7:09 AM
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Saturday, September 29, 2012
Friday, September 28, 2012
New Report: A Turning Point for Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy/Part 2
"The Turning Point for Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy includes detailed reports on each Atlantic Coast state. Among the highlights of the report:
- Offshore wind energy will be an economic powerhouse for America. Harnessing the 52 gigawatts of already-identified available Atlantic offshore wind energy – just 4 percent of the estimated generation potential of this massive resource – could generate $200 billion in economic activity, create 300,000 jobs, and sustain power for about 14 million homes. (Europe already produces enough energy from offshore wind right now to power 4 million homes.)
- America is closer than ever to bringing offshore wind energy ashore. Efforts are underway in 10 Atlantic Coast states, with over 2,000 square nautical miles of federal waters already designated for wind energy development off of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. Environmental reviews finding no significant impacts have been completed, and leases are expected to be issued for some of these areas by the end of the year.
- Despite this progress, leadership is urgently needed at both the state and federal level to ensure offshore wind energy becomes a reality in America:
- President Obama should set a clear national goal for offshore wind energy development, and each Atlantic state governor should also a set goal for offshore wind development off their shores. These goals must be supported by policies that prioritize offshore wind energy and other efforts to secure buyers for this new source of reliable, clean energy.
- Congress needs to step up and provide much-needed tax incentives - such as the Investment Tax Credit, Production Tax Credit, and Advanced Energy Project Credit – to advance this new job-creating industry.
- Federal regulators must continue to move forward with an efficient, environmentally-responsible permitting process for offshore wind projects that grants leases to developers by the end of 2012. Leases must include strong safeguards for coastal and marine wildlife.
- Offshore wind energy can and must be developed in a wildlife-friendly manner. Not only do scientific studies show that properly locating turbines and requiring best management practices can minimize impacts on birds, bats, sea turtles and marine mammals, but transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy benefits all wildlife from cleaner air and water and cutting the carbon pollution that causes climate change.
“Offshore wind energy can generate explosive job growth, from design to shipping to construction,” saidYvette Pena Lopes, deputy director of the BlueGreen Alliance. “Congress needs to set aside partisan bickering and send a clear signal that America is committed to clean energy by passing the Investment Tax Credit for offshore wind.”
“Developing this renewable, sustainable energy will make America’s energy supply more secure and we have the Navy’s assurance that properly-placed turbines can go hand-in-hand with Virginia Beach’s military bases,” said Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. (R-Virginia Beach). “Offshore wind energy can preserve the traditions that have made Virginia’s coastal communities special while strengthening our economy, energy security, and environment for future generations.”
“Up and down the Atlantic Coast, the building blocks are being put in place to usher in a bright future for offshore wind,” said Rob Sargent, Environment America’s energy program director. “But harnessing this vast yet-to-be-tapped resource requires a strong and ongoing commitment. There is broad public support for shifting to pollution-free renewable energy. Local, state and federal officials, including Congress, need to step up and link arms to make the promise of offshore wind a reality.”
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Listen to this Week's radio show
Great radio show live this week (WARL 1320 and Blog Talk Radio/Renewable Now channel) with Jim Murphy from RI College and reps from The Apeiron Institute. Listen in and join us every Weds live, 12-1p EST as talk about the business side of green: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/renewable-now/2012/09/26/sustainable-education
RENEW Raps We Energies’ Radical Proposal to Restrict Net Metering
(Madison) - In testimony submitted to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) on Wednesday, RENEW Wisconsin objected to We Energies’ proposal to weaken its net-metering service to new customers seeking to generate electricity on-site using solar panels and other renewable energy systems.
In its current rate proceeding, We Energies proposes not to pay a new customer-generator for any electricity produced in excess of the amount consumed on site.
“We Energies’ proposal is a radical departure from its current practice paying the full retail rate for energy that’s fed back to the utility’s system,” said Michael Vickerman, director of programs and policy for RENEW Wisconsin, a statewide renewable energy advocacy organization.
“This proposal is the most extreme example yet of We Energies’ ongoing retreat from customer-sited renewables, and we urge the PSCW to reject it.
Net metering allows customers to sell the unused output from their solar electric or other renewable energy systems back to the utility at the full retail rate each month, so long as the total amount of electricity produced is less than or equal to the customers’ usage.
“Utilities routinely pay for all the energy supplied by non-utility generators to its system.
"By refusing to purchase the small amounts of electricity they may export to the utility, We Energies is abusing its monopoly power in a way that discriminates against its own customers.” Vickerman said.
In its proposal, We Energies would limit its net metering service to systems no larger than 20 kilowatts. In contrast, Madison Gas & Electric, Xcel Energy, and Wisconsin Public Service provide net metering to systems as large as 100 kilowatts.
“When you take into account what other in-state utilities are offering, it seems obvious that We Energies is asking for special treatment from the PSC.
Yet, it has provided nothing in its rate case to demonstrate that a higher net metering ceiling would cause it any more harm than to the other utilities,” said Vickerman.
