News 2008:

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World CO2 since 1750 (cubic feet)

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June 27, 2008

Biomaterials Increasingly Driving Investment Interest

Biotechnology offers some of the best opportunities to create a more sustainable world, with applications as diverse as new sources of energy, new materials for industrial and consumer uses and high quality agricultural products with better production economics

California Unveils Major Plan to Slash Emissions

California on Thursday took a major step forward on its global warming fight by unveiling an ambitious plan for clean cars, renewable energy and stringent caps on big polluting industries.

China to Accelerate Shut-Downs of Small Thermal Power Units

Statistics show that China has so far closed down 23.51 million kWh of small thermal power generating units since 2006, accounting for 47 per cent of the total to be closed down in the "11th Five-Year Program" period. After these shut-downs, China can save 29.6 million tons of coal and cut sulfure dioxide discharge by 500,000 tons a year.

Climate Change Study Promotes Progressive Strategy To Reduce CO2 Emissions While Reducing Payroll Taxes

 The U.S. can reduce CO2 emissions and create a path to limit their atmospheric concentrations to levels considered safe for the global climate, by introducing carbon-based taxes and offsetting their costs for most households, according to a study ..

Credit Suisse takes on green economic plan for clients

Credit Suisse is adopting the Carbon Principles, a program that allows financial institutions to address environmental and economic risk management associated with construction of coal-fired power plants.

Critics-- Energy Goal Too Low

North Carolina took a radical step a year ago, requiring that as much as 12.5 percent of electricity in the state come from solar power, other alternative sources and conservation programs.

Hailed as a victory for environmentalists, it was the first such requirement in the Southeast. It seemed so daring that Progress Energy officials warned that the energy conservation goal might be unrealistically high. Gov. Mike Easley expressed doubt that it was achievable.

But a year seems like an eon ago.

DOE signs 3 operating contracts for power plants construction in Catanduanes

MANILA--The mini-hydropower projects will contribute to our goal of achieving energy independence by reducing the dependency on imported fuel. More importantly, the projects will utilize a renewable form of energy, therefore giving us benefits through the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions," said Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes.

Drastic headway necessary to make 25pct energy in 2025

The United States must make dramatic progress in renewable energy technology if it hopes to produce 25 percent of its electricity and motor vehicle fuel from renewable sources by 2025 without significantly increasing consumer costs, according to a new RAND Corp. study.

Eastern Ontario Is Canada's Green Energy Patch

"The province became a leader in North America by implementing the Renewable Energy Standard Offer. Ontarians with power line access can produce and sell clean power to the grid."

Energy Dept. plans to invest in clean coal power facilities

The U.S. Energy Department issued a formal announcement on June 24 that it is looking to invest in multiple commercial-scale integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) or other clean coal power plants with carbon capture and storage technology.

Europe broadens definition of HW, treats 74 million tons

"Waste management, especially hazardous waste, has always been given its share of importance in Europe," said Frost & Sullivan research associate Karthikeyan Ravikumar.

Forget Cap and Trade, A Carbon Tax Is Better

Any legislation that could be passed by this Congress this year and not vetoed by President Bush will have far less impact on consumer behavior than market forces are already achieving. Republicans in Congress have a decent point when they say the last thing consumers need right now is even higher prices due to federal legislation (though higher prices in the short and mid-term would likely lead to longer-term cost savings for consumers as alternatives came online in a big way).

Gust of energy needed to procure wind power jobs

Action is necessary to advance the future of wind power and the jobs it promises.

A lot of studies show the potential for the number of "green" jobs, but a big effort is required to actually get those employment opportunities...

Inbox 062608

Battery Bonanza: As I see it, Republican presidential nominee John McCain's proposal to create a $300 million prize to stimulate development of a more efficient battery to power electric cars and hybrids hits the nail on the head.

Kenya calls for affordable electricity in Africa

The Kenyan government on Tuesday urged stakeholders in power generation and distribution to come up with quick solutions to the challenge of ensuring that many people in Africa have access to electricity at affordable prices.

Key Facts About the Disappearing Aral Sea

The Aral Sea, once the world's fourth largest lake, has shrunk by 70 percent in recent decades in what environmentalists describe as one of the worst man-made ecological disasters.

Leaders Asked to Relax Grip On Energy Sector

African governments must loosen their grip on power utility companies to forestall an acute shortage of energy that could slow down growth in budding economies, experts warned.

Major Greenhouse Gas Cuts Achievable If We Deploy All Technologies

The U.S. electric power sector is committed to working with Congress towards enactment of economy-wide climate legislation that will produce substantial emissions cuts by 2050, EEI President Tom Kuhn said recently. But emissions targets and timetables must be premised on utilities' ability to bring a full suite of technology options to bear, or consumers will face dramatically higher energy bills than would otherwise be the case.

Major Increase In Ocean Acidity Due To CO2

According to a new report recently published by an international team of in the online journal Science Express, the ocean is becoming more acidic off the western coast of North America. The study, conducted in the Summer of 2007, found evidence that corrosive water, a direct result of the ocean's CO₂ absorption, exists less than 20 miles off the coastline.

Myanmar Cyclone Toll Rises to 138,000 Dead, Missing

More than 138,000 are dead or missing from the devastating cyclone that struck Myanmar last month, the government said on Tuesday, according to an Asian diplomat.

New 'carbon revolution' urged to slow warming

The world needs a shift as radical as the Industrial Revolution to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 while safeguarding economic growth, the McKinsey Global Institute said on Thursday.

Offshore Technology Opportunities are Limited by Narrow Minded Approaches

What is absolutely needed is a completely new approach, a broader approach, a more holistic approach to the ocean as a unique ecosystem and a deeply challenging environment rather than just another power plant opportunity.

Power Prices High Despite Rain

Hydro-power lake levels are holding up at 55 per cent of average, with more rain expected in the next few days, but wholesale power prices remain stubbornly high.

Renewable Energy a 'Finance-driven' Industry

Although the renewable energy industry saw over US $100 billion in global market activity, 14 percent of global venture capital investment and accounted for roughly one-third of new U.S. electrical generation capacity last year, the industry is still very far from maturation. But America's financial leaders are helping change that.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 062608

No flares occurred during the past 24 hours and the solar disk continues to be spotless. The geomagnetic field ranged from quiet to active levels during the past 24 hours. Conditions were initially unsettled but increased to predominantly active levels from 0000-1500Z. A particularly notable substorm was observed between 0900-1200Z, which elevated some high latitude sites to storm level activity.

Researchers develop window capable of generating electricity

South Korean researchers and Samsung SDI Co. said Tuesday that they have developed a window that can be used to generate electric power.

Researchers Find Latrines Trounce Toilets In Global Sanitation Efforts

While Americans may consider flush-and-forget-it indoor plumbing to be the pinnacle of sanitary science, the lowly latrine could be a far better solution for many parts of the developing world, say researchers at Michigan Technological University.

Rising Temperatures Force Many Plants Higher - Study

More than two-thirds of the plants studied along six West European mountain ranges climbed an average of 29 metres in altitude in each decade since 1905 to better conditions on higher ground, the researchers reported in the journal Science.

Sacred fire lights the Wabanaki Confederacy

Penobscot Indian Nation Chief Kirk Francis opened the annual Wabanaki Confederacy conference with a call for self-reliance, solidarity and a strategy among the tribes to deal with increasing threats to sovereignty from states and courts.

Scientists predict more extreme weather as GHG builds

The United States and North America likely will see more weather extremes including floods, droughts, intense hurricanes and unusually warm weather in the years ahead, government scientists recently warned.

Storing the Sun-- Molten Salt Provides Highly Efficient Thermal Storage

Despite their widespread use, solar technologies suffer the limitation of most renewable technologies: an unpredictable operating profile due to weather variations. However, using the highly efficient properties of molten salt for heat transfer, one technology insulates electricity production from weather volatility and, more importantly, it offers the capability to dispatch electricity as needed without requiring the use of natural gas.

UK's Brown Launches 'Green Revolution' Energy Plan

Britain set out plans on Thursday for a tenfold increase in renewable energy within 12 years in a scheme welcomed for its ambition but criticised for lacking concrete policies to cut carbon emissions and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.

US Halts Uranium Mining Near Grand Canyon

Uranium mining near the rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona was halted for three years by a 20-2 vote Wednesday in a US House of Representatives committee..."This emergency action will help prevent uranium mining from harming the Grand Canyon and polluting drinking water for millions,"..

US Man Attacked, Eaten by Mountain Lion

A mountain lion attacked, killed and partially ate a New Mexico man, authorities said on Tuesday.

US Not on Board for 2050 Emissions Cut Goal - Source

Japan has yet to persuade the United States to agree to a global goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2050 at a G8 leaders' summit, a Japanese government source said on Thursday.

Utilities Cut Off More Homes

As skyrocketing food and gasoline prices strain budgets, utilities are disconnecting many more customers who fall behind on their bills, and even moderate-income households are being turned off.

Wisconsin to cut mercury emissions, other pollutants

The rule targets mercury emissions from coal-burning electric utilities. Mercury is released from smokestacks and falls into surface waters where it enters the food chain and concentrates in fish and other wildlife.

June 24, 2008

1988 and 2008-- Climate Change Turning Points

Exactly 20 years have passed since Dr. James E. Hansen of NASA first testified to Congress on June 23, 1988 that global temperatures had risen beyond the range of natural variability. Waiting another 20 years before taking decisive action is not an option.

A Take on the Recent Jeddah Energy Meeting

What did this meeting actually achieve? Apart from bringing together major consumers and producers from around the world, perhaps hoping to take home some good news, Saudi Arabia announced that oil output would increase by 200,000bpd to 9.7mbpd and if the delegates had expected something significant to suppress the oil this was not it

Abandoned farmlands are key to sustainable bioenergy

Biofuels can be a sustainable part of the world's energy future, especially if bioenergy agriculture is developed on currently abandoned or degraded agricultural lands, report scientists from the Carnegie Institution and Stanford University. Using these lands for energy crops, instead of converting existing croplands or clearing new land, avoids competition with food production and preserves carbon-storing forests needed to mitigate climate change.

Agency must buy alternate power

With drought years stacking up and wet years becoming sparse, the federal agency that markets hydropower from Army Corps of Engineers dams might have to rethink its contracting procedures.

Australian Government's $1 Billion Plan To Help Secure Cities' Water Supplies

The Australian Government will provide $1 billion over six years to help secure water supplies for working families and businesses through desalination, recycling and stormwater harvesting.

Big Businesses Seek Out Solar as Sector Heats Up

Big business is officially going solar.
This month, several of the world's biggest technology and manufacturing companies -- including Intel Corp and International Business Machines Corp -- made major moves into the burgeoning solar power business.

Bill to lift solar power halted by Republicans

The solar energy industry is poised to pump billions of dollars into the Nevada economy and create thousands of jobs -- but advocates say the Senate on Tuesday shot down a bill needed to give the sun power industry a jump-start.

Britain seeks Middle East energy investment - UK's Brown

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown called on Sunday for cash-rich Gulf nations to invest in renewable and nuclear energy production in Britain and elsewhere.

