Biggest wind turbines in UK

Wind energy is one of leading renewable energy sectors with many experts believing in its potential to become one of the leading energy sources in future. There has been very little criticism related to wind energy though some environmentalists believe that wind energy could have negative impact on biodiversity, especially on bird population. But as this latest study showed negative environmen...

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ConocoPhillips' chief calls for long-range energy policy

From an article by Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:James Mulva, head of the nation's third-largest oil company, said it's time for politicians to develop an energy policy that addresses both energy security and climate change.Mulva, a native of De Pere who is chairman and chief executive of ConocoPhillips, said the economic crisis has resulted in an unexpectedly rapid drop in oil and gasoline prices that serves as a "temporary timeout" in a longer-term trend of rising demand for energy.The economic crisis is resulting in flattening or dropping demand for energy."But our experts tell us that this represents really a temporary timeout in what we see as a global competition for development of energy around the world," Mulva told more than 400 students and businesspeople Wednesday...

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Lower demand lowers Wisconsin Energy profits

From an Associated Press article posted on INO.com News:(AP:MILWAUKEE) Electric and natural gas utility Wisconsin Energy Corp. said Wednesday its third-quarter profit fell 7 percent as cool summer weather lowered demand for air conditioning.For the quarter ended Sept. 30, Wisconsin Energy earned $77.5 million, or 65 cents per share, compared with $82.9 million, or 70 cents per share, for the same quarter in 2007.Earnings from continuing operations _ which excludes results from businesses that have been, or are in the process of being sold _ totaled $77 million, or 65 cents per share, compared with $83.1 million, or 71 cents per share, in the year-ago quarter.Revenue declined 3 percent to $852.5 million from $881.5 million in the 2007 period.On average, analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected...

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Solar thermal incentives for non-profits

From a page on the Web site of We Energies:This program assists qualified not-for-profit customers install solar water-heating systems. Customer incentives are provided from We Energies Renewable Energy Development Program. The incentive amount is a dollar-for-dollar match of the Focus on Energy Solar Water-Heating System Cash-back Reward Program or the Solar Water-Heating Implementation Grant for larger systems. Supporting solar water-heating system installations helps We Energies demonstrate to customers the benefits of solar water-heating energy systems. Eligibility: Applicants must be We Energies retail electric customers located in Wisconsin, and one of the following: + Not-for-profit organization. + Not-for-profit educational/academic institution, unit of government, or special district...

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Electric vehicles and US car industry

With unpredictable gasoline prices, oil limits, and negative effects standard gasoline powered cars have on environment, there is tendency for new solutions in transport sector, and one of those solutions are electric vehicles. One of the vehicles that got a lot of talk lately was Chevrolet's Volt extended-range electric vehicle that is permanently driven by electricity, but also uses a small...

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Doyle dedicates first turbine project in seven years

Govenor Doyle chatted during the dedication program with students from Lakeshore Technical College's Wind Energy Technican program.A report from Jeff Anthony of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA):At the first wind project dedication ceremony for a major wind project in the state of Wisconsin in over seven years, Governor Jim Doyle (D) and other state government officials dedicated the Forward Wind Center in Brownsville, WI. Governor Doyle gave remarks at the ceremony on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at the Brownville Community Center, noting that “the project represents a clean energy milestone for Wisconsin, meaning greater energy security, better wages in green jobs, and clean air and water for generations to come”. He also emphasized...

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Mayor will accept $400,000 grant at solar conference

From a media release issued by Milwaukee Shines:On Thursday, October 23rd, Milwaukee will host the fourth annual Solar Decade Conference at the Midwest Airlines Center, expected to draw 400 people. Sponsored by We Energies, Focus on Energy and the Wisconsin Green Building Alliance, the conference will focus on reducing the informational, economic and procedural barriers to solar energy proliferation in the region.“The benefits of solar energy are great,” said Mayor Tom Barrett, “Not only does solar energy provide power from a secure domestic source, promote sustainable urban development, and support greenhouse gas reduction targets, but advancing solar technology creates new economic opportunities for our residents and businesses.”Also during the conference, Mayor Tom Barrett will accept a...

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Habitat for Humanity Open House features solar installation, Oct. 22

From a media advisory issued by Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity:Focus on Energy, along with a coalition of renewable energy organizations, have partnered with Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity in an effort to build sustainable and affordable homes by installing 11 solar hot water systems and nine photovoltaic systems on 20 Habitat homes. In celebration of the completed project, there will be an Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008 from noon to 3 p.m. at 3022 N. 7th Street in Milwaukee.The incorporation of solar technology on MHH homes was a pilot project which offered the unique opportunity to train future contractors in the solar industry by allowing them to gain hands-on experience. The goal was to help build a stronger solar base in the greater Milwaukee area and bring those in the industry...

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Hydrogen – Fuel of the future?

Many energy experts speak of hydrogen as the fuel of the future. Hydrogen already has number of industrial uses and has potential to one day replace fossil fuels to power vehicles without emitting harmful carbon dioxide responsible for global warming. There is one problem though, namely finding an environmentally friendly way to produce hydrogen in large quantities because current production...