Vickerman pointed to Michigan as a better model for setting net-metering service standards.
“Thanks to legislation passed in 2008, We Energies’ Michigan customers enjoy a much higher standard of service than what the utility proposes for its Wisconsin customers,” Vickerman said.
“Along with all other investor-owned utilities in Michigan, We Energies must provide full retail credit for all electricity produced by renewable energy systems up to 20 kW and must provide a reasonable net metering rate for systems up to 150 kW.”
In the most recent Freeing the Grid: Best Practices in State Metering Policies report prepared for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Michigan rated an “A” for its net-metering policies. By comparison, Wisconsin earned a “C.” The report can be viewed here.
Earlier this month, RENEW issued a report card grading individual utility performance on renewable energy, in which We Energies received a “C” for its 2011 performance.
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RENEW Wisconsin is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that leads and represents businesses, organizations, and individuals who seek more clean renewable energy in Wisconsin.More information on RENEW’s Web site at www.renewwisconsin.org.
In its current rate proceeding, We Energies proposes not to pay a new customer-generator for any electricity produced in excess of the amount consumed on site.
“We Energies’ proposal is a radical departure from its current practice paying the full retail rate for energy that’s fed back to the utility’s system,” said Michael Vickerman, director of programs and policy for RENEW Wisconsin, a statewide renewable energy advocacy organization.
“This proposal is the most extreme example yet of We Energies’ ongoing retreat from customer-sited renewables, and we urge the PSCW to reject it.
Net metering allows customers to sell the unused output from their solar electric or other renewable energy systems back to the utility at the full retail rate each month, so long as the total amount of electricity produced is less than or equal to the customers’ usage.
“Utilities routinely pay for all the energy supplied by non-utility generators to its system.
"By refusing to purchase the small amounts of electricity they may export to the utility, We Energies is abusing its monopoly power in a way that discriminates against its own customers.” Vickerman said.
In its proposal, We Energies would limit its net metering service to systems no larger than 20 kilowatts. In contrast, Madison Gas & Electric, Xcel Energy, and Wisconsin Public Service provide net metering to systems as large as 100 kilowatts.
“When you take into account what other in-state utilities are offering, it seems obvious that We Energies is asking for special treatment from the PSC.
Yet, it has provided nothing in its rate case to demonstrate that a higher net metering ceiling would cause it any more harm than to the other utilities,” said Vickerman.
Vickerman pointed to Michigan as a better model for setting net-metering service standards.
“Thanks to legislation passed in 2008, We Energies’ Michigan customers enjoy a much higher standard of service than what the utility proposes for its Wisconsin customers,” Vickerman said.
“Along with all other investor-owned utilities in Michigan, We Energies must provide full retail credit for all electricity produced by renewable energy systems up to 20 kW and must provide a reasonable net metering rate for systems up to 150 kW.”
In the most recent Freeing the Grid: Best Practices in State Metering Policies report prepared for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Michigan rated an “A” for its net-metering policies. By comparison, Wisconsin earned a “C.” The report can be viewed here.
Earlier this month, RENEW issued a report card grading individual utility performance on renewable energy, in which We Energies received a “C” for its 2011 performance.
RENEW Wisconsin is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that leads and represents businesses, organizations, and individuals who seek more clean renewable energy in Wisconsin.More information on RENEW’s Web site at www.renewwisconsin.org.
Press Release from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
For Immediate Release - September 26, 2012
Contact: Kristin Ruesch or Matthew Pagel (608) 266-9600
PSC Upcoming Public Hearings
MADISON - The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) will hold two public hearings in Southeastern Wisconsinon regarding the Wisconsin Electric Power Company and Wisconsin Gas (WEPCO) request to adjust its electric and natural gas rates.
Citizens are encouraged to attend the hearings, which will be held at the following locations and times:
Monday, October 1, 2012
1:00 p.m.
Ambassador Inn
Marquette Room
2301 West Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Monday, October 1, 2012
6:00 p.m.
Best Western Plus Midway Hotel and Suites
Underwood I Room
1005 South Moorland Road
Brookfield, Wisconsin
Customers attending either hearing may provide written or oral comments. If customers cannot attend a public hearing, but would like to provide comments, an online participation option is available on the PSC's website at http://psc.wi.gov through October 1st. Participants should click on the "Public Comments" button on the PSC's homepage and click on the case title.
The hearing locations are accessible to people in wheelchairs. Anyone requiring accommodations to participate should contact Docket Coordinator Candice Spanjar at 608-267-9537
Documents associated with WEPCO's application can be viewed on the PSC's Electronic Regulatory Filing System at http://psc.wi.gov/. Type case numbers 5-UR-106 in the boxes provided on the PSC homepage, or click on the Electronic Regulatory Filing System button.
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NWF Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy Report
Thanks so much to the National Wildlife Federation for a great look at using clean energy here in the US. We will break this up into two reports here on the blog given the story's length.
