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The Long Island Power Authority recently announced the enrollment of the Southampton, Southold, East Hampton, Riverhead and Shelter Island municipalities of New York in LIPA's Green Choice Program. According to LIPA, the Green Choice Program, which is available to more than 1 million customers, encourages the purchase of renewable energy resources.
"LIPA is very pleased by the enthusiastic response from our customers regarding the Green Choice Program," said LIPA chairman Richard Kessel. "This is another example of Long Island's progressive and proactive thinking that will help protect our environment and ease our dependence on fossil fuels." Contact: Ron Kamen, LIPA, phone 917-453-5740. Source: EIN Renewable Energy Today, 3/23/2005.
Across the open mesas of West Texas, turbines tower above the landscape, harnessing the wind's power. But they've been a relatively unfamiliar sight in the Metroplex. However, the winds of change might be blowing through Garland. Garland Power & Light, the city of Garland's municipally owned utility, is considering installing a wind turbine that would be one of the first large-scale, wind-powered energy turbines in or near the Metroplex. If built, the 1.5-megawatt wind turbine would be placed along the shores of Lake Lavon, located four miles northeast of Wylie. In January, the Garland City Council approved $50,000 for preliminary engineering studies for a wind turbine that would carry a price tag of $2.25 million.
In Texas, one megawatt provides enough electricity for a year to power 300 to 400 homes, according to the Austin-based Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association. Garland plans to allocate $1.45 million for the project in 2006 and $800,000 in 2007, though that money won't be earmarked until each year's budget is approved, said Elizabeth Kimbrough, GP&L's electric marketing manager.
A consulting firm for the preliminary studies hasn't been chosen yet, she said. Three sites along the Lake Lavon shoreline at GP&L's 66-acre Olinger Plant have been identified as possible locations for a wind turbine, said David Bernard, GP&L's production administrator. He declined to discuss specific locations. Garland Mayor Bob Day said the city's move toward wind as a possible energy source was prompted by public inquiries about alternative energy. Natural gas is currently the city utility's primary source of power. Source: Joyce Tsai, Staff Writer, BizJournals.com, 3/28/2005.
Pacific Hydro, Ltd. recently announced that Britain's Renewable Energy Holdings, Plc launched this week the new CETO wave energy converter prototype, which was designed and developed by West Australian company Seapower Pacific Pty, Ltd.
According to Pacific Hydro, the CETO prototype will be submerged approximately seven meters in a position off the coast of Fremantle, Western Australia. Pacific Hydro said REH has a five-year plan to refine the unit and develop it to the commercialization phase.
"We know that wind-generated waves, like we have off the West Australian coast, have the highest concentration of energy, and now we have the technology to convert this reliable source of energy into electricity and fresh water," said CETO co-developer Alan Burns. "There are similar technologies currently in operation that are generating electricity offshore but experiencing substantial energy loss in piping it to land." Contact: Andrew Gould, Pacific Hydro, phone 03+9615-6410. Source: EIN Renewable Energy Today, 3/24/2005.
Is a 100 million-gallon- per-year ethanol plant being planned in the Underwood, N.D., area? Great River Energy officials say they're studying that, but then they're studying a lot of things. "Ethanol is one of many things we've looked at, " says Al Christianson, North Dakota business services representative for Elk River-Minn.-based Great River, which is owned by member cooperatives.
About 80 percent of the Great River's electricity comes from two coal-based power plants -- Coal Creek Station and Stanton Station, near Underwood, which is north of Bismarck, N.D. Christianson declines to speculate on just how ethanol and the power plants would relate to each other. He emphasizes that a year ago, the company also was looking at biodiesel feasibility.
"It (an ethanol plant) is not a project we're ready to discuss," Christianson says despite what sources in the area's agriculture community say. His company has "looked at everything," he says, noting that ethanol plants come in a series of standard increments from a 20 million- gallon plant to the 100 million-gallon level. Among the issues are availability of commodities, such as corn, which would largely have to be shipped in, and the market for distiller's grains.
"People always hope for the best," says Christianson, who also serves as mayor of Washburn, N.D. Sometimes when consultants are looking into the potential for a project, people can prematurely jump to conclusions, he says. Great River is Minnesota's second-largest wholesale electrical supplier. The company generates electricity and transmits it to 28 distribution cooperatives.
The company's power lines cover 60 percent of Minnesota and reach into North Dakota and Wisconsin. A 100 million-gallon ethanol plant would more than double current ethanol production in North Dakota. According to industry references, North Dakota has 39 million gallons of production now.
About 28 million gallons are in Walhalla in a plant operated by Archer Daniels Midland. The other 11 million gallons of production are in Grafton at a plant owned by Alchem Ltd. A proposed Red Trail Energy's 50 million-gallon plant in Richardton, N.D., reportedly is nearing a $25 million equity goal for a $78 million project. That plant would use some local corn, but also bring in trains from bigger production areas.
Red Trail touts its favorable 10-year contract for lignite coal, which provides a 70 percent to 80 percent savings over natural gas. Dakota Renewable Fuels L.L.C., a 30 million-gallon project in Valley City, N.D., fell $15 million short of an $18 million equity goal for the $46 project last fall, but was planning to reorganize and seek out-of-state investors.
