http://www.es.wapa.gov/renew/	Week of October 15, 2001

Consumers Energy Offers Green Power Options
Jackson, MI-based utility Consumers Energy recently announced it has launched a "green" power pilot program that will "fund the
development of green power in Michigan." The utility said customers who sign up for the program will have the option of purchasing
10 percent, 50 percent or 100 percent of their electricity from certified green power producers.  "If you want to see wind, solar and other types of renewable energy developed in Michigan, this is an excellent way to show your support and help fund its growth," said Consumers Energy president of accounting and regulatory affairs Dennis DaPra.  Customers participating in the program will pay a "green surcharge" for the clean electricity. The utility said almost all of the surcharge will be passed directly to certified green power generators for power delivered to the Consumers Energy electricity system.  "Green power producers need this revenue because the cost of their power is significantly higher than conventional power sources," said Consumers Energy Green Power Program project manager Scott Brockett. "We are not including any existing [hydroelectric] dams, waste-to-energy plants or other generators now serving our customers. All of the generators in this program are new."  The utility said the program is limited to "a maximum generating capacity sufficient to meet the needs of about 18,000 homes."  Contact: Consumers Energy, Web site at: http://www.consumersenergy.com  .   Source: Consumers Energy Release 10/1/2001 via EIN Renewable Energy Today 10/5/2001.

Nike Vows Reductions In Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Nike Inc., an international sporting goods company, pledged Tuesday to slash greenhouse gas emissions across its operations worldwide. Nike also will measure greenhouse gas emissions from contracted manufacturing and shipping operations with the
intent to ultimately reduce those emissions as well. For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens-news.com/ens/oct2001/2001L-10-03-06.html  .  Source: Environment News Service (ENS) 10/3/2001.

Deal Allows NY Residents to Buy Renewables
The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) recently announced that the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) has
reached a settlement with Niagara Mohawk under which its customers will be able to purchase electricity generated from wind, solar
and biomass resources. The settlement is the result of a case involving the merger between Niagara Mohawk and National Grid.
"This agreement will give Niagara Mohawk customers a convenient way to buy clean renewable energy," said David Wooley, who
served as counsel for renewable energy industry and environmental group that intervened in the PSC case. "This is good for the
environment and good for the economy since New York has abundant wind, solar and biomass energy potential."   Under the settlement, the new company formed by the merger, known as NIMO, will allow independent "green power" marketers to sell renewable energy products direct to customers through NIMO's billing system.  "The agreement will encourage greater use of energy efficiency services and renewable energy alternatives through consumer education, consumer choice and cooperative efforts to identify barriers to clean energy options in the NIMO service territory," said Natural Resources Defense Council official Ashok Gupta. "There is more work to be done, but this is an important step forward."  Contact: David Wooley, AWEA, phone 518-438-9907 extension 238.  Source: AWEA Release 10/12/2001 via EIN Renewable Energy Today 10/16/2001.

Xantrex to Provide Renewable Energy for PBS
Xantrex Technology, Inc. and its partner AstroPower, Inc. recently announced plans to provide a complete solar electric power
system that will be used to power production equipment for filming and editing a television program titled "This Renewable House."
The program is produced by the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and is designed to bring renewable energy directly to
mainstream consumer markets.  The television program is said to be the first major television program produced using renewable energy technology. In addition to production equipment, solar electric systems will power administrative offices, and hybrid electric vehicles will be used to transport production staff.  "Xantrex is proud to be a technical partner in this effort to increase awareness about the accessibility and simplicity of renewable energy," said Xantrex distributed power market sales director Kevin Hagen. "Renewable energy can help to secure America's future by reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. It's safe, reliable and becoming more economical every day."  Xantrex said new homes in California are being constructed with solar electric systems built right into the mortgage cost. This Renewable House is scheduled to air on PBS in early 2002. Filming begins October 5th. Media and press are invited to the filming, said Xantrex.  Contact: Julie Court, Xantrex, phone 360-435-8826, extension 2022.  Source: Xantrex Release 10/5/2001 via EIN Renewable Energy Today 10/11/2001.
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For more information: http://www.eren.doe.gov/greenpower/   or   http://www.thegreenpowergroup.org/
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Dropping Energy Prices in CA Hurt Biomass
As energy prices in California continue to plummet, biomass power plant operators are having a harder time competing with
conventional suppliers. Since biomass power is more expensive to produce, plant operators relied on higher prices to cover costs.
There are currently 36 biomass energy facilities in California, which produce a total of about 700 megawatts of electricity. Energy
prices in the state are now running at about two or three cents per kilowatt (KW), while biomass plants need a price of six or seven
cents per KW to stay solvent.  While many producers are hoping to cut long-term contracts with the state to sell power at desirable rates, the process is time-consuming, and some biomass plant owners doubt they can stay operational for much longer.  One source of delay is the recent shifting of power-buying responsibilities from the California Department of Water Resources to the
new California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority. The new agency is still negotiating its contracts.  "The state hasn't had time to get to everyone yet," said California Biomass Energy Alliance director Bob Judd. "But the clock is ticking."
Source: Fresno Bee 10/4/2001 via EIN Renewable Energy Today 10/9/2001.