Building on Nixon's 'new' Indian policy

A mystery of modern Indian policy is why President Richard Nixon introduced self-determination policy. Until Nixon's Indian policy, termination and assimilation ruled in Indian affairs. One might argue that federal Indian policy has not lived up to his vision.

California Fights 400 Fires, Bakes in Heat Wave

Firefighters worked to contain some 400 wildfires burning across Northern California on Sunday as the state baked under a fourth day of an early summer heat wave that has strained the power grid and left residents wilted.

Capturing carbon dioxide may raise bills

Capturing and storing carbon dioxide to lower greenhouse gases and protect the planet is likely to raise household electricity bills and pose certain risks, an environmental leader acknowledged Sunday.

China on Pace to Become Global Leader

China likely will achieve-and even may exceed- its target to obtain 15% of its energy from renewables by 2020, according to a report released by the Worldwatch Institute, Washington, D.C.

Clean-Coal Power Supporters Blame ComEd for Defeat ; Technically, Measure Still Hangs By Thread in Legislature

A $2.5 billion clean-coal power plant proposed near Taylorville is on indefinite hold after a last-minute legislative defeat.

Cutting Carbon in Cities

America's growth spurt will require more energy. But economic development and environmental progress do not need to be in conflict with one another. Indeed, the country is not helpless when it comes to fighting the effects of climate change, according to a report by the Brookings Institution.

Doubts Over Green Power

South Wales Evening Post--Householders who sign up to green fuel tariffs may not be getting their electricity from renewable energy sources, consumer group Energywatch has said.

It has urged suppliers to come clean on just how green their tariffs are.

DTE to help cars run on electricity-- Utility joins group that fosters research

The organization's goal is to foster research and development that leads to vehicles powered by alternative fuels and electricity, and to remove the idea that green vehicles are a luxury niche for a few, said Alexander Karsner, U.S. assistant secretary of energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Electricity Generation Blowing in New Direction

Wind energy holds big promise for Indiana, with the potential to electrify up to 10 million homes at any given time, virtually pollution-free.

EU Carbon Trade Offers Cautionary Tale to U.S.

As the United States moves toward action on global warming, practical experience with carbon markets in the European Union raises a critical question: Will such systems ever work?

Extreme Floods, Storms Seen Increasing in North America

Floods, droughts and severe storms are likely to ravage North America more frequently as emissions of planet-warming gases rise, according to a US government study.

Generating green power to sell to LIPA

Businesses and other nonresidential power consumers will be able to sell electricity to utility companies around the state that they generate by solar, wind or other renewable-energy-powered equipment under legislation passed this week by the State Legislature.

Government says ethanol not affecting fuel, food prices

Ethanol refiners feel vindicated by the federal government´s response to questions regarding biofuel´s impact on U.S. food and fuel prices.

Grow your own

All parts of this chain are currently the subjects of avid research and development. Some biofuels were already competitive with oil products even at 2006 oil prices (see table 5). The R&D effort will bring more of them into line, as will any long-term rise in the price of crude oil.

High oil prices are 'destroying' demand-- OPEC's Khelil

OPEC is "concerned" over oil high prices as they are eating into demand for its crude, current OPEC President Chakib Khelil said Tuesday.

How Much US Crop Acreage Lost to Floods?

Tracking the amount of US corn and soybeans lost to the worst flooding in 15 years for the US Midwest, one of the world's key food production areas, will be a daunting task, crop specialists said on Friday.

Key barrier seen to 'green' power

The dearth of power lines in remote areas where the wind blows hardest and the sun shines brightest stands as a major barrier to the nation's use of renewable energy, a Senate committee was told on Tuesday.

Major Cities Can Take Climate Change Lead - Study

The world's major cities are also among the planet's worst polluters but they have the solutions to most of their problems at their fingertips, a leading environmental consultancy said on Monday.

McCain looks to 'break the back of' US oil dependency

US Senator John McCain, Republican-Arizona, called Monday for changes to the country's biofuels and fuel economy policy that he said would help "break the back of our oil dependency."

Mexico Facing Water Shortage With Conservation Technology

The country has had water trouble for as long as anyone can remember. Now Mexico is drying up, and has been cut off from much of the water that used to flow from the U.S.

Netherlands to Invest Huge in Renewable Energy

The Dutch government said it will invest 7.5 billion euros in energy supply between now and 2011 with priority given to renewable energy, energy saving and CO2 reduction in order to reduce the country's dependency on oil and gas, Dutch newspapers reported on Thursday.

Nuclear Cost Estimates

The rising cost of materials and labor has the potential to put an end to the nuclear renaissance before it ever gets started. Company estimates that have been released show costs for an individual unit could be as high as $12 billion, and one consultant expects those estimates could rise if material prices continue to escalate.

Obama calls for more regulation of energy speculators

Senator Barack Obama, the Democratic presumptive presidential nominee, has called for tighter regulation of energy markets and speculators as a way to rein in commodities prices.

Portland to Invest in Energy Efficiency ; With Annual Costs at $8.3 Million and Rising Fast, the City Will Retrofit Buildings to Save on Heat and Power

Old furnaces will be replaced. Heating and lighting controls will be installed. Windows and doors will be weather-stripped.

Power plant is ground zero in battle of energy vs. environment

By any standard, it is the biggest environmental controversy in Virginia today -- a $1.8 billion power plant, proposed by the state's largest electric company, in the heart of coal country here in mountainous southwest Virginia.

Power prices put business on back foot

Many of Australia's largest companies are delaying projects due to rises in energy costs of between 25% and 100%.

Power to People of Iraq ; Saddam's Generators Claimed after 18 Years

A power plant built on Tyneside for Saddam Hussein is finally going to Iraq - after sitting in a Tyneside warehouse for 18 years.

Two turbine generators were part of a pounds 70m order from Tyneside engineers Northern Engineering Industries from the Iraqi government back in 1990.

Quote of the Day 062408

"In my opinion there is no need to keep any more ceilings for production, because it's very clear that, if there was no ceiling, the market will adapt much faster to the [price] impact and we could expect prices to go down."
The European Commission plans to ask OPEC producers Tuesday to abolish their crude production targets as part of measures to help reduce record oil prices, EU Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs said, although senior OPEC officials said there was little they could do to bring prices down

Race, affiliation and sovereignty '08

Race has been and will continue to be an issue in this year's national elections. But now it seems that tribal affiliation can be added to the list of candidate policy positions.

Renewables Dream Could Lie in Tatters

The Plymouth (UK)--Hopes of the Westcountry becoming a global leader in green energy could be dashed by complex red- tape and an ancient National Grid network, MPs warn today.

Russia Must Act Now on Environment - Medvedev

Parts of Russia will be uninhabitable within the next three decades if the country does not take better care of the environment, Russian news agencies quoted President Dmitry Medvedev as saying on Saturday.

Sandia Researchers Say Worldwide Water Shortage On Horizon

A crisis is looming over water shortages worldwide. By 2025 more than half the nations in the world will face freshwater stress or shortages and by 2050 as much as 75 percent of the world's population could face freshwater scarcity.

Silicon stable following Globe's conversion to FeSi production

Silicon prices remained stable in the US this week, even as some consumers braced themselves for a squeeze on material following news that the country's largest silicon producer, Globe Metallurgical, will convert silicon production from a furnace at its Beverly , Ohio plant to ferrosilion output.

Some See Human Link in Severity of US Floods

Natural disasters like floods are normally blamed on nature, but some experts believe humans are at least partly responsible for this month's massive flooding in Iowa and elsewhere in the US farm belt.

Tennessee Valley Authority ignored duct leaks, audit finds

The Tennessee Valley Authority failed to alert regulators to significant duct leaks in its coal plants over the past five years to keep the power plants running, according to TVA's inspector general.

Turbine Giants Going Seriously With the Wind

The gigantic structures tower 300 feet tall, weigh 1,000 tonnes and have blades that span an area the size of the London Eye. These five-megawatt wind turbines are among the largest in the world and are precisely the type of supersized structures designed to be built offshore.

UK government set to launch GBP100 billion renewables strategy

The UK government will launch this week a GBP100 billion ($200 billion) renewables strategy, Prime Minister Gordon Brown confirmed Sunday. Brown said the GBP100 billion investment is required for Britain to reach its EU target of sourcing 15% of its energy from renewables by 2020.

UK's Brown to Open Energy Markets to Overseas Investors

Prime Minister Gordon Brown pledged on Sunday to open Britain's energy markets to foreign investors in a "new deal" designed to promote clean energy and end a conflict of interest between oil producers and consumers.

US House bill excludes amendment on US imports of Russian uranium

A legislative provision that would have linked US import limits on Russian low-enriched uranium to additional downblending of Russian high-enriched uranium was not included in a funding bill passed by the House of Representatives late Thursday.

US Midwest floods may raises coal, electricity prices-- Barclays

Flooding in the Midwest has halted coal deliveries to utilities, possibly leading to an increase in off-peak power prices in the Midwest Independent System Operator, the PJM Interconnection, and Southeast US markets, Barclays Capital said Friday.

US senator offers bill to expand CFTC oversight, boost margins

US Senator Byron Dorgan on Tuesday introduced legislation he hopes will lower soaring oil prices by expanding the Commodity Futures Trading Commission's oversight of all petroleum markets and increasing margin requirements for speculators.

US Supreme Court to Decide Navy Sonar Appeal

The US Supreme Court said on Monday that it would hear a Bush administration appeal of a ruling that restricted the Navy's use of sonar off the southern California coast because the training exercises could harm endangered whales and other marine mammals.

US-based energy company acquires 50 per cent of Henan power plant

United States-based energy company AEI has bought a 50 per cent stake in a power plant in Henan province, a rare deal in the mainland's profit-challenged power sector.

Water Industry Leaders Launch Water Policy Institute To Address Current Challenges

A consortium of water leaders has announced the formation of The Water Policy Institute. Chaired by former EPA Administrator and New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman, the Institute will address water-related issues and provide information to the public through its website.

Water Reuse in Florida, USA

The US wastewater minimization market is highly affected by a few key drivers: pollution prevention, water recycling, and water reuse. These drivers have been brought about by water shortages, increasing population, and more stringent environmental regulations -- all of which increase the cost of clean water and lead to the reduction, and the need for more efficient use, of water supplies.

What water well owners need to know about drugs in water

Recent news reports about the presence of drugs in America's water supply have created some public concern over the safety of water, but there are basic steps that the owners of private household water wells should always take to reduce risk to their drinking water, said David M. Newlin, watershed project director of the Little Colorado River Plateau RC&D.

Worst Over for Missisippi Flooding, Losses Tallied

The swollen Mississippi River's crest rolled downstream on Saturday, sparing St. Louis from major flooding but leaving billions of dollars in damage to crops, houses and infrastructure further north.

WRT Helps Re-activate Dormant Wells In Lawrenceville, GA

Compounding the drought issue, many of Northern Georgia’s previously operating wells had been taken out of service due to high levels of radionuclide contamination, which can be caused by high levels of naturally occurring uranium or radium, and other radioactive materials in the ground geology.

June 20, 2008

A Silver Bullet For High Gas Prices

A new report from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) proposes what the group said could be a silver bullet to kill the United States' oil addiction. "Driving Our Way to Energy Independence" envisions a near term, dual-fueled transportation system, 75 percent powered by electricity and 25 percent by biofuels.

