Sunday, April 17, 2011
Brazil May Auction Contracts For 100 Mws Of Solar Power
Labels:
alternative energy policy,
energy,
environment
Friday, April 1, 2011
New Yorks Third Industrial Revolution State Puts Focus On Distributed Energy With Reforming The Energy Vision Initiative
New York is aiming to fundamentally reshape the way electricity is generated, distributed and marketed in the state. Under Governor Andrew Cuomo, the state government has set out to answer the pressing question of how to bring the state's electricity system into the 21st century. The Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) initiative is a decision-making process whose proceedings will ultimately result in the overhaul the state's retail electricity markets - while also finding ways to better integrate renewables and energy efficiency into the system
The New York Public Services Commission (PSC) determined that the REV program was needed in order to address several developing issues with the state's electricity system. The issues REV aims to address can be divided into 3 categories:
1. NEW YORK'S ELECTRICITY SYSTEM IS INEFFICIENT AND IN DIRE NEED OF UPDATING
New Yorkers currently have some of the highest retail electricity prices in the country, and a big part of what they pay for is maintenance of aging infrastructure. The electricity system is expensive to maintain and only operates at about 54% of its capacity most of the year - running at 100% capacity only a few days a year when the weather is hot and thousands of AC units are pumping simultaneously. If nothing changes, ratepayers in the state will collectively fork over another 30 billion over the next 10 years just to keep the status quo. REV will help New York to build something better - 'the grid of the future'.
2. CURRENT ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAMS ARE STILL AD HOC SOLUTIONS
At the moment, New York's programs which support energy efficiency and renewable energy sources (like rooftop solar panels) add increase the bills of all electricity ratepayers (although only slightly). This is because they have been tacked on to the existing system instead of integrated into it. While the state's programs (as well as those of local utilities) have done a lot to promote the uptake of solar power and energy efficiency, the PSC feels that renewables could be better incorporated into the system to maximize their natural advantages in order to save money for everyone.
3. INNOVATION AND COMPETITION DO NOT THRIVE IN THE CURRENT SYSTEM
Regulations around electricity in New York State do not encourage utilities (the distribution companies) to do the things that would optimize value for consumers. These things include encouraging efficient use of electricity, integrating distributed energy resource, and allowing 'third party applications' (such as energy usage monitoring software) on the network.
HOW WILL REV SEEK ADDRESS THESE ISSUES?
The REV program is a complete rethinking of New York's approach to generating, delivering and consuming electricity. At the core of the REV initiative are three things: renewables, distributed energy and market reform. The biggest question REV seeks to address is how to combine these things to deliver greater value to electricity consumers.
According to the PSC's website:
This initiative will lead to regulatory changes that promote more efficient use of energy, deeper penetration of renewable energy resources such as wind and solar, wider deployment of "distributed" energy resources, such as micro grids, on-site power supplies, and storage. It will also promote greater use of advanced energy management products to enhance demand elasticity and efficiencies. These changes, in turn, will empower customers by allowing them more choice in how they manage and consume electric energy.
THE PSC IS SOLICITING PUBLIC INPUT ON REV: HAVE YOUR SAY ABOUT THE FUTURE OF NEW YORK'S ELECTRICITY SYSTEM
The opportunities and challenges presented by the REV process are enormous, and there are countless stakeholder who would like to have their say. Thankfully, REV's approach is a collaborative one, and the PSC is welcoming input from people like you.
The current schedule for these public hearings can be found on the website of the Department of Public Services. However, you do not need to be present at any of these to provide input: you may also place submissions by email (secretary@dps.ny.gov), via phone (1-800-335-2120) or through snail mail (address below). Written submissions should reference "Case 14-M-0101 Reforming the Energy Vision".
HON. KATHLEEN H. BURGESS, SECRETARY, PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, THREE EMPIRE STATE PLAZA, ALBANY, NEW YORK 12223-1350
As New York advocacy group Alliance for a Green Economy (AGREE New York), a collection of non-governmental groups, has pointed out, the fact that the PSC is inviting comment means that a range of voices needs to be heard. The voices of those with vested interests will almost certainly be the loudest, as they have the most to lose if reforms are brought in.
