its new geothermal power plant in Raft River, Idaho, making it the first commercial geothermal power plant in the state.

Inbox 011008

The first noteworthy environmental splash of this year´s campaign was made the other day during the New Hampshire primary by Sen. John McCain. In a speech in Concord, McCain declared, "I will clean up the planet. I will make global warming a priority."

Iraq prepares oil licensing round without federal oil law

The Iraqi oil ministry's newly formed Directorate of Petroleum Contracts and Licensing has published its request to international oil companies to present prequalification documents to the directorate by January 31 ahead of a forthcoming licensing round.

Japan Plans US$10 Bln Aid to Fight Global Warming

Japan plans to set aside about US$10 billion over the next five years to help countries such as China and Indonesia fight global warming, a newspaper reported on Thursday.

Japan Sees Temperatures Up 4.7 C on Global Warming

The average temperature in Japan could rise by up to 4.7 degrees Celsius (8.5 Fahrenheit) this century unless steps are taken to combat global warming, the Environment Ministry said on Wednesday.

Japan, U.S., EU eye new energy-saving body-- report

Japan, the United States and the European Union will jointly propose the creation of a new body to act as an international command centre in efforts to counter global warming, a leading Japanese daily said on Sunday.

Leading European Institute warns for oil price surge to $200

One of Europe's leading economic institutes, the Deutsches Institute für Wirtschaftsforschung (DIW), warns that the price of oil could rise to $150 per barrel in five years and $200 in 10 years.

Nuclear energy discussed briefly

Almost as quick as it takes a nuclear reaction to create energy, talk of nuclear energy came and went at the Idaho Legislature on Tuesday.

Nuclear Energy's Presence

The nuclear sector's prospects got a little brighter over the holidays. Congress passed legislation to provide loan guarantees to lenders of up to $18.5 billion to facilitate the development of next generation nuclear plants.

Nuclear Industry Must Pay to Deal With Waste

The nuclear industry will have to pay its "full share" of the costs of dealing with radioactive waste, Downing Street said last night as it prepared to announce a new generation of nuclear power stations.

NYMEX crude opens 16 cents lower on stronger dollar

February crude futures on NYMEX opened 16 cents lower at $93.55/barrel as
the dollar continued to rebound. The dollar index on ICE traded barely below
76 points Friday at the NYMEX open after Federal Reserve Bank Chairman Ben
Bernanke's Thursday comments that the US central bank would continue to cut
rates to shore up a slowing economy.

OPEC's Khelil fears economic slowdown to impact oil demand

OPEC president Chakib Khelil said late Wednesday that OPEC was watching
carefully the fallout form the US subprime mortgage crisis and feared that an
economic downturn could hit oil demand, the Algerian news agency APS reported.

Pittsylvania County considering uranium mining

An area called Coles Hill is at the center of a rising debate about whether to repeal Virginia's long-standing ban on uranium mining.

Power company forces energy efficiency on customers

Allegheny Power's unsolicited mailing of energy-saving light bulbs for which the firm is charging its 220,000 Maryland customers touched off a flurry of angry reactions Tuesday, including a legislative attempt by Delegate Kevin Kelly to prohibit such maneuvers.

Presidential Candidates-- How Green Are They?

On the energy and environmental front, however, anyone following the presidential primaries today can make some fairly safe predictions about our sustainable future without even picking a winner from the thirteen major candidates.

Radioactive water seeps from pipe leak at Davis-Besse nuclear plant

Radioactive coolant water seeped from a pipe in the Davis-Besse nuclear power plant's containment area Friday morning as an old weld was being reinforced with a metal overlay, FirstEnergy Corp. and federal officials said yesterday.

Radon Causes 100 Times More Deaths than Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

--Breathing home indoor radon causes nearly one hundred times more deaths each year than carbon monoxide poisoning.

--Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking.

Renewables supply 14% of German power

Renewable energy made up more than 14 percent of Germany's power consumption in 2007, up from almost 12 percent in 2006, with wind as the main contributor, the German Renewable Energy Federation (BEE) said on Tuesday.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 011008

No flares were observed over the past 24 hours. The geomagnetic field is expected to be mostly quiet for 11-12 January. Unsettled to isolated active conditions are expected on 13 January as a recurrent coronal hole becomes geoeffective.