An Open Letter to the EPA on Whether We Should Give Up on Renewable Fuels

The purpose of the Renewable Fuels Standard is to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, reverse the effects of greenhouse gas emissions, and eventually end the toxic releases from petroleum, coal, and other fossil fuels. The idea is to replace these fuels with clean alternatives like ethanol, which, unlike fossil fuels, are based on captured solar energy that is constantly renewed.

As Americans drive less, highway revenue is drying up

Americans are driving less, the US Department of Transportation said Wednesday, continuing a six-month trend. Overall vehicle miles on all public roads fell 1.8% year-over-year in April, and year-to-date mileage is down 2.1% compared with 2007.

Australia Food Bowl Areas 'Beyond Repair in Months'

Parts of Australia's key Murray-Darling river food bowl may be beyond recovery unless a prolonged dry spell and political wrangling over water use ends by October, a leaked scientific report warned on Wednesday.

Bingaman-- energy law not meant to block US from purchasing Canadian oil sands

In a boost for the oil industry, the Senate's top energy lawmaker said in the week ended June 13 that he supports House-passed legislation that would make it easier for the federal government to buy high-emissions fuels made from Canadian tar sands.

Biofuel needed to prevent greater oil price rises, say producers

Crude oil prices could move even higher if biofuel subsidies were to be scrapped, biofuel proponents told Platts this week in response to recent criticism that biofuels is responsible for around one-third of recent food price increases.

Bush call on oil shale development stirs political pot in West

Colorado Governor Bill Ritter Wednesday hit back against President George Bush, who on Wednesday proposed that federal controls on oil shale development be removed.

Car parts maker fined for toxic waste violations in 5 states

Dana Corp., an Ohio-based auto parts manufacturer, has agreed to pay more than $125 million in environmental claims brought by the federal government for cleanup costs and civil penalties associated with six Superfund toxic waste sites in five states.

Changing climate will lead to more extreme weather-- Report

The U.S. Climate Change Science Program and the Subcommittee on Global Change Research today released a scientific assessment that provides the first comprehensive analysis of observed and projected changes in weather and climate extremes in North America and U.S. territories.

China's booming PV market-- Filled with smoke and fire

With ten highly prominent initial public offerings (IPOs) racked up already, China's solar energy industry is poised to make a major impact on worldwide polysilicon capacity and solar cell production. However, determining who will succeed...

China's Wind Power Industry-- Blowing Past Expectations

At the end of 2007, China's installed base of wind power totaled just over 6 gigawatts (GW), making China the fifth largest producer of wind power, after Germany, the U.S., Spain and India.

DOE Seeks to Invest up to $90 Million in Advanced Geothermal Energy Technology and Research

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for up to $90 million over four years to advance the research, development and demonstration of next-generation geothermal energy technology which will harness the earth $B!G...

Energy leaders plan shift from high-carbon to low-carbon

The world’s energy sector is in the throes of a transformation from high-carbon to low-carbon, but the scale of the challenges remains daunting, according to clean energy insiders who attended the first New Energy Finance Summit earlier this year.

FACTBOX - Five Questions About US Offshore Oil Drilling

What are the politics of the issue?

What kind of oil supplies are we talking about?

Flood Damage to Midwest Soil May Block Replanting

Midwest US farmers with flooded fields may find that soils have been damaged too much to plant this year even if the waters recede quickly, agronomists said Wednesday.

Four Days at the Wheel of a Hydrogen Car

... I was ready to take a look at my car. There are just 100 hydrogen-powered Chevy Equinox cars in the country, and for four days, one of them would be mine.

Germany Approves New Climate Package

The German government approved a climate package on Wednesday which is designed to help it reach a target of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 40 percent by 2020 compared to 1990 levels.

Green bill close to becoming law

A law that will likely make it financially sensible for businesses in New York state to power themselves with "green" technology hopped over an important hurdle Wednesday, according to state Sen. George Maziarz.

Historic energy efficiency program gets underway

The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today commenced its historic Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (EEPS), a far-reaching, ground-breaking energy efficiency initiative that seeks to reverse the pattern of ever-increasing energy use in New York by reducing electric usage 15 percent of projected levels by 2015; one of the most aggressive efficiency programs in the nation.

House Panel Approves Full Funding for Yucca

A House panel beginning the process of writing an energy spending bill for next year voted Tuesday to fully fund the Energy Department's request for the Yucca Mountain Project.

Inbox 061908

There's some new environmental buzzwords, and they aren't "green" or "sustainability." The new phrase is much more grounded. What everyone seems to be talking about these days is "sound science."

Lessons Learned by Offshore Oil Industry Boost Offshore Wind Energy

There is a significant energy resource in the form of wind offshore of much of the United States. For example, a recent study done at Stanford by Dvorak, Jacobson and Archer suggests that there is an exploitable wind resource of up to 200 terawatt hours (TWh) off the coast of California. Unfortunately, 90% of it is in waters more than 50 meters deep, so a lot of this energy is not regarded as economically viable with the current monopile tower technology.

Mayes to push utilities for more renewable energy

Arizona Corporation Commissioner Kris Mayes said Monday she wants the state's electric utilities to push harder to develop renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal and biomass.

McCain Says Wants 45 New Nuclear Reactors by 2030

Republican John McCain promised Wednesday to put the United States on course to build 45 new nuclear reactors by 2030 if elected president as part of a plan to move the country toward energy independence.

Mississippi River Levees Break, More at Risk

The swollen Mississippi River ran over the top of at least nine more levees on Wednesday as floodwaters swallowed up more US farmland, feeding inflation fears as corn prices soared to record highs.

NASA Aircraft Examine Impact Of Forest Fires On Arctic Climate

As the summer fire season heats up, NASA aircraft are set to follow the trail of smoke plumes from some of Earth's northernmost forest fires, examining their contribution to arctic pollution and implications for climate change.

New Study Finds That Solar Could Provide 10% of U.S. Electricity Generation by 2025

A new study makes the case that solar power is emerging as a cost-effective hedge against fossil fuels and is likely to reach cost parity with retail-electricity rates in most regions of the U.S. in less than a decade.

North Prairie cuts off construction due to rising costs

North Prairie Productions LLC has halted construction of a 45-million-gallon-per-year biodiesel facility near Evansville, Wis., because of increasing raw material costs.

Nuclear Prospects Unclear

This snapshot of important nuclear data and trends reveals that:

• Four countries (China, France, Russia, and South Korea) were building seven new nuclear reactors in 2007 that will account for 5,190 megawatts of new capacity—100 megawatts less than was completed in 2006.
• The commercial nuclear industry has retired 124 reactors since 1964.
• Asia showed the most growth, with China and India accounting for more than a quarter of the nuclear capacity currently being built worldwide.
• Construction delays and cost overruns continue to plague the nuclear industry, raising questions about the economic viability of future projects.

Nuclear Waste Deal Opposed

Despite the Energy Department's action this month to seek a license to build the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository, a Review-Journal poll has found that a majority of Nevada voters feel the same way they did four years ago: Continue to fight the project instead of making a deal in exchange for accepting it.

Ocean temperatures and sea level increases 50 percent higher than previously estimated

New research suggests that ocean temperature and associated sea level increases between 1961 and 2003 were 50 percent larger than estimated in the 2007 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report.

Paulson Remarks on the US Economy

The following is a speech by Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr., before Women in Housing and Finance in Washington, DC.

Rate hikes jolt state-- Electricity costs could kill some companies

Massachusetts businesses are getting zapped by skyrocketing electricity prices -- and thousands more will be hit by a 40 percent rate spike in less than two weeks.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 061908

The geomagnetic field was mostly quiet. Solar wind velocity observed at ACE showed a steady decline during the past 24 hours, with day end speeds around 450 km/s.

Residents below mine tunnel warned of water danger

(dated: but important) Lake County, Colo., officials are warning residents living below an old mine drainage tunnel there is an imminent potential for catastrophic failure, which could send a billion gallons of toxic acid and metal-laden water flowing toward their homes.

Retreating Antarctic Sea Ice Threatens Southern Whales

As well as retreating, the vital front between cold sea ice and warmer sea water which causes an upwelling of nutrients supporting the krill on which the whales feed will also contract, reducing the amount of food available.

Salina, Kan., at center of wind farm debate

Kansas is mad about wind. And Salina could be.

"Salina is very well-located to become a place for folks that manufacture components for wind farms," Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson, late Wednesday morning...

Scientific Sleuths Find Seas Warming, Rising Faster

Scientific detective work has uncovered a decades-old glitch in ocean temperature measurements and revealed that the world's seas are warming and rising faster than previously reported.

Storm Over Wind Farm Gaining Strength

Sydney, like much of Australia, gets most of its electricity from coal, and also from the vast Snowy Mountains hydro scheme. Its power supply is more reliable than New Zealand's, although Australia will also be faced with challenges in the next decade.

The Future of U.S. Ethanol Production-- Where Do We Go from Here?

If there was one clear message that came out of the 24th annual Fuel Ethanol Workshop (FEW) held in Nashville, Tennessee this week, it was that despite all the negativity that has been thrown at ethanol, the industry will keep moving forward. Fast.

TVA could handle charging of electric-powered cars

TVA Chairman Bill Sansom told a panel of congressmen Monday that the agency could easily handle future demand from electric-powered cars and offer a 20 percent discount -- so long as batteries are charged at night.

U.S. Energy Lab Issues Accomplishment List

All of the laboratory's accomplishments help to maximize domestic energy supplies, protect the environment and keep energy costs in check, officials said in a statement. "The bulk of the accomplishments help in resolving the environmental, supply and reliability constraints of producing and using fossil resources, while others involve energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Underground CO2 capture testing is urged

A U.S. professor is urging Congress to pass legislation to fund demonstrations of new technologies that trap and store carbon dioxide emissions underground.

US energy spending bill will kill funding for GNEP

A US House of Representatives appropriations subcommittee unanimously approved a Department of Energy funding bill Tuesday that would fully fund a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, while eliminating funding for the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership, the international spent fuel reprocessing program.

US entering period of 'significantly higher' power prices-- FERC

The US may be entering a period of "significantly higher power prices that will last for years," Federal Energy Regulatory Commission staff said Thursday.

US House lawmaker introduces climate bill with 80% emissions cuts

A senior member of the US House of Representatives committee on taxation on Thursday introduced a carbon cap-and-trade bill with the help of 70 cosponsors. The legislation will be the first to go before that panel, the House Ways and Means Committee, in July.

US Mortgage Rates Up on News of Stronger Inflation

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 6.42 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending June 19, up from last week when it averaged 6.32 percent.  Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.69 percent.   The last time the 30-year FRM was this high was the week ending September 27, 2007, when it averaged 6.42 percent.

US Weather Commentary 062008

Entire Texas-to-Atlantic zone closing in on one of the Hottest June months in a generation.... {Dallas tallies 15 straight days breaking 95°F; Richmond & Raleigh tally 13 & 14 straight days breaking 90°F}

US wind production tax credit more than pays for itself-- GE study

The federal production tax credit for wind energy more than pays for itself through tax revenue from the project's income, vendor's profits and workers' wages, GE Energy Financial Services said Wednesday.