United Native, Focal Seal Agreement for 250-Megawatt Geothermal Plant
United Native Depository Corporation and Focal Corporation announced that they have entered into a tribal contract with Elem Pomo Indian Tribe to build a 250-MW geothermal plant on tribal property in Northern California.  The project is $110 million with a project yield of $12 million per year.  Contact UNDC's Deni Leonard at 415-283-3237 or see Web site at: http://www.undc.net  .  Source: Solar and Renewable Energy Outlook 10/1/2001.

North Dakota Cooperatives Explore Wind Power
The North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (REC) invited AWEA’s Great Plains Representative John Dunlop to present a wind power update to 250 of their members at their annual meeting in Bismarck on September 5.  Spokespeople for all three major North Dakota energy supply resources--oil/gas, coal, and wind power--were invited to summarize the challenges and opportunities for their technologies and how their industries can benefit the state.  Dunlop explained that the Department of Energy estimates that North Dakota has a greater wind power resource than any other U.S. state, potentially capable of producing 1.2 trillion kWh of electricity per year.  That same amount of electricity would require the combustion of 1.3 billion tons of coal per year (currently, electric power generation in North Dakota consumes about 31 million tons of coal annually).  “The national market for clean, abundant renewable sources of electricity is poised to expand rapidly,” asserted Dunlop.  “Consumers in neighboring regions and around the country, and their electricity suppliers are expressing their preference for clean energy, are concerned about energy security, and believe a diversity of supply is in the national interest.  Electricity to supply part of that clean power market needs to come from North Dakota winds.” Dunlop estimated that supplying 10% of the nation’s electricity with renewables would create a market for 300 TWh of renewable electricity annually.  Supplying only 10% of that electricity from North Dakota winds would require the installation of 10,000 MW of wind power capacity.  For comparison, the world leader in the production of electricity from the wind is Germany; yet Germany only has 7,000 MW of installed wind capacity.  Furthermore, though North Dakota is only half the size of Germany, it has over 50 times the wind power potential of Germany.  The sale of the wind-generated electricity from North Dakota could generate $900 million annually, over 5% of the current gross state product.  The major impediment to capturing that market, Dunlop said, is getting the power to market, or transmission constraints.  Electricity delivery is an area an area where rural electric coops have valuable skill and experience.  If high voltage transmission lines are built to export wind electricity, a separate feeder distribution network would be required to collect power from wind projects and transport it to the converter station.  The collection and export of wind electricity would not impact local electricity supply or local electric rates.  Coops may also serve their members by coordinating electricity export commodity contracts, or securing aggregate financing.  "Opportunities abound," Dunlop said.  "The results will be good for North Dakota and the Nation.  With wind energy, as the theme of the annual conference stated, REC members are able to say, 'We’ve got the Power.'”  Source: AWEA Wind Energy Weekly 10/12/2001.

TX Treatment Plant Uses Methane Gas for Power
The city of Fort Worth, TX and the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) recently joined to install a system that would burn
methane gas generated from waste to provide about half the power needed at the city's Village Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The project, which included installing two turbines and modifying a structure at the plant, cost an estimated $10 million, with $9
million provided by TWDB in the form of a low-interest loan. The city estimates it will save about $1 million in energy costs over 20
years.  TXU Energy Services, a subsidiary of energy services company TXU, operates and maintains the two 5.2-megawatt generators. The company said it plans to seek additional biogas sources and will investigate the "most cost-effective way to operate the turbines and broker any surplus power back to the grid."   "This project makes sense for the city from both an environmental and business standpoint," said assistant city manager Mike Groomer. "Environmentally, the project allows us to have a positive impact on air quality in the region. On the business side, the contract saves the city money. Methane is a free fuel source for us, so it is wise to continue capturing and using it."  The utility said heat from the turbines will also be used to warm the plant's administration building. The plant treats as much as 166 million gallons of wastewater each day. In addition to being used to provide power, methane generated at the plant is used in the manufacture of fertilizer.  Contact: Carol Peters, TXU, phone 817-215-6151.  Source: TXU Release 10/5/2001 via EIN Renewable Energy Today 10/11/2001.