Senator seeks law on energy-- Fairfax lawmaker wants required goals for conservation

A freshman state senator wants mandatory goals for energy conservation and renewable electricity generation written into law.

Supreme Court to hold Canadian co. liable for pollution

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear arguments by a Canadian mining company that contends it should not be liable under U.S. law for contamination that crossed the border.

Survey points to growing alterative fuel interest

A new survey of automotive industry executives shows that consumers are placing more importance on alternative fuel vehicles.

Switchgrass shows promise for ethanol production-- study

A large-scale trial of switchgrass suggests that the crop may be a more viable plant source of biofuel than previously thought, according to a study released Monday.

The good news out of Iraq

It's a month-by-month bit of good news, albeit in small increments. But Iraqi production continues to move upward at a steady pace.

The Units Commonly Applied to Renewable Energy Are WRONG!

Q: The units commonly applied to renewable energy are WRONG! It is wrong and tremendously misleading, albeit politically favorable to use PEAK POWER units to describe the capacity of energy conversion devices applied to diffuse and intermittent sources such as wind, solar, ocean etc.

US agency gives Southeast pipeline permission to cross wetlands

The US Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service has agreed to allow the Southeast Supply Header, a proposed 270-mile, 1.14 Bcf/d pipeline linking gas production in east Texas and north Louisiana to markets in the US Southeast, to cross seven wetlands the agency manages in Madison Parish, Louisiana.

US business group mulls 'carbon fee' to address transport needs

In a departure from its usual aversion to the raising of taxes, the US' largest business-advocacy group said Tuesday that Congress should consider instituting some sort of "carbon fee" to combat global warming and to raise money to revamp deteriorating highways, bridges and other forms of transportation infrastructure.

US crude stocks still on tightening trend

US petroleum balances continued to tighten with crude stocks declining 6.8 million barrels to 282.841 million barrels, the lowest level since the week of October 15, 2004 and the eighth consecutive drop in inventories

US MMS says it will go forward with OCS alternative energy rules

The US Minerals Management Service said Thursday it will go forward with
its plan to regulate alternative energy development on the Outer Continental
Shelf.

US Weather Commentary 011008

Severe weather outbreaks endemic of clash between colder/drier air masses and unseasonably mild/moist air masses across Nation, and heralding the resuming of more Wintery themes.

Utilities in Hong Kong Back Green Plan

Hong Kong's two electric power companies agreed on Monday to a new regulatory system that sets their rate of return on assets based partly on how much pollution they emit, an approach that could someday be a model for mainland China's giant power sector as well.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 010908

 •Crude futures inched higher Wednesday ahead of the release of US stocks data, finding support from heightened tensions in Nigeria, sources said.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 011008

•The EIA reported that US crude stocks fell by 6.8 mil barrels to their lowest level since October 2004.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 011108

•The markets had earlier opened higher as Asian market players woke up to read Bernanke's comments. "In light of recent changes in the outlook for and the risks to growth, additional policy easing may be necessary," Bernanke said. "We stand ready to take substantive additional action as needed to support growth and to provide adequate insurance against downside risks," he added.

•A tanker exploded on Friday and caught fire while discharging petroleum products at a port in the Nigerian oil city of Port Harcourt, police sources said.

•A selloff occurred during mid-morning European trading as the bearish flavour of the week took hold once again. Since the $100/barrel level was finally breached late last week crude futures have fallen around 6-7% as product stocks in the US climb but demand remains stagnant. This has pushed many market players into lightening their long positions.

Why Energy Has Become a Competitiveness Challenge

Energy is indispensable for economic growth in the 21st century, but as more nations develop, competition for those resources is intensifying. Can the US ensure access to energy resources as exporting nations vigorously assert their interests and developing nations leap into the fray?

January 8, 2008

And the Truth Shall Make You Free

In the era of the forward march of compulsory vaccination, you need good information and strong exemption options to protect yourself from compulsory vaccination at the State level. And you need a strong grass roots movement to repeal the laws that the US has passed (like the mis-named "Patriot Act") giving itself the authority to force vaccination on yo

Bacteria used to power fuel cell

U.S. scientists have found a way to use bacteria to make electricity.

