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The facts on renewable energy in Southern USA

Mythbusting facts about renewable energy in the southern U.S.,  http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2012/02/mythbusting-facts-about-renewable-energy-in-the-southern-u-sRenewable Energy World, By Lauren Glickman , February 7, 2012 
Renewable energy sources (like wind power) and energy efficiency can help the southern U.S. meet what is expected to be growing future electricity demand, but a lingering set of myths is hampering their development in the region, according to a new study, “Myths and Facts About Electricity in the U.S. South,” by researchers from Duke and Georgia Tech. These misimpressions could have serious consequences–the South’s population is expected to increase by 28 percent over the next 20 years, and wise use of resources will be needed to satisfy energy demand while reducing energy-related pollution.

The researchers used economic and energy modeling to examine the myths. To avoid repeating the myths and thereby giving them further credence, I’m going to list some selected findings with the most significance for wind power as a set of “mythbusting facts” instead:

Future growth in electricity demand in the South can be met by renewable energy and efficiency:  Continue reading →

February 8, 2012 Posted by | renewable, USA | Leave a comment

Social ownership of South Africa’s renewable energy sector

Renewable energy plans can create 50,000 jobs (With Video), Business Live 7 Feb 12 The Department of Energy will seek to ensure that government commits R22 billion over the next five years to green projects and aims to create 50,000 jobs in the renewable energy sector. This was revealed by Energy Minister Dipuo Peters who was speaking at a National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) conference on Monday, which was looking at social ownership of SA’s renewable energy sector.

“We want to ensure that the state, through its entities, invests R22 billion in green projects with a commitment of R3 billion towards local manufacturing in the next five years, and at the same time create 50,000 jobs in the renewable energy sector,” Peters said.

She also emphasised that foreign companies can invest in SA’s energy sector, but they must bring with them their technology so that local companies can adopt it.

“The renewable energy drive in China could succeed because companies relocated; based in China, where intimately they perfected the technology and now they’re exporting the technology to SA. So we are also saying as part of our requirement for localisation, let us insist
that these companies that want to invest here, they must bring this
technology to SA.” … http://www.businesslive.co.za/southafrica/sa_markets/2012/02/07/renewable-energy-plans-can-create-50000-jobs-with-video

February 8, 2012 Posted by | renewable, South Africa | Leave a comment

Renewable energy economy now paying off for Californians

The California renewables market is robust and competitive, Switchboard, Peter Miller, February 7, 2012 The market for renewable electricity is robust and competitive according to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).

In a report on the state’s 33% Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) released yesterday, the CPUC provided a snapshot on the impressive progress that has been made in building the state’s clean energy economy.

According to the CPUC: The state’s three largest private utilities collectively served 17% of
their load with renewable energy in 2010. All three of the state’s largest utilities are projected to meet the requirement to provide an average of 20% renewable power from 2011 to
2013. Over 830 MW of renewable capacity came on line in 2011. Bid prices in response to the 2011 solicitation dropped 30% compared to 2009.

This growth in the renewable energy market bodes well for California’s residents and demonstrates the benefits of the state’s ambitious renewable energy policy. The RPS has led to a steady increase in reliance on renewable electricity, which means growing energy security
and price stability for California utility customers. And a competitive, orderly market means that costs are coming down, helping to keep energy clean and affordable for residents of the Golden State. http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/pmiller/the_california_renewables_mark.html

February 8, 2012 Posted by | renewable, USA | Leave a comment

Decentralised solar power saving money in USA schools


70 Percent Of Energy Needs Met Via Solar Power, Earth Techling, by Kristy Hessman, February 7th, 2012 Solar panels are popping up on school campuses across the nation as financial incentives become more readily available for schools that implement renewable energy as a way to offset their energy costs. In Arizona, Constellation Energy and Buckeye Union High School District have just completed a 4.3-megawatt solar generation project. The project will provide up to 70 percent of the electricity needs for three area high schools. Buckeye Union High School and Youngker High School in Buckeye and Estrella Foothills High School in Goodyear will be the recipients of the new renewable energy. The school district has agreed to purchase and receive all of the electricity generated by the solar panels at a fixed rate from Constellation Energy under a 25-year deal.