Missoula Fire Station Goes Solar
Missoula Fire Station No. 4 is the first in Montana to be partially solar powered. (I’d also be willing to wager that it is the first municipal station to be grid intertied in the country, but I'd also be delighted to find out I’m wrong.) It is estimated that the system will produce approximately 6,500kwh of electricity each year. The system is primarily a grid intertie system, with battery backup. Power stored in the battery bank is used only in the event of a power outage and powers circuits critical for the station’s operations. Best of all, we think that it is firefighter proof (meaning it is indestructible and low maintenance.) The system was funded through a $50,000 grant from the Universal System Benefits Charge, administered by Montana Power Company.  Sunelco of Hamilton, Montana, installed the system. It became operational in March 2001. The grant proposal basically wrote itself. The combination of a good solar site, and a classroom in the building, made the fire station a good candidate.  The savings in energy costs benefit the local taxpayers, and we can train firefighters how to work safely around renewable energy systems. As these systems become more prevalent, firefighters will need to recognize when a building’s electrical circuits are de-energized. Other agencies such as schools and folks in the electrical trades can also use the classroom to get familiar with solar components.  The system is wired in a 48-volt configuration. The system consists of 40 Kyocera 120 watt panels, 32 of which are roof mounted and 8 that are pole mounted on a Zomeworks tracker. Although it is questionable whether or not a tracker makes sense in Montana, we wanted to demonstrate various components and have some of the panels accessible without going up on the roof.  Power is routed through four RV Solar Boost 3048 charge controllers, which keep the batteries topped off. The majority of the power is then inverted to 120-volt AC through a Trace 4048 inverter and made available for the station’s demand. When electricity generated is in excess of the station’s demand, the inverter sends the power to the utility grid, causing the electrical meter to spin backwards. This is a rare occurrence, as the fire station was designed in times of regulated and plentiful electricity.  The station uses fluorescent lighting and compact fluorescent bulbs, but it uses electric heat in the public bathrooms and has a complex HVAC system. I just hope that I’m around when Missoula designs its next station!  The battery bank consists of 12 Surrette 4KS – 21PS 4-volt batteries wired in series for 1104 amp hours at 48 volts. It will easily supply circuits critical for station operation – including door openers, radios, some lighting, and the computer – for up to six hours. When the inverter senses a power outage, it draws power from the batteries as needed. In the case of an extended outage, the station relies on an auxiliary diesel generator.  Missoula is a pretty green city, and the city government and administration mirror that in their policies supporting renewable energy, conservation, and efficiency. The Mayor’s car is a Toyota Prius, but you’re just as likely to see him about town on foot or on a bike.  Missoula Fire Department welcomes visitors to stop by to see the system during daytime hours, and when the crew is in quarters. Please don’t expect the on-duty firefighters to answer all your questions about the system. A handout sheet is available at the station, and a system component diagram is posted in the inverter room.  For more information about the project at the station, contact Ed Brunsvold. For technical information about solar components, contact Sunelco in Hamilton.  You can see more photos of this installation at the Montana Power Web site.   Source: Jane Pulaski, Going Solar Enewsletter, 10/9/2001.
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For more information on Renewable Resources go to:  http://www.eren.doe.gov/repis/
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Energy, Environmental, and Economics (E3) Handbook -  A Resource Tool
Energy, Environmental, and Economics (E3) Handbook A Resource Tool to Aid the Office of Industrial Technologies First Edition - September 1997 This handbook is intended to aid in the assessment of the potential energy, environmental, and economic impacts of research supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Office of Industrial Technologies (OIT). Information contained herein may help to determine specific project benefits and justify the continuation of research. It can also serve as a reference tool for information on a wide number of topics generally associated with energy and environmental research and development, such as environmental regulations, technology transfer issues, energy statistics, waste classifications, industry trade data, and economic issues. Search the handbook: Help Introduction Alphabetical Entries (A-Z) A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, L, M, N, O, P, R, S, T, U, V, W, Z References Contributors Appendics A - Economics of Project Analysis B - Chemical and Process Energy for Common Industrial Streams C - Applicable Environmental Regulations for Common Industrial Streams D - TRI Data for Selected Materials E - References by Category F - Fun Facts G - Conversion Factors Search OIT Send any comments or questions to webmaster.oit@ee.doe.gov .  Office of Industrial Technologies (OIT) Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Network (EREN) U.S. Department of Energy Last updated: 01/12/99.  Download document for free at:  http://www.oit.doe.gov/E3handbook/  .
Source: Wire Web Site 10/5/2001.

FuelCellStore.com
FuelCellStore.com is integrating and advancing the fuel cell industry by bringing product component manufacturers, fuel cell system integrators and consumers together.  Within our site you can discover fuel cell technology that will transform everyday life, revolutionize your view on how energy is generated and how the widespread adoption of fuel cells will benefit future generations through their clean and sustainable method of generating electricity.  We offer products such as electrolysers that generate hydrogen from water, hydrogen storage products, and fuel cells that use hydrogen for generating electricity.  See their Web site at: http://www.FuelCellStore.com  .