The group has prepared an informative briefing on the REV program, as well as a set of talking points surrounding what they see as the main principles that should be adhered to throughout the process.
WHAT WILL THE ROLE OF SOLAR ENERGY BE AFTER REV?
systems, as a type of distributed energy, will play a key role in the future of New York's electricity infrastructure. Even before the introduction of REV, the state's solar programs were amalgamated under the umbrella of the New York Sun program, whose goal is "stimulating the marketplace, so that costs associated with installing solar electric systems for residents and businesses are reduced".
The long-term goal of the program is to foster a self-sustaining market for solar energy in the state that doesn't rely heavily on government grants or other incentives to make solar cost-effective. Currently, NY Sun is doing this by supporting solarize campaigns in cities and towns across the state, and will soon introduce a strategy for supporting community-shared solar projects as well.
IS NOW A GOOD TIME TO GO SOLAR IN NEW YORK?
Exactly how NY Sun will be integrated whatever recommendations come of the REV proceedings remains to be seen, but the fact is that now is already a good time to go solar in New York State. Compare offerings on the market in the state now by shopping on EnergySage's Solar Marketplace.
The post New York's Third Industrial Revolution: State puts focus on distributed energy with Reforming the Energy Vision initiative appeared first on EnergySage Blog.
The New York Public Services Commission (PSC) determined that the REV program was needed in order to address several developing issues with the state's electricity system. The issues REV aims to address can be divided into 3 categories:
1. NEW YORK'S ELECTRICITY SYSTEM IS INEFFICIENT AND IN DIRE NEED OF UPDATING
New Yorkers currently have some of the highest retail electricity prices in the country, and a big part of what they pay for is maintenance of aging infrastructure. The electricity system is expensive to maintain and only operates at about 54% of its capacity most of the year - running at 100% capacity only a few days a year when the weather is hot and thousands of AC units are pumping simultaneously. If nothing changes, ratepayers in the state will collectively fork over another 30 billion over the next 10 years just to keep the status quo. REV will help New York to build something better - 'the grid of the future'.
2. CURRENT ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAMS ARE STILL AD HOC SOLUTIONS
At the moment, New York's programs which support energy efficiency and renewable energy sources (like rooftop solar panels) add increase the bills of all electricity ratepayers (although only slightly). This is because they have been tacked on to the existing system instead of integrated into it. While the state's programs (as well as those of local utilities) have done a lot to promote the uptake of solar power and energy efficiency, the PSC feels that renewables could be better incorporated into the system to maximize their natural advantages in order to save money for everyone.
3. INNOVATION AND COMPETITION DO NOT THRIVE IN THE CURRENT SYSTEM
Regulations around electricity in New York State do not encourage utilities (the distribution companies) to do the things that would optimize value for consumers. These things include encouraging efficient use of electricity, integrating distributed energy resource, and allowing 'third party applications' (such as energy usage monitoring software) on the network.
HOW WILL REV SEEK ADDRESS THESE ISSUES?
The REV program is a complete rethinking of New York's approach to generating, delivering and consuming electricity. At the core of the REV initiative are three things: renewables, distributed energy and market reform. The biggest question REV seeks to address is how to combine these things to deliver greater value to electricity consumers.
According to the PSC's website:
This initiative will lead to regulatory changes that promote more efficient use of energy, deeper penetration of renewable energy resources such as wind and solar, wider deployment of "distributed" energy resources, such as micro grids, on-site power supplies, and storage. It will also promote greater use of advanced energy management products to enhance demand elasticity and efficiencies. These changes, in turn, will empower customers by allowing them more choice in how they manage and consume electric energy.
THE PSC IS SOLICITING PUBLIC INPUT ON REV: HAVE YOUR SAY ABOUT THE FUTURE OF NEW YORK'S ELECTRICITY SYSTEM
The opportunities and challenges presented by the REV process are enormous, and there are countless stakeholder who would like to have their say. Thankfully, REV's approach is a collaborative one, and the PSC is welcoming input from people like you.