Burning biofuels may be worse than coal and oil, say experts

· Scientists point to cost in biodiversity and farmland
· Razing tropical forests 'will increase carbon'

California outages due to storms top 1 million-- Utilities

More than 1 million California customers, including 900,000 plus in Pacific Gas & Electric's service territory, were without power Friday afternoon as a fierce winter storm that brought rain, snow and wind gusts of up to 70 mph continued to batter parts of central and northern California, utility officials said.

Canada Needs Carbon Tax Quickly - Gov't Panel

Canada's Conservative government needs to quickly impose a price on carbon to stand any chance of meeting its own targets for cutting emissions of greenhouse gases, an official panel said on Monday.

Cell Phone Recycling is an Easy Call

The nation's leading cell phone makers, service providers, and retailers have teamed up with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to answer America's call for easy cell phone recycling.

Climate Change Threatens National Security - Report

Climate change could end globalization by 2040 as nations look inward to conserve scarce resources and conflicts flare when refugees flee rising seas and drought, national security experts warned on Monday.

Coal plant plans fade across U.S.

Regulators and developers are stopping development of coal-fired power plants around the country as plans for three separate billion-dollar projects are being pursued in Nevada.

Coal Town Gets New Light

A small central Illinois town got some big news: It has been chosen as the site to build a 21st Century power plant that advertises itself as virtually emissions free and able to sequester and bury carbon dioxide that contributes to global warming.

Colorado wind farm in full operation

One of the largest U.S. wind farms has started full commercial operation in Colorado, generating enough electricity for 90,000 homes.

Company plans to burn waste coal

In a watershed marred by the ugly after-effects of coal mining, an international company is planning to turn piles of waste coal into profitable power -- creating at least 165 permanent jobs and helping to clean up abandoned mine drainage.

Congress Pulls the Plug on Incandescents

The light-bulb design Thomas Edison created in 1879 has been relatively unchanged for more than a century, but its days are numbered.

The death sentence comes courtesy of the federal energy bill signed into law in December.

Corn... fuel... fire! U.S. corn subsidies promote Amazon deforestation

According to Laurance, whose findings are reported this week in Science (December 14), a recent spike in Amazonian fires is being promoted by massive US subsidies that promote American corn production for ethanol. The ethanol is being blended with gasoline as an automobile fuel.

Crude oil price to hover around $90/ barrel, says PAJ's Watari

Crude oil prices will likely hover "around $90/barrel" until the flood of funds coming in from unstable stock and bond markets ease, Fumiaki Watari, president of the Petroleum Association of Japan, said Monday.

Driving Hybrid Buses

Dozens of cities and school districts are getting good marks for implementing hybrid buses that run on both diesel and electricity. In doing so, they are helping to commercialize a technology that proponents say will save fuel costs and prevent the release of harmful emissions.

Eat More Chocolate and Help the Environment

Chocoholics can assuage any guilt they may feel after a new process was developed that turns the by-products of making chocolate into a biofuel -- meaning you can eat your chocolate and be eco-friendly.

Energy Bill Focuses on Fuel Efficiency

With the blessing of automakers, the new law will increase the minimum fuel-efficiency for passenger vehicles for the first time in 32 years from an average of 25-miles per gallon now to 35-miles per gallon in 2020.

Energy from asphalt for heating and cooling buildings and roads

Asphalt concrete’s dark colour has an excellent heat-absorbing property. The water-bearing medium is able to cool the asphalt in summer (energy extraction) and heat it during winter (energy addition). The asphalt collector represents a new way of harnessing solar energy.

Exxon Mobil to have day in court over oil spill

Almost exactly 19 years after the worst oil spill in U.S. history, Chief Justice John Roberts and seven of his eight colleagues will hear hour-long oral arguments about the legality of $2.5 billion in punitive damages assessed against the world´s largest publicly traded oil company.

FIRST SOLAR CYCLE 24 POLARITY SUNSPOT OBSERVED

French Compressed Air Car Set for Take-Off in India

A car that runs on air?  ...Negre believes the time is right for his design with oil prices at record highs and pressure on carmakers to improve the fuel efficiency of their vehicles.

