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. Jim Doyle’s global warming task force recommended the commission, the state Department of Natural Resources and the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands convene a study group on offshore generation in Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. The task force said Wisconsin doesn’t have the same wind quality as western states and should at least examine offshore prospects.

The study group should explore costs, issues related to lake bed development and impact on birds, the task force recommended. The group also should explore a partnership with the state of Michigan in offshore efforts. Callisto said the PSC hopes to complete the study by the end of the year.

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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 sources
11:00-11:15   Cool Cities program
12:30-12:45  Wind power
1:15- 1:30       Global warming

Saturday April 26, 2008
Havenwoods State Forest
6141 N. Hopkins Street, Milwaukee
1 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 two new national businesses in medical data processing before retiring. He also chairs the Energy and Global Warming Committee for the Sierra Club.

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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 supply chain development.”

Information about how to apply for the WEIF program, eligibility, and program requirements will be explained at the meeting.

The workshops will be held in:

Madison: Friday, April 18 from 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Commerce, 201 W. Washington Avenue.

Stevens Point: Friday, April 25, 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., UW-Stevens Point, Legacy Room, Dreyfus University Center, 1015 Reserve Street.

The application period for the first round of funding will run from April 1 to June 2, 2008. For application materials and more information about the program and a program fact sheet, visit the Department of Commerce.

The Office of Energy Independence (OEI) has additional information on other state programs, federal grants, and private funds available for clean energy and fuel-related projects. Contact David Jenkins, OEI, (608) 264-7651, DavidJ.Jenkins@Wisconsin.gov

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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 much

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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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