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September 30, 2005
10th Annual National Solar Tour Is This Weekend
Tomorrow, Saturday, October 1, 2005--as part of the American Solar Energy Society’s 10th Annual National Solar Tour--home and business owners are opening their doors to the public to show the cost savings available to those who use alternative energy sources.
Consumers urged to shop around for gas, electricity
The state's chief utility regulator has a solution for consumers facing electricity and natural gas hikes of as much as 35 percent this winter: shop around.
Daily status report on energy industry recovery efforts in the US Gulf 093005
US Senators Chuck Schumer (Democrat-New York) and Dick Durbin (Democrat-Illinois) said they intend to introduce legislation to create a strategic gasoline and jet fuel reserve to tap in times of fuel shortages.
Sabine Pipeline's 131-mile pipeline system, which includes Henry Hub, remained shut down on Sep 29
Energy-efficient vehicles set trend for auto industry
With two sources of power working together a combustion engine and an electric motor powered by a battery Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) have excellent energy efficiency, and are perfect for modern motorists in a resource-scare world.
Expected Increase In Winter Demand To Further Stretch Natural Gas
Hurricane Rita and an anticipated increase in heating demand are expected to stretch natural gas supplies even further. And, according to the Natural Gas Supply Association, that's likely resulting in higher wholesale costs this winter.
Few Opting To Switch Energy Providers Under Deregulation
New Yorkers may be quick to complain about electric and natural gas bills, but few have taken advantage of deregulation of the industry that was supposed to let them shop around for a better rate.
Gas Price really does affect Demand
People vote with their wallets and as this graph shows, consumption of gasoline has dropped precipitously since the current spike.
GE's IGCC technology converts coal into a cleaner burning fuel, which is then used in a gas turbine combined-cycle system to generate electricity
GREENHOUSE GAS ACCUMULATIONS CHANGE THE WEATHER
Regardless of everything
else you have heard, Earth’s atmosphere is a giant heat engine. Like all heat
engines it operates by receiving heat, doing work, and rejecting heat that has
not been converted into work.
Hurricanes seen complicating efforts to meet energy act deadlines
officials said Thursday.
Indigenous Peoples Urge Action on Arctic Thaw
Indigenous peoples urged tougher action to slow global warming on Thursday after a US report showed the Arctic icecap had shrunk to its smallest in at least 100 years.
And Arctic leaders especially want the United States, the world's biggest polluter, to cap emissions of heat-trapping gases from power plants, factories and cars blamed by most scientists for global warming.
IPE Brent crude falls slightly as market watches US Gulf recovery
Crude prices fell Thursday despite there being no oil production in the offshore US Gulf for six days, and with the loss of oil output from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita now just shy of 38-mil bbl.
Key Facts on Biodiesel, Ethanol
Biodiesel, which works in any diesel engine, is a clean-burning fuel derived from any fat or vegetable oil. About 90 percent of US biodiesel is made from soybean oil.
Ethanol, an alcohol most often made from grains and sugar cane, is blended with gasoline to reduce tailpipe emissions in cars and trucks.
Most Russians support developing nuclear energy: poll
Over half of Russians surveyed in a poll stand for developing the nuclear energy sector, while 25 percent think it should be phased out, the Interfax news agency reported on Wednesday.
Nuclear generator boosted by sky-high prices
BRITISH Energy, the nuclear power generator, has emerged from the shadows of its controversial government-sponsored rescue deal by announcing a move back into profit thanks to soaring power prices.
Oil industry awash in record levels of cash
When major oil companies report their quarterly profits, they're once again expected to post record numbers. With crude trading around $ 60 a barrel, the oil industry is enjoying one of the biggest windfalls in its history.
Oil peak and shock: The bigger story behind Katrina
In addition to causing enormous suffering, Hurricane Katrina has touched off an oil shock that may have severe repercussions in coming months.
The hurricane has knocked out more than 10 % of US refining capacity and virtually all oil and gas produced in the Gulf of Mexico — perhaps for months... The hurricane also caused substantial damage to the distribution network, including pipelines and port facilities, used to get crude to and from refineries... with supply and demand already tight across North America, Katrina's impact has been magnified."
But if we step a little farther back and look at the bigger picture, the spikes may be seen as only a preview of more to come.
Long before Katrina hit, independent scientists who study the depletion of oil and gas, were warning of an imminent peak in world oil production.
If the uncertainty over jobs and the economy were not enough, many Americans now must worry about the solvency of their pensions. But Congress will consider comprehensive legislation that will amend pension law -- a move that would affect utilities whose pension promises exceed the assets they have set aside to pay for them.
Politicians attack oil firms over high gas prices
With Americans now paying $ 3.06 a gallon on average for regular gasoline -- up 45.9 cents, according to new government figures -- Congress returned to work in a frenzy to attack price gouging and pursue new legislation to encourage both oil drilling and energy conservation.
Power to East Texas coming back slowly
The hum of power generators echoed through the normally quiet Grogan's Mill neighborhood in The Woodlands as Entergy rationed power to customers through rolling blackouts.
The outages were a hot and frustrating inconvenience for 142,000 homes and businesses across Montgomery, Liberty, Grimes and Walker counties, but thousands more Entergy-connected customers in East Texas remained powerless.
Record Heat Waves Call for Immediate Action to Curb Electricity Consumption in Toronto
Ontario's hottest summer on record may be best remembered for its sweltering heat, but it also made the record books for smog alerts, electricity conservation appeals and higher electricity prices. In an effort to reverse the cycle of ballooning pollutants and rising electricity consumption sparked by extreme weather conditions, Toronto Hydro is launching the PeakSAVER program today.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 093005
Solar activity was very low. The geomagnetic field was at quiet to unsettled levels. The geomagnetic field is expected to be at quiet to unsettled levels.
Russian ministry says East Siberian oil pipeline violates law
The feasibility study, which Transneft sent to the government earlier this week, suggests a route that goes just within a 800-meter proximity to Lake Baikal, which contradicts an earlier environmental approval of the project, the ministry said.
Site Secured for Solar Power Breakthrough: New Low-Cost Solar Energy May Replace Gas
The plant will be located in Southern California.
Solar Industry Needs Stable Markets to Grow: Business Leader
Jeremy Bentham told the World Petroleum Congress in Johannesburg: "The solar industry needs stable markets. With fair and good incentives we can have solar power competitive in ten year's time."
Renewable energy production would be on the same level as gas production by 2030, and as oil by 2040, Bentham predicted.
"We are not constrained by capital, but by opportunities as we grow," Bentham said.
Some time ago National Public Radio collected the recorded voices of the last
five or six American presidents and broadcast them, each with his own
distinctive tone, all saying exactly the same thing: America has to end its
dependency on foreign oil.
Today President Bush makes much the same kind of statements as his predecessors
did, but the measures he recommends hold only a little promise. And today the
problem is rapidly becoming not just foreign oil, but oil itself.
''Most of the serious problems, such as high gasoline costs or the rising dependence on foreign oil have developed over decades. It's going to take years of focused effort to alleviate those problems."
Toyota To Go 100 Percent Hybrid
Toyota has announced that all of its vehicles would eventually be powered by hybrid gasoline-electric motors. "In the future, the cars you see from Toyota will be 100 percent hybrid," said Kazuo Okamoto of Toyota. There's no deadline for that, but at the rate at which Toyota is introducing new models (especially the predictably popular Camry Hybrid) and ramping up production, it should not take too long.
U.S. Army and Chevron Technology Ventures Partner in Development of Hydrogen Fueling Technologies
Chevron Technology Ventures is researching and demonstrating hydrogen energy stations which provide hydrogen for both hydrogen-fueled fuel cells and internal combustion engine vehicle fleets, and stationary power applications.
US and China join rush to Alberta oil sands
The oil rush has come to western Canada, with the United States and China jockeying for position in what is potentially the world's biggest source of petroleum, known as the Alberta oil sands.
The potential of the oil sands has been known for decades, but with energy
prices soaring and heightened fears of a global supply crunch, a growing number
of producers from around the world are stepping up efforts to find ways to
explore and extract oil.
US power industry breaks record for electricity demand
The US electric power industry has set a new record for power demand, providing 95,259 GWh for the week ending July 23, and eclipsing by 5.3 % the previous record of 90,468 GWh set back in August 2002, according to Edison Electric Institute's weekly electric output survey.
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced $9 million in Emergency Conservation Program
(ECP) funds are now available for Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas producers to repair environmental damage caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. These funds are in addition to more than $20 million in ECP funding provided on Sept. 7.
Volvo facility in Sweden to become world´s first CO2-free auto plant
Volvo will use wind power and biofuel for electricity and heat at the plant.
"Reducing carbon dioxide emissions is no easy task," Volvo CEO Leif Johansson said. "But the issue is so important that I believe we must be prepared to try out a variety of different alternatives if we really want to succeed. Our investment in the Tuve plant is one such effort."
But if consumers are paying big money for gasoline, it only makes sense that
someone is benefiting.
Who?
Oil companies.
The high profits are mostly driven by high crude oil prices, which jumped more
than 60 % in 2004, according to the congressional report.
Who sets gasoline prices? Not oil companies
The cost of gasoline is determined by oil futures traders who shout prices at each other in the pits of the New York Mercantile Exchange during the day and quietly make deals electronically overnight.
Wild Gorillas Seen Using Tools for First Time
Two female gorillas have been photographed using sticks as tools to get through swampy areas, the first time the apes have been seen doing so in the wild, researchers reported on Thursday.
September 29, 2005
$2 M Becomes Available for Arizona Solar Rebates
An additional $2 million is now available for APS customers in Arizona who want to install residential or commercial solar energy projects. APS, Arizona's largest and longest-serving electric utility, serves more than 989,500 customers in 11 of the state's 15 counties. The funds, available on a first-come, first-served basis, are available under the APS Environmental Portfolio Standard Credit Purchase Program (CPP).
Alaska Landscape Transformed by Warmer Climate
Sinking villages perched on thawing permafrost, an explosion of timber-chewing insect populations, record wildfires and shrinking sea ice are among the most obvious and jarring signs that Alaska is getting warmer as the global climate changes, scientists say.
Hart is one of 190 chefs participating in the September 29 “Eat Local Challenge.” Palo Alto-based Bon Appétit Management Company, the national food service provider which runs all of the restaurants, launched the challenge to raise awareness about where the food on our plates comes from.
China Seen as World Leader in Clean Energy
Smog, soot and an insatiable thirst for oil: that's one image of China. But the Asian colossus is also seen leading the way in the use of "green" energies as alternatives to fossil fuels, the head of a leading environmental watchdog said on Wednesday.
Coal industry's cyclical upswing will persist, Kennecott CEO says
Daily status report on energy industry recovery efforts in the US Gulf 092905
Contract driller Global Santa Fe said on Sep 28 two of its Gulf of Mexico jackup rigs were severely damaged by Hurricane Rita after being set adrift in the storm and blown about 80 miles from their drilling sites.
ConocoPhillips on Sep 28 said it expected to return its 229,000 b/d Sweeny refinery in Old Ocean, Texas, back to normal operations later this week. The refinery was not damaged during the passage of Rita.
ExxonMobil said it was beginning the start-up of its 557,000 b/d refinery in Baytown, Texas. Several units have already been brought online.
Dutch Solar Car Wins Australian Outback Race
Using nothing but the power of the sun, Nuna 3 appeared to have broken its 2003 record of 30 hours and 54 minutes. Race director Chris Selwood said timings were yet to be made official but it seemed likely that Nuna 3 had set a new race record.
Effect of Greenhouse Gases Rising, Government Says
The effect of greenhouse gases on the Earth's atmosphere has increased 20 percent since 1990, a new government index says. The Earth's average temperature increased about 1 degree Fahrenheit during the 20th century. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that continuing increases could have serious effects on crops, glaciers, the spread of disease, rising sea levels and other changes.
Energy Lessons from Rita and Katrina
The devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, beyond its current tragic effects, is a postcard from the future on the increasing intensity we can expect from such storms as global warming increases ocean temperatures.
Few in Congress would argue that the recently enacted Energy Policy Act of 2005 contains strong enough measures to address the problems we face in energy prices, energy imports, global warming, or national security. Katrina's economic and energy impacts put the nation's unsustainable appetite ever more costly oil and natural gas in stark relief. This disaster is a wake-up call that fundamental and sweeping changes are needed in U.S. energy policy.
Ethanol Starting to Trade Like a World Commodity
Ethanol export contracts from Brazil are looking more like contracts for other goods, such as sugar, soy and oil -- a sign that the renewable fuel may be on its way to becoming a world commodity.
French Drivers Illegally Use Vegoil as Fuel
"At least 2,000 to 3,000 French motorists are using between 50 and 100 percent pure vegetable oil in their tanks right now," said Alain Juste, manager of Valenergol, a southwest-based sunflower oil distribution company.Despite the European Union pushing for the development of pure vegetable oils as an alternative to traditional fuels, they have never been legally permitted in France. Motorists who use them risk being fined.
Henry Hub force majeure continues; Sabine Pipeline
Hospitals taking steps to reduce use of mercury, survey finds
The American Hospital Association and Hospitals for a Healthy Environment found that 80 percent of the hospitals that responded to the survey no longer use mercury fever thermometers. Sixty percent had implemented a mercury management policy, and 54 percent plan to virtually eliminate mercury facilitywide.
House proposes three options for short-term energy funding
Hydropower Downturn Masks RE Growth in 2004
The U.S. use of renewable energy grew by only 1 percent in 2004, according to a report released in August by DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA). Why so little? The EIA's report includes power produced from conventional hydropower, which dropped by 3.5 percent in 2004. Excluding hydropower, renewable energy production increased by 4 percent, including a 3.8 percent growth in biomass energy and a 24 percent growth in wind energy, according to EIA's preliminary data.
With the nation's largest medium truck diesel-electric hybrid utility field test program soon to begin, there's reason for great optimism. Independent test results involving the International Truck and Engine Corporation utility truck being used in the field test, measured against driving and work cycles typical of the utility industry, showed a decrease in the amount of fuel used of 40 to 60 percent, as well as emissions-reduction benefits, significantly exceeding expectations.
Inspection Finds Dangerous Leaks at Nuclear Plant
SCOTLAND' S biggest nuclear plant is leaking dangerous radioactive waste, inspectors have found. Evidence of radioactive liquid leaking onto the foreshore around the plant was one of 28 problems found by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa).
IPE Brent crude futures little changed amid thin trading
At 1044 GMT the November IPE Brent crude futures contract was pegged at $63.99/bbl, up a mere 6cts. Trading was rangebound with a high of $64.21/bbl and a low of $63.78/bbl as it seems yesterday's US weekly statistics have been
completely factored in.
Italy Stands by Moses to Save Venice From Floods
Venetians have endured tides and flooding since the city was founded on a collection of marshy islands in the 15th century.
But it wasn't until 1966, when a super high-tide swamped the city, destroying the homes of some 5,000 people, that Venice's elders decided to take action.
Los Angeles Study Finds Higher Pollution Death Risk
The risk of dying from air pollution in parts of traffic-clogged Los Angeles appears sharply higher than previously believed, according to a study comparing the risks of living in affluent, beachfront neighborhoods to the hazy and fast-growing inland area.
Mass-Producible Hydrogen Fuel Cells
The company claims that an advantage of this proprietary technology allows for low-cost, highly scalable manufacturing. Each 5 kW unit is individually hot-swappable and rack-mountable and can be placed in eight unit modules that produce 40 kW.
Murphy Oil pledges $5M to help rebuild hurricane-wrecked parish in La.
Murphy Oil Corp. has pledged $5 million to help St. Bernard Parish get back on its feet after a large oil spill caused by Hurricane Katrina at one of its refineries.About 819,000 gallons of oil spilled from the company´s Chalmette, La. refinery.
Oklahoma group's findings on energy released
"Wind power and other renewable resources offer huge benefits that aren't available with traditional resources," said Denise Bode, Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner and committee chairman. "While electric power plans are long-term investments with useful lives of 30 years, there are now valid questions as to whether the fuels will be readily available for that time. But the sustainability of renewable resources is nearly infinite."
Panel Shortage Snags Solar System Sellers
Southern Nevada has plenty of sunshine and solar power, but companies installing solar power systems are dealing with a shortage of photovoltaic panels.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 092905
Solar activity was very low. Regions 810 (N08W74) and 812 (S02E05) produced no flares and exhibited no significant development. The geomagnetic field was quiet to active. Solar wind speed remains low, with end-of-day speeds around 370 km/s. The geomagnetic field is expected to be unsettled to active with possible isolated minor storming on 29 September as a recurrent coronal hole high speed stream moves into geoeffective position.
Restoring power in southeast Texas may take months
Rita May Worsen Red Tide in South Texas
While Hurricane Rita struck days ago and hundreds of miles away,
the storm is still creating problems on the southern tip of Texas.
Rita's path left South Texas hot and dry -- conditions ideal for one of
the worst red tides in memory -- and swells from the storm have created
fears that the toxic algae could spread.
Rita 'significant blow' to refining, but no 'knockout punch'; EIA
Scotland Outlines Ambitious Ocean Energy Goals
A group of industry experts advised the Scottish government that the potential exists to install over one GW of wave and tidal capacity in Scottish waters. This is around one-tenth of Scotland's current total electricity production.
Secrets of Water-Walking Insects Revealed
Although the surfaces of the water look flat to the human eye, for the tiny creatures they appear as huge walls of water called menisci that must be climbed to get to where they want to go.
States regulators promote cooperation in overseeing reliability
The nature of reliability, with state regulators having authority over utilities and FERC having authority over the transmission system, calls for a partnership rather than a top-down command structure, said William Chamberlain, chief counsel with the California Energy Commission.
Storm-Hit New Orleans Faces Mountains of Garbage
From collapsed houses to abandoned cars, debris covers the ruined city as far as the eye can see. There is an estimated 22 million tons of garbage in New Orleans alone, much of it toxic and hazardous and needing special handling.
Tennessee authorities urge consumers to conserve energy
TRA issued a consumer advisory to remind those heating their homes with natural gas about ways to limit their consumption to hold down rising gas bills. The authority issued its advisory after the state's biggest natural gas distributors entered purchased gas adjustments to boost their residential rates by some of the biggest amounts in three years.
UK to decide on nuclear power by end of 2006; energy minister
A government review of energy policy next year would "have to include a proposal about nuclear," Wicks said. "The proposal could be 'no,' it could be 'yes'," he told the newspaper.
Wicks went on to say that nuclear and renewable energy were complementary. "Some people are fearful that what Tony Blair said undermines the renewables industry. Well, it doesn't.
US House Panels Push Bills to Help Energy Industry
Democrats accused Republicans of exploiting gasoline price shocks set off by hurricanes Katrina and Rita to loosen bedrock Clean Air Act protections and hand incentives to US oil companies basking in record profits.
US House panels seek boost energy development, refinery capacity
Republican leadership on the House Resources Committee is hoping that Americans' concerns about high gasoline and heating prices will allow it to authorize the Interior Department to lease 1.5-mil acres in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge within 22 months of the bill's enactment.
Warming Causes Record Arctic Ice Melt - US Report
The Arctic ice shelf has melted for the fourth straight year to its smallest area in a century, driven by rising temperatures that appear linked to a buildup of greenhouse gases, US scientists said on Wednesday.
Washington county bans electronics from trash
King County, Wash., will ban electronics from the trash effective Oct. 1, and one major retailer will offer electronics recycling services on an ongoing basis.The county will prohibit residents and businesses from throwing away computers, laptops, monitors, TV sets and cell phones to encourage recycling of those items.
September 28, 2005
Airlines should join emissions trade scheme - EU
"Extending emissions trading to the aviation sector will limit these emissions and ensure that aviation, like all other sectors, contribute to reducing the harmful greenhouse gases. Through emission trading, airlines will be able to do so at the least possible costs."
Argentina oil, gas output dropped in July; industry group
Audi reveals innovative green hybrid
Audi has revealed its Q7 concept car – a petrol-electric 4x4 with a host of green innovations - at the Frankfurt International Motor Show after months of speculation. If the vehicle is stationary for more than three seconds the engine automatically shuts off, restarting when the accelerator is pressed again. The Q7 also has a significant 13% improvement in fuel economy over equivalent V8s.
Canada's hot summer fueled critical developments on its road to cut greenhouse gases. Under a plan just released, eligible projects that reduce those emissions thought to cause global warming will get credits that can be sold for a profit. Canada's prescription for meeting its obligations -- called the Climate Change Plan -- empowers the government to invest about $10 billion (Canadian) between now and 2012. The goal is to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 6 percent from the level at which the country was producing in 1990.
China Ponders Cost of Energy-Guzzling Industries
A filthy house, breathing problems and the thunder of delivery trucks below her window will soon be little more than a bad memory for Liu, who has spent most of her life in the shadow of Guangzhou's cement factory.
Cement is one of several energy-intensive industries -- among them aluminium, steel and chemicals -- that are ratcheting up the environmental toll of China's breakneck industrial expansion through ravenous consumption of electricity from its mostly coal-fired plants.
Coal poised to make a comeback in electricity generation
Addressing his ruling Labour Party's annual conference in Brighton, Blair asked: "For how much longer can countries like ours allow the security of our energy supply be dependent on some of the most unstable parts of the world?"
Concern over Blair’s green ‘u-turn’
Environmentalists have expressed dismay over Prime
Minister Tony Blair’s latest comments on international climate change
strategies, which amount to a u-turn on his previous statements. Speaking at
a conference in New York last week, Mr. Blair outlined his ‘changing
thinking’ on the issue and spoke in favour of a co-operative technological
solution and against a new Kyoto-style agreement, appearing to echo the
widely-criticised position of the Bush Administration.
“Only a few weeks ago Tony Blair was pledging commitment to the Kyoto
Protocol process
Daily status report on energy industry recovery efforts in the US Gulf 092805
The Houston Ship Channel has reopened to all daylight transit vessels with a draft of 35 feet or less for the first time since Hurricane Rita's pass.
Meridian Resource Corp on Sep 27 said that onsite and aerial inspections of the majority of its production facilities in southcentral and southwestern Louisiana indicate that its production facilities are "essentially intact and undamaged" in the wake of Hurricane Rita.
DaimlerChrysler hits milestone for fuel-cell vehicles
Fuel-cell vehicles made by DaimlerChrysler have now traveled more than 1 million miles and saved an estimated 50,000 gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel, the company said.The pollution-free vehicles, which rely on hydrogen instead of traditional fuel, are in place around the world and represent a $1 billion investment by the company, DaimlerChrysler said.
Downstream bottlenecks set to persist until 2007; OPEC sec-gen
FERC estimates gas line delivery in 2016
The soonest an Alaska natural gas pipeline can deliver significant amounts of new gas supplies to the North American market is 2016, and that's assuming North Slope producers reach agreements with Alaska and Canadian governments soon, a senior Federal Energy Regulatory Commission official told an Arctic energy conference in Anchorage Sept. 20.
Former PM Proposes Australia as World's Nuclear Dump
A former Australian prime minister has proposed that the country offer to store the world's nuclear waste in its vast desert interior and use the money earned on environment and social welfare programmes.