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SC Johnson touts renewable energy commitment

From a media release issued by SC Johnson:RACINE, Wis., Oct 17, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Innovation isn't just the hallmark of SC Johnson's products, it's also fundamental to how its products are made. That's why when consumers reach for a can of Pledge(R) furniture polish produced with green energy, or a Ziploc(R) bag made with wind power, they can feel good knowing their purchase is from a company that's doing what's right for people and the planet. In fact, one in every two U.S. households(1) is making a difference by using an SC Johnson product around their home, such as Windex(R), Pledge(R), Ziploc(R), Glade(R), Raid(R) or Scrubbing Bubbles(R), all of which are made using renewable energy. That's nearly 57 percent of U.S. households -- or 66.2 million families -- making a difference...

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Geothermal energy and EIS in US

While there is no doubt (apparently) between both politicians and experts that world needs more energy from renewable energy sources, in order to avoid the dependence on fossil fuels that have negative impact on environment by causing global warming and climate change, so far very few people believed in the potential of geothermal energy as one of the leading renewable energy sectors, especially...

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Milwaukee urban farmer recogized for vision of food future

From an article by Karen Herzog and Lee Berquist in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:Will Allen was cutting heads of lettuce in a farm field when his cell phone rang. The caller told him to put down his knife. He had good news: The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, known for its annual award of “genius” grants, was giving Allen $500,000 — no strings attached.Allen is not your typical farmer. He is the founder of Growing Power, a nonprofit farm in the middle of Milwaukee that raises fresh produce for underserved populations with high rates of obesity, diabetes and heart disease.The son of an illiterate laborer, Allen has been a leading figure in urban agriculture for a decade. Thanks to the growth of the local foods movement, and now the MacArthur fellowship, his approach of melding...

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Racine wants green for housing project

From an article by Dustin Block in The Daily Reporter:Ken Lumpkin cautions against poor timing as Racine closes in on building an environmentally sound housing development in one of the city’s poorest neighborhoods. “The whole area needs to be cleared out, new sod put down, and the lot should be utilized as a park until the economy makes a turnaround,” said Lumpkin, a member of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Racine, about the site of a former homeless shelter torn down earlier this year to make room for development. “It’s a fragile area directly across the street from an elementary school,” he said. . . .The city hired Pragmatic Construction LLC, Milwaukee, for preliminary work on the site, and the city is reviewing the results, O’Connell said. He said he wants to give a report...

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Milwaukee's Hot Water Products picked by State for solar hot water services

From a media release posted on marketwatch.com:TORONTO, Oct 15, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Mondial Energy Inc. of Toronto, Canada and Hot Water Products of Milwaukee, Wisconsin are pleased to announce that their partnership was selected as one of two renewable energy providers for solar thermal energy services to State of Wisconsin facilities. The state facilities which could potentially purchase solar thermal services from this contract include the 26 campuses of the University of Wisconsin, Department of Correctional institutions, and other State owned buildings....

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Renewable energy needed to cut mercury pollution

A letter by Kristin Charipar to the editor of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:The Oct. 5 article "Strict mercury rules likely to take effect" did not mention a key element: According to the Energy Information Administration, two-thirds of Wisconsin's electricity comes from coal-fired generation. If Wisconsin used more sustainable and less polluting forms for electricity, this mercury rule would not be so controversial.Wisconsin needs to move toward sustainable energy policies. I fully support the proposed mercury rule because it will give electric companies an additional incentive to stop proposing coal power plants (which not only release mercury but also lots of greenhouse gas emissions) and invest in renewable energy instead. This is rule is taking a step in the right direction by focusing...

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Sign up for heating assistance before season begins

From an article on Living Lake Country:The Wisconsin Department of Administration’s (DOA) Division of Energy Services and the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) urge energy customers to contact their local utility if their heat is currently disconnected. The agencies also encourage residents to take advantage of energy-efficiency programs and the state’s low-income bill payment assistance programs to reduce the burden of their utility bills this winter. Wisconsin law states that consumers cannot be disconnected during the heating moratorium period from Nov. 1 through April 15, if they are connected at the start of the moratorium. Customers who are currently disconnected must make arrangements with their local utility to pay outstanding bills to have their service restored. If a consumer...

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Are wind farms a threat to birds?

Many environmentalists believe that wind turbines drive birds away from surrounding areas but the latest study carried out by British researchers said the opposite giving the green light to build more wind farms. The concept of this theory was that large birds could get caught in the turbines which would kill them, and also that the structures could disturb other species in nearby area.However...