A California Indian tribe was on its way Sunday to becoming the first to have its own commercial wind-energy turbines. The Campo Band of Kumeyaay Indians have signed a 20-year agreement with Superior Renewable Energy of Houston, the San Diego Tribune reports. The company plans to erect 25 turbines on the Campo reservation 60 miles east of San Diego, generating 50 megawatts of energy to power 50,000 homes in the city.
Tribal Vice Chairman Ralph Goff said the tribe is glad to diversify from its casino to another income source. "It's always good to do something that's environmentally friendly, and this is one of those types of projects," Goff said. "We're looking forward to seeing it actually become a reality." The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs released a report earlier this year that found the environmental impact of the project would be minimal. Source: United Press International via Energy Central, 3/21/2005.
Vulcan Power Company signed with Southern California Edison a long term contract to supply clean reliable geothermal power from its massive 40,000 acre Nevada geothermal properties near the California border. Vulcan is to supply up to 120 megawatts to SCE, enough power for about 120,000 people.
Geothermal is known as the "Premium Power Source" due to its 24 by 7 baseload clean sustainable power product. Geothermal plants have 95 percent on-line capacity factors like gas fired plants but are fueled by the natural steam of the earth. They are nearly benign producing almost no air emissions. The geothermal industry now provides about 2,800 MW of power in America. It is growing again in the West. Other Vulcan projects plan to extend geothermal power output to Oregon, Arizona and New Mexico.
SCE is a progressive electric utility in Southern California and is the largest purchaser of renewable power in America. About 18 percent of SCE power delivered to customers is from renewables of which 892 MW is from geothermal. It has bought 70 MW from two other Nevada geothermal sites for over a decade. One of the nation's largest utilities, SCE serves a population of over 13 million via 4.6 million customers' accounts.
Vulcan COO Roger Rynearson said this contract is a large step forward for our industry and company. Vulcan has a number of properties under development in Nevada and we look forward to rapid implementation of the SCE projects. It is a catalyst for growth of our renewable project portfolio.
Rynearson was formerly with the geothermal divisions of Pacific Gas & Electric and the Northern California Power Authority, a nine city municipal utility authority with large geothermal operations. PG&E was formerly the world's largest owner-operator of geothermal power plants. At NCPA he was charged with development, maintenance and operation of 220 MW of geothermal plants and steam drill rig maintenance.
Vulcan shareholder and project partner Hiram "Tony" Bingham also hailed the new power sales contract. He said the dedicated Vulcan team deserves high praise for not only surviving but for growing through years of adversity and lack of power contract opportunities for the industry. Our partners have done a great job advocating renewable energy portfolio standard laws in many states and building a fine team of earth scientists and power engineers. Those clean power laws now require over 4,000 MW of new diversified clean power purchases where we conduct business, he said.
Bingham is managing director of Davenport Power, based in Connecticut. They are partners with Vulcan in the 38,000-acre Newberry Volcano, Oregon geothermal project. He was formerly president of Caithness Resources for 18 years which now owns and co-developed the successful 270 MW geothermal project at Coso, Calif., which has been selling power to SCE for over a decade.
Paul Brophy, a noted geothermal earth scientist, has been a consultant to Vulcan. He said the Company owns the largest geothermal property position in America. The Vulcan resource portfolio includes large sites in the Basin and Range geologic province of Nevada like those producing 500 MW of power in eastern California and Nevada and in the Cascade Range volcanics of California and Oregon with temperatures to 600° F.
Vulcan is in a unique position to bring large new American projects on-line producing clean reliable geothermal energy, he said. He has worked on many geothermal projects worldwide including Vulcan properties in the Cascades Range. Brophy is the incoming president-elect of the Geothermal Resources Council, the 900 member industry professional association based in Davis, Calif.
DayStar Technologies, Inc. recently unveiled its new photovoltaic LightFoil technology for high specific power applications. According to DayStar, LightFoil consists of high-efficiency CIGS solar cells deposited on thin titanium foil. DayStar said LightFoil has achieved a specific power level of 1440 watts per kilogram in the laboratory setting.
"LightFoil is specifically designed to meet the unique challenges posed by stratospheric airships, other unmanned aerial vehicles and orbital craft," said DayStar CEO John Tuttle. "Without the constraints of adapting an existing silicon-based product manufacturing line, we were free to produce a low-cost, lightweight product which exceeds specific power requirements in many cases. As a consequence, DayStar is able to dedicate manufacturing capability specifically for LightFoil, should demand warrant." Source: EIN Renewable Energy Today, 3/3/2005.
Vestas Group recently announced it has received an order to supply and commission 67 V80 1.8-megawat wind turbines for SeaWest Holdings, Inc. subsidiary Buffalo Gap Wind Farm, LLC's 120-MW wind power project near Abilene, TX.
According to Vestas, the parties have entered into a turbine supply agreement and a warranty, maintenance and service agreement. Vestas noted that Arlington, VA-based AES Corporation has announced plans to acquire SeaWest Holdings and combine this with its other recent investment in US Wind Force, LLC, in order to advance its goal to become a strong wind generation developer, operator and owner.