Global Warming May Reduce Carbon Sink Capacity In Northern Forests

An international study investigating the carbon sink capacity of northern terrestrial ecosystems discovered that the duration of the net carbon uptake period (CUP) has on average decreased due to warmer autumn temperatures.

Green Power Lures Tenants; Businesses Wanting to Practice What They Preach Lease an Environmentally Friendly

...the factor that appeals to many tenants of the refurbished mill lies in the building's bowels. The river's power has been harnessed and drives turbines, generating environmentally friendly electricity for tenants, with excess power sold to the regional grid.

Group wants coal-waste site closed-- Activists say they found toxic ash on homes, playgrounds by dump

An environmental group said yesterday that it had found fly ash on houses and a playground near a coal-waste dump in Anne Arundel County, and it suggested that this poses a threat to public health.

Hamilton Sundstrand Teams-Up To Provide Alternative Energy

Aerospace parts maker Hamilton Sundstrand Corp. has teamed up with a private equity firm to provide electric power to utilities using a new technology, the Windsor Locks company said Wednesday.

Home owners going green to sell properties

HOME owners are resolving to make their houses greener in 2008 as environmental measures appear high on New Year's resolution lists.

A national survey on website realestate.com.au has found 70 per cent intend to install energy-saving lights this year. And 61 per cent are planning to set up grey-water systems.

House energy committee to conduct review of NRC

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce will "probe breakdowns in NRC
oversight" following reports of Peach Bottom security guards sleeping on duty,

Idaho Power wants to invest in wind power

Your rates could go up initially, the company says about a plan that would invest money from selling sulfur dioxide emission allowances

Iran cuts off natural gas exports to Turkey-- TV report

Iran has cut off natural gas exports to Turkey, one week after reducing supplies from 25 million cubic meters/day to around 5 million cu m/day, Turkish news channel CNBCE reported Monday.

Japan Power Industry Helping CO2 Cuts in Developing Nations

The Japanese electric power industry is stepping up its support for steps to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from coal-powered thermal plants in developing countries as part of international efforts to counter global warming.

Kansas-- Group to promote wind power

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius formed a group Monday to promote wind power, but two key legislators were skeptical it would make a valuable contribution to energy policy.

Last Chance for British Coal Plants

Plans to build a 'green' Pounds 1bn coal-fired power station in Kent could be the last chance for coal to prove it is a viable long- term energy source, according to German energy giant E.ON.

Missouri now requiring set ethanol content in gas

Gasoline sold in Missouri must contain 10 percent ethanol effective Jan. 1.

New Energy in Nuclear Power Supply Battle

The latest nuclear race involves something other than warheads.

American utilities are moving forward on the next generation of nuclear reactors -- even before they receive government approval to build them.

New Evidence Of Link Between Carbon Dioxide Emissions And Climate Change In Boreal Ecosystems

New research aimed at understanding the link between carbon dioxide emissions and climate change in boreal systems has found clear links between both Spring and Fall temperature changes and carbon uptake/loss.

Nuclear plant component vendors not reporting defects-- US NRC

Some vendors who supply components to nuclear power plants are not properly reporting defects, the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission said in a notice released Friday.

Nuclear Plant Neighbors Get Pills

Federal officials are again offering pills that could provide some protection during a nuclear emergency to neighborhoods surrounding two Charlotte, N.C., area nuclear power plants.

NYMEX crude slips as gasoline drags down petroleum complex

NYMEX's front-month crude futures on the CME's Globex system were 13
cents lower at $99.05/barrel Friday, losing upward momentum as gasoline prices
act as a drag on the complex.

Oil thieves rupture Nigerian oil line, refinery restarts delayed

The state-run Nigerian National Petroleum Corp said Monday that vandals have ruptured a major crude oil pipeline in the Niger Delta, derailing plans to bring two oil refineries back online this month.

OPEC unlikely to hike output at February meet-- Nigerian delegate

A Nigerian delegate to OPEC said Friday he believes it is unlikely the cartel will raise its crude output when the group meets in Vienna on February 1 because the market is "well supplied."