Warming temperatures dangerously pushing bird migrations ever forward

Many birds are arriving earlier each spring as temperatures warm along the East Coast of the United States. However, the farther those birds journey, the less likely they are to keep pace with the rapidly changing climate.

Wind not a major threat to wildlife

According to a report pre-presented at Windpower 2008 in Houston, Texas, US, wind power has less impact on wildlife than other energy sources when looking at the full generation life cycles of different energy sources.

Wind to overtake nuclear by 2013?

According to figures released by the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA), installed wind energy generating capacity will have surpassed installed nuclear power within the next five years.

Young People Suggest Solutions To World's Water Woes

Singapore will host a number of youth- and student-focused events on the sidelines of Singapore International Water Week, the global event for water solutions which will take place from 23-27 June at Suntec Singapore.

Zero carbon building proves difficult

A review published by the UK Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) says most architects and developers do not “get” sustainable building, accusing them of focusing on “superficial green gadgets”.

June 17, 2008

A powerful revival-- Old dam in Pa. upgraded as electricity source

The century-old dam on the Susquehanna River doesn't look like an energy source of the future.

Weeds sprout out of cracks in the weathered Holtwood Hydroelectric Dam, 12 miles upriver from Maryland...

Africa Could Triple Food Output Quickly - UN

To counter the global food crisis, Africa could triple or quadruple domestic production over two seasons through simple changes to agricultural practices, a United Nations food expert said on Monday.

Bottled Water-- How Americans Got Sucked into a Corporate Con Game

To paraphrase an old axiom: You don't buy water, you only rent it. So why did Americans spend nearly $11 billion on bottled water in 2006, when we could have guzzled tap water at up to about one ten-thousandth the cost?

Boucher introduces key bill in push for clean coal energy

U.S. Rep. Frederick C. "Rick" Boucher, D-Va., introduced legislation in congress today with broad-based bipartisan support that will pump $1 billion into technology aimed at developing viable carbon capture and storage to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by capturing and injecting underground, the carbon dioxide emitted from electricity generation plants that use fossil fuels.

Builder, Owners See Benefits of Solar-- Number of Houses Tapping into Sun's Power Slowly Rises

Even with the Arizona sun beating down, the electric meter on Stephanie Feil's home in the Rio Verde Foothills was spinning so slowly it was almost at a crawl Wednesday.

Until the air conditioner kicked off. That's when it started spinning backward.

Call in the debt

A conclusion to Cobell v. Kempthorne is in sight. The accountability of the U.S. government has been of chief concern to hundreds of thousands of defrauded Indian people, some of whom died poor waiting for this day.

China Top Carbon Emitter, Beijing Under Pressure

China's ranking as top emitter of the main planet-warming gas, carbon dioxide, seemed confirmed by a Dutch report on Friday, putting more pressure on Beijing to come up with their own figures, experts said.

China, Japan's Stakes in East China Sea Gas Fields

Japan and China have agreed to jointly develop gas fields and share profits in disputed areas of the East China Sea, Kyodo News reported on Monday, but the Japanese government said there was no deal yet.

Cleaning Coal

Regulatory pressure is bringing about the improvements. But the bottom line is that major utilities with coal-fired operations are investing in modern pollution control equipment.

Cleantech, photovoltaics shine in VC scoreboard

The report provides a detailed review of venture capital investments made in electronics startups during the 2007 calendar year.

Congress examines 'decades of off-road vehicle abuse'

Congress seized a "rare opportunity" to address the "decades of abuse caused by off-road vehicles to public lands and ensure that visitors to the forest are not driven away by irresponsible off-road vehicle users," said Cyndi Tuell, Southwest conservation advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity.

Federal researchers rolling in hybrid at 100 mpg

That's no surprise. He used almost no gas in the ride around the National Renewable Energy Laboratory grounds. For months now, Markel, a senior NREL engineer, has been driving a plug-in hybrid that gets 100 mpg.

Food Supply Fears Mirror Oil Worries at Saudi Summit

Saudi Arabia's emergency energy meeting next week brings together Western consumer countries threatened by soaring oil prices with Arab producers worried about scarce food supplies.

G8 Must Send Strong Climate Message - Danish Minister

The G8 must send a strong message on global warming to get big emerging economies on board, Denmark's climate minister said on Monday, amid fresh signs that Washington is hampering efforts to make climate change a summit centrepiece.

Home Foreclosure Rates Increase ... Again

U.S. home foreclosures jumped in May to 261,255, a 48 percent increase from May 2007, according to RealtyTrac’s latest U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, which measures default notices, auction sale notices and bank repossessions. Last month’s total is up seven percent from April.

Honda rolls out new zero-emission car

The FCX Clarity, which runs on hydrogen and electricity, emits only water and none of the gases believed to induce global warming. It is also two times more energy efficient than a gas-electric hybrid and three times that of a standard gasoline-powered car, the company says.

House committee plans contempt hearing for EPA boss

The chairman of the House Oversight Committee is threatening to hold EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson and a White House Office of Management and Budget official in contempt of Congress for failing to turn over subpoenaed documents.

Indian Monsoon Brings Cheer, La Nina Weakens

The monsoon season, a lifeline of India's trillion-dollar economy, has progressed well, cheering farmers hoping for a good rice crop while giving the government an opportunity to ease restrictions on exports.

Iowans Fight Back Against Deadly Floodwaters

Officials moved paintings, books and documents out of harm's way on Sunday as record flooding in parts of the US Midwest partly submerged the University of Iowa campus in Iowa City.

Israel serves as testbed to Californian solar energy project

This solar field is a scaled cross-section of a typical commercial plant and includes more than 1,600 full-size glass mirrors (heliostats) and a 60 meter tall tower topped by a solar boiler.

LIPA exploring future plans for old nuclear site

The Shoreham plant, the $6-billion white elephant that has sat idle since its decommissioning in 1994 amid growing controversy over nuclear power, could again generate electricity.

Maine Waters, Wind Touted As Untapped Energy

The winds and waters of coastal Maine offer a promising yet untapped alternative to the fossil fuels that are driving the nation into what could be a historic energy crisis, experts said Thursday.

McCain would give states role in deciding on OCS development

Senator John McCain, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, on Monday said that if elected, he would lift a presidential moratorium on drilling for oil and natural gas on the Outer Continental Shelf. He said he favors allowing states to determine whether they should permit offshore energy development.

Midwest Floods Spur Record Rise in Corn Prices

The worst flooding in the US Midwest for 15 years sent fresh shocks to global markets and consumers on Monday as corn prices hit record highs on fears of crop losses in the heart of the world's top grain exporter.

Norway May Seek Help to Fight Forest Blaze

Norway may seek foreign help to extinguish its biggest forest fire since World War Two, which has been raging for five days, the government said on Friday.

Oil price volatility 'troubling' for EU power sector-- Piebalgs

Volatile oil prices are creating "troubling times" for the European power sector, EU energy commissioner Andris Piebalgs said Monday.

"Oil is the starting point for gas prices, and that brings us...to the electricity price," he told Eurelectric's annual conference in Barcelona.

Palo Verde Meeting on June 30 to discuss status of improvements

Palo Verde's safety rating was downgraded last year after a series of problems, including leaking oil seals and a broken emergency generator.

Power firms' treatment angers Texans

Prices aren't the only thing skyrocketing in the state's deregulated electricity market.

Amid continuing company failures -- and the resulting forced transfer of tens of thousands of ratepayers to default electric companies -- Texans in growing numbers are griping about their ill treatment by power companies.

Quote of the Day 061708

"We expect prices to stabilize at $120 to $130/barrel. Analysts put the price at between $50 to $250/b, we believe the fair price is $130/b."
Speaking to reporters at an investment forum in Moscow, Sergei Kukura, Lukoil's first vice president said he expected oil prices to remain at around current high levels.

"The increasing depreciation of the value of the dollar has overshadowed all economic activities and has inflicted a great loss on many countries. The consumption of oil is less than the growth in production and the market is full of oil. But prices have had a progressional upward trend and this is imposing an artificial situation."
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Tuesday that the oil market was well-supplied with more supply than demand and blamed the weak US dollar for what he said was an "artificial oil price," state television reported on its web site.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 061508

The geomagnetic field was at mostly unsettled to minor storm levels. Solar wind signatures indicating a co-rotating interaction region followed by the onset of a coronal hole high speed stream were observed by the ACE spacecraft. Wind speed reached a maximum of about 700 km/s at 15/1610Z.

Revolution for healthcare

Aging populations, rising healthcare costs, promising remote and emerging markets and the advent of personally mediated healthcare as an extension of consumer spending, are tempting technology companies, including electronics and semiconductor companies, to jump into the medical electronics marketplace.

Russian finance minister says unclear what is driving oil prices

Russian finance minister Alexei Kudrin said Tuesday it remains uncertain what the main driving force behind the current surge in oil prices to record levels is, and that it is unclear how they will behave going forward.

Small Radioactive Water Leak Within TEPCO Plant

"No water has leaked outside of the warehouse," the official said, adding TEPCO has confirmed that there was no impact on the environment.

Solar-Power Lobby's Pressure Has Ensign Feeling Alienated

The episode exposed a fissure that had been widening since last year as Congress tries but fails to extend investment and production tax credits for solar, wind, geothermal and other renewable sources that expire this year.

Steal a Tree Go to Prison; Steal a Forest Meet the President

Stealing trees is as old as the King's timber reserves. The sanctions for such sylvan thievery have always been harsh. ..Contrast this with evidence coming out of a trial in Portland, Oregon, concerning timber theft on a massive scale. According to internal documents from the US Forest Service, more than 10% of all trees cut off of the national forests are stolen..

Tampa Gives Preliminary Approval To Building Green

Tampa is getting with the green movement.

On Thursday, the city council unanimously gave its preliminary approval to an ordinance that offers incentives to developers that build environmentally friendly buildings.

US Coal Production Unlikely to Sate World Demand

US coal production has room to grow, but expansion is unlikely to meet surging world demand because miners fear a boom-bust cycle, key reserves are declining, and regulation has tightened.

US Eyes Deal on Slashing Clean Technology Tariffs

The United States hopes the world's major economies will agree to remove trade barriers on clean energy technologies when they meet alongside the Group of Eight rich nations next month, a senior official said on Friday.

US power execs say Canadian large-scale CCS plans are 'daunting'

Large-scale carbon capture-and-storage efforts may be needed to keep coal-fired plants within future expected greenhouse gas emission limits, but major obstacles still need to be overcome to implement this technology, US power industry executives said Monday at an industry conference.

Utilities look to the sun

Near Red Rock, just east of Interstate 10 on a barren patch of desert, sits what very well could be the future of renewable energy in our state.

Six long rows of shiny curved mirrors tilt toward the sun...

Utilities must not become 'tax man' in future GHG plans-- EEI head

The US electric power industry must avoid becoming the tax man in any future legislative efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions through a market-based plan, the head of a power industry association said Sunday.

Utilities Raising Price of Power

Here's a shocker: Electricity bills are heading up. Way up.

Utilities across the USA are raising power prices up to 29%, mostly to pay for soaring fuel costs, but also to build new plants and refurbish an aging power grid.