"We are pleased to be part of this project and AES Corporation's entry into the U.S. wind power market," said Vestas Wind Systems president and CEO Svend Sigaard. "The market for wind power in the U.S. is changing. An increasing number of major utilities and developers like AES Corporation are focusing on wind power, a trend we expect will have a positive impact on the market." Source: EIN Renewable Energy Today, 3/3/2005.
AquaEnergy Group Ltd., a privately held ocean-energy company, today announced that it has closed on the first $1 Million of a multi-stage investment by European renewable energy company, Finavera Ltd.
The initial $500,000 investment makes Finavera a minority shareholder in AquaEnergy, and provides the Washington State-based ocean-energy company a platform for further development and advancement of its patented AquaBuOY wave energy conversion technology. In addition, Finavera has the option to invest an additional $3 Million, which would position it as a significant shareholder in AquaEnergy.
"We are excited to formalize our relationship with Finavera," said Alla Weinstein, President and CEO of AquaEnergy. "Both companies share a vision for the future of wave energy and hope to make a significant contribution to sustainable, carbon-free energy generation," she said. "Finavera's investment allows us to demonstrate the AquaBuOY technology, bringing it another step closer to commercialization."
Finavera President and CEO Jason Bak described the new relationship as "a foundation for the commercialization of a world-leading wave energy technology." Bak added, "After assessing several wave energy technologies, Finavera decided to invest in AquaEnergy because of the excellent promise shown by the technology and the strong management team. These strengths are evident by the contracts that are being arranged for the deployment of the technology around the globe."
AquaEnergy's AquaBuOY technology is undergoing an independent evaluation under the Carbon Trust Marine Energy Challenge Program, a program that has assisted the company in technology development, Weinstein said. According to Weinstein, AquaEnergy has formed a consortium for the deployment of a demonstration plant off the coast of Washington State in Makah Bay, adding that permitting is underway at this time. In addition, AquaEnergy has initiated several other projects in Europe and North America.
The 25th Annual Utility Energy Forum is scheduled for May 4 to 6 at the Granlibakken Conference Center in Tahoe City, Calif. The focus of the event is renewable and energy efficiency technologies and applications in the utility and power industry. The event includes an early "Innovations in the Industry" session on May 3 for those attendees arriving the day before the Forum. Pre Forum Workshops in the morning of May 4 cover the topics of Measurement and Verification, Building Science, and Renewable Energy.
"The Forum has been successful all these years because its planning committee focuses on hot topics, solutions, and trends in the utility industry," said John Berlin, the Forum's President and Customer Services Manager at the Northern California Power Agency. "We also get great interaction amongst the speakers and the attendees in a relaxed, open, and informal atmosphere. The registration package includes conference and exhibit passes, lodging, meals, and social events to help networking."
This year's Forum includes speeches and presentations on new and emerging energy technologies and the strategic role of energy efficiency and renewable energy in meeting future resource needs; a customer view panel – customers from local and national businesses present what they are expecting and what they are getting from their utility service providers; future view panel – utility managers and regulators provide insight on the "Energy Future of the West;" hot topic breakout session – attendees meet in small groups to learn about the pitfalls and promises, case histories, and partnering opportunities in six topics: Water, Green Tags, Peak Load Control, Key Accounts, Low and Moderate Income Programs, and Residential Rebate Programs.
The Geothermal Power Generation Workshop is designed for utility resource personnel and focuses on the key benefits and risks of including geothermal power in a utility's resource portfolio. It is hosted by GeoPowering the West and its Washington State Working Group. The highly qualified speakers bring a mix of professional experience in all aspects of geothermal energy. Attendees will:
There is no registration fee for the meeting, however, you must register to attend. To register, contact Guy Nelson, Director, Utility Energy Forum (541) 994-4670. Similar workshops also will be held in Boise, ID April 13 and Salem, OR May 11 If you are interested in attending those meetings also contact Guy Nelson.
The WINDPOWER 2005 Conference and Exhibition will be held May 15 to 18 in Denver, Colo. With 2005 projected as a record year of megawatt growth in the U.S. and with over 4,000 attendees expected along with over 200 exhibiting companies representing the wind industry globally, there is no better way to interact with top wind energy professionals and key decision makers than at the WINDPOWER 2005 Conference and Exhibition. This year's event includes a special session for electric utilities and power marketers. If your company is interested in exhibiting please contact Stephen Miner, Conference & Education Director, phone (202) 383-2504.
April 4 is the last web cast in a 6 part series on a Guidebook to Expand the Role of Renewables in the Supply Portfolio. The April 4 Web cast will focus on "Designing Projects and Programs," and will include a number of speakers from electric utilities across the United States." Instructors will include Brian Walshe, Altera Energy, Inc.; and Larry Barrett, Barrett and Associates. The Web cast is sponsored by American Public Power Association Demonstration of Energy-Efficient Developments Program, Western Area Power Administration, the U.S. Department of Energy GeoPowering the West Program and the U.S. DOE Wind Powering America Program. The web cast series is based on a new resource produced by the APPA DEED Program entitled: A Guidebook to Expand the Role of Renewables in an Energy Supply Portfolio. To access past Web cast presentations go to the PRP Web site. Presentations are located under the Web cast announcement on the main home page. To register for the April 4 Web cast contact Debbie Rock, Western Area Power Administration, at 720-962-7271. Attendance will be limited to the first 40 people.