Blueprint for Green Homes-Building With Recycled Materials and Energy-Saving Designs is on the Rise
Living room walls made of recycled newsprint and carpet pads. Kitchen cabinets from glued-together chips of recycled wood.   Counter tops of used carpet, bottle shards, vinyl records and computer parts. Garden walls from slices of earth, resembling a multilayer chocolate cake.  Sound like some kitschy, post-hippie nod to better living through the local dump? Not by a long shot.
"Green building," once only the domain of the granola crowd, has gone mainstream, as architects, designers and developers have spread the word about the environmental, economic and health benefits of living green. "When people understand the benefits of green building ... they never go back to a conventional home again," said David Johnston, president of What's Working, an international design and consulting firm in Boulder, Colorado.  While only a handful of cities have building codes or ordinances that define green building, architects and builders agree that the structures typically use engineered or sustainable-yield lumber, energy-efficient heating and cooling units, nontoxic paints and carpets, and water-conserving designs.  Fewer construction materials are used, and those that are left over are recycled.  The "greenest" homes are positioned to maximize sun exposure for natural heating and are well-ventilated to capture breezes.  They use recycled products for cabinetry, decks, floors and walls, and solar technology, preferably photovoltaic cells.  Experts haven't tallied the number of green homes nationwide, but the movement has gained momentum in the last five years, so much so that city architects from Los Angeles to New York are going green with new fire and police stations, libraries and community centers, as well as million-dollar homes and affordable-housing projects.  Among the benefits espoused by green-building proponents are energy and water conservation, healthy indoor air quality, cost savings over time and the superior construction of the buildings. Many who live in green buildings also take pride in doing their part for the environment.
Santa Monica architects David Hertz and Stacy Fong began building their own dream green house six years ago in Venice, when the trend was just picking up steam.  The married couple, parents to three children 10 years of age and younger, installed solar panels (recycled from a commercial building) to warm the four-bedroom house and generate hot water.  Their radiant heating system uses solar panels to heat water, which is delivered to storage tanks. Some of the heat then goes to a "heat exchanger"--a tank that sends warm water into plastic tubes embedded in the home's concrete floors and walls, bathtubs and showers, even concrete furniture designed by Hertz. The warm water circulates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and utilizes only 60 watts of power, the amount of energy used by a light bulb, Hertz said.  The house also boasts automatic skylights, which open when sensors determine a temperature change indoors, letting in ocean breezes.  The seven-level, 2,700-square-foot house uses about 75% of the energy that a traditionally built house would use annually, Hertz said.  There are no carpets, drapes or decorative moldings to harbor mold, Hertz said. The concrete floors are sturdy enough for the children to ride bikes and skateboard in certain indoor areas, and can be hosed down when they get dirty. Hertz developed the lightweight concrete, called Syndecrete, which is used throughout the house--on the floors, as counter tops and tiles for the kitchen sink and bathtubs. The product is composed almost entirely of recycled content, such as ash from electronic components, used carpet, broken bottles, scrap metal and videotape recorders, among other "obsolescents of our society," as Hertz calls them.  "A lot of houses could be built anywhere--in any city, climate, country," Hertz said. "Our house is built for this region, this climate, with local materials."  Home builders, who traditionally have not embraced concepts that cost more and have an "environmentally friendly" label attached, have climbed on board the green train, with some caveats, said Tom Hoyt, chief executive officer of McStain Enterprises in Colorado.  McStain, which builds upscale homes, introduced its first green project--a townhouse complex--in 1995, using small-dimension lumber to cut down on construction waste. Today the company installs high-efficiency furnaces in its new homes, offers optional photovoltaic solar panels and builds outdoor decks from recycled plastics.  Insulation is derived from wet-spray cellulose (recycled newspaper and wood fiber materials), and the carpets are made of recycled soda bottles, which Hoyt claims are more stain-resistant and better wearing.  "Green buildings are a little more expensive at first, but you get the payback later," Hoyt said. "They last longer and you get more back when it's time to sell."  Not all builders are as enthusiastic about green building, which can add 3% to 15% to a home's price tag. The earlier in the   building process that "green" elements are incorporated, the less expensive the project is, experts say. Those extra costs typically are paid back over five years for residential buildings, and up to 15 years for some commercial buildings, mainly through energy savings. Some builders still are unconvinced, however.  "In California, buyers are primarily looking for location first, desirable architecture second and a good floor plan third," said Robb Pigg, vice president of operations at J.H. Shea. "Will they pay $10,000 extra for a home that uses new technology and products? Probably not."  Nonetheless, many of Southern California's biggest builders are incorporating some green strategies in their new houses. Shea Homes, for example, often uses sustainable forest products--lumber milled from small logs that are harvested from renewable forests. The company also recycles its construction waste, such as Sheetrock, lumber and cardboard.  The builder includes energy-efficient appliances, heating and air units in its homes, and in San Diego, the company has begun to install high-tech solar cells on the roofs of some of its new homes at an extra cost of about $3,000 per house. One challenge facing builders is the lack of uniform guidelines for green building, said Mike Hodgson, energy committee chairman at the California Builders Industry Association, a building industry trade group.  Although still not officially recognized within the industry, the new California Green Builder guidelines, created by the state's Building Industry Institute, has established minimum criteria for residential green building: energy efficiency, air emissions, waste recycling and water
conservation.  Builders who recycle 50% or more of construction waste, cut energy costs, create landscapes that use 25% less water than typical homes, among other initiatives,  may market themselves as green builders, Hodgson said. Forecast Homes, Pardee Homes and Shea are among the California builders beginning to embrace these green principles, he said.  Builders aren't the only ones going green. Los Angeles established a Sustainable Design Implementation program recently that provides guidance for green projects, said Deborah Weintraub, chief architect for the city.  Weintraub is co-writing a reference guide that will take the widely used "green" rating system for commercial structures--Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, written by the U.S. Green Building Council--and apply it to Los Angeles' city codes and ordinances.  Meanwhile, several cities nationwide, including Los Angeles; Denver; Austin, Texas; and San Francisco, have established sets of green guidelines for residential building to aid architects and builders in meeting standards considered environmentally and energy-friendly.  Going way beyond minimal green standards, Santa Monica architects Larry Scarpa and Angela Brooks recently remodeled their Venice house as a quintessential   green home. The husband-and-wife team, lifelong "greenies," say they design all their buildings using green strategies, from their   modest Westside abode to the 44-unit affordable-housing complex their firm designed for the Community Corp. of Santa Monica.
Colorado Court, in the heart of downtown Santa Monica and set for completion early next year, will utilize high-tech solar panels to produce electricity; a low-energy, natural gas-powered turbine system that will provide 100% of the building's hot water needs; and extra insulation throughout the building. The development also will feature drought-tolerant plants, a drip-irrigation system and an underground storm-water retention system that will capture 95% of the site's storm-water runoff.  "[The trend] is catching on," Scarpa said, "because it's the right thing to do, and the houses are beautiful."  On the home front, Scarpa and Brooks' remodeled house, which is only partially completed, incorporates solar panels that meet 100% of their power needs, recycled wood products for their cupboards and floors, walls made of recycled newsprint and carpet pads, and pink, palm-sanded acrylic skylights designed to vent the home's heat, which is released through specially designed windows that bring in cooler outside air.  Santa Monica was among the first American cities to embrace green building. It adopted a long-term environmental plan in 1994, whose goals included storm-water retention, high-density affordable housing, and other green building initiatives, according to Susan Munves, coordinator for Santa Monica's energy and green building programs.  In addition to the Colorado Court project, the city is building a new structure to house the Fire and Police departments, which will incorporate a number of green strategies and will be 36% more energy-efficient than California codes call for, Munves said.  Casa Verde, an affordable-housing development in Hollywood, incorporates cross-ventilation corridors and natural light, and framing made of engineered wood products, said Bill Roschen, the project's architect. Energy-efficient heating and air systems are included in every unit, as are tiles made from recycled materials. With the advent of programs to increase environmental awareness, the trend that five years ago was just a whisper has become the talk of the town.  "Green building has become a part of the dialogue now," said Craig Perkins, director of environmental and public works   management for Santa Monica. "It is not just an accessory; this is how building will be done from now on."    For more information about green building, visit these Web sites:

