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Major Quake Cluster Found Off West Coast (posted 12/31/04)
A "clustering" of great earthquakes that could trigger a major tsunami has been identified off the Pacific Northwest coast, scientists say.
Tsunami Warning System Coming (posted 12/31/04)
A tsunami warning system that could have saved thousands of lives last Sunday should be in place in South Asia and Southeast Asia within a year, the United Nations said.
Coal plant critics seek to block request for speedy hearing in Wisconsin (posted 12/31/04)
The state isn't facing an imminent energy crisis if construction of two coal plants in Oak Creek is delayed, opponents of the project said in court filings.
Indian nuclear power station cleared to resume generation (posted 12/31/04)
The unit had been shut down after sea water entered into the pump house following the tsunami on 26 December. Unit-1 had been shut down sometime back for refurbishment.
Myanmar undertaking five-year electric power plan (posted 12/31/04)
Myanmar has been implementing a five- year short-term electric power plan, which began in 2003, to generate 2,000 more megawatts (mw) in a bid to meet its domestic power demand and bring about socio-economic progress.
Nuclear plant near Spring City, Tenn., to be shut down sooner than expected (posted 12/31/04)
The Tennessee Valley Authority will shut down its Watts Bar Nuclear Power Plant for refueling next year sooner than originally planned to help plug a tube leak within one of the plant's four steam generators.
Russia's nuclear exports exceed 3.5bn dollars in 2004 (posted 12/31/04)
Uranium products from Russia currently meet 30 per cent of all fuel requirements of foreign nuclear [power] stations
The EPA's Green Vehicle Guide has been updated (posted 12/31/04)
The EPA's Green Vehicle Guide has been updated and now includes data for the following Model Year 2005 vehicles:
Aftershocks Rattle Devastated, Food-Short Aceh (posted 12/31/04)
Aftershocks spread fresh fear on Thursday among the people of Indonesia's Aceh province, already devastated by the globe's biggest earthquake in 40 years and the tsunami that followed it.
Earthquake of Richter 5.3 Jolts Northern Colombia (posted 12/31/04)
An earthquake of 5.3 on the Richter scale jolted Colombia's province of Bolivar about 300 miles (500 km) northwest of the capital Bogota
Quake Jolts Area North of Tokyo (posted 12/31/04)
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5 jolted Japan's Miyagi Prefecture, some 300 km (190 miles) northeast of Tokyo, on Thursday
Disease Next as Tsunami Toll Rises (posted 12/31/04)
Diarrhea, malaria, dengue fever, and even meningitis and flu may be waiting to cause a second wave of misery across Indian Ocean coastal areas devastated by Sunday's tsunami
Tsunami Adds to Belief in Animals' "Sixth Sense" (posted 12/31/04)
Wild animals seem to have escaped the Indian Ocean tsunami, adding weight to notions they possess a "sixth sense" for disasters
Tsunami Toll Puts World in Sombre New Year Mood (posted 12/31/04)
Asia's tsunami death toll soared above 125,000 and aid agencies warned many more people -- particularly children -- could die in epidemics, ushering in a sombre New Year's Eve for the world.
Tsunami toll tops 119,000, half-billion in aid pledged (posted 12/31/04)
The death toll in Sunday's Indian Ocean tsunami disaster neared 120,000 on Thursday as UN Secretary General Kofi Annan spoke of "an unprecedented global catastrophe" which called for "an unprecedented global response".
Voters energize plans for Colorado wind farms (posted 12/31/04)
This week, a proposal for a $143 million wind farm in northeastern Colorado near the Nebraska border advanced with Logan County's approval to erect 87 wind turbines.
Small Wind Energy (posted 12/30/04)
U. S. Department of Energy Awards Southwest Windpower
Russia's Arctic Nuclear Power Plant Achieves Highest Production in 10 Years (posted 12/30/04)
The Kola nuclear power station - the world's biggest nuclear power plant inside the polar circle - met the annual target today. It has generated 10bn kWh of electricity this year.
Russia re-opens prototype of tidal power station in Far North (posted 12/30/04)
The first power station in the country that exploits the energy of sea tides has been re-opened on the coast of the Barents Sea.
Palo Alto, Calif., to buy 'green' power created by gas of decomposing garbage (posted 12/30/04)
The city utilities department has inked a deal to buy "green" electricity created by the methane gas that seeps out of the buried, decomposing garbage in the Santa Cruz County landfill.
Nevada commission issues solar power rebates (posted 12/30/04)
State regulators on Tuesday approved solar power rebates for 50 residential and small-business electric customers and adopted a program designed to help independent power developers secure financing for wind, solar and geothermal power projects.
Massey Energy reopens coal mine in Kanawha County (posted 12/30/04)
"We expect to increase in production in 2005, but we're starting out slow, just like we said we would."
Analysts debate if high 2004 tanker rates will repeat in 2005 (posted 12/30/04)
The shocking run-up in tanker freight rates this year was attributed in part to higher Far East demand, but is that enough to keep rates strong in 2005? Yes and no, say analysts.
Asian crude, light product prices rise more than 25% in 2004 (posted 12/30/04)
Average Asian spot crude and product prices, with the exception of fuel oil, registered an increase of more than 25% this year
Berkeley Lab Releases Report on State Markets (posted 12/30/04)
The market for small, residential wind systems in the U.S. is small, but growing, with recent growth primarily spurred by aggressive state policy efforts.
CANADA Clean Energy Project Analysis Software (posted 12/30/04)
The Government of Canada's RETScreen International Clean Energy Project Analysis Software is a unique decision support tool developed with the contribution of numerous experts from government, industry, and academia.
Coal mines near Carson, N.D., will soon be gone (posted 12/30/04)
Old coal mines dating back to the 1920s, when cheap and plentiful lignite was a dominant fuel for heating prairie structures, will finally be reclaimed.
Environmentalists trade barbs over wind power (posted 12/30/04)
Two Maryland environmental leaders who favor wind power development have demanded the ouster of a Sierra Club official who opposes wind turbines in the western Maryland mountains.
FERC Extends Filing Deadline in Small-Generator Interconnection Proceeding (posted 12/30/04)
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has extended the deadline to February 18, 2005, for comments on the Commission's development of standardized interconnection agreements and procedures for small generators.
How have rising gas prices impacted some merchants? (posted 12/30/04)
"It is no secret that rising natural gas prices have been a boon to merchant power generators, especially those that own baseload generation,"
Generator Malfunction Stops Bulgarian Nuclear Reactor (posted 12/30/04)
After the generator switched off the automatic protection was activated and the third reactor was stopped
Swiss distribution of potassium iodide to continue (posted 12/30/04)
The pills can prevent thyroid absorption of radioactive iodine if taken shortly before or immediately after exposure to radiation, such as from a nuclear accident.
System Overload Prompts Power Outages in Brownsville (posted 12/30/04)
"I felt like they were really jerking us around." "They tell us it was because of the snow but I think they just put too many houses on one line."
The Energy Challenge 2004 - Scenarios (posted 12/30/04)
With declining oil availability by 2010, and declining natural gas already happening, we can project three energy scenarios for 2030
Wildlife refuge in Md. finds clean power blowin' in wind (posted 12/30/04)
On a blustery day in 2001, Megan Walkup looked out the window of her office at the Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge in Rock Hall, Md., and marveled at how the wind was shaking the edge of the roof.
Utility Mulls Cow Power (posted 12/30/04)
Energy Northwest is at a crossroads with its pilot project that turns cow dung into kilowatts.
World Mobilises for Asia Disaster, Toll Nears 80,000 (posted 12/30/04)
Up to 5 million people around the Indian Ocean waited for food and clean water on Thursday as nations hit by one of the biggest tsunamis on record rush to bury their dead and avert the threat of disease.
Where Are All The Dead Animals? Sri Lanka Asks (posted 12/30/04)
Sri Lankan wildlife officials are stunned -- the worst tsunami in memory has killed around 22,000 people along the Indian Ocean island's coast, but they can't find any dead animals.
The weight and speed of the Tsunami (posted 12/30/04)
we can begin to understand why there may have been an earth wobble created by this one event.
US Expert Sees More Aftershocks But No Killer Quake (posted 12/30/04)
Strong aftershocks from the Indonesian earthquake will be felt for "weeks and months" but more killer-magnitude tremblers and deadly tsunamis were unlikely
Tsunami Threatens Survival of Indian Tribes (posted 12/30/04)
Some primitive Indian tribes could be on the verge of extinction after a deadly tsunami slammed into the far-flung Andaman and Nicobar islands
Strong Aftershocks Continue Near Sumatra (posted 12/30/04)
Strong aftershocks of last Sunday's devastating earthquake continue to rock southeast Asia, with five temblors of a magnitude 5.6 or greater in the last 24 hours
Earthquakes related to the one that caused the tsunami (posted 12/30/04)
The amount of power of these additional quakes equal or exceed the power of the original quake of 31,800,000,000 (almost 32 billion ) tons of TNT.
Quake May Have Made Earth Wobble (posted 12/30/04)
The deadly Asian earthquake may have permanently accelerated the Earth's rotation -- shortening days by a fraction of a second -- and caused the planet to wobble on its axis, US scientists said on Tuesday.
Coral Reefs May Take Years to Recover from Tsunami (posted 12/30/04)
Precious coral reefs and mangrove areas would have been crushed by the huge tsunami waves that have devastated southern Asia, an environmental and economic setback that could take years to reverse
Indian ports hit by Tsunami (posted 12/30/04)
The tsunami devastation in parts of southeast Asias coastline on Dec. 26 and its aftermath have seriously affected two ports in Indias peninsular east coast. Chennai (Madras) port has been closed since the disaster after three ships collided and there was an oil spill from one ship. At Tuticorin port, one ship laden with coal lost its moorings.
Indian officials says nuclear plant "completely safe" (posted 12/30/04)
there is no radiation leakage from the plant
A day of truth is coming for a troubled nuclear power plant (posted 12/29/04)
While Public Service Energy Group has been working for more than two months to fix the problems that caused the leak, activists are hoping a second problem will keep the plant from being restarted immediately.
Cape Cod Town to Get Wind Farm Benefits (posted 12/29/04)
Cape Cod Town of Yarmouth to Get Wind Farm Benefits While Pushing for Its Defeat
Court declines to block class-action lawsuit against Sempra (posted 12/29/04)
A state appellate court has declined to block a
class-action lawsuit against Sempra Energy that accuses the company of
conspiring to manipulate natural gas supplies in order to reap profits during
California's energy crisis.
Energy Answers Are Blowing in the Wind (posted 12/29/04)
Energy experts are lobbying for a lake to be used as a wind farm to supply much needed and cleaner electricity.
Giant Eagle Supermarket Is a True 'Green Grocer' (posted 12/29/04)
Supermarket retailer Giant Eagle is the first grocer to open and operate a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified supermarket in the U.S.
La. Fund Would Aid Energy Efficiency (posted 12/29/04)
The fund would give incentives for making energy-saving improvements on buildings, would help some consumers pay their utility bills, and would educate consumers on the need for reducing energy use.
New corporate-accounting law proves expensive for New Mexico utility (posted 12/29/04)
Public Service Company of New Mexico has spent more than $1 million complying with a new federal mandate designed to protect customers and shareholders from Enron-style accounting scandals.
One of World's Largest Quakes Hits Near Australia (posted 12/29/04)
The earthquake measuring 8.1 on the Richter scale hit near Macquarie Island in the Southern Ocean
Rosneft sells its shares in Barents sea fields to pay for Yugansk (posted 12/29/04)
Rosneft paid out the sum received from the deal to Surgutneftegaz that had helped Baikal Finance Group to place a $1.7-mil deposit to be allowed to bid for Yuganskneftegaz.
Russian Gazprom gains full control over northern shelf projects (posted 12/29/04)
Yuganskneftegaz. Rosneft bought the Yukos production unit through buying the
auction winner, which nobody had heard of until it was announced the winner.
South Korea, China to Start Joint Solar Energy Project (posted 12/29/04)
South Korea will cooperate with China in developing ways to harness new and renewable energy resources, beginning with a joint solar energy project
Strong Quake Hits Northern Japan, No Tsunami Warning (posted 12/29/04)
An earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 4.9 struck the northern Japanese prefecture of Niigata on Tuesday but no tsunami warning was issued.
Tsunami causes Kalpakkam-2 to trip (posted 12/29/04)
Kalpakkam-2 tripped following the giant tidal wave that hit the east coast of India Dec. 26, but the 170-MW PHWR remains safe and there was no release of radioactivity, India's Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) said in a message sent today to the IAEA.
US Scientists Say Quake Movement Shifted Islands (posted 12/29/04)
permanently moved the tectonic plates beneath the Indian Ocean as much as 98 feet (30 metres), slightly shifting islands near Sumatra an unknown distance
Race to Bury Asia's Dead as Toll Soars Near 60,000 (posted 12/29/04)
Stricken Indian Ocean nations worked swiftly on Wednesday to bury thousands of bodies as experts warned disease could kill as many people as the 60,000 already dead from the violent crush of Sunday's tsunami.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF GLOBAL WARMING ON THE FREQUENCY AND MAGNITUDE OF HEAVY PRECIPITATION (posted 12/29/04)
IT IS NOW WIDELY RECOGNISED THAT THE MOST SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS OF GLOBAL WARMING ARE LIKELY TO BE EXPERIENCED THROUGH CHANGES IN THE FREQUENCY OF EXTREME EVENTS, INCLUDING FLOODING.
water weight (posted 12/29/04)
Let us analyze some forces that may cause old Mother Earth to "slip a disk" (or a plate?)
Measuring Earthquakes By Magnitude (posted 12/29/04)
Seismologists indicate the size of an earthquake in units of magnitude, a logarithmic measure of earthquake size.
Magnitude / Intensity Comparison (posted 12/29/04)
The following table gives intensities that are typically observed at locations near the epicenter of earthquakes of different magnitudes.
magnitude (posted 12/29/04)
A number that characterizes the relative size of an earthquake.
Yarmouth, Mass., would get wind farm windfall (posted 12/28/04)
Like other Cape and Islands communities whose horizon could be forever altered by offshore windmills, Yarmouth is officially opposed to a wind farm in Nantucket Sound.
Northeastern Pennsylvania gives windmills a spin (posted 12/28/04)
There's one obvious reason this mountainous, sparsely populated township is poised to become one of the leading areas for wind power in the eastern United States.