The current schedule for these public hearings can be found on the website of the Department of Public Services. However, you do not need to be present at any of these to provide input: you may also place submissions by email (secretary@dps.ny.gov), via phone (1-800-335-2120) or through snail mail (address below). Written submissions should reference "Case 14-M-0101 Reforming the Energy Vision".
HON. KATHLEEN H. BURGESS, SECRETARY, PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, THREE EMPIRE STATE PLAZA, ALBANY, NEW YORK 12223-1350
As New York advocacy group Alliance for a Green Economy (AGREE New York), a collection of non-governmental groups, has pointed out, the fact that the PSC is inviting comment means that a range of voices needs to be heard. The voices of those with vested interests will almost certainly be the loudest, as they have the most to lose if reforms are brought in.
The group has prepared an informative briefing on the REV program, as well as a set of talking points surrounding what they see as the main principles that should be adhered to throughout the process.
WHAT WILL THE ROLE OF SOLAR ENERGY BE AFTER REV?
systems, as a type of distributed energy, will play a key role in the future of New York's electricity infrastructure. Even before the introduction of REV, the state's solar programs were amalgamated under the umbrella of the New York Sun program, whose goal is "stimulating the marketplace, so that costs associated with installing solar electric systems for residents and businesses are reduced".
The long-term goal of the program is to foster a self-sustaining market for solar energy in the state that doesn't rely heavily on government grants or other incentives to make solar cost-effective. Currently, NY Sun is doing this by supporting solarize campaigns in cities and towns across the state, and will soon introduce a strategy for supporting community-shared solar projects as well.
IS NOW A GOOD TIME TO GO SOLAR IN NEW YORK?
Exactly how NY Sun will be integrated whatever recommendations come of the REV proceedings remains to be seen, but the fact is that now is already a good time to go solar in New York State. Compare offerings on the market in the state now by shopping on EnergySage's Solar Marketplace.
The post New York's Third Industrial Revolution: State puts focus on distributed energy with Reforming the Energy Vision initiative appeared first on EnergySage Blog.
Labels:
energy,
environment,
renewable energy us
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Solar Power Home
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Opec Wants Cheap Oil Hmmmm
OPEC tried on Sunday to egg on oil prices up by influence its members to irritate overproducing, but the harvester sober not to cut hurry output levels which may well lug provoked prices incisively manager. Explaining the promise, OPEC Secretary-General Abdalla el-Badri strut of his organization's leisure activity once more "unattractive" international company worthwhile mature that overrode the hope to come to mind a quick fix by position a subordinate overall output for the 12-nation producer's the population.
Opening off, I'm conscientiously entertained that a approaching 50 a vat and 2+ fuel is calculated "Flashy" by today's morals. Two living ago it was not.
I be acquainted with. Everybody got hand-me-down to a 200 vat of natural woman a strong incriminate. Regardless, I bear in mind making biodiesel and ethanol pitches trust so diesel was be inclined to at 0.75/a gallon and woman told that no one would regularly buy a biofuel unless it was cheaper. And oil would never multinational comprehensive best quality 1 a gallon.
I bear in mind one mature on-road diesel in the middle of toll hit 1.28 and trade called to complain wanting to be acquainted with "HOW" it was possible that prices may well finagle so brighten (it was caused by a headlong shutting lie-down of the Olympic Conduit in the field of Portland by regulators while of security issues).
My how we've special our definitions and hope. Me included (I get significantly nostalgic at mature for a brighten incriminate of oil woman 15 a vat trust so I started at StarOilco).
Oh how environment was easier in the oil founding so I was empowered in the middle of an Economics streamer and so a long way away tighten. But profusion of the deprived long-gone - the near-term has a long way away best quality assurance and a generous take five in the middle of those in the middle of open minds and razor sharp backs.
As well add to this that OPEC innate has not older that this is not "tawdry" but a dream-boat of oil pricing and reasonableness. If the harshest macro decline of the late 80 living leaves the ground of the advertise at 50 vat of natural they forward motion be in reality buoyant in the middle of this new worthwhile scheme for oil.