Global groups develop information portal for renewables
The Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) and REN21 (a network established at the international conference for renewables in Bonn last year) are designing an Internet based ‘Information Clearing House’ to provide access to information on renewables and energy efficiency.
Global Warming and the Airline Industry
Aircraft taking off from airports in the European Union should join the bloc's emissions trading scheme to cut greenhouse gases that damage the environment, the EU executive Commission proposed on Tuesday.
Hurricanes underline climate threat
Emerging opinion in scientific journals (Science, Nature) suggests a growing frequency of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes and other major storms over the last three decades, combined with an increase in the global sea surface temperatures.
Hurricane-stricken areas face power outages, heat advisories
With temperatures on the rise and the power still out for much of East Texas in the aftermath of Hurricane Rita, another public safety crisis may be in the making.
The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories -- with dangerously high temperatures predicted -- in almost the entire area hit by the storm.
Idea of nuclear plant excites Cumberland County, N.C., officials
Soaring some about 50 stories into the sky, the cooling tower of a nuclear power plant would dramatically alter the Cumberland County landscape.
Incentives for renewables vary around the world
Global experience shows tax incentives for renewables are successful
if they are of “sufficient size, scope and length to be effective in
influencing renewable energy investment and consumption decisions,”
and if they are tailored to the stage of industry development and
designed to account for interactions with other government
policies and energy market conditions.
Medway biomass boiler project on tap again
Maine-After being stalled for almost a year, a plan to create what could be the state's first industrial park totally powered by environment-friendly biomass boilers, creating as many as 80 jobs, seems to be moving forward, town officials said Monday.
Mexico's energy secretary resigns
Providing no reason for the resignation, the spokesman said the president's office might announce Elizondo's successor within the next few hours.
On Monday, Agriculture Secretary Javier Usabiaga also tendered his resignation, which the president is studying, sources in Fox's office said.
Missouri enacts 50-cent fee for sales of lead-acid batteries
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources on Oct. 1 will begin receiving a 50-cent fee for every lead-acid battery greater than 6 volts sold in the state.Money from the fee will go to hazardous waste cleanup efforts, the DNR said.
Some private natural gas companies are lobbying the Tennessee Regulatory Authority seeking as much as 63% increases in natural gas prices this coming winter.
New Zealand Push for energy plan
New Zealand must bite the bullet and develop an energy plan for the next 45 years which will demand tough trade-offs on high prices and a clean and green country, warns the Business Council for Sustainable Development.
Nigeria to add 500,000 bd oil output capacity by Q1 2006; Daukoru
Power still out at Henry Hub, force majeure continues; Sabine
"Power remains out in most areas of the system. Efforts are underway to remove standing water from Sabine's Henry facilities so that the condition of equipment can be further assessed." Henry Hub is the delivery point for the New York Mercantile Exchanges natural gas futures contract.
Questions remain over carbon storage – Greenpeace
A
new report on the process of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) shows that the
technology is far from ready, Greenpeace has claimed this week. The method,
which involves disposing of carbon dioxide under ground or under the sea,
has been heralded in some quarters as a quick fix for emissions reduction.
The report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) notes
that large scale use of the technology is unlikely to be employed before the
second half of the century.
Renewable energies can alleviate poverty in developing world, says report
A number of renewable energy options that currently are in wide use are “viable options” for poverty alleviation in developing countries and can contribute towards meeting the goals of the Millennium Development Goals.
Russian energy company chief details plans in Armenia
A top official of the Russian energy giant has confirmed the plans to buy the Armenian power grid. Andrey Rappoport, chairman of the board of directors of Inter-RAO UES, brushed aside allegations of breaching the Armenian legislation while taking over the power grid from a British company. The deal is legally not over yet and the provisions of the Armenian law on privatization will be fulfilled
Russian nuclear industry needs major investment, says official
The Russian nuclear power engineering sector needs investments
worth R30bn in order to double its capacities by 2020.
Senate Energy Committee leaders plan fact-finding trip to USG
Following the senators' trip to the impacted region, they are expected to hold hearings and decide what legislation may be necessary to address energy concerns under the committee's jurisdiction. On Sept 22, committee member Sen Mary Landrieu (Democrat-Louisiana) introduced a massive hurricane recovery bill that included provisions to compensate affected utilities for up to $2.5-bil in restoration costs and lost revenue.
To Meet Growing Demand, Utility Considers Alternatives
To meet the demand of some of the state's fastest-growing areas, the state-owned utility is considering a growing number of renewable and alternative-energy projects, such as burning garbage and wood, using wind turbines, and adding a new nuclear reactor.
U.S. governors seek comments on draft reports on renewables
The 18 states in the Western Governors' Association want to source that capacity from solar, wind, geothermal and biomass resources, as well as energy efficiency, clean coal and advanced natural gas. The governors created the Clean & Diversified Energy Advisory Committee (CDEAC) last year.
UK lawmakers to investigate security of winter gas supplies
UK report analyzes potential for CO2 reduction from renewables
“Integrating renewables into the electricity network remains a key technical, regulatory and policy challenge,” concludes the Tyndall Centre, because the grid is not designed to accommodate small generators and because the regulatory system is focussed on the reduction of costs in a centralized system of generation and control.
September 27, 2005
As energy prices soar consumers seek solutions
Energy is currently headline news with analysts predicting that prices would reach record levels even before recent hurricanes slowed natural gas production in the United States. While it's still too early to know the long-term impact on prices, one fact is clearly apparent, energy prices remain high and the future level of energy prices remains uncertain.
Ballard Power Systems Seeks Chinese Funds
Ballard Power Systems Inc. (Vancouver, BC, Canada) is reportedly seeking investment from China as it tries to break into the world's third-largest vehicle market, according to the company's Chief Executive Dennis Campbell. Ballard, partially owned by DaimlerChrysler AG and Ford Motor Co. hosted Chinese President Hu Jintao on September 17, 2005, who toured the company's research and manufacturing operations. Ballard and China have discussed hydrogen fuel cell technology for more than a year, according to Campbell.
Barton bill to overhaul NSR rules, extend ozone compliance period
Big Auto Makers Want Bush to Act on Energy - WSJ
Ford Motor Co., Toyota Motor Corp. and other auto makers say they want the Bush administration to take more aggressive action to cut US dependence on petroleum, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.
Burying greenhouse pollution is feasible but pricey, says UN report
Burying greenhouse gas pollution from power plants and factories before it enters the air is technically feasible but wouldn't make economic sense for Canada under its current Kyoto plan, a UN report suggests.
Bush Urges Americans To Cut Back on Unnecessary Travel To Conserve Gas
President Bush urged Americans on Monday to cut back on unnecessary travel to make up for fuel shortages caused by Hurricane Rita as he prepared to take his seventh trip to the Gulf Coast.
Canada to invest more in renewable energy
"Clearly if you take a look at the energy demand of the world, we've got to do a lot more, and we intend to do a lot more," Martin said Saturday.
Coal prices fall as PRB rail repairs progress; stockpiles low
Davis-Besse waste slated for tribal site
Spent reactor fuel from the Davis-Besse nuclear power plant in Ottawa County could be en route to tribal land in Utah within three years if the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's recent authorization of a storage license stands up in court.
Enbridge gas pipelines remain shut-in late Monday
Energy prices risk to US economy-Bernanke
High energy prices in the wake of Hurricanes Rita and Katrina pose a risk to U.S. economic growth, but inflation expectations remain well-contained, a top White House economic adviser said on Sunday.
EU can phase out nuclear power, cut CO2 by 30% by 2020; report
Daily status report on energy industry recovery efforts in the US Gulf 092705
Total said on Sep 26 that its 240,000 b/d refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, will be closed for an "extended period of time" after sustaining damage during Hurricane Rita. -- The Louisiana Offshore Oil Port is aiming to resume crude offloading operations
For gas market, coal 'is the 800-pound gorilla,' consultant says
Hydrogen Engine Center Participates in CDN$6 Million Project
announced its participation, as a consortium member, in a CDN$6 million project to produce electrical power with almost no emissions. The five (5) member consortium led by Canadian-based Atlantic Hydrogen Inc. will develop and demonstrate a technology to convert methane to a hydrogen-rich fuel, which will feed a specially designed HEC engine/generator set to produce the electricity, greatly reducing the release of greenhouse gases.
IPE Brent eases after US-led spike on heating oil supply concerns
"The previous evening's rally was fueled by heating oil essentially. I think this morning a few people decided to make a little bit of money as they cannot see any fresh news coming until tomorrow in the form of the US Department of Energy inventory report," a trader said.
Meter that allows smallest to respond to price movement
A new meter is being checked out in California that could play a major role in making markets work at a time when few know how much prices are going to spike.
Naimi says oil markets under pressure from rising demand
The recent hurricanes in the US had exposed the fragility of the market's ability to produce crude oil, refine it and deliver it to markets.
Our friends at the American Solar Energy Society are
sponsoring the National Solar Tour this Saturday October 1st. To tour a solar
powered home or business near you, go to
WWW.NATIONALSOLARTOUR.ORG
Natural Gas and Oil Outlook - How Serious is the Situation? Part 1
In the first draft of this paper several months ago, the title was "Is There a Problem." The events of the last month have answered that question with a resounding YES. We now are experiencing a taste of what the future holds. The problems have been building for quite some time and Katrina has triggered the first in a series of crises.
No One Can Say If Warming Caused Katrina, Rita
Scientists say it's not easy to tell if global warming caused
hurricanes Katrina and Rita but Monday they forecast more unpredictable weather
as Earth gets hotter.
Even skeptics agree that global warming is under way and that human
activity is at least in part responsible. Climate experts also agree that this
warming is likely to make the weather more extreme
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 092705
Solar activity is expected to be very low with a chance for an isolated C-flare. The geomagnetic field is expected to be mostly unsettled to active with isolated minor storm periods possible due to a recurrent coronal hole high speed stream.
Republic says Hurricane Rita didn´t harm Texas operations
Republic Services Inc.´s southeast Texas operations "were not significantly impacted" by Hurricane Rita, the company said."Our trucks and facilities are all in working order, and we are committed to helping with the ongoing cleanup and rebuilding efforts," Chairman and CEO James O´Connor said.
Smallest Creatures in Ocean Hold Valuable Secrets
It provides the planet with oxygen and helps combat global warming. A staggering number of the single-celled organisms live in the oceans which cover two-thirds of the globe, yet not enough is known about the role they play in the planet's health.
Tax break more complex than hybrid technology
Consumers may soon have greater urgency to buy a hybrid gas-electric vehicle, and not just because of $3 per gallon gas.
But it may pay to buy early because only the first 60,000 hybrid vehicles that each manufacturer sells are eligible for the full benefit.
The Energy Policy Act of 2005; Legislative Achievement or Management Fiasco
I received an impassioned E-Mail chain letter last week. The author asked everyone on the list to boycott ExxonMobile because the price of gasoline is too high. My response? The price of oil is set by a complex interaction between producer nations and the commodity markets. The current price increases have been caused by the very thin margin between world supply and demand, and a lack of refining capacity – particularly in the United States.
Trash, waste are newest fuel sources
The Elgin plant is one of multiple landfill projects around the state, representing a $26.1 million investment by Santee Cooper, company officials said. Another 5.5-megawatt plant is being constructed in Anderson. The $7 million plant will start operating in May, Varn said.
Two Entergy power plant units damaged by Rita
Ukrainian Reactor Stopped Over Malfunction
The generating set was stopped to remove a malfunction in the turbine compartment, which led to a steam hole. The malfunction did not affect the radiation level at the plant or on its grounds, and posed no threat to the plant's personnel.
UN Recommends Capture, Storage of Carbon Dioxide Underground To Prevent Global Warming
Existing technology should be used to capture and store carbon
dioxide underground to prevent emissions and curb global warming, experts
suggested in a comprehensive report released by the United Nations.
Water Recedes From US Gulf Coast, Revealing Ruin
Hurricane Rita's floodwaters receded on Monday from the US Gulf Coast to reveal devastation in Louisiana's Cajun swamplands, while other parts lurched back to life after the second major storm in less than a month.
September 26, 2005
Agreement close for multistate pollution reduction plan
A multistate plan is nearing completion that would set limits on carbon dioxide pollution from power plants.
The first-in-the-nation agreement, called the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, would freeze carbon dioxide pollution at current levels through 2015, then require a 10 percent reduction by 2020. Power generators would have to use cleaner fuels or improve efficiency to stay within the caps, or pay other power plants to make the reductions for them.
Americans Unclear About Ozone Benefits
API says Hurricane Rita damage is not 'as bad as we feared'
Bush says storms show need for additional refining capacity in US
"We'll use the [Strategic Petroleum Reserve] to help the refineries with crude oil," Bush told reporters during a briefing on Rita's impact to the US energy industry. Bush, in a detailed and wide-ranging review of US energy markets, also
said Katrina and Rita demonstrated the need for an expansion of US refining capacity.
Clean car, but will its fuel be?
They're experimental and cost about $ 500,000 apiece. But if affordable hydrogen vehicles ever make it out of the lab and into the showroom, then the United States will breathe a bit easier. Replacing gasoline with hydrogen would reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil - and cut pollution.But even if all the technical hurdles are overcome, one big challenge remains: Where will that hydrogen fuel come from?
Daily status report on energy industry recovery efforts in the US Gulf 092605
Rita is shutting down a huge portion of the US' refining capacity. Of the 21 refineries located between Corpus Christi, Texas, and Lake Charles, Louisiana, 16 are confirmed to be closed or in the process of closing. The 21 plants comprise 27.5% of the country's total refining capacity. Another 5% remains out of service due to the four large refineries in Louisiana and Mississippi still shut in the wake of Katrina.
Early Snowmelts Heating Alaska Arctic, Study Suggests
Spring snowmelt in Alaska's Arctic is occurring progressively
earlier, accelerating the region's climate change and helping produce its
warmest summers in at least 400 years, according to a new study.
The earlier snowmelt, itself a product of a warming climate, is one of
the "positive feedback" factors that accelerates warming in the far north.
Energy Department Proposes Plan To Reduce Greenhouse Gases
The U.S. Department of Energy released for public review and comment September 22 a plan to accelerate the development and lessen the cost of advanced technologies that reduce or capture and store greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy prices have changed dramatically
No question that energy prices have changed dramatically! According to WTRG
Economics, the prices have risen from September 2004 - September 2005 for fuel
heating oil from $1.20 to $1.994 per gallon, natural gas from $5.00 to $12.250
per mmbtu, and petroleum from $42 per barrel to $67.40 per barrel - all in one
year.
For buildings, energy efficiency immediately reduces energy use.
ERCOT reports Rita damage limited to local power facilities
ExxonMobil says Baytown refinery beginning restart process
Fuel bills chill budgets--Consumers can take steps to cope with energy cost hikes
Now they've started tightening the budget even more in preparation for winter's high heating bills. Angie anticipates spending less this Christmas on presents for the couple's 4-year- old son.
"A warm home is such a priority over other things," she said. "If something's got to give, it can't be that."
Green Sticker program heating up
While many Utahns are worried about rising prices at the pump, natural gas prices are also hitting close to home. By passing a safety and efficiency inspection for home gas furnaces and water heaters, Utahns will be seeing green — literally.
Greenpeace takes role in wind debate
Even for Greenpeace, a group known for turning high-seas drama into political statement, the foray into the Nantucket Sound wind farm debate has played like perfect theater.
H 2 OIL!-Blair plans WATER-fuelled cars
TONY Blair wants to turn Britain into the biggest producer of WATER-powered cars - slashing the cost of motoring to an incredible penny a mile.Ministers will announce on Tuesday they are setting up a new UK company to produce the revolutionary vehicles.
The firm, OM Energy Ltd, will be partly funded by the Government.
The new cars will work by using a small amount of petrol to turn large amounts of water into hydrogen. The exciting breakthrough comes as petrol hit a pound a litre.
BLAME it on the Hindenburg. Ever since the hydrogen-filled German airship exploded in 1937, hydrogen and aviation have not had much to do with each other. But a new aircraft, which made its first flight in May, could change that. Global Observer, the world's first liquid-hydrogen powered, unmanned-aerial vehicle (UAV), is not an airship, but an aeroplane that uses hydrogen as a fuel.
Houston gasoline stocks at 'reasonable' levels Monday;retailers
Hurricane Rita Caused Major Damage to Entergy System
Entergy officials say that outages related to Hurricane Rita continue to rise and that Rita -- which came just a few weeks after the worst storm in company history -- is now the second-worst storm in company history.
Hurricane Season May Have a Few Blasts Left
"We're still in the peak of the season here, that goes for another month or so. (It) makes me think that not only will we have more storms and hurricanes, but we could have another major hurricane or two," said Max Mayfield, director of the US National Hurricane Center
Interconnection Advances for Colorado Renewable Energy
Environmentalists, renewable energy supporters and utility interests have agreed on new proposed interconnection standards for Colorado. They would include one of the most generous net-metering caps for renewable energy in the nation.
Katrina Demonstrates Market Growth for Reverse Osmosis Units
Montana Faces Eternal Clean-Up of Toxic Lake
Even as bad as the sewage and chemical infested water around New Orleans may be, the Berkeley Pit, a toxic lake filling a 1-1/2 by 1 mile open pit mine in Butte (pop. 34,000) may pose an even greater long-term ecological risk.
More Than 900 Dead in India Encephalitis Outbreak
More than 4,200 people have fallen ill with the virus in the densely-populated northern state of Uttar Pradesh since late July and close to 90 percent of fatalities have been children between 3-to-15 years.Encephalitis is caused by a virus found in pigs and wild birds and transferred to humans by a mosquito bite. The disease affects the brain and causes headaches, convulsions, high fever and respiratory distress. Many survivors are left mentally or physically handicapped.
Nation's Largest Fuel Cell Project Lands on Long Island
Verizon is operating the largest fuel cell project of its kind in the country, using seven fuel cells built by UTC Power of South Windsor, Connecticut, to supply electric power at its large call-switching center and office building on Long Island. The fuel cells are expected to reduce dependence on commercial electric power and provide another layer of network reliability in the event of a disaster.
New York Announces New Energy Plans
"In light of the current energy situation, I call on the Legislature to
join me in renewing our commitment to improve energy efficiency and diversify
our energy supplies so that New York will be less vulnerable to energy price
volatility."
--George E. Pataki, Governor of New York
The six-year research project “Hydrogen Energy for the Future of New Zealand” is designed to create the technological platform that would be necessary if the country were to move to a hydrogen-based energy economy. Trial technology for converting our low rank coals to high purity hydrogen suitable for use in fuel cells has been built and commissioning work is well advanced.
Pennsylvania Among First to Apply Trading to Water Quality
Progress Energy Carolinas Sending Crews to Assist in Aftermath of Hurricane Rita
Progress Energy is sending more than 650 employees and contractors, including more than 350 line & service personnel, to Texas this weekend to assist with restoration efforts after Hurricane Rita. More than 400 of those personnel are from Progress Energy Carolinas.
"If oil prices were to remain at $70/bbl for a sustained period, world GDP growth in 2006 could fall by around 1% compared to previous forecasts."
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 092405
Solar activity increased to low levels. Solar Activity Forecast: Solar activity is expected to be at very low to low levels. The geomagnetic field was at predominantly quiet to unsettled levels.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 092605
Solar activity has been very low. produced no flares. The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet all three days, with a moderate chance of unsettled to active conditions on 27-28 September.
Reuters Summit - Diesels to Take on Hybrids as King of Green
Record-high prices at US pumps are giving hybrid cars a further image boost as the king of fuel economy, but many automakers are stepping up work on another major alternative to cut fuel consumption: diesel engines.
Rita Damages Some Refineries, but Industry Appears To Dodge Bullet
"There will be some modest disruption of supplies of gasoline and other products," said William Veno, an analyst at Cambridge Energy Research Associates. "But I don't think it's going to be as severe a situation as Hurricane Katrina."
The solar provisions in the new energy law set the stage for robust activity and provide the strongest public support in two decades for the fuel source. That's the position of solar advocates, who say the new national policy means cleaner air, more jobs and greater energy security.The idea is to make solar power accessible to the masses. By providing tax credits, the new energy bill seeks to lower the costs and interest more homeowners and businesses in the concept. In turn, solar panel manufacturers will find profit opportunities and new entrants may subsequently bring additional products and services to market. The influx of new business would then enhance efficiencies and improve production, thereby bringing down the current high prices of equipment.
Solar-Power Cars Set Off Across Australian Outback
Twenty-two bug-shaped solar cars designed and built by corporations and universities from around the world set out across the vast, inhospitable Australian outback on Sunday in the eighth World Solar Challenge.
Sustained high oil prices of $70 bbl to hit global economy; Fitch
The knowledge-- hydrogen power
Fuel cells have been making the news recently as the technology improves and brings the reality of cars powered by hydrogen closer. The appeal is obvious: because the hydrogen silently generates electricity they’re quiet and the only direct emission is water. But boy racers are distressed. Where’s the satisfaction in putting your foot down if all you get is the whine of an electric motor and linear acceleration? Worry not; hydrogen can be fed direct into a throbbing V8 and be every bit as environmentally friendly. Indeed, BMW has run a fleet of hydrogen-powered but otherwise conventional V12 7-series cars as shuttles at Munich airport for many years.The Car That Runs on Water-The electro hydrogen generator
Scientists have made a breakthrough which will allow them to build a car which runs on water.A British company is on the brink of creating an 'ultra-green' family saloon which could be on the road within a decade.
UK plays host to firm behind the first water-powered car
A business planning to develop the world's first water-powered car will launch in the UK later this week.Commercial trials of the cheap, clean-fuel technology, which separates hydrogen from water, could begin in a year's time. Some larger vehicles such as buses are already powered by hydrogen, but it is expensive and dangerous to distribute large amounts of hydrogen as fuel.
The "Electro Hydrogen Generator" is being developed by OM Energy and, once fitted inside a car, would extract the hydrogen from water and mix it with petrol.
Ultimate Hydrogen 1.1 Software for Windows Release Announced by H2Trade
H2Trade announces that it has released Ultimate Hydrogen 1.1, an innovative new software program for Windows computers. This software is a first of its kind product designed for beginners to experts who have an interest in Hydrogen as both an energy source and as an industrial agent.
Water Advocates Campaigns for Worldwide Access to Safe Drinking Water and Basic Sanitation
Water Advocates announced its launch as a non-profit advocacy group focused on increasing funding and raising public awareness for people without access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.
Around the world in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Small Island Developing States, more than 1.1 billion people lack safe, affordable and sustainable drinking water and 2.6 billion people lack adequate sanitation. Each day 3,900 children die mostly preventable deaths due to unsafe drinking water. Roughly 80% of the developing world’s diseases stem from waterborne illnesses or inadequate sanitation.
Winter Shutdown Approved for Wind Farms
To reduce bird deaths, some 4,000 aging wind turbines in California will be idled temporarily, and some will be scrapped and replaced with newer models.
Witnesses to Climate Change - India
WWF has been working to combat climate change -- and its devastating effects on wildlife -- around the world for many years. In our efforts to save natural ecosystems and the communities that live in and around them, we have collected stories from people who are witnesses to how global warming is destroying their homes. Read their stories and learn more about the effects of climate change around the world. Their personal stories help to let us all know that climate change is a global problem that we all need to address -- and we need to address it quickly.