OPEC's President says oil price not related to fundamentals

OPEC President Chakib Khelil said Saturday OPEC ministers due to meet in Vienna on February 1 would consider all options, not just price, to determine if there is a need to increase supply but his assessment was that oil markets were balanced and prices near $100/barrel did not reflect fundamentals

Opponents to take Turk plant permit to Arkansas court of appeals

The intervenors contend Swepco "knowingly filed an incomplete application which included no alternative analysis, ignored many potential environmental impacts of the project, and under-reported other potential environmental impacts." They want to protect what they say are virgin forests near the proposed plant site.

Poll shows Kansans favor coal plant decision

The findings of the poll give the first snapshot of where Kansans stand on the divisive coal plant issue. The poll also showed 75 percent of the likely voters support expanded use of wind energy.

Push to curb consumption

The Tennessee Valley Authority was created to help bring cheap electric power and faster economic growth to an impoverished portion of Appalachia during the Great Depression.

But nearly 75 years after its founding, TVA now is eager to slow its growth,..

Quote of the Day 010408

"As we see that OPEC has a capability to increase its production by 500,000 b/d, we will propose OPEC to boost its output by 500,000 b/d on the condition that the high oil price is currently driven by fundamental factors, such as supply and demand."
Indonesia plans to propose at OPEC's February 1 meeting in Vienna

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 010607

The geomagnetic field was mostly unsettled with some isolated active periods during the past 24 hours. The solar wind speed remained elevated throughout the period and showed characteristics consistent with a high speed stream from a coronal hole.

Researchers developing solar technology that works at night

...the University of Missouri is promising a method for developing cheap solar energy technology that could be imprinted on flexible materials and still draw energy after the sun has set.

Study predicts harsh effects of climate change on California

Hundreds more people in the United States will die each year from air pollution as temperatures increase from carbon dioxide, the greenhouse gas blamed for global warming, according to a new Stanford University study.

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY STUDIES

The Future of the US Dollar

The US economy has been hanging on by a thread for well over a year now and the decreasing value of the dollar hasn't been helping much.

Although the dollar's drop has not been too positive, many domestic economists are warning investors that a sharp increase in the dollar's value would not be the easy solution...

The loophole that drove the price higher...but didn't

Two times in the last week, I've been on some sort of broadcast interview where another person was touting the repeal in the US of the so-called Enron Loophole, and implying strongly that its existence was a reason why oil prices are high.

Thousands of trees to be cut in power lines' path

Thousands of trees across North Jersey are destined for the buzz saw because of a new requirement to protect against power outages.

Tribalism within the new internationalism

Tribal communities are increasingly engaged in international issues and will play a significant part in the unfolding of any new world order. The international world has become increasingly dangerous, with many conflicts based on religion, ethnicity, political power and economic resources. All peoples of the world are affected by the world market and international politics, as well as national and local cultural and political issues.

UK to Give Nuclear Power Decision on Thursday

Britain will announce on Thursday whether it will give the go-ahead to a new generation of nuclear power stations, Prime Minister Gordon Brown's spokesman said on Monday.

UN Climate Chief Confident on Bali Progress

The UN's top climate change official said on Tuesday he was confident world governments meeting in Bali next month would finally begin negotiations on mapping out a second plan to fight global warming.

US Congress to hold off on energy, emissions until 2009-- analysts

With a new energy law on the books and a national election around the corner, the US Congress appears unlikely to pass major energy and environmental laws in 2008, even with oil prices flirting at or near $100/barrel, Washington analysts say.

US Delays Decision on Polar Bears and Global Warming

A U.S. decision on whether global warming threatens polar bears will be delayed as much as a month, the federal Fish and Wildlife Service said on Monday, prompting ire from environmental groups.

US House to probe NRC practices amid reports of sleeping guards

"It appears that there has been a systematic failure, by both NRC officials and the nuclear plant licensee, to ensure that these high-risk facilities are secure and employees are not discouraged from expressing concerns about safety," said Michigan Democrat John Dingell, chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

US Mortgage Rates Fall to Lowest Level in Four Weeks

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 6.07 percent with an average 0.5 point for the week ending January 3, down from last week when it averaged 6.17 percent as well.  Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.18 percent. 