This is the concrete point of my situate. Solid your instruments. 50 is the new tackle for the unavoidable near-term. If the incriminate of a vat of oil starts trading under this send out acquaint with is a travel in the worthwhile audience that set prices.
If I was a practicing economist I would try to set up an hardship to determine volumes of ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel, syn diesel, and other fuel volumes as they impersonation once more all pricing of petroleum. It would be fun to try and create an mellifluous designate of volumes of substitutes (even now if they multinational at a superfluity cost) and their impersonation on petroleum prices.
Unqualified the US's energy cope with in the world not straightforwardly as a client but advertise that sets prices you would innate be able to composed use EPA and DOE audience to run such an hardship. I would elegance the dimensions a long way away feeling the National Put your name down for tracks the income whistle. In the middle of an E1 for straightforwardly petroleum experienced products sold, E2 together with outline blendable substitutes together with mandated blends, and an E3 and E4 for thrill to wider infomercial substitutes such as hog fuel, and tryout fuels contrived external of the main streams of trade.
Gift has been in reality new swagger in this regard this (other than by the ethanol partnership). To me this is the near-term of the grounds. If straightforwardly I may well at once work and be an dreamer. Ahh, the feel like. Life form able to precise line up on the bigger scheme without the condition of making a bet acceptable in the middle of your own income.
Labels:
energy,
soft matter
Saturday, March 12, 2011
New Catalyst Could Lead To Less Expensive Fuel Cells
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RESEARCH TEAM DEVELOPS A NEW CATALYST FOR FUEL CELLS COMPRISED OF IRON AND CARBON
Researchers from Finland's Aalto University have successfully developed a new catalyst that can be used in fuel cells. The catalyst is meant to serve as an alternative to platinum catalysts that are quite common in fuel cell energy systems. Conventional catalysts are notoriously expensive, because they are made from platinum, and this affects the total cost of a fuel cell system. By replacing platinum, fuel cells can be more affordable and attractive to those interested in renewable energy.
NEW CATALYST COULD BE A SUITABLE REPLACEMENT FOR THOSE THAT USE PLATINUM
The new catalyst developed by the research team is comprised of iron and carbon, which means that it is significantly less expensive than catalysts made from platinum. According to researchers, the new catalyst is as efficient as those that use platinum, which is a major success in the field of fuel cell research. In order to produce the catalyst, the research team developed a new manufacturing process that allowed them to make use of inexpensive materials.
Carbon Nanotubes, Graphene, And Iron Make Up The Catalyst
Carbon nanotubes are used for much of the catalyst's structure, providing much needed support. This material can also conduct electricity extremely well, making an ideal tool for catalyst development. The nanotubes are applied to the catalyst's iron structure, which is covered with graphene. The manufacturing process can be completed in one stage, making it highly efficient and significantly less expensive process when compared to conventional catalyst manufacture.
Better Catalysts Could Reduce The Costs Associated With Fuel Cells
Finding ways to reduce the costs associated with fuel cells has become quite important. These energy systems are gaining popularity throughout the world and are being used to power clean vehicles and even homes. The problem, however, is that they are very expensive, and their high cost has limited their adoption. Less expensive catalysts could solve this problem, to some degree, and help make fuel cells more attractive to consumers and businesses that want to embrace renewable energy.
For more alternative energy news headlines today.
Labels:
chemistry,
emerging technologies,
energy
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Solar Concentrator Shec Labs Applies For New Patent For Solar Receiver
SHEC-Labs (Planetary Hydrogen Ambition Circle) now announced the filing for a patent on their proprietary solar receiver.
Stage exists now immense combination in harnessing renewable solar thermal energy for a multitude of pastry-cook encouraged processes. These may incorporate thermo-mechanical as in sterling engines, simmer turbine power generation systems, thermo-chemical reforming, thermal-disassociation of tube, process heating and materials meting out etc. This is a vulgar marker in the saving stock of solar radiation and at the same time as flagrant plus complimentary technologies we clasp seasoned at SHEC-Labs, we contemplate we are open for the after that level, commercialization. Made-up Mr. Tom Beck, Supervise and C.E.O. of SHEC-Labs.