Westar Not in
Wind Market Kansas Utility Says Now Isn't the Right Time (posted
12/28/04) - Kansas set a record for the value of the oil and natural gas produced in
the state --- $3.3 billion. - Ethanol production increased 60 percent to a new record of 130 million
gallons - Kansas continues to be a net importer of energy Coalition Wants
Cook Closed (posted 12/28/04) American Electric Power Co.'s attempt to renew its license for its twin
reactors at the D.C. Cook Nuclear Power Plant in Bridgman is facing stiff
opposition from environmental and public interest groups. Itochu,
Chubu Elec. Form Fund to Invest in U.S. Power Biz (posted 12/28/04) they have set up a 40-million- dollar fund to invest in U.S. power firms and
learn their business skills acquired in a deregulated market. OAK
CREEK POWER PLANT Consumers Must Demand (posted 12/28/04) This decision should serve as a warning to utility companies who think they
can cut corners in the permitting process without consequence. Florida
Power & Light Co. says Hurricane Frances was most costly (posted
12/28/04) Jeanne may have been stronger, Charley may have been more surprising, but it
was stubborn, slow-moving Frances that cost the most. New
nominees, big choices will shape California utility board in 2005 (posted
12/28/04) Despite the divergent votes, California traveled a long way from the
disastrous deregulation experiment that led to the state's power crisis of
2000-01. Leader:
Concern Over Wind Power (posted 12/28/04) Unfortunately for the advocates of wind power, many of whom do not live in
the country, it is clear both from growing protests and The Scotsman letters
page that there are many who do not wish some of our most beautiful scenery to
be covered in wind turbines. There is also a growing number who now suspect the
economics of wind power. Appalachian
Power Customers Set Record for Electricity Usage (posted 12/28/04) "Extreme cold temperatures, combined with steady growth in customer
consumption of electricity Anger Over
Support for Nuclear Power (posted 12/28/04) ALLAN Wilson, the Executive's minister for renewable energy, sparked anger
yesterday when he gave his support to the principle of building new nuclear
power stations in Scotland. CEZ Will
Reduce the Combustion of Biomass With Coal (posted 12/28/04) CEZ (Prague, Czech Republic), power company, will decrease its production of
electric power, which is produced by the mixed combustion of coal and biomass,
by 25% Ski Club Turns to
Solar Power (posted 12/28/04) SKI club members have switched to solar power to warm up their days on the
slopes. Solar
Power To Generate 60% Of SBCFCU's Electricity Needs (posted
12/28/04) The 38-kilowatt system will generate approximately 60% of the
SBCFCU's electricity usage, reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere
by more than 77,000 pounds per year, and it will pay for itself in 10 to 15
years by saving money on electricity. Russian
government asks ministries to draft energy sector reform plan (posted
12/28/04) to draft a comprehensive plan for the reform of the power
sector and to submit it to the government in the first quarter of 2005 OPEC
sees surplus of 1-mil b/d at current production rates (posted
12/28/04) "For the fourth quarter of 2004, the current level of OPEC production
and the estimated level of demand imply a surplus to the balance of around 1-mil
b/d El Paso
Corporation Announces Settlement of Pending Litigation with State of Arizona (posted
12/28/04) a settlement, which has received final approval from the
Maricopa County Superior Court El Paso
reaches settlement with Arizona on energy crisis lawsuits (posted
12/28/04) El Paso Corp has reached a $46.4-mil settlement with Arizona over the state's
pending litigation from the western energy crisis of 2000-2001 California
ruling clears way for Sempra class action suit trial (posted
12/28/04) A California appeals court decision has cleared the way for a $24-bil class
action lawsuit against Sempra Energy and two of its subsidiaries to go forward Falling dollar
makes coal attractive (posted 12/28/04) A German utility source said falling US dollar exchange rates, (the dollar
has lost around 40% of its value against the European single currency Global
Warming, Pollution Add to Coastal Threats (posted 12/28/04) A creeping rise in sea levels tied to global warming, pollution and damage to
coral reefs may make coastlines even more vulnerable to disasters like tsunamis
or storms in future Oil
Contamination Closes Fisheries in Bering Sea Near Grounded Freighter (posted
12/28/04) State regulators have banned commercial fishing in the Bering Sea near the
wreckage of a grounded freighter where fuel oil has been seeping since early
this month. Tidal Wave
Began Beneath Indian Ocean (posted 12/28/04) The chain reaction that sent enormous, deadly tidal waves crashing into the
coasts of Asia and Africa on Sunday started more than six miles beneath the
ocean floor off the tip of the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Tsunami
Threatens Survival of Low-Lying Maldives
Islands (posted 12/28/04) The tidal waves that swept across the Indian Ocean did more than take a heavy
toll of lives and property in the Maldives -- it confronted the tiny island
nation with a threat to its survival. Oil-Spill
Cleanup Makes Progress on Mexican Beaches, but Pollution Persists (posted
12/28/04) Mexican state oil monopoly Petroleos Mexicanos on Monday announced it had
recovered about two-thirds of the estimated 5,000-barrels of oil that spilled
last week into a river feeding the Gulf of Mexico. California
Farmers have until Year's End to Turn in Plans to Clean the Air (posted
12/28/04) The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District is requiring
large-scale farmers to submit plans by the end of the year showing what they're
doing to reduce the microscopic particles of dust, chemicals or other substances
that come from their land. A Solar-Powered Site (posted
12/23/04) Portland may not be the sunniest spot in the United States, but that didn't
stop the Portland Oregon Visitors Association (POVA) from launching a
solar-powered Web site Buyout
Rejection Leads to Drop in Shares for UniSource Energy Corp (posted
12/23/04) Shares of UniSource Energy Corp. dropped more than 3 percent Wednesday, a day
after state regulators rejected a $3 billion buyout of the company by a private
investment group. Calif.
Utilities Budget for Climate Change (posted 12/23/04) The California Public Utilities Commission now requires the cost of
addressing global warming in the future be accounted for in current utility
budgets. Concerns
sprout over chemical used to stunt trees by South Carolina utility (posted
12/23/04) A chemical that stunts tree growth is being injected into the ground around
trunks under power lines on James Island Department of
Energy Announces the Award of 35 Cooperative Agreements with U.S. Universities
Totaling About $21 Million (posted 12/23/04) major nuclear energy research and development programs, including the
Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative, the Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems
Initiative and the Nuclear Hydrogen Initiative. DOE Releases
Annual Energy Outlook Report (posted 12/23/04) The report says that by 2025 as much as 68 percent of the U.S. petroleum
demand could depend on imported oil, up from 56 percent in 2003. Honda Accord
Hybrid Now Available (posted 12/23/04) The all-new 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid, the world's first V-6 powered
gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle and Honda's third hybrid, is now on sale at
Honda dealerships nationwide. Large oil
reserves found in Bohai Bay (posted 12/23/04) Exploration teams have found the Bohai Bay Basin of North
China may contain 20.5 billion tons of offshore oil reserves, with 9 billion
tons already proven Minnesota
pollution agency's plan limits mercury discharges (posted 12/23/04) As part of a long-range plan to reduce mercury levels in
Minnesota lakes and rivers, the state Pollution Control Agency on Wednesday
outlined an eventual discharge target the state should meet to restore
mercury-contaminated waters. Power-Grid
Upgrade Gets Initial OK (posted 12/23/04) The reliability of Boston's electric system could be improved under a massive
transmission-line upgrade given preliminary approval yesterday by regulators. Renewable Energy
Markets (posted 12/23/04) Analysis of how customers buy into biomass energy technologies, examples of
renewable power suppliers, how Renewable Energy Certificates work, and where
providers are now operating. Solar,
Biomass Projects Part of Pnm's Future (posted 12/23/04) Public Service Company of New Mexico, which has waded into wind power on a
large scale, is about to put its big toe into another pool of alternative
energy. The
Orlando Sentinel, Fla., Home Energy column (posted 12/23/04) You didn't have to be one of the 8.8 million Florida residents who lost power
during those storms -- outages that ranged from hours to a couple of weeks or
more -- to appreciate how much we rely on electricity in our everyday lives.
Now everyone wants to find out more about photovoltaics
THIS WEEK AT EIA (posted
12/23/04) THIS WEEK AT EIA is a list summarizing and providing URLs for
every Energy Information Administration (EIA) product released during this week.
You can sign up for many of these products U.S.
Dismayed by Latest Russian Moves on YUKOS (posted 12/23/04) "We are disappointed in the way this case has been handled," State
Department spokesman Adam Ereli told reporters. "We certainly don't think
it's been disposed of in a transparent or open way." Venezuela,
China pledge to boost strategic partnership (posted 12/23/04) expand cooperation in the energy sector, launch mining
cooperative projects and enrich cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure
construction and [the] high-tech sector Venture
Capital Firms Are Backing the Renewable Energy Innovators (posted
12/23/04) With oil in excess of $45/ barrel and upward pressure continuing, we believe
that more of the alternative energy/ renewable energy will become economically
viable. Venezuela and
Russia pledge to work to stabilize oil market (posted 12/23/04) Two of the world's largest oil
suppliers, and pledged to work to stabilize the world oil market. Russia might
stop energy exports by 2010 (posted 12/23/04) Russia could stop energy exports by
2010 because of its low energy efficiency Nuclear assets drew
Chicago-based Exelon's eye to New Jersey power producer (posted
12/23/04) It was the nuclear plants, three poorly operating reactors, that attracted
Exelon Corp.'s attention and eventually led it to acquire New Jersey's largest
utility. No way found
to bury more of power lines in Connecticut (posted 12/23/04) Some groups want more than 24 miles of the cables buried, citing reasons
including the potential health hazard of overhead lines they worry will generate
electro-magnetic fields. New
Mexico regulators approve solar, biomass plans (posted 12/23/04) State regulators Tuesday approved a PNM plan to spend up to $1.4 million
on solar and biomass projects to comply with a state renewable energy law. Gazprom's
prospects improved by Rosneft, Baikal deals (posted 12/23/04) Russia's Gazprom is likely to have improved its chances of skipping around
legal traps set by Yukos in the US, through maneuvering its oil assets and units
via Rosneft Arizona
utility board votes down proposed buyout of Tucson utility's parent (posted
12/23/04) State utility regulators rejected a $3 billion leveraged buyout of Tucson
Electric Power Co.'s parent company Tuesday, saying hundreds of millions of
dollars in new debt posed too great a risk to ratepayers. Arizona
denial of utility sale may be of interest in Oregon (posted
12/23/04) Repercussions of the vote could filter through to Oregon, where utility
regulators are deciding whether to approve buyout firm Texas Pacific Group's
proposal to acquire Portland General Electric from Enron for $2.35 billion. Tokyo
Electric Power Co. to procure uranium from Canada (posted 12/23/04) Tokyo Electric Power Co. said Wednesday it will begin to procure Canadian
uranium for nuclear power plants when Saskatchewan Spending surge
for green power (posted 12/23/04) London POWER
companies are to be allowed to invest pounds 560m in expanding their networks to
transport energy from renewable sources in remote locations, the regulator Ofgem
announced yesterday. Avocado
Oil, Taco Grease Fuel Eco-Bus in Mexico (posted 12/23/04) Ecologists
toured Mexico City taco stands and sushi bars on Wednesday to refuel an old
school bus with waste cooking oil that will power the next leg of a
green-awareness tour from California to Costa Rica. Santa Workshop
Under Threat From North Pole Thaw (posted 12/23/04) Santa may
have to move his workshop from the North Pole because global warming is thawing
the ice beneath his elves' and reindeers' feet. Phone Makers
Ask for More Research into DNA Damage (posted 12/23/04) Two of the
world's top mobile phone makers said more research is needed into the potential
for cell phone radiation to damage DNA, following a laboratory study by 12
European institutes which found harmful effects. Letter
From Alexander's Gas & Oil Connections (posted 12/23/04) With this last Update of the year we want to conclude an exciting 2004. The
energy-world has seen much turbulence and some fundamental changes. New sea
pollution found two years after Prestige disaster (posted 12/23/04) It has been two years since the
Prestige oil tanker carrying 77,000 tons of heavy fuel oil sank, polluting the
coasts of Spain, Portugal and France. Currently, the Commission and
Parliament are trying to pass legislation to prevent ships from dumping
pollutants into the sea. Pollution
devastates main Albanian oil field (posted 12/23/04) In the centre of a forest of oil rigs
that ooze petrol, thousands of Albanians have become victims of the pollution
that has devastated the county's main communist-era oil field, Patos-Marinza. OPEC president
sees global oil demand to sharply fall (posted 12/23/04) World oil demand may fall sharply in
the second quarter of 2005 and the OPEC may take action in anticipation of such
a decline, OPEC President Purnomo Yusgiantoro said. OPEC prepares
to approve oil production cut (posted 12/23/04) OPEC oil ministers joined in supporting
a cut in output toward production target levels early next year in a bid by the
organisation’s 11 member states to stave off further falls in the world price
while trying to avoid a new frenzy of buying. Saudi
oil minister says fear factor adds $ 10 to $ 15 to oil price (posted
12/23/04) Saudi Arabia's oil minister Ali Naimi
said that the "fear factor" over supplies has added $ 10 to $ 15 a
barrel to the price of oil and reiterated that his country is working toward
lifting its sustainable oil production capacity. The
untold story of Iraq's economic revival (posted 12/23/04) As President Bush said, this agreement
represents a major international contribution to Iraq's continued political and
economic reconstruction. But there is more to say about the economic successes
in Iraq -- a lot more. Oil-rich
Iraq is running on empty (posted 12/23/04) For weeks now, Iraq has been in the
grip of a worsening energy crisis, an irony not lost on its citizens. Oil
infrastructure sabotage and attacks on fuel convoys, plus a surge in demand
caused by cold weather and more cars on the roads, have been to blame. Iraq’s
oil infrastructure is losing billions due to insurgency (posted
12/23/04) When Saddam Hussein's lieutenant heard
that an oil pipeline had been sabotaged in Qushqia, his order was swift: blow up
the village. Under Saddam, nobody messed with oil. Iraq
to spend $ 1 bn to increase oil output by 15 % in 2005 (posted
12/23/04) Iraq, the fifth-largest oil producer in
the Middle East, will spend more than $ 1 bn next year to increase oil output
capacity by about 15 % to 3.25 mm bpd, an Iraqi official said. Iran
discovered 19 oil and gas fields in past 7 years (posted 12/23/04) over 253,000 km of Iran’s area have
been under study within 16 exploration blocks to identify probable hydrocarbon
reserves. Iran will be
number one producer of petrochemical products by 2025 (posted
12/23/04) Based on projections, supplying needed
global oil during the upcoming 30 years will require investment in oil producing
countries of the Middle East about double the figure realized for 1990s." Oil-rich
Emirates look to renewable energy (posted 12/23/04) A country that produces nearly 2.5 mm
bpd of crude oil has little reason to look anywhere else. However, regard for
the environment and the realisation that fossil fuel reserves may not last
forever have induced authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to consider
renewable energy options. India’s
current oil reserves will last only till 2016 (posted 12/23/04) India has oil reserves to last only
till 2016, if no new discovery is made, India needs to
look for alternate sources for energy security (posted 12/23/04) The Government and industry should play
a pro-active role to find alternate sources of energy to meet the target of
providing electricity to all by 2012 China
ranks No.1 in newly added installed power capacity (posted 12/23/04) China's newly added electricity
installed capacity has reached 51 mm kW, ranking No. 1 in the world. China is
frantic for energy supplies (posted 12/23/04) At first glance, the events are
unconnected. A possible Chinese takeover of a leading Canadian oil company. A
secret submarine in Japanese waters. A border deal in Siberia. Trade pacts with
obscure African nations. Diplomatic efforts to protect rogue states in the
Middle East. China is
flexing its muscle to cut oil deals (posted 12/23/04) About a three-hour drive south of
Shanghai, along the East China Sea, workers are building 52 gigantic tanks, each
capable of holding more than 25 mm gallons of oil -- enough to supply every