US NOAA warns new solar cycle has begun; may pose threat to grid

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is warning that a new 11-year cycle of heightened solar activity that could pose a threat to the electricity grid, critical military, civilian and airline communications and GPS signals, has begun.

US senator demands independent probe into Bush's SPR fill plan

US Senator Charles Schumer Thursday demanded an independent investigation of the Bush administration's plan to continue stockpiling oil in the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve even as crude prices breached $100/b.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 010708

•Crude futures moved lower on Monday, further retreating from the above-$100/barrel record-levels seen Thursday, as worries about a slowdown in the US economy pressured prices. Crude futures prices have pulled back continuously since last Thursday, when, following a bullish set of US stock data, front-month NYMEX WTI hit and pierced the magical $100/b mark. Since then, strong losses, particularly in RBOB, and worrying US economic data have dragged the whole petroleum complex down.

•Looking closer at the worrying US economic data released Friday, the US unemployment rate jumped 0.3 percentage points to 5% in Dec, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 010808

•Crude futures rebounded Tuesday in morning European trading, with market players citing a dip buy and slightly favorable technicals as the reason for the upturn. On Monday, the energy complex collapsed as the US dollar rebounded and traders saw a bearish technical picture. "This is just people buying the dip after yesterday," a London-based broker said. "However, I think we did find some technical support, which has helped things as well this morning."

•In the longer term, however, some think that the 4% drop in prices since Friday "is a sign of things to come," a broker said.

January 3, 2008

A green future may take green

The green movement is coming to your home next year.

Once maligned as pie-in-the-sky, green energy programs are now embraced by Duke Energy Corp. as money makers.

AFA researchers testing ocean waves for energy

Researchers at the Air Force Academy are developing an idea that could use ocean waves to meet much of the nation's energy needs.

As fuel costs rise, so does interest in harnessing wind

High on a mountainside outside of Mahanoy City, 13 wind turbines, each taller than the Statue of Liberty, dominate a landscape where veins of coal deep beneath the ground fueled the Industrial Revolution.

Bali-- A New Beginning

It may be the final stretch of the Bush presidency. But it's just the beginning of new discussions to achieve more aggressive greenhouse gas cuts -- ones that would reach beyond the Kyoto Protocol that ends in 2012.

Beijing Introduces Cleaner Fuel Standards

China has introduced cleaner fuel standards in its capital Beijing, its latest effort to curb the city's notorious pollution ahead of the Olympic Games in August.

Bring on Distributed Generation

Generation technology has evolved considerably since Thomas Edison developed the prototype large-scale models to drive his utility enterprises more than 100 years ago. Those were direct-current models, but they set the pattern for utilities -- large, centrally located generators feeding power through transmission and distribution lines to businesses and homes.

Bush to veto energy-laden Defense Bill, cites possible lawsuits

President Bush is set to veto a defense authorization bill Friday that would assign $9.5 billion in fiscal 2008 funding for nuclear-related programs to the US Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration...

California and environmentalists sue over emissions ruling

California and several environmental groups have filed lawsuits against the U.S. EPA for "wrongfully and illegally" blocking the state´s tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions standards.

City gets green light for greener signals

Drivers, rejoice! Before long, Houston will have 2,400 traffic lights that are always green.

Clean Energy Investment Up One Third in 07 - Report

Investment in clean energy worldwide rose by a third last year to US$117 billion, boosted by widespread concerns over global warming, researchers New Energy Finance said on Wednesday.

Climate Change and Clean Water - December 17, 2007

As we all know, one cannot survive more than a few days without water. And too many have in the past died for the lack of a drink of water, and probably, and tragically, too many will in the future. So why are we not taking more drastic steps to protect our diminishing and precious resource.

The drought in Georgia is a case in point. 63% of their fresh water goes to power generation. Can we do without electricity? Of course we can.

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

Water Advocates Commends Congress for Addressing World's Largest Public Health Threat

Developer signs 30 MW of standard offer wind deals in Ontario

Under OPA's standard-offer program, the agency agrees to enter into 20 year power purchase agreements of up to 10 MW each with developers who propose small wind farms.