The Geothermal Resources Council will convene its 2005 Annual Meeting at the Reno Hilton in Reno, Nev. on Sept. 25-28. The GRC Annual Meeting provides the most important international annual Technical Program where participants learn about the latest advances in geothermal research and development, while enjoying a variety of Optional Events where they can renew old friendships and form new contacts with the best and most influential minds in the industry. These include Field Trips, Workshops, Annual Banquet, Awards Luncheon and Golf Tournament. A unique and special event planned for the GRC 2005 Annual Meeting is a pre-conference workshop for electric utilities on geothermal power generation in cooperation with the U.S. DOE GeoPowering the West Program Program. The GRC 2005 Golf Tournament will take place on Sept. 25 for Annual Meeting participants.
Further information about the GRC 2005 Annual Meeting and companion Geothermal Energy Association Trade Show will be posted as it becomes available on the GRC Web site. You may also phone (530) 758-2360 or e-mail GRC. Ask for a hard copy of the GRC 2005 Annual Meeting First Announcement and Call for Papers. The brochure describes various Technical Program Session Themes and provides guidelines for submitting papers for the event.
Two reports released last week, one by Clean Edge, Inc. and Co-op America's Solar Catalyst Group, and the other by the Energy Foundation and Navigant Consulting Inc., highlight the enormous potential for solar PV in the U.S. if government, industry, and investors cooperate to bring down installed solar photovoltaic pricing.
The Solar High-Impact National Energy SHINE Project report, available at Clean Edge and Solar Catalyst, outlines a three-pronged federal program to regain American leadership in the high-growth global solar PV industry. If enacted, the plan would create up to 580,000 new American jobs and generate up to 9 percent of the country's total electricity needs by 2025.
The report outlines a ten-year plan to aggressively push solar PV over the tipping point – making solar cost-effective for businesses, homeowners,industry, and utilities far faster than current, business-as-usual trends. It includes an innovative federal block-grant program; an aggressive federal solar procurement commitment; and a high-stakes/high-reward competition to develop and deploy low-cost solar solutions.
PV Grid Connected Market Potential in 2010 under a Cost Breakthrough Scenario, describes the vast market potential for rooftop solar PV systems in the United States. The report concludes that rooftop space is not a constraining factor for solar development. Residential and commercial rooftop space in the U.S. could accommodate up to 710,000 MW of solar electric power (if all rooftops were fully utilized). For comparison, total electricity-generating capacity in the U.S. today is about 950,000 MW. Source: Julia Judd, 3/9/2005.
Sponsored by Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program, the workshop is from noon to 4 p.m. EST, Tuesday, April 19, 2005.
Purpose: This free online workshop provides an overview on distributed energy including the role DE plays in energy security via an unlimited web cast.
Who Should Attend: Federal Government officials and individuals and organizations interested in distributed energy project development and implementation.
Training Certificate: Same as last time! Provided upon completion of the course and submission of the workshop evaluation form. Topics covered:
Go to DOE's Website for the Agenda and more information and to register. In order to view the web cast you will need a computer with Windows Media Player and connection to the internet. Referto the user guide on the registration site for more detailed information. Registration is necessary to receive information to connect to the web cast. Course Contact: Marion Rawson or 202-406-4119. Source: Marion Rawson,FEMP, 3/9/2005.
The North Carolina Small Wind Initiative is pleased to announce the 2005 Small Wind Workshop Series. Wind power is a non-polluting, sustainable, reliable, and economical source of energy that can help us reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels, help preserve and protect our environment, and at the same time create new jobs, industry, and sustainable economic development. Please see the following line-up for this exciting schedule of events at the SWI Research and Demonstration Site. Source: Appalachian State University, 3/8/2005.
The National Wind Coordinating Committee has recently published its 2005 Transmission Update Report and past issues.
San Francisco, CA-based research and publishing firm Clean Edge, Inc. recently announced the release of a new report, titled "Clean Energy Trends 2005," which projects that markets for solar photovoltaics will grow from $7.2 billion in 2004 to $39.2 billion by 2014; wind power installations will expand from $8 billion last year to $48.1 billion in 2014; and fuel cells and distributed hydrogen will grow from $900 million to $15.1 million over the next decade.
According to Clean Edge, the report examines factors that are influencing clean-energy markets and tracks such key trends as how biomass is becoming a significant fuel source being used by such customers as the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines; how centralized solar farms located in sun-rich areas could power entire cities; and how the boom in green buildings is spurring development of technologies that are energy efficient, less toxic and made from recycled and renewable materials.
"This year's report demonstrates once again that a range of innovative companies, governments and investors are playing a central role in driving clean-energy growth," said Clean Edge co-founder Ron Pernick. "Our annual report highlights how mainstream many clean-energy technologies have become and the role that they can play in creating new business and investment opportunities." Contact: Ron Pernick, Clean Edge, phone 415-336-8681. Source: EIN Renewable Energy Today, 3/22/2005.