Energy policy will drive much of our future economic and environmental choices. Now is the time to evaluate an energy policy based on today's realities, not assumptions we've used for many decades. As pointed out here, technology allows us to make decisions and investments not available to us till now. We can put people to work in the new, green economy. We can build a very different source of power and distribution system. And we can marry this innovation with much higher efficiency standards to dramatically reduce our demands for electricity.
All of which leads to less imported oil, less burning of fossil fuels in general, impetus for employment and savings we can use to pay down debt.
We did a great show last week with a rep from Rocky Mountain Institute and talked about their energy ideas outlined in the book, Reinventing Fire. You can listen here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/renewable-now/2012/09/12/reinventing-fire
Will Federal and State Leaders Take Advantage of America’s Golden Opportunity?
"America can create hundreds of thousands of jobs while powering our homes and businesses with local, clean energy, but only if our elected officials and regulators take the right steps now, according to a new report released today by the National Wildlife Federation, Environment America, and 45 partner organizations along the Atlantic Coast. The Turning Point for Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy: Time for Action to Create Jobs, Reduce Pollution, Protect Wildlife & Secure America’s Energy Future details the economic and environmental benefits of offshore wind energy, the progress made to-date, potential obstacles to that progress, and a prosperous path forward.
“America’s Atlantic coast has some of the best offshore wind energy resources in the world, the technology to harvest it is ready right now, and we have workers ready to do the job,” said Catherine Bowes, the National Wildlife Federation’s senior manager for new energy solutions and lead author of the report. “We need to take advantage of this golden opportunity to make our electricity supply cleaner, more wildlife-friendly, and more secure.”
“Like many states along the Atlantic, Massachusetts has no fossil fuel resources, forcing us to import almost all of our energy needs,” Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan said. “Developing offshore wind, an indigenous and emissions free energy source just off the Massachusetts coast, would not only offer a tremendous economic opportunity by creating thousands of new jobs for our citizens, offshore wind will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and vastly improve the quality of the air we breathe.”
The Turning Point for Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy includes detailed reports on each Atlantic Coast state. Among the highlights of the report:"
See Part 2 tomorrow:
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Update from Terra Pass
Carbon offsets are a great, simple way for everyone to help get cleaner air. Here's an update from one group we've worked with in the past. If you have a child in college, this is a great issue to read. The ‘Too Cool for School’ Newsletter September 13, 2012 As the new school year begins...
Universities go green The Sierra Club put together a list of the Top 10 Coolest Schools. Check out the innovative solutions that administrators and students are implementing for tangible, sustainable change. Did you know that a typical dorm room uses enough energy during an academic year to generate 6,678 lbs of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions? —that's about the same as the amount of emissions generated by driving a small car. Offset your energy use (or your students') with dorm offsets from TerraPass. Get an apple from your teacher From primary school to college, here are some tips to green the school year and have fun doing it. Pretty soon your teacher will be the one giving you an apple. Pack your lunch in style: • Give a stainless steel lunchbox a try. • Learn to pack a trash-free lunch. Carpool, walk or bike to school: • If public transportation isn't available where you live, consider joining a carpool. Raleigh County Solid Waste Authority We’ve extended the public comment period for those who were a little late to return from summer vacation. Share your feedback on this landfill gas capture project in Beckley, West Virginia. |
Monday, September 24, 2012
Researchers testing zero-net energy home
The U.S. Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has come up with a very interesting concept after unveiling brand new laboratory designed to prove that a typical-looking suburban home for a family of four can generate as much energy as it uses in a year. After an initial year-long experiment, this prototype of a home should serve to improve test methods for
Communities collaborate on solar projects
Great story in USA Today on communities collaborating on solar projects. We'd love to bring one of these projects to RI. Give us your thoughts.
The link: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012/09/18/communities-collaborate-on-solar-projects/57804724/1
Part of the story: ROCKFORD, Minn. -- David Schmidt has been intrigued by the idea of generating power from the sun for a long time, but he had never taken the next step.
The link: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012/09/18/communities-collaborate-on-solar-projects/57804724/1
Part of the story: ROCKFORD, Minn. -- David Schmidt has been intrigued by the idea of generating power from the sun for a long time, but he had never taken the next step.
Clean Energy Collective
The Poudre Valley REA Community Solar Farm in northern Colorado.
The research engineer teaches a course on renewable energy at the University of Minnesota. He had already cut back on his energy use and converted his home to LED lights.
Then Schmidt heard about a community solar project his utility company, the Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association, is building. Instead of spending around $40,000 to install solar panels on his home, Schmidt could purchase a single panel for $869.
"This way, I can do it little by little, buy one panel at a time," he said.
Schmidt will see a discount of a few dollars on his monthly electricity bill. He will also get the satisfaction of creating renewable energy for his community that won't be affected by fluctuating prices of fossil fuels.
"We're contributing some pretty stable power to the grid," Schmidt said.
Community solar projects, popping up across the USA, are being touted as a model that makes solar power both affordable and accessible to everyone. The projects allow everyone to get involved in producing solar power, "not just the ones with a really good south-facing roof," said Eric Jensen, chairman of the MES...