I've lived here since I was a child. Now I'm 65 and things have gone from bad to worse.Inch by inch, my single hectare of land gradually disappeared in front of my eyes. I fear one day our whole village will perish under the waters.
Workers on Yucca Project Face Layoffs
Contractors for the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste project are bracing for possible layoffs in anticipation of budget cuts that could be as much as 30 percent, government and company sources confirmed Wednesday.
September 23, 2005
Air Products' damaged Louisiana gas plant may be back by year-end
Air Products and Chemicals' wind- and flood-damaged New Orleans industrial gas plant should be substantially back online by the end of the year, the company said Monday.
Most of the water has been pumped out of the plant, which makes liquid and gaseous hydrogen. Early repairs are under way, though the complex still lacks electricity and natural gas, the company said.
Almost all Norwegian transport booked for new gas year; Gassco
British Scientist Criticises US Climate 'Loonies'
A leading British scientist said on Friday the growing ferocity of hurricanes hitting the United States was very probably caused by global warming and criticised what he termed US climate loonies over the issue.
Canada firm to help exploit China coalbed methane
A Canadian firm will cooperate with a Chinese company to exploit coalbed methane reserves in southern China, in a move that could help boost domestic energy supplies, the China Daily said on Wednesday.
Central Eastern Europe region sees surge in gas-fired new build
Corporations underestimate e-waste disposal options, HP study finds
The majority of corporate America significantly underestimates the security, financial and environmental impact of disposing of electronic waste, according to a Hewlett-Packard Co. survey.
CSU Sets New Policy in Favor of Green Building, Energy Saving Measures
Earlier this week, the California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees voted unanimously in favor of one of the strongest and most comprehensive university policy on clean energy in the United States.
Daily status report on energy industry recovery efforts in the US Gulf 092305
The National Hurricane Center's Sep 22, 11 a.m. EDT advisory on Hurricane Rita now forecasts that the storm will make landfall early Saturday further east than initially expected, just east of Galveston Bay and very close to the Texas-Louisiana border.
-- Numerous refineries were being completely shut down ahead of Rita, including Valero's Houston, Texas City and Port Arthur plants; ExxonMobil's Baytown and Beaumont refineries; Total's refinery in Port Arthur; and ConocoPhillips' refinery in Lakes Charles, Louisiana.
EU energy boss Piebalgs wants working internal market by 2009
EU Sees No Major Post-Kyoto Climate Deal at Talks
The European Union does not expect a binding agreement to emerge
from major talks designed to find a way of replacing the Kyoto climate change
accord, the EU's environment
commissioner said Thursday.
Around 150 nations will gather in Montreal in late November to discuss a
treaty to replace the Kyoto agreement, which is designed to curb
emissions of greenhouse gases blamed for global warming.
Extra Venezuelan gasoline deliveries to US to start Sunday
FirstEnergy Personnel Heading to Texas to Assist With Hurricane Rita Restoration Efforts
It is anticipated that some FirstEnergy personnel will begin arriving in Texas as early as Friday evening.
Earlier this month, 95 FirstEnergy employees helped restore electrical service to those affected by Hurricane Katrina in the Miami, Florida, and Jackson, Mississippi, areas. FirstEnergy is a member of a mutual assistance group of electric utilities that help each other with major restoration projects.
Floods Kill Six Romanians on Black Sea Shore
At least six people died in floods which hit southeastern Romania on Thursday damaging hundreds of homes and disrupting traffic on the Black Sea shore towards Bulgaria, state agency Rompres reported.
Getting Apollo off the Ground -- A Guest Commentary
Energy and labor are intimately related. After all, energy is by and large a replacement for labor – most energy-using devices save time. Washing machines replaced stone-slapping methods of clothes cleaning; cars substitute for slower modes of manual transport. This historical relationship has recently formed the basis for a counter-movement lead by labor unions and environmental groups – the Apollo Alliance. Apollo seeks to change the energy-labor relationship into one in which cleaner energy sources create jobs, rather than eliminates them.
Key Facts on International Car-Free Day
Around 100 million people around the world are expected to observe International Car-Free Day on Thursday. Initiated in France in 1998 as the "In town, without my car!" event, the day is now backed by the European Union on Sept. 22 every year as part of European Mobility Week.
Louisiana senators seek 50% OCS royalty share for Katrina relief
Maine, 8 other states, to set carbon dioxide pollution limits from power plants
Maine and eight other northeastern states are on the brink of setting the nation's first limits on carbon dioxide pollution from power plants.
After two years of discussion, state officials, energy producers, environmentalists and consumer advocates are debating final details of a proposed cap-and-trade program that is expected to be finalized at the end of this month.
North Korea Raises Stakes in Nuclear Standoff, Demands Reactors for Dismantling Nuclear Program
North Korea's deputy foreign minister insisted that his country be given light-water nuclear reactors at the same time that it dismantles its nuclear program to demonstrate "good faith," raising the stakes in the nuclear standoff with the United States.
Nuclear lobby raises health fears over Namibia uranium mining project
Concerns continue to mount over the opening of the Langer Heinrich Uranium Mine in the Namib-Naukluft Park despite government insisting that "all is well".
In a statement yesterday, WISE said uranium mining creates radioactive dust and emission of poisonous gas. The emissions, it said, put residents at a greater risk of developing cancer.
Power plants generate opposition
Regional leaders and environmental groups are stepping up efforts to persuade the state not to approve construction of six power plants that could worsen air quality in Dallas-Fort Worth.
The crude is down today due to the downgrading of Hurricane Rita. Some people were not at their screens last night when the NHC downgraded Rita so have had to do their corrections this morning. However, I would issue caution as this is still a category four hurricane which is still very powerful and potentially devastating," one Brent player said.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 092305
Solar activity was very low. Region 810 (N09E07) remains the only spotted region on the visible disk. The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet to unsettled.
Report Says Global Warming Could Spark Conflict
Rising world temperatures could cause a significant increase in
disease across Asia and Pacific Island nations, leading to conflict and leaving
hundreds of millions of people displaced, a new report said on Thursday.
Global warming by the year 2100 could also lead to more droughts, floods
and typhoons, and increase the incidence of malaria, dengue fever and cholera
Rita Brings Houston's Big Refining Industry To Standstill
Most of the refineries on the Texas and Louisiana coasts were shut down
Thursday, and oil and natural gas rigs stood empty on the Gulf of Mexico
as Rita bore down on the heart of the nation's energy industry.
About 5 percent of the nation's oil-refining capacity is still out from
Hurricane Katrina's sweep through Louisiana and Mississippi.
Scientists Say Trying To Modify Hurricane Behavior Is Futile Because Storms Are Too Strong
It sounds like a great idea: Let's just blast hurricanes like
Rita and Katrina out of the sky before they hurt more people. Or, at least
weaken the storms and steer them away from cities.
Atmospheric scientists say it's wishful thinking that we could destroy
or even influence something as huge and powerful as a hurricane. They
abandoned such a quest years ago after more than two decades of
inconclusive government-sponsored research.
Southern California Edison pulls plug on plants
Although Southern California needs more power plants to support its booming growth, it is uncertain how they will get built.
St. Petersburg Effluent Plant Opened by Russian, Swedish, Finnish Leaders
Russian, Swedish and Finnish leaders inaugurated a wastewater treatment plant in St. Petersburg on Thursday in the latest effort to cut back on pollutants flowing into the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea.
The French nuclear experience is now making waves around the world. France, which receives 77 percent of its electricity from nuclear energy, says that the fuel source will remain integral to its energy mix and is necessary to meet global air emissions standards set by the Kyoto Protocol. The issues surrounding nuclear safety and waste disposal equally affect all countries considering this option.
"Nuclear power creates far more problems than it solves, and is not the answer to global warming, says David Hamilton, director of the Sierra Club's Global Warming and Energy Program.
Think Tank Study Calls for Implementation of LICAP
A New Hampshire based think tank warned New Englanders about a growing shortage of energy production that could lead to rolling blackouts as soon as 2008. The Locational Installed Capacity proposal (LICAP) is a plan that will stimulate electricity generation, prevent future electric bills from skyrocketing, provide more reliable electricity, create additional good-paying jobs and lead to a cleaner environment. LICAP is currently being considered by FERC.
U.S. Steel to pay $400,000 to settle air, water violations at Ohio plant
The Lorain plant allegedly failed to comply with particulate matter limits and discharged pollutants in violations of its effluent discharge permit, which the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency issued. The environmental project includes removing and disposing of electrical transformers containing polychlorinated biphenyls and installing replacements.
US NRC expects no nuke plant closures under Rita's current path
Whole Foods Set to Open First Lifestyle Store
Whole Foods Market Inc. said Thursday it was set to open its first "lifestyle" store in California in late October, which will sell clothing, housewares and hemp curtains -- everything, it seems, except food.
Why the lights mostly stayed on in the US this summer
Temperatures remained stuck somewhere between scorched and scalding across the Northeast this summer, but there was always enough electric power to keep air conditioners humming.When a misdirected utility crew cut into a bundle of live electrical wires last Wednesday, plunging half of Los Angeles into darkness, power managers were able to prevent the crisis from cascading across southern California and beyond.
Witnesses to Climate Change- Fiji
WWF has been working to combat climate change -- and its devastating effects on wildlife -- around the world for many years. In our efforts to save natural ecosystems and the communities that live in and around them, we have collected stories from people who are witnesses to how global warming is destroying their homes. Read their stories and learn more about the effects of climate change around the world. Their personal stories help to let us all know that climate change is a global problem that we all need to address -- and we need to address it quickly.
FIJI-
There also used to be colorful, live coral from the edge of the beach out to the reef. But now everything has gone white.
We used to catch enough fish in the shallows. But now we have to go
further out, and the women are spending longer and longer in the seawater.
WWF Challenges the Power Sector
In order to solve the problem of global warming, WWF realized that we needed to deal with the single largest source of CO2 pollution -- the power sector. The power sector accounts for 37 percent of heat-trapping carbon dioxide emissions. With PowerSwitch!, WWF challenges the power sector to employ processes and technologies more energy efficient and increase the use of renewable energy resources like wind, biomass and solar power. Some power companies are leading the way toward a better future for our living planet, one free of CO2 pollution
Yucca Mt. repository opening not likely before 2016, panel told
September 22, 2005
Asia must Change Age-Old Farming to Stop Disease - WHO
Asia must change age-old farming practices to reduce contact between people and poultry to limit bird flu and prevent new animal diseases infecting humans, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Wednesday.
Bennett Reverses; He's Foe of Yucca
After years of unwavering support for White House nuclear waste policies, Sen. Bob Bennett announced from the Senate floor Tuesday he has reversed course and no longer supports storing spent fuel rods deep underground at Yucca Mountain, Nev.
The Utah Republican has turned away from Yucca Mountain, both as a location and its deep underground waste storage approach.
Big Wins for Energy in Courts, Congress; Legal Merits Wins Out Over Environmental Absolutism
“The appropriate forum to address emission caps is the legislature, not judicial fiat,” said Dr. Burnett. “Therefore, the Senate’s action should inform the decisions of judges with cases pending before them filed by states and environmental groups to overturn the EPA’s mercury rules. Any court not driven by partisan motivations and a desire to replace democratic legislation with judicial decree will have to recognize the Senate’s decision as authoritative.”
Could Hurricane Rita's Rain Aid New Orleans Cleanup?
About 80 percent of the city was flooded when waters from Lake Pontchartrain poured through several breaks in the levee system. The water became a "toxic stew" of pollutants and left behind a layer of mud when it was eventually pumped out. "Five inches [13 centimeters] of rain would dilute all the crap and mud everywhere," Reice said. "That's much better than letting it sit."
Dutch Sea Masters Reach Out to U.S. after Katrina
Famed for clawing back land from an encroaching sea and building one of the world's most formidable flood defense systems, the Netherlands is sending experts to the U.S. Gulf Coast to help clean up after Katrina.
E.U. Proposes Ambitious Plans To Clean Up Air Pollution by 2020
The European Union head office proposed scaled-back plans Wednesday to reduce air pollution, which it claims kills 370,000 EU citizens every year. The new strategy aims to reduce the use of all major pollutants, focusing on the airborne particles emitted directly into the air that experts say are the most dangerous to human health and which are found in diesel car exhausts, ground level ozone and the everyday smog hanging over most of Europe's biggest cities.
Environmental Groups Petition EPA to Retract Fluoride Pesticide Tolerances on Food
This action marks growing concern among mainstream scientists and environmental organizations that total exposure to fluoride from water, food, and dental uses like toothpaste and rinses is not safe for vulnerable populations, particularly young children.
Environmental Income Can Help Reduce Poverty -- A Guest Commentary
Many of the current models of economic development are ill-suited to rural areas because they fail to take into account the connection between the people and the planet. But more than that, The Wealth of the Poor argues that natural resources and services, rather than just being basic survival mechanisms, can actually be wealth-creating assets if they are effectively managed. This "environmental income" can act as a stepping stone to economically empower the rural poor.
EPA Proposes Easing Reporting Requirements on Toxic Pollution
The government wants to quit forcing companies to report small releases of toxic pollutants and allow them to submit reports on their pollution less frequently. Saying it wants to ease its regulatory burden on companies.
Europe's 2003 Heatwave Altered Carbon Cycle, Study Says
Europe's devastating heat wave, which claimed 35,000 lives in
2003, also reduced plant growth across the continent by 30 percent and may have
contributed to global warming, French researchers said on Wednesday.
Hotter temperatures are usually thought to enhance plant growth by
prolonging the growing season.
"It stopped the CO2 uptake by plants and within a few weeks the plants started, in the middle of the summer, to emit CO2 into the atmosphere instead of their normal behaviour where they pump CO2 out of the atmosphere,
Ford to Boost Production of Hybrids Tenfold
Ford is trailing Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. Ltd. with the fuel-efficient hybrid technology. The Japanese automakers have been successful in cultivating an image as the leaders in environmental technology by offering a range of hybrid vehicles. Toyota plans to sell up to 250,000 worldwide this year, mainly in North America.
Global Warming Could Cause up to 10,000 Deaths Per Year in Asia-Pacific, WHO Official Says
Based on data gathered in 2000, the U.N. health agency estimates that changing weather patterns already has a substantial impact on people in the Western Pacific region, which includes most of North Asia, parts of Southeast Asia and the South Pacific
House Republican unveils bill to boost US refinery capacity
"There is no margin for error in our energy supply," Shadegg, an Arizona Republican, said in a statement. "We were running at 97% capacity for refining oil before Katrina hit. We have not built a new refinery in this country in 29 years.
IdaTech Demos Extended Run Module and iGen System
The Extended Run Module allows operation of ElectraGen™5 using liquid fuel for extended periods of run time, thus eliminating the need for bottled hydrogen onsite. The iGen is a compact fuel cell system, which also runs on liquid fuel as opposed to bottled hydrogen.
More than 1,000 Missing after South Asian Storm
At least 800 people remained missing in southern India on Wednesday and hundreds of fishermen were unaccounted for in Bangladesh after a severe storm in the Bay of Bengal killed 50 people, officials said.
Oil prices 'clear and present danger' to economies, IMF warns
Oil prices storm higher with eye on Rita
Professor Documents Glacial Retreat, Warns of Global Warming's Impact
When Lonnie Thompson started collecting ice samples from the
world's glaciers in the 1970s, people were abuzz about a coming ice age.
Since then, global warming has become more than an academic concept for the
Ohio State University professor. He's watched it.
"It's amazing how quickly the change has come," Thompson told The Associated
Press on Tuesday.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 092205
Solar activity was very low. The geomagnetic field was quiet to unsettled. The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet to unsettled.
Safe shipment of nuclear waste focus of two-day meet
About 140 people concerned about the safe transportation of radioactive materials are meeting in Pueblo this week to get updates on the industry's newest technology. The transportation test center has been carrying out a battery of tests on the nuclear-materials storage car for Private Fuel Storage LLC, a company that plans to store nuclear waste in Utah. The car is being evaluated in order to meet standards of the Association of American Railroads.
Slurry spill shuts Massey's Bandmill preparation plant in W.Va.
Solar house a picture of sustainablity
Tucked behind the banks of engineering buildings at Washington State University, a tiny marvel of a home has taken shape. And all of it -- the dishwasher, the flat-screen swivel TV, the washer and dryer, even the four-person electric car parked outside -- is run by the sun.
South Korean government maps out costs of power aid to North
South Korea is expected to fork out 650bn won (US$632m) to 800bn
won a year for its promise of electricity aid to energy-starved North Korea.
Survey Shows Voters Care about Environment, But Not Necessarily at the Ballot Box
The survey found that 79 percent favor "stronger national standards to protect our land, air and water," including 40 percent who strongly support the idea. But only 22 percent said environmental issues played a major role in their recent voting.
Texas mines, power plants watch as Hurricane Rita bears down
Toyota to Develop Hydrogen Storage Technology
Toyota Motor Corp. reported that it is planning to invest $2 million in a project, to be based at the Savannah River National Lab, to develop hydrogen fuel storage systems for cars. One goal of the project is to develop lighter materials that cost less and store hydrogen more efficiently for vehicles. The other part of the project will work on ways to reduce the effect air and moisture have on hydrogen storage materials.
Witnesses to Climate Change -Nepal
Climate change can be seen in the sky, felt in the air, heard, smelled and even tasted. Its effects on the natural world are already too numerous to count. Climate change is impossible to hide, and ought to be impossible to ignore. WWF's witnesses to climate change can testify to rising sea levels, coral bleaching, violent storms and disappearing species, deadly heatwaves and drought. Read their stories and see, through their eyes, how climate change has already begun to affect some of our most precious natural treasures.
The Abbot of Tengboche monastery, Ngawang Tenzing Jangpo, is the most revered monk in Khumbu, Nepal. He has lived there for more than 30 years and witnessed floods from lakes bursting with glacial meltwater. This is his firsthand account of the effects of climate change.
September 21, 2005
The rapidly aging global workforce -- caused mainly by the number of retirement-eligible employees continuing to work -- is both a challenge and major opportunity for corporations, according to a report released today by The Conference Board.
a $2 million contribution from Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) for a project to develop and demonstrate a technology to produce hydrogen and remove solid carbon from natural gas without releasing harmful greenhouse gases. Many industry analysts believe that the successful transition to the hydrogen economy will depend on extracting hydrogen from fossil fuels using more environmentally sensitive processes.
Australia, US discuss way forward for new climate-change group
Australia and the United States have met to discuss the outcomes they would like from the first meeting of a new international grouping on climate change. The Asia-Pacific Partnership on Energy and Climate will meet in Australia in November
Caribbean Community calls for special renewable energy fund
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has called for establishment of a special fund to support renewable energy programs in small developing countries.
China to Build 31 New Nuclear Power Stations before 2020
China is to build 31 more nuclear power stations before 2020 to increase the total nuclear power generation capacity to 40 million kilowatts.
China's Power Shortage Offers Business Opportunities
China's increasing power demand is bringing business opportunities for electricity equipment and technology suppliers around the world, an on-going international exhibition was told Tuesday [20 September].
Climate change stalling poverty fight - Beckett
"Future climate change threatens to undermine our efforts to tackle Africa's poverty and sustainable development. Climate variability and climate change put some $10-20bn of net overseas development assistance in developing countries at risk each year,
"Incubators are a great place to find emerging stars and technologies, prime for partnership or investment."
"We think there's a tectonic shift coming," says Tim Draper, a partner with venture capital firm Draper Fisher Jurvetson. "With a finite supply of fossil fuels, over time the price of conventional energy will increase, allowing some of these alternatives to come in."
The "alternatives" he refers to - and more often invests in - are the clean energy technologies working their way through the research pipeline toward commercialization.
EC approves UK 'hybrid approach' to power plant emissions
Under the proposal, emissions from manufacturing and refineries will be controlled
through national emissions reduction plans and emission limit values will be used to control emissions from the energy supply industry.
In the early morning of Monday August 29th, the nation's most destructive natural disaster made landfall. Hurricane Katrina would literally obliterate the Gulf Coast region, and the country's will and determination would be severely tested. It would also confront the spirit of the energy companies that are the backbone of every community. It's a direct challenge to their core missions -- to provide service to customers and under the most difficult circumstances. It's all about resolve. And utilities routinely come through.
Entergy may seek bankruptcy for New Orleans unit
Entergy Corp.on Tuesday said its New Orleans unit might file for bankruptcy as the utility estimated that costs from damage caused by Hurricane Katrina could exceed $1 billion.
Entergy, which provides electricity to much of the Gulf Coast, estimated restoration and business continuity costs at $750 million to $1.1 billion. But it said that figure could change because flooding continues to hamper its ability to fully assess the extent of the damage to its infrastructure.
GAO calls for more oversight of wind farms
A government report urged federal officials on Monday to take a more active role in weighing the impact of wind power farms on bird and bat deaths, saying local and state regulators sometimes lack the necessary expertise.
Groundbreaking held for Wilton, N.D., wind farm
Enough crops have been grown in the fields around Wilton to feed thousands of people, and soon there will be enough electricity generated in some of those same fields to power thousands of homes.
House Resale Value Rises with Solar Installations
Q: I have been looking into adding solar panels to my house. I would like to for the environmental benefits, but I know that my wife is concerned about what this will do to the property value of our house. Do you know if there is anywhere that shows concrete evidence as to how solar panels affect the resale value of your home?
Katrina and Drought Cause $2.2 Billion in US Farm Losses
Hurricane Katrina caused an estimated $900 million in crop and livestock losses in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, the US government said on Tuesday, while Corn Belt drought cut corn and soybeans by $1.3 billion.
Latest warning is ‘wake up call’ – Green Party
Research from the National Snow and Ice Data Centre (NSIDC) has found a change in vegetation on Alaska’s North Slope, which could in turn lead to an increase in snowmelt rates. While the developments can be directly attributed to warmer temperatures they are also contributing to the temperature change.
New York Skyscrapers Dim Lights to Save Birds
New York civic leaders on Tuesday said the lights of buildings above the 40th floor will be turned off after midnight in the fall and spring migration seasons to save birds.Since 1997, more than 4,000 migratory birds have been killed or injured from colliding into skyscrapers, bird experts said.
North Korea Says It Won't Dismantle Nuclear Weapons Until It Gets Light Water Reactors
North Korea insisted Tuesday it won't dismantle its nuclear weapons program until the U.S. gives it civilian nuclear reactors, casting doubt on a disarmament agreement reached a day earlier during international talks.
British
Energy’s decision to extend the operating life of the Dungeness B nuclear
power station, announced last week, has been criticised by green group
Friends of the Earth. The plant will be used for a further ten years beyond
originally planned, until 2018.
Although seen in some quarters as a carbon free solution to energy-based
pollution, nuclear has been heavily slated in recent years by
environmentalists over its high cost and long term waste issues.
OPEC ready to open the oil spigot But ministers say problem is with refining, not crude supply
OPEC delegates said Monday that the group planned to allow its members to provide up to two million barrels a day of extra crude oil "if the market needs it," effectively setting aside the group's two-decade-long quota system in order to tame surging oil prices.