Wind farm to power 8,500 homes

These white giants may not seem like much from a distance.

But up close the wind turbines at the Happy Jack Wind Farm west of Cheyenne take your breath away.

Towering 285 feet high with three 140-foot-long blades, each turbine generates 7 million kilowatt-hours of energy each year.

Wind Power Freedom

A two-year battle in the Waldo County town of Freedom (pop. 700) over a wind power project should not - and need not - be replicated in other Maine small towns...

The small, rural town, with its volunteer boards, was unprepared to evaluate the $12 million project when it was proposed in the spring of 2006.

June 13, 2008

Africa's Deforestation Twice World Rate - UN Atlas

Africa is suffering deforestation at twice the world rate and the continent's few glaciers are shrinking fast, according to a UN atlas on Tuesday.

Britain Sets Out to Find Deep Nuclear Waste Site

Britain set out on Thursday to find a local community willing to have the country's deadly nuclear waste buried in its backyard.

Bush Says Climate Deal Possible During His Term

US President George W. Bush said on Tuesday a global agreement on fighting climate change could still be reached during his presidency, which ends early in 2009.

China Using Up Natural Resources Fast, Report Says

China is drawing on natural resources such as farm land, timber and water twice as fast as they can be renewed in its drive for development, a report from Chinese and international environmentalists said on Tuesday.

Congress bills to limit US, Saudi Arabia nuke trade

Resolutions introduced Thursday in the US House of Representatives and the Senate seek to restrict US nuclear power cooperation with Saudi Arabia and instead encourage the development of solar power there.

Emissions Markets-- Cap & Trade a White Paper

With climate change now well-recognized as a serious problem, policy makers throughout the U.S. are considering options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Chief among these options is a cap and trade system.

Nearly every bill proposed in the U.S. Congress relies on a cap and trade system as the core policy to reduce carbon emissions

EPA to award grants for dead zone in Gulf of Mexico

The U.S. EPA plans to award as much as $4.2 million in targeted watershed grants to reduce the hypoxic zone in the northern Gulf of Mexico.

Feeling the heat

The stunning recent photos of indigenous men aiming their arrows at the helicopter above them have made international headlines; but advocates are saying, again, that these families are running for their lives...

'Green' Job Market Bucks Credit Crunch Gloom

The 'Green' job market is thriving despite lay-offs across the financial and property sectors caused by the global credit crunch, environmental recruiters said on Friday.

High-tech will relieve energy crisis--some day

A crack panel of electronics industry experts discussing election-year politics at the Design Automation Conference (DAC) here Tuesday (June 10) were nearly unanimous in agreeing that neither a technological nor policy solution can soon halt the skyrocketing price of gasoline for American business and consumers.

House approves renewable energy bill

Philippines

It took almost two decades for lawmakers to pass on third and final reading a measure to develop renewable energy sources for the country's energy needs, which is expected to generate some $1.2 billion in energy savings and economic benefits for Filipinos in the next 10 years.

If a tree falls in the forest, and no one is around to hear it, does climate change

Research still needed to fully understand impact of global forests on climate change

There are roughly 42 million square kilometers of forest on Earth, a swath that covers almost a third of the land surface, and those wooded environments play a key role in both mitigating and enhancing global warming.

Intersolar launches big leap to USA

The market for photovoltaics devices and production equipment will explode over the years to come, said Eicke Weber, General Manager of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), at the occasion of the Intersolar trade fair in Munich. The launch of an American Intersolar offspring in coming July is seen as a major milestone to the photovoltaics industry.

Israeli VC to back Russian startups in $100 million fund

Israeli investment house Tamir Fishman & Co has won a Russian government tender to create a venture capital fund that will manage $100 million in investment in Russian technology startups.

Kansas Wind Erosion Laboratory Blown Away

A casualty of powerful storms that hit the Kansas State University campus on Wednesday was the Wind Erosion Lab, which the university said was destroyed by an apparent tornado.

Lobbying strategies and electioneering in significant flux

For more than a decade the oil, gas and power association heads have navigated shifting political winds and cut across regional divides to forge consensus.

Making waves-- Inverters continue to push efficiency

A key technology required for the exploitation of renewable resources is the humble inverter. Widely regarded as a 'black box' component, highly efficient inverters are crucial to enable the widespread introduction of grid-integrated price parity renewables. David Appleyard reports.

Melting Arctic Ice Could Spur Inland Warming - Study

If Arctic sea ice starts melting fast, polar bears and ring seals wouldn't be the only creatures to feel it: A study released on Tuesday suggests it could spur warmer temperatures hundreds of miles (km) inland.

Milwaukee exceeds 500 tons with e-waste collection

Milwaukee has reached an electronic scrap milestone, surpassing 1 million pounds of computers and equipment collected since 2006.

Moore-- A woman of great words

Europeans, when first observing the Cherokees, believed them to have a ''petticoat government'' due to the importance of women's opinions and status in tribal decisions, and thus set out to change this. And to my delight and substantiation, certain women of medicine can make ''brooms dance.'' ''Stories connect us to the universe of medicine - of paranormal or sacred power,'' she wrote.

More analysts say bottom finally reached in uranium market

After several weeks of conflicting signals about whether a bottom has been reached in this current spot uranium market cycle, a growing number of analysts are feeling more confident that the spot price will move above $60 a pound U3O8 in the coming weeks rather than continue to weaken.

Nuclear Power Among Options for UN Greenhouse Cuts

Developing nations might get help to build nuclear power plants under proposals at 170-nation climate talks in Bonn for expanding a fast-growing UN scheme for curbing greenhouse gases.

Oil market fundamentals have no influence on price-- Khelil

OPEC President Chakib Khelil said late Thursday that OPEC supported a Saudi invitation for talks between oil producers and consumers on June 22, but ruled out a production increase at this time, saying the market was oversupplied by 500,000 b/d, the official news agency APS reported Friday.

Our New 'Greatest Generation' Opportunity

If any interested party -- a presidential candidate, say -- wants an inspirational example of how the United States economy needs to transform in the 21st century, then Richmond, California is a good place to start.

PG&E Investing Billions to Support Plug-In Cars - CEO

The chief executive of California utility Pacific Gas & Electric Co said on Wednesday that his company is investing billions of dollars in developing the infrastructure necessary to support plug-in hybrid vehicle technology.

Quote of the Day 061308

"To recognize the seriousness of the problem, and pass a law that encourages exploration for oil and gas in the United States so that down the road a US president will go as a producer, not a consumer....In the interim term, we need to be finding more oil and gas. In the longer-term, we ought be diversifying away from our reliance upon oil."
President George W. Bush calling upon the US Congress to encourgage the exploration of new oil and gas reserves.

"The problem revolves around the economic crisis in the US, which has led to a weakening of the dollar as well as threats against Iran, which has created geopolitical tensions."
Algerian Prime Minister said in relation to the price of oil. He discarded other factors such as oil market fundamentals, insisting that at this time these "are not influencing oil prices".

Railroads say coal flood delays may last up to a month or more

With the recent floods across the Midwest showing no signs of abating, western railroads BNSF Railway and Union Pacific are warning of coal traffic delays that could last for another month or more on some routes.

Raser Announces 20 Year Power Purchase Agreement With Salt River Project in Arizona

Raser Technologies, Inc. (NYSE Arca: RZ) announced today it has executed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District (SRP), a major utility district of the State of Arizona serving the Phoenix area, for Raser's Lightning Dock geothermal power plant in New Mexico.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 061208

Reversing Winds-- America's Rediscovery of Manufacturing

Wind energy has already started to spur manufacturing growth in the U.S., but it can do much more.

Rich Nations Fail to Take Lead at Climate Talks - UN

Industrialised nations are failing to lead enough at UN climate talks in Bonn even as developing states are showing interest in a new global warming treaty, the UN's top climate official said on Wednesday.

Saudis considering oil output hike to around 10 mil b/d-- report

Saudi Arabia is considering boosting crude output to around 10 million b/d, the Middle East Economic Survey newsletter said Friday.

The Algae Attraction

Clean coal is an imperative. Some breakthrough technologies to achieve that goal now exist while others are years away. One such concept is to use waste carbon emissions from power plants to grow algae, which is subsequently converted to energy and because those releases would re-cycled, carbon dioxide emissions would be cut in half.

US DOE ready to talk about spent fuel contracts for new reactors

The US Department of Energy has notified companies interested in building new nuclear reactors in the US that it is ready to begin discussing new standard contracts for the disposal of spent fuel generated by those units, spokeswoman Angela Hill said.

US House climate bill prospects dim for 2008-- Subcommittee head

US House of Representatives Energy and Air Quality Subcommittee Chairman Rick Boucher said Wednesday his prospects have dimmed for moving a carbon control bill through his chamber this year, but the next Congress undeniably will act under a more aggressive White House.

US House panel nixes increased offshore drilling amendment

The US House of Representatives Interior Appropriations subcommittee Wednesday rejected an amendment by Representative John Peterson that would have opened more of the Outer Continental Shelf to oil and natural gas drilling.

US Midwest Hit With Floods, Tornado Hits Camp

"We have nine rivers right now across this state, not including the Missouri and the Mississippi, that are above record level or very close to record level," Culver said. "That's all time records."

US Mortgage Rates Jump to Highest Level in Nearly Eight Months

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 6.32 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending June 12, up from last week when it averaged 6.09 percent.

US Senate bill on energy speculation targets 'London loophole'

Five US senators introduced a bill Thursday that would empower the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to regulate oil and other energy commodity trades carried out in the US on international exchanges, much as CFTC now oversees trades on US exchanges

Wastewater Sludge-- A New Resource For Alternative Energy

Wastewater treatment plants are net users of energy. In the U.S. they consume an estimated 21 billion kilowatt hours per year. There are important reasons for this energy use, as society demands increasingly intensive treatment to remove nutrients and chemicals from wastewater before it is discharged back into water bodies or is reused. But energy use is coming under increasing scrutiny, with the financial cost of energy and the environment cost of energy generation driving new interest in the conversion of sewage sludge to energy.

West Basin Solves Potable Water Shortage With Wastewater Reclamation

West Basin is treating more than 30 MGD of secondary effluent, which equals about eight-billion gallons of water annually for 210 users in the South Bay. The facility produces six customized "designer" classes of water for a variety of industrial and municipal applications, including irrigation for parks and golf courses, seawater barrier injection, make-up water for oil refineries, cooling towers and for high-quality boiler feed.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 061308

•"I think people are taking a breather this morning after what has been a very volatile week. Even yesterday we traded in a $6/b range on not that much fundamental news," a London-based broker said.

•The US dollar index on ICE rallied to a high of 74.241 on Friday, the highest since the end of February, on better-than-expected US retail sales data. The market will be on the lookout for the US consumer price index for May, out later today, sources said.

June 10, 2008

'Big Dry' Generators Crank Up Greenhouse Gases

Greenhouse gas emissions are soaring as coal and gas-fired generators run flat out, day and night, to compensate for fast- emptying hydro storage lakes.

Biofuels Win At Summit But UN Food Envoy Fights On

The rapidly growing global bio-energy industry escaped unscathed from a food summit on Thursday, but its wings must be clipped to stop fuel-from-food stoking world hunger, the UN envoy on the right to food said.