Emissions trading -- time to get serious

The Kyoto Protocol's five-year compliance period begins in 2008. Industrialized nations around the world have pledged to cut carbon emissions, but the job seems to get harder, not easier. Can market mechanisms make the crucial difference?

End of traditional utilities

For over 100 years traditional utilities have expanded as more consumers were connected to the electricity and gas grids for the first time, while sales volumes increased as more energy-intensive lifestyles and business processes meant demand for energy was constantly increasing. ..But now, with growing concerns about climate change, the depletion of Europe's indigenous energy resources and worries about security of supply,

Energy package may be tweaked-- Major changes unlikely

Kentucky--A broad legislative package designed to make Kentucky a leader in alternative energy production while encouraging energy conservation took three legislative sessions last year to gain the General Assembly's passage.

Fifteen US States Sue EPA Over Auto Emissions

Fifteen US states said Wednesday they filed a lawsuit against the federal Environmental Protection Agency in a bid to tighten regulations of greenhouse gas emissions from cars.

France Sets Ambitious Renewable Energy Targets

Wind and solar power are at the heart of a big new push by the French government to increase the renewable share of the country's total energy consumption from 6.7 percent in 2004 to 20 percent by 2020.

From water conservation to cleaner energy, the focus on 'going green' reached new high

Environmental concerns this year reached new heights, not just in Merced County, but across the nation.

"Green" continues to be a buzz word, encouraging interest and participation in a dizzying range of facilities -- from universities to insurance companies.

Gas pipeline stirs up Baltic fears

Once construction is completed at the end of 2010, the pipeline will supply Russian natural gas to customers all over Europe. The long-term goal is to supply up to 55 billion cubic metres of gas each year.

However, there is a hefty price tag - the pipeline is expected to cost at least 5bn euros ($7.4bn, £3.7bn), but due to delays, the cost could rise.

Global warming hits Australia with fires and floods

Australia endured bushfires, floods and record high temperatures in its drought-ravaged foodbowl in 2007 as global warming brought the nation's sixth hottest year on record, the weather bureau said on Thursday.

Gold continues to rally higher, fixes above $865/oz

Gold continued to surge higher during London morning trade Thursday, breaking through $865/oz and fixing above that level.

GRC Microwave Converts Waste to Fuel

Global Resource Corp's HAWK recycler extracts oil and gas in seconds from most everyday objects like tires, plastic cups, as well as from shale, coal, and tar sands.

In Russian Energy Plan, Coal is a Question Mark

When President Vladimir Putin signed a major energy deal in the Kremlin last week with his counterparts from Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, state television made a big deal of it. "The reality is that Russia faces an energy deficit," said Andrew Monagha...Monaghan argues that Russian coal is particularly attractive to European consumers because of its low sulfur content.

Indonesia says OPEC might lift output after NYMEX crude hit $100

There is a possibility that OPEC might increase production after NYMEX light, sweet crude futures hit $100/barrel, Indonesia's OPEC governor Maizar Rahman said Thursday.

Japan aiming for 30% of households to have solar panels by 2030

The Japanese government will aim for 30 percent of all households in the nation to have solar panels installed by 2030 as part of its efforts to fight global warming, government officials said Sunday.

Jumpstarting Solar Power - December 19, 2007

Gathering and using the energy from the sun must be a critical part of our future.

I applaud and support efforts by utilities and government agencies to support the development and growth of renewable energy sources such as solar. We need that type of energy in our mix.

I am glad to learn that someone is again working on methods for storing solar heat, a process that was well studied and documented in the 1980s

New efficient bulb sees the light

Experts have found a way to make Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) brighter and use less power than energy efficient light bulbs currently on the market.

NYMEX front-month crude contract hits $100 barrel for first time

NYMEX front-month crude hit a new all-time high of $100/barrel for the first time ever Wednesday, for a gain of $4.02/b in a giant-sized rally across the commodity sector.

Opposition stirring against new reactors-- Coalition plans to fight project in Matagorda County

Texas anti-nuclear activists are rallying their forces to challenge the so-called nuclear renaissance that could see the state become home to the country's first new nuclear power plant project in nearly 30 years.

Oregon car dealer wants to go electric, so far settles for green

Higher gas prices and concerns about global warming have piqued interest in green transportation. And electric cars are getting huge buzz, ...But as a test drive shows, today's affordable electric cars are far from Clooney-ready, making them a tough sell even in eco-friendly Portland.

