Turbines' "health effects are likely self-induced and psychological"

From an article by Charles Brace in the Wisconsin State Journal:TOWN OF BYRON — Retired mail carrier Gerry Meyer said he only sleeps two hours a night because of the constant swooshing sound and that his wife has started taking sleep medication. His neighbor Nick Gonnering in South Byron, who lives just as close to the noise, said he finds the sound “relaxing.”Either way, the sound of wind turbines is making more ears perk up as a bill moves forward in the Legislature that would empower the Public Service Commission to create statewide rules governing wind power and pre-empt local government control over their placement.The rules would govern the distance between turbines and homes along with their noise and the flicker effects of shadows from their turbine blades. . . .Connie Reich of the...

Read more »

Presentations set for Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing, Oct. 6-8

The energy track presentations have been release for the Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing Pavilion at the Wisconisn Machine Tool Show, October 6-8, at State Fair Park:TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 20099:00am Green and LeanPresented by Dr. Joe Jacobsen of MATC11:00am Controlling Your Energy Costs – An Overview Of Focus On EnergyPresented by Nate Altfeather of Focus on Energy1:00pm Opportunities To Supply The US Wind IndustryPresented by Jeffrey Anthony of American Wind Energy Association3:00pm Energy Efficiency In Manufacturing FacilitiesPresented by Orion Energy SystemsWEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 200910:00am A Case Study On Energy EfficiencyPresented by Nate Altfeather of Focus On Energy11:30am Starve The Beast! Revolutionary Ideas On How To Save Money Operating Your Ventilation SystemsPresented by DuWayne...

Read more »

PSC opens door for more in-state renewable installations

A news release issued by RENEW Wisconsin:At its open meeting today, the Public Service Commission (PSC) called for the expansion of voluntary utility programs that offer premium rates for in-state sources of renewable energy. Today’s discussion marked the first time the PSC took up the issue of premium renewable energy buyback rates since it opened a docket in January to investigate the viability of a statewide policy governing utility purchases of solar, wind and biogas energy generated by their customers. “While we would have preferred a policy-driven approach to making homegrown renewable energy a bigger part of Wisconsin’s energy future, we are heartened that the PSC will direct utilities to produce plans for encouraging more customer investments in this market sector,” said Michael Vickerman,...

Read more »

Universities, industry form Midwest energy research center

From an article in the Business Journal of Milwaukee:University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee School of Engineering, Marquette University and several regional companies have formed an energy technology and research center, it was announced Wednesday.The Southeastern Wisconsin Energy Technology Research Center, which will be administered out of UWM, brings together regional resources to establish a national center that will develop high-potential research in the energy field, attracting large-scale funding and leading state-of-the-art technology that can foster economic growth, the institutions said in a press release.Seven collaborative research projects centered at various locations are under way, with the support of $200,000 in federal funding and nearly $500,000 from several regional...

Read more »

New interactive Milwaukee maps shows solar installations

From Milwaukee Shines:The . . . map features 65 of the estimated 175 homes and businesses with solar energy installations in the 7-county Milwaukee metro area.The City of Milwaukee, through the Solar America Cities program, has a goal of installing at least 100 solar electric systems and 50 solar hot water systems with a combined production of one megawatt of solar energy in Milwaukee by 2012.Using data from Focus on Energy, Milwaukee Shines estimates that the City of Milwaukee currently has approximately 30 solar electric systems and 20 solar hot water systems in operation that produce a combined 350 kW of energy.Help us reach our goal! Solar is a viable energy source in southeastern Wisconsin. Contact Milwaukee Shines, Focus on Energy, or We Energies to find out if you qualify for a solar...

Read more »

Wisconsin Renewable Quarterly, Summer 2009

The Wisconsin Renewable Quarterly includes these article in the summer edition:It's Time to Bring Renewable Energy HomeIn Memoriam: Bob Gilbertson Board Member Brings Green HomeRenewables Profile: Jenny HeinzenManure Digesters Good Fit Solar Innovator: Craig Tarr Calen...

Read more »

Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing, Oct. 6-8, Milwaukee

The Wisconsin Machine Tool Show (WMTS) features an Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing Pavilion to introduce show participants to energy efficient, lean, green, and sustainable manufacturing processes.The American Wind Energy Association will have a presentation on the wind industry supply chain. Dave Jenkins from the Office of Energy Independence will update show attendees on ARRA programs and funds. The German-American Chamber of Commerce will make two presentations:+ Energy Efficiency in Germany: How U.S. Manufacturers Can Benefit;+ Supply Chain Opportunities in Renewable Energy. Focus on Energy will be the Gold Sponsor of the Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing Pavilion. They plan to make a presentation each day of the show: + Controlling your Energy Costs - An overview of Focus on Energy;...