Register now for the Federal Utility Partnership Working Group Spring meeting which will be held in Oklahoma City, Okla., May 12 to 13, 2005. The objectives of the Federal Utility Partnership Working Group are the following:
View preliminary meeting agenda, hotel information, and to register for the meeting.
The U.S. Department of Energy recently unveiled the E85 Fleet Toolkit, an online tool designed to help fleet managers build ethanol fueling infrastructure. This comprehensive, interactive site is designed to be "one-stop shop" for E85 infrastructure information. The E85 toolkit includes:
The E85 Fleet Toolkit is available to the public on the Alternative Fuels Data Center. Source: RFA's Ethanol Report #219, 3/23/2005.
For the latest issue of the IREC Going Solar and The Department of Energy's Million Solar Roofs E-Newsletter. Visit the Interstate Renewable Energy Council's Community Outreach web page, where you can read past E-Newsletters in the Newsletter Archive area. Source: Jane Pulaski, IREC, 3/24/2005.
A steering committee of scientists, conservationists, and wind energy officials assembled in May 2004 to conduct a rigorous two-day Wind Energy and Birds workshop. The Workshop reviewed the best available data on avian mortality and disturbance at wind turbines and discussed the best data on locating, constructing, and operating wind turbines to prevent/minimize mortality and disturbance to birds and bats. At American Bird Conservancy, a WIND ENERGY AND BIRDS POLICY was developed recently with links to data on wind energy and bird bat impacts and siting criteria to avoid such impacts. The Wind Energy Policy evolved over 2003-2004 as ABC had been increasingly requested to provide information on wind energy and birds and to intervene in new wind farm construction. Source: Gerald W. Winegrad, Vice President for Policy, 3/28/2005.
The National Geothermal Collaborative has recently updated their web site. The NGC is a consensus-based collaborative formed in 2002 to establish dialogues among key stakeholders and catalyze appropriate activities to overcome obstacles to appropriate development. This collaborative of stakeholders is interested in supporting geothermal energy development, as well as those who see potential for efficient, environmentally and economically sound use of the resource, if specific conditions are
addressed. Members represent electric utilities, geothermal industry, environmental/renewable energy, a state legislature organization, academia, tribes, state energy offices, and public land managers. Documents recently posted include:
Any questions regarding the Web site or the NGC can be directed to: Jody Erikson and Kathleen Rutherford, RESOLVE, Inc., 1580 Lincoln, #1080, Denver, CO 80203, or 303-318-7465 or 861-1500.
UWIG, AWEA, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory are co-sponsoring a joint Wind Integration and Interconnection Workshop April 14 and 15 at the Hilton Minneapolis. The program focuses on the latest developments in technical and policy considerations related to interconnecting wind to utility power systems. The workshop will open with a session covering the viewpoints of FERC, AWEA, NERC, and WECC on interconnection issues.The second day will open with a session updating the European experience with increasing penetrations of wind energy. Other sessions will focus on the latest work in the US on wind plant modeling and interconnection studies, operating impact analysis, capacity value calculations, energy storage, and wind-hydro integration.
Workshop attendees can participate in the UWIG Annual Meeting, a tour of the G. McNeilus Wind Energy Facility, and a hospitality event hosted by WindLogics, Inc. and EnerNex Corporation. The technical program for the UWIG Annual Meeting will feature an opening session, "So You Want To Be a Balancing Authority," covering the changing landscape in which wind plants will be operating. Leading authorities from NERC, utilities, and RTOs around the country will explore the advantages and disadvantages, problems and concerns associated with integrating wind into different types of RTOs and control areas. The second session will explore current industry practice dealing with reactive power supply and low voltage ride through for wind turbine installations. The final session will examine MISO transmission considerations, Community Wind, and large wind plant developments in the Midwest. Advance Registration deadline has been extended to Friday, April 8, 2005. Details on the Wind Integration and Interconnection Workshop can be found on the UWIG Web site. Details on the Annual Meeting can be found on the UWIG web site. For additional information, please contact Sandy Smith, 865-691-5540, extension 141. Source: Sandy Smith, UWIG, 3/28/2005.
The Center for the Study of Energy Markets publishes a semi-annual newsletter that summarizes recent CSEM Working Papers in lay person terms and discusses the policy implications of the research. The goal is to facilitate access to CSEM research and communicate the policy relevance of the research. Visit the UCEI web site and click on the Energy Markets icon and CSEM Newsletter. Articles in this issue include:
To subscribe to Research Review go to their webpage and click on Working Papers, subscribe to mailing lists. Source: UC Energy Institute, 3/21/2005.
On March 16, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee passed S. 606, the Reliable Fuels Act, that includes establishing a renewable fuels standard that reaches 6 billion gallons per year by 2012.
Senator John Thune (R-SD) and EPW Committee Chair James Inhofe (R-OK) spearheaded the effort to pass an improved RFS package through the committee. The legislation is similar to an RFS fuels agreement included in prior Senate energy bills, but increases the RFS target from 5 to 6 billion gallons.