Peabody Energy eyes China's growing coal market
"In the next 5-10 years we think Peabody will have a meaningful presence in China," Navarre added.
He said Peabody, the largest private coal company in the world, was looking at minority stakes ranging from 10 pct to 49 pct in existing greenfield projects.
"In terms of a practical response, the options, I'm afraid, seem very limited," Daukoru said during an oil conference in London in response to a question on OPEC's capacity to deal with Rita's threat to oil supply. "You cannot throw crude oil at it, we've seen that with Katrina."
Renewables Obligation changes proposed
LONDON-- Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks has announced a number of new measures designed to improve the effectiveness of the Renewables Obligation (RO), one of the Government’s flagship clean energy policies. The RO obliges all UK electricity suppliers to source a growing percentage of their energy from renewable sources
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 092105
Solar activity was low. There was a single C-class event. Solar activity is expected to be very low to low. The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet to unsettled.
Russia to build hydro-power plant to export electricity to China
The Russian government will invest 440 mln usd to build a hydro-power plant to export electricity to China, the official Xinhua news agency reported.
Second major US hurricane is 'manageable' on supply; OPEC Sen-Gen
Sharp Temperature Drop Kills Dozens in Mongolia
Cold weather has killed 30 people in isolated, wind-swept Mongolia where temperatures plummeted from a warm 23 degrees Celsius on Friday to below zero, local media said.
Solar group pledges support for international efforts
Renewables can achieve a “significant and potentially growing percentage of electricity generation free from greenhouse gas emissions and at an increasingly competitive generation cost,” concludes a communique issued by the International Solar Energy Society.
The 1,600 delegates from 79 countries to the ISES Solar World Congress pledged to “respond to the joint challenges of climate change, arising from human induced global warming and of achieving the Millennium Development Goals for the reduction of world poverty.”
The American meal travels an average of 2,000 miles from farm to plate,
according to a recent study by the Worldwatch Institute.
This grossly inefficient food supply system has fostered unhealthy
expectations -- the attitude that any food should be available any time of
year and at a unrealistically low cost.
U.S. renewables group prepares for debate on national policy
Seven policy options have been suggested for the next phase of national support for renewables in the United States.
The American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) has completed roundtable meetings on renewable energy policy in 12 cities across the country, in preparation for its next conference that will define the industry’s position on the next phase of national policy.
U.S. wind company buys third site in Germany
The Energy Financial Services unit of GE will acquire the 55 MW Alsleben windfarm in Germany from EAB Technology Group. The agreement is GE’s third investment in wind power generation in Germany
US Gulf Coast gasoline differentials jump 50.5 cts gal over NYMEX
USDA TAKES ACTION TO EASE GRAIN TRANSPORTATION
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today said USDA is taking additional steps to further reduce stress on the grain transportation system caused by Hurricane Katrina. The actions include assisting with the movement of barges of damaged corn from New Orleans; providing incentives for alternative grain storage; encouraging alternative shipping patterns to relieve pressure; and allowing producers to store USDA- owned corn on the farm with the option to purchase.
Waste Company Scraps Landfill Plan along Voting Rights Trail
The nation's largest trash hauler has scrapped plans to develop a landfill along the historic trail that commemorates the 1965 Voting Rights marches, a decision applauded by opponents.
Western Governors Hone in on Solar Goals
"At a time when natural gas prices are skyrocketing and consumers are feeling the pinch from high energy bills, the WGA task force has provided a clean and cost-effective path forward: solar energy."
What's moving the oil markets 092105
"The entire market is moving on the back of Hurricane Rita. We saw a crazy Monday. A $4 move was too fast and it tried to correct itself yesterday. However, all those loses have been regained and the market will not fall," one Brent player said.
September 20, 2005
While not yellow in color, Allsteel's sunflowers are something to be seen. Measuring more than 20 feet high and encompassing 150 square feet of Allsteel's garden, these "solar sunflowers" generate one percent of the energy required to power the needs of Allsteel's 200 members in the company's headquarters building
Now that California is in the last stages of adopting its Energy Action Plan II, it is an opportune time to discuss the comprehensive solutions being enacted there. First and foremost, California has been able to conduct a thorough discussion of energy policy and legislation without sounding like a house divided. It is for these reasons that I celebrate California as a leader in “best practices” for state energy policy.
Central America Receives 20 Million USD for Clean-Energy Development
The "Central American Renewable Energy and Facilities for Clean Production" (CAREC) fund will be available by late 2005, said the organization.
Chevron CEO sees current oil prices 'moderating' demand growth
Coal sludge case settled out of court
People who live in a community deluged with more than 300 million gallons of gooey black coal sludge five years ago reached an out-of-court settlement on Monday with the coal company at the center of one of the South's worst ecological disasters.
The case involved the spill of a molasses-like substance that gushed in torrents from a mountaintop reservoir owned by Martin County Coal, smothering fish, blackening the landscape, and cutting off drinking water supplies for some 60 miles along the Kentucky-West Virginia border.
Discovery's processing offer doesn't boost gas flows from Gulf
With the threat of Tropical Storm Rita, production recovery essentially stopped with only an addition of 8,850 Mcf/d in added production over the
weekend
We´ve been seeing a lot of dueling reports about the mounds of debris Hurricane Katrina left behind to steep in yuckwater and bake in the sun, and about how deadly-slash-harmless [take your pick] that wreckage is. For every story like this one from The Washington Post asserting that the pollutants in New Orleans´ floodwater fall Well Within The Norm, we see another like this from the Los Angeles Times saying the storm-muck is Highly Contaminated.
Entergy puts Katrina-related costs at $1-bil, straining utility
The reduced revenue at Entergy New Orleans stems from the destruction of homes and businesses of about 130,000 customers, making them unable to accept gas or electric service for a period of time that cannot yet be estimated. About 20,000 to 40,000 customers of Entergy Louisiana--most residents and the remainder commercial customers--are in the same situation.
EPA finds low chemical concentrations in initial air tests in New Orleans
Initial air quality screening in the New Orleans metropolitan area indicates that chemical concentrations in most areas are not a concern.
FDA Close to Banning Animal Protein in Cattle Feed
The US government will expand an existing safeguard against deadly mad cow disease by banning animal protein from cattle feed, the head of the Food and Drug Administration said Monday.
Firms Pressure Russia to Adopt Kyoto Mechanisms
Two top Russian firms, power monopoly UES and services group Sistema, pressed the government on Monday to pass laws needed to implement the Kyoto Protocol, saying a lack of clarity was endangering environmental projects.
German utilities must pay for nuke extension with auctions
Navajo tribal utility officials increase rates
Navajo Tribal Utility Authority officials have increased service rates and expanded an assistance program for senior citizens.The NTUA board approved base rate increases for water, wastewater and natural gas services. Customers could be paying about $20 per month more in utility bills.
Nearby coal plants said to harm lake
While there is no question on health risks of mercury, there has been considerable debate about limiting emissions from power plants, the largest man-made source of the pollutant.
NRC taking comments on draft shipping cask report
OPEC President says most members backing 2-mil bd supply offer
OPEC's representatives said Sunday that they were prepared to increase their oil-production ceiling while warning that higher fuel costs were the result of shortfalls at refineries and thus beyond their control. Still, as they prepared to meet here for the first time since Hurricane Katrina roiled energy markets three weeks ago, oil ministers from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait indicated that they favored an increase of 500,000 barrels a day in the cartel's official production quota.
Panda Energy to build ethanol plant in Kansas
Panda Energy International Inc. is building a 100-million-gallon fuel ethanol plant in Kansas that will use 1 billion pounds of cattle manure annually to fuel the facility. Dallas-based Panda Energy has built more than 9,000 megawatts of electric generation capacity and is developing fuel ethanol plants, biomass electric generating facilities, biodiesel plants and clean coal projects.
Potential seen in mature US oil, gas basins: DOE, state officials
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 092005
Solar activity was low. Region 808 (S11W78) continued its rapid decay phase. Just a few C-class flares occurred. The geomagnetic field was quiet to unsettled. The energetic electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was very high. The geomagnetic field is expected to be unsettled to mildly active.
Russian official moots nuclear power station for North Korea
The head of Rosatom [Federal Agency for Atomic Energy], Aleksandr Rumyantsev, has said that Russia could build a nuclear power station in North Korea. "Russia is always ready to join in a project, and we have both the potential and the desire for that," he said in an exclusive interview to ITAR-TASS.
Sasol eyeing Montana for location of coal-to-liquids plant
Wyoming and Illinois also are possible sites for the plant and recently passed national energy legislation could help fund such a project, he said. The Energy Policy Act of 2005, signed by President Bush in August, spells out tax incentives and loan guarantees for projects like coal gasification and coal liquefaction.
Smokestacks producing most of mercury falling into Lake Michigan
Contradicting a key part of the Bush administration's environmental policy, a new federal study estimates most of the mercury falling into Lake Michigan comes from smokestacks close to the shoreline.
Sixteen of the top 25 sources of mercury dropped into the lake are coal-fired power plants, according to the study by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Some of the toxic metal comes from as far away as Nevada and Texas, the study found, but most blows toward the lake from coal plants and factories in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana.
South Korean Nuclear Plants Had 66 Incidents Since 2002
South Korea's nuclear power plants experienced 66 malfunctions, defined as "incidents," in the last four years, a government report said Monday.
SPACE WEATHER ADVISORY OUTLOOK 05- 37-1
Large solar flares resulted in R3 (major) radio blackouts on 13 and 15 September. Several R1 (minor) and R2 (moderate) radio blackouts occurred between 12 – 17 September due to multiple solar flares from NOAA sunspot Region 808.
Sun and Sand; Dirty silicon could supply solar power
Scientists have proposed a way to control the distribution of contaminants in silicon, potentially opening up the use of cheaper, "dirtier" starting materials for making solar cells. In a study published in the September Nature Materials, the researchers predict that the strategy could lower production costs of solar cells.
Silicon is the second most abundant element in Earth's crust, but nature's primary sources of silicon—sand and quartz—are tainted with metals. Converting silicon from these sources into superpure crystals is an expensive and time-consuming process.
That's Hot- Profile of Michael Gordon and Consumer Powerline
Michael Gordon has figured out how to get rich saving electricity.
During spikes like this, New York's Consolidated Edison buys expensive energy from peak-usage power plants, sending the wholesale spot price of a kilowatt-hour of energy--3 cents on a cool day--to $1 or higher. New Yorkers never notice the difference because the price they pay hardly varies even on the hottest day of the year.
Twelve arrested at Mt. Klappan mine as workers move in equipment
Goad said the group of protestors is led by an aboriginal family who is making a claim on the area. The company got a court injunction against the 20 or so members of the 6,000-member Tahltan tribe to prevent them from blocking the
road and stopping work.
Venture Capitalists call for a rethinking of the power grid
The nation's electrical power grid was aging badly even before Hurricane Katrina brought it to national attention.
What's Moving The Market 192005
Our eyes and ears are locked on what Rita is doing and the market will react violently to any adjustments to the predictions of its path," one trader said.
September 19, 2005
ACORE Previews Phase II Policy for Renewable Energy
Next Phase of Renewable Energy Policy for the U.S. Begins to Take Shape
Alternative-energy investments enjoy post-Katrina surge
Even as Hurricane Katrina drove oil stocks and oil-related investments ever higher, renewable energy investments have had a surge of their own in the past three weeks. With oil above $60 a barrel rather than $30 as it was in 2003, technologies such as fuel cells, turbines, solar and wind are a lot more competitive.
Antarctic Hole in Ozone Layer Nears Record Size
The hole in the ozone layer above Antarctica has grown to near record size this year, suggesting 20 years of pollution controls have so far had little effect, the United Nations said on Friday.
Arizona Environmental Portfolio Standard (update)
According to the ACC’s new plan, the state’s utilities must procure 15% of the state’s electricity from renewable resources by 2025 and submit to an annual review. The solar requirements have been dropped and a new requirement for local distributed generation was added. The ACC voted to require that 30% of the EPS requirement be met by local onsite renewables installed by homes and businesses.
After two former Westar Energy executives were convicted of stealing money from company coffers, federal prosecutors said their intention was to both punish and to send a message to future corporate looters. Will they succeed?
California power grid in big trouble, drastic action needed; CEC
Joe Williams Sr. believes he has the machine that will help save the world. It will make the sky blue, allow everyone to breathe easier, and, in a time of skyrocketing fuel prices, save us all money.
"It" is his Hydrogen Generating Module, or H2N-Gen for short.
Smaller than a DVD player - small enough to sit comfortably under the hood of any truck or car - it could be big enough to solve the world's greenhouse gas emission problems, at least for the near future.
Daily status report on energy industry recovery efforts in the US Gulf 091905
About 90% of the Gulf of Mexico's oil and natural gas production will be restored by mid- to late October after being shut-in by Hurricane Katrina, Johnnie Burton, director of the US Minerals Management Service, said on Sep 16.
EPA Orders Bacardi to Comply With Clean Water Act
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered the Bacardi Corporation to comply with the Clean Water Act. Bacardi has been violating limits for wastewater discharges into the Atlantic Ocean from its rum distillery in Catano, Puerto Rico. Bacardi must meet limits on the amount of lead, zinc, copper and all other materials it currently discharges into the ocean.
EPA Recognizes Town of Luray, Va., for Protecting Drinking Water
Forest Fires Flare Anew in Drought-Hit Portugal
Forest fires flared up in northern and central Portugal on Sunday, with hundreds of firefighters battling five blazes in the drought-hit Iberian nation.
Hybrid Renewable Energy Installation for Off-Peak
Expanding on the Government of Canada's "Take The One Tonne Challenge," ACI will be generating their own electricity - quietly and with zero pollution -- and will be freeing up enough grid-supplied electricity to power approximately 50 homes.
Hydrogen Can Be Produced from Zinc Using Solar Power
It is also thought that this new method based on the production of zinc may open the door for a hydrogen-based economy.
Previously, producing hydrogen on a large scale was costly due to the temperatures exceeding 2,500 degrees C in order to separate water molecules. But releasing hydrogen by extracting oxygen from water can also be accomplished using pure zinc, which calls for lower temperatures of 350 degrees C, thereby lowering costs.
HYDROGEN-THE POWER OF PERCEPTION
For much of the 20th century, hydrogen had a major image problem. The Hindenburg disaster of 1937 or the terrifyingly destructive power of hydrogen bombs built and tested during the Cold War didn't help public perception. Fast-forward to the 21st century, however, and the element is starting to catch on as a viable alternative fuel source for a variety of transportation, commercial and industrial applications. And hydrogen-powered fuel cells have recently enjoyed modest growth as a safe, maintenance-free source of backup power for telecom sites.
MTBE phase out may boost gasoline prices next year: EIA
A phase out of additive MTBE in US gasoline, which may occur following the oil industry's inability to get liability protection for the product in the new energy bill, could cause gasoline prices to rise next summer, the Energy Information Administration said Aug 9.
North Korea Pledges To Drop Nuclear Programs at Arms Talks, To Get Energy Aid in Return
North Korea agreed Monday to stop building nuclear weapons and allow international inspections in exchange for energy aid, economic cooperation and security assurances, in a first step toward disarmament after two years of six-nation talks.
Nuclear station's life extended
BRITISH Energy said yesterday it was extending the life of its Kent nuclear power station by 10 years in a move that will stoke up the debate on the future of atomic energy in the UK.
OPEC President sees prices moderating on lower economic growth
Putin sees 'huge potential' in Russian-US energy cooperation
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 091705
Solar activity was at moderate levels. Region 808 (S11W37) produced three M-class flares. The geomagnetic field was at quiet to active levels. Active levels were the result of the high solar wind speeds early in the UTC day. The geomagnetic field is expected to be at mostly unsettled levels for the next three days.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 091905
Solar activity was low. Region 808 (S11W63) continued to decay and simplify. Solar activity is expected to be low to moderate. The geomagnetic field was quiet to mildly active. The geomagnetic field is expected to be unsettled to active for the next three days.
Rule requiring big homes to go green considered
Los Altos Hills officials unveiled their new, $4.4 million energy-efficient Town Hall last spring. Now, the town's new mayor wants would-be home-builders planning to build big to go green, too.
Russia Won't Accept Foreign Spent Nuclear Fuel Soon
Russia does not plan to bring in foreign spent nuclear fuel, Federal Atomic Energy Agency chief Alexander Rumyantsev said on Wednesday.
Shell evacuates US Gulf workers ahead of Tropical Storm Rita
Solar-Energy Expert; Government Must Take Lead
Government help is needed if America is to significantly shake its dependence on a fossil-fuel-based economy, a prominent solar- energy expert said.
The internal combustion engine, running hydrogen, is a much better choice
The internal combustion engine, running hydrogen, is a much better choice at this time. I would like to encourage Mr. Wallace to continue his efforts to produce hydrogen ICE automobiles, in mass production, as soon as possible. There is a way to improve performance in the hydrogen internal combustion engine that will not require any major R&D or major modifications to existing engines.
The US must follow Europe's lead and turn its back on oil
Thursday October 10, 2002
The rise of hydrogen power makes energy regime change inevitable
Tohoku University Professor Produces Hydrogen from the Sunlight
Tohoku University Prof. Kazuyuki Toji has discovered an efficient way to create hydrogen, which can be used in fuel cells to produce clean energy, by exposing a hydrogen sulfide solution to sunlight.
Toji's discovery is expected to reduce costs in producing hydrogen for fuel cells.
You can get all of the hydrogen sulfide that you want from refineries that run sour crude. However, BEWARE!!! From a human exposure standpoint, hydrogen sulfide is MUCH MORE hazardous than hydrogen ever thought of being.
Unst, the pioneer of pure energy
The Shetland isle is busy exploring the potential of clean fuels, but can nature really be harnessed to meet the nation’s need for power, asks Tim Luckhurst
For the 700 or so hardy souls who live here, supplies of food, drink and clothing can, at times, seem unreliable. And needless to say, when it comes to the matter of lighting and heating, the island is at the end of the supply chain. Unst is precisely the kind of place where locals would pay high electricity bills even if they did not have to contend with severe winter weather and dramatic wind chill. They face both, so most spend one-fifth of their household income on energy.
But now the Pure project (Promoting Unst Renewable Energy) aims to provide a clean, cheap alternative by turning Unst into the world’s first “hydrogen economy”.
US Judge Dismisses States' Global Warming Suit
A New York federal judge dismissed a global warming lawsuit brought by eight states and the city of New York against five utilities, saying the issue is one for Congress or the president, not the judiciary.
USDA Grants $21 Million for Renewable Energy
"Energy conservation and renewable fuels are good for the environment, the
economy, and farmers' bottom lines."
--Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced the selection of 150 applicants to receive almost $21 million in USDA Rural Development grant assistance for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in 32 states.
Wastewater Workers Plead Guilty to Ocoee River Discharge
September 16, 2005
$200 Million Pledged to Clinton's Initiative
Former US President Bill Clinton received pledges of more than $200 million for economic development in Africa and to fight HIV/AIDS on Thursday at a private summit on some of the world's most pressing woes.
Alternative electric firms vanish in Toledo, Ohio, area
Any prospects have vanished that metro Toledo homeowners and renters will be able to find an alternative next year to Toledo Edison's second-highest electric rates in the state. A key reason is that state regulators have approved a rate plan for FirstEnergy that makes it difficult for other electric suppliers to compete, experts say.
ANALYSIS: German election promise on nuclear comes at a price
Biofuel Solutions eyes ethanol plant in Minnesota
Colorado-based Biofuel Solutions. Privately held Biofuel Solutions said on Thursday it was planning to build an ethanol plant in Fairmont, Minnesota, with the capacity to produce 110 million gallons of the biofuel a year.The plant would source 41 million bushels of corn a year from local grain elevators to produce the ethanol, and more than 375,000 tons of dry distiller grain for animal feed.
Car and Household Emissions Threaten UK's CO2 Goals
Independent analysts Cambridge Econometrics (CE) said the government must beef up policies designed to tackle climate change if it wants to meet carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction goals which Britain is on course to miss by a wide margin. "Carbon emissions from households are expected to be 18.5 percent above the 1990 level by 2010," said CE in the report.
Costs cloud solar energy, backers say
Solar power has a reputation for being kind to the environment but tough on consumers' pocketbooks.
And that's an issue that solar advocates need to address head- on, according to Mike Keesee, a project manager for the Sacramento Municipal Utility District. "People don't care about energy," he said. "They care about bills."
Daily status report on energy industry recovery efforts in the US Gulf 091505
Despite the fact some 56% of the oil production in the Gulf of Mexico remains idled more than two weeks after Katrina roared through the region, the six refiners awarded loans from the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve to help ease crude supply shortages
Damage to coal station won't dim lights in Tampa, Fla., area, TECO says
It may take up to 45 days to repair hurricane damage to TECO Energy Inc.'s coal-handling terminal near New Orleans, but there's plenty of coal available elsewhere to keep Tampa Electric power plants running, the company said Wednesday.
Fuel crisis eases as pricefall predicted: PROTESTS; Extra oil stocks expected to get through to end
ENGLAND
MOTORISTS today looked set for some relief at the forecourts with forecasts the cost of a litre of petrol could fall by as much as 4p next week. Experts said petrol prices were likely to fall from their current average of 96p a litre as refineries start pumping extra oil stocks following the intervention of the International Energy Agency.
Funds propel gold to 2005 high, eyes upside at $460oz analyst
"Anti-inflationary hedging and technical buying have combined to push gold to a new 17-year high this morning."
A coalition of the largest electric utilities and coal companies in the United States today announced that they have created the FutureGen Industrial Alliance, a non-profit company that will partner with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to facilitate the design, construction and operation of the world's first near-zero emissions coal-based power plant.
IEA says will review oil release plan late Sep, early Oct
The agency agreed Sep 2 to release 60-mil bbl of oil over 30 days in response to supply disruptions caused by Hurricane
Katrina.
IPE Brent inches lower in line with overall weaker complex
Unleaded gasoline and heating oil prices dragged the complex downwards Thursday in the US, after establishing shorts in the early part of the day.
Katrina's effect on US oil, gas sector credit seen minimal: S&P
Several key refineries remain off-line, a number of pipelines are operating at less than full capacity and "meaningful shut-in production continues to remain problematic. In the refinery sector, the report said four refineries, accounting for 5% of the US refining bases, are shut down and "could remain down for an extended period, perhaps well into 2006.
Mercury Debate Reaches Fever Pitch
Mercury emissions from power plants are at the center of a fever-pitched debate in Washington. The Bush White House and a group of bi-partisan lawmakers are butting heads over just how to cut mercury emissions. While an attempt in the Senate to scuttle the president's plan enacted last March has narrowly failed, supporters say they won't let up.
The Bush administration has long said that it supports efforts to cut those pollutants and that its initiatives would reduce mercury emissions by 70 percent from 1999 levels.
Environmentalists counter that the plan enacted by the Clinton administration is more far reaching and would achieve better results in an expedited time frame -- 90 percent mercury cuts by 2008.
More Strong Katrina-Like Hurricanes Reported
The number of strong hurricanes -- like the devastating Katrina -- significantly increased in the last 35 years, fueled by hotter seas that have been linked to global warming, researchers reported on Thursday.