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
. Good news on the natural gas front
Thank you to Kathy Frazier, who works at the Arpin Group, for sending us this positive story on "America's natural gas highway" getting built out from coast-to-coast. Switching vehicles over to natural gas--cars as well as trucks--helps in two ways; reducing imported oil and using domestic fuel; cleaning the air.
This is a very positive step, and works hand-in-hand with our use of bio-fuels, buying more energy efficient cars and, ultimately, buying EV's. Our best wishes to Clean Energy as they build out our natural gas highway.
Here's the story:
This is a very positive step, and works hand-in-hand with our use of bio-fuels, buying more energy efficient cars and, ultimately, buying EV's. Our best wishes to Clean Energy as they build out our natural gas highway.
Here's the story:
We are building LNG truck fueling stations
coast-to-coast and border-to-border
coast-to-coast and border-to-border
Clean Energy is America’s connection to natural gas fueling — the largest provider of natural gas for transportation. Now we are building America’s Natural Gas HighwayTM with LNG truck fueling stations along major interstates to form the backbone of a national fueling infrastructure — enabling goods movement using natural gas fuel from coast-to-coast and border-to-border.
The first phase includes approximately 150 LNG truck fueling stations (plus CNG where needed). Approximately 70 are anticipated to be open in 33 states by the end of 2012 and the balance in 2013. Many will be co-located at Pilot-Flying J Travel Centers already serving goods movement trucking.
We believe the time is right for taking this action. Our nation needs to focus on reducing dependence on imported oil, and keeping our money and creating jobs here at home. We look forward to serving truckers and shippers onAmerica’s Natural Gas HighwayTM.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Thanks to Seth Handy
For sending us a really good article on crunching the true numbers on natural gas versus renewables. We re-produced only part of the article; the balance can be found on their site (rmi.org).
We are going to follow this up with an interesting piece on an effort to build out a natural gas filling station network across the US for cars and trucks. Ironically, as we do that and move away from imported oil (a very good thing) we compete, in transportation, head-on with EV's...a clean, renewable source. Should we? We'd love to hear from you.Also, we are on the road this week and found a great Hampton Inn, Sarasota, FL, out by the airport, with solar panels, full recycling, flush-less toilets and car-charging stations. And a great little hotel to boot. Kudos; we love it Look them up and stay here when you are down this way.
Hot Air About Cheap Natural Gas
RMI Co-founder and Chief Scientist / Program Director
Would you build a buy-and-hold financial portfolio from only junk bonds and no Treasuries by considering only price, not also risk? Not for long. Yet those who say cheap natural gas is killing alternatives—solar, wind, nuclear—make the same error. In truth, they’re doing the math wrong: the gas isn’t really that cheap.
“Cheap gas” reflects only the bare spot price of the commodity without adding the value of its price
volatility. Yet such competitors as efficiency and renewables have no fuel and hence no fuel-price volatility: once built, they’re as financially riskless as Treasuries. Of course, much gas is sold not at spot but on long-term contract, especially to its biggest user—electricity generators. But for other players, it’s vital not to become the patsy in the poker game: basic financial economics says asset comparisons must value and equalize risk.
One way is to compare fuel-free competing technologies with constant-price gas. A broker will take the price-volatility risk for a fee based on the market’s risk valuation, discoverable from the “straddle”—the sum of the prices of simultaneously sold put and call options. A year ago, when the cheap-gas mania was taking hold, gas-price volatility five years out was worth more than recent spot gas prices. Even today, with lower price and volatility (whose value automatically falls with price), gas’s price volatility alone, over a time horizon appropriate for comparison with durable assets, is worth roughly what gas now sells for. Omitting price volatility thus understates gas’s true cost (excluding its fixed delivery costs) by about twofold—a very material error.
A leading promoter of shale-gas fracking, asked about this at a recent financial conference, replied, “Trust me!” Gas, he claimed, would remain very cheap for a very long time. So how much gas would he contract to sell for a constant $2–3 per thousand cubic feet for 20–30 years, backed by solid assets unlinked to hydrocarbon prices? Probably none.
Actually, you can buy gas today for delivery at least a decade hence. Sure enough, it costs 2–3 times more, or about $6. So why doesn’t a fracking promoter lock in huge profits by shorting gas futures? Because shale gas (unless sweetened by valuable liquid byproducts) has lately sold at below its cash production cost. The reasons include frenetic drilling (driven by use-it-or-lose-it leases and the need to book big reserves to raise cash), pricey oil spurring plays in oily shales, and filled storage due to a mild winter. Those low 2012 natural gas prices will probably prove as transient as the even lower real prices of 1995–2000.
The gas industry’s inherent short-term price volatility is due to weather, storage, trade, and other factors. The April 2012 low gas price rose 31% by the end of May and doubled for delivery two years hence. Uncertainties increase further out because economies are complex and unpredictable. The fracking revolution didn’t repeal basic economics: to get $6–8 gas, just assume $3–4 gas, use it accordingly, and watch supply and demand reequilibrate at higher prices...
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
How to build wind turbine blades at home?