driver in China with gasoline for a month. China looks
further away for oil (posted 12/23/04) China will continue to rely on its
offshore areas to meet domestic oil supply for the next five years Africa urged
to use gas in sustainable manner (posted 12/23/04) Exporting to the West was only part of
the solution for Africa's surplus of natural gas, much of which was flared for
lack of a market Mexico to
drill in Gulf before US and Cuba take the oil (posted 12/23/04) President Vicente Fox said that his
country has started deep prospecting operations in the Gulf of Mexico
"before the Cubans or the Americans take our oil." US oil and
natural gas imports to grow sharply (posted 12/23/04) US demand for energy will easily
outstrip domestic supplies over the next two decades, despite a modest increase
in energy production, the Energy Department said in a report. Aging oil
wells pose threat to environment (posted 12/23/04) The petroleum industry and energy
regulators are grappling with a growing problem -- thousands of inactive oil and
gas wells and other oil- and gas-field facilities that have yet to be properly
shut down or abandoned. US activists
keep eye on oil and gas leases in national forest lands (posted
12/23/04) A US federal oil and gas lease auction
will offer companies the chance to bid for drilling rights on roadless tracts in
a popular national forest, conservation groups say. The auction will be run by
the Bureau of Land Management Looming energy
crisis overshadows Bush (posted 12/23/04) When George W. Bush entered the White
House in early 2001, the nation was suffering from a severe "energy
crisis" brought on by high gasoline prices, regional shortages of natural
gas, and rolling blackouts in California...In response, the President promised
to make energy modernization one of his top concerns. However Commission
releases energy report (posted 12/23/04) Attempting to break the political
stalemate on energy policy, a bipartisan national commission called for
incentives to increase energy production, mandatory limits on greenhouse gas
emissions and better gas mileage for cars and trucks. Canada
launches second round of ethanol expansion program (posted 12/23/04) The $ 100 mm Ethanol Expansion Program
was launched in October 2003 under Canada's climate change plan to reduce
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions NPC
calls US strategic oil product reserves “impractical” (posted
12/23/04) The National Petroleum Council, an
influential board of industry experts that advises the US government on energy
matters, said that government stockpiles of refined oil products are impractical
to manage and could create more market uncertainty. How the US is
slowing foreign drills (posted 12/23/04) Who's to blame for the approximately $
2 a gallon most Americans paid for gasoline on their Thanksgiving Day travels? Quote
of the day (posted 12/22/04) OPEC looks at
changing composition of basket to include 11 crudes (posted
12/22/04) OPEC has been studying not only the question of whether it should raise the
target price band for its basket of crudes but also whether it should change the
composition of the basket December
US gas prices inflated thanks to 'euphoria' (posted 12/22/04) Current US natural gas prices should pull back in the coming weeks once Intentional
LNG spill could cause 'major injuries' (posted 12/22/04) A large intentional spill of liquefied natural gas over water could result in Credit Inferno is
Finished (posted 12/22/04) The bloodletting may be over. But the difficulties in the
utility industry are not. After the greatest credit collapse in decades, such
companies have gotten a breather, although their future generally won’t
brighten significantly for another five years. Chinese
Vice-Premier Zeng Peiyan meets US secretary of energy (posted
12/22/04) Zeng Peiyan said: China and the United States have broad
common interests and both countries have achieved positive progress in their
constructive cooperative ties over recent years. At present, the Taiwan issue is
the biggest factor affecting the steady development of Sino-US ties. Chiron:
Got Records Request, Not Subpoena (posted 12/22/04) The documents are part of ongoing investigations into contamination problems
at the firm's British vaccine plant wiped out about half the U.S. flu shot
supply for the 2004-2005 season and left U.S. officials scrambling to find other
doses. Amazon Gas
Heralds Changes in Brazil Rain Forest (posted 12/22/04) A tower of
orange flame rises above the Amazon jungle, firing the energy goals of the
Brazilian government. Dutch Pioneer
Corporate Bike to Rival Company Car (posted 12/22/04) In a nation
with more bicycles than people, two Dutch entrepreneurs are selling the concept
of a company bike, as an alternative to the much more expensive company car that
clogs up roads and cities. Oil Price
Surge Threatens Economic Stability and National Security (posted
12/22/04) "The bottom line for consumers, industries, and governments alike is
the urgent need to conserve energy and step up efforts to develop new energy
sources. " Key Energy
Report Scant on Renewables (posted 12/22/04) "What we need today is a sensible energy policy that keeps our
economy rolling without compromising our national security, our health, or the
oceans and landscape that are our national endowment. As the report makes clear,
Congress and the Bush administration have not gotten this job done." Solar PV
Production Increases to Meet 2005 Demand (posted 12/22/04) Demand for solar photovoltaics (PV) are on the rise in the United States and
Europe, and manufacturers are stepping up production to meet whatever 2005 could
bring. Lithuania Eyes
Biofuels Energy Shift (posted 12/22/04) Liquid biofuels are produced from domestic renewable sources of energy and
emit an ecologically friendly profile of combustion gases and are not involved
in the increase of greenhouse gases (CO2). Worldwide
Solar Thermal Capacity Underestimated (posted 12/22/04) The International Energy Agency's Solar Heating and Cooling Program and major
solar thermal trade associations published new statistics on the use of solar
thermal energy. National
Alliance to Promote Renewable Energy Interests (posted 12/22/04) "As its priority, the Alliance will seek to make the production
tax credit permanent, and work to be sure the credit applies to all renewable
energy technologies on an equal basis to conventional power supplies." As
Bush Stands Firm, States Flirt with Europe on Carbon Controls (posted
12/21/04) Two sets of Americans have come here to talk global warming: the United
States, opposed to controls on carbon emissions, and a bloc of united states,
from Maine to Delaware, that plan to impose them. Bush
Administration to Allow Continued Use of Ozone-Depleting Pesticide (posted
12/21/04) The Bush administration announced new rules Thursday to allow U.S. farmers
who grow tomatoes, strawberries and other crops to continue using methyl
bromide, an ozone-depleting pesticide that had been scheduled to be phased out
worldwide next year. CLEAN ENERGY
POWER® 2005 (posted 12/21/04) High energy prices and
limited availability are something that affects each and every person, and
therefore everyone must play a role in the solution. Now’s the time to get
informed about alternative sources of energy… Cleaning up coal (posted
12/21/04) "I think it's a manageable risk," said Rogers. EC
adopts final rules to enable CO2 spot trading (posted 12/21/04) The European Commission has adopted the final part of the emissions trading
directive that sets up the electronic registries system to track ownership of
the emissions allowances Egypt's
Suez Canal Authorities Control Oil Spill (posted 12/21/04) Egypt's
Suez Canal authorities have contained an oil spill in the waterway and stopped
it moving towards Port Said Entergy to
Purchase One Million CO2 Credits Through Blue Source (posted
12/21/04) Entergy is exercising their option to purchase 1 million CO2 emission
reduction credits, representing the largest geologic CO2 sequestration purchase
within the United States. Exelon and
PSEG merger will form largest U.S. electric utility (posted
12/21/04) Exelon and PSEG will merge to form the largest electric utility in the U.S.,
the companies announced today. Global
Municipal Solid Waste to Increase 7% in 2004 (posted 12/21/04) A report from Research Markets in Dublin, Ireland estimates that in 2004, the
total amount of municipal solid waste generated globally will increase 7% over
2003 figures to 1.84 billion tonnes. Law expected
to push clean energy (posted 12/21/04) CHINA China's law on renewable energy may come out in June,
says a senior legislator. Leavitt Signs
Sharp Increase In Unhealthy Pesticide (posted 12/21/04) Leavitt will release regulations today allowing a 2
million pound increase in 2005 in the use of methyl bromide, an ozone-depleting
and cancer-causing farm chemical, in violation of both an international treaty
and the Clean Air Act. The Marginal Price of Oil (posted
12/21/04) Now that we have passed the point where prices could be set by fiat, energy
analysts and politicians are at a loss for words. Mobile Phone
Radiation Harms DNA (posted 12/21/04) Radio waves
from mobile phones harm body cells and damage DNA in laboratory conditions Moves to curb
investment in power plants (posted 12/21/04) CHINA The government will eradicate unapproved power plant
construction projects, by stopping bank loans to unapproved plants, and by
controlling land property usage and rail transportation. New
chief of Pittsburgh-area utility places nearly $600 million bet (posted
12/21/04) chief executive officer that something had to be done about
replacing the aging work force tending Duquesne's power lines. Protest,
praise heard at meeting about proposed San Antonio-area power plant (posted
12/21/04) Dozens of people stepped up late Thursday to alternately praise and blast
plans for City Public Service's proposed new coal-burning plant at Calaveras
Lake. Quote of the
Day (posted 12/21/04) "The results today seem clear. We still run the risks
of cold weather...we don't have as many of inventories as we should." Russia YUKOS
rudderless after mystery firm buys unit (posted 12/21/04) its investors guessing as to its next move on Monday after selling its main
oil production unit to Baikal Finance Group, a mystery firm registered at a
grocery in provincial Russia. Russia's
nuclear energy concern on agenda in 2005 (posted 12/21/04) This requires that nuclear power generate 22-23 per cent of
the country's electricity by 2020. Saudi
Government Approves Kyoto Climate Protocol (posted 12/21/04) Saudi
Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter, gave its approval on Monday to the
Kyoto protocol which aims to stem global warming Sharp targets solar (posted
12/21/04) Sharp Corp. plans to expand its solar cell production lines in
Japan, boosting annual production output from 315 megawatts to 400 MW. The Coyote clan (posted
12/21/04) University
of Texas at San Antonio graduate develops wind-powered turbine (posted
12/21/04) bringing electrification to a little village in northern Mexico in a way that
could be a model for off-grid energy use. Waste in a
land of plenty (posted 12/21/04) The US generates the highest amount of waste per person in the world and
continues to rely on landfilling at the expense of recycling and
waste-to-energy, according to the latest in an annual series of national surveys
on municipal solid waste generation and management Waste
incineration and the community (posted 12/21/04) The incineration of municipal waste has been the subject of controversy for
many years and has been widely opposed because of concerns about the pollution
of the air with toxic materials, particularly dioxins. WRI Unveils
New Greenhouse Gas Data and Analysis Tools (posted 12/21/04) The World Resources Institute unveiled an expanded and
more robust set of tools ..The Climate Analysis Indicators Tool WWF Calls for
Risk Assessment (posted 12/21/04) Greater Protections as Bering Sea Disaster
Grows This tragedy highlights the risk of locating one of the
busiest shipping routes in the world in an area rich in wildlife and prone to
extreme weather conditions. Yukos tax
prosecution seen as ploy (posted 12/21/04) The Russian government is using its prosecution of the Yukos
oil giant on tax-evasion charges as a pretext to reassert state control over
Russia's oil sector, which rivals Saudi Arabia in output, analysts say. Yukos
threatens lawsuit over Yuganskneftegas stock sale (posted 12/21/04) Yukos said that it believes the Yuganskneftegas asset is protected Blame high gas costs (posted
12/20/04) It takes about 7000 Btu of natural gas energy to generate a
kilowatt-hour and the cost of natural gas is about ten dollars per million Btu.
Therefore our loss of nerve on hydropower means that we will spend, through our
electric bills, about twenty million dollars per year on imported natural gas. California
approves free-market approach for building new power plants (posted
12/20/04) State regulators approved a free-market approach to
power-plant construction Thursday, enabling independent "merchant"
generators to remain major players in California's energy picture. China's
consumption of electric power to increase 12 percent in 2005 (posted
12/20/04) China's consumption of electric power is forecast of reach about 2,425
billion KWH in 2005 Colorado
approves first new coal-fired power plant in state in 23 years (posted
12/20/04) Under the agreement for the new unit at the Comanche Generating Station in
Pueblo, Xcel Energy must upgrade pollution-control equipment at the two existing
units. Court orders
JNC to give info on candidate sites for nuke waste (posted 12/20/04) In handing down the ruling, Presiding Judge Naofumi Nakamura rejected a claim
by the nuclear energy developer that the disclosure would obstruct the proper
implementation of its operations. EPA to
Designate Tennessee Counties as Polluted (posted 12/20/04) "For the second time this year, EPA is making official
what we all know to be true-Tennessee communities and Great Smoky Mountains
National Park have serious air quality problems," Forest
Industry Gets Greener with EcoLogo Certification (posted 12/20/04) Biomass is a clean, green, carbon-neutral energy source
derived from industrial by-products such as bark, wood shavings and sawdust, and
is Canada's second-largest renewable energy source. Fuel Cell
Center Needs Projects (posted 12/20/04) The Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation (OEMC) in Denver,
Colorado issued a request for proposals for fuel cell projects. Italian
government plans to send nuclear waste abroad for treatment (posted
12/20/04) The Italian government plans to send most of the country's nuclear waste
abroad for treatment and storage, an official was quoted as saying. Japan to
Suspend Operations at Nuclear Plant After Suspected Leakage (posted
12/20/04) Five of the plant's six reactors have already been put out of operation due
to defects and regular inspections Lower house
ratifies Australian nuclear project (posted 12/20/04) Argentina's lower house has ratified a bilateral agreement to complete the
construction of a nuclear power plant in Australia and recycle the waste in
Argentina Maverick US
States Prove Popular at Climate Talks (posted 12/20/04) Not all
Americans are unpopular at this week's UN conference on climate change. Natural
gas costs drive inflation (posted 12/20/04) Inflation
rose 0.2 percent in the Midwest between October and November, the U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics reported Friday, due in part to an increase in natural gas
prices. Pennsylvania
Governor Rendell Inks Clean Energy Bill (posted 12/20/04) First Large-scale Solar Electric Facility Built After
Deregulation Serves As Backdrop for Landmark Bill Signing PUC
concludes Sempra utility didn't rig prices (posted 12/20/04) California Public Utilities Commission rejected a finding that one of the
company's utilities had rigged natural gas prices during the state's power
crisis. Russia
may build seven more nuclear plants in Iran at US $10 billion (posted
12/20/04) "We believe that Iran needs such nuclear capabilities for peaceful
application of nuclear technology," Saudi Aramco
says it is on alert as Bin Laden issues new threat (posted 12/20/04) Saudi Aramco said Sunday the kingdom's oilfields, which contain some 25% of
the world's reserves, were safe and the state-owned company was on alert at all
times against possible attack. Saudis
need 30-plus oil, so OPEC cuts will materialize (posted 12/20/04) Saudi Arabia's need for oil prices of well above $30/bbl will ensure that Scant
Progress on Post-Kyoto as Climate Talks End (posted 12/20/04) UN talks
on climate change ended Saturday with few steps forward as the United States,
oil producers and developing giants slammed the brakes on the European Union's
drive for deeper emissions cuts to stop global warming. Security From The Sea (posted
12/20/04) "Whilst the boom in the oil and gas reserves of the North Sea is now
coming to an end, we have discovered a huge new energy resource that has been
there all along, and only waiting for our ability to exploit it. " South Korean
minister defends nuclear waste site plan (posted 12/20/04) Lee stressed that low-and intermediate-level radioactive repositories will
not be used to store highly radioactive by-products SunPower
Expands Solar Cell Plant Capacity (posted 12/20/04) These are good days to be in the business of manufacturing solar
photovoltaics (PV) as demand has exploded, lead primarily by a booming German
market. Sweden to Shut
Down Second Nuclear Reactor (posted 12/20/04) The move is part of Sweden's program to lessen its dependency on nuclear
power over the next 30 to 40 years. TEP
is Ordered to Refund Up to $25K (posted 12/20/04) The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Wednesday ordered Arizona Public
Service Co. to pay $4 million for violating rules governing power transmission
services in 2002 and 2003.