"The Senate now has an opportunity to improve – and pass – this vital legislation to strengthen America's energy security." – Sen. John Thune
Senator Thune stated: "This is a critical first step to increasing ethanol use in America. Today's vote clears the way for the Senate to make ethanol a cornerstone of America's energy policy. The Senate now has an opportunity to improve – and pass – this vital legislation to strengthen America's energy security."
Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen hailed passage of the bill as a sure sign of progress. "Senator Thune displayed tremendous leadership in encouraging Chairman Inhofe to support a greater role for ethanol in solving our Nation's energy challenges," stated Dinneen. "Raising the RFS target from 5 to 6 billion gallons by 2012 is a big step forward and demonstrates the emerging consensus that the original RFS schedule, which was established four years ago, needs to be updated to reflect the extraordinary growth in U.S. ethanol production since that time."
National Corn Growers Association President Leon Corzine added: "We appreciate the work done by Chairman James Inhofe and Sen. John Thune to begin the RFS debate at 6 billion gallons. The first step is now complete – getting RFS legislation passed out of the EPW Committee – and we can now move the legislative process to the next level."
The Thune/Inhofe bill creates an RFS that requires a small percentage of our nation's fuel supply to be provided by renewable, domestic fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel. It is a national, flexible program that does not require that any renewable fuels be used in any particular area or state, allowing refiners to use renewable fuel blends in those areas where it is most cost-effective. In addition, the bill eliminates the reformulated gasoline oxygenate standard, enhances RFG air quality requirements, and bans the use of MTBE in gasoline by 2010. Source: RFA's Ethanol Report #219, 3/23/2005.
U.S. Senators Dick Lugar (R-IN) and Tom Harkin (D-IA) recently spearheaded the introduction of bipartisan legislation, S. 650, to establish an improved renewable fuels standard fuels agreement. The bill would require the use of 4 billion gallons of renewable fuels, like ethanol and biodiesel, in 2006, increasing to 8 billion gallons by 2012. Nineteen additional Senators cosponsored the Lugar/Harkin bill.
Senator Lugar stated: "The development of renewable fuels would help ensure national and economic security and gas price stability. With high oil prices, ethanol, biodiesel and fuels produced from biomass becoming increasingly important."
Senator Harkin added: "Ninety-seven percent of our transportation fuel today comes from oil, nearly two-thirds of which is from foreign sources. This RFS legislation will firmly commit our nation to clean, secure sources of domestic energy. Farmers and biofuel producers are poised to lead our nation toward a future based on renewable energy."
"Introduction of this 8 billion gallon RFS builds on the momentum begun when the EPW Committee passed an RFS fuels agreement," stated RFA President Bob Dinneen. "As RFS legislation continues to move through the Senate toward the President's desk, there will be ample opportunities to improve the bill and these actions confirm the growing Congressional conviction that biofuels can and should play a major role in easing our Nation's energy problems." In addition to the RFS, the Lugar/Harkin bill eliminates the reformulated gasoline oxygenate standard and improves the credit and waiver provisions of the RFS package.
In addition to Lugar and Harkin, the bill was cosponsored by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and Sens. Chuck Hagel (R-NE), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Tim Johnson (D-SD), Kit Bond (R-MO), Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Jim Talent (R-MO), Ben Nelson (D-NE), Norm Coleman (R-MN), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Thune (R-SD), Barack Obama (D-IL), Ken Salazar (D-CO), Mark Dayton (D-MN), Kent Conrad (D-ND), Evan Bayh (D-IN), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Mike DeWine (R-OH), and Jim Bunning (R-KY). Source: RFA's Ethanol Report #219, 3/23/2005.
The Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee tomorrow will review the fiscal year 2006 budget for the Energy Department's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the Office of Science, and the Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology.
The department's energy efficiency and renewable energy budget for FY '06 calls for a 3.9 percent drop in funding over FY '05 levels, from $1.248 million to $1.2 million for both the renewable energy programs in the energy supply account and the energy efficiency activities within the energy conservation account. Prior to the Appropriations Committee's restructuring, the conservation account fell under the Interior subcommittee's purview.
Under the energy supply section of the budget, the biggest program cuts were for the hydropower research and development program, which DOE has proposed to zero out in much the same manner as it has proposed to shut down the oil and gas R&D programs in the fossil energy budget.
Elsewhere, the program calls for a 37 percent cut in the biomass and biorefinery systems R&D program, from $80.8 million in FY '05 to $50.3 million in FY '06; a 1.3 percent cut for solar energy programs, from $85 million to $83 million; and a 7.8 percent cut in geothermal technology programs, from $25.2 million to $23.2 million.
The energy conservation programs also have been slated for cuts, from a total of $868 million in FY '05 to $846 million in FY '06, though fuel cell technologies gets an 11.5 percent bump from $74.9 million to $83.6 million, and a 200 percent rise in the biomass and biorefinery system R&D, from $7.2 million to $21.8 million, reflecting an acceleration of cost-shared research on bio-based products technologies and their integration into biorefineries aimed at improving the effectiveness, efficiency and economic viability of biorefineries.