Read more »

Registration opens for Solar Decade Conference, Oct. 2, Milwaukee

From the Web page of the Solar Decade:Join renowned industry experts as they discuss the benefits of solar energy for your home, business and career!Now in its fifth year, the Wisconsin Solar Decade Conference is your opportunity to see firsthand the latest developments in the world of solar energy. Register today to hear from top industry experts and attend dozens of exhibits, workshops and panel discussions as you discover the state of the technology, the state of the market and where both will be tomorrow!•Learn about the latest solar energy applications for your home and business•Discover opportunities to tap the renewable energy market and expand your business•Network with fellow builders, contractors, homeowners and business ownersKeynote speakersDr. Lawrence L. KazmerskiExecutive Director...

Read more »

Rapids turbine blade maker gets $100,000 training boost

From a news release issued by the Department of Workforce Development:WISCONSIN RAPIDS – On behalf of Governor Jim Doyle, Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman today awarded a $100,000 workforce training grant to prepare the first of 400 workers for green jobs when a new Wisconsin Rapids business starts manufacturing wind turbine blades. . . .The $100,000 grant awarded to the North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board will be matched by more than $60,000 locally. Among the goals of the Renewable Electric Power project is to train 35 individuals, including dislocated workers, for the first openings at the Energy Composites Corporation. Earlier this year, the firm announced its plans to construct of a 350,000-square-foot, composites fabrication plant to...

Read more »

Importance of renewable energy sources

Renewable energy systems - General infoLately there has been some problems in the supply of conventional energy sources (those that come from fossil fuels) so it is really no wonder that more and more nations are interested to use different renewable energy systems in order to satisfy their growing energy demand. All renewable energy systems have one thing in common, namely the fact that there...

Read more »

LNG - Advantages and Disadvantages

Energy prices are going up all the time together with energy demand. The sharp rise in energy prices and fears about yet another episode of risky gas imports from Russia that were happening for the last couple of years have raised concerns about the security, diversity, reliability and affordability of the Em’s gas supply. Many energy experts see LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) as the solution to...

Read more »

Concordia installing solar power system

From an article in The Business Journal of Milwaukee:Concordia University Wisconsin is installing a $250,000 solar electric system on its Mequon campus.The system is expected to generate more than 30,000 kilowatt hours of power and will be mounted on Coburg Residence Hall. The project is part of the school’s “green” efforts.About $170,000 of the project cost will be covered by incentives and grants including a $100,000 contribution from We Energies along with with $23,000 as part of a We Energies buy down program and a $47,000 Focus on Energy 2009 Solar Electric Implementation Gra...

Read more »

Oak Creek company transitions from small shop to major energy saver

From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:(August 12, 2009) - Like many Wisconsin businesses, Columbia Grinding, Inc. started out with a dream, a lot of hard work and limited resources. In 1953 the business opened as a 1,800-square-foot one-man shop in South Milwaukee. By 1978, the production workload grew and the first employee was hired. Today, Columbia Grinding has grown to 35 employees and a 43,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in the Oak Creek Industrial Park.Although the company's values remain the same, over the years Columbia Grinding has enhanced its energy efficiency and high-performance standards to power its state-of-the-art equipment, processes and services.With the help of Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, Columbia Grinding's...

Read more »

Program restarts: Badgers love 'Clunkers' cash

From an article by Mike Ivey in The Capital Times:The experts continue to debate the pros and cons of the "Cash for Clunkers" rebate program, but Wisconsin car buyers have already given it a big thumbs-up.Wisconsin is 10th in the amount of cash requested from the program based on figures from the U.S. Department of Transportation released this week.Of the nearly $775 million in clunker cash requests so far, more than $24 million came from Wisconsin. Michigan, California and Ohio were the top three states.The U.S. Senate has approved another $2 billion for the program, which was initially funded with $1 billion.Officially known as the Car Allowance Rebate System Act, the measure provides up to $4,500 in taxpayer subsidy for those who trade in an old vehicle for a more efficient model. To qualify,...

Read more »

Support We Energies' wind project!

