Power answer blowing offshore

From an editorial in The Journal Times (Racine):With oil at record prices along with gasoline at the pump, Wisconsin has again awoken to the potential of the free energy flowing in the winds off the shore of Lake Michigan.We say again because there was a feasibility study in 1992 to assess the potential of wind power from turbines sited just a few miles offshore on the Racine Reef. Last week’s news reports discussed the possibilities which three developers see in generating power from the lake winds with a few hundred turbines placed some miles off the coast. They have not applied to the state for any permits; these are mere concepts, not finished designs. We hope for quick action rather than concepts.Although one potential developer said his project is on hold while awaiting a method of mooring...

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Solar workshops set for Milwaukee and suburbs

We Energies is partnering with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), Focus on Energy, and local hosts to offer a series of seminars to provide information about generating renewable energy for homes and small business. PV Systems for Residential Applications covers solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, site selection, system sizing, available financial incentives and installer selection:May 17 1:00 pm Outpost Natural Foods100 E. Capital DriveMilwaukee, WI 53212Sept. 27 10:00 am Milwaukee Area Technical CollegeOak Creek Campus6665 S. Howell AvenueOak Creek, WI 53154-1107Solar Water Heating for Residential Applications covers solar water heating technology, site selection, system sizing, available financial incentives, and installer selection:May 1 6:00 pm Good Harvest Market1850 Meadow...

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Keep blowing wind power forward

From an editorial in the Wisconsin State Journal:The exciting possibility of harnessing significant wind power using giant turbines offshore on Lake Michigan moved closer to reality last week.State officials said three developers are contemplating various ways to erect hundreds of wind turbines on the water that could transmit clean energy back to land.The plans are only conceptual. Yet state officials are wisely encouraged and seriously exploring several options, potential costs and hang-ups.Wisconsin is not a windy state. And attempts to build giant wind turbines on land in the past have faced fierce opposition from some neighbors who don 't like the look or sound of them.That 's what makes the prospect to putting turbines on lakes Michigan...

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Local leaders cite new report as boosting KRM

From a report just released by the Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group (WISPERG: Milwaukee, WI - The KRM Commuter Rail line and other public transportation projects received a boost as civic leaders held an event at the Milwaukee Intermodal Station calling for approval of financing and citing a major new report on oil savings and other benefits from public transportation across the country. The WISPIRG report, A Better Way to Go: Meeting America’s 21st Century Transportation Challenges with Modern Public Transit, examines the challenges faced by America’s transportation system and the benefits of existing rail and bus projects in Wisconsin and other states.According to the report, transit in Milwaukee is responsible for 1.1 million gallons of oil saved and $3 million dollars saved that...

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Challenge the Governor's Task Force on Global Warming

From Hans Noeldner:Citizens!Let's challenge the Wisconsin Governor's Task Force on Global Warming to take its own medicine! Please contact the co-chairs and urge them to:(1) Determine the "Carbon Footprint" of the Task Force's upcoming meeting on Thursday, April 18(2) Establish specific greenhouse gas reduction targets for subsequent Task Force meetings(3) Announce the Task Force's April 18 "Footprint" and its reduction targets (via press conference or press release)(4) Measure "Carbon Footprints" for all subsequent meetings(5) Provide the public with a final reportEmail your request to:Tia Nelson, co-chair tia.nelson@wisconsin.govRoy Thilly, co-chair rthilly@wppisys.org----------Background----------(1) The job of the Task Force on Global Warming is to design policies that will slash Wisconsin's...

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Kenosha resident generates green power, profits from wind & sun

From a press release issued by Focus on Energy:KENOSHA, Wis. — Charles Heide of Kenosha is the latest Wisconsin resident to discover the benefits of clean, renewable energy, including reduced energy costs and the satisfaction that comes from helping preserve the environment. His recently completed solar electric and wind systems feed surplus power back to the grid, resulting in monthly energy bill credits.In June 2007, Heide installed a large 35-kilowatt (kW) wind turbine and in September2007, he installed a 10.5 kW solar electric system. The projects were completed with the help of nearly $65,000 in grants from Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable energy program.Each year, Heide’s wind and solar electric systems will generate more than 87,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of...

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Wind turbines in Lake Michigan? It's being studied

From an Associated Press article by Todd Richmond published in the Green Bay Press-Gazette:MADISON — State regulators want to study what it would take to implant giant wind turbines in Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, a move that might someday lead to new power for Wisconsin but cost millions of dollars and transform serene lake views. The three-member Public Service Commission voted unanimously today to begin assessing whether the concept can be executed, the power it could generate, the costs and public sentiment.“There’s enough unanswered questions that it’s a matter of public policy. We should explore it,” said Eric Callisto, commission Chairman Dan Ebert’s executive assistant. “The economics have to dictate this makes sense. But right now we’re in something of an information vacuum.”Gov....

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Earth Day Celebration, April 26, at Havenswood State Forest

John Bahr, a member of RENEW Wisconsin's Board of Directors, will make four presentations at the Earth Day Celebration at Havenwoods State Forest:10:00-10:15  Alternative energy sources11:00-11:15   Cool Cities program12:30-12:45  Wind power1:15- 1:30       Global warmingSaturday April 26, 2008Havenwoods State Forest6141 N. Hopkins Street, Milwaukee1 block west of Sherman Blvd. on Douglas Ave.John began his career with General Electric doing process and product design. After receiving a Ph. D. in biomedical engineering he was appointed to a faculty position by the Medical College of Wisconsin where he did research, system development and taught in the Department of Pediatrics and Obstetrics. He has authored several books and technical papers, and went on to manage...

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Renewable energy financing workshops set, April 18 & April 25

From the Office of Energy Independence:MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Commerce (Commerce) and the Office of Energy Independence will host two free renewable energy financing workshops for industry businesses and researchers. The workshops will provide information about the new Wisconsin Energy Independence Fund (WEIF), a renewable energy loan and grant program administered by Commerce, as well as other available renewable energy resources.“I am pleased that Commerce is able to offer these free workshops as another step toward Wisconsin’s energy independence,” said Commerce Secretary Jack L. Fischer, AIA. “Governor Doyle’s Clean Energy Wisconsin plan calls for $15 million annually in grants and loans for research and development, commercialization or adoption of new technologies, and...

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Tidal power (tidal energy) facts

Tidal energy is the utilization of the sun and moon's gravitational forces - as the tide is the result of their influences.Tidal energy is a type of energy that produces electricity and other forms of power through the use of water.Tidal energy is energy that could be obtained from the changing sea levels. In other words, tidal energy is a direct result of tide shifting from low to high.Tidal...

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US solar energy map

US solar energy map. Southeast states are most suitable for solar energy projects. Click on map for full size.On the picture above is map of US with average annual direct normal solar radiation. If you want to see full size map you should click on this picture. Resolution of this map is resampled to 40 kilometers. Model estimates of monthly average daily total radiation using inputs derived from...

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Solar energy – More advanatges than disadvantages

Solar energy is renewable energy source that is expected to become one of the most important renewable energy sources in years to come. Solar energy efficiency depends on available sunlight which varies considerably, not only because of differences in cloud cover and latitude but also with the seasons as in the summer significantly longer daylight hours combined with higher sun angle provide m...

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Biomass energy facts

Biomass is all plant and animal matter on the Earth's surface. Biomass is anything that is alive. It is also anything that was alive a short time ago.Biomass gets its energy from the sun. Plants store the sun’s energy in their leaves and roots. Then animals eat plants and other animals to move and grow. The energy of the sun is 'captured' through the process of photosynthesis in growing...

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