The FY '06 science program budget for DOE totals $3.5 billion, about 2 percent less than the FY '05 funding level. It reflects what the department has called several modest program increases due to project completions, ramp-downs, terminations and adjustments in funding priorities.
Lawmakers at a general DOE budget hearing before the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee expressed concern about the science cuts, which affect high-energy physics, which gets a $22.5 million cut, a proposed $34.1 million cut in the nuclear physics program, and a $126.2 million cut in the biological and environmental research program. Science budget winners include the basic energy sciences program, which gets $41.4 million more than FY '05 levels, and fusion energy sciences, which get a total of $16.6 million more in FY '06 over previous year levels.
On the nuclear energy front, the budget supports the president's recent call for expanded nuclear power generation. It funds the Nuclear Power 2010 initiative, the industry cost-share program to test unused Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing procedures to build the first new reactors in nearly 30 years, at $56 million. That represents $6 million more than what Congress appropriated for this year, and well above last year's budget request of $10 million.
The budget includes $45 million for the Generation IV program, which is intended to spur research into next-generation reactors for 2030 and beyond Congress appropriated $40 million for the program in fiscal 2005.
Schedule: The hearing will start at 2 p.m. tomorrow in 124 Dirksen. Witnesses: David Garman, assistant secretary, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; Raymond Orbach, director, Office of Science; and William Magwood, director, Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology. Source: Mary O'Driscoll, E&E Daily Senior Reporter, 3/14/2005.
The Global Wind Energy Council recently released new data which indicate that the global wind power industry installed 7,976 megawatts in 2004, representing a 20-percent increase in total installed generating capacity.
According to GWEC, the countries with the highest total installed wind power capacity included Germany, with 16,629 MW; Spain, with 8,263 MW; the U.S., with 6,740 MW; Denmark, with 3,117 MW; and India, with 3,000 MW.
GWEC said Europe accounted for 72.4 percent of new wind installations in 2004, Asia accounted for 15.9 percent, North America accounted for 6.4 percent and the Pacific region accounted for 4.1 percent. GWEC noted that Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa comprised 0.6 percent of the market share respectively. Contact: Lusia Colasimone, GWEC, phone +32-485-145-411. Source: EIN Renewable Energy Today, 3/4/2005.
The state government of New Mexico recently announced that state legislators adopted a comprehensive clean energy package earlier this week that includes four initiatives related to renewable energy and energy efficiency in both the public and private sectors.
A part of the governor's Invest New Mexico initiative, the package consists of the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Bonding Act, which funds energy efficiency and renewable energy renovations at existing state, tribal and public school facilities by "capturing" energy utility bill savings to pay the debt service on bonds; the Efficient Use of Energy Act, which authorizes and directs electric and gas utilities to implement cost-effective energy efficiency programs; and Natural Resource Conservation Bids, which make it easier for public entities to upgrade their buildings in terms of energy efficiency.
Additionally, the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department received $3 million in clean energy grants to fund projects throughout the state for local governments, tribal entities and public schools to upgrade facilities with energy-efficient technology.
"These aggressive and innovative initiatives will help firmly establish New Mexico as a leader in clean and renewable energy," said Richardson. "The new laws will help us continue to turn our abundant wind, solar and biomass resources into clean energy, high-wage jobs and economic growth." Contact: New Mexico State Government. Source: EIN Renewable Energy Today, 3/22/2005.
The average American knows nearly nothing about efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and is confused about the effects of nuclear power and renewable energy, according to a recent Massachusetts Institute of Technology survey that researchers say has serious policy implications. MIT drew its conclusions on a survey of 1,200 people on a range of climate change-related questions.
As in other public surveys, the environment ranked fairly low when compared to other issues such as terrorism or the economy. Plus, when respondents were asked to rank the seriousness of various environmental problems, global warming placed sixth of 10 choices --well below issues such as water pollution and toxic waste.
Participants in the poll were also asked whether they had read about or heard of a wide range of technologies in the previous year. While most of those surveyed were familiar with more fuel efficient vehicles, solar power and other options, very few had heard of carbon sequestration, the process of capturing carbon dioxide from a power plant and burying the gas underground.
"The recognition of carbon capture and storage and carbon sequestration is minimal," Howard Herzog of MIT said he and fellow researchers at the University of Cambridge concluded. "Less than 4 percent of respondents were familiar with the terms carbon dioxide capture and storage or carbon sequestration."
While many of the people surveyed were unfamiliar with climate technologies such as sequestration, many were also confused about the effects of other policy options. For example, many respondents were under the impression that nuclear power plants increase the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.
"The misperception that nuclear facilities contribute to global warming found in many other studies has serious policy implications given the long-standing debate over nuclear power and the hopes of the nuclear industry for renewed support as a carbon-free alternative source of electricity," researchers said.
The survey results also showed that many people are supportive of renewable sources of energy. But when informed of the higher costs of solar and wind power, many respondents showed far less support.
On the plus side, the individuals polled said they would be willing to pay a premium on their monthly utility bill to address global warming. On average, respondents said they would pay an extra $6.50 per month.
A key concern for carbon sequestration researchers is shaping public opinion about carbon storage technology in a positive way. The Department of Energy and private researchers are starting pilot projects around the country that will store millions of tons of CO2 in underground geologic formations. There is serious concern that citizens will raise not-in-my-backyard protests about the sequestration sites, similar to opposition raised against proposed wind power sites.