Wind energy needs vocal support in Wisconsin! The need for renewable energy in Wisconsin continues to grow. In October 2008, We Energies proposed the Glacier Hills Wind Park in the towns of Randolph and Scott in Columbia County – approximate 45 miles northeast of Madison. The Glacier Hills Wind Park would consist of 90 turbines and generate 162 megawatts of electricity - enough capacity to power approximately 45,000 homes. Comments are due regarding the Environmental Impact of the project by September 4, 2009. Now is the time for those of us who believe that wind power is good for the environment and good for Wisconsin to speak out and be heard. If opponents are successful in their quest, the future of wind energy in Wisconsin will be seriously called into question.Please encourage the Wisconsin...

Read more »

Registration opens for Solar Decade Conference, Oct. 2, Milwaukee

From the Web page of the Solar Decade:Join renowned industry experts as they discuss the benefits of solar energy for your home, business and career!Now in its fifth year, the Wisconsin Solar Decade Conference is your opportunity to see firsthand the latest developments in the world of solar energy. Register today to hear from top industry experts and attend dozens of exhibits, workshops and panel discussions as you discover the state of the technology, the state of the market and where both will be tomorrow!•Learn about the latest solar energy applications for your home and business•Discover opportunities to tap the renewable energy market and expand your business•Network with fellow builders, contractors, homeowners and business ownersKeynote speakersDr. Lawrence L. KazmerskiExecutive Director...

Read more »

Visit Focus on Energy and WE Energies at the State Fair

From an article on the Milwaukee Consumer:The Wisconsin State Fair kicks off tomorrow, August 6th, and runs through August 16th. If you do visit the Fair, you might want to consider stopping by the WE Energies Energy Park to learn more about electricity, natural gas, and energy efficiency. The Park is located along the West side of the fairgrounds (along 84th street) and is just North of Gate 4.Focus on Energy has a game show called “Watt’s it to Ya” at the WE Energies Energy Park at 6:30pm each evening. The game show pits contestants against each other to identify the greatest energy users in a home. If you beat your competitor and move on to the showcase, you have a chance to prove your skills and learn how much you can save by using energy efficiency in your home. To review the complete...

Read more »

Johnson Controls gets $299 million for hybrid automotive battery work

From a news release issued by Johnson Controls:DETROIT, Aug. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls, Inc. (NYSE: JCI) today announced that it has been awarded a $299 million grant by the United States Department of Energy under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to build domestic manufacturing capacity for advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles. This award represents approximately half of the company's total planned investment of $600 million in domestic advanced battery manufacturing capacity and infrastructure development."This investment is an important step toward creating and building an industry in the United States that addresses market requirements and long-term opportunities for growth and new jobs in this country," said Alex Molinaroli, president of Power...

Read more »

Options for getting to the State Fair

The Wisconsin State Fair runs from August 6 thorugh the 16th.NEW! WAUKESHA COUNTY AREA SHUTTLE Jump on the new Waukesha County Area Shuttle Service that will drop-off and make return trips from the U.S. Cellular Main Gate. The shuttle will run every 30 minutes starting at 7:30am with the last departure 30 minutes after the Fair closes. Pick-up the shuttle at the Hwy 83/I-94, Hwy G/I-94 and Barker Road/Goerkes Corners Park-N-Rides. Regular round trip fare is $8.00 but $6.00 with discount coupons. Seniors $6.00 and children 5 & under FREE. For more details visit statefairshuttle.com or call (262) 292-9992 Riteway Bus Service – Washington County Area State Fair ShuttleEnjoy an air conditioned motor coach ride with Riteway’s daily round-trip service to the 2009 Wisconsin State Fair. Motor...

Read more »

State Fair boasts "energy on a stick"

From a story on WISN-TV:MILWAUKEE -- Wisconsin State Fair has a new creation on a stick, but it's not something fair goers can eat. It's called "energy on a stick."Solar panels have been installed on top of the Wisconsin Products Pavilion, as well as a single stick on Grandstand Avenue.The stick can produce 34,000 kilowatts of electricity a year."That's really the future we're working toward," said Niels Woleter, Solar Electric Program Manager for Focus on Energy. "Part of that future is preparing everyone, by showing them yes, here it is. This is what it looks like. It does work in Wisconsin. Today might be a cloudy day, but its still generating power."State Fair officials said in 1 year the panels will generate enough power to make cream puffs for 3 years, as well as run the sky gliders...

Read more »