Bush will stress to Europe need to cut dependence on hydrocarbons

US President George W Bush said Monday ahead of a trip to Europe that he would stress to the United States' allies the importance of reducing reliance on hydrocarbons.

Cities could feel the heat from 18 percent power rate hike

The five cities in South Hampton Roads will see their collective electric bills increase by nearly $15 million per year if Dominion Virginia Power receives the full 18 percent rate increase it has asked the state to approve.

CO2 Emissions to Double by 2050 Unless Govts Act - IEA

Planet-warming carbon emissions will rise 130 percent and oil demand will rise 70 percent by 2050 under current government policies, the International Energy Agency warned in a report on Friday.

Democratic and Republican National Conventions to Be Powered by Wind, Sun

The 2008 Democratic and Republican national conventions will be powered with clean, renewable wind and solar energy, Xcel Energy announced today. This is also the first time the same electric utility will serve both conventions in separate cities in the same year.

Despite loss, there is a slowly rising tide of support for climate legislation in the Senate

The Lieberman-Warner climate change bill was rejected on a procedural Senate vote today. But while not quite a tsunami, there is a rising tide of support in the Senate for legislation to control US greenhouse gas emissions.

Do You Know How to Save the Planet?

. . . Neither do I! As a utility industry analyst and an energy professional, I am struck by how little knowledge I have about the basic facts of conservation and energy efficiency.

Florida's St Lucie Reactor Involved In Hot Shutdown

FPL Group's (NYSE: FPL) (Current Market Cap: US$26.92 Bil.) 839-megawatt Unit 2 reactor at the Saint Lucie nuclear power station in Florida was in a hot shutdown after an electrical problem late Tuesday afternoon.

Gasoline moves into spotlight after oil futures end May with a bump

Oil futures ended May with a bump, dropping in general between 2% and 7% in value last week as this year's unstoppable rally in middle distillates finally started to unwind - just in time for gasoline futures to start moving into the spotlight.

IEA Urges US$45 Trln 'Energy Revolution' to Halve CO2

World governments must quickly start a US$45 trillion "energy technology revolution" that could drive up the cost of producing carbon ten-fold, or risk emissions surging by 2050, the West's energy watchdog warned on Friday.

Inbox 061008

Is there anything people won´t toss in a recycling container?

Industries Cashing In On Americans' Poor Environmental Habits

While households are slow to turn out the lights and separate perishables from plastics, some industry sectors are posting impressive profits from America's poor environmental progress

Looking Closely at Coal

Coal will continue to be the engine that carries the nation forward. But it will have to be re-invented to comport with changing environmental and economic standards.

Mercury contamination found in stranded Victorian dolphins

Researchers from the School of Biological Sciences have confirmed levels of mercury found in the dolphins were within a range considered to cause negative health and mental effects and were higher than mercury levels found in populations around the world.

Minnesota tribe buys up land to restore prairie

A 30-acre field where corn and soybeans were once grown is now covered with Canada wild rye, big bluestem, Golden Alexander and compass plant - the same grasses and flowers the pioneers saw as they pushed westward across the American prairie in the 1800s.

Nevada Lawmakers Claim Politics Fuels Yucca Bid

The DOE construction application sent to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on Tuesday was timed to coincide with the fall elections and is "undoubtedly incomplete," the lawmakers argued.

Paving the way

''Today is a historic occasion,'' Beaucage said at the launch. The blueprint charts a course towards a strong nation, he said. ''The Anishinabek understand that building an economy is critical to the self-government process.''

Prices Leap for Corn and Crude Oil

Chris Flood, writing on Friday at the Financial Times Online, reported that, "Torrential rain across parts of the Midwest pushed US corn prices to record levels on Friday, prompting concerns about the outlook for this year's harvest.

Prices would fall back if investment funds quit futures-- delegate

OPEC has a tacit understanding that those members capable of boosting crude production should supply as much crude as world oil markets need, a senior OPEC delegate said Monday, adding that some countries are already raising output.
"They are already raising their production," the delegate said...

Quote of the Day 061008

"Central bankers sneezing one way or another is a main element of the current oil price composition,"
oil analysts for Petromatrix said Tuesday. Crude futures firmed during European morning trading on Tuesday, stabilizing after Monday's late selloff which was triggered by gains in the US dollar following the US Federal Reserve chairman's speech warning of the increasing risk of inflation.

"Today we are witnessing a critical increase in the price of hydrocarbons,"
Alexei Miller, head of Russian energy giant Gazprom told journalists during a meeting of the European Business Congress. "Now the price is going to reach a level never before seen. The perspective will be $250/barrel of oil and the competition for this resource will be strong."

Renewable energy projects meet opposition from environmentalists

They say the projects mean new transmission lines and towers across some of the very mountains and desert vistas people have fought to protect.

Russian gas export monopoly Gazprom wants to join a gas pipeline project in Alaska and has already made a proposal to BP and ConocoPhillips

Russian gas export monopoly Gazprom wants to join a gas pipeline project in Alaska and has already made a proposal to BP Plc (NYSE: BP) and ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP).

Supply-demand fundamentals behind oil price spike-- US' Paulson

US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said Tuesday that high global oil prices are rooted in the basic market fundamentals of supply and demand, and that record prices had little to do with a weakening dollar or market speculation.

Toyota Develops Improved Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Vehicle

Toyota Motor Corp said on Friday it has developed an advanced fuel-cell vehicle that can run for 830 km (516 miles) on a single tank of hydrogen and in temperatures as low as 30 degrees Celsius below freezing (-22 F).

UK to give waterless washing machine a spin

A washing machine using as little as a cup of water for each washing cycle could go on sale to environmentally conscious Britons next year.

US economists agree CO2 prices needed to deal with climate change

Despite the agreement that a market-based method would best combat climate change, the 18 panelists were split over what system to enact, the Government Accountability Office said in a report.

US Senate climate bill fails to get enough votes to move forward

The heavily anticipated debate in the US Senate over comprehensive climate change legislation ended Friday as Democrats in the chamber were unable to muster the 60 votes required to move the bill forward.

US, oil industry prepared for hurricane season-- Bodman

The US and its oil industry has benefited from "two years off" in major hurricane activity in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic to better prepare for the coming storm season, US Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman said Saturday.

Use of fly ash in projects to get state, federal review

On Thursday, a panel will meet at the Richmond headquarters of the Department of Environmental Quality to weigh whether changes are needed to rules that exempt some coal-combustion by product projects from waste regulations, provided developers meet "beneficial use" criteria.

Vestas gets Brazilian order for 92 wind turbines

Vestas Wind Systems AS, the world's largest wind turbine maker, said it has received an order for 92 units of its V82-1.65 MW turbine for the Alegria project in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 061008

•Crude futures firmed during European morning trading on Tuesday, stabilizing after Monday's late selloff which was triggered by gains in the US dollar following the US Federal Reserve chairman's speech warning of the increasing risk of inflation.

•Although petroleum futures markets remain very sensitive to the financial markets there was some oil-specific news

World Environment Day Calls For End To Carbon Addiction

The United Nations urged the world on Thursday to kick an all-consuming addiction to carbon dioxide and said everyone must take steps to fight climate change.

Worst Rainstorms in 50 Years Hit Southeast China

The heaviest rainstorms in 50 years drenched parts of Guangdong province over the past two days, killing at least 1 student and causing widespread flooding, local media reported on Sunday.

June 6, 2008

A transition from La Niña to ENSO-neutral conditions is expected during June- July 2008.

A transition from La Niña to ENSO-neutral conditions is expected during June- July 2008.  La Niña continued to weaken during May 2008, reflected mainly by changes in sea surface temperatures (SSTs) across the equatorial Pacific Ocean.

Alaska lawmakers to begin weighing TransCanada gas pipeline plan

The Alaska Legislature is convening in special session Tuesday to consider a proposed state license for TransCanada to develop a $30 billion-plus Alaska natural gas pipeline.

APS Seeks Additional Renewable Energy

Arizona Public Service (APS) is requesting proposals for new sources of renewable energy generation. The energy sought must provide at least 35,000 megawatthours and be available sometime between 2009 and 2013. The Request for Proposal (RFP) includes solar, wind, biogas, landfill gas, biomass, geothermal, hybrid wind and solar, renewable natural gas and hydropower technologies.

Arizona Public Service Co. Offers Rebates Up To $500 On High-Efficiency Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps

If it’s time to change out your air conditioning unit or heat pump, rebates from Arizona Public Service Company can help offset the cost of that investment, and installing high-efficiency AC units can also help customers begin saving money immediately.

Biofuel not the big bad wolf?

Biofuel is not the dominant factor in the 244% increase in staple food prices since 2004, according to a new report from New Energy Finance Ltd.

Brazil's Lula Announces New Amazon Protection

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, under pressure over his stewardship of the Amazon rainforest, unveiled plans on Thursday to create three protected reserves covering an area the size of the US state of Vermont.

Carbon-capping climate Senate bill dies

U.S. legislation that would have set up a cap-and-trade system to limit climate-warming carbon emissions died on Friday after a procedural vote in the Senate.

Carbon-dioxide bill tough for Ohio senator

As the Senate debates a major bill this week designed to curb the emissions of carbon dioxide believed to cause global warming, the man on the spot is Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio.

City could see utility rate hikes

"I think we ought to take and not allow anyone to drive city vehicles home," said Councilman Don Boyette. "When we allowed this we were spending less than $2 per gallon for fuel and right now it's over $4."

Coasts under threat, fisheries vulnerable-UN study

High food prices may add pressure for more fishing along coasts where the environment faces threats from pollution and climate change, a UN University report said on Wednesday.

Crude futures extend losses on bearish technicals and firm dollar

4Jun2008--Global crude futures continued to fall in European morning trading Wednesday, extending Tuesday's losses following a rebound in the US dollar and coming close to the $123/barrel mark for the first time since mid-May.

Direct Use of Geothermal Energy in the United States

I travel quite a lot, and have seen extensive use of geothermal energy in Iceland and some Eastern European countries for district heating. But, I don't get a sense there is much geothermal use for heating in the United States. Is this the case? If it is, why don't we use more geothermal energy for heating homes and buildings?

Food Price Increases-- Is it Fair To Blame Biofuels?

The price of food staples has risen by 244% since 2004 according to a new report from New Energy Finance. The report, "Food Price Increases: Is it Fair To Blame Biofuels", concludes that while the drivers of these increases includes biofuel production it is far from the dominant one

For third time, US Senate debates 'landmark' climate legislation -- but '09 may be the year

But if by landmark one means a bill that for the first time mandates reductions in US GHG emissions, this week's Senate debate will actually mark the third time that the world's greatest deliberative body has considered landmark climate legislation.

G8 energy ministers to seek remedies to oil price headache

Energy ministers from the world's richest countries and biggest oil consumers are due to meet at the end of this week in Japan, hoping to find some answers to the mounting economic and political problems caused by this year's unprecedented oil prices.

Geothermal Electricity Booming in Germany

Electricity from geothermal sources is set to soar in Germany -- and all thanks to a law that has made drilling wells deep enough to hit the hot temperature water, which is needed to produce electricity, financially viable.