Onshore damage curtailing good share of USG oil output
Over one-third of Louisiana onshore wells unaccounted for
Palmdale, Calif., officials pursue power plant
City officials will seek permits to build a 500-megawatt power plant that they say would provide the city with reliable, more-affordable energy.
Renewable Energy Will Not Fill Nuclear Gap, MPs Warn
The UK will fail to meet its climate change targets unless ministers give much more thought to how to replace the output from the current generation of nuclear power stations when they reach the end of their lives, a report by MPs says today.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 091605
Solar activity was high. Solar activity is expected to continue at moderate to high levels. The geomagnetic field was at quiet to severe storm levels. Geomagnetic storming occurred in response to the arrival of a CME associated with the double peak X-flare on 13 September. The geomagnetic field is expected to be at unsettled to minor storm levels with the possibility of isolated major storm periods. Conditions should decrease to quiet to unsettled on 17 and 18 September.
Safeway to plug into power of wind
Pleasanton-based Safeway Inc. plans to buy wind energy to power 270 fuel stations nationwide, 15 stores in San Francisco and its corporate offices in Pleasanton and Walnut Creek.
Scientist Says Global Warming Options Exist
Global warming poses a threat to the earth, but humans can probably ease the climate threats brought on by rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, global climate specialist Richard Alley told an audience at the University of Vermont. Alley said he was upbeat about global warming because enough clever people existed in the world to find other reliable energy sources besides fossil fuels.
Scientists Collect Fish To Assess Environmental Damage from Katrina
Researchers hope to determine whether the hurricane caused any contamination from chemical spills, sewer overflows or other poisons that washed into the Gulf of Mexico.
Senate Panel Plans EPA Rollback in Katrina Recovery
A Senate panel is drafting legislation that would allow the Environmental Protection Agency to suspend any anti-pollution regulations for 120 days to help in the recovery from Hurricane Katrina, an environmental group said on Thursday.
SWANA to recommend handling of waste in hurricane-affected parts of La.
The Solid Waste Association of North America is preparing a report for the state of Louisiana offering recommendations for handling various solid waste streams in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. "Many SWANA members have dealt with the solid waste generated in natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes," said John Skinner, SWANA executive director and CEO. "I think we can pull together a compendium of the most effective techniques that can be used in the areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina."
Tests Find Higher-than-Allowed Mercury Levels in Storebought Fish
Groups that paid for the analysis want supermarkets to post signs
warning shoppers of health risks from mercury.
"Americans have a right to know what's in their food, and posting
warning signs in grocery stores where these fish are sold is a simple,
common-sense solution that fulfills that right."
U.N. Says Ozone Layer Should Keep Healing
At present, the hole over Antarctica is about 27 million square kilometers (10 million square miles) and the WMO expects it to increase to about 28 million square kilometers (10.8 million square miles) -- a notch below its 2003 peak at about 29 million square kilometers (11.2 million square miles).
September 15, 2005
About 88,000 out in North Carolina as Ophelia drifts northward
Australian Companies Investing in Coal-Seam Gas
A spate of new projects announced this week has highlighted Australia's keen interest in coal-seam methane gas as an alternative fuel for power generation. Australia, the world's largest coal exporter and one of the first countries to begin commercialisation of coal-seam methane, has large coal deposits along the length of its eastern seaboard, with current government projections suggesting the resource can sustain production for the next 200 years.
AUTOSHOW - Hybrid Cars Burst onto Scene at Frankfurt Show
Record fuel costs pushed hybrid cars to centre stage at the world's biggest car show this week but automakers argued over whether the rising popularity of petrol-electric vehicles was just the result of marketing hype.
Bipartisan US House Bill would Require Better Mileage
A bipartisan group of US House lawmakers on Wednesday introduced a bill that would require automakers to boost the fuel efficiency of new vehicles to an average 33 miles per gallon over the coming decade from the current 25 mpg.
Bison Numbers Swell at Yellowstone
The Yellowstone National Park bison population has reached an estimated 4,900 animals -- hundreds more than last winter and the highest level documented, a park spokeswoman said Wednesday.
BPU voting on renewable sources
A proposal to increase the amount of energy New Jersey gets from the sun, the wind and other renewable sources during the next 15 years could take a step forward today. The Board of Public Utilities plans a preliminary vote on the plan, which comes at a time when the solar business is soaring in New Jersey, although another potential clean-energy source -- wind power -- remains a contentious issue that divides even environmental groups.
California report examines avian mortality from wind turbines
Windfarms in California are killing “thousands of hawks, eagles and other birds each year,” says a staff report prepared for the California Energy Commission.
“Bird mortality from strikes with turbine blades continues to be the primary biological resource issue concerning wind energy,” says the 2005 ‘Environmental Performance Report of California’s Electrical Generation System’
Constellation, Areva join forces to build new US nuclear plants
The joint ventures would license, build, own and operate the nuclear plants as part of a standardized fleet. UniStar will market a standard advanced design called the US Evolutionary Power Reactor, a 1,600-MW reactor designed by Areva,
Energy Department Clears Way for Moving Radioactive Waste in Utah
Almost 12 million tons of radioactive waste will be moved from the banks of the Colorado River, the source of drinking water for more than 25 million people across the West, the government said Wednesday. The 94-foot high pile of uranium mining waste is near Moab, Utah, and 750 feet from the river. The department now will work on the specifics of moving the waste to a site at Crescent Junction, more than 30 miles northwest.
Environmental Power takes on partner for Texas manure-gas plant
The Huckabay Ridge facility will use eight 916,000-gallon digesters to process manure from up to 10,000 cows. The plant´s annual biogas production will have an energy content equivalent to about 12,700 gallons of heating oil per day.
France to be Top EU Biofuel Maker by 2010 - Farm Minister
Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin on Tuesday called for fuels to contain 5.75 percent of biofuel by 2008, a figure rising to 7 percent by 2010 and 10 percent by 2015 as part of a programme to boost biofuel usage. The European Commission had originally urged 5.75 percent incorporation in fuels by 2010.
Household Waste Recycling Doubles in England
Nearly 23 percent of domestic waste was recycled in 2004/2005, although the performance showed marked regional variations. The European average is about 30 percent.
More US Companies Weighing Climate Risks
"It's almost the embarrassment factor that companies don't want to be seen as laggards. When their competitors ... have a good story to tell about how they're managing greenhouse gas emissions, I think it creates pressure to ... have a good story themselves."
Ontario will build new nuclear plants if they're needed
Billions of dollars will be spent to build new nuclear plants in Ontario if a review of the province's tight energy supply concludes they're necessary, Premier Dalton McGuinty said Wednesday.
Pacific Rim countries re-commit to renewables
Finance ministers from the countries around the Pacific Ocean will urge more development of renewables to counter the effects of rising oil prices. Global economic growth has moderated this year but is likely to remain robust, despite high oil prices, they noted. Growth in APEC regions is expected to ease but member economies are experiencing faster growth than the global economy.
Prices off as crude overshadows gasoline
New York petroleum futures continued to move lower Sep 12 as perceptions of ample global crude supply overshadowed a tight US gasoline market. October crude ended the day 75 cts lower at $63.33/bbl on the New York Mercantile Exchange. OPEC is already oversupplying the market with crude oil, yet the IEA has itself just dumped another huge quantity on the market out of strategic reserves.
Public Service Commission approves power plant
The Kentucky Public Service Commission has approved the construction of a 278-megawatt, coal-fired power plant near Maysville. The P-S-C says that the technology burns cleaner than conventional methods.
Only two of the 25 member nations of the International Energy Agency are not involved in research into renewable energies and hydrogen.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 091505
Solar activity continues at high levels. Solar Activity Forecast: Solar activity is expected to be moderate to high. The geomagnetic field was at unsettled to minor storm levels. The geomagnetic field is expected to reach major to severe storm levels on 15 September.
Resource Depletion Damages Third World - World Bank
"Accounting for the actual value of natural resources, including resource depletion and population growth, shows that net savings per person are negative in the world's most impoverished countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa," it said.
Saudi Crown Prince blames refining limitations for high oil price
Senate Energy Committee Chairman; U.S. Poor Families Need More Energy Help
Congress may need to boost funding for a $230 million program that helps poor American families make their homes more energy efficient because of Hurricane Katrina's impact on energy prices, the chairman of the Senate Energy Committee said Tuesday.
Spending on Environment Yields Big Returns, Report Says
Spending to protect the environment, from coral reefs to forests, can bring big returns to aid a worldwide assault on poverty, a U.N.-backed report said Wednesday. "The environment...is not a luxury good, only affordable when all other problems have been solved"...
The scope of the environmental damage inflicted by Hurricane Katrina
Samples of New Orleans floodwater containing concentrations of lead at 50 times the federal limit; grease and gas from as many as 350,000 submerged vehicles; ubiquitous raw sewage; bleach, cleansers, solvents and pesticides from the cupboards of 160,000 flooded homes; contaminants from the area´s 60-plus refineries and chemical plants. And then, after all of that pungent soup is pumped out of the city, an estimated 20 million tons of debris that will need to be disposed of, much of it coated with sickening -- and, in some cases, possibly toxic -- muck.
U.N. Urges World Leaders To Get Clean Water to the Billions Suffering Without
U.N. officials said Wednesday that many of the problems world leaders are working to tackle at this week's U.N. summit can be solved by providing clean water and basic sanitation for the billions suffering without such services.
U.S. groups want federal government to enact new energy legislation
The U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives must develop a new energy bill that provides tax incentives for renewable energy technologies.
Twenty-one business, environmental and energy policy organizations told the political leaders that “now is the time to act on an energy policy that seriously addresses the challenges now facing the country.” Oil costs US$70 a barrel and gasoline sells for $3 a gallon, while energy imports continue to rise and the U.S. faces a continuing war in Iraq and the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, “the intensity of which was exacerbated by climate change.”
U.S. industry offers tenth annual solar tour
Open houses are planned for at least 43 states and the federal District of Columbia, in the tenth annual National Solar Tour, organized by the American Solar Energy Society with support from the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy.
Thousands of homes, schools and businesses that use solar energy will open their doors to the public on October 1, and ASES says this year’s tour will benefit from growing public interest in solar power as energy prices rise.
UK Renewables Obligation to cost consumers GBP1-bil yr; report
The UK government's target is to supply 10% of the UK's electricity from renewable sources by 2010, and 20% by 2020. But the DTI is facing financial and non-financial difficulties in achieving this target, the report said.
UK's Brown calls for OPEC to raise output
UK finance minister Gordon Brown Sep 13 called on OPEC to raise oil output to meet rising demand when the cartel meets in Vienna next week, saying international action was needed to stabilize global energy markets. High crude prices -- currently around $63- 64/bbl but which surged above $70/bbl in New York as Hurricane Katrina struck the southern US in late August -- are increasing risks to economic growth
September 14, 2005
As Lights Go Out, Power Worries Rise
A mistake on a single bundle of wires Monday cascaded into a major blackout in and around Los Angeles, inconveniencing millions of people and renewing questions about the vulnerability of the region's power system.
BE to shut down two more units over bolt cracking concerns
LONDON: All four units are likely to be down for at least a month, BE said. The company said yesterday that it currently expects to lose around one terawatt of output while carrying out the work but much depends on how things develop. BE first raised its concerns about potential stress corrosion cracking in May when some moisture was found on a bolt helping anchor one of Heysham A-2's eight boilers.
Carmakers Offer More Gas-Electric Hybrid Choices To Meet Growing Demand
"I have 50 years of purchasing ahead of me," said Miller, a 32-year-old
graduate student at George Mason University. "And I want more (hybrid
technology and hybrid choices)."
He's getting his wish. The variety of hybrids and their sales in the
United States are increasing. In the 2006 model year, Americans have
more hybrid vehicles to choose from -- 10 -- than ever before.
Central American Poor Struggle as Oil Prices Soar
Poor residents of a Guatemalan shantytown are burning factory waste for cooking fuel as high oil prices hit Central America's already shaky economies, forcing governments to call for international help.
The United States has long been battered by natural disasters, enduring such events as Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the Midwest flood of 1993 and the Northridge Earthquake of 1994. In the wake of each disaster came obvious questions: Were the damages preventable or could economic costs have been mitigated?The paradox is there is a low probability a catastrophic occurrence, but a high exposure if it does happen. So local officials are faced with the dilemma of spending the millions necessary to beef up building codes and buy insurance to prepare for something that may never happen or foregoing such expenses and hoping that the federal government will find the money to repair whatever damage does occur.
Daily status report on energy industry recovery efforts in the US Gulf 091405
Tanker offloading at the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port (LOOP) is close to normal Sep 12, although capacity remains restricted. -- Port of New Orleans President and CEO Gary LaGrange said Friday commercial operations should resume at the port by Sep 14 at about 10% to 15% capacity. "We're looking to be 100% within six months," he told Platts.
Diesel prices fall sharply after Netherlands stock release
Entergy's 829-MW Fitzpatrick plant is shut down, US NRC says
The 829-MW unit in Lycoming, New York, was at 100% capacity on Tuesday. Early Wednesday morning, however, a loss of power to the reactor feed pump controls created a low water level that triggered an automatic reactor scram, operators told the NRC in an event report.
Germany To Seal Nuclear Dump in Former Communist East with Four Million Tons of Concrete
German authorities plan to seal an underground nuclear dump in the former communist east with 4 million metric tons (4.4 million U.S. tons) of concrete in order to contain its radioactivity for at least 150,000 years, an official said Tuesday.
Heat Adds Power to Storms -- A Guest Commentary
Although it may not be scientifically possible to attribute any individual weather event to global warming, that hasn't stopped a discussion about extreme weather and climate change from evolving out of the disaster that was Hurricane Katrina.
Lower Miss. River fully reopened, but coal terminals still closed
Maldives Still Faces Drinking Water Shortages after Tsunami
About 90,000 residents of the Maldives still have shortages of potable water nearly nine months after the Asian tsunami slammed into the Indian Ocean archipelago and contaminated supplies
Officials in Gulf of Mexico Area Say They're Worried about Winter Natural Gas Shortages
It may take months to resume full natural gas production after Hurricane Katrina, top Bush administration officials said. They're worried about shortages in the coming cold weather because, unlike with heating oil and gasoline, the country lacks the ability to make up the difference with imports.
Montana Gov ponders heat solutions
Warning of potential huge increases in home-heating costs this winter, Gov. Brian Schweitzer said he's eyeing ways to help Montana households - including an increase in state funding for assistance.
Officials must monitor oil price changes
Global observers have been amazed that the world economy not yet buckled under rising oil prices. Some Chinese officials may even be ready to share such unbridled optimism.
Last Friday, a vice-minister from the National Development and Reform Commission noted that China was 94 per cent self-sufficient in energy use last year. This was the highest in the world.
Platts publishes monthly estimates of OPEC production, based on a survey of OPEC and oil industry officials, on a country-by-country basis.OPEC sets a production ceiling for ten of its 11 members. Iraq, which is struggling to rebuild its oil industry after years of UN sanctions and a war led by the US, does not have a production quota.
All figures are in millions of barrels per day.
Power plays in spotlight as bid frenzy hits fever pitch ; Market Report
London- SURGING gas prices, soaring domestic energy bills, legions of angry customers berating the company bosses - it hardly sounds like ideal conditions for a merger frenzy but that is exactly what is happening in the energy sector.
Power price rises could drive firms to the wall
Scotland- BUSINESS leaders will warn ministers that power prices have now soared to levels at which the profits of many firms will be wiped out and some companies will be driven to the wall.
How utilities can use technology to get the most - and accurate
planning to risk the least.
An aging workforce. Aging assets. That's the reality for today's
utility industry - and the impact tomorrow will be adverse for those
who don't make the right plans now. Just consider these facts: Some
35% of utility employees are between the ages of 45 and 54. They're
the ones with highly technical (and often undocumented) expertise.
As a result, when these employees retire (and more than 50% of them
will be retiring within the next five years), they'll take a lot of
know-how with them.
Meanwhile, utilities have underinvested in assets over the past
thirty years. Infrastructure is old and getting older; in many cases
it can no longer support demand. These assets will need to be
replaced soon. Otherwise, overall reliability will suffer.
Red Tide Blamed for Fish Kills in Florida
A tenacious red tide bloom that has lingered in the Gulf of Mexico off Tampa Bay all year now is being blamed for recent fish kills 100 miles off southwest Florida, state biologists said.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 091405
Solar activity was high. Solar Activity Forecast: Solar activity is expected to be moderate to high. The geomagnetic field has been at unsettled to major storm levels. Storm conditions persisted through much of this period due to transient flow from the intense CME activity over the past several days.
Senate Effort To Repeal Mercury Emissions Rule Defeated
The White House insisted its market-based approach to curtailing mercury pollution is effective and founded on sound science. The debate highlighted two very different approaches to environmental protection. The administration rules, backed by the utility industry, would set a nationwide cap on mercury emissions and put a ceiling on allowable pollution for each state. But individual plants, through a cap-and-trade system, can avoid cleanups by buying pollution credits from plants that are under allowable levels.
SPACE WEATHER ADVISORY BULLETIN 05- 11
**** MORE MAJOR SOLAR FLARES EXPECTED FROM ACTIVE NOAA REGION 808 ****A large Earth-directed coronal mass ejection (CME) erupted during one of these flares, and is expected to create a significant geomagnetic disturbance late today or early on September 15.
SPACE WEATHER ADVISORY OUTLOOK 05- 37
A large solar flare resulted in an R4 (severe) radio blackout on 07 September. Several R1 (minor), R2 (moderate), and R3 (major) radio blackouts occurred between 06 - 11 September due to multiple solar flares from a large sunspot group. G4 (severe) periods were observed on 11 September as a result of clouds of magnetic material associated with large solar eruptions on the Sun. Strong) Radio blackouts are possible due to solar flare activity from large sunspot Region 808.
Supply woes no reason to open ANWR; environmentalists
House Energy Committee Chairman Joe Barton (Republican-Texas), who advocates offshore development and opening ANWR, recently said that "if there is a silver lining" to Katrina, "it may be that our country understands how fragile our energy sector is."
US DOE says approves 11-mil bbl sale of SPR crude
Utility mistake triggers huge Los Angeles blackout
A utility worker overloaded an electrical circuit and caused a massive power blackout across much of Los Angeles on Monday, snarling traffic, stranding office workers in elevators and sending fire trucks with blaring sirens racing around the city
Some two million people were hit by the outage, which plunged busy intersections into chaos, jammed cars on the freeways and sent office workers streaming out of downtown buildings to mill about on sidewalks. Those trapped in elevators made frantic calls for help.
White House, Senate Clash Over Mercury
The administration claims its market-based approach will eventually cut mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants by 70 percent without driving up energy costs, and says repealing the rules "would unnecessarily delay the first-ever reduction" of such emissions.
But opponents say the rules favor the utility industry at the expense of public health.
September 13, 2005
Alternative Energy Stocks Surging Along With Oil Prices
Alternative energy has long been dismissed as too expensive to be practical, but with oil hovering around $65 a barrel, solar energy and fuel cells are starting to look positively affordable. As a result, alternative fuel companies' stock has soared this summer alongside oil prices.
Austrian party, Greenpeace protest against east-Europe nuke plan
Bald Eagle Tests Positive for Mercury
An ailing bald eagle found by a southwestern Indiana farmer tested positive for mercury poisoning, but state wildlife officials say it's unclear if the bird was poisoned by eating tainted fish it caught in Indiana waterways.
The United States has narrowly averted an energy crisis. Hurricane Katrina's damage to energy facilities in the critical Gulf Coast -- 29 percent of domestic oil and 21 percent of natural-gas production -- though bad was not as severe as first feared.
Brazil vehicular natural gas sales to soar; fuels distributor
Budget Office urges Bush to veto resolution against mercury rule
The resolution would nullify the Mar 29 mercury rule that removes fossil generation from the list of major sources of hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act that require maximum available control technology.
Canada Doesn't See Breakthrough at Post-Kyoto Meet
A major Montreal meeting charged with starting to draft a
successor to the Kyoto climate change accord is unlikely to produce a
breakthrough, a senior Canadian official said Monday.
The conference, which runs from Nov. 28 to Dec. 9, will try to find
common ground between those countries that signed on to Kyoto and those
that did not, including the United States, China, India and Australia.
China wants to buy energy sources; U.S. invades them
China, in its efforts to acquire strategic assets via purchase, is only doing what other prosperous powers do all the time. By playing according to the same rules through which the United States and others address their national interests, China seeks to advance its own. If China has ideas about becoming a global power by acquiring assets, it is behaving in a perfectly legal manner.
Coal industry backs US FutureGen
Duke Energy, Duke University to collaborate on climate change research
Duke Energy Corp. has pledged $2.5 million to Duke University to support a new industry-university collaboration to address global climate change. Researchers will assess environmental and economic costs of possible federal policies for reducing greenhouse gases. The policies include cap-and-trade programs and a nationwide tax on the carbon content of fossil fuels. They also will look at the potential of carbon sequestration.
EU Demands More and Cheaper Oil
European ministers urged the oil-producing countries on Saturday to boost supplies rapidly to combat soaring fuel bills and told oil companies to reinvest more of their vast profits in exploration and refining.
EU finance ministers open to more renewables, efficiency action
Hurricane Katrina Update; Air Products' Liquid Hydrogen Supply Situation Improving
Air Products (NYSE: APD) today announced an update on its liquid hydrogen supply and the status of its New Orleans, La. production facility impacted by Hurricane Katrina. The company reported that it has been able to secure additional hydrogen supplies from other sources and find different ways to improve the liquid hydrogen shortage situation with product management. Air Products is in the process to begin repairing its New Orleans facility, but water must be drained from the site area to regain road access and power supply.
Green groups sue Army Corps over disposal of Alaska gold mine waste
The Sierra Club and two other conservation groups have filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for allowing a gold mining company to dispose of waste in an Alaskan freshwater lake.
Although economic change can happen with dramatic ferocity – as it did in 1929 – it is far more likely to occur over a period of time. We can expect the inflationary impacts of higher natural gas prices, for example, to take several months to work their way through the chain of distribution from raw material to consumer product. At each step, business decisions are made about margins, material substitution, alternative resources, production volumes, and so on. And it's not unusual for a manufacturer to hedge forward commodity prices. Until these contracts expire, there is less pressure to increase end product prices.
Katrina causes oil spill from Chevron Louisiana terminal; USCG
A "significant amount" of oil was lost due to "natural dispersion and evaporation," while the remaining oil spilled has been contained with boom and ongoing oil recovery operations are underway, the Coast Guard said in a statement.
Katrina Fact Sheet Update as of Update as of 12 Sep 2005
Katrina Fuels Global Warming Storm
Hurricane Katrina has spurred debate about global warming worldwide with some environmentalists sniping at President George W. Bush for pulling out of the main UN plan for braking climate change.
Katrina Numbers Illustrate Storm's Toll
Hurricane Katrina displaced an estimated one million people and could cost as much as $200 billion, according to some estimates. On Sunday, 14 days after the storm swept ashore to devastate the US Gulf Coast, some figures were available on the impact of the storm and the relief and recovery effort.