Large wind farms are being installed in many parts of the world but the popularity of small wind turbines among homeowners and commercial businesses is also rapidly growing as small wind turbines are now being increasingly used to supplement energy consumption and also serve as an alternative mean to help our environment from pollution caused by fossil fuels.
If we look at the current numbers
Are you ready to plug in?
We are proud to support this event and our move towards EV's:
Will You Join Us for Plug In Day?
For the last few weeks, we have been celebrating the new vehicle fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions standards that mark President Obama's biggest climate accomplishment yet. Tens of thousands of Americans have sent letters to the White House thanking the president for new policies that will ensure that automakers produce much more efficient vehicles as well as cars that run on little or no oil at all. Now there's another way to celebrate.
Sunday, September 23rd, is National Plug In Day, a nationwide celebration of electric vehicles (EVs). By turning their back on the pump, oil spills, and tailpipe emissions, these vehicles are a huge step toward moving America beyond oil. They are also a lot of fun to drive. On the 23rd, EV drivers and the EV-curious in over 60 cities across the country will be taking part in free events to test drive EVs, kick the tires, and check out solar-powered EV charging stations. Ten lucky people who register for and attend Plug In Day events will even win a new iPad.
You can see if there is an event near you and register today.
Sunday, September 23rd, is National Plug In Day, a nationwide celebration of electric vehicles (EVs). By turning their back on the pump, oil spills, and tailpipe emissions, these vehicles are a huge step toward moving America beyond oil. They are also a lot of fun to drive. On the 23rd, EV drivers and the EV-curious in over 60 cities across the country will be taking part in free events to test drive EVs, kick the tires, and check out solar-powered EV charging stations. Ten lucky people who register for and attend Plug In Day events will even win a new iPad.
You can see if there is an event near you and register today.
A switch to EVs is an important part of a future with greener transportation choices, domestic clean energy manufacturing jobs, and a healthier planet. Every year, we burn roughly 121 billion gallons of oil in our passenger cars and trucks -- and even after taking into account the electricity used to charge EVs, these are almost alwaysthe cleanest cars around and will only get cleaner as we shift to more renewable sources of power. You can't say that about a gasoline-powered vehicle!
The Plug In Day events feature electric cars, trucks, and motorcycles in electric car parades, "tailpipe-free" tailgate parties, awards to leaders promoting EV-readiness, the launch of new public EV charging stations, and other educational events.
Sierra Club has teamed up with Plug In America, Electric Auto Association, and dozens of local groups to organize this second annual National Plug In Day. With double the number of events this year than last, the momentum is electric.
The Plug In Day events feature electric cars, trucks, and motorcycles in electric car parades, "tailpipe-free" tailgate parties, awards to leaders promoting EV-readiness, the launch of new public EV charging stations, and other educational events.
- Event-goers in the Los Angeles area will be taking EV test-drives and checking out more than a dozen models of electric cars of the past and present at the Automobile Driving Museum.
- In New York City, there will be electric delivery trucks on display from companies that will likely include Fed Ex, Coca Cola, and Duane Reade.
- The mayor of Sarasota, FL, will be issuing a Plug In Day proclamation where participants in that city will enjoy test-rides, musical entertainment, and a silent and emission-free EV parade.
Sierra Club has teamed up with Plug In America, Electric Auto Association, and dozens of local groups to organize this second annual National Plug In Day. With double the number of events this year than last, the momentum is electric.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Dairyland Power Purchasing Energy from New Solar Operation
From a Dairyland Power Cooperative news release:
LA CROSSE, WI— Dairyland Power Cooperative is purchasing the excess energy output from a new 368 kW solar photovoltaic installation at the City of Galena (Ill.) Wastewater Treatment Plant. The facility is interconnected with Jo-Carroll Energy (Elizabeth, Ill.), a Dairyland member cooperative.
The solar units’ production at the wastewater treatment plant is expected to produce sufficient power to satisfy the facility’s energy needs. Dairyland has a power purchase agreement in place with the City of Galena for all energy produced beyond that required to power the wastewater treatment plant.
Eagle Point Solar, based in Dubuque, Iowa, installed the photovoltaic system. The project installation was partially funded by an Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation grant. “Jo-Carroll Energy is pleased to be collaborating on a local renewable energy project that serves a critical facility in our area, and provides benefits to the environment,” said Michael Hastings, Jo-Carroll Energy CEO.
With headquarters in La Crosse, Wis., Dairyland provides wholesale electricity to Jo-Carroll Energy and 24 other member distribution cooperatives and 15 municipal utilities in four states (Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois). Dairyland’s generation resources include coal, natural gas, hydro, wind, landfill gas, biomass, solar and animal waste. For more information about Dairyland, visit www.dairynet.com.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Great radio show this week
As we welcomed guests from the Rocky Mountain Institute. Here's some information on the show:
On ReNewable Now, this week was Albert Chan of the Rocky Mountain Institute. We’ll be discovering what the Rocky Mountain Institute is all about, as well as focusing on one of their special projects and visions called “Reinventing Fire
Take a listen to this show, and our others, at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/renewable-now/2012/09/12/reinventing-fire
Also, listen live each Wed's, 12-1p, EST on WARL 1320 (and their stream: http://1320warlradio.com)
Listen 24/7 at Blog Talk radio to all of our archived show on the Renewable Now channel.
