US Dept of Energy investing more in solar energy research
DOE Expands Solar Research Capability by Energy Matters, 24 June 13, A new $135 million renewable energy research facility is the latest addition to the U.S. Department of Energy’s network of National
Laboratories.
The 182,500-square-foot Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF)
will allow researchers and manufacturers of promising renewable energy
systems to test and scale up their products in a real-world
environment by simulating a utility-scale energy grid……..
According to the DOE, solar generation in America has doubled in the
last four years, while the cost of solar power systems has fallen by
80 percent. Consolidating these gains depends in part on
next-generation inverter technology that is cheaper to produce and
better suited to smart energy
grids.http://www.energymatters.com.au/index.php?main_page=news_article&article_id=3804
Electricity utilities and the challenge of distributed solar energy
How can we boost distributed solar and save utilities at the same time? Grist, By David Roberts, 11 April 2013 Yesterday I wrote that solar PV and other distributed-energy technologies pose a radical threat to U.S. power utilities and the centralized business model they’ve operated under for the last century. This is, I hasten to add, according to the utilities themselves. So what should be done about it?
It’s complicated. On one hand, more distributed renewable energy is a good thing. It reduces carbon emissions, increases resilience, stimulates the growth of new industries with new jobs, and gives Americans a taste of energy democracy.
On the other hand, it just won’t do to have utilities view the spread of rooftop solar PV as an existential threat. Whatever you think of them, utilities still have tons of political power. If they want to slow the spread of distributed energy, they can. A lot.
So let’s look at their complaint. But one key thing to keep in mind as we do is that the utilities’ primary objective, the impetus behind the recent report from their trade group, Edison Electric Institute, is toprotect their business model and their profits. That’s what business groups do…….http://grist.org/climate-energy/how-can-we-boost-distributed-solar-and-save-utilities-at-the-same-time/
Rooftop solar power a boon for Japanese farmers
Japan’s Farmers To Benefit From Rooftop Solar Power http://www.energymatters.com.au/index.php?main_page=news_article&article_id=3802 21 June 13, Japan’s farming sector is making the switch to solar power, with the nation’s agricultural body announcing plans to spend AU$93 million installing 30 megawatts of solar on the rooftops of livestock barns and distribution centres.
The project is the initial phase of a plan by Japan’s National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations (or Zen-Noh, for short), and Mitsubishi, to ultimately provide 200 megawatts of solar power capacity on farming facilities nationwide by the middle of 2015. Continue reading
USA chemist chain Walgreens goes solar, bigtime
According to Australian solar provider Energy Matters, if a business is paying more than 20 cents per kilowatt hour for electricity; a commercial solar power system sized to daytime consumption can pay for itself in just a few years – after which, the electricity is essentially free
Walgreens To Add 200+ Solar Power Systems http://www.energymatters.com.au/index.php?main_page=news_article&article_id=3801, 20 June 13, Walgreens, the USA’s largest chemist store chain, says it will expand rooftop solar installations on its stores from 150 to more than 350.
With over 8,000 stores nationally plus distribution centers, Walgreens has substantial rooftop real estate; some of which it is putting to good use in harvesting power from the sun. The company started taking on solar panel projects in 2007.
According to the company, the addition of the 200-plus rooftop solar power systems will generate an estimated 13.5 million kilowatt hours annually, enough to meet the energy needs of around 1,400 households. Continue reading
5.7 million people employed in renewable energy
2012 was the second highest year ever for renewable energy investments – but being “second” doesn’t reflect installed capacity as prices for renewable energy equipment, particularly related to solar power, have plummeted.
Last year was another record year in terms of installed capacity; with 115 GW of new renewables put in place globally. However, 2012 saw the most significant change so far in the balance of renewable energy investment activity between developed and developing economies. Continue reading
World Bank is Mapping the Renewable Energy Revolution
Mapping the Renewable Energy Revolution World Bank, June 17, 2013 STORY HIGHLIGHTS
A new World Bank program is helping developing countries map their renewable energy potential in a new way that produces rich, nationwidedata.
The project goes beyond existing solar and wind maps to provide the granular data governments need to understand the country’s fullresource potential and to pinpoint the best locations for serving thepopulation……..http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2013/06/17/mapping-the-energy-revolution
Youtube: Internet service by solar powered balloon
Solar And Balloon-Powered Internet For Everyone http://www.energymatters.com.au/index.php?main_page=news_article&article_id=3794 17 June 13 Google hopes to bring Internet access to the two-thirds of the world’s population that does not have it with the assistance of solar power and balloons.
Project Loon is a network of balloons travelling at 20 km above the Earth’s surface; each decked out with transmission equipment able to provide connectivity to a ground area about 40 km in diameter with download speeds comparable to 3G.
Project Loon’s balloon envelopes are made from polyethylene plastic standing fifteen meters wide by twelve meters tall when fully inflated. A parachute attached to the top of the envelope allows for a controlled descent whenever a balloon needs to be taken out of service.
A small box hanging below the balloon contains the electronics and radio antennas; plus batteries to store energy so the balloons can operate during the night.