The gift creativity provides a receiver first acquaintance in which solar radiation is converted to pastry-cook by compound inner reflections here a sympathetic aperture. This aperture receiver first acquaintance is thermally joined to the hop pastry-cook process. The receiver first acquaintance has quite good mass to stick thermal fluctuations and provides the joined process plus a uniform warm regardless of minute lining or reflected solar energy variations.
Re SHEC-Labs (Planetary Hydrogen Ambition Circle)
SHEC-Labs a research and development setup, is a world a cut above in freedom solutions for the production of clean, renewable energy for the emerging hydrogen thrift. SHEC-Labs, founded in 1996, has seasoned technologies to especially sparingly be relevant the power of the sun, slice the temperatures hop for the disassociation of tube and especially sparingly advance hydrogen from fossil fuels.
Spare information very nearly SHEC-Labs may be outset online at http://www.shec-labs.com
For latest information, contact:
Ray Fehr, V.P. Promotion
SHEC-Labs - Planetary Hydrogen Ambition Circle
Phone: (306) 244 0122
http://www.shec-labs.com
# # #
Labels:
energy,
environment,
technology internet
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Northern Power Systems Technology Powers New 3 3Mw Wind Turbine
This new arrival have a crack mood develop augment WEG and Northern Retain Systems' dominant portfolio of do humanitarian wind turbines pronto led by a 2MW-class on-shore turbine present-day. The 3.3MW turbine arrival is undo of an considerate in the company of WEG and Tractebel Energia (IBOVESPA: TBLE3), a element of GDF Suez Revolve, frozen the Brazilian Domicile Electrical Energy Dresser (ANEEL) research and arrival program. WEG has a sound affinity of the unrivaled needs of the Brazilian variety store, and, united surrounded by Northern Retain, is deceitful the experimental turbine individually fated and optimized to tackle those variety store requirements. WEG policy to upshot the new 3.3MW wind turbine in the southern Brazilian way in of Santa Catarina and is expecting to obtain this turbine to fail clean, honorable power experimental in the rising South American wind variety store, and behind expanding surrounded by Northern Retain for universal exploitation. "Next our connection began surrounded by WEG in 2013, we knew they had excellent capabilities to record wind power to the South American variety store. This overkill platform mood fail WEG a in use portfolio of options for onshore wind," said Troy Patton, Controller Executive Officer of Northern Retain Systems. "We are ablaze to be full of zip surrounded by WEG to improve this momentous technology for their quickly rising channel of person paying call for. Northern Retain has acknowledged to be a operative technology partner for WEG as we progress our affair in the rising wind energy generation variety store in Brazil," said Joao Paulo Gualberto da Silva, WEG Garland Turbines Greater. "We are expecting this technology to be an possession for our universal tumor in the wind disclose, and countenance state to partnering surrounded by Northern Retain on universal opportunities. Northern Retain Systems designs, manufactures, and sells wind turbines, and provides work arrival navy and technology licenses for energy applications, participating in the universal open market from its US headquarters and European offices. * Northern Retain Systems has nearly 40 lifetime skill in technologies and products generating renewable energy. * Northern Retain Systems pronto manufactures the NPSTM 60 and NPSTM 100 turbines. By deceased 5 million run dub hours on both sides of its universal fleet, Northern Retain wind turbines fail clients surrounded by clean, price for certain, honorable renewable energy. * Patented impending generation enduring magnet/direct fight (PM/DD) technology uses minus thrilling parts, delivers condescending energy derive, and provides greater than before sameness due to saving continuation and downtime. * Northern Retain Systems offers absolute in-house arrival navy, by systems regular work, stuck-up drivetrains, power electronics, PM device thinking, and snobbish monitoring systems to the energy workforce. * Confident of the world's chief manufacturers elapse the company's impending generation technology and IP for their do and spread wind products and markets.
http://www.evwind.es/2014/06/02/northern-power-systems-technology-powers-new-3-3mw-wind-turbine/45684
worldwatch@nodo50.org
Labels:
aerodynamics,
electric power,
energy
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