Twenty US
States Must Cut Air Pollution By 2008 (posted 12/20/04) Most
non-compliant states are clustered around the Midwest, which has the lion's
share of US coal-fired generation US Says China
to Lead Way in Nuclear Energy (posted 12/20/04) Outgoing US
Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham said on Friday China would emerge a leader in
nuclear energy and called for further cooperation between the two countries in
developing alternative sources of power. White
House Creates Cabinet-Level Ocean Policy Panel (posted 12/20/04) The Bush
administration created on Friday a cabinet-level committee to address rising
pollution and overfishing in US territorial ocean waters. Yuganskneftegaz
shares awarded to unknown Baikal Finance (posted 12/20/04) Baikal's bid, which was around Rb14-bil above the starting price, eventually
turned out to be the only one submitted. Russia's
Putin says nuclear energy must be cost-effective, safe (posted
12/17/04) Russia will produce more electricity. By 2010, two new
generating units will be launched at Russia's power stations and the service
life of the 10 functioning power stations will be extended 2004 Among the
Hottest Years on Record (posted 12/17/04) The year 2004, punctuated by four powerful hurricanes in the Caribbean and
deadly typhoons lashing Asia, was the fourth-hottest on record, extending a
trend since 1990 that has registered the 10 warmest years, a U.N. weather agency
said Wednesday. Active Power
Ships First CleanSource XR Unit (posted 12/17/04) CleanSource XR stores energy in the form of heat and compressed air. When
power is needed, the compressed air is routed through a thermal storage unit to
acquire heat energy. California
governor lauds PUC approval of power procurement plans (posted
12/17/04) California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday lauded the state Public
Utilities Commission's decision approving long-term power procurement plans for
the state's three investor-owned utilities. PA
Gov. Rendell Signs Measure Enacting Clean Energy Portfolio Standard in PA (posted
12/17/04) Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell has signed into law a clean energy
portfolio standard that will cut energy costs, promote economic development and
encourage technologies to protect and restore the environment by ensuring more
electricity generation comes from environmentally beneficial resources. Connecticut
Debuts Clean Energy Communities Program (posted 12/17/04) The program will offer a free solar energy system to municipalities that
commit to purchase clean energy representing 20 percent of their electricity use
by 2010. East Timor
cabinet approves new regime for oil, gas development (posted
12/17/04) With its petroleum regime in place, East Timor is preparing Extreme
Weather Losses Soar to Record High (posted 12/17/04) 15 December - 2004 is set to go down in the history
books as the most expensive year for the insurance industry world-wide as a
result of hurricanes, typhoons and other weather-related natural disasters. NASA
Spacecraft Tracks Global Air Pollution (posted 12/17/04) A NASA spacecraft has begun the first-ever daily tracking of how air
pollution moves across the globe, Quote
of the day (posted 12/17/04) Recapping Cap
and Trade Systems for Greenhouse Gas Emissions (posted 12/17/04) We can argue for years about whether the earth is warming (or cooling) as a
result of industrialization or just going through a natural cycle along some
geologic timeframe that defies our human understanding. Still, the evidence is
mounting that continued reliance on combustion of fossil fuels at an unbridled
pace presents both immediate and long-term hazards to health and economic
wellbeing here in the U.S. and around the world. Scientist Uses
Whey to Protect Food (posted 12/17/04) Oxygen, water, seeping oils -- they're all out to get your food, turning
sweet nuts sour and tasty confections rancid. US court
grants Yukos temporary injunction (posted 12/17/04) A US Bankruptcy Court judge in Houston late Thursday granted Russian Yukos'
request to impose a temporary injunction order blocking the Russian government's
Dec 19 auction of the company's main production subsidiary, Yuganskneftegaz. Manhattan
Scientifics Receives Important Fuel Cell Patent (posted 12/17/04) Smaller than a brick and weighing less than two pounds, the hydrogen-powered
NovArs fuel cell is intended to power a bicycle or a motor scooter for several
hundred miles without having to refuel Great River
Energy Seeks Power Resource Proposals (posted 12/17/04) The RFP seeks two very different types of power resources: baseload and
distributed generation. El Paso
Corporation Closes Sale of Two Power Plants (posted 12/17/04) These sales support El Paso's long-range plan to reduce the company's debt,
net of cash, to approximately $15 billion by year-end 2005. Georgia Power
may face fines for soot emissions (posted 12/17/04) The decision clears the way for three environmental groups to extract fines
or other penalties from the power company. A trial is set March 14. World
Wildlife Fund Report Calls FPL a `Bright Spot' (posted 12/17/04) FPL Group scored the highest ranking in the U.S. and second globally in a
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) report that analyzed 72 of the world's leading power
companies reviewing current use of available technologies to reduce C02
emissions, as well as clear commitments made for future improvements. Customers Pay
Off Big Debt to San Diego Gas (posted 12/17/04) San Diego Gas & Electric customers have at last paid off one of the more
infamous debts of the 2000-2001 electricity crisis, the $750 million charge the
utility said it was owed for power purchases during the deregulation debacle. Has Hydro
Quebec Grossly underestimated Gentilly 2 refurbishment costs (posted
12/17/04) "76% of Quebecers support wind energy while only 7%
support nuclear energy Regulators:
TEP broke transmission services rules (posted 12/17/04) Audit finds utility got transmission service not
available to other electricity wholesalers. EU Wants More
Mandatory Emissions Cuts (posted 12/17/04) The
European Union, the heavyweight in the fight against global warming, will push
for mandatory cuts in emissions after the Kyoto protocol expires in 2012 despite
fervent opposition from the United States. Laggard
Countries Wake Up to Tough Kyoto Targets (posted 12/17/04) The Kyoto
protocol to cut greenhouse gases goes into effect two months from Thursday and
industrialized countries like Canada and Japan find themselves with emissions
embarrassingly beyond their agreed targets for 2012. Bendy Solar
Panels Provide Portable Energy Supply (posted 12/17/04) European
scientists have developed light, flexible solar panels that could be sewn on
fabrics and placed on surfaces to charge objects ranging from cell phones and
DVD players to batteries. US
FERC finds APS, TEP violated transmission rules (posted
12/16/04) Two of Arizona's largest investor-owned utilities violated
federal electric transmission rules by providing their merchant power units with
information on the status of the grid and transmission capacity that were not
available to other customers UK government
publishes new planning guidance for renewables (posted 12/16/04) The guidance, issued by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, is aimed at
helping the UK reach government targets of producing 10% of electricity from
green energy by 2010 and 15% by 2015. FERC
Orders Two Ariz Utilities To Issue Refunds (posted 12/16/04) The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Wednesday found two
utilities in Arizona in violation of the agency's open access transmission rules
meant to prevent market abuse. Coal-plant
case taken directly to high court (posted 12/16/04) Opponents, who object to the use of coal, the most polluting
form of generating electricity, will continue to fight the project 'Clear
skies' keeps cloud over Ohio (posted 12/16/04) THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION VOWED LAST WEEK to begin the New Year
with a "strong push" for a "clean air and clean energy
agenda." This makes sense, though, only if "strong push" means
"sudden halt." Leading
the Way in Renewables, Alliant Energy Makes Another Leap (posted
12/16/04) Already a national leader in utilizing renewable resources in
its energy mix, Alliant Energy Corporation (NYSE: LNT), confirmed plans today it
will add 50 to 100 megawatts (MW) of wind generation by the end of 2005 Pepsi
Cola of Klamath Falls Unveils 172 Kilowatt Solar Electric System for 'Net Zero'
Energy Use (posted 12/16/04) A combination of tax credits, financial incentives, attractive
loan terms -- and the prospect of eliminating all of their electric bills
--attracted Pepsi to solar energy. Empire
District Electric to purchase wind energy from PPM (posted 12/16/04) "A major step in ensuring that our customers benefit from a balanced mix
of generation options." Weather
Warnings Hang Over Tense Climate Talks (posted 12/16/04) Experts
warned on Wednesday that the world is seeing some of its hottest weather and
worst natural disaster damage as environment ministers tried to crack US
resistance to joining international efforts against global warming. With
Few Options Left, Big Oil Pushes Deeper into Gulf of Mexico (posted
12/16/04) Ninety
miles off the swampy coast of Louisiana, a towering maze of pipes and metal juts
out of the sea, reaching down a half-mile -- twice the height of a skyscraper --
to crank out oil. US Plant to
Make Clean Power from Turkey Droppings (posted 12/16/04) It may not
be the total answer to relieving the United States' addiction to foreign oil,
but the plant will burn 90 percent turkey dung and create clean power for 55,000
homes. US Resists
Changing Stance Amid Climate Warnings (posted 12/16/04) Meteorologists
warned on Wednesday that 2004 would be one of the hottest years since records
began as environment ministers tried to crack US resistance to joining
international efforts against global warming. Arctic Ocean
Was Balmy 70 Mln Years Ago (posted 12/16/04) It may be
freezing cold and covered in ice now but 70 million years ago the Arctic Ocean
was as tepid as the Mediterranean. Blair Faces
Test of Bush Friendship on Environment (posted 12/16/04) Blair has
pledged to put climate change at the top of his agenda for the 12 months
starting in January that Britain has the helm of the Group of Eight rich
nations. 2004
Signals More Global Warming (posted 12/16/04) Global
warming is set to continue, and bring with it an increase in extreme weather
such as hurricanes and droughts, scientists from the United Nations' World
Meteorological Organisation warned on Wednesday. Italy Calls To
End Kyoto Climate Limits After 2012 (posted 12/16/04) Italy has
called for an end to the Kyoto Protocol after the environmental treaty's initial
period in 2012, preferring voluntary agreements that would entice the United
States, China and India to tackle climate change. Cuts in Carbon
Dioxide Emissions Urged (posted 12/16/04) The world's chief climate scientist on Tuesday disputed the U.S. government
contention that cutbacks in carbon dioxide emissions are not yet warranted to
check global warming. "The science says you've got to reduce
emissions." California
Seeks to Create More Solar Homes (posted 12/16/04) California could have 1 million buildings producing solar energy by 2018,
with half of all new homes powered by the sun Time
to Reinvent Our Future (posted 12/16/04) Human beings have almost always lived within a worldview in
which everything is interconnected and where we knew we had responsibilities to
act in certain ways to ensure nature's generosity and abundance would continue.
But suddenly in the past century we've become blind to those interconnections
and therefore have lost our sense of responsibility - and now it's putting our
future at risk. Is
it True that Dry Cleaning Is Bad for the Environment? (posted
12/16/04) Studies show that perchloroethylene--the solvent used by the vast majority of
dry cleaning establishments--is both hazardous to human health and injurious to
the environment. Spring Coming
Earlier Than It Used To (posted 12/16/04) In one of the most comprehensive studies that plants in the Northeast are
responding to the global warming trend, Cornell scientists and their colleagues
at the University of Wisconsin found lilacs are blooming about four days earlier
than they did in 1965. Disruption of
Wildlife Populations Forecast in Wildlife Society Report on Global Warming (posted
12/16/04) A warning of possible
major shifts in the ranges and the restructuring of entire plant and animal
communities, and the disappearance of some forest types in the United States New California
Energy Efficiency Standards will Save Consumers Money and Reduce Pollution (posted
12/16/04) The standards will cover new products sold in
California in 24 categories, including consumer electronics, swimming pool pumps
and external power supplies. Australia
proceeding on $75 million ‘Solar Cities’ initiative (posted
12/15/04) Solar Cities will showcase a new energy scenario “where the uptake of solar
power and energy efficiency measures by households and business, and innovative
approaches to energy markets that deliver more effective signals to energy users
can contribute to Australia's sustainable energy future Climate
Change Impact? Look in Your Backyard (posted 12/15/04) To
witness the impact of a warming planet, one need not make a costly trip to the
melting Arctic ice cap. Proof of climate change is right there in most people's
backyards, scientists said on Tuesday. Climate
Experts Confer on Post-Kyoto Steps (posted 12/15/04) International experts, searching for ways to break a deadlock with the United
States over climate change, consulted on an array of ideas Monday to lure that
No. 1 polluter into a joint effort to control "greenhouse gases,"
along with such second-rank emitters as China and India. Commission
Recommends National Energy Policy (posted 12/15/04) Energy security for the United States is an issue that is split between the
need to diversify the country's energy resources and the reality that the
nation's infrastructure is built around fossil fuel consumption. Fenoc target
of federal jury investigation (posted 12/15/04) The letter notifying the company that it was the target of the grand jury
probe also said that prosecutors believe "federal charges will be
returned" against the company by the grand jury. Fuel
Cell Fleet in Chrysler's Reach (posted 12/15/04) California and Michigan can't get enough of their fuel cell cars, apparently.