On ReNewable Now, this week was Albert Chan of the Rocky Mountain Institute. We’ll be discovering what the Rocky Mountain Institute is all about, as well as focusing on one of their special projects and visions called “Reinventing Fire
Take a listen to this show, and our others, at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/renewable-now/2012/09/12/reinventing-fire
Also, listen live each Wed's, 12-1p, EST on WARL 1320 (and their stream: http://1320warlradio.com)
Listen 24/7 at Blog Talk radio to all of our archived show on the Renewable Now channel.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Utility's renewables program judge 'average,' We Energies disputes 'C' grade
From a blog post by Tom Content on JSOnline:
We Energies and other Wisconsin utilities are getting average grades from a renewable energy advocacy group in ratings released this week.
Renew Wisconsin announced a renewable energy performance report card that judges how utilities have performed on a variety of levels, including the compliance with the state’s renewable energy mandate as well as a variety of other policies.
Most of the utilities in the state, including Milwaukee-based We Energies, received “C” grades from Renew Wisconsin, said Don Wichert, executive director of the non-profit organization that seeks to expand development of solar, wind and other types of renewable energy.
We Energies was praised for its construction of wind farms within the state, creating jobs and providing a local source of green power. But the Milwaukee utility was faulted in part for its decision last year to cancel funding for a renewable energy commitment it gave to Renew 10 years ago.
At that time, We Energies committed to spending $6 million a year for 10 years on a variety of renewable energy programs. In return, the renewable energy advocacy group agreed not to oppose We Energies’ bid to build its coal-fired power plants in Oak Creek.
The shift away from helping customers finance renewable systems is one reason We Energies was graded as a “C” on the group’s report card, said Wichert.
Read More...
We Energies and other Wisconsin utilities are getting average grades from a renewable energy advocacy group in ratings released this week.
Renew Wisconsin announced a renewable energy performance report card that judges how utilities have performed on a variety of levels, including the compliance with the state’s renewable energy mandate as well as a variety of other policies.
Most of the utilities in the state, including Milwaukee-based We Energies, received “C” grades from Renew Wisconsin, said Don Wichert, executive director of the non-profit organization that seeks to expand development of solar, wind and other types of renewable energy.
We Energies was praised for its construction of wind farms within the state, creating jobs and providing a local source of green power. But the Milwaukee utility was faulted in part for its decision last year to cancel funding for a renewable energy commitment it gave to Renew 10 years ago.
At that time, We Energies committed to spending $6 million a year for 10 years on a variety of renewable energy programs. In return, the renewable energy advocacy group agreed not to oppose We Energies’ bid to build its coal-fired power plants in Oak Creek.
The shift away from helping customers finance renewable systems is one reason We Energies was graded as a “C” on the group’s report card, said Wichert.
Read More...
Thursday, September 13, 2012
U.S. electric car market set for future growth
United States is currently far behind China in clean energy race, especially when it comes to manufacturing renewable energy technologies. Chinese have recently managed to become the world's largest manufacturers of not only wind turbines but also solar panels, and are looking to even further expand their lead in production of different renewable energy technologies. The two main reasons why
Great reminders from Terra Pass
From the most recent electronic newsletter from Terra Pass. We are glad to share their good advice:
We’ve extended the public comment period for those who were a little late to return from summer vacation. Share your feedback on this landfill gas capture project in Beckley, West Virginia.
The ‘Too Cool for School’ Newsletter
September 13, 2012
As the new school year begins...
- Take a look at what the country’s greenest universities are doing
- Get some handy, easy-to-implement tips that you can use on and off campus
- And don't forget to provide your feedback on our latest project
Universities go green
The Sierra Club put together a list of the Top 10 Coolest Schools. Check out the innovative solutions that administrators and students are implementing for tangible, sustainable change.
Did you know that a typical dorm room uses enough energy during an academic year to generate 6,678 lbs of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions? —that's about the same as the amount of emissions generated by driving a small car. Offset your energy use (or your students') with dorm offsets from TerraPass.
Get an apple from your teacher
From primary school to college, here are some tips to green the school year and have fun doing it. Pretty soon your teacher will be the one giving you an apple.
Pack your lunch in style:
Pack your lunch in style:
• Give a stainless steel lunchbox a try.
• Learn to pack a trash-free lunch.
Carpool, walk or bike to school:
• If public transportation isn't available where you live, consider joining a carpool.
Carpool, walk or bike to school:
• If public transportation isn't available where you live, consider joining a carpool.
Raleigh County Solid Waste Authority
We’ve extended the public comment period for those who were a little late to return from summer vacation. Share your feedback on this landfill gas capture project in Beckley, West Virginia.Firms unite to showcase Wisconsin solar sector
From an article in the Journal Sentinel by Thomas Content:
A coalition of Wisconsin firms involved in the solar power and solar hot water industry are joining together to market the state at the solar sector's major annual conference.