Katrina Spurs New Debate on Energy, Fuel Economy, Offshore Drilling
Hurricane Katrina has reopened a national debate on energy policy, generating new congressional support for more stringent automobile fuel economy requirements and a fresh push by the oil industry for drilling in areas now off-limits.
Katrina's damage to production far worse than Ivan's-- Analysts
Limiting the bite of rising natural-gas prices
Natural gas, used in more than 80 percent of California homes, will cost a lot more this winter than a year ago. But there are ways consumers can curb those increases.
Nuclear Regulatory Agency OKs Utah waste repository
The Nuclear Regulatory Agency authorized a license for Private Fuel Storage LLC to build and operate a nuclear waste repository in Skull Valley, Utah.The commission voted 3-1 on Sept. 9 to deny the state of Utah´s final appeal in the matter. The state had argued that one of the 7,000 F-16 military jets flying each year from nearby Hill Air Force Base could crash into the site, causing radioactive contamination.
PG&E Hikes Gas Rates 40% Due to Katrina
You've seen prices at the pump skyrocket because of the Katrina disaster. Now, Pacific Gas & Electric says Bay Area customers should expect to see their natural gas bills go higher as well.
Utility employees should take the following quiz to better understand if they are possibility thinkers.
Renewables must drive hydrogen future; EU Parliament
hydrogen'.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 091305
Solar activity was at high levels. Region 808 (S11E17) produced four M-class flares. The largest of these was a M6.1/2f flare. Solar Activity Forecast: Solar activity is expected to be moderate to high. The geomagnetic field was at active to major storm levels. A shock was observed by the ACE spacecraft at approximately 12/0600 UTC. Solar wind speed at ACE increased to over a thousand km/s. The geomagnetic field is expected to range from unsettled to major storm levels. Solar wind speed remains very high and further transient flow is expected on 13 September.
Scientists Find Growing Land Bulge in Oregon
A large, slow-growing volcanic bulge in Western Oregon is attracting the attention of seismologists who say that the rising ground could be the beginnings of a volcano or simply magma shifting underground.
Scientists Study How to Clean Salty Water
Scientists from Sandia National Laboratories have started a study to investigate how to
best clean salty water to make drinking water.
Working with the Bureau of Reclamation and other groups they are hoping
to find new ways to improve the water situation in the West.
Singapore To Open First Desalination Plant in Bid for Water Self-Sufficiency
For decades, Singapore has relied on Malaysia to supply a huge
portion of a vital resource: water.
But the two neighbors sometimes disagree, and resource-scarce Singapore
wants to be less reliant. Aiming for self-sufficiency in water,
Singapore says its first desalination plant -- billed as one of the
biggest in the world -- will meet at least 10 percent of the nation's
water needs.
Solar energy businesses booming
"As these technologies get better, we're seeing things being developed like solar panels integrated into roofing tiles. That way, they don't look like a science project hanging on your roof."
The new federal energy law signed last month included a tax credit of $2,000 for the purchase and installation of a residential solar power system.
Every year, a single American consumer uses the equivalent of a tree measuring 100 feet high and 16 inches in diameter. That's nearly 300 million trees a year to give us paper, shelter and furniture. One small but growing effort to combat this involves certifying sustainable forestry practices that ensure forests are planted and protected, not just cut down.
The Impact of Oil Supplies on World Peace
The world is finally waking up to the idea that oil and natural gas are finite commodities and that world demand currently and for the foreseeable future will exceed world supplies. As with all commodities, when demand exceeds supply, the price will continue to rise until sufficient numbers of consumers leave the market to re-balance the supply and demand equation.
Additional comments on 'Impact of Oil Supplies on World Peace'
If the yield is conceded to be 8 bbls/acre, then supplying 10% of our 2015 oil consumption would require more than 25% of our entire US acreage of arable land. Inasmuch as world grain reserves have fallen more than 50% in the past 5 years and world population is rising, arable land will not likely be turned to energy production except to provide waste biomass for ethanol production. We should use all of it that is economically viable but supplanting 10% of our oil consumption may be an unrealistic hope.
UK refiners play down panic fuel buying ahead of price protests
US FERC open to applications for Hurricane Katrina cost recovery
White House Says Bush Will Veto Changes to Mercury Emissions Rule
The Senate agreed to vote Tuesday on a resolution that would negate the Environmental Protection Agency rules finalized last March. Those rules are opposed by environmental and health groups demanding swifter and tougher measures to reduce emissions of the toxic metal.
The Bush administration clashed with senators Monday over new
rules limiting mercury emissions from power plants, with the White House
threatening a presidential veto of Senate legislation that would overturn those
rules.
World Seen Winning Battle of Water Scarcity
The world is gradually winning its battle to overcome drinking water shortages through better resource management, an international conference on rivers held in Australia this week heard.
September 12, 2005
AECL and China National Nuclear Corporation Agree on Nuclear Energy Cooperation
The Agreement specifies a number of nuclear-related projects on which AECL and CNNC will collaborate. These include joint work on the design of the Advanced CANDU Reactor for China, advanced work on CANDU materials, waste management, CANDU fuel cycles, computerized operations support tools, as well as collaboration in developing advanced technologies including hydrogen production.
Assessing Katrina's Impact on Alabama Water Systems
Clean air rules are still cloudy. The results of court room cases are varied, with utilities and environmental groups declaring victory in different trials around the country. Duke Energy has been vindicated but others such as Cinergy and American Electric Power remain shrouded in legal proceedings. The uncertainty and confusion are therefore mounting. The lawsuits, initially filed during the late 1990s under the Clinton administration and against 51 separate sites, say that utilities owning coal-fired power plants made modifications to their facilities that increased their output and without installing the required pollution controls. Utilities, by contrast, say that they were performing routine maintenance and are therefore not required to install such expensive equipment in those cases.
Cow Power; Battery Runs on Bovine Stomach Bacteria
Scientists say they have produced clean, renewable energy from the contents of a cow's stomach.Researchers found they could generate electricity using the bacteria that occur naturally inside a cow's rumen—the first of four stomachs that breaks down grass and other fodder into a digestible mush.
The bovine stomach bacteria add to a growing list of cheap, plentiful, and non-polluting substances that run devices known as microbial fuel cells (MFCs).
DaimlerChrysler to sell fuel cell powered cars at lower prices in near future
DaimlerChrysler AG will be able to selll vehicles with engines powered by fuel cells at competitive prices in the near future, management board member Thomas Weber said in a pre-release of his interview with weekly Focus' Monday edition.He said the company plans to start producing the vehicles between 2012 and 2015 and one of these would be the next generation of Mercedes-Benz B-Class.
El Paso Corporation Provides Update on Gulf of Mexico Operations
Initial aerial damage assessments have been completed for all of SNG's offshore facilities. The most serious damage to offshore facilities appears to be primarily to pipeline risers on three third-party production platforms that have been destroyed and to measurement equipment at some locations. SNG has also identified damage to its junction platform at Main Pass 298. Complete damage assessments will require on-site investigation.
EPA and CDC Report High Levels of Bacterial Contamination in New Orleans Floodwater Samples
Floodwaters from multiple locations across the New Orleans area were sampled by EPA and analyzed for chemicals and bacteria. These initial results represent the beginning of extensive sampling efforts and do not represent the condition of all flood waters throughout the area.
Finland decides to tap strategic oil reserves in Katrina aftermath
The Finnish government on Thursday decided to tap its strategic oil reserves for the first time to cope with oil supply shortage in the global market after Hurricane Katrina hit the United States.
FirstEnergy, Mayors and Other Key Parties Agree on Plan to Freeze Rates in Ohio Through 2008
FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) today will file on behalf of its Ohio electric utility operating companies -- Ohio Edison Company, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company and Toledo Edison Company -- a Rate Certainty Plan (RCP) that, if approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), would essentially maintain current electricity prices through 2008.
Fuel expenses are raising electric bills
The base rate for electric customers of Progress Energy Florida Inc. won't increase for at least two years, but consumers' overall bills will rise because of skyrocketing fuel costs.
GE Technology Plays Critical Role in Opening of World's Largest Potable Ultrafiltration Plant
Germany releases oil reserves to lower prices
Germany joined some other nations in selling a small fraction of its emergency oil reserves to contain rising prices, German media reported Thursday.
The sale of oil, which Germany and 26 other International Energy Agency (IEA) nations agreed to release earlier this week, began in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, on Wednesday
Heating bills rise in time for fall
Questar Gas customers will pay a lot more to heat their homes this coming winter -- about 28 percent more than last year.
More than 40 organizations, including The City of Mississauga, the University of Toronto, and Ontario Power Generation, have come together to create a Hydrogen Village, a program designed to accelerate development of sustainable hydrogen technology. The Village consists of numerous hydrogen and fuel cell infrastructure hubs dispersed throughout the GTA.
Million Solar Roofs Dies on Vine; On To Plan B
How a critically important bill that enjoyed bi-partisan and popular support couldn’t get passed—for the 2nd year in a row—is a long sad story, and doesn’t say much for us as a species.
However, not to despair. There is a Plan B.
Nanotechnology Innovation Enables Recovery and Reuse of Spilled Oil
Interface Sciences Corporation announced that in response to oil spill problems stemming from the current Hurricane Katrina disaster and oil crises, the company is launching its proprietary oil remediation and recovery application.
NRC clears way for nuclear fuel storage in Skull Valley
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission on Friday authorized a license to
build a private nuclear waste storage site on the Skull Valley Goshutes Indian Reservation.
Private Fuel Storage, a group of utilities, wants to store
44,000 tons of spent nuclear fuel at the site, 45 miles
southwest of Salt Lake City.
One year later, hydrogen van for state is still on hold
On a sunny day last September, Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. took a spin around State Circle in a borrowed hydrogen van.He championed the low-emission vehicles as the wave of the future, and proudly announced that Maryland would soon get one for a state agency to use.
One year later, though, the state still doesn't have its hydrogen-powered vehicle.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 091205
Solar activity was at high levels. Region 808 (S09E30) produced a long duration X2 major flare. Solar Activity Forecast: Solar activity is expected to be at high levels. Region 808 is expected to continue to produce major flares. The geomagnetic field was at active to severe storm levels today.
Ukraine Plans to Start Removing Nuclear Fuel From Chernobyl This Year
the delay is due to the failure to fulfil international projects. She said that Ukraine would start removing the fuel by the end of the year and plans to finish doing so in 2-3 years. The fuel will be stored in the first storage facility for spent nuclear fuel.
Unit 2 at TEP's Springerville Generating Station Back in Service
The study shows that Wisconsin power plants in 2003 emitted 2,457 pounds of mercury, according an analysis of records compiled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
September 10, 2005
$25 M RFP for Renewable Energy Projects
RNK Capital LLC, investors in the emissions and renewable energy market and energy efficiency projects, aims to invest an initial US$ 25 million in the domestic renewable energy market and invites interested parties to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). The request for project proposals is for offers for renewable energy or energy efficiency projects that can generate specific environmental attributes in SO2 Emission Allowances, NOx Emission Allowances, and Compliance market RECs.
Contaminated Water Had To Be Poured into Lake, EPA Chief Says
The decision to pour heavily contaminated floodwaters from New
Orleans streets into Lake Pontchartrain was a difficult one and could pose new environmental
problems in the years ahead, the chief of the Environmental Protection
Agency said Thursday.
"We were all faced with a difficult choice," EPA Administrator Stephen
Johnson said in an interview with The Associated Press. "The choice was,
we have to get the water out of New Orleans for the health and safety of
the people and we need to put it someplace."
Controversy Swirls Around Wind Farm Plan
An energy company wants to build 130 wind turbines, each taller
than the Statue of Liberty, near a nature reserve to provide power to tens of
thousands of homes.
But locals complain the project would block views of the Antelope Valley
California Poppy Preserve, and some environmentalists fear the 380-foot
machines would chop up birds and disrupt wildlife migration.
DOE Funds Renewable Energy Efforts Nationwide
These competitive DOE awards will provide specialized funding in addition to annual formula grants given to each state energy office.
Greenpeace shuts down coal port
Europe’s largest coal import harbour in Rotterdam was temporarily shut down following a protest by Greenpeace activists this week, who were calling for an end to the use of fossil fuels and a switch to renewable energy.
Greens call for Katrina inquiry
The Green Party has this week called for a full independent inquiry into the response to Hurricane Katrina and its devastating aftermath in New Orleans, and claimed that ‘warning bells are ringing’ in UK coastal towns over a similar catastrophe occurring.
Manage Clean Energy PV Incentive Apps
Government, power utilities, and other organizations with clean energy programs can process incentive applications, generate program reports, and analyze results using PowerClerk, an Internet-based software service developed by Clean Power Research and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
New Indiana Soy Biodiesel Plant to Produce 10M Gallons
President Bush Announces New Initiatives To Provide Relief
Today, President Bush Announced Two New Initiatives Providing Immediate Assistance To Hurricane Katrina Evacuees.
The Canadian seal hunt is the largest commercial slaughter of marine mammals on the planet. This was true even before the Canadian government announced that it would allow fishermen to kill 975,000 harp seals off Newfoundland and Labrador between 2003 and 2006. In an effort to convince the Canadian government to end the seal hunt, The HSUS and other members of the Protect Seals network are calling on consumers to boycott Canadian seafood products.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 091005
Solar activity increased to very high levels. Region 808 (S09E54) continues to be very active and produced five major flares today. Solar activity is expected to be at high to very high levels. Region 808 will continue to produce major flare activity. The geomagnetic field is expected to range from quiet to major storm levels. Isolated minor storm conditions are expected on 10 September due to ongoing transient flow.
Sandpiper Technologies Offers Sentinal Fuel Cells for Rent
Sandpiper Technologies Inc. (STI, Manteca, CA), which began offering fuel cells two years ago, has initiated a program enabling customers to rent its Sentinel methanol-powered fuel cells for evaluation. The program, called the Fuel Cell Power Rent-to-Own program, allows the first-time user to try the fuel cell for at least two weeks with a 100-percent rental credit towards a purchase.
The Environment Matters -- A Guest Commentary
Many of us in the conservation world
are concerned that the natural environment – as the fundamental provider
of life on this planet – seems to have dropped off the international
community’s radar screen in the lead up to the UN-hosted World Summit.
This is an alarming realization as natural resources and the environment
are being degraded and destroyed at record pace.
News Sep05/CA Assembly Rejects Million Solar Roofs Bill
Last minute efforts to resolve the debate over prevailing wages and licensing failed to save SB 1, the Million Solar Roofs bill, in California's Assembly.
Where Does California's Million Solar Roofs Initiative Go From Here
Late Thursday night, the California's Million Solar Roofs bill died when the Legislature ended the 2005 session.
The blame falls squarely on the ongoing political tensions between the Governor and the Legislature and to the inability of various labor interests and advocates for this bill to reach a consensus.
One Response on the death of SB1
I urge everyone from now through the special election in November to keep the pressure on the IBEW by showing our public displeasure over how their single-handed attempt to hijack this bill has resulted in its demise.
September 9, 2005
800,000 in Miss. Still in Dark
Three utility companies that experience widespread power outages reported progress Monday in restoring service to customers. But more than 800,000 customers still were without power, one week after Hurricane Katrina struck.
"You feel like you didn't make it," he said. "Farming is not just a job -
it's a way of life. But we weren't making any money, and leaving was the
right choice, the only choice I could have made."
Rural communities across North Dakota face similar struggles of survival.
Profound social and demographic changes over the past three decades in rural
areas have led to America's silent farm crisis - the staggering number of deaths
by suicide
An Overview of the Energy Bill, Part II
It took more than four years of debate, but in July the U.S. Congress sent to President George W. Bush a comprehensive energy bill. That bill--the Energy Policy Act of 2005--was signed by Bush on August 8. The energy bill adds $14.5 in new tax incentives for individuals and businesses.
As Oil Prices Rise, Asia Sees Sense in Going Green
Across the region, renewable energy such as solar, wind and geothermal power is gaining ever greater credence as a way to curb the region's appetite for oil and cut runaway import bills.With oil prices near $70, and expected by many analysts to stay over $50 through the end of 2006, governments believe alternative energy will help keep their economies growing.
Austrian regulator E-Control warns of rising cost for renewables
British Airways Raises Fuel Surcharge on Oil Rise
British Airways, Europe's third-largest airline, said on Thursday it would raise fuel surcharges on long-haul tickets sold in Britain, to compensate for rising oil prices.
Caribbean countries seek reduction in oil prices from Venezuela
Caribbean countries seek to reduce the cost of their petroleum imports from Venezuela, which promised them favorable payment conditions as part of PetroCaribe, an energy cooperation agreement in the region.
Leaders, or their representatives, from 13 Caribbean countries are holding a meeting with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in Montego Bay, Jamaica, reports reaching here said.
Damaged US Refineries may Face Billions in Repairs
Oil refineries and chemical plants knocked out by Hurricane Katrina are slowly recovering but flooding, power outages and broken equipment at the plants could cost more than $2 billion to repair, an industry expert said Thursday.
Duke adds water extras to re-licensing proposal
To continue operating the project, Duke Power must consider power and other benefits such as water quality, recreation, fish and wildlife and wildlife habitat enhancement and protection. In February 2003, Duke Power formally initiated the re-licensing process. The final agreement is expected to be complete in April, said Duke Power spokesman Rick Rhodes.
East Africa Wheat Fungus may Pose Global Threat - Report
A resilient new strain of wheat fungus from east Africa is threatening to spread to the Middle East, Asia and the Americas and bring catastrophic crop damage, scientists said on Thursday.
English Countryside Threatened by Urbanisation - Report
England's countryside is in danger of disappearing within a generation if urban sprawl and a decline in farming are not halted, a pressure group said on Friday.
France says oil companies could face 'exceptional' tax
The move would force Total and others to return to consumers some of the gains they have made on the back of the recent surge in oil prices, the ministry said.
Income Stable, Poverty Rate Increases, Percentage of Americans Without Health Insurance Unchanged
Real median household income remained unchanged between 2003 and 2004 at $44,389, according to a report released today by the U.S. Census Bureau. Meanwhile, the nation's official poverty rate rose from 12.5 percent in 2003 to 12.7 percent in 2004. The percentage of the nation's population without health insurance coverage remained stable, at 15.7 percent in 2004. The number of people with health insurance increased by 2.0 million to 245.3 million between 2003 and 2004, and the number without such coverage rose by 800,000 to 45.8 million.
Industry officials differ over power plants' gas supply impacts
IPE Brent rises on slower than expected US output recovery
At 0939 GMT the front-month futures contract was up 50cts to $63.58/bbl, with the IPE Gasoil futures up $3 to $596.25/mt.
Katrina may mean higher home heating prices in Wisconsin
The precise effect of Hurricane Katrina on this winter's heating bills for Madison-area customers is still uncertain, but experts agree, it's bad news on top of an already ominous picture. In a worst-case scenario, natural gas prices could soar 71 percent higher than last year, according to new estimates released by the federal government Wednesday.
Korea to Site Pair of FuelCell Energy DFC Power Plants
FuelCell Energy Inc., a manufacturer of electric power generation plants, announced that it will supply two of its Direct FuelCell (DFC) units to provide electricity for a 650-bed hospital and a wastewater treatment facility in South Korea as part of the government’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Louisiana Scientists Expect Major Environmental Damage
Biologists expect to find major destruction when they take their first close-up look at Hurricane Katrina's impact on wildlife habitats and Louisiana's vital fishing industry, the state's top conservation official said Thursday.
Miss. coal traffic slowly resumes while waiting for power, people
Mississippi Power Restoration Update - Day 10
Nine days after Hurricane Katrina made landfall, Mississippi Power employees and outside workers have restored service to 76 percent of the company's customers who can receive power.
NRC rejects Utah appeal of nuclear waste storage site
used for training by the US Air Force from nearby Hill Air Force Base and the chance of a crash releasing radiation was too high.
REH Gears Up Wind Turbines as Green Power Booms
Isle of Man-based Renewable Energy Holdings is cranking up its first wind turbines and expects to launch a string of other green power projects in the near term, the company's chief executive said on Thursday.
Renewable Energy Holds Promise of Green Power
Renewable energy and fuels such as hydrogen hold the promise of cutting spiralling oil import bills, curbing pollution and bringing power to millions still without electricity.Following are some of the main types of renewable energy and alternative fuels, which together supply about 10 percent of the world's total energy.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 090905
Solar activity remains at high levels. An X5/2b flare was in progress from Region 808. Solar activity is expected to remain at high levels. The geomagnetic field was quiet to unsettled. A sudden disturbance of 41 nT (magnetic crochet) was observed in the geomagnetic field following today's X5 flare. The geomagnetic field is expected to range from quiet to minor storm levels. Although the magnetic cloud associated with this CME is not expected to impact Earth, a shock passage is expected, which will likely produce active to minor storm periods on 09 Sep.
Republicans Eye Expanding US Offshore Drilling
Barely a month after President Bush signed a $14.5 billion energy bill into law, Hurricane Katrina's destructive dance through the US oil patch is being seized on by Republicans as a reason to open more federal offshore waters to drilling.
As expected, the last few steps for SB-1, the California Million Solar Roofs Bill, really are the hardest. The bill has until the end of the day today – Friday, September 9th – to get amended and approved.
SPACE WEATHER ADVISORY BULLETIN 05- 9
**** ACTIVE SUNSPOT GROUP CONTINUES TO PRODUCE SIGNIFICANT FLARES
NOAA sunspot Region 808, which yielded a powerful X17 flare (R4 radio blackout) on 07 Sep, continues to produce significant activity. Over the past 24 hours, this region produced several more major flares to include three X-class flares, which resulted in R3 radio blackouts.
Over the next several days this region will rotate towards center disk where solar activity is much more likely to impact Earth.
Stirling Energy to Build Solar Power Facility for SDG&E
Stirling Energy Systems Inc. (SES, Phoenix, AZ), a developer of alternative energy solutions using solar, wind, and green energy, announced a 300 MW to 900 MW solar power facility for San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) in Southern California. When complete, the project will provide 30 times more solar power than all the current solar capacity in the entire San Diego region.
Tainted Loons, US Senators Tackle EPA on Mercury
The scruffy loon chick let out an unpracticed version of the water bird's famed call as researchers tested it for mercury from its native northern New England, home to one of America's highest known concentrations of the dangerous toxin.
Toshiba Storage Device Division, an industry provider of small form factor hard disk drives, recently shipped the world’s first HDD-based on perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR). The new 1.8-inch HDD, used primarily in consumer electronics devices, enables up to 10,000 songs or 25,000 photos on a single 40 GB platter, the single largest single-platter capacity yet achieved in the 1.8-inch form factor.
Total lost crude production due to Katrina seen at 55-mil bbl: IEA
The United States now faces an enduring test: whether it can beat back the after effects of Hurricane Katrina and the corresponding high energy prices.
High demand and short supply have pushed the prices of oil and natural gas into record territories. Oil, as high as $70 a barrel, is the most fungible, pervasive and transportable commodity and the price of all other fuel sources are tied inextricably to it. In other words, high oil prices help push up the cost of natural gas and coal, which are also in high demand.
US EIA says retail gasoline prices 'may have peaked'
US refiners say will defer maintenance to boost supply: Bodman
Bodman said Thursday.