The solar power systems include 15,468 photovoltaic panels on 29 carport rooftops and two ground-mounted installations. The project is expected to generate more than 7 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. That equals a savings of more than 3,875 metric tons of carbon dioxide, or the equivalent emissions from 760 passenger vehicles annually, according to U.S. EPA data for the Arizona region.

“We’re pleased to celebrate the addition of three solar installations in our school district,” Beverly Hurley, superintendent of Buckeye Union High School District, said in a statement. “This addition will play an important role in meeting the district’s electricity needs and will serve as an educational tool for our students to learn about solar energy production.”

The installations, were developed by GV Enterprises and REgeneration Finance and built by CORE Construction. The project was coordinated with help from the Arizona Corporation Commission-approved APS Renewable Energy Incentive Program. The program offers financial incentives, covering up to 40 percent of the installation costs, to customers who add renewable energy systems to their homes or businesses. http://www.earthtechling.com/2012/02/schools-go-solar-in-arizona-of-all-places/

February 8, 2012 Posted by | decentralised, USA | Leave a comment

Hawaii’s smart grid will show the way to efficient renewable energy

Smart Grid Program Will Help Integrate More Renewable Energy Onto Hawaii’s Grid North American Wind Power,   02 February 2012 Honeywell and Hawaiian Electric Co. (HECO) have launched a pilot program that aims to demonstrate how smart grid technology can help integrate more intermittent renewable energy – such as wind power and solar energy – onto the electric grid.

During the two-year program, the utility will connect with commercial and industrial customers to temporarily reduce the need for electricity – which the companies say is critical to maintaining gridreliability as Hawaii reduces its dependence on fossil fuels….
http://nawindpower.com/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.9328

February 3, 2012 Posted by | renewable, USA | Leave a comment

AREVA’s nuclear sales losses partly offset by renewable energy profits

Areva Reports Fall In 2011 Revenue On Nuclear Concerns  –Areva reported full year revenue hit by the effects of Fukushima on the nuclear industry –   WSJ By Nadya Masidlover   26 Jan 12,  PARIS (Dow Jones)–French state-controlled nuclear engineering firm Areva SA   Thursday reported 2011 consolidated revenue down 2.6%, as nuclear operations were hit by growing concern on atomic energy following the Fukushima nuclear accident in March 2011.

The company said that revenue fell to EUR8.87 billion from EUR9.1 billion a year earlier, below analysts’ expectations of EUR8.99 billion.

Areva posted a full-year revenue down 1.2% on a like-for-like basis however revenue in the fourth quarter was stable at EUR2.92 billion, falling 0.5% on a like-for-like basis…. The company said that a decrease in nuclear operations revenue was partly offset by growth in renewable energies business which rose 98.2% to EUR297 million.

January 27, 2012 Posted by | business and costs, France, renewable | Leave a comment

“The stars are aligning for rooftop solar energy”

Solar guru receives Australia Day honour , 26 January 2012, Anna Salleh ABC Science,  http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2012/01/26/3415244.htm  Australia needs to look to Germany if it is to realise the potential of solar cell technology, says an expert who is being honoured today. Professor Martin Green of the University of New South Wales has been made a Member of the Order of Australia(AM) for his work on photovoltaics.

“Germany has been the only country that’s had a sensible long-term program in place to promote the use of renewables,” says Green.

Some argue solar cells are not a competitive option for reducing carbon emissions, and are limited by the fact that they don’t generate energy unless the Sun is shining.