• U.S. Green Building Council:  http://www.usgbc.org
• Global Green USA:  http://www.globalgreen.org
• Sustainable Building Industry Council:   http://www.sbicouncil.org
• Green Building Alliance:  http://www.gbapgh.org
• U.S. Department of Energy:  http://www.eren.doe.gov
• Environmental Building News:  http://www.buildinggreen.com
• Rocky Mountain Institute: http://www.rmi.org
• National Assn. of Home Builders: http://www.nahb.com

National Energy Security: Implications for National Energy Policy
The Environmental and Energy Study Institute held a Congressional briefing October 4, 2001 to discuss national energy security.  The federal government, as well as state and local governments, was focused on combating terrorism and improving national security after the September 11th attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C.  The briefing took a look at the existing energy system and its vulnerabilities, as well as some of the steps and solutions to providing the nation and the economy a more secure and reliable energy system.  Some of these same solutions provide the ancillary benefits of decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, increasing jobs, stimulating economic activity, and spurring rural economic development.   Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, co-hosted the briefing and provided opening remarks.   The nation’s energy system is inextricably linked to national security.  Two-thirds of the world’s oil reserves are in the Middle East.  Energy fuels
the U.S. economy, and disruptions to the nation’s energy supply hinder the economy and economic growth.  The United States currently imports over 50 percent of its oil with nearly a quarter of U.S. imports coming from the Persian Gulf.  There are now many national security discussions about power plants as potential targets for terrorist attacks, which could cause major disruptions in power generation.  In particular, attacks on nuclear power plants could pose a great risk to human life.  Key to energy security is
finding the means to provide uninterrupted power to fuel the country’s daily activities and economic well-being, relying on secure supplies of fuel and electricity and the unimpeded transportation of those energy supplies through transmission lines and pipelines to where it is needed.  Distributed generation of renewable energy sources is often cited as a way to diversify the nation’s energy supply and disburse the locations of energy generation, providing smaller energy generation sites closer to the end-user, as opposed to large, centrally located plants which potentially could be more vulnerable to terrorist attack.  Renewable energy resources, such as biomass, geothermal, solar, and wind, are abundant and located throughout the United States.  Combined heat and power and district energy technologies can also greatly increase the efficiency of a distributed energy network.  Numerous experts have suggested that efficiency gains and the use of distributed generation contribute to a power system that is more resilient to stresses on the electricity distribution system, deliberate attacks, and volatile market forces (due to domestic and/or international factors).  In addition, it will lower the nation’s energy bill and its stress on the economy.  Two-thirds of all the oil used in the United States is consumed in the transport sector, which is 98 percent dependent on petroleum.  Fuel use could be significantly decreased if advanced vehicle technologies, including electric-hybrid, fuel cell, advanced battery and an array of other available technology applications, were to be broadly deployed to improve the fuel economy of vehicles.  Moreover, the use of domestically produced renewable biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, could decrease our dependence on foreign oil from unstable regions of the world, promote rural economic development, and protect the environment.  This briefing is open to the public, and reservations are not required.  For more information, please contact Beth Bleil of EESI at 202-662-1885 or bbleil@eesi.org. Environmental and Energy Study Institute.  Source: Environmental and Energy Study Institute 10/4/2001.