DaimlerChrysler said it doubled the amount of fuel cell vehicles that it
currently manages in the United States Global
LNG sector poised for accelerated expansion: Moody's (posted
12/15/04) The liquefied natural gas industry is poised to enter a period of accelerated
expansion driven by "steadily increasing" global gas demand, high
market prices and falling units costs of production and delivery Global
lender seeks best ideas for renewables (posted 12/15/04) The World Bank will provide US$3 million for innovative
ideas in the area of renewable energy. Groups want RTD
to drop diesel (posted 12/15/04) The nation's largest supplier of natural gas for
vehicles has launched a campaign to overturn the Regional Transportation
District's recommendation to buy 183 new diesel buses. HIGH WINDS
PLUNGE THOUSANDS INTO DARK (posted 12/15/04) High winds along the Cascade foothills toppled trees and
knocked out power yesterday, leaving thousands of residents in the dark and
sending utility crews scrambling to restore electricity. Cold-weather
prospects drive January NYMEX gas 16.7 cts higher (posted 12/15/04) Prospects for colder weather in the near-term and in longer-term outlooks
Tuesday lifted the January NYMEX gas futures contract for the second day in a
row. Cold
weather in eastern US keeps oil above $41/bbl (posted 12/15/04) The first cold snap of the season in the eastern US boosted heating oil IPE
Brent higher on the "likelihood" of cold weather in the US (posted
12/15/04) Crude oil futures on London's International Petroleum Exchange rose Wednesday
in electronic morning dealing as fears over heating oil shortages remained a
major concern Kyoto
Protocol not enough to fight global warming: IEA (posted 12/15/04) While the Kyoto Protocol is an important step, more efforts are needed to
promote energy efficiency and new technologies to cope with climate change Lead,
Arsenic in Imported Herbal Remedies (posted 12/15/04) More than a
dozen "Ayurvedic" herbal remedies imported from India and Pakistan
were found to contain harmful levels of the heavy metals mercury, lead and
arsenic, US researchers said on Tuesday. National
Security to Lead Renewable Energy Deployment (posted 12/15/04) "We find ourselves dependent on imports from people who, by and
large, are hostile to us. It makes (energy independence) a national security
imperative." NuStart to
file at least one COL application in 2008 (posted 12/15/04) NuStart Energy plans to file at least one combined construction and operating
license (COL) application to NRC in 2008, the nuclear industry consortium told
NRC this week. Opponents
of proposed San Antonio coal-fired power plant have new concern (posted
12/15/04) When opponents of City Public Service's proposed 750-megawatt coal plant meet
with regulators Thursday, it's not only what's in the facility's draft permit
that bothers them. They're also upset about what's not in it. OZONE CLEANUP
STRATEGY IN PLACE (posted 12/15/04) Now, a coalition of 11 counties and 20 cities and towns in the
Piedmont Triad has taken steps to reduce the severity and impact of that
pollution. Reports Say
Japan to Explore Disputed Area of East China Sea (posted 12/15/04) Japan plans to explore natural gas fields in a disputed area of the East
China Sea that rival China has also been surveying, Japanese media said Tuesday,
amid growing tensions between the two countries. Rich
Need To Do More on Environment - World Bank (posted 12/15/04) The World
Bank on Tuesday chastised rich countries for not giving enough to fund global
environmental protection and warned that overall progress in meeting global
environmental targets was "alarmingly slow." U.S.
corporations purchase megawatts of green power (posted 12/15/04) Six companies in the United States have purchased 39 MW of
renewable energy certificates. U.S.
renewables industry wants to commercialize technologies (posted
12/15/04) ACORE wants research budgets to increase by three-fold, to handle support for
a utilization strategy that is similar to Germany and Japan. U.S.
report calls for more support to renewable energies (posted
12/15/04) The U.S. government must increase its support for renewables by US$360
million a year, according to a senior bipartisan group of energy officials. U.S.
utility urges national action on global warming (posted 12/15/04) One of the largest electric utilities in the United States
wants a national program to reduce GHG emissions that is based on renewable
energy. Greenhouse gas emissions are a “likely contributor” to global warming,
Edison International told energy regulators US
EPA says emissions of fine particulates reach new low in 2003 (posted
12/15/04) US levels of particle pollution, a mix of solid particles and liquid
droplets, are continuing to decline and emissions of fine particles, known as PM
2.5, were the lowest in 2003 since nationwide monitoring began in 1999 US
focusing on alternative energy sources after oil hike (posted
12/15/04) Visiting US Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham has told senior Japanese
officials that the US is more strongly commmitted to the development of
alternative energy resources following this year's spike in oil prices White House to
press its air pollution agenda (posted 12/15/04) "The centerpiece will be 'Clear Skies' legislation and/or
the 'Clean Air Interstate Rule,' " Leavitt added in an interview.
"Both of those will provide a 70 percent reduction of nitrogen oxides and
of sulfur dioxide. It would be a $50 billion investment in clean air; it would
take more tons of pollution out of the air." Yukos files
for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in US court (posted 12/15/04) Yukos said in a statement Wednesday. The company made the filing in the US
Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas in Houston, seeking to
prevent the Russian government, the auction bidders and financiers from
participating in planned sale of the company's property Alaska Oil
Spill Crews Seize on Calmer Weather (posted 12/14/04) About 150 people were ready to begin cleaning up an oil spill threatening
endangered animals Sunday, four days after a ship broke apart and six people
died in a helicopter rescue attempt. China looks to
the elements for renewable energy (posted 12/14/04) As the country's fast economic development demands more electricity, and the
world moves towards renewable resources, China is looking at wind as an energy
source. Wind is the fastest growing source of electricity in the world but its
use in China is still low, even though there is actually plenty of it here. DaimlerChrysler,
GM to Team Up on Hybrid Engines (posted 12/14/04) General Motors Corp. and DaimlerChrysler AG, two of the world's biggest
automakers, are teaming up to develop hybrid technology, which combines
combustion engines and electric motors, for use in their vehicles Developing
Giants Under Pressure on Climate Change (posted 12/14/04) While
developing nations China, Brazil and India grow at break-neck pace with their
burgeoning industry and farming, industrialized countries want them to clean up
the dirty practices that have made them some of the world's biggest polluters. Environmental
Protection Agency Hasn't Won Improvements It
Touted (posted 12/14/04) The federal government has quietly allowed oil refineries nationwide to miss
court-mandated deadlines to reduce air emissions, prolonging the exposure of
hundreds of thousands of people to dangerous pollutants. Global
emissions-cutting accord will hit APEC economies (posted 12/14/04) A new report by an Australian research institute predicts that the economies
of the so-called APEC countries of the Pacific Rim will be hit hardest by the
Kyoto Protocol on climate change. Here's
how Schwarzenegger intends changing energy in Calif (posted
12/14/04) In his own words,
appearing in early October in the San Diego Union Tribune Gov Arnold
Schwarzenegger wrote Impact
of Greenhouses Gases Discussed at U.N. Global Warming Summit (posted
12/14/04) A new report on ecological damage from greenhouse gases dominated the
sidelines of a U.N. conference on global warming Saturday as delegates from
nearly 200 nations assembled to prepare for the launch next year of the Kyoto
Protocol. New York may
get millions more energy shoppers (posted 12/14/04) A proposed
settlement of Consolidated Edison's distribution rate case includes changes in
retail access rules that could make another 1 million to 3 million customers in
New York economic for marketers to serve. Nuclear plants
in New England say they deserve credit for 'green' energy (posted
12/14/04) As the nuclear power industry stages a nationwide comeback, New England is
emerging as a major battleground in the industry's campaign to be recognized as
a "green" energy source. OPEC
may cut output ceiling at Jan 30 meet (posted 12/14/04) "We may decide to decrease the ceiling at that time," he told a
news conference in Dubai. He noted that OPEC had already decided at talks last
Friday in Cairo to remove excess production of 1-mil b/d above the official
ceiling President
Bush to Make 'Aggressive Push' to Cut Air Pollution (posted
12/14/04) President Bush will make air pollution a top priority in Congress early next
year, starting with "an aggressive push" to build support for his
pollution-cutting plan, senior administration officials said Saturday. Salem units to
return after closing due to oil spill (posted 12/14/04) The units use the river for cooling water. The U.S. Coast Guard said today
that the cleanup effort continues. Oil impacted about 126 miles of shoreline,
and 70 miles of that shoreline has patches of a very light sheen of oil Some Kids May
Have Autism Risk From Mercury (posted 12/14/04) Some
children may have an inherited weakness that may predispose them to develop
autism when exposed to mercury from fish or other sources US
power sector, DOE sign accord to cut GHG emission intensity (posted
12/14/04) Officials with the US power sector and the Department of Energy Monday signed
an agreement designed to lead to voluntary reductions in greenhouse gas emission
intensity over the next 10 years. US senator
seeks continued agency support for OCS leasing bans (posted
12/14/04) US Sen Bill Nelson (Democrat-Florida) Friday asked Interior Secretary Gail
Norton to continue to support existing moratoria on oil and natural gas leasing
off Florida's coasts and those of other states as the agency prepares its
2007-2012 Outer Continental Shelf leasing plan. 'After
Kyoto' Takes Centre Stage at Climate Talks (posted 12/13/04) The Kyoto
agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions doesn't take effect for two months,
but climate change negotiators are already fixated on what happens when it
expires in 2012. China Pledges
Clean Drinking Water for All Rural Residents by 2020 (posted
12/13/04) All rural residents in the People's Republic of China will have access to
clean drinking water by 2020 under a new plan announced recently by the central
government's Water Resources Ministry Coal Stays On
The Front Burner (posted 12/13/04) Ron Wood, President of Black & Veatch Energy Engineering and Construction
Division, believes government should prohibit the use of natural gas for uses
such as electricity generation. Commission
Recommends National Energy Policy (posted 12/13/04) Energy security for the United States is an issue that is split between the
need to diversify the country's energy resources and the reality that the
nation's infrastructure is built around fossil fuel consumption. Drinking Water
Could be Beneficial to Patients with Low Blood Pressure (posted
12/13/04) drinking two glasses of water can raise blood pressure, potentially providing
a solution for patients with low blood pressure while standing Electric
Utilities Take Steps to Create Energy Authority for Western States (posted
12/13/04) A better air traffic controller is needed to deliver electricity in the West,
and that calls for a massive restructuring of the existing system, proponents of
a sweeping plan said Thursday. Environmental
Case for Coal and Nuclear (posted 12/13/04) Russia's ratification of the Kyoto Protocol and Tony Blair's decision to keep
Kyoto on the agenda of his recent Washington visit following the re-election of
George Bush have ensured the environment remains at the head of global politics. EPA
to Reverse Sewage Standard, Allow Massive Dumping (posted 12/13/04) Millions of Americans will face an increased threat of
bacteria, viruses and parasites in their water thanks to a new federal policy
allowing sewer operators to dump inadequately treated sewage into the nation's
waterways. Fuel Cells
Will Be Viable As Adoption Curve Emerges (posted 12/13/04) The technology may one day transform the industry, but so far hype has
outpaced reality. Costs must decrease and product life increase to achieve
market adoption on a mass scale. Early adopters are few and far between.
Research is mounting in different directions. Goodbye,
Yucca; Hello, Utah? (posted 12/13/04) Delays in opening a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain are forcing
atomic energy producers to consider interim storage sites Government
Relying on Industry to Protect Water Supplies (posted 12/13/04) The Environmental Protection Agency issued new voluntary guidelines Thursday
that rely on industry to secure drinking water and wastewater treatment plants
against attack. Green Energy
Resources Establishes International Commodity Standards for Fuel Grade Woodchips (posted
12/13/04) The specifications include size, shape, moisture content and other relevant
data for the Renewable Energy industry. homeowners
in 'Zero Energy Homes' cheer low utility bills (posted 12/13/04) Micah Van Der Kamp of Sacramento looks forward to his monthly electric bill. Infrastructure
Security Guidelines Issued to Water Utilities (posted 12/13/04) The interim voluntary guidance documents provide drinking water, wastewater
and stormwater utilities with practical assistance for implementing improved
security measures in new and existing facilities of all sizes Nobel Winner
Maathai Sounds Alarm Over Planet (posted 12/13/04) "Today
we are faced with a challenge that calls for a shift in our thinking, so that
humanity stops threatening its life-support system," Nukes Can Cut
Global Warming (posted 12/13/04) Nuclear power now has powerful advocates around the world, who see it as a
significant energy source available to avoid environmental catastrophe. Offshore
Renewable Energy Development (posted 12/13/04) "Although a number of successful devices have been installed at
shoreline locations, the true potential of wave energy will only be realized in
the offshore environment where large developments are conceivable. Mexican
Ecologists Protest U.S. Gas Plant on Coast (posted 12/13/04) In a classic spat between big business and environmentalists, major oil
companies and Mexico's government say LNG could be the solution to North
America's power shortage. Oil
in surplus this year-end compared with usual deficit (posted
12/13/04) The world oil market has surplus of around 1-mil b/d this year-end compared
with a deficit of 600,000 b/d seen in the same period in previous years hence
OPEC decided to cut output Panel:
Spend Billions on Energy Research, Projects (posted 12/13/04) U.S. energy policy over the long term will require new nuclear power plants,
cleaner coal and cars that get more miles per gallon, experts said Wednesday. Prices may
keep on climbing in 2005 (posted 12/13/04) Coal buyers and sellers can expect to see more
volatility in the market and higher prices in 2005, coupled with lingering
uncertainty about emissions requirements President Bush
nominates Sam Bodman to Energy Secretary (posted 12/13/04) President Bush Friday morning announced the nomination of Samuel Bodman to
the post of Secretary of Energy to replace outgoing Secretary Spencer Abraham.
Bodman, an engineer with experience at venture capital and energy companies Remarks by
President Bush and Secretary of Energy Nominee Sam Bodman (posted
12/13/04) a transcript of remarks made by President Bush and Secretary
of Energy Nominee Sam Bodman New US Energy
Chief Likely to Keep Low Profile (posted 12/13/04) The
unexpected choice of a low-profile Treasury Department official to be the new US
energy secretary signals that the Bush administration wants an experienced
administrator to run the department, leaving policymaking to the White House Sandia to
Begin Testing Innovative Arsenic Removal Technologies (posted
12/13/04) Sandia National Laboratories will begin testing innovative ways to treat
arsenic-contaminated water in an effort to reduce costs to municipalities of
meeting the new arsenic standard issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA). Shell
Solar provides new turn-key design for a large-scale solar electric system (posted
12/13/04) Shell Solar engineers have designed an innovative, patent-pending
"Single Axis Tracking System" for nearly one megawatt of solar panels.
This system will generate more power, as the tracker "follows the
sun", rather than being installed at a fixed angle. Shell,
Niger Delta community reach truce (posted 12/13/04) Shell Nigeria Monday said it had resolved a dispute between it and a local
community that had shut two of the company's flowstations in the Rivers State,
in the Niger Delta. Solar electric
system reduces cost of fuel (posted 12/13/04) that "solar panel systems are still too expensive for
home or business owners to find the technology practical." I don't agree. Study Shows
Big Untapped De Residential Market (posted 12/13/04) Distributed energy (DE) is making inroads into residential markets in North
America and beyond. This may come as a surprise to many, as the market for
on-site power generation has long been focused on the commercial and industrial
sectors. The
Hydrogen Economy An Objective Look Part 1 (posted 12/13/04) "The hydrogen economy" encapsulates a vision of hydrogen as a
superior successor to fossil fuels for serving the world’s energy needs. That
vision has attracted both passionate advocates and passionate detractors. Both
sometimes overstate their cases. This article attempts to sort out the key
issues. The
Hydrogen Economy: An Objective Look -- Part 2 (posted 12/13/04) hydrogen is likely to have an increasing role to play in the future economy,
regardless of how it fares as a transport fuel. Three
Mile Island lowers power after leak (posted 12/13/04) A non-radioactive steam leak in Three Mile Island's Unit 1 Thursday afternoon
has forced the plant to reduce power. Toyota Aims to
Commercialize Biofuels (posted 12/13/04) Aiming for the commercialization of a new type of eco-friendly and recyclable
fuel, Toyota Tsusho and the Hokkaido prefectural government will carry out this
project as a national project Transmission
is Half of Wind Energy for New Mexico (posted 12/13/04) "I believe that wind power can break through the 'glass ceiling' and
become a huge part of our electricity supply." Governor,
Take Your Time on Power-Export Scheme (posted 12/13/04) we're wary of Gov. Bill Richardson's proposal that we export the energy we
will produce here. VA.