"We want to raise awareness of what Wisconsin has to offer the solar industry," said Amy Heart of Milwaukee Shines, the city's solar program. "In Milwaukee, we are known for making things, and making things well. We are taking that tradition and reputation to the solar supply chain."
Milwaukee Shines previously launched a business council focused on the solar hot water industry, including Johnson Controls Inc. and Caleffi Solar, based in the Menomonee Valley .
The new partnership, the Wisconsin Solar Initiative, is broader, focusing on the solar sector as a whole, and includes Helios Solar Works and Ingeteam, both located in the Menomonee Valley, as well as Eaton Corp., which makes solar inverters at its plant in Menomonee Falls.
The initiative, and the appearance at this week's Solar Power International conference in Orlando, Fla., aims to spotlight the state's solar efforts much as Wisconsin Wind Works has done for wind energy components suppliers.
Read more...
A coalition of Wisconsin firms involved in the solar power and solar hot water industry are joining together to market the state at the solar sector's major annual conference.
"We want to raise awareness of what Wisconsin has to offer the solar industry," said Amy Heart of Milwaukee Shines, the city's solar program. "In Milwaukee, we are known for making things, and making things well. We are taking that tradition and reputation to the solar supply chain."
Milwaukee Shines previously launched a business council focused on the solar hot water industry, including Johnson Controls Inc. and Caleffi Solar, based in the Menomonee Valley .
The new partnership, the Wisconsin Solar Initiative, is broader, focusing on the solar sector as a whole, and includes Helios Solar Works and Ingeteam, both located in the Menomonee Valley, as well as Eaton Corp., which makes solar inverters at its plant in Menomonee Falls.
The initiative, and the appearance at this week's Solar Power International conference in Orlando, Fla., aims to spotlight the state's solar efforts much as Wisconsin Wind Works has done for wind energy components suppliers.
Read more...
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Pope Benedict XVI goes green with fuel efficient cars
We applaud the Pope's progress in reducing the Vatican's carbon footprint, with many positive changes, and his terrific attitude about get sustainable. We need this type of leadership, across the globe, from our key players in every sector; including religion and other non-profits..
We have no doubt Jesus led a natural life with great respect for our base resources. The Vatican, like all of us, got away from some of those early lessons, but thanks to the Pope and his personal commitment to simplify and streamline, we are coming full circle back to humbler beginnings.
The story:
We have no doubt Jesus led a natural life with great respect for our base resources. The Vatican, like all of us, got away from some of those early lessons, but thanks to the Pope and his personal commitment to simplify and streamline, we are coming full circle back to humbler beginnings.
BY BOB HOLT
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
"Green Pope” Pope Benedict XVI has gotten some new wheels.
It’s not a new tricked-out Popemobile, but the electric cars he has received as gifts fall in line with the environmental issues that have marked Benedict’s papacy.
A Daily Caller story on Yahoo! News reported that French car manufacturer Renault presented Pope Benedict XVI with a white Renault Kangoo, to be used at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. Another car was donated for use by Benedict’s security force.
The 85-year-old Benedict has written and spoken of the need to protect the environment during his time at the Vatican.According to businessgreen.com, the Vatican has added solar panels and a solar cooling unit, and has offset carbon dioxide emissions through reforestation since the papacy of Pope Benedict XVI.
According to The Daily Beast, shortly after being elected pope, Pope Benedict said that "the earth's treasures have been made to serve the powers of exploitation and destruction" and called on Catholics to take better care of God's creation.
The Kangoo Maxi Z.E. retails at about $20,000, according to Renault. They say the electric cars both have 60 horsepower, and can drive about 106 miles on a single charge.
Mercedes-Benz makes the customized Popemobile that the pope uses on trips away from the Vatican, according to Boulder Daily Camera. The company is researching a hybrid, energy-saving version.
Grothman would take state backward
An editorial in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
No, Mr. Grothman, wind energy is not tearing the state apart, and in fact, most of the state's utilities are well-positioned to meet the state's renewable standard requirement in 2015. Increasing the use of renewable energy in Wisconsin is needed to reduce the state's reliance on fossil fuels and to thus meet the challenges posed by climate change. The state needs more wind farms and solar panels and other renewable sources - for energy reasons and for the jobs these industries can produce.
But Sen. Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) wants to take the state backward, perhaps largely because he's heard from constituents upset over a proposed small wind farm in his district. He said he will introduce legislation to freeze the state's renewable energy portfolio at the 2012 level, despite the fact that most utilities are already prepared to meet the 2015 level of 10%. He said the 10% was a mistake, and that wind farm proposals tear "at the fabric of Wisconsin communities."
Grothman has a penchant for the overdramatic, but he's wrong on this. Where has he been? Has he missed the wind farms that have been going up all around the state? All he needs to do is take a trip from West Bend to Fond du Lac on US 45 to get an eyeful. They don't despoil the landscape and they haven't caused major problems for most neighbors. And they've certainly enhanced the state's energy portfolio.