Bush Urges Congress to Pass Energy Bill
President Bush urged the Senate Thursday to pass his energy bill so the nation would not be dependent on foreign oil as it wages a global fight against terrorism in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in Washington and New York.  "Move a bill that will help Americans find work and also make it easier for all of us around this table to protect the security of the country," Bush said after a meeting with his Cabinet secretaries.   The energy bill is one of several domestic agenda items that have languished before Congress as it and the White House spent the last 30 days dealing with the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terror attacks on Washington and New York.  The House version of the energy policy calls for the United States to construct up to 38,000 miles of natural gas pipelines and build more nuclear power plants. It excluded the provision that would have allowed oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.  Bush also said he wanted an economic stimulus package that would include tax cuts that could have a short-term positive effect on the economy.  Congress and the White House have been struggling to forge a stimulus package that would jumpstart the stalled economy.  Bush has proposed $60 billion in additional tax cuts for individuals and businesses, accelerated marginal tax cuts and the elimination of the alternative minimum tax on corporate America that would kick in with the increased child
credit due to become effective next year.  But conservative Republicans are angry that the White House did not include cuts in the capital gains and corporate tax rate.  Democrats oppose the tax cuts as perks for those in the upper-tax brackets. The GOP senate leadership has suggested dropping the 28 percent tax bracket to 26 percent immediately while preserving the other rates.  The president said he also wanted lawmakers to give him trade promotion authority -- the ability to negotiate economic treaties with other nations subject to only up-or-down approval by the Senate.  The president plans to hold a prime-time news conference Thursday night on the U.S.-led campaign against terrorism as the nation marks the one-month anniversary of terrorist attacks on Washington and New York City that left more than 6,000 people injured or dead.  The president will answer questions in the East Room of the White House at 8 p.m. and talk with the American people about the latest developments in the war against terrorism.  It was one month ago that 19 hijackers boarded airliners in Virginia and Boston then commandeered the aircraft crashing two of them into the World Trade Center twin towers and a third into the Pentagon building outside Washington. A fourth jet that authorities believe was intended for the White House or U.S. Capitol crashed in Pennsylvania.  Bush said Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill reported during the Cabinet meeting that the United States had frozen $24 billion in assets linked to al Qaida and other terrorist organizations. Saudi exile Osama bin Laden and his Muslim extremist group al Qaida were identified by federal authorities as prime suspects in the Sept. 11 attacks.  On Sunday, the United States, along with Great Britain, launched attacks against Afghanistan which has harbored bin Laden despite demands by Bush and his national security team to surrender him and destroy his camps suspected of training terrorists.  Earlier in the day, the president traveled to the Pentagon along with first lady Laura Bush to participate in a memorial service "United in Memory" which honored the victims of the attack. The Pentagon, home of the Defense Department, was severely damaged in the attack.  Vice President Cheney, who remains in what the White House describes as a "secure location" where he was taken before military strikes against Afghanistan began Sunday, did not participate in the Cabinet meeting. It is customary to separate the president and the vice president during periods of heightened security. The White House said Cheney has been participating regularly by teleconferencing in National Security Council meetings.  Cheney will be interviewed on the PBS program "News Hour with Jim Lehrer" which will air Friday night.  Source: United Press International, October 12, 2001 via COMTEX via PowerMarketers.com via Western's Newsclips.
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For more information on legislative activities go to: http://www.kannerandassoc.com/fedenergybills.html
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Interactions of Wind Farms with Bulk-Power Operations and Markets
The Project for Sustainable e FERC Energy Policy has released a report by Eric Hirst on the Interactions of Wind Farms with Bulk-Power Operations and Markets, Alexandria, VA, September 2001.  This report and others can be download at no cost at:
http://www.ehirst.com/publications.html  .  Source: IREC Solar News 9-2001.

Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks
The U.S. EPA has released a report entitled: Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks 1990 - 1999.  Download the report for free at: http://www.epa.gov/globalwarming/publications/emissions/index.html  .  Source: Climate Change Update Fall 2001.

Renewable Energy Annual 2000
The U.S. DOE Energy Information Administration has produced their annual Renewable Energy Report 2000.  This reports summarizes U.S. renewable energy procuduction.  Download the report for free at:  http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/solar.renewables/page/pubs.html  .  Source: Climate Change Update Fall 2001.