Gov. Rendells Energy Plan Will Keep PA at Top of Growing Energy Economy, DCED Secretary Says

Pennsylvanias top economic development official today said Governor Edward G. Rendells Energy Independence Strategy would keep the commonwealth ahead of the pack in the clean and renewable energy sector, one of the fastest-growing segments of economic development and job- creation.

Gov't to buy power from personal solar collectors-- Israel will join countries which have offered citizens incentives to produce their own electricity

Tel-Aviv--The energy revolution has begun with the decision by the Public Utilities Authority -Electricity that from July, any person who installs a photovoltaic solar system on his property can sell the electricity produced to the national power grid at a tariff of NIS 2.01 per kilowatt hour.

Grain-- Record Harvests Fall Short of Demand

According to the Worldwatch Institute's latest Vital Signs Update on grain, voracious global demand will continue to outstrip record harvests.

Green economy can grow jobs, study says

The movement to a green economy could mean a huge gain for some job categories, according to a study released Tuesday by the University of Massachusetts.

Grow, share, and carry it on

Named Sotsisowah, or ''cornflower,'' as a baby, John Mohawk, center, was raised on the agricultural spiritual traditions of his Seneca longhouse

IBM introduces giant PV magnifying glass

IBM has come up with a way of increasing the amount of thermal energy that can be concentrated onto photovoltaic (PV) cells during the CPV process.

'Kick the CO2 Habit' - UNEP Says It May Be Easier Than You Think

Adopting a climate-friendly lifestyle needn't require drastic changes or major sacrifices.

Major brands add their support to renewables

Familiar brands such as Google and eBay have recently told the world they are investing in renewable energies such as solar PV in a bid to increase the share of their power coming from renewable energy sources.

Treasury official says US investment in Clean Technology Fund is 'critical'

It is "critical" that the US support the Clean Technology Fund (CTF), a multilateral initiative that aims to help developing countries fund the additional costs of deploying clean energy technologies over dirtier and often cheaper alternatives, a Treasury official told a House Subcommittee today.

Methane Release Could Cause Abrupt, Far-Reaching Climate Change

An abrupt release of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, from ice sheets that extended to Earth's low latitudes some 635 million years ago caused a dramatic shift in climate, scientists funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) report in this week's issue of the journal Nature.

Nanoparticles Assemble By Millions To Encase Oil Drops, Could Be Used To Clean Up Oil Spills

In a development that could lead to new technologies for cleaning up oil spills and polluted groundwater, scientists at Rice University have shown how tiny, stick-shaped particles of metal and carbon can trap oil droplets in water by spontaneously assembling into bag-like sacs.

Nothing to Laugh About

A new study by an international group of scientists in this month's edition of the journal Science has found that one-third of the nitrogen entering the world's oceans from the atmosphere is man-made.

Oil world at environment crossroads -StatoilHydro

The oil industry stands at a crossroads where the need for more energy meets calls to tackle climate change, the boss of Norwegian oil and gas producer StatoilHydro told Reuters on Wednesday.

Panel sees hurdles on climate legislation-- Wind energy group expects no action until next Congress

Renewable energy may have gained a firm foothold in the mainstream of American politics in recent years, but 2008 won't be the year for the passage of major climate change legislation.

Premium Real Estate's 'Shift to Green' Assessed and Advanced at Infocast's Green Building Finance & Investment Forum - East

Leading institutional investors, fund managers, developers and thought-leaders will convene in New York City September 8-10, 2008 to gauge the impact of the “green tsunami” on property values and portfolio energy efficiency at Infocast’s Green Building Finance & Investment Forum--East.

Quote of the Day 060608

"We think the current price is too high for developing countries and there is a concern that this level is triggering the economic slowdown...China and India paid around $50 billion in subsidies last year. That support is not sustainable."
The head of the International Energy Agency, Nobuo Tanaka, told reporters in Tokyo Friday he was concerned that current high oil prices were causing a global economic slowdown.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 060408

Solar activity was very low. No flares were observed for the past 24 hours and the solar disk was spotless. The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet for the next three days (05-07 June).

Russia to set up gas producers think tank ahead of 'gas-OPEC'

Russia hopes later this year to set up an international gas producers' think tank, which would advise national governments on gas policies and pricing, but would not make any regulatory decisions, Oleg Zhilin, vice president for Russian non-profit gas partnership Russian Gas Society, said late Wednesday.

Scrap old cars and you get cash, bicycles - Canada

Canadians will be offered bicycles, public transit passes or cash if they agree to scrap their old gas-guzzling vehicles, the government said on Wednesday.

Siemens to open wind turbine research center in the state of Colorado, U.S.

Siemens Energy announced today that it will establish its U.S. wind turbine R&D competence center in Boulder, Colorado. The facility is expected to employ an estimated 50 people and will focus on atmospheric science research, aerodynamic blade design, structural dynamics, wind turbine dispatch prediction and reliability.

Solar panels meeting resistance

In a high-end Flagstaff neighborhood where residents shun the sight of satellite dishes and utility lines, one resident is disregarding the rules.

Speculators drive up oil prices, need to be US-regulated-- panel

Speculators have driven oil prices up dramatically and need to fall under US regulation, oil trading and market experts told the US Senate Commerce Committee Tuesday.

Study Confirms Biomass Energy Reduces GHG Emissions And Is Good For The Environment

"This latest research by Greg Morris finds that bioenergy production reduces greenhouse gas levels by enhancing forest carbon sequestration. Biomass electricity is produced from the controlled combustion of untreated cellulosic wastes, such as bark, orchard trimming, rice hulls, and sugar bagasse," Cleaves said

Take biofuel crops off the land and grow them at sea

The environmental and social costs of producing biofuels on land can be avoided by farming seaweed, says Ricardo Radulovich.

Thin Arctic Ice showing Signs of an Early Breakup

The National Snow and Ice Data Center has just released their latest update (month of May) on the sea ice situation up in the Arctic. Here are some of the main highlights from their report.....

Twelve-Month Bankruptcy Filings Rose 30 Percent through March

Uranium output met only 60% of world requirements-- OECD agency

World uranium production at the end of 2006 was 39,603 tonnes, meeting only 60% of world nuclear reactor requirements, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's Nuclear Energy Agency said in a biannual report released Tuesday.

US biodiesel maker Renewable Energy Group buys fellow producer

US biodiesel producer/marketer Renewable Energy Group announced Tuesday it has purchased fellow producer US Biodiesel Group, garnering a planned plant near the Houston Ship Channel and a California storage terminal.

US DOE grants export permit extension to Alaska LNG plant

The US Department of Energy has extended a federal permit by two years to continue to allow exports of liquefied natural gas from the sole US LNG export facility near Kenai, Alaska.

US Mortgage Long-Term Rates Nearly Unchanged

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 6.09 percent with an average 0.6 point for the week ending June 5, up very slightly from last week when it averaged 6.08 percent.  Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.53 percent.

US Senate carbon bill supporters lack votes to end debate-- Boxer

US Senator Barbara Boxer, chief sponsor of landmark climate change legislation, said Tuesday she hopes to close debate on the bill in the US Senate early Wednesday and proceed with amendments, but she acknowledged she may lack the votes to do so.

US Weather Commentary 060608

The 1st pitch has been thrown out, the game is underway, so let's review & remind ourselves of some climatological loose ends, forecast warnings, and rumors/pitfalls that still may be floating around.

Utah mine collapse not due to naturally occurring event-- study

The fatal Crandall Canyon mine collapse in Utah in August 2007 "was due to the collapse of the mine and not a naturally occurring earthquake," according to Walter Arabasz, a seismologist who co-authored a report on the event released Tuesday.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 060408

•On Tuesday, comments by Bernanke regarding the dollar's valuation sparked a steep rally in the currency and a drop in commodities prices.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 060608

•Crude futures markets surged Friday building on the momentum generated late Thursday evening, with further buying apparently triggered by every half-dollar rise, markets sources said. NYMEX WTI has gained over $8/b in less than two days, with Thursday seeing a record rally on crude futures. Prices moved up by more than $6/b--the largest one-day gain in absolute terms ever recorded.

•Opinion was mixed about the influence of the weakened US dollar.The weak dollar was certainly on everyone lips Thursday following comments by European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet. "

Wind energy to overtake nuclear ‘by 2013’ - BWEA figures reveal ‘phenomenal growth’ in wind sector over next decade

Leaders of the UK offshore wind industry meet tomorrow for their annual conference in Westminster. Figures released by the BWEA, the UK wind industry trade association, reveal that installed wind energy generating capacity will have surpassed installed nuclear within the next 5 years.

World needs $45 trillion to halve emissions by 2050-- IEA

The world needs to invest a total of $45 trillion between now and 2050 to halve greenhouse gas emissions, the International Energy Agency said Friday, warning that current energy trends were not sustainable.

June 3, 2008

Abu Dhabi power demand expected to soar 80% by 2012

Abu Dhabi expects demand for power to rise almost 80 % by 2012 on a boom in the Gulf emirate's construction and industry sector, according to a government forecast.

'America has hardly even begun to repay its debt to Iraq'

"America has hardly even begun to repay its debt to Iraq," said Abdul Basit, the head of Iraq's Supreme Board of Audit, an independent body that oversees Iraqi government spending. "This is an immoral request because we didn't ask them to come to Iraq, and before they came in 2003 we didn't have all these needs."

Banks’ Coverage Ratio on Loan Losses Dips to 15-Year Low

Insured institutions continued to build their loan-loss reserves in the first quarter...The increased loss provisions were the main reason that reserves increased by $18.5 billion, or 18.1 percent, during the quarter, to $120.9 billion.

Big Stone sinking

On May 9, two Minnesota administrative law judges recommended against building transmission lines to carry power to their state from a proposed coal-burning electric power plant, Big Stone II. Otter Tail Power Company wishes to build the facility in South Dakota...''Rather than focusing on immediate financial gain, they demonstrated a vision for future generations and the environment.''

Bioenergy production surpasses hydroelectric power in Brazil

Energy produced from sugarcane exceeded hydroelectric power production in Brazil in 2007, energy officials said.
This is the first time in Brazilian history that bioenergy production has surpassed that of hydroelectric power,..

Blacklight Power claims nearly-free energy from water — is this for real?

The company claims that energy this atomic push releases can create electricity for a single cent per kilowatt hour, less than any known process, including burning cheap, dirty coal. The company says it can do so with a non-polluting, self-perpetuating process that mostly feeds itself with common water.

Casualty of conscience

In the presence of more than 1,000 indigenous, environmental and human rights activists gathered in the northern Brazilian town of Altamira to protest the building of a huge hydroelectric dam, a brief but sensational scuffle broke out between an engineer from the construction company and a group of indigenous men, several of them carrying machetes.

While headlines have focused on this incident, Native people and their allies are trying to publicize other issues, such as how the dam would push them off of their land, as well as the sustained violence against them.

Desert is claiming southeast Spain

Lush fields of lettuce and hothouses of tomatoes line the roads. Verdant new developments of plush pastel vacation homes beckon buyers from Britain and Germany. ..There is only one problem with this picture of bounty: This province, Murcia, is running out of water.