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced that USDA is making more than $170 million in emergency assistance available to agricultural producers suffering from Hurricane Katrina.
What's moving the oil markets 090905
Shell Friday said its current production in the Gulf of Mexico was about 160,000 boe/d but said that only 60% its pre-Hurricane Katrina 450,000 b/d output was expected to be on line by the fourth quarter of the year.
World Record Magnet Likely to Bring Scientific Breakthroughs
The superconducting magnet, which stands 16 feet tall and weighs more than 15 tons, was no overnight accomplishment. A team of engineers based at the magnet lab worked for 13 years to develop, design, manufacture and test it at the laboratory.
September 8, 2005
Australia Uranium Sales Up as World Demand Rises
Australian uranium export earnings grew dramatically in fiscal 2005 as global demand for the once-shunned metal pushed prices up sharply, government trade figures released on Wednesday showed.
California Grid Congestion Costs Plummet; Grid Upgrades Carry More Power, Help Reduce Bottlenecks
Improvements and upgrades to the high-voltage power grid controlled by the California Independent System Operator (California ISO) are starting to pay big dividends for California energy consumers as the costs associated with local bottlenecks on the grid have dropped 58 percent, from $205 million in the first seven months of 2004, to $87 million for the same period this year.
Coal moving again in the South as rivers, railroads reopen
Cooking with the Heat of the Sun
For some people, the concept called
solar cooking is a hobby. For others, it's a lifestyle change.
Solar cooking uses sunlight-generated heat to prepare food. Many solar
cookers are made from household materials
Ebensburg, Pa., wind-energy plant set to hire first workers
The cranes are up, the first concrete is poured and construction of a wind-energy plant is breezing along.
Now, executives with Spanish turbine-blade manufacturer Gamesa Corp. are laying the foundation for hiring the first of an expected 234 workers during the next three years.
Entergy Gas Operations assessment and restoration teams are working in New Orleans doing assessment to determine the extent of the damage to its gas system. Today, Entergy assessment and restoration workers are in the French Quarter, Uptown and Algiers. They will move into other areas of the city as flood waters are pumped out and more of the city becomes accessible.
First EPA Tests Confirm New Orleans Floodwater Risky Even for Skin Contact
Floodwaters in New Orleans contain levels of sewage-related bacteria that are at least 10 times higher than acceptable safety limits, endangering rescue workers and remaining residents who even walk in it, federal officials said Wednesday.
German car giants outsmarted by Brazilian sugar cane
While economic growth forecasts for leading industrial nations are overshadowed by fuel price volatilities, Brazil has taken the lead in a quiet transport revolution, reducing significantly its dependence on foreign oil supplies.
Global Warming Causes Soil To Release Carbon, Study Says
Global warming is causing soil to release huge amounts of carbon, making efforts to fight global warming tougher than previously thought, scientists said on Wednesday.
Globalisation Driving Inequality, UN Warns
Despite unprecedented economic growth in recent years, the rich have become richer and the poor even poorer, says a new U.N. report that also shows women facing more hardship than men in all walks of life.
Green Mountain Power Holds Community Energy Fair
Described as "Part festival. Part science fair. All fun.," the event includes energy games for children, energy efficiency and safety information for adults, lineworker demonstrations of pole- top rescues and rides for the public in the elevated bucket of a linetruck.
"We wanted to offer the community a day of fun and a way to help folks learn about energy.
Gulf Coast Fishermen Hope Katrina Spared Sea Life
Fisherman Greg Verges believes the shrimp knew a bad storm was coming their way even before the locals did. The week before Hurricane Katrina's catastrophic arrival, Verges' boat landed 400 pounds of prime quality shrimp in the Biloxi channel. Then, day after day, the catches fell off.
Gulf Coast gas munis struggle to rebuild without revenue
IEA Chief Sets the Pace on Energy Conservation
"We went from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age and it was a natural, onward progression. But for the first time in history, we're running out of the best thing and we have to go on to the next best thing. That is really awfully hard to face," he added.
Innovative Environment-Friendly Products; BlueHeat
But BlueHeat is far from typical. BlueHeat pre-heats your car's engine, defrosts the windshield, and makes the interior of the car warm independent of the engine. The inside is comfortable before you even have to start the car. For folks in northern climes, the days of waiting in the cold while the engine warms up enough to power the heater would be over.
Nearly 30,000 Nepali children die yearly in their first month of life, the third highest rate in the world. Yet, the battered country is on track to slash under-five mortality by two-thirds within a decade, says the United Nations. ''Nepal has made significant progress over the past 15 years in reducing poverty, improving access to education, health services and drinking water...however
Nigeria at risk of not meeting OPEC quota, 2010 reserves target
Penn Virginia Corporation Reports Operational Impact of Hurricane Katrina
As a precaution, on August 28, the day before the arrival of Katrina, approximately 13.6 million cubic feet equivalent (Mmcfe) per day, or approximately 17 percent of the Company's total daily production, was shut in. As of September 6, all but approximately 2.9 Mmcfe per day had been turned back in line.
POWER pushes to protect wildlife, cut utility costs
Promoting Our Wildlife & Energy Resources -- is a new push to benefit wildlife while also lowering maintenance costs for utility providers by creating habitat along transmission lines.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 090805
Solar activity increased to high levels this period as newly numbered Region 808 (S12E83) produced one of the largest solar flares of Cycle 23. Intense centimetric radio bursts accompanied this flare. Solar activity is expected to be moderate to high. Today's powerful X17 flare produced a sudden disturbance in the geomagnetic field.
Response to article, Clean Coal Developers Eye Oil Imports
I heard a leading proponent of massive subsidies for coal gasification explain that the proposed program could produce somewhat less than 2 Tcf/y of gas for $4/Mcf wholesale. This happens to be 8-10 times less than could be saved by targeted electric and gas efficiency and electric demand response. The biggest obstacle to using U.S. natural gas in a way that saves money is that 48 states reward electricity and gas distributors for selling more energy and penalize them for cutting customers' bills. Shouldn't we fix that perverse incentive first?
Russia Signs Contract With Vietnam to Provide Electric Power Station Turbines
Another hydroelectric power station in Vietnam is to be equipped with Russian turbines. The construction of the power station began in August 2003 and should be completed in 2008. The gross output of the two hydropower units is 210 MW.
You are driving home from the airport and muse about your part in the power electronics industry. You find it personally satisfying to be part of an industry that measures its performance in terms of energy efficiency. Especially now, with energy costs continuing to rise, finding new ways to save energy is even more socially responsible.
Solar Hits Boom Time, but Where Have All the Panels Gone?
With a growing demand for solar power in the U.S., there are major back orders for photvoltaic panels due to a weak dollar and raw material shortages. Solar manufacturers say that the solar market has grown roughly 40 percent annually in the last five years, helped a lot by rising demand in Germany
Spain Enjoys -- and Suffers -- First Significant Rainfall of the Year
Many regions of drought-struck Spain breathed a sigh of relief
on Wednesday as rain fell over a significant proportion of the country.
Spain is suffering its worst drought since record-keeping began.
While in most of the country the amount of rainfall was not enough to make even a dent in the drought figures, some regions had gone from one extreme to the other.
States Sue U.S. over Energy Efficiency of Appliances
Fifteen states led by New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer sued the U.S. Energy Department on Wednesday for dragging its feet on setting efficiency standards for household appliances that would save enormous amounts of energy.
Man's technical ingenuity has collided with nature's rage in the Gulf of Mexico, and the outcome has been an integrated energy disaster. The full scope will not be understood until the waters recede, the damage to platforms and refineries is assessed, and the extent of damage to underwater pipelines from undersea mudslides is determined. Yet what has happened is on a scale not seen before, and the impact of the price spikes and dislocations will roll across the entire economy.
Typhoon Fades but Leaves at Least 17 Dead in Japan
Nine people were missing and 126 were injured after Nabi drenched parts of Japan's third-biggest island with more than 1,000 mm (40 inches) of rain, triggering floods and landslides, NHK television said.Ukraine Agriculture Ministry Seeks to Ban GMO Soy Imports
"We want to have the status of a country which produces only clean agriculture products."
Venezuelan president terms energy cooperation summit in Jamaica as memorable
Leaders and representatives of 13 Caribbean nations gathered in Montego Bay Tuesday to discuss the PetroCaribe initiative, an energy cooperation agreement launched by Venezuela, and sign bilateral accords with the world's fifth largest oil exporter.
What's moving the oil markets 090805
The market is focused on the inventory report from the US Department of Energy due out later Thursday. Crude stocks are expected by analysts to fall by 7-mil bbl, with the main focus on the gasoline stock draw, which is expected to be 6.5-mil.
With Nine Reactors Under Construction India Targets 20,000 Megawatts of Nuclear Power by 2020
The removal of restrictions on U.S. exports of nuclear fuel and reactor components to six Indian nuclear and space facilities is a boost for the country's nuclear power station plans, which envisage an output of 20,000 MW by 2020.
September 7, 2005
Apache Restores 76 Percent of Gas Production, 60 Percent of Oil Output Shut In By Hurricane Katrina
Apache Corporation said today that, seven days after Hurricane Katrina, 76 percent of its gross operated natural gas production shut-in because of the storm and 60 percent of operated oil production in storm-affected areas have been restored to pre-storm levels.
Brazil Likely To Build More Nuclear Plants, Minister Says
Brazil's Minister of Science and Technology said Tuesday he believed the country would approve plans to build more nuclear reactors later this year, drawing howls of protest from environmental groups.
California support for solar could save $ billions
The state of California could save US$6 billion as a result of its ‘Million Solar Roofs’ initiative, according to a solar company.
Although California Senate Bill #1 would cost $3 billion to implement, it will provide $9 billion in benefits, says Akeena Solar in its white paper, ‘Economics of Solar Power for California.’
CA's Million Solar Roofs Bill Re-referred to Committee
While supporters of the bill are still hopeful that the issues will be resolved and the bill will be voted on by Friday, it is also possible that SB1 will not re-emerge from the committee.
In what appears to be a last ditch effort to save SB-1 and at the same time save political face, members of the California assembly re-referred the solar bill to the Utilities and Commerce Committee for the wrangling over final language.
Chicago Opens a Rare 'Green' School
Youngsters at Tarkington elementary started their first day of classes Tuesday at a school where flowering plants grow on the roof. It's one of the nation's small but growing number of environmentally friendly schools, a stand-out because it sits in a major city better known for towers of steel and concrete.
Demand drops an estimated 1.4 Bcf day post-Katrina; US EIA
"Katrina-related natural gas demand reduction is, at most, estimated to be between 15% and 25% of the peak level of lost production, and, as service restoration proceeds, should become an increasingly minor factor," the EIA said.
Department of Energy Response to Hurricane Katrina
Even before Hurricane Katrina came ashore, the Department began its work to restore the many significant portions of our nation's energy infrastructure affected by the storm.
Development of a solar-electric propulsion system for Sanswire's Stratellite airship.
ZSW will provide research and development engineering support under a cooperative research and development agreement for the development of a solar-electric propulsion system for Sanswire's Stratellite airship. A Stratellite is similar to a satellite, but is stationed in the stratosphere rather than in orbit. At an altitude of 10 to 13 miles above the Earth, each Stratellite would have clear line-of-sight communications capability to an entire major metropolitan area as well as being able to provide coverage across major rural areas.
Estimates Put Wolf Numbers Up in Rockies
According to the agency's mid-year estimate, 912 wolves now roam the three-state region, compared to 835 in December, said Ed Bangs, Fish and Wildlife's wolf recovery coordinator in Helena, Mont. Gray wolves were reintroduced to the Northern Rockies a decade ago, and in 2002 met the government's recovery targets.
European report calls for major increase in support for renewables
It encourages the EC to “continue to develop an ambitious and, at the same time, realistic strategy in the area of renewable energies,” and notes the potential from 21 different renewable energy technologies which cover all geographical areas and all relevant energy uses.
ExxonMobil has taken delivery of 610,000 bbl of SPR crude: DOE
Few Choices To Rid New Orleans of Poisoned Water
The potentially toxic brew of chemicals and human waste in the
New Orleans floodwaters will have to be pumped into the Mississippi River or
Lake Pontchartrain,
raising the specter of an environmental disaster on the heels of
Hurricane Katrina, experts say.
The dire need to rid the drowned city of water could trigger fish kills
and poison the delicate wetlands near New Orleans and the Gulf of Mexico
at the mouth of the Mississippi.
Grass Hailed as Potential Source of Clean Energy
A tall, decorative plant that can be grown in Europe and the
United States could provide a significant amount of energy without contributing
to global warming, scientists said on Tuesday.
Field trials of the grass called Miscanthus in Illinois showed it could
be very effective as an economically and environmentally sustainable
energy crop.
IEA's Mandil says oil prices 'extremely harmful' to economy
Iran prevented from giving oil aid to US by sanctions: Kazempour
"If the US economic sanctions against Iran did not exist, and if there was no barrier for Iran's crude oil to enter the US market, we could be able to supply between 10-mil and 20-mil barrels of oil as aid
Katrina Environmental Issues 'Almost Unimaginable'
Large quantities of hazardous materials in damaged industrial
plants, the danger of explosions and fires and water pollution were his main
concerns eight days after the storm struck.
Preliminary figures indicate 140,000 to 160,000 homes were flooded and
will not be recovered, he said. "Literally, they are unsalvageable," he
said.
Katrina Spawns Interest in Alternative Forms of Energy
The soaring prices and supply squeezes seen in the wake of Hurricane Katrina have focused the attention of buyers and investors alike on the need for alternative technologies, which are also environmentally cleaner than burning hydrocarbons.
Kerr-McGee Restarts Additional Production in Gulf of Mexico
Kerr-McGee Corp. today announced that it has now restarted a total of approximately 105,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOE/d) of its total net Gulf of Mexico production, which averaged approximately 130,000 BOE/d prior to the hurricane. On a worldwide basis, the company's production has reached approximately 93% of its average pre-hurricane net daily production.
Louisiana official says Gulf Coast needs Marshall Plan equivalent
"The US had a Marshall Plan to rebuild Germany, the defeated enemy, after World War II. The US now needs to institute a massive rebuilding plan for its own people in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama."
New Orleans crisis gives Bush climate warning - FOE
While FoE has acknowledged that there is no evidence at this stage that Katrina was sparked by human induced global warming, the group highlights that the hugely destructive aftermath is consistent with forecasts generated by climate change models, that suggest such storms will become more commonplace as temperature rise.
Eighteen campaign groups have joined forces this week to create the largest ever UK-based climate change coalition, in a move that aims to ‘mobilise millions’ on the controversial issue. Known as ‘STOP CLIMATE CHAOS’
Pakistan Takes a Controversial Step Closer
A surprise between the foreign ministers of Israel and Pakistan in Turkey has run into considerable disapproval in the Arab world. But many Arab nations are themselves reconsidering ties with Israel.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 090605
Solar activity levels increased to moderate this period. A long duration M1 flare and an associated CME was in progress. Solar activity is expected to be moderate to high. The geomagnetic field was quiet to unsettled. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at high levels again today.
Sempra Energy is about to go on trial. The allegations: Its subsidiaries, Southern California Gas Co. and San Diego Gas & Electric Co. violated California antitrust and unfair competition laws by restricting the supply of natural gas into California and thereby contributing to the energy crisis there in 2000-2001.
Share of renewables is identical in developed and developing countries
Fossil fuels held the highest share at 84% in developed and 74% in developing nations, while solid biomass was 2% and 22%, respectively, while nuclear was 10% and 1%, and hydro provided 2% in both parts of the world. Renewables, which includes biogas, liquid biomass, geothermal, solar, wind and wave, provided 0.7% of total energy in both developed and developing countries.
SPACE WEATHER ADVISORY BULLETIN 05- 6
**** ACTIVE SOLAR REGION RETURNS ****
A very active sunspot group numbered by NOAA as Region 808, is currently
rotating onto the visible side of the Sun. This sunspot cluster, formally
numbered as Region 798 was responsible for significant solar activity during its
previous transit on the visible solar disk, and continued to produce significant
eruptions during its passage on the far side of the Sun.
SPACE WEATHER ADVISORY BULLETIN 05- 7
**** POWERFUL SOLAR FLARE ERUPTS ****
One of the largest solar flares on record occurred today, September 07.
SPACE WEATHER ADVISORY OUTLOOK 05- 34
Category R1 (minor), R2 (moderate), and R3 (Strong) Radio blackouts are possible on 07 - 13 September due to solar flare activity from old NOAA sunspot Region 798 returning to the visible side of the Sun
On bright sunny days, the electric meter sometimes turns backward at Don Huisingh's house.
"It is like a new baby," the University of Tennessee professor said of his $40,000 photovoltaic system. Installed in July, the system sends any extra juice to the Tennessee Valley Authority power grid.
U.S. government funds solar, wind and biomass energies
The U.S. Department of Energy will provide US$16.5 million for 178 projects involving renewables and energy efficiency in 42 states.
UK seas face climate change ‘chaos’ – WWF
A new report by conservation group WWF has warned that the effects of climate change will ‘wreak havoc’ with the UK’s marine environment, damaging cod stocks, bird colonies and coastal areas. ‘Climate change: Plunging our Seas into Deeper Crisis’, published this week, claims that changes in surface temperatures will impact upon the breeding cycles of fish, with a knock-on effect for seabirds.
Ukraine to build spent fuel storage facility without Framatome
US Senate energy chief to 'go after' OCS bans in wake of Katrina
US Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Pete Domenici (Republican-New Mexico) Tuesday said he plans to seek legislation authorizing oil and gas development on portions of the Outer Continental Shelf now closed to such activity.
Water Crisis Looms as Himalayan Glaciers Melt
Imagine a world without drinking water.
It's a scary thought, but scientists say the 40 percent of humanity
living in South Asia and China could well be living with little drinking
water within 50 years as global warming melts Himalayan glaciers, the
region's main water source.
Zero Air Pollution (ZAP) attributes the recent sales surge of its electric cars and a growing list of prospective electric car buyers to current spikes in oil and gas prices. Where gas cars use about 12 cents worth of fuel for every mile, electric cars use only 3 cents worth.
September 6, 2005
Another Safe Step in Water Treatment Systems for Domestic Use
In many areas of the U.S., rainwater collection can provide large quantities of relatively clean water. When properly collected, filtered and stored, this rainwater provides many possible water uses and solutions.
Experts agree that using a Floating Cistern Filter helps assure many years of use before a cistern would require cleaning.
Australians Set to Deliver Cutting-Edge Flood Technology to China
Australia’s SAGRIC International is delivering revolutionary technology designed to improve lead-time flood warnings and ultimately protect those living along the banks of China’s Yangtze River.
Bottled Water Industry Provides Assistance to Hurricane Stricken Region
"The bottled water industry has been hard at work since the first Hurricane Katrina alerts were issued to provide assistance to those in need. Many IBWA members have depleted existing inventories and are now bottling water around the clock to help meet the demand for clean, safe drinking water. They have trucks either on-site or heading to the region with millions and millions of bottled water servings in 16-ounce, 2.5 gallon and five gallon sizes.
Chernobyl Radiation Death Toll 56 So Far - UN
The number of people killed by radiation as a result of the Chernobyl disaster, the world's worst nuclear accident, is so far 56, much lower than previously thought, United Nations organisations said on Monday.
China Mulls Raising Renewable Energy Commitment
China, the world's second-largest oil consumer, may boost its long-term commitment to renewable energy use by 50 percent, a top policy maker said on Monday.
Climate Change Raises Risk of Hunger - Scientists
About 50 million more people, most of them in Africa, could be at risk of hunger by 2050 due to climate change and reduced crop yields, scientists predicted on Monday.
El Paso Corporation Updates Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Operations
The company has nearly completed the process of re- staffing and inspecting its production facilities along the Gulf Coast, and, although detailed assessments are not yet available, initial inspections indicate minimal damage to El Paso's production facilities.
EU to Help China Tackle Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The European Union agreed on Monday to give China the technology for a coal-fired power station designed to combat global warming as part of a wider accord on energy issues and climate change.
Federal Government Rolls Out Energy Conservation Incentives for Companies and Property Owners
There's some good news for companies and property owners seeking to save on energy: The federal government has rolled out a program that may reward you for your efforts.
GOOD RIDDANCE: Repeal of an Old Law Pleases Utilities and Angers Consumer Advocates
The repeal of a 70-year old law originally designed to protect utility customers and shareholders from Depression-era corporate shenanigans might sound like tame news to the most casual observer.
HDR 'Writes the Book' on Water Reuse
Katrina Death Toll May be 10,000, Bush Vows Help
A full week after Katrina crashed into the US Gulf coast and destroyed one of America's most popular cities, the home of jazz and Mardi Gras, no one knows how many people perished.
Katrina to Cause Natural Gas and Electricity Bills to Rise
The devastation of Katrina is already pushing up gasoline prices, but the bigger hit to Californians could be months from now when natural gas and electricity prices rise because of the hurricane, experts said this week.
Meridian Resource Corporation Announces Impact from Hurricane Katrina
Preliminary assessments indicate that production facilities in the Ramos area, Turtle Bayou area and Gibson area sustained little or no damage; but were shut-in for approximately four days
Mirant defends shutting Potomac River
The analyst said there are no national implications to the plant closing and that the shutdown was strictly driven by the need to meet state emission standards.
Navajos Receive Award for Banning Uranium Mining
Arthur sponsored the legislation -- the Dine' Natural Resources Protection Act, passed by the Navajo Nation Council in April -- which banned uranium mining and processing on the Navajo Nation. "I believe in economic development and that there is a place for it. However, there is a choice to be made -- whether we make a dollar or survive for generations to come.
New Orleans Police Break Out of Their 'Fort Apache'
To New Orleans Police Sgt. Justin Crespo, the sign hanging over the garage entrance to the 1st District station near the French Quarter a week after Hurricane Katrina struck says it all -- "Fort Apache."
New protective shelter for Chernobyl to cost nearly 2 bln usd - official
A new steel shelter for the Chernobyl nuclear plant, destroyed in the world's worst civilian nuclear disaster in 1986, will cost nearly 2 bln usd, Ukraine's emergencies minister David Zhania said today.
Nuclear News is Not Fair and Balanced
People involved in any organized human activity, from businesses to churches and civic organizations - including families - experience a distinctly different perspective of that activity than do people on the outside. Nuclear energy exists in these two distinct arenas, also, but the perspectives from inside and outside are more than just different: they are poles apart. Whether it is reactor safety, radiation, waste disposal or a host of other issues, nuclear insiders are much more confident in nuclear technology than the general public is.
OK Energy Companies Sort Out Damage From Hurricane
Post-Katrina, Gulf Barrier Islands More Vulnerable
Hurricane Katrina swamped barrier islands along the Gulf Coast, further gnawing away at the dunes and beaches that act as hurricane speed bumps and leaving the coastal area even more vulnerable to big storms.
Purvin & Gertz; Katrina's Impact on World Energy Markets
Katrina slammed into the U.S. Gulf Coast this past Monday, just east of New Orleans, through the heart of the offshore oil and gas production and transportation infrastructure that supplies about 25% of domestic oil production, and about 20% of the nation's natural gas production. Added to this impact, the landfall at the mouth of the Mississippi River hit a major portion of the U.S. Gulf Coast refining industry and the origins of the nation's interstate refined product pipeline transportation network.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development chief economist Jean-Philippe Cotis Tuesday said the run-up in oil prices over the last two years matches, in absolute terms, the large oil "shocks" observed in earlier decades and added that there is sign of and end to the rise.