The Hoover Institution
The Hoover Institution on War, Revolution and Peace within Stanford University is a public policy research center devoted to advanced study of politics, economics, and political economy—both domestic and foreign—as well as international affairs. Founded in 1919 by Herbert Hoover, who later became the thirty-first president of the United States, the Institution originated as a specialized
collection of documents on the causes and consequences of World War I. The collection grew rapidly and soon became one of the largest archives and most complete libraries in the world devoted to political, economic, and social change in the twentieth century.  See the Hoover Web site at:  http://www-hoover.stanford.edu/publications/default.html  .

Shell Foresees the End of the “Hydrocarbon Age”
News item from Reuters: Big Oil must prepare itself for the end of the hydrocarbon age as alternative energies win over consumers in coming decades, chairman of the world's No. 2 energy firm Royal Dutch/Shell said last Wednesday. Oil giants from the last century will have to look to their laurels if they are not to be unseated as motorists move toward hydrogen-powered vehicles, and renewable energies, such as wind or solar power emerge Shell Chairman Phil Watts told reporters.

Analysis:  It seems that “Big Oil” is beginning to look at scenarios that have alternative energy sources to oil and gas. At least two of the three “Bigs” are prominently playing alternatives into their long-range planning. British Petroleum (BP) has an aggressive campaign on alternative energy sources, while others like Exxon have continued to be focused solely on oil and gas.   Wednesday in New York, Watts spoke to reporters about Shell's scenario planning. This long-range outlook of world energy has oil shrinking from 40 percent of the world's energy source to 25 percent by 2050. Oil will still be the leader, with gas coming in at 20 percent in 2050. However, it is still quite a drop.

From Oil to Gas:  "One thing I am convinced of is that the next 50 years is not going to be more of the same. An energy company had better make sure it has the necessary expertise and knowledge," Watts said at the launch of Shell's 'Long Term Energy Scenarios'. Referring to one of Shell's scenarios, Watts said, “We could see an evolutionary progression, the so-called carbon shift, from coal to gas, to renewables, or possibly even to nuclear."  One could argue that the U.S. is already seeing the shift from coal to gas. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) has estimated that at the forecasted rate of electricity consumption, 1,300 new power plants will be needed over the next 20 years. The majority of these plants are fueled by natural gas. According to the energy profile of the U.S. released by the EIA in April of this year, the U.S. has proven natural-gas reserves of 167 trillion cubic feet (Tcf), 3.2 percent of world reserves, and currently consumes natural gas at a rate of 22.8 Tcf per year. From a long-term perspective, however, natural gas is very limited in supply. In the United States, the remaining natural gas resource is expected to be near depletion within 50 years. Coal is clearly the nation's greatest resource, representing approximately 90 percent of our fossil energy reserves.  Calpine is certainly capitalizing on the near-term future of natural gas-fired generation. They announced a purchase of 35 7FB and 11 7FA gas-fired turbines from General Electric in April of this year and 27 Siemens Westinghouse steam turbines just last month. The purchase announcements are a part of Calpine's five-year strategic plan to have 70,000 megawatts of generation online by the end of 2005.   The U.S. imports only (net) 3.6 Tcf of natural gas, largely from Canada. Natural-gas wellhead prices averaged over $6.00 per thousand cubic feet (mcf) during the first quarter of 2001, up sharply from $3.62/mcf seen in 2000 and nearly triple the 1999 average price of $2.08/mcf. The price increases are attributed to a decline in U.S. gas production during the 1990s because of low prices, the increase in demand driven by new power generation, and gas storage levels dropping below normal. Recently, gas prices returned to the $2/mcf level after a mild summer, but NYMEX futures contracts for late 2002 deliveries are trading above the $3/mcf level indicating the expectation that gas prices will rise in response to the anticipated increased demand.  Canadian imports are also expected to expand substantially through 2020 resulting from additional gas-fired electric power plants. This anticipated increased consumption requires expansion of gas pipeline and storage capacity—$1.5 trillion over the next 15 years according to the National Petroleum Council. Duke Energy certainly has recognized this trend and has capitalized quickly by announcing the purchase of Westcoast Energy, Inc., a Canadian-based utility engaged primarily in natural-gas gathering, processing, transmission, storage, and distribution, as well as electric power generation, international, financial, information technology, and energy services businesses.

From Gas to Renewables:  According to one of Shell's scenarios, at some point we will move from gas to renewables. Shell lists those options as solar and wind energy and has backed up its claim with a $500-million to $1-billion spending package over the next five years, focused primarily on—you guessed it—solar and wind. If a large oil company announced that it had up to $1 billion to invest in solar and wind, who would begin to show up on the radar screen? Let's take a quick look at a few likely candidates.
AstroPower, Inc., 461 Wyoming Road, Solar Park, Newark, DE 19716-2000,  http://www.astropower.com , Technology: Photovoltaics, Start date: 1983:  AstroPower produces a complete line of photovoltaic solar cells, solar modules and complete systems packages for residential, commercial and industrial applications as well as turnkey power plant solutions for utilities in the newly deregulated energy market. They originally received a $2.3-million investment from the Department of Energy (DOE) and have since IPO'd and can be found on the NASDAQ at symbol APWR.