Palo Alto tops country with green program

With one in five residents now participating in Palo Alto Green, the city is leading the country in an ongoing effort to pipe in clean energy from solar and wind sources throughout the state.

Quote of the Day 010308

"There has been no change in market fundamentals to justify such an increase," the delegate added, noting that freezing weather conditions in the high-consumption US northeast and renewed violence by militants in Nigeria's oil-producing region had propelled prices higher. "It could be speculation.

Renewable Fuel Standards Increased and Extended by Energy Act

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, signed into law on December 19th, boosts the requirements for renewable fuel use to 36 billion gallons by 2022.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 010108

Solar Activity Forecast: Solar activity is expected to be very low to low. There is a chance for an isolated M-class event from Region 980.  The geomagnetic field is
expected to remain quiet for the forecast period.

Solar Cell Production Jumps 50 Percent in 2007

Production of photovoltaics (PV) jumped to 3,800 megawatts worldwide in 2007, up an estimated 50 percent over 2006.

Some storm victims still lack power

Every day Katherine Gordon looks at the massive tree tangled in a live power line in her yard in rural Newalla and worries her home will catch fire.

Spot uranium price falls $1 to $89 pound U3O8, Tradetech says

The spot price of uranium dropped $1 to $89/pound U3O8 at the end of December, according to the price reporting company TradeTech.

Storms, setbacks brought utilities, customers multitude of challenges

For both, the year basically started and ended the same -- significant ice storms wrecked electrical lines and customers' homes.

Sugarcane ethanol-- Brazil's biofuel success

Thirty years ago, when one litre of ethanol was worth three times more than one litre of gasoline, most nations would not have considered investing in it as a biofuel. But Brazil took this path, and now produces the cheapest ethanol in the world.

The Solar Boom Creates Opportunities for Eco-Entrepreneurs

Things are looking sunny for the solar industry, but it's not out of the woods quite yet. Even with tax incentives and rebates, cost is still a major factor for many. The $25,000 - $30,000 price tag for the average solar system remains a fair chunk of change for most, and a shortage of silicon limited production and increased prices for panels in 2006. But these limitations are temporary.

Thousands of Tons of Organic Food Produced Using Toxic Chemicals

Thousands of tons of organic vegetables sold in British shops this year were produced using toxic chemical pesticides, it emerged yesterday.

US BLM set to allow increased winter drilling in Wyoming

A revised draft environmental impact statement for the Pinedale Anticline Planning Area introduces the potential for about eight times the current number of wells,..

US Congress to revisit oil company taxes amid $100 b price--Pelosi

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Congress, in light of the $100/barrel oil price threshold hit Wednesday, would again seek to repeal tax breaks to oil and gas companies...

US to hold first Chukchi Sea lease sale in 17 years in Feb

The US Minerals Management Service continued with its plan to hold the first oil and gas lease sale in the Chukchi Sea region offshore Alaska in 17 years...

US Weather Commentary 010308

The 2007-2008 Winter Season is progressing thematically on cue with our
original research expectations, with the following meteorological benchmarks
and climate characteristics being met thus far.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 010308

•Despite the bullish start on Thursday, the complex fell short of touching the magical $100/b mark again. With just a single lot of 1,000 barrels done at the $100/b price Wednesday, the question now is whether prices will breach that level again in a sustained manner. So far, WTI was unable to do so, trading just short of it in early European trading at $99.98/b.

•"Volumes are eerily thin this morning. The market tried to hit the $100/b again but it seems that WTI has found resistance just below so far," a broker said. Renewed violence in Nigeria, a weaker US dollar, as well as expected draws in US stocks and funds buying all contributed to the price surge, sources said. "Funds are looking for a safe haven in commodities this year...although the increase towards $100/b came a little quicker than I first expected," a London-based broker said.

•Looking at US stock data expectations for later today, analysts surveyed by Platts see a 2.7 million barrel draw in US crude stocks for the final week of 2007. Analysts also expect a 750,000 barrel draw in distillate stocks, while gasoline stocks are seen up by 2 million barrels.