Road Salt Blamed for Rising Salinity in Northeast Streams
"We're basically hardening the watersheds and feeding them a high-salt diet. There is a direct connection between the number of driveways and parking lots we have and the quality of our water,"
Russia OKs work at country's three PSAs in Sakhalin and Siberia
Saudi price cuts support kingdom's offer to pump more oil
Shipping constraints limit flow of European gasoline to the US
Turbine Shortage Idles Colorado Wind Projects
Plans to build another wind farm in Southeastern Colorado are on hold due to a shortage of available wind turbines, a Prairie Wind Energy spokesman said Thursday.
US bank hikes 2005-6 natural gas price estimates nearly $1 MMBtu
demand.
US gasoline deficit seen at 30-mil bbl following Katrina
US Oil Industry Crawling Back in Katrina Aftermath
Energy companies kept working through the US Labor Day holiday to restore damaged Gulf of Mexico offshore oil and natural gas production facilities and restart Gulf Coast refineries devastated by Hurricane Katrina last week.
What's moving the oil markets?
Some of the support has come from the ongoing battles occurring in the eastern Saudi Arabian oil city of Damman. Fighting has occurred the past three days between security forces and militants in a busy street where many Western firms have offices.
September 5, 2005
Coal ready to roll again as ports, railroads prepare to reopen
Economic recovery from Katrina may take years: Chemical Council
Entergy restores power to half those knocked out by Katrina
Fuel Cells Becoming Mobile Battery Alternative
Mobile devices need ever-more power and fuel cells are emerging as a longer-lasting, renewable alternative to batteries.
Fuel cells ready for their close-up
Although most of us associate fuel cells with automobiles, the reality is that it will be at least 10 years before you pull your smart car into the gas station and fill it up with hydrogen.
The real technological sea change for fuel cells will happen much sooner -- over the next few years -- when a whole new wave of applications begin to hit the market.
Gold inches higher as dollar weakens, US holiday slows market
Hundreds of Dead Geese Found in Oregon
The bodies of about 300 dead Canada geese were found between last November and this March near McMinnville, Keizer and Salem. Residents reported seeing them staggering like drunks, then eventually collapsing on their stomachs.
Mississippi Power restores electricity to 44 percent of its customers
New Orleans Zoo Animals Survive Katrina's Wrath
Thousands of people are feared dead in the rubble of storm-shattered New Orleans, but at the New Orleans zoo only three of its 1,400 animals died in the wrath of Hurricane Katrina.
OPEC consulting on additional steps to calm post-storm oil market
Measures being considered by OPEC ministers would be in addition to existing offers of extra crude supplies which have been made by OPEC members with spare
capacity
Pumping Water Out of New Orleans Will Take Weeks, Possibly Longer
Lowering the water level a foot ( 0.3 meters) per day was called an optimistic estimate on Friday, depending on how much of the pumping capacity can be restored and whether any more storms complicate the work.
"Current prices of the crude are higher than the real prices and there is a glut in the markets, estimated at 1-mil b/d."
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 090405
Solar activity was very low. Produced a B6 flare. There is a slight chance for a C-class event. The geomagnetic field ranged from quiet to major storm levels. The total interplanetary magnetic field at ACE declined throughout the period. The geomagnetic field is expected to be at unsettled to active levels on 04 September.
Saudi Arabia offers sympathy to US over Katrina but no oil pledge
But the world's leading oil producer and exporter stopped short of renewing an offer made last week by its oil minister, Ali Naimi, to open its crude oil taps to make up for lost production in the Gulf of Mexico.
Green Energy Resources citing the New York Times from August 24, has learned 12 states will move forward with plans to freeze power plant emissions and approve cap and emission trading. Nine states led by New York have agreed to the plan, and three additional states led by California have a nearly identical plan in the works.
The Future of Consumer Fuel Cells; Interview with Chairman and CEO of Medis Technologies
ExecutivesCorner is featuring an in-depth interview with Robert K. Lifton, Chairman and CEO of Medis Technologies Ltd (NASDAQ:MDTL).The entire PDF interview is available for free to registered members online at www.executivescorner.com/documents/pdf/MDTL/MDTL_interview.pdf.
The role of titanium in hydrogen storage
Scientists from the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory have determined how titanium atoms help hydrogen atoms attach to an aluminum surface.
Too Many People in Nature's Way, Experts Say: 'We Think We're Safe and We're Not'
The dead and the desperate of New
Orleans now join the farmers of Aceh and the fishermen of Trincomalee,
villagers in Iran and the slum dwellers of Haiti in a world being dealt
ever more punishing blows by natural disasters.
It's a world where Americans can learn from even the poorest nations,
experts say, and where they should learn not to build future settlements
like the drowned old metropolis on the Mississippi.
Toyota to recall 14 fuel-cell vehicles
Toyota Motor Corp. will recall 14 fuel-cell vehicles leased in Japan and the United State as one of them was found leaking hydrogen from its fuel tank in late August, company officials said Friday.
U.S. Confirms Citrus Greening in Florida
A plant illness that could endanger Florida's $9 billion citrus industry has been found for the first time in the United States, agriculture officials said Friday.
September 2-3, 2005
Benefits, Costs of Pushing Power Lines Underground Debated
As food rotted in South Florida refrigerators, mold-triggering humidity seeped into homes and more than 380,000 FPL customers in Miami-Dade and Broward counties wilted from a fourth day without power, Gov. Jeb Bush said it may be time to take a serious look at burying power lines, shielding them from the fury of future storms.
Bush Releases Oil from Petroleum Stockpile, Urges Nation To Brace for Higher Prices, Shortages
President Bush raised the possibility Wednesday that Hurricane Katrina will lead to even higher gasoline prices and shortages in some areas, even as his administration moved to release oil from an emergency government stockpile and to temporarily ease pollution standards on gasoline and diesel fuel.
Bush says Jones Act being waived to aid oil imports
The Jones Act requires that all cargo moving between US ports be carried in ships which are US-owned, built and crewed. Bush also said that the key Colonial Pipeline, which moves oil products from the Gulf Coast to the Northeast, was now operating at 50% of its capacity. He said the government also was working with storm impaired refiners to get them back into operation.
CA's Solar Roofs Bill Threatened by Special Interests
"Akeena Solar Goes Nuclear, Opposes California's Million Solar Roofs Bill.'' Good headline, huh? And it's true. The bill that would have made California a world leader in solar energy has been ruined by a partisan payoff to unions.
Coal stocks hit record levels as gas futures rise
With about 17% of US electricity generated from natural gas-fired power plants, compared with more than 50% from coal-fired
plants.
Company Fosters Renewable Energy Globally
ENDESA projects that renewable energies will represent 38.5% of its total power generation mix by 2009. By 2009, around 40 percent of ENDESA's production plants will not release any type of pollutant gas into the atmosphere.
DOE Posts New Hydrogen Cost Goal for Program
The Department of Energy has developed a new hydrogen cost goal of $2.00-3.00/gasoline gallon equivalent, or gge, (delivered, untaxed, in 2005 dollars, by 2015). The previous hydrogen cost goal of $1.50/gge, developed in 2002, was based on hydrogen produced from distributed natural gas reforming.
Duke Power unsure when Oconee-3 nuclear unit will return
As of 4 p.m. CDT today, Entergy had the electricity back on to 298,000 homes and businesses that lost power during the gigantic storm. While restoration work continues, other crews likely will need several more days to fully assess all the damage. Entergy expects a long and difficult restoration process due to the scope and amount of damage to its electrical system. Customers should be prepared for extended power outages. Restoration is being hampered by flooding, blocked access or other obstacles
Entergy Rebuilding Its Infrastructure in Louisiana and Mississippi
If it is an element of the electricity delivery system, it was damaged during Hurricane Katrina. Distribution lines, transmission lines, switchyards, substations, support buildings at generation stations, individual meters on customers' premises.
Rebuilding an electric service delivery system in the wake of the most cataclysmic natural disaster in U.S. history is a daunting task. The magnitude of the Katrina restoration effort extends well beyond the typical outage restoration scenario.
Entergy restores power to all but three New Orleans refineries
Refining operations in the New Orleans area were severely disrupted by the passage of Hurricane Katrina at the start of the week. Eight large refineries, representing about 1.8-mil b/d of refining capacity--some 11% of the total capacity in the US--remained off line Thursday.
Gas market hiatus leads to $10.73mmbtu at NYMEX
The worst seems to have passed with Hurricane Katrina
Gulfstream Pipeline Fully Operational Following Katrina
Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C. reported Thursday that the natural gas pipeline is fully operational and is continuing to transport all supplies tendered to it by customers.
An old adage says there are no problems just opportunities. If that applies to high gas prices and concern over air quality standards, then both consumers and carmakers might just have nothing but road ahead. Today the marketplace offers cars that get better gas mileage and pollute less. Enter hybrid vehicles, which run on both a gas engine and electric-powered batteries.
Mississippi Power Rebuilding After Katrina
Mississippi Power made significant strides toward rebuilding southern portions of its transmission system Wednesday, two days after its service area was slammed by Hurricane Katrina.
"Yesterday, we energized an essential 50-mile section of transmission lines that serves southern portions of our area yesterday
Nabors Industries reports one rig lost in Hurricane Katrina
Based on initial observations, three of the rigs escaped with little damage, but the company's "SuperSundowner" Rig XII was lost when the platform on which it was working was lost in the storm.
Nevada Files Suit against NRC over Yucca License Process
The new lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal challenges the state has filed against the federal plan to bury the nation's most radioactive waste beneath a mountain 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas.
Nevada wants court to force NRC to reconsider Yucca Mt. ruling
Nevada's Energy Bill Gets Clean Power Right
First, let me say that the Nevada energy bill is much more targeted than the recently passed federal energy bill. While the national energy bill is ladened with subsidies for controversial, dirty and costly energy options such as nuclear power and coal-fired power plants, the Nevada bill has almost no such subsidies. It can be read as a practical bill that addresses many state issues without succumbing to the pressures of self-serving industry lobbyists.
New Energy Bill Includes Stationary Fuel Cell Tax Credit
The Energy Bill signed by the President includes a fuel cell tax credit up to $1,000 per kilowatt on the purchase of fuel cells used in residential or commercial applications. The tax credit will be available in January 2006 and specifically includes telecommunications carriers among the eligible end users for the tax credit. Additionally, the bill includes an authorization for $3.7 billion for hydrogen and fuel cell research and development, demonstration and market transition over the next 10 years.
Oil Rises Over $69 as US Scrambles for Fuel
Oil firmed over $69 a barrel on Thursday as the United States scrambled to replace fuel supplies lost when Hurricane Katrina slammed into Gulf of Mexico rigs and refineries.
Once the Driver of the State's Economy, Mississippi Coast Now a Big Stretch of Rubble
From the coin-spitting slot machines to the stately Southern beach cottages, Mississippi's coastline has long been the economic engine for the entire state. But every industry along the coast has been devastated by Hurricane Katrina in a way that will take years, if not decades, to recover.
Private US Aid Pours in to Help Cope with Katrina
Aid agencies tallied more than $90 million in private donations on Thursday as relief efforts cranked up to cope with the widespread devastation, hunger and despair caused by Hurricane Katrina.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 090205
There is a fair chance for an isolated C-class event. The geomagnetic field is expected to be at active to minor storm levels on 2 September. Isolated major storming is possible. Predominantly active conditions are expected on 3 September.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 090305
Solar activity was very low. Region 806 produced a long duration B4 flare. The geomagnetic field ranged from quiet to minor storm levels. The geomagnetic field is expected to be at active levels with a chance for isolated minor storming on 02 September as the transient flow passes. The geomagnetic field should be at unsettled levels on 03 September.
Russian nuclear plant's generating set stopped because of fault
The No 2 generating set at the Kalininskaya nuclear power plant was stopped on Thursday [1 September] because of a fault in operation, the Rosatom [Russian Atomic Energy Agency] press service has said.
Scientists produce hydrogen from water
Purdue University researchers announced Wednesday they've developed a technique that produces hydrogen from water and organic material.
The technique requires only water, a catalyst based on the metal rhenium and an organic liquid called an organosilane, which can be easily stored and transported.
"We have discovered a catalyst that can produce ready quantities of hydrogen without the need for extreme cold temperatures or high pressures
Scientists have recently recognized an imbalance in the flow of salty groundwater into the coastal ocean: considerable saltwater discharge into the ocean has been observed, but little or no return flow has been seen. Now it appears that the timing of the discharge may be key to the health of our coastal waters.
Ship ports, railroads slowly recovering from Hurricane Katrina
The Threat to US Coal Industry
US demand for electricity has been steadily rising by around 2% per annum in recent years, which in combination with historical highs for both gas and oil prices in 2005, has aided an upturn in the fortunes of the coal industry.
There are however, several interlinked issues that have the possibility to reverse or halt the recent upward trend, including the transition to Powder River Basin (PRB) coal, transportation problems and changes to environmental law.
Thirty US scrap sites in hurricane area likely heavily damaged
Treasury's Adams: US Wants More Oil Refineries Built
The Bush administration wants to end a three-decade virtual freeze on new US refinery building amid worries about how rising prices will affect the global economy, a top US Treasury official said on Thursday.
UN Offers to Help Overwhelmed US Cope with Katrina
While the United States is the country best prepared to deal with such a disaster, "the sheer size of this emergency makes it possible that we can supplement the American response with supplies from other countries, or with experience we have gained in other relief operations," UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said.
US municipal gas utilities report no unusual supply problems
September 1, 2005
Advisory agency says GHG policy in Canada would incentivize renewables
Federal and provincial governments in Canada should consider a range of fiscal instruments to promote long-term reductions in carbon emissions, which would also “hasten the adoption of cleaner renewable technologies, such as wind turbines, geothermal energy, tidal power and biomass for electricity generation,” says a federal advisory agency.
Alaska Senator supports Silverado green fuel project
A press release recently issued by Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski states: "the (energy) bill also provides potential aid for development of low-rank coal-water fuel projects. The State has two such projects under potential development
Anger Rises among Mississippi's Poor after Katrina
For about a decade this gambling town on Mississippi's Gulf Coast has been the place to be in the state if you were poor, down on your luck and looking for work. "Many people didn't have the financial means to get out."
Attorney General Sandoval seeks help
Nevada's attorney general sent letters to attorney generals in 10 states seeking help in the fight against the proposed Yucca Mountain nuclear dump.
Barton sees signs of possible post-storm gasoline price gouging
Biggest Health Worry after Katrina is Clean Water
A lack of clean water is the most immediate health threat posed by the murky green water flooding Louisiana and Mississippi, health experts warned on Wednesday as authorities declared a public health emergency after Hurricane Katrina's devastation.
China orders 7,000 of its coal mines to suspend production
China's coal industry provides 70 pct of the country's energy needs, but many mines operate illegally with little regard for worker safety in order to meet the booming demand.
Closures Threaten U.S. Energy Supply
Hurricane Katrina shut down almost all of the energy production
in the Gulf of Mexico, threatening the nation's short-term energy future.
Oil workers congregating here said Katrina seemed certain to have
demolished some of the infrastructure.
The storm idled 95 percent of crude oil production and 88 percent of the
area's natural-gas output -- almost 25 percent of the nation's oil output
Major coal stocks have surged to near or above their 52-week highs as the status of the country's natural gas supply remained uncertain in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Natural gas prices reached record levels.
But coal-fired plants are running at full capacity during the peak-demand summer months, so some analysts say it wouldn't be until the fall that coal could pick up some of the slack if natural gas deliveries have some long term problems.
Crisis on tap! Pollution and burgeoning populations stress earth's water resources
Earth gets one of its nicknames, the Blue Planet, from the way it looks from space. About 70 percent of the planet's surface is covered with water, a substance that known types of life can't do without. All told, the oceans, land, and atmosphere hold the equivalent of almost 1.4 billion cubic kilometers of liquid water. About 96.5 percent of that total is salty ocean, a little more than 2 percent of the total is locked up in ice, and a smidgen wafts as vapor in the atmosphere. That leaves just over 1 percent as water that's readily available for human use.
Department of Energy officials said Monday they want to continue reserving 308,600 acres of public land across rural Nevada as the department maps out a railroad to the proposed nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain.
Dry, Hot Weather Ignites Big Alaska Wildfire Season
Successive hot summers, vast swaths of insect-weakened trees and lightning strikes have combined to torch about 4 million acres (1.6 million hectares) of forest in Alaska this summer, nearly tying the state's third-largest fire season on record, federal and state officials said on Tuesday.
Entergy Continues Damage Assessment, Restores Power to 156,000 Customers
Entergy (NYSE: ETR) has made some progress assessing damaged areas and has restored power to nearly 156,000 customers in Louisiana and Mississippi in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, after reaching a system outage peak record of 1.1 million.
Federal Katrina relief bill may aid energy infrastructure repairs
Fires in Portugal Burn 240,000 Hectares of Forest
Fires in Portugal have burned 240,000 hectares (600,000 acres) of forest this year, Interior Minister Antonio Costa was quoted as saying.
Flooding and Heat Waves – a Normal Occurrence?
Bavaria is under water, Portugal’s forests are burning, California’s power system breaks under record heat, and hurricane “Katrina” ravages New Orleans. Should we start being accustomed to this news?
Florida grid monitor extends capacity alert on gas supply worries
An estimated third of the world's population currently lives in water-stressed countries. This is set to increase to two-thirds within 25 years.
Gas market views record-high prices, supply issues as short-term
"The market is expecting a shortfall of supply" for the coming winter--particularly given yet unknown hurricane-related damage--explaining the high October and winter strip prices, he said. "There are still lots of unknowns."
Island could be energy independent within a decade
An environmental research group in the northwestern United States says an island near Seattle could produce all its own energy from renewables within ten years.
Aggressive spending on conservation and renewables could save US$5 million a year for the 11,000 residents of the 37 square-mile Vashon-Maury Island.
Methane Mining Churns up Murky Water Issue
Coal deposits were the economic wellspring for the development
of Las Animas County.
Today, the methane gas being mined from even deeper coal deposits
presents a greater conundrum: What should be done with millions of
gallons of water brought to the surface in the drilling process?
Methane-Run Devices Power Homes Landfill Gas is Used to Turn Micro- Turbines to Produce Electricity
On a few acres off Bel Aire Drive in Burbank, an experiment in "green power" is unfolding.
"Traders in Europe are buying as much refined products as they can see in the hope that the US will buy. NYMEX unleaded is a great example."
Railroads recovering from storm; ports will take longer to reopen
Coal shipments to utilities were moving slowly as they were being rerouted for the most part, although deliveries to and from Gulf ports had stopped. Trains were using gateways at Memphis and East St. Louis for exchange with western railroads.
Mississippi Power restores 14,000; 200,000 still out in Alabama
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 090105
Solar activity was at low levels. Produced a long duration C2 x-ray event . The geomagnetic field was at quiet to minor storm levels. The geomagnetic field is expected to be at quiet to minor storm levels. A coronal hole may keep conditions elevated throughout the period. Isolated major storm conditions may be possible on 2 September.
Can economic growth, sustainable development, improved public health and reduced poverty levels of underprivileged communities all come from a glass of clean drinking water?
Schwarzenegger mulls solar roof bill veto due to union wage row
Though a massive energy bill has been passed, even the bill's advocates say our nation has a ways to go with energy improvements. Many states are taking matters into their own hands, saving energy and taxpayer dollars along the way.
Soaring Oil to Trigger New Renewables Boom
Rocketing world oil prices will trigger a wave of new investment in renewables as green energy becomes more competitive and countries push to reduce their reliance on imported crude, analysts say.
Solar energy society calls for national public education campaign
The policy statement was prepared to “provide a better understanding of the need to exchange the nation’s current fossil and nuclear fuel standards for an energy economy based upon clean, available, renewable domestic energy sources such as solar, wind, biomass and geothermal.”
Solar heating once again a tax saver
While not as generous as the solar tax credit passed in the seventies, the new provision does give homeowners an incentive to install what many believe is a much cleaner and much more efficient heating system for their homes.
Strained US Oil Firms Take Stock of Katrina Damage
Inspectors waded through flooded refineries and helicopters passed over wounded drilling rigs in the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, as oil companies struggled to assess how long it would take to recover from Hurricane Katrina.
The Color of Water -- An ENN Commentary
Our country is polarized over very basic issues: taxes; the size and role of government; religion and secular priorities. Yet at a time when many things are increasingly viewed through red or blue political glasses, we might take a lesson from recent polls that show the American people can sometimes be color-blind.
There are plenty of Bob Shadwells in the Dakotas, people whose Missouri River recreation businesses need water in the worst way from federally managed dams. The drought that engulfed the region in the first years of the new century was the immediate cause for distress.
Thousands Still Trapped in Flood-Hit Sierra Leone
Aid workers in Sierra Leone have managed to distribute aid to about 7,000 people stranded or made homeless by torrential rains in the south of the country, but another 10,000 remain out of reach, the Red Cross said.
U.S. at ‘critical point’ in transition to renewables
The United States is at “a critical point” in the transition to renewable energy sources, and further delay will leave the country “even further behind other nations in the development of renewable energy, even more wedded to energy sources that are unsustainable in the long run, and facing an even greater uphill battle in the effort to control global warming emissions”
U.S. report outlines the research needed to improve solar technologies
Solar power provides only one-millionth of the world’s total supply of electricity, and biomass provides less than 0.1% of the total energy consumed around the globe, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Energy.
“Sunlight provides by far the largest of all carbon-neutral energy sources,” with more energy from the sun striking the earth in one hour than all the energy consumed on the planet in a year
UN Official says Katrina among Worst Natural Disasters
Hurricane Katrina could easily dwarf the devastation of other recent natural disasters in terms of pure economic costs, the UN emergency relief coordinator who oversaw the Asian tsunami relief effort said on Wednesday.
US pipeline group says gas flowing, damage seen as minor so far
Utilities Rush to Restore Power to South
Electric companies from around the country began rushing crews to the hurricane-ravaged South on Tuesday to help restore power to an area so devastated that it could be weeks or even months before the lights come back on in many places.
Water Scarcity Could Affect Billions: Is This the Biggest Crisis of All?
Population growth, pollution and climate change, all accelerating, are likely to combine to produce a drastic decline in water supply in the coming decades, according to the World Water Development Report, published today. And of course that supply is already problematic for up to a third of the world's population.
Water scarcity: A looming crisis
The world's water crisis is simple to understand, if not to solve.The amount of water in the world is finite. The number of us is growing fast and our water use is growing even faster.
Waterford-3 to get relief workers
Weekly U.S. Retail Gasoline Prices, Regular Grade
Latest Data from Energy Information Administration
The US Government offered loans from their Strategic Petroleum Reserve on Wednesday, with up to 8 refiners stating an interest. "Opening the SPR tap is more of a notional gesture from the US Government. The refiners are only going to take it if the pipelines to the midwest from the Gulf remain shut," one derivatives trader said.
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