Big Frog Mountain, 100 Cherokee Blvd., Suite 321, Chattanooga, TN 37405, http://www.bigfrogmountain.com  .  Technology: Alternative energy sources, Start date: 1999:  Big Frog Mountain is a private company that designs and supplies renewable energy equipment to businesses, industry and private residences. The alternative energy equipment supplies power using micro-hydro, solar panels and wind turbines.

Bergey Windpower Co., Inc., 2001 Priestley Avenue, Norman, OK 73069,  http://www.bergey.com  .  Technology: Wind turbines,
Start date: 1979:   Bergey Windpower is a private firm that designs and manufactures wind generators in sizes of 850, 1,500 and 10,000 watts. They claim to have seen an increase in home wind energy systems as a result of the California energy crisis.

Worthy of noting here is the fact that Shell competitor BP has already entered into the renewable arena and has recently formed a new division known as BP Solar. Based in Linthicum, Md., they produce high-efficiency silicon cells and modules, custom-designed batteries, power control electronics and where appropriate, load equipment in the solar industry. Fueling Shell's interest may be some of the recent successes that BP Solar has enjoyed.  In March of this year, BP Solar announced that over 400,000 residents of the Philippines would benefit from a deal signed between them and the Spanish and Philippine governments to bring solar power to 150 isolated villages in the Philippines. Led by the Philippine Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), the $48-million contract—the largest solar energy project ever—is financed by the Spanish government and will be implemented in two phases, the first scheduled to begin just last month.  In April of this year, BP Solar announced plans to build a solar-module assembly plant in Hamlin, Lower Saxony, Germany. With a total investment in Hamlin of $12 million, the plant will have an annual production capacity of 20 MW and create more than 100 new jobs.  The Hamlin plant was soon surpassed by the announcement of an Australian facility in June. Opening in Homebush Bay in Sydney, the new plant will manufacture BP's high-efficiency solar panels, bringing valuable export dollars to the country with over 60 percent of the panels to be exported around the world. BP invested over $20 million to build the plant that is providing over 200 high tech jobs. The new facility houses all of BP Solar's Australian manufacturing, design and market support facilities. Cell annual output capacity will reach 25MW in 2001 and the plant has the capability for possible further expansion.

Do Renewables Include Fuel Cells?:  Shell also mentioned multiple scenarios under their long-range planning efforts, one of which included an increase in the fuel cell industry. According to the fuel cell scenario, rapid growth in fuel cells—which produce electricity from hydrogen and cut harmful emissions—could shift the energy business dramatically away from oil long before oil becomes scarce. Today's fuel cells typically create hydrogen by reforming natural gas, so they do not fit the definition of being a renewable resource. Rather, fuel cells hold great promise to reduce air pollution emissions when compared to combustion technologies. Fuel cells produce near-zero emissions and highly pure water when converting a hydrogen-rich source into electric energy.  I am impressed that two of the three largest oil producers are beginning to look at their mainstay business as being limited in the long run. Radical changes that are possible in the energy business means that the industry participants which dominated the last century such as Exxon, BP and Shell cannot afford to assume they will dominate for the next 100 years. In the words of Shell Chairman Phil Watts, "that would be a very complacent view. Longevity in corporations is not the norm." Chairman Watts reminds me of an exercise performed in many business schools around the country today. Look at the New York Stock Exchange 100 years ago and try to find companies that are still in the “mix.” Surprisingly, it is difficult to find many. Those that are still in existence have had to change dramatically in order to survive. IBM used to be a typewriter manufacturer. Today they are the world's largest computer company. Where will the oil companies be in 50 years? Will they still be strictly oil and gas?  If Watts executes his scenario plans, not a chance.  Source: Scientech IssueAlerts 10/5/2001 by Jon T. Brock, Director, Strategic and Competitive Intelligence
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For more information on marketing and research go to:  http://www.nrel.gov/analysis/emaa/index.html
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Solar Project Financing Available for Government Entities
SunWize® Technologies announces a joint program with Government Capital Corporation (GCC) to offer city, county, and state governments, school districts, tribal governments, hospitals and universities financing options for solar energy projects. Solar is ideal where a continuous, reliable source of power is needed and for remote locations with no access to utility power. Solar power projects can include school zone flashers, outdoor security lighting, water pumping, remote telecommunications, campground facilities, and highway message signs. As more demands are placed on budgets, organizations are searching for ways to stretch available funds to acquire essential property. Lease-purchase financing represents a simple and effective way to acquire needed equipment while maintaining budget control. Financing includes equipment, shipping, installation and other non-equipment costs. GCC provides low,   tax-exempt rates with deferred payment options, and rapid turnaround and funding throughout the 48 states and Puerto Rico. With GCC financing flexibility, SunWize can design a solar power system without compromising customer needs due to budget constraints.  For more information, contact David Love, SunWize Technologies, tel: 360-754-2564,  http://www.sunwize.com  , email: sunwizewa@earthlink.com or Judy Foote, Government Capital Corporation, tel: 800-883-1199, web site: http://www.governmentcapital.com  .  Source: Solar e-Clips 10/16/2001.
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For more information on funding solicitations go to: http://www.eren.doe.gov/solicitations.html
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