Power to Waive Charge in 2005 (posted 12/13/04) A special charge that many say has hampered competition in Dominion Virginia
Power's service territory will disappear, at least for 2005. W.Va
wind energy project hits snags (posted 12/13/04) After a tumultuous meeting Tuesday at which county residents protested a
November deal under which county commissioners could obtain power line easements
by eminent domain, commissioners agreed to cancel their contract with Liberty
Gap Wind Force LLC. Waste Issue
Dominates Nuclear Scene (posted 12/13/04) National Laboratories and private industry continue to develop new and
improved nuclear technologies; politicians continue to argue over support for
new commercial nuclear plants; and industry groups discuss how to get the next
nuclear project underway. But because of the legal wrangling that always
accompanies the issue, only nuclear waste activities have much public
visibility. Water Treatment
Outsourcing (posted 12/13/04) We have found that outsourcing water treatment for the power and other
industries, while possibly providing short-term solutions, is debilitating to
the utility organization in the long term. Weather Stalls
Attempts to Contain Alaska Spill (posted 12/13/04) About 150
people have been sent to an Aleutian island to try to clean up fuel oil
streaming from a wrecked cargo ship, but harsh weather has kept most from the
spill site WorldWater Unveils
World (posted 12/13/04) WorldWater & Power Corp., maker of solar energy systems, today unveiled
the world's largest solar-powered irrigation pumping system during a
commissioning ceremony at Seley Ranches, Borrego Springs, CA. Amazon Burning
Makes Brazil a Leading Polluter (posted 12/10/04) Burning of the Amazon and other forests accounts for three quarters of
Brazil's greenhouse gas emissions and has made the country one of the world's
leading polluters, a long-delayed government report showed Wednesday. Broin
Announces New Ethanol Process (posted 12/10/04) The Broin Companies have announced a new patent-pending technology for
ethanol production that eliminates a costly energy-consuming cooking step in the
process. Bush’s other oil
war (posted 12/10/04) The largest refinery in the country was
established here in the "Petroleum Capital" of Colombia, which is now
one of the most militarised cities in the country. It is also one of the most
violent, since oil exploration also brought pollution, conflict, paramilitary
violence and most recently Canadians
think oil and gas industry is biggest polluter (posted 12/10/04) Canadians believe the oil and gas
industry is causing the greatest damage to the country's environment, pulling
slightly ahead of other resource sector industries such as coal, forestry and
mining, a newly released government poll shows. Chevron Energy
Solutions Launches Energy Conservation (posted 12/10/04) has begun construction on an energy conservation project that will save
Washtenaw County taxpayers more than $215,000 a year in energy, maintenance and
operational costs. China expects
energy use to double by 2020 (posted 12/10/04) China plans to double its energy
consumption as its economy quadruples by 2020 Codey puts
moratorium on windmills along Shore (posted 12/10/04) Acting Governor Codey is putting the brakes on proposals for
windmills along the Jersey Shore, promising a moratorium to allow more time to
study the effects on the environment and tourism. Colorado
Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation Seeks Proposals for Fuel
Cell Initiative (posted 12/10/04) announced a solicitation for proposals from organizations with expertise in
the emerging fuel cell industry to take the lead in fulfilling the State's goal
to expand fuel cell related research, development, education and commercial
application in Colorado. Duke Power to
Voluntarily Install Emission Controls at Lee Steam Station (posted
12/10/04) When the new projects are completed by mid-2006, we will have
reduced nitrogen oxide emissions at Lee Steam Station by 60 percent since
1997." Energy
Bill Update: Commission Tries to Bridge Policy Differences (posted
12/10/04) A cohesive national energy policy remains elusive but a
bipartisan group hopes that its ideas will be implemented. Energy
expert believes US doesn't need foreign oil (posted 12/10/04) The United States can end its
dependence on foreign oil and make money along the way EPRI Issues
Status Report on Broadband Over Powerline (posted 12/10/04) Market success will depend
on delivery of benefits beyond consumer Internet services, study indicates EU interested
in close energy cooperation with Caspian states and neighbours (posted
12/10/04) The Ministerial Conference on Energy
Cooperation between UE, the Caspian Region -- Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan and
Russia -- and their neighbouring countries -- Turkey, Ukraine, Georgia,
Kyrgyzstan, Moldova and Armenia -- was held on 13 November in Baku. Expert: Coal
prices inflated (posted 12/10/04) Coal prices inflated News Forms Services Regional Lee Newspapers Great Falls,
Mont. Markets Symbol(s) News Source Links to the source information used by our
reporters in the writing of news stories. Extra capacity
will harm OPEC (posted 12/10/04) Oil producing countries in OPEC and
outside OPEC are embarking on fresh efforts to increase their oil production
capacity to the maximum levels. Future
of proposed Grid West RTO at issue in regional discussions (posted
12/10/04) With Northwest stakeholders preparing to vote later Thursday on whether RTO
West should evolve into Grid West Group to file
license request for new US nuclear plant in 2008 (posted 12/10/04) A consortium of nine nuclear utilities and two reactor vendors plans to file Groups Say
Government Plans Oil and Gas Lease Auction for National Forest Tracts (posted
12/10/04) A federal oil and gas lease auction planned for Friday will offer companies
the chance to bid for drilling rights on roadless tracts in a popular national
forest, conservation groups say. Heidar
Aliyev's oil strategy makes Azerbaijan grow stronger (posted
12/10/04) Due to successful implementation of
Heidar Aliyev's oil strategy, Azerbaijan becomes stronger from year to year,
improves welfare of its people and occupies a firmer place in the international
arena. How secure is Saudi
oil? (posted 12/10/04) Though oil prices have retreated from
their record highs of October, a terrorist attack on oil installations in Saudi
Arabia could send them soaring to new heights IEA
Summary: Concern over falling oil prices 'overstated' (posted
12/10/04) Despite signs that China's oil demand growth continues to cool and stocks are
building, oil-producing countries' concerns about falling prices are
over-stated, as high prices, capacity constraints and strong demand growth all
remain in place for the time being, the International Energy Agency said Friday. Iran's
alliance with China could cost US leverage (posted 12/10/04) A major new alliance is emerging
between Iran and China that threatens to undermine US ability to pressure Tehran
on its nuclear program, support for extremist groups and refusal to back
Arab-Israeli peace efforts. ISO
New England expects adequate power supply for winter demand (posted
12/10/04) The ISO New England Thursday said the region's power supply should be
adequate to meet projected electricity use this winter. Korea,
Japan and China push for joint oil purchase (posted 12/10/04) Moon Chung-in, chairman of the
Committee on Northeast Asian Cooperative Initiative was quoted as saying that
Korea, Japan and China were getting closer to striking a deal that would allow
them to make joint purchases of crude oil by the three countries that rely on
overseas natural resources. MTEM raises
record funding for oil revolutionary technology (posted 12/10/04) Edinburgh University spin-out MTEM has
raised a record £ 7.4 mm of funding to commercialise a technology that it
believes could revolutionise the oil industry. New Zealand
scientists see way to replace oil (posted 12/10/04) New Zealand scientists have found a
breakthrough method of purifying hydrogen, using iron sands, which may help the
world to develop a clean-burning replacement for oil. Nigeria and
Swiss banks fund crude oil theft (posted 12/10/04) More disturbing revelations are
emerging at the on-going probe of the missing MT African Pride by the House of
Representatives. Besides security agencies, local and foreign banks have been
fingered in the nefarious activities of bunkering ships. NUCLEAR SITE GETS
INITIAL NOD (posted 12/10/04) Federal regulators have reached a preliminary conclusion that
there are no environmental reasons to prevent an early site permit for the North
Anna nuclear power station. Ohio in race
to develop fuel cell technology (posted 12/10/04) The technology is so promising for the future that nearly every state wants
to be a part of it. Oil
pollution is killing once-rich bird population (posted 12/10/04) Heart wrenching images of birds
struggling to free themselves from oil has become more common in Atlantic
Canada, where environmentalists say illegal oil dumping is killing hundreds of
thousands of birds. Oil
products dominate Africa's exports to US (posted 12/10/04) A report by the US Department of
Commerce reveal that petroleum products accounted for 80 % of all the AGOA
exports. Oil:
What's Russia really sitting on? (posted 12/10/04) With oil still hovering near $ 50 a
barrel, the last thing people want to hear is that there's even less of the
stuff out there than previously thought. Oil unites China
and Taiwan (posted 12/10/04) Despite one of the most strained
cross-strait relations for more than half a century, China and Taiwan have been
increasingly trading in refined petroleum products recently. OPEC
agrees cut in physical supply, no ceiling change: delegate (posted
12/10/04) OPEC ministers meeting in Cairo have agreed to rein in some 1-mil b/d of
crude supply and bring production back in line with their self-imposed
ten-member output ceiling of 27-mil b/d OPEC
ministers agree to rein in 1-mil b/d oil oversupply (posted
12/10/04) The decision is expected to remove around 1-mil b/d of excess production
above quota levels from world markets, he said. Worried by the sharp fall in
world oil prices in recent weeks OPEC believes
dollar is the best (posted 12/10/04) OPEC president Purnomo Yusgiantoro said
the cartel won't adopt the euro to replace the dollar as the currency for oil
sales, explaining that countries which are OPEC members have different markets. Pa.'s cleaner
energy plan (posted 12/10/04) The Alternative Energy Bill requires utilities to get 18
percent of their electricity from alternative energy sources by 2020. Utilities
must get 8 percent of their electricity from so-called "Tier One"
sources that include wind, solar and biomass. PGE
Announces Its Largest-Ever Renewable Wind Power Purchase (posted
12/10/04) "We are pleased to be delivering more renewable energy to our
customers at an affordable price and we trust PPM Energy's record as a reliable
and responsible power supplier, Pilot project
to collect edible oil for biodiesel (posted 12/10/04) A pilot project to collect used edible
oil from households, which will in turn be transformed into biodiesel, is
expected to start in January, Environment Minister George Pullicino said.
Speaking at Edible Oil Refining Company, in Marsa, Malta -- the company which is
already collecting oil from catering establishments, as well as lards and animal
remains from the abattoir and transforming them into biodiesel Potential for
Wind Power Said Great in Plains States (posted 12/10/04) A California businessman said Monday that the Dakotas and Nebraska could
become highly profitable havens for the largest wind farms in the nation over
the next decade or two. Preparing for
Continuity (posted 12/10/04) With another winter upon us, it's a good time to America's utilities to plan
ahead for summer. As we all know, the "dog days" of summer are
anything but for utilities; with power consumption soaring to new heights in
lockstep with the thermometer, the nation’s aging power grid is often pushed
beyond its limits. Russia and
Venezuela to pool resources in oil exploration (posted 12/10/04) "Russia and Venezuela have
excellent and extensive resources and serious experience and may be regarded as
leading world oil exporters," Putin said. Russia boosts oil
production (posted 12/10/04) As of November 25, 2004, oil and gas
condensate production grew 9 %, or 34.9 mm tons, in Russia. Oil exports amounted
to 163.9 mm tons, which is an 18.1-% annual increase. Saudi Arabia
is finding a new friend in Asia (posted 12/10/04) Saudi Arabia is looking for new friends
and finding them -- in Asia. The oil-rich kingdom feels spurned and disliked by
its traditional close allies in the West; ties have never been quite as warm
since Sept. 11, 2001. Solar energy
changes life of Tibetans (posted 12/10/04) Inspired by science and technology,
Tibetans, who have long adored the sun as a god, are now putting their deity to
work. South Korea
becomes more self-sufficient in oil (posted
12/10/04) South Korea is becoming increasingly
self-sufficient in oil as local firms become more involved in overseas oil
development projects, Southwest
Gas Proposes General Rate Increase (posted 12/10/04) Southwest Gas Corporation (NYSE: SWX) has filed a request
with the Arizona Corporation Commission (Commission) to increase its authorized
operating revenues by $70.8 million. Study:
Return of Wolves Changes Ecosystem (posted 12/10/04) a growing body of evidence suggests that killing off predators such as wolves
and grizzly bears in the last century started a cascade of effects that threw
ecosystems out of balance. Switzerland
imports power Oct 03-Sep 04 as hydro output falls (posted
12/10/04) Switzerland failed to live up to its traditional role as a net exporter of
electricity in the hydro year The
dragon in Central Asia: The hunt for friends, and oil (posted
12/10/04) In just over a decade, China -- with
its booming economy and growing political clout -- has become a major player in
the region. The
Energy Challenge 2004 - Other Renewables and Demand (posted
12/10/04) In addition to wind and solar, there are some other renewable resources that
will make an energy contribution during this century, but they are vastly
outweighed by the potential for demand reduction through efficiency and
conservation. US
dependence on Saudi oil: Political rhetoric and hard facts (posted
12/10/04) First of all, let's get one thing
straight. Saudi Arabia doesn't "produce" oil", it extracts it.
Any country's "oil production" is really its oil extraction. That one
phrase alone -- "produce oil" -- has created real havoc in world
political and economic circles. US refiners get
rid of sour oil (posted 12/10/04) In a year that has seen oil prices
reach record highs, it may seem odd that producers have been offering discounts
to get rid of the stuff. But that has been happening with crude oil known as
"heavy sour," which is different from the "light sweet
crude" whose per-barrel price is most often quoted as the price of oil. Wind
energy has pluses -- and minuses (posted 12/10/04) On the one hand, we clearly need to
develop clean, sustainable and home-grown sources of energy if we are to solve
our environmental problems and achieve independence from foreign sources. On the
other hand... Beacon Power
Tests Solar Energy Storage (posted 12/09/04) A new project in New York will put their energy storage systems to the test
as a solution to power grid blackouts. Canadians
willing to pay more for green power (posted 12/09/04) A national poll suggests that 87% of Canadian voters support green power as a
source of electricity. Dairy Methane
Used in Fuel Cell Trials (posted 12/09/04) "Powerco recognizes that this technology shows the potential of
distributed generation around the world - electricity generated at the point of
use rather than through centralized systems and extensive transmission
networks." Emerging
renewables to provide 1% of global energy by 2030, says ExxonMobil (posted
12/09/04) The growth in wind and solar will be 10% “mainly because of subsidies and
related mandates,” predicts one of the largest oil companies in the world. Evergreen
Solar Pushes the Micron Barrier (posted 12/09/04) "...(the company) has demonstrated in its pilot operations that it
can manufacture wafers using one third of the silicon required by conventional
methods." Final report
urges greater use of renewables (posted 12/09/04) Wisconsin should increase its reliance on renewables to 10% within the next
decade, according to a task force created by the state governor. Flying the
Friendly Fuel Cell Skies (posted 12/09/04) United Nations (UN) Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous
Goods to allow the transport of methanol cartridges for fuel cells on board
passenger aircraft. Green
power customers increase 23% in U.S. (posted 12/09/04) The United States had 6,813 net-metered electric customers last year, up 23%
from 4,472 in 2002. Harness
Winds of Change; New Lines Planned to Carry Clean Power (posted
12/09/04) Southern California Edison is proposing to run new 500,000-volt lines between
west Lancaster, Valencia, Acton and Tehachapi to serve a huge expansion of
Antelope Valley wind-energy farms. Industry aims
to build new nuclear plants earlier (posted 12/09/04) The future looks promising for the construction of the next generation of
nuclear power plants Japan retains
global lead in solar PV capacity (posted 12/09/04) Japan remains the leading country in the world for solar PV, both in terms of
new installations and per-capita capacity. More Federal
Money Needed for Energy Security (posted 12/09/04) Future energy security will require development of new nuclear power plants,
coal that is less polluting and tougher federal requirements on automobile fuel
economy, a nonpartisan panel of energy experts says. New Mexico
pushes wind power development (posted 12/09/04) New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson wants to develop more wind power in his state
and market it to other states in the West. Nuclear
plant shut down after small steam leak in Jenkinsville, S.C. (posted
12/09/04) Scana Corp. shut down its nuclear power plant in the Midlands Monday,
immediately after discovering a small steam leak. Nuclear Waste
Initiative Targeted (posted 12/09/04) The Bush administration is challenging Initiative 297, a ban on additional
nuclear waste imports to Hanford that was approved by 69 percent of Washington
state voters on Nov. 2. Only
one utility relies on renewables, says WWF report (posted
12/09/04) Only one of the major electric utilities in the world is
using renewable energy to address the threat of climate change. Ontario
Establishes Renewable Fuels Requirement (posted 12/09/04) "With this announcement, all of Ontario can ride renewable." OPEC
ministers support curbing excess supply, see quota cut ahead (posted
12/09/04) OPEC ministers arriving in Cairo Thursday a day ahead of the group's formal
conference gave near-unanimous support to a move to rein in excess production
above nominal output quotas in response to the recent fall in oil prices. OPEC output
needs to stay at current level (posted 12/09/04) OPEC should not move to curb output levels at its meeting Friday in Cairo,
the head of the US Department of Energy's statistical division said Thursday.