But according to Green, the “stars are aligning for conventional roof mounted solar” and it is ripe for a new kick start from governments.  Continue reading →

January 27, 2012 Posted by | AUSTRALIA, Reference, renewable | Leave a comment

Supergrid or networks of grids for renewable energy in Europe

European Supergrid to Revolutionise Renewable Energy?, Oil Price.com, By James Burgess | , 25 January 2012  Europe is the world leader in renewable energy generation, but as with all renewable energy sources they face the problem of reliability. One way of overcoming this limitation and ensuring that power supply will be constant is to have expensive, traditional, fossil-fuelled power stations to generate electricity whilst conditions are unfavourable for the renewable source; but this almost makes the whole investment in renewable power sources irrelevant. A better way of ensuring consistent power is to link several diverse sources of renewable energy on one electrical grid. So when a wind farm can’t produce much power on a windless day, a solar farm might compensate. Continue reading →

January 26, 2012 Posted by | energy storage, EUROPE, renewable | Leave a comment

Solar and wind energy investment by Warren Buffett

Buffett’s MidAmerican Starts Renewable-Energy Business, Fox Business By Cassandra Sweet  January 24, 2012 The MidAmerican Energy unit of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRKA, BRKB) said Tuesday it has started a new company to oversee a growing stable of solar, wind and other renewable-energy projects.
MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co., of Des Moines, said it has placed solar and wind farms, geothermal power plants and its interest in a small hydroelectric project into a new company called MidAmerican Renewables LLC.

MidAmerican’s president and chief executive, Greg Abel, said the company expects U.S. demand for renewable energy to continue growing and that the company wants “to be a leader in this area.”

On Monday, MidAmerican said it plans to buy an 81-megawatt wind farm in Illinois from Invenergy Wind LLC as part of the company’s growing wholesale renewable-energy business. ……. MidAmerican Renewables said it is considering acquiring more renewable-energy projects that would generate electricity for the wholesale power market to meet growing demand for clean energy.
“We’ll be looking for opportunities to grow this business,” said Tina Potthoff, a spokeswoman for MidAmerican. “We think there’s a growing desire by utilities and other companies to green up their business.”
http://www.foxbusiness.com/news/2012/01/24/buffetts-midamerican-starts-renewable-energy-business/#ixzz1kVVVLdW0

January 25, 2012 Posted by | business and costs, renewable, USA | Leave a comment

Renewable energy development for Karnataka, India

Renewable energy potential 28GW+ in Karnataka, Construction Week online India,  Jan 24, 2012 Karnataka’s renewable energy potential is more than 28 GW, says Pune based World Institute of Sustainable Energy (WISE). Karnataka is one of the pioneers where states in India are concerned to draft an RE Policy for the state for the period of 2009-14.

The policy envisions a generation of 6600 MW of renewable electricity by 2014 and about Rs.23,890 crore of investments during the said period. Studies by the World Institute of Sustainable Energy (WISE), Pune, suggest that Karnataka has much more RE potential
than envisaged, which is more than 24 GW, out of which currently, only 3.45 GW has been tapped so far (as on Nov 2011). This includes 1929 MW of wind, 86 MW of biomass, 782 MW of bagasse cogen, 646 MW of small hydro, and 9 MW of solar. Wind offers the maximum potential with an untapped potential of 11 GW. Obviously the huge untapped potential also creates a huge investment opportunity…..
http://www.constructionweekonline.in/article-7672-renewable_energy_potential_28gw_in_karnataka/

January 25, 2012 Posted by | India, renewable | Leave a comment

Economic growth for India through renewable energy

Renewable energy holds key to growth, says Sheila, Times of India, TNN | Jan 21, 2012,   NEW DELHI: Chief minister Sheila Dikshit on Friday unveiled the first Renewal Energy Assisted Pump (REAP) system at a function in Mayur Vihar. Developed by discom BSES Yamuna in collaboration with IIT Delhi, the REAP system is an easy-to-install submersible pump connected to a water tank, with a specially designed motor powered by a solar panel.

Officials said REAP would meet water storage and pumping needs in both rural and urban India by harnessing renewable energy sources. “It will help in combating global warming and other environmental issues. In addition to reducing dependence on fossil fuels, it will help BYPL manage the electricity demand better,” said an official.

