By Travis Hoium A decade ago, the solar industry was almost nonexistent in the U.S. There was a large solar thermal power plant in the Mojave Desert that was completed in 1984; but between then and around 2008, there was almost no solar activity in the U.S. That all changed as costs quickly dropped for solar energy, and solar panel prices …
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Martifer Solar Prevails with 8 MW PV Plant in Ukraine
? Martifer Solar has implemented a total of 29 MW in the country since August 2012 and this project represents its sixth success story with off-taker, Rengy Development ? Despite severe political and economic turmoil in Ukraine, the company was able to deliver the project on time and within budget Martifer Solar, a subsidiary of Martifer SGPS, has built a …
Read More »Solar Powered Microgrid on Alcatraz Island
The Alcatraz Microgrid: Life on ‘The Rock’ Not Easy, Even for a Microgrid The Alcatraz microgrid stands as a model for installing modern energy technology under difficult terms. Historical structures had to be kept intact, equipment protected from the elements, and no new buildings erected. Here’s how developer Princeton Power Systems accomplished the task. The 22-acre island in San Francisco Bay is …
Read More »Study Predicts Rapid Growth in Solar Energy Market Will Lead to Opportunities for Copper
Sustainable energy expert reports on market study at SOLAR 2014 Conference With the growth rate of the solar energy market expected to increase by double-digits over the next decade, so too will the demand for copper which is needed to power and ground cabling for these installations, said Zolaikha Strong, director of sustainable energy for the Copper Development Association (CDA), …
Read More »Geothermal Can Play a Significant Role in State Carbon Reduction Plans
The Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) urges states to take advantage of the carbon emission reduction available through expanding geothermal power portfolios. Doing so makes sense in light of the US EPA’s proposed regulations for existing power plants that require states to substantially reduce carbon emissions. The regulations proposed June 2, 2014, would give states significant leeway in designing plans to reduce …
Read More »What the New Federal Carbon Dioxide Rule Means for Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency advocates have argued for years that energy efficiency should be a first fuel – considered before others in portfolio planning. Today, they appear victorious with the release of the US’ first-ever carbon dioxide restrictions for existing power plants. The draft rule places energy efficiency in good position to be a top choice as states set strateagies to meet …
Read More »Solar Energy Primed to Help U.S. Meet Future Energy Need
For many states struggling to reduce their carbon emissions, solar can be a real game-changer. With the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set to announce new air quality standards for coal and natural gas-fired power plants on Monday, June 2, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) today released a comprehensive report, “Cutting Carbon Emissions Under §111(d): The case for expanding solar …
Read More »A Signal that the Microgrid Market is about to Pop
To the consumer, the microgrid market will simply appear one day. Like the IPhone or the Kindle or solar panels, it will be the latest cool wonder of our high tech society. But those behind the scenes know that most products are many years in the making. Electricity innovation is no different, except perhaps that industry gestation requires a lot of government …
Read More »UPS Invests in Propane Fuel Option For US Delivery Fleet
Initial fueling infrastructure built at 50 locations in collaboration with Propane Education & Research Council ATLANTA, March 5, 2014 – UPS® (NYSE: UPS) today announced plans to purchase 1,000 propane package delivery trucks and install an initial 50 fueling stations at UPS locations. The investment in propane vehicles and infrastructure is approximately $70 million. The propane fleet will replace gasoline- and diesel-fueled vehicles used largely …
Read More »Electric Public Transit is Here
Yes it is true. You may not have heard of this company or the buses they are already turning out for use on public streets but electric public transit is here and could be in a town near you in the not too distant future. Watch the video below to see how it works. From the company: Bus travels more than 700 …
Read More »American Attitudes Towards Energy Policy, Climate Change: Changing at Glacial Speeds
Last week, Charlie Rose presented this summary of a report which laid out how the melting of the Western Antarctic Ice Sheet is “beyond the point of no return,” reminding us of the grim consequences: the slow but significant rise in the earth’s sea levels. I always wonder when I come across scientific findings like these: what does the common American think …
Read More »AWARD HONORS INNOVATORS IN ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
HOPE FOR THE PLANET: CALTECH‘S RESONATE AWARD HONORS INNOVATORS IN ALTERNATIVE ENERGY, THE ENVIRONMENT, AND SUSTAINABILITY Five Big Ideas in an Often Overlooked Field Get a Moment in the Sun PASADENA, CA – May 19, 2014 – To promote innovative and potentially game-changing solutions to some of the hardest problems in alternative energy and the environment, Caltech’s Resnick Sustainability Institute …
Read More »Solar Roads and Parking Lots
Can it happen? Our roads and parking lots covered with solar panels generating power everyday to power our world in a way that would mean the end of oil dependence? Well a couple from Idaho has had that grand vision and they have been working hard to make it a reality. Watch the video below to see their vision. …
Read More »Solving Brazil Power Woes a Major Revenue Generator
Green Hygienics to Address Critical Global Power Demands and Conservation The advantages of low-cost, clean forms of energy are increasingly moving from the margins to the mainstream of public awareness in countries around the world, especially developing nations with fast-growing economies, rising numbers of middle class consumers and traditional power supplies that are unreliable or heavy polluters or both.The decision by Warren Buffett’s utility company …
Read More »Committing to a Clean Energy Future
In his State of the Union address, President Obama pledged to make 2014 a year of action. And today, we announced new ways we’re taking action to advance clean energy and create opportunity for hardworking Americans. The Obama Administration has made historic investments in the research, development, and deployment of clean energy. And these investments are paying off; solar power …
Read More »Obama Bypasses Congress and Turns to Big Business to Make Energy Efficiency Happen
It’s never a bad thing to have the leader of the free world in your corner. And President Barrack Obama made clear again last week that he’s with energy efficiency. At a Walmart in Silicon Valley, Obama laid out his next round of green energy expansion plans. Sexy solar got much of the play in the media coverage. But staid …
Read More »Geothermal Industry Celebrates Awareness Day as sector readies for Summit
-On Geothermal Day, GEA calls for GEA Honors 2014 entries- Washington, D.C. (May 2, 2014) – On Monday, May 5, the geothermal industry will recognize Geothermal Awareness Day in California (#GeothermalDay2014) with a slate of activities in Sacramento and beyond, including a call for entries for GEA Honors, the Geothermal Energy Association’s annual awards program. “There is a growing need …
Read More »Energy Efficiency: Peacemaker in War on Coal?
Infusing more energy efficiency into the US economy could ease pressure on coal states that feel under attack by pending federal greenhouse gas rules, says a new study. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy outlines four energy efficiency strategies that could reduce carbon dioxide emissions 26 percent below 2012 levels in Change is in the Air: How States Can Harness Energy Efficiency …
Read More »Guide to Buying Plug-in Hybrid and Electric Cars
Is an Electric Car Right for You? Operating a car without needing to visit a gas station is intriguing idea to many American drivers. After all, the pumps can be a painful place—gas prices have been on a roller coaster ride the past few years. But in the minds of many American, electric cars are nothing more than glorified golf …
Read More »Geothermal Showcase finds sector hopeful
Industry needs early funding, risk mitigation to thrive Last week, the Geothermal Energy Association hosted the GEA International Geothermal Showcase, bringing together 250 participants from 36 countries and representing more than half of all geothermal projects worldwide. Together, these projects could mean over 10,000 MW of new geothermal power and would represent around $45 billion in new investment. “The …
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