"Wind power has generated considerable local opposition in spite of widespread recognition that wind energy would mitigate climate change as reflected in our survey and others," researchers said. To avoid that type of opposition, enlisting environmental and community groups to support carbon sequestration will be a key step as these pilot projects move forward, the researchers concluded. Source: Brian Stempeck, Greenwire senior reporter, 3/24/2005.
The state of Texas may meet its mandate on green power by 2009, three years ahead of schedule. The Public Utility Commission of Texas projects that the 2009 requirement to source an additional 2,000 MW of capacity by 2009 may be reached this year. The target was set in the Texas electric restructuring law of 1999.
Power developers have added 1,190 MW since the law was passed, and the PUC estimates that 486 MW is under construction or has been officially announced, while transmission agreements have been finalized for another 720 MW. Developers are accelerating proposals to meet the December 31 deadline for wind power production incentives.
In Texas, wind accounts for 96 percent of green power capacity added since 1999. Other sources include landfill gas, water, biomass and solar but, currently, only 3 percent of the state's total generating capacity comes from renewables.
When Senate Bill 7 was signed into law by then-governor George Bush, Texas had 880 MW of renewable energy resources, and the mandate called for a total of 1,280 MW by 2003, 1,730 MW by 2005, 2,280 MW by 2007 and 2,880 MW by 2009. The law also introduced competition in the sale of electricity in 2002.
Most wind turbines are located in west Texas and a key issue in expanding the use of green power is the ability of the transmission system to move electrons from generation facilities to customers at a reasonable cost. Most new and planned windfarms are in a corridor 100 miles wide along the interstate highway from Abilene to west of Odessa. Source: Refocus Weekly, 3/23/2005.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced the availability of $14.3 million in grants to support the development of "value-added agriculture business ventures," including ventures that "develop alternative sources of renewable energy."
USDA said priority consideration will be given to those grant applications that have at least 51 percent of project costs dedicated to activities for a bio-energy project. Grants are available to independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled, producer-based business ventures.
The agency said the grants will support "planning activities needed to establish a viable value-added marketing opportunity for an agricultural product...or [activities to] acquire working capital to operate a value-added business venture that will allow producers to better compete in domestic and international markets." Grant applications must be received no later than May 6, 2005, with all grants to be awarded on a competitive basis. Contact: Ed Loyd, USDA, phone 202-720-4623. Source: EIN Renewable Energy Today, 3/4/2005.
EPA, Office of Grants and Debarment, Grants Administration Division, Partnership to Promote Innovation in Environmental Practice Grant. Source: Grants.gov Opportunities Posting Update, 3/7/2005.
DOE, All Departmental Locations, All DOE Federal Offices, State Energy Program Special Projects Modification1. Source: Grants.gov Opportunities Posting Update, 3/7/2005.
EPA Office of Grants and Debarment, Grants Administration Division, Community Action for a Renewed Environment Program Grant. Source: Grants.gov, 3/23/2005.
Solicitation for Renewable Energy Certificates, for ultimate transfer to Dyess AFB, Texas has been issued. Contract is anticipated for a 15-month period commencing May 1, 2005 for 95,000,000 kWh. The requirements in this solicitation are being procured in order to achieve a reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions, in accordance with Executive Order 13123, Sections 201 and 404(b). For this purpose, only renewable resources with a zero-emissions level will be solicited and awarded. The RFP is available through the DESC-APE electricity Web site. If you are unable to access the solicitation via the Internet, please contact DESC-APE for a printed copy. Points of Contact:
Lisa Robert, 703-767-8533,
Andrea Kincaid, 703-767-8669,
For all Small Business issues, e-mail Kathy Williams or call (703) 767-9465.
Source: Chandra Shah, NREL / FEMP,3/23/2005.
Many of you may not be aware that the US Department of Agriculture has set aside $200 million of Treasury loan funds this year for renewable energy projects in rural areas of the country. The key to eligibility under this program is that the project must involve electric power generation from renewable energy sources for beneficiaries who are located in rural areas. While to date most of the loan applications have come from rural electric cooperatives, the program is not restricted to this segment. A wide range of potential applicants are eligible. The details of the program are listed below. If you have questions, you can contact Howard Barnes at 970-667-1605 or.
RUS Web site. Source: Howard W. Barnes, General Field Representative, USDA, via Julia Judd, SEPA, 3/25/2005.
The California Energy Commission has a Request for Proposals #600-04-607, for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions Feasibility Study. Source: CEC Release, 3/25/2005.
HUD, Office of Departmental Grants Management and Oversight Administration, Early Doctoral Student Research Grant. Source: Grants.gov, 3/22/2005.
HUD, Office of Departmental Grants Management and Oversight Administration, Doctoral Dissertation Research Grant. Source: Grants.gov, 3/22/2005.
USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Grants and Agreements, Biomass Research and Development Initiative
Modification2. Source: Grants.gov, 3/22/2005.
This news item comes to you as a service of Western's Renewable Resources Program.
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