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Milwaukee searches for solar contractors

From a story by Sean Ryan in The Daily Reporter:Milwaukee wants its hometown builders to reap the benefits of a surge in solar energy, but the contractors that do that work are from Madison. Hiring Madison talent both increases project costs and sends cash to out-of-town businesses, said Ann Beier, director of Milwaukee’s Office of Environmental Sustainability. “We want the jobs here,” she said. “It’s pure and simple. We want Milwaukee residents to do the work.”But Milwaukee doesn’t have contractors with the necessary certifications to draw public money for solar energy projects. Focus on Energy, the Madison-based group that offers grants for solar projects, requires contractors have experience and education before installing photovoltaic panels. Most Focus on Energy-sponsored projects use...

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Oconomowoc utility and others making renewable energy easy to use

From a story by Matthew Inda in Living Lake Country:City of Oconomowoc - One thing that makes Oconomowoc unique is its publicly owned utility company, which strives for environmental efficiency and cheaper prices. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, adults and children have an opportunity to visit the Oconomowoc Utilities office, 808 S. Worthington St., for an open house that will educate everyone about the local power plant, as well as give customers a chance to purchase blocks of renewable energy.“You get to learn about all the different things the utility does, and specifically green power,” said Lisa Geason-Bauer, owner and marketing director of Evolution Marketing, and consultant of the Oconomowoc Utilities open house.Open house visitors can learn about the utility that they, as customers,...

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Palin's Folly

by Michael Vickerman, RENEW WisconsinOctober 7, 2008What three things do Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria and Venezuela have in common? The first commonality is that they are among the top 10 leading exporters of petroleum worldwide, which is another way of saying that they are the biggest accumulators of foreign cash on the planet.Commonality No. 2: Gasoline prices in those nations are lower than they are in the United States. The swollen river of revenues that flows into their national treasuries enables these governments to subsidize the price of motor fuel sold to their citizens. In Iran, the portion of federal revenues spent on maintaining price caps on gasoline approaches an astonishing 40%. . . . Considering the finite nature of their chief exports, these nations would do...

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Forward Wind Center open for public tours, Oct. 22

Invenergy, the wind project developer, invites the public to attend the Forward Energy Center Open House. When: October 22, 2008Open House: 1-6 PMTours start on the half hour from 1:00 to 5:30 PMBrownsville Community Club871 Main St., Brownsville (on Hwy 49) Come learn more about the Forward Energy Center and how wind power benefits Wisconsin. Forward began operations in February 2008, becoming one of the first large-scale wind energy projects in Wisconsin. Forward is owned and operated by Chicago-based Invenergy, which is implementing one of the largest programs of wind development in the United States, Canada and Europe, and is committed to building strong relationships with landowners, communities and utility customers. Please wear appropriate shoes for walking on uneven surfaces. Reservations...

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Congress extends tax credits for solar and wind projects

From an article by Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:The $700 billion package designed to help the financial industry will result in more Wisconsin homeowners installing solar panels on the roofs of their houses in the years to come, energy industry observers said Friday.A package of energy tax credits, adopted as part of the bailout deal, will extend for eight years the tax credit for homeowners considering adding solar.Energy tax credits had been set to expire at the end of the year until they were included in the Wall Street bailout package.What's significant about the solar credit, industry observers said, is the decision to remove a $2,000 cap on a federal tax credit for installing solar panels.That means that a typical solar-electric system that costs about $16,000 is now...

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First wave energy farm opened in Portugal

Portugal looks to be heading to the wave energy sector as the two wave power machines launched off the coast of Portuguese town Oporto. Wave energy converters called “Pelamis” generate electricity from the movement of the waves. Wave energy is clean and renewable energy source with great future potential, and Portugal plans to add another 25 Pelamis converters off the coast of Oporto in years to...

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Homes & businesses open for solar tours, October 3-4

Dozens of Milwaukee area and southeastern Wisconsin homes and businesses will be open for public tours during the state-side solar tour, October 3-4: Dusty Acres, Adell, Sat Dunham Farm, Burlington, Sat Camp Dewan, Burlington, Fri Sebern Home, Cedarburg, Sat O'Leary Plumbing & Heating, East Troy, Fri Arley Uhrig Home, East Troy, Sat Fields Neighborhood, East Troy, Sat Kochis Residence, Franklin, Sat TDL Electronics, Franksville, Fri + Sat Bantz/Gurzynski Residence, Hartford, Sat Selestow Dome Home, Menomonee Falls, Sat Krepel Residence, Milwaukee, Sat Liberty Tax, Milwaukee, Fri Amaranth Bakery & Cafe, Milwaukee, Fri ...

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Animation shows how solar electric and solar hot water systems work

From Focus on Energy:It’s a great time to protect the environment, reduce your carbon footprint and save money in the long run. Do it all by installing a solar electric or solar hot water system. Solar electric systems: capture solar energy and transform it into electricity. Click here to learn more and see how solar electric systems work.Solar hot water systems: use the sun to heat water and then store it for extended periods, right on your property, making plenty of hot water available for showers, laundry and dishes. Click here to learn more and see how solar hot water systems work. Right now, there are valuable financial incentives* available that can significantly reduce the cost of these systems:+ 30% federal tax credit up to $2,000 (expires December 31, 2008) + Cash-Back Reward of up...

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