Solar panels with a total capacity of 100 watts sit between the balloon and the hardware. Between the wind and sun, Project Loon is able to power itself purely through renewable energy.
One of the major challenges Google faced was how to control the balloons’ path through the sky. One balloon would be challenging enough and there will be hundreds of these in the future. While not providing much in the way of further detail, the company says it has found a way to do that, using just wind and solar power – along with some complex algorithms and serious computing power.
The Project Loon pilot test began this month when thirty balloons were launched from New Zealand; beaming Internet to a group of 50 pilot testers. The technology will be refined based on the results before the next phase.
New Zealanders interested in registering to be a Project Loon pilot tester for future test launches can sign up here.
“The idea may sound a bit crazy,” says Google’s official blog, “and that’s part of the reason we’re calling it Project Loon – but there’s solid science behind it.”
Renewable energy program for Kuwait
Kuwait orders 2000 MW worth of renewable energy, Arabian Gazette by John Brian Shannon / June 15, 2013 Kuwait is set to spend USD 100 billion on the nation’s domestic energy sector over the next 5 years – and for the first time, some of that investment is earmarked for renewable energy. – See more at:
http://arabiangazette.com/kuwait-orders-2000-mw-renewable-20130615/#sthash.T2AZUK1u.dpuf
– See more at: http://arabiangazette.com/kuwait-orders-2000-mw-renewable-20130615/#sthash.T2AZUK1u.dpuf
Lithuania gets renewable energy law
President signs in renewable energy law http://www.lithuaniatribune.com/6728/president-signs-in-renewable-energy-law-20116728/President Dalia Grybauskaite signed the Renewable Energy bill into law opening up possibilities for widespread use of renewable energy resources such as biofuels, wind power and others.
The bill will make it easier for people to use renewable energy and diversify their usage away from gas-generated electricity. Lithuania is trying to reduce the political power that Russia has over it because of the 100 percent dependency on its gas.
“Energy independence is possible only if we use various energy sources. We have ambitious goals – by 2020 we want at least 23 percent of the energy consumed to be produced from renewable energy sources, and thus become less dependent on one energy source. This can be done only by developing modern, human and environmentally friendly renewable energy technologies,” Grybauskaite said.
Grybauskaite added that the government must ensure that renewable energy would be developed, taking into account human health and the environment and the individual interest groups so that it cannot become a source of profit at the expense of others.
The president said that the law was not perfect, but it needed to be signed because the public interest is at stake.
Renewable energy can lead Lithuania towards energy security
Opinion: Will renewable energy sources lead towards energy security? Lithuania Tribune, Inga Sapronaitytė , 14 June 13, All countries should give high priority to the development of renewable energy sources (RES) and their effective use. Alternative energy is one of the ways to establish new jobs, develop a ‘green’ economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Lithuania should also focus on the development of RES and increase its energy independence, since it is still highly dependent on Russia for this. Effective use of RES could increase reliable energy supplies and comply with the environmental requirements of the EU…….
Since Lithuania does not have major sources of fossil fuels (except probable shale gas), the only way to increase energy security and independence is development of renewable energy sources.
The key factors preventing from this development include:
Low prices of organic fuel (oil and gas) until 2006. Renewable energy sources could not compete with conventional sources, except in rural areas where timber were the cheapest fuel.;
The inherited district heating network in the cities was adapted to use only fuel oil or gas. Modernisation of this field of the economy is very expensive.
Renewable energy sources are most effectively used in small systems yet there is still lack of local qualified staff and competent authorities.
A sceptical attitude toward renewable energy sources has prevailed in society and among politicians for a long time, preventing legal and economic incentives.
During the recent decade the situation has changed significantly. Positive changes toward RES (especially in the heating sector) were determined by the restructuring of the sector such as separation of manufacturer and supplier.
Privatisation providing for the emergence of smaller energy producers using RES has also had a sizeable effect, together with increased global organic fuel prices. This has changed the attitude of society and politicians towards renewable energy sources……..
So far the main renewable energy sources in Lithuania were conventional sources used for energy needs, i.e. timber, wood-processing industries waste and hydro-energy. Only during the last five years energy produced by wind power plants has acquired more relevance, as well as bio-fuel used in transport.
According to the National Strategy for the Development of Renewable Energy Sources, logs and wood waste, straw and other agricultural and industrial waste account for approximately 90 per cent in the balance of renewable energy sources. Another 10 per cent consist of biofuel, hydro-energy, wind and geothermal energy.http://www.lithuaniatribune.com/41337/opinion-will-renewable-energy-sources-lead-towards-energy-security-201341337/
No to Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs). Yes to wind energy, for Warren Buffett
The best-known investor in the utility arena is raising its stake in wind in Iowa $1.9
billion….
MidAmerican is cancelling its pursuit of new small modular nuclear power options…..
Buffett & co choose wind energy investment over nuclear REeweconomy, By Mike Jacobs 14 June 2013 The Equation Investors working with utilities are making clear and clean choices for meeting our energy needs. Two big announcements show wind and energy efficiency are financeable and attractive, and new small nuclear reactors are not. Recently MidAmerican Energy chose to add more wind energy to its supply, dump a “modular” nuclear plant proposal, and decline to follow the trend toward burning natural gas.