Given the success of these efforts, the rising concerns over climate change and the potential jobs that are at stake, Grothman should pull back on his threat to take Wisconsin backward.
No, Mr. Grothman, wind energy is not tearing the state apart, and in fact, most of the state's utilities are well-positioned to meet the state's renewable standard requirement in 2015. Increasing the use of renewable energy in Wisconsin is needed to reduce the state's reliance on fossil fuels and to thus meet the challenges posed by climate change. The state needs more wind farms and solar panels and other renewable sources - for energy reasons and for the jobs these industries can produce.
But Sen. Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) wants to take the state backward, perhaps largely because he's heard from constituents upset over a proposed small wind farm in his district. He said he will introduce legislation to freeze the state's renewable energy portfolio at the 2012 level, despite the fact that most utilities are already prepared to meet the 2015 level of 10%. He said the 10% was a mistake, and that wind farm proposals tear "at the fabric of Wisconsin communities."
Grothman has a penchant for the overdramatic, but he's wrong on this. Where has he been? Has he missed the wind farms that have been going up all around the state? All he needs to do is take a trip from West Bend to Fond du Lac on US 45 to get an eyeful. They don't despoil the landscape and they haven't caused major problems for most neighbors. And they've certainly enhanced the state's energy portfolio.
Given the success of these efforts, the rising concerns over climate change and the potential jobs that are at stake, Grothman should pull back on his threat to take Wisconsin backward.
Great News in RI
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Tuesday, September 11, 2012
We Energies Gets Lowest Score on Renewable Energy Report Card
RENEW Wisconsin announces the following for immediate release:
Churches and other nonprofits in We Energies’ service area will have difficulty following the renewable-energy example of the Unitarian Universalist Church West in Brookfield, because the utility unilaterally ended the incentive program which helped the church absorb the cost of a solar system installed in 2008.
The end of the utility program resulted in WE receiving a C on a renewable energy report card issued by RENEW Wisconsin, a statewide renewable energy advocacy organization.
“We Energies agreed with RENEW and other groups to spend $6 million/year over 10 years to encourage the use of renewable energy in its service area. As part of the program, over 100 nonprofit organizations installed renewable energy systems. In 2011, however, WE simply announced the end of the program after only five years,” said Don Wichert, RENEW’s executive director and the report card director, at a news conference in front of the church.
“The money was critically important to our ability to install a solar system and was needed because nonprofits are not eligible for the federal tax credits” said Amy Taivalkoski, a congregation member who headed up the project along with Dennis Briley, another member. “The grant of $27,500 covered about a third of the total cost.”
“We were very thankful to receive the grant, which allowed us to show other congregations how to fulfill a vision for a just, sustainable world. It’s unfortunate that the WE program won’t be there to help them as it helped us,” added Rev. Suzelle Lynch, minister of the more than 700-person congregation.
WE earned a C (2.4 out of 5) overall on the report card for its renewable energy efforts in 2011, but had the lowest score of all utilities graded. The state’s other major utilities’ grades ranged from C to B/C -- Alliant, C (2.6); Madison Gas & Electric, B/C (3.0); Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, C (2.7); and Xcel, B/C (3.0).
“2011 was a year in which Wisconsin’s investor owned utilities cut back on their previous good performance supporting renewable energy,” said Wichert. “At this point in 2012 it appears that this poor performance trend continues.”
“It’s surprising and disappointing because recent opinion surveys indicate that the vast majority of Wisconsin’s population, including utilities ratepayers and stockholders, prefer renewable energy,” according to Wichert.
RENEW graded utilities on six criteria: amount of renewable electricity sold; green energy purchasing programs; ease of connecting to the utility system; prices paid for renewable electricity; legislative activities; and other programs offered voluntarily to customers.
Wisconsin utilities performed best in meeting the state’s renewable electricity standard. All of the utilities already meet or expect to meet the 10% standard by 2015, although some have the majority of the power coming from out of Wisconsin.
RENEW scored gave WE the following grades for 2011:
B Amount of renewable electricity sold (also called renewable energy standard)
B Green energy purchasing program for customers
B Ease of interconnecting to the utility system
F Price paid for electricity purchased from renewable energy systems
F Legislative activities on renewable energy policy
C- Other programs offered voluntarily to customers.
This was the first time RENEW conducted a grading system, but RENEW plans to continue the process in the future because people are interested in how well their utilities support renewable energy.
“The annual survey can be used by Wisconsin utilities and others to see which areas are
lacking and how they can improve their grades. Adoption of renewable energy supports local
jobs, lower emissions of pollutants, and energy security. These are attributes everybody wants. There is no reason that Wisconsin utilities should be performing at average levels in clean energy,” said Wichert.
-END-
RENEW Wisconsin is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that leads and represents businesses, organizations, and individuals who seek more clean renewable energy in Wisconsin. More information on RENEW’s Web site at www.renewwisconsin.org.