The first REAP system was installed at a plot owned by the All India Panchayat Parishad (AIPS) in Mayur Vihar. Dikshit said the REAP technology would reduce consumption of power during morning peak hours, when most people switch on their pumps to get water as well as store it. “The technology will also prove useful in agriculture, hospitals, schools, hotels, restaurants, malls and group housing societies,” said a government official. The solar panel will be connected to a pump, which will draw ground water and store it in an overhead tank. The REAP has a capacity to draw 30,000l of water per hour. The CM said generation of power with coal and gas is not a viable solution as these resources are getting depleted.  http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Renewable-energy-holds-key-to-growth-says-Sheila/articleshow/11573708.cms

January 21, 2012 Posted by | India, renewable | 1 Comment

Fiji, Pacific Islands adopt International Renewable Energy Agency program

Fiji, PICs go for renewable energy Fiji Times, Tevita Vuibau, January 21, 2012 FIJI has joined other Pacific Island countries (PICs) in adopting the Abu Dhabi Communique on Accelerating Renewable Energy Uptake for the Pacific.

According to a statement, Fiji adopted the communique at the conclusion of the Pacific leaders meeting, which preceded the second session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) assembly.

Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama headed the country’s delegation to the meeting in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

As part of the communique, the Pacific Island countries resolved to use the large and under-utilised potential for renewable energy in the Pacific region….. He said it… was imperative that Fiji develop a meaningful relationship with IRENA. http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=191377

January 21, 2012 Posted by | OCEANIA, renewable | Leave a comment

Huge potential for wave and tidal power – U.S. East Coast

STUDY: CA Coast Could Harness Big Energy, KMJNow, by Margaret Carrero, 20 Jan 12 A two year study indicates that California’s coastal waters embody enough power to generate nearly one third of the nation’s energy supply.

Researched by Virginia and Georgia Tech, the findings released this week by the U.S. Department of Energy point to a real potential to generate renewable energy by harnessing wave and tidal power…. http://www.kmjnow.com/pages/landing?STUDY-CA-Coast-Could-Harness-Big-Energy=1&blockID=581940&feedID=80

January 21, 2012 Posted by | renewable, USA | Leave a comment

American public opinion – wanting renewable energy, not nuclear power

 Americans overwhelmingly support greater investments in renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower. They favor requiring utilities to use more alternative energy (even if this proves more expensive) and providing tax incentives to encourage the development and use of such technologies.

in the wake of the Fukushima disaster, a clear majority of Americans opposes building new nuclear power plants

Americans on Renewable Energy, Council on Foreign Relations  by Stewart M. Patrick  January 18, 2012  With Iran threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz, energy security is once again at the top of the global agenda—and not just in Rick Perry’s debate talking points. But true “energy security” will require more than independence from unreliable or unstable suppliers. It will also oblige governments and companies to invest in a wider range of energy sources—many of them renewable.

That is the message of the World Future Energy Summit, which opened in Abu Dhabi this week. In his keynote address, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for the world to double its use of renewable energy by 2030. Ban’s words should resonate strongly in the United States, according to a new digest of polls on energy security released by the International Institutions and Global Governanceprogram and worldpublicopinion.org.

Americans, it turns out, are deeply anxious about energy security. An overwhelming majority (85 percent) consider it important (67 percent “very important”) to “decrease American dependence on oil imported from the Middle East”. Nearly two in three Americans (64%) favor creating a new international institution to “monitor the worldwide energy market and predict potential shortages.” Large majorities worry that energy shortages and higher prices could lead to destabilization of the world economy, that energy competition could lead to international conflict (or even war), and that current energy production is causing unacceptable environmental damage. Continue reading →

January 20, 2012 Posted by | renewable, USA | Leave a comment

Solar energy investment looking up in India

 Sunny side up: Solar energy business looks up in India as tariffs fall, Business Today,  K.R. Balasubramanyam        Edition: Feb 5, 2012 In October last year, Moser Baer Clean Energy commissioned a 30 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic (PV) farm at Banaskantha district in north Gujarat. The plant will supply an estimated 52 million units of energy in a year – roughly the amount that Kerala consumes in a day.  Continue reading →

January 19, 2012 Posted by | India, renewable | Leave a comment

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