Meanwhile, today Seattle City Light announced a purchase of energy from a commercial energy efficiency developer, demonstrating a power-purchase approach to fund investments in energy conservation that won’t disrupt a utility company’s financial health.
With Warren Buffet behind the wind decision, (MidAmerican is a subsidiary of Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway), and a new financial model possibly cracking the nut on building owner and utility ambivalence about deep energy retrofits for commercial buildings, these are important developments.
To summarise what just happened: Continue reading
Norway, Iceland -100% renewable energy, and other countries following
EU: 100 Percent Renewable Energy Is Here, The Energy Collective, David Thorpe, 13 June 13 June 13, 2013 Two questions for you: how many countries in the world source their electricity 100% from renewable sources? And which major European nation that is well-endowed with renewable energy resources, is the worst at exploiting them?
The answers can be gleaned from the recently updated International Energy Statistics of Electricity Generation from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) of the US Department of Energy…….New York giant bank to invest $3b in Japan renewable investments
Goldman eyes $3b in Japan renewable investments SMH, 14 June 13, Goldman Sachs, the New York-based bank planning as much as 300 billion yen ($3 billion) in renewable energy investments in Japan, is eyeing offshore wind power after building up holdings in more established clean energy sources such as solar.
Japan Renewable Energy Co. was set up by Goldman in August after Japan began offering above-market rates to producers of clean energy. The incentives, or feed-in tariffs, have spurred investments in renewables, setting Japan on course this year to become one of the world’s largest solar markets by annual installations.
The company sees offshore wind as promising, Shigeru Yasu, a representative director at Japan Renewable Energy, said in an interview in Tokyo yesterday. Geothermal and biomass power also hold potential, he said……..
Five-year investment
Japan Renewable Energy plans in the next five years to invest as much as 50 billion yen directly into clean energy projects with capital provided by GS Infrastructure Partners. It will take as much as 250 billion yen of loans for project financing, Takahisa Nakagawa, also a representative director at Japan Renewable Energy, said in the interview. The investments and loans will amount to about 1,000 megawatts of clean energy, he said……..
Japan is set to overtake Germany as the world’s largest solar market, Bloomberg New Energy Finance said last month……. http://www.smh.com.au/business/carbon-economy/goldman-eyes-3b-in-japan-renewable-investments-20130614-2o7uo.html#ixzz2WFD29I8D
Could Britain achieve 100% renewable energy?
Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Italy, Spain and all these other European countries show that it is possible to do so. They are all out-classing Britain.
A bright future, full of jobs and export potential, with far less global upheaval caused by climate chaos awaits us, if only the political will was thereEU: 100 Percent Renewable Energy Is Here, The Energy Collective, David Thorpe, 13 June 13 Britain can, clearly, do far better, never mind all the party political wrangling over support for green technologies. If other countries can do it, so can we.
UK wind power succeeding without need for fossil fuel backup
Fossil fuel plants not needed to back up UK wind http://reneweconomy.com.au/2013/fossil-fuel-based-power-stations-unnecessary-to-back-up-wind-23670 By Joshua Hill 14 June 2013 An incidental note at the bottom of a wildlife article covering the culling of badgers in the UK newspaper the Daily Telegraph could have explosive results for the energy industry.
According to the addendum, a measly four paragraphs in length, the National Grid — the country’s electric grid operator — has reported that wind energy produced 23,700 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of power, requiring only 22 GWh of power from fossil fueled stations to fill the gaps: that is less than a thousandth of wind’s output, and ironically, less than a tenth of what was needed to back up conventional fossil fueled power stations.
The figures were similarly impressive when looking at emissions. According to the National Grid, wind saved nearly 11 million tonnes of carbon dioxide over the period accounted for (April 2011 through to September 2012) and required only 8,800 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions to be released as backup, measuring in at only 0.081%.
There is no easy information available on the National Grid website to confirm these figures referenced in the Daily Telegraph article, and furthermore the paper’s final sentence — “Not surprisingly, given these figures, no new fossil‑fuel power station has been built to provide back‑up for wind farms, and none is in prospect” — seems to be in direct contradiction to a BBC News story published this week, reporting that two diesel power stations are planned to compensate for fluctuations in green energy.
According to the article, Green Frog Power received planning permission last year to build its diesel power station in Plymouth, while Fulcrum Power has made an application for a similar power station in Plymouth, as well. Unsurprisingly, given the current climate surrounding the energy industry, both companies said that they support renewable energy. This article was originally posted on Cleantechnica. Re-produced with permission.
1 This Month
petition to oppose the rapid increase of space-military industry threatening Jeju Island and the region.
[Petition by April 19th (KST)] Stop the joint military-Hanwha Systems-Jeju Provincial Government Sea Launch!
Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes – A good documentary on Chernobyl on SBS available On Demand for the next 3 weeks– https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-program/chernobyl-the-lost-tapes/2352741955560
of the week–London Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
Tell the Ukrainian Government to Drop Prosecution of Peace Activist Yurii Sheliazhenko
To see nuclear-related stories in greater depth and intensity – go to https://nuclearinformation.wordpress.com
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