Downward momentum resumes in crude futures markets

Downward momentum resumed in crude futures markets Monday, negating Friday's brief rally as weaker products markets and less-than-bullish sentiment moved the complex lower, market sources said.

DuPont plans to triple sales of solar energy products

Chemical and science-based product giant DuPont expects to more than triple its solar power product sales in the next five years to meet increasing demand for renewable energy.

Electric bills expected to rise 11 percent in New Bern

Electric bills in New Bern are expected to go up by 11 percent in July.

Falls puts hopes in 'green' hydropower-- Sees power-hungry industries as a key to economic future

When Globe Specialty Metals sets up shop in Niagara Falls next year, it will join established hydrogen producer Praxair, becoming the latest company attracted to the clean, plentiful hydropower of Niagara Falls.

Fatal Utah Coal Mine Collapse Covered 50 Acres

The 2007 underground collapse of a Utah coal mine, which resulted in the deaths of six miners and three rescuers, covered 50 acres (20 hectares), or the area of 40 American football fields, according to a report released on Monday by seismologists.

Federal report gauges temperature increase for century

All of North America will likely warm during this century, with average temperature increases ranging from 3.6 to 7.2 degrees Fahrenheit, according to a federal government report released May 29.

First Quarter Mortgage Charge-offs Skyrocket by 640 Percent

Net charge-offs on mortgage loans secured by one- to four-family residential properties increased 640 percent from $889 million in the first quarter of 2007 to more than $6.58 billion last quarter, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation reported last week in its Quarterly Banking Profile.

Food Price 'Catastrophe' Feared On Eve Of Summit

Soaring food prices could trigger a global catastrophe and the world's poor need action, not words, from this week's UN food security summit, human rights activists and the World Bank said on Monday.

Foreign companies stay away from Iraq

Iraq has failed to attract foreign companies due to violence and around 70 % of the oil pipeline network remained idle due to sabotage and lack of repairs last year, the Oil Ministry said.

Forum urges US and Mexico to resolve gulf boundary dispute

The US and Mexico are becoming more aware of the potential for disputes over deepwater Gulf of Mexico oil resources...

French truckers still blocking Total's La Mede refinery

Some 20 trucks were still blocking Total's 158,000 b/d La Mede oil refinery on the southern Mediterranean coast early Tuesday, the French oil major said, as part of ongoing protests over fuel prices.

Greece’s power sufficiency now in hands of its neighbours

The country’s energy authorities are seeking to import quantities of electricity to ensure sufficiency during the crucial summer months....The shortfall could become even greater in the case of an extended heat wave..

Green Business Alliance Announces Offering with Constellation NewEnergy

“Constellation NewEnergy and Green Business Alliance are committed to making renewable energy solutions more accessible to businesses of all types and sizes throughout the United States.”

Huntsville-- Congressional leaders back more nuclear power

The Tennessee Valley is poised to lead the nation's revival in nuclear power generation, congressional members from the TVA region said here Thursday.

Massachusetts energy bill hung on alternative portfolio standard

Massachusetts' first major energy bill in a decade has hit a snag over a provision that would require utilities to secure part of their power from gasified coal-fired plants, groups on both sides of the debate said Monday.

Mexico to reduce oil exports to US in 2008

Mexico will reduce its crude oil exports to the US by an average of 184,000 bpd throughout 2008, a situation that could continue for 2 years longer.

New Allied site processes 1,500 tons of C&D debris daily

A new construction and demolition debris recycling facility in Chicago has the capacity to process up to 1,500 tons of material daily, according to Allied Waste Industries Inc.

North Sea production is in decline much more quickly than predicted

North Sea production, which barely covers UK demand, is in decline much more quickly than predicted. The most pessimist forecasts suggest oil and gas production could be only a sixth of current levels.

NYMEX crude slides as US dollar firms on Bernanke comments

July crude futures on NYMEX fell back below $126/barrel early Tuesday, hitting an intra-day low of $125.65/b, down $2.11 as the US dollar firmed on remarks from US Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke on the greenback.

Ontario, Quebec ink cap-and-trade deal to reduce GHG emissions

Ontario and Quebec split from the Canadian government in signing an accord Monday to establish an inter-provincial carbon trading market by 2010, using the Kyoto Protocol as a baseline.

OPEC's crude oil production in April

The 13 members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) pumped an average 31.87 mm bpd of crude oil in April, a 350,000 bpd decrease from March, according to a Platts survey of OPEC and oil industry officials. The sharp drop was largely the result of steep output losses in Nigeria.

Overview of Latin American oil exports to the USA

Five countries from Latin America are present in the list of the top 15 exporters of crude oil to the United States of America (USA) in February 2008. However, only two countries reported year-over-year increases in production while the other three reported declines.

Peak gas? Coming your way soon

Whether you believe some of its wilder aspects or not, the spectre of peak oil theory haunts the oil market. It has been a constant shadow encouraging long-only investment strategies and has contributed in no small part to the perception that there is only one direction for oil prices, and that is up. But the theory applies equally to natural gas, and in more than one way.

Peak Water-- Aquifers and Rivers Are Running Dry. How Three Regions Are Coping

Water has been a serious issue in the developing world for so long that dire reports of shortages in Cairo or Karachi barely register. But the scarcity of freshwater is no longer a problem restricted to poor countries...

Pennsylvania orders two Marcellus Shale E&Ps to stop taking water

Pennsylvania regulators for the first time ever ordered two gas drillers to suspend part of their drilling operations and stop taking water from nearby streams in northeastern Pennsylvania on Friday.

Putin confident Russian oil output to grow in coming years

Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is confident that oil output in Russia will grow in the next several years due to recent decisions by the government to reduce the tax burden on the sector.

Quote of the Day 060208

"High oil prices are the result of supply and demand factors that are likely to persist for some time. Supplies have been affected by low capacity expansion and declining yields, while demand has surged largely due to growth in emerging markets. Speculation and the depreciation of the dollar are likely only small factors behind oil price increases."
Current high oil prices are mainly due to supply and demand fundamentals, with the activity of speculators and the weak US dollar having only a modest impact on prices, US US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson aid Monday in Abu Dhabi.

Renewable energy measure qualifies for California November ballot

A proposed renewable energy initiative calling for all electric utilities in California to derive 50% of their electricity from renewable resources by 2025 qualified late Monday for the November statewide ballot, after environmental groups and other critics called it deeply flawed.

Rich countries 'failed to heed' food crisis warnings

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization asked the world's countries today for $30 billion a year to "re-launch world agriculture" and deal with food shortages that have caused soaring food prices, hunger and unrest worldwide.

Rich nations earn more from oil than OPEC

OPEC says the governments of the UK, France and Italy pocket more than 50 % from a litre of gasoline, confirming the oil-exporting group’s opinion that rising crude oil prices contribute little to motorists’ pain at the petrol pumps in Europe and excessive taxes are the main culprit.

Russia, Norway and Mexico fail to boost oil output

Oil producers outside the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) probably won't be able to increase output and help reduce prices because of higher drilling costs and restrictions on foreign investment....

Non-OPEC nations have provided most of the increase in output in the last 30 years from new fields in Alaska, the North Sea and the Caspian Sea region.

Some US retailers gearing up for $5gal gasoline--sign maker

As US retail gasoline prices move beyond $4/gal, some companies are gearing up for $5/gal gasoline, according to one company that sells retail service station signage.

Study Reports Significant Improvement in Global Corporate Credit Quality in May

"The sharp reversal in the steady deterioration of credit quality that we have seen for the last year came in all but the most troubled companies,"...

Survey says 21% of Americans would support hometown reactor

34% would support a clean coal technology plant, and 32% would support a liquefied natural gas facility.

The corn oil deception

Corn ethanol has exploded recently in the headlines as the latest big fuel mistake and cause of public outrage. Its very production has been denounced by numerous world leaders as a “crime against humanity” because corn cultivation for ethanol diverts food acreage to fuel acreage creating the tectonic cause of the severe spike in food prices. This has in turn helped swell a rising tide of starvation for millions around the world.

The good news, the bad and the ugly

Starting with the good news first: it seems there is an expectation amongst a greater group of oil-executives that the price of oil will go down substantially later this year.

The oil swindle never stopped

In the year 2000, there was a tremendous glut of oil in the world market. Supertankers were fully loaded and standing off-shore with no takers, no room in the land-based tank farms, no capacity at the refineries (or so we were told)....In effect, a world wide glut of crude oil was being described as a shortage.

Turkey to establish 15 wind power plants in Aegean coast

Turkey plans to establish 15 wind power plants in its Aegean coast, an official from the energy authorities said on Sunday.

Turkish energy bill jumps 56% in first quarter

High oil prices have led Turkey to spend more than ever on oil imports. Following the dramatic rise in prices, oil and other fuel now amount to 22.3 % of Turkey's total import volume cost.

Turkish Government Decides To Approve Kyoto Protocol

The Turkish government has decided to approve the Kyoto Protocol. the UN-led global climate pact, and will send a bill on the issue to parliament shortly, a government spokesman said on Monday.

Two US Tribes Differ On Approach To Energy Riches

For many decades the rival neighbouring American Indian Crow and Northern Cheyenne tribes have suffered high unemployment and poverty in a remote area of one of the most remote US states.

Now the Crow are starting to develop the energy riches on their reservation -- including billions of dollars worth of coal, oil and gas -- in an effort to end poverty, while the Northern Cheyenne say widespread extraction of coal or other natural resources could threaten their reservation.

Undoing America's ethanol mistake

by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison-

The Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman once said, "One of the great mistakes is to judge policies and programs by their intentions rather than their results."
When Congress passed legislation to greatly expand America's commitment to biofuels, it intended to create energy independence and protect the environment. But the results have been quite different.

US DOE's Yucca Mountain application to be sent to NRC on Tuesday

DOE has spent 20 years and more than $10 billion studying the desert site roughly 90 miles outside Las Vegas, the state's population center, according to the Nuclear Energy Institute.

US' GreenHunter says Houston biodiesel refinery to open Monday

US renewable fuels developer GreenHunter Energy will begin commercial operations on Monday of a new biodiesel refinery in Houston, Texas, the company said.

US' Paulson urges oil producers to be open to foreign investment

Current high oil prices are mainly due to supply and demand fundamentals, with the activity of speculators and the weak US dollar having only a modest impact on prices, US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson aid Monday.

US Wind Sector Urges Tax Credit, Power Line Work

The United States must keep offering tax credits for alternative energy projects and take steps to simplify building of large power lines if the country is to meet a goal of getting 20 percent of its electric supply from wind power by 2030, a panel of experts said on Monday.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 060208

•Downward momentum resumed in crude futures markets Monday, negating Friday's brief rally as weaker products markets and less-than-bullish sentiment moved the complex lower, market sources said.

•"There is downward pressure after all these highs--sentiment is turning away from very bullish to neutral, although not bearish at this stage," a London-based trader said

Wind Plant Still Up in Air

A Topeka legislator hopes the Legislature's decision not to extend a tax break doesn't kill the city's chances to attract a wind turbine manufacturer.

"I would hope not," Sen. Laura Kelly, D-Topeka, said in an interview Friday. "It (the tax break) expires in 2009. I would hope they (the company) would have confidence in us to work hard to get it in the next session. That would be my fantasy."