"I think given where inventories are, OPEC production needs to stay where
it is. PA
Governor Rendell Signs Measure Mandating Clean-Energy Portfolio Standard (posted
12/09/04) Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell today signed into law a clean-energy
portfolio standard that will cut energy costs, promote economic development and
encourage technologies to protect and restore the environment by ensuring more
electricity generation comes from environmentally beneficial resources. Putting the
Pieces Back Together (posted 12/09/04) Scientists think that our species, Homo sapiens, emerged about 100,000 years
ago somewhere in Africa. Red Tide Algae
Lurks in Gulf Coast (posted 12/09/04) "It looks almost the size of a small state. It really is a large area of
bloom," "I'd have to say that this is the largest red tide bloom that
I have ever seen." San Francisco
has potential to capture lead in renewables (posted 12/09/04) The west coast city of San Francisco is “uniquely positioned” to capture
one of the fastest-growing investment categories in North America – the clean
energy sector. US
EIA sees 1.8% average annual increase in US power use to 2025 (posted
12/09/04) Total US electricity consumption, including both purchases from power U.S.
Wind Farming, Inc. Executes Options to Acquire New Energy and Environmental
Technologies (posted 12/09/04) USWF has executed options to acquire several new recently developed
technologies relating to the energy and environmental industry. Washington
Utility Moves on New Wind Project (posted 12/09/04) Puget Sound Energy announced its second wind power project in Washington
State, bringing the utility's proposed ownership of wind energy to nearly 400 MW Wind
group estimates that turbines kill 3.1 birds per MW capacity (posted
12/09/04) Each wind turbine in the United States is responsible for killing 2.3 birds
per year, according to a national industry group set up to monitor avian
fatalities. Killer
heatwave due to emissions (posted 12/08/04) The record-breaking European heatwave in the summer of 2003, which was linked
to almost thirty thousand deaths around the continent, was mostly down to
greenhouse gas emissions from human activity EU steps up
pressure in Argentina (posted 12/08/04) The meeting has brought together ministers and
senior representatives from almost 200 countries, and is primarily looking at
the successful implementation of Kyoto, along with ways to support developing
countries in dealing with the effects of climate change. Energy
companies failing on renewables (posted 12/08/04) A new report by conservation group WWF claims
that power companies around the world are not putting enough investment into
renewable and clean energy sources in order to reduce their environmental
impact. Beckett
outlines climate change threat (posted 12/08/04) Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett has spoken of
the dangers of ‘unchecked’ climate change, at a conference this week.
Coastal erosion, rising temperatures and extreme weather conditions were all
outlined as likely outcomes of the global problem. Panel
issues US energy plan pushing production, conservation (posted
12/08/04) A bipartisan group of US energy experts Wednesday released a broad energy
strategy aimed at ending what the group's chairman described as the
"political and regional polarization" that has prevented the US from
"adopting sensible approaches" to the country's biggest energy
problems. GE executive
says US policy discourages renewable energy industry (posted
12/08/04) Steven Zwolinski said US policy breeds instability for renewable energy UK set to miss
own target of 20% CO2 cuts by 2010: Beckett (posted 12/08/04) The UK government is set to miss its own target of cutting carbon dioxide
emissions by 20% below 1990 levels by 2010, it said Wednesday. "We will
not, on the basis of current policies alone, achieve our ambitious 2010 domestic
goal of a 20% cut in carbon dioxide emissions," Margaret Beckett, the
environment secretary, said Wednesday. US government
unable to assess reliability of power grid (posted 12/08/04) Changes in the US power industry have outpaced the federal government's
ability to verify that existing and planned transmission capability is adequate
"to keep the lights on," the US Energy Information Administration said
in a report Tuesday. High gas
inventories prompt US EIA to cut price projections (posted 12/08/04) Pointing to "continued high natural gas inventories," the US Energy 'Greens'
sue Corps for avoiding ruling that blocked NWP 21 (posted 12/08/04) "The Corps has allowed (the coal industry) to obliterate hundreds of
miles of Appalachian waterways, and apparently, a court order wasn't enough to
stop them." British
Gas launches eco-friendly tariff (posted 12/08/04) BRITISH GAS will today become the first power company to link energy
efficiency directly to customer bills with an offer to freeze prices for three
years for households that sign up to a new environmentally-friendly tariff. Utility's
cooperation makes good sense (posted 12/08/04) Cinergy is wise to participate in fashioning greenhouse gas regulations
instead of fighting them. Green utility
lowers its rates to match giant Texas competitor (posted 12/08/04) Until now, consumers who wanted the company's pollution-free power plans had
to pay several dollars more a month over TXU, the area's incumbent provider. Search
is on for flaws deep in the heart of Surry, Va., nuclear reactor (posted
12/08/04) Deep inside the water-filled nuclear reactor, a robotic inspector poked its
sensor-tipped arm into a pipe to scan for cracks thinner than a human hair. Duke
nuclear unit returning to service (posted 12/08/04) Duke Energy
Corp.'s Catawba 1 nuclear unit outside Rock Hill has begun to return to service
after the plant shut down unexpectedly Sunday. Proposals
renew debate over Calif's electricity future (posted 12/08/04) Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger met with top energy aides late last week and is
expected to make public soon a detailed version of the pro-deregulation plan he
laid out during the recall campaign. Congress Acts
to Preserve Money for Environmental Farming (posted 12/08/04) The House voted Monday to protect aid to farmers who convert to
environmentally sound practices. 'Hero
of the Planet' Engineer Puts 'Green' Mark (posted 12/08/04) McDonough is turning the high-flown ideal into reality. He has overseen the
design of everything from biodegradable carpets to green buildings and from Nike
shoe recipes to, now, whole cities in China. Japanese
Automakers Continue to Produce Greenest Vehicles (posted 12/08/04) Japanese manufacturers continue to make the cleanest-burning vehicles, but
automakers are generally doing a poor job in lowering emissions that contribute
to global warming North
Carolina 'Tinkerer' Recycles Automotive Antifreeze (posted 12/08/04) Millions of gallons of antifreeze drained from car radiators and industrial
cooling systems are considered hazardous waste and can't legally be poured into
sewers or the environment. Protests Cut
Deeper Into Nigerian Oil Output (posted 12/08/04) Protests at
three Nigerian oil platforms cut deeper into output from the world's eighth
largest exporter on Tuesday US Automakers
Challenge California Emission Rules (posted 12/08/04) The suit
challenges California's legal authority to regulate motor vehicle fuel economy,
the industry group said. Pipe Damage
Blamed For Slow Return Of US Gulf Oil (posted 12/08/04) Extensive
pipeline damage triggered by mudslides and the pounding from a 75-foot rogue
wave are the chief reasons for the sluggish return of oil and gas production in
the Gulf of Mexico after September's Hurricane Ivan, a government official said. Kyoto
Revitalizes US Climate Bill (posted 12/08/04) A US
Senate bill that would attempt to slow global climate change by limiting
greenhouse gas emissions has a better chance of becoming law now that the Kyoto
protocol has been ratified by Russia Honda
Gets 'Greenest' Award From US Group (posted 12/08/04) Japanese
automakers produce the cleanest-burning vehicles and they were led in the 2003
model year by Honda Motor Co., while General Motors Corp. placed dead last. US
Workers' Group Says EPA Censors Comments (posted 12/08/04) The US
Environmental Protection Agency censored warnings that a Bush administration
plan to build roads in national forests could harm drinking water, a group
representing government workers said on Monday. Idaho Looks
for Creative Ways to Buy Water (posted 12/07/04) Idaho water officials will ask farmers to make an offer if they want to sell
water Mars
Once had Water, Researchers Conclude (posted 12/07/04) There is undeniable proof that water once existed on the planet Mars, a team
of researchers has concluded in a series of 11 articles this week in a special
issue of the journal Science. Arizona May
Deal Water to Nevada (posted 12/07/04) Nevada could take as much as 1.25 million acre-feet of Arizona's Colorado
River allocation under a deal endorsed by the Central Arizona Project board,
according to a report in the Arizona Republic. Study Urges
Caution in Contaminant Source Tracking (posted 12/07/04) When a community finds that water it relies on for drinking or recreation
contains E. coli (Escherichia coli), a bacterium found in the feces of
warm-blooded animals that indicates fecal contamination, residents and officials
naturally want to find the cause and fix it—quickly. Cities,
States Fail to Utilize Cost-Effective Option to Meet Lower Arsenic (posted
12/07/04) Often overlooked in the debates for a safe and cost-effective solution to
meet contaminant standards such as arsenic–and one approved by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency–is the end-of-the-line use of POU/POE devices Clean Water
Act Agreement to Address Sewage Overflows (posted 12/07/04) "Aging sewer systems create significant environmental problems across
our nation," General
Electric to Acquire Ionics (posted 12/07/04) Ionics is a global leader in desalination, water reuse & recycling, and
industrial ultrapure water services. "Water is the lifeblood of industries
and communities around the world, and scarcity, increasing demand and rising
costs are driving the need to conserve, reuse and identify new supplies of this
essential resource, Government
Officials and Tribal Representatives Will Convene to Sign Great Lakes
Declaration (posted 12/07/04) The Great Lakes Declaration is an intergovernmental pledge of support for the
development of a strategy to further protect and restore the Great Lakes through
the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration process. Stormwater BMP
Database Coalition Formed (posted 12/07/04) This tool will prove critical as communities, departments of transportation,
and private parties plan to spend potentially billions of dollars over the next
several years implementing BMPs for compliance with regulatory programs for
protecting water quality. Eroded
Beaches May Get $68-Million Injection of Sand (posted 12/07/04) State environmental officials plan to ask lawmakers for an emergency
appropriation of $68-million to put back millions of tons of sand washed off the
Florida's beaches during Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne NDWAC's
Water Security Working Group Meeting Announced (posted 12/07/04) to provide an opportunity for the WSWG members to continue deliberations on
the features of active and effective security programs UN
Chief Voices Hope for Access to Safe Drinking Water for All (posted
12/07/04) Kofi Annan Monday expressed his hope that one day the world will no longer
have to face the dire consequences of inadequate access to safe drinking water
and basic sanitation. Dell
Foundation Awards $1 Million Grant to Innovative Nonprofit Solving Global Water
Problems (posted 12/07/04) WaterPartners estimates it will provide more than 200,000 children and adults
in India with ready access to safe drinking water over the next decade through
WaterCredit and the MSDF gift. Oil
Price Trends Through 2004 – 2010 (posted 12/07/04) The base for this ‘surprising’ growth of world oil demand, and reason why
demand is growing faster than in the 1990s is unstoppable growth of all forms of
commercial energy demand by key, large population, very fast growing economies
including China, India, Brazil, Pakistan, Iran and Turkey. Crude
stabilizes just over $43/bbl; eyes on OPEC (posted 12/07/04) US
senator calls for solutions to 'looming' natural gas crisis (posted
12/07/04) US Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Pete Domenici on
Monday called for legislative proposals that offer Retail
gas prices likely to remain high (posted 12/07/04) Forecasts of double-digit increases in gas prices were accurate, and Kentucky
Public Service Commission Chairman Mark David Goss said Monday there is no
assurance that the situation will change in the months ahead. U.S.
FIRMS SEE PROFIT IN CARBON EMISSIONS MARKET (posted 12/07/04) Many U.S.-based multinationals that do business in countries where greenhouse
gases will soon be regulated have long seen a financial incentive in getting a
head start on curbing emissions. Nuclear under
Fire in New Jersey (posted 12/07/04) The move follows complaints that the station-whose Hope Creek and Salem 1 and
2 units make it the country's second-largest generator of nuclear energy-has
deferred needed maintenance, failed to correct long-standing problems and
ignored employees who have come forward with safety concerns. Cinergy Clean
Air Efforts Praised (posted 12/07/04) A report by Cinergy Corp. that endorses restrictions on so- called greenhouse
gas emissions, should carry weight in the national debate over global warming,
as even environmentalists are praising Cinergy's stand. Sen.
Lieberman calls for new vote on emissions bill (posted 12/07/04) "It's time to think beyond oil and realize there are cleaner more
efficient energy sources," Innovative
Renewable Energy Technology From Nextek Power Systems Approved By California
Energy Commission (posted 12/07/04) The NPS-1000 offers a more efficient way to use the power produced by
renewable energy sources such as solar panels, fuel cells, and more. Ruling Nips Energy
Plans (posted 12/07/04) Dane County Circuit Judge David Flanagan on Monday overturned the state's
approval of Wisconsin Energy's $2.15 billion coal plant project in Oak Creek. Klappa said the ruling would invalidate all of the commission's recent
decisions, whether for coal-fired or natural gas-fired power plants. High
Gas Prices Lift Industry's Spirits (posted 12/07/04) High prices are lifting spirits in the oil and natural gas industry. Do
You Have Any Tips for Saving Energy in My Home? (posted 12/07/04) A University of Michigan study estimates that the average American household
could reduce its energy bills by 65 percent and, over the home's lifetime, save
$52,000 if it maximized energy efficiency. Business
Groups Beat Out Environmentalists in Spending Bill (posted 12/07/04) From an Alaska land swap to tours of a Georgia barrier island, business
interests bested environmentalists in battles that shaped Congress' $388 billion
spending bill. EPA Projects
Hazardous Waste Sites Growing in Number and Cleanup Costs (posted
12/07/04) At the current pace of cleanup work, it could take up to 35 years and $280
billion to fix most of the nation's existing and yet-to-be-discovered hazardous
waste sites US
Firmly Anti-Kyoto as UN Climate Talks Start (posted 12/07/04) The United
States showed no signs of budging in its opposition to the Kyoto protocol on
Monday as UN climate change talks began, a month after President George W.
Bush's reelection and Russia's ratification of the agreement. Shell
to Spend $6 Billion on Qatar Gas-To-Liquids Plant (posted 12/07/04) GTL plants
process natural gas into products such as diesel. Europe is short of diesel as
oil refiners lack sufficient production capacity and demand is rising. Australia to
Meet Kyoto Target But Refuses to Sign (posted 12/07/04) Australia
is on track to meet targets set by the global Kyoto Treaty to cut greenhouse gas
emissions but will still not sign the pact because it ignores key areas of the
fight against global warming in developing nations. Power-Starved
China Inks Energy Conservation Plan (posted 12/07/04) China,
grappling with its worst energy crunch in two decades, aims to save millions of
tonnes of coal and oil a year by putting "conservation first" and
making industry more efficient Energy Remains
Challenge for Bush (posted 12/07/04) Among the challenges facing President Bush in his second term is a big one
left over from his first: energy. Japan
Firms, Banks Create Greenhouse-Gas Reduction Fund (posted 12/07/04) The Japan Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund will invest in overseas GHG reduction
projects and exploit overseas GHG reductions for helping achieve the national
target under the so-called Kyoto Mechanism High
Gas Prices Hurt Some, but SUVs Remain Popular (posted 12/07/04) Nationwide surveys taken throughout the year showed prospective SUV buyers
feeling negative vibes as regular unleaded gas prices have hovered around $2 a
gallon and up. Plant
Suspends Fertilizer Operations Near Las Cruces, N.M. (posted
12/07/04) Recurring concerns by Mesquite residents over possible ground water
contamination and unhealthy air from a nearby chemical company have drawn a
suspension order from the New Mexico Environment Department Baden-Wuerttemberg
Takes Precautions (posted 12/06/04) Citizens in
Baden-Wuerttemberg that live closer than ten kilometres to a nuclear reactor can
get free high-dosage iodine tablets from the pharmacy for the first time. China's
Renewable Energy Development Strategy (posted 12/06/04) China, which relies heavily on coal for power production, is looking to clean
up their energy supply with a big Climate
talks expected to focus on future of Kyoto Protocol (posted
12/06/04) Assisting developing countries to adapt to the adverse effects of global
warming will be a major agenda item when 4,000 delegates convene Monday at
climate change talks in Buenos Aires, but behind-the-scene discussions about the
future direction of international efforts to control greenhouse gases are
expected to be a major unfolding story. Doing Nothing
Can Be Expensive (posted 12/06/04) After testimony by the
German Institute for Economic Research, worldwide global harms of up to 214
trillion US dollars are expected in next 50 years due to a temperature increase
of 1°C. In order to combat this climate change, greenhouse gases must be
decreased by 60-80% by 2100 FERC to issue
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on wind power Jan 19 (posted 12/06/04) The US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will issue a Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking on Jan 19, 2005 open meeting in a bid to create uniformity in
windfarm grid links and encourage the construction of more wind generation Forecaster
Sees Fewer Atlantic Hurricanes In 2005 (posted 12/06/04) On the
heels of the most-destructive season in more than a decade, Colorado State
University professor William Gray said the 2005 season will produce 11 tropical
storms and hurricanes, slightly more than the average but four less than last
year. FUEL CELL CAR KIT (posted
12/06/04) This new Thames & Kosmos Fuel Cell Kit provides a
playful introduction to one of the most significant technologies of the 21st
Century. With this kit you can build a model car that actually runs on water! Great
Park should follow example of energy-efficient projects (posted
12/06/04) Orange County's proposed Great Park is destined to be a green oasis -- and if
some designers have their way, not just in trees. How Global
Warming Can Lead To A Big Chill (posted 12/06/04) Global
warming could lead to a big chill in the North Atlantic, at least if history is
anything to go by, researchers reported on Friday. OBTAIN FUEL FROM WATER (posted
12/06/04) Attention Alternate Energy researchers! These people
have put together the most up-to-date Hydrogen Power plans, reports and
schematics in this package, which is Hundreds of pages in
length and over 1 megabyte of information. Oil
prices continue three-day slump, Brent below $40 (posted 12/06/04) Benchmark global oil prices continued to fall Friday, extending sharp losses Ontario
minister leaves door open on some coal (posted 12/06/04) The Ontario government has stated in no uncertain terms that, to cut air
pollution, it will shut down all 7,600 MW of the province's coal-fired fleet by
2007. However, last week, Energy Minister Dwight Duncan said that he would
consider keeping several coal-fired units on standby in case of a power
shortage. OPEC
sees oversupply, wants to stop excessive stockbuild (posted
12/06/04) a sign the group may weigh cutting output when its oil ministers meet this
week. 'Robust'
Grid is Needed to Propel Wind Power (posted 12/06/04) The Western states have tremendous opportunities to generate power from wind,
but there's a glaring deficiency: inadequate high- voltage power lines to carry
the electricity to consumers. Tokyo Battered
By Record Winds (posted 12/06/04) Record-breaking
winds struck Tokyo on Sunday, beaching a tanker, toppling trees, halting trains
and injuring at least 14 people in and near the capital UN
Talks To Review Where "Dangerous" Warming Starts (posted
12/06/04) OSLO - A
decade after the world pledged to prevent "dangerous" global warming,
194 nations meet next week to review whether rare heatwaves and a fast Arctic
thaw may signal that the planet is nearing the brink. US Postal
Service plans Bay Area renewable power plant (posted 12/06/04) Chevron Energy Solutions will complete major energy efficiency upgrades and a
hybrid renewable power plant -- including a fuel cell and two solar electric
technologies What's
moving the oil markets? (posted 12/06/04) Read more... UC Davis
Developing Prototype Anaerobic Digester (posted 12/03/04) The researcher sees the digester as a way to derive energy from the more than
14 million tons of high-moisture, organic waste generated in California each
year. A Lifetime with Solar (posted
12/03/04) Little by little, we installed equipment to enjoy all the modern conveniences
in a remote setting. Our location at 4000ft is well above Tucson, so any city
pollution comes diluted. Water is pure. Kansas Holds
Off Wind Power Development in Prairie Area (posted 12/03/04) Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius asked last week for wind developers to hold
off on development of wind energy in the Flint Hills area to preserve tallgrass
prairie. Nuclear Plants
to shut down due to oil spill (posted 12/03/04) Both units will begin reducing power Friday and then be shut to avoid getting
oil into the plant's water intake structures due to the Athos I tanker spill Abraham
confident energy bill will pass (posted 12/03/04) Outgoing Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham told members of the National
Petroleum Council he fully expects Congress to pass a new comprehensive energy
policy bill that would allow for oil and gas drilling in the Arctic National
Wildlife Refuge. Wind,
Solar Power Would Boost State's Economy (posted 12/03/04) A proposed renewable energy program would cost New Jersey homeowners as
little as $5 a year and provide economic and health benefits to the state, a
Rutgers University study has found. Massey Energy
to Open Mammoth Mine (posted 12/03/04) "We anticipate production of approximately 800,000 tons from this mine
in 2005," Sparking Fuel
Cell Production (posted 12/03/04) Fuel cell production may be about to accelerate. Two industrial heavyweights
are advancing their pilot program to generate electricity from fuel cells that
can be cleaner and more efficient than centrally located power plants. Talk Up Good Service (posted
12/03/04) Utility managers who talk about good customer
service but do not demonstrate it are fighting a losing battle with their
employees. South Asia
Stares at Looming Water Crisis (posted 12/02/04) According to U.N. estimates, about 2.3 billion people in about 50 nations
will be saddled with severe water shortages by 2020 because of global warming. Environmentalists
See Trouble for Air, Wildlife in Bush's Second Term (posted
12/02/04) Environmentalists see some of their worst fears playing out as President Bush
moves to cement a second-term agenda that includes getting more timber, oil and
gas from public lands and relying on the market rather than regulation to curb
pollution. Builders
Turn More Toward Environmentally-Friendly Products as Costs Fall (posted
12/02/04) Construction companies, Bob Vila-types and architecture firms for years shied
away from environmentally friendly products, citing high costs as a deterrent. Justice
Department to Fight Hanford Initiative in Court (posted 12/02/04) The 586-square-mile Hanford reservation was created in World War II as part
of the top-secret Manhattan Project to build the atomic bomb. It remains the
most contaminated site in the nation Power
Companies Fail To Chart Clear Course To Combat Climate Change (posted
12/02/04) Despite their role as the biggest contributors to
climate change, a new report by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) reveals that the
planet's largest power companies are failing to make use of available
technologies to address the threat that climate change poses to the environment. Oiled
Birds Wash Up on Newfoundland Beaches (posted 12/02/04) Hundreds of dead and dying oiled birds are washing up
on the beaches of Newfoundland, but the oil in their feathers is not from the
Terra Nova spill, indicating some ships crews are dumping their bilge oil near
the spill to cover up their illegal actions. Global
energy security no longer a major concern (posted 12/02/04) Concern about energy security is no longer a major concern as a result of
more efficient use of oil and increasing utilization of alternative energy
sources OPEC
likely to roll over current output quota (posted 12/02/04) US Trade
Groups Voice Frustration On Lack Of Energy Bill (posted 12/02/04) The heads of several energy trade groups Wednesday agreed that the best way
to address the U.S. energy supply crunch is to get Congress to pass a
wide-ranging energy bill. Also, they voiced frustration over the fact that
Congress didn't pass such legislation in previous years, despite an energy bill
being a White House priority. Wind power
advocates seek to boost transmission capabilities (posted 12/02/04) With production of wind power growing rapidly, the industry's next challenge
is to find ways to move the power to consumers. Diablo
Canyon, Calif., nuclear power plant may store radioactive waste (posted
12/02/04) The public could have significantly more access to land surrounding Diablo
Canyon nuclear power plant within two years if the state Coastal Commission
approves plans to build a storage facility for the plant's highly radioactive
waste. More
Mexican Cos Head Toward Private Power Generation (posted 12/02/04) Frustrated by high electricity prices during peak hours, more than 30
companies have come together in Mexico's northern industrial city of Monterrey
to generate their own power. EPA Releases
Notice of Data Availability for Clean Air Mercury Rule (posted
12/02/04) In Dec. 2003, EPA proposed two alternatives for controlling
mercury. Currently, nationwide mercury emissions from power plants are about 48
tons per year. U.S.
Natural Gas Prices Increase (posted 12/02/04) NUS Consulting found the average price of natural gas nationwide increased by
4.3 percent from the period of September 2003 to September 2004. Cracks Found
In San Onofre Reactor Heater (posted 12/02/04) It was scheduled to return to service on Nov. 21, but plant managers now say
it will be off line until early January Brazil
Amazon Deforestation Jumps, Data Show (posted 12/02/04) An area of
Amazon jungle larger than the US state of New Jersey has been destroyed this
year and work on a new highway is mainly to blame Brazil Garbage
Dump Could Be Climate Trailblazer (posted 12/02/04) A Brazilian
garbage dump could be a trailblazer for thousands of projects in developing
nations under a UN plan to battle global warming Oil
Tanker Aground in North Wales, No Pollution (posted 12/02/04) A small
coastal oil tanker carrying 4,000 tonnes of gas oil has run aground at Holyhead
on the island of Anglesey in north Wales Humans Raise
Risk of Europe Heatwaves (posted 12/02/04) Human
activity has raised the risk of more heatwaves like last year's, which gave
Europe probably its hottest summer since 1500. World Shame of
Living Dead of Bhopal Gas Disaster (posted 12/02/04) Two decades
after a leak sent clouds of lethal gas into the homes of hundreds of thousands
of poor Indians, the world has failed to either help the victims or punish the
culprits Carbon To
Blame For Pollution Heart Damage (posted 12/02/04) Air
pollution clearly causes immediate damage to the heart, including heart attacks,
but its short-term effects on asthma and other respiratory symptoms are harder
to document Ultra-Low
Emissions Fuel Cell To Feed Power to Local Distribution System (posted
12/01/04) an
important milestone, bringing on-line one of the first utility-scale fuel cell
power plants in North America that will feed power to consumers from a
substation. Marubeni
Announces Siting of Direct FuelCell (posted 12/01/04) Innovative
food waste digester gas power plant is first project to receive funding under
Japan's $200 Million 'Biomass Nippon' program Honda and Plug
Power Announce Experimental Operation of Second (posted 12/01/04) HES II is the further evolution of a joint development effort by Honda and
Plug Power to produce a home refueling unit that provides hydrogen from natural
gas for vehicle refueling, heat for domestic hot water use and electricity for
the home. Fuel
Cell Technologies and Siemens Westinghouse Sign MOU. (posted
12/01/04) regarding the global supply, sales and distribution of solid oxide fuel cell
systems International
‘green technological revolution’ needed – Blair (posted
12/01/04) "Over the coming decades, a massive shift
towards lower carbon energy systems will be needed if we are to meet the world's
growing energy needs whilst also avoiding the worst impacts of climate change,”
said Blair. Hydrogen
Generated by Antarctic Winds (posted 12/01/04) "When the system is fully developed, an Antarctic station will, for
the first time, be able to use a renewable source to meet virtually all its
energy needs." With Friends Like These (posted
12/01/04) "If Hollywood screenwriters are putting out this type of out dated,
misleading, and downright wrong information on a show that has a naturally
progressive angle, then we have a lot more work before us than we thought.
" Bachelor's
Program in Renewable Energy Systems (posted 12/01/04) With renewable energy technologies sporting the fastest growth rates of any
energy industry, it only makes sense that higher education would seize this
opportunity and begin offering degrees catered specifically to the renewable
energy field. Solar
Electrolyzer Focus of Hydrogen Research (posted 12/01/04) "Hydrogen is the fuel of the future and solar applications to produce
hydrogen are a good way to become energy independent." Renewable
Energy Twice-as-Nice in Ontario (posted 12/01/04) "The ten new energy projects provide 395 megawatts of clean,
renewable energy, which will reduce our dependence on dirty coal-fired plants
and enhance air quality throughout the province." Quote
of the day (posted 12/01/04) http://www.platts.com/Oil/Resources/Quote
of the Day/ Yukos outlines its
options (posted 12/01/04) Russia’s Yukos has all
but run out of options to keep its business afloat, as gas giant Gazprom looks
increasingly likely to try to snap up Yuganskneftegaz at next month’s auction
of the key Yukos subsidiary. New
diesel sulfur regs could lead to significant supply woes (posted
12/01/04) OPEC
Nov crude output rises to 30.5-mil b/d (posted 12/01/04) OPEC crude production rose by 200,000 b/d, or almost 1%, in November as Saudi
Arabia and other members of the cartel pumped more than their official output
ceiling in a bid to lower near-record prices Crude prices
slip after earlier rally on supply (posted 12/01/04) January crude futures on NYMEX and the IPE eased Tuesday afternoon after
rallying on word that Norway's Statoil expected a 200,000 b/d North Sea supply
outage to last several days. Free
market think-tank says US retail market restructuring failed (posted
12/01/04) Because efforts to restructure retail power markets have largely failed to
deliver reduced electricity costs to consumers and contributed to problems in
the industry, all efforts should be abandoned in favor of "more aggressive
deregulation After
seeing mercury data, EPA seeks more comments (posted 12/01/04) Environmental Protection Agency is considering modifying its benefits
assessment and certain aspects of its methodology. It now seeks comments on the
areas in question. Samsung
Engineering Develops Hydrogen-Powered Scooter (posted 12/01/04) The newly-developed technology uses a water-based solution of sodium
borohydride, made from sodium borate, to produce hydrogen gas. Europe
should set 25% target for renewables by 2020 (posted 12/01/04) A global energy coalition wants the European Union to aim for sourcing 25% of
its energy from renewables by 2020. Senate urges
more support for renewable energies in Canada (posted 12/01/04) A committee of the federal Senate wants the government of Canada to provide a
five-year moratorium on the 7% sales tax for purchases of all renewable energy
equipment. Wind,
bioenergy and gas could replace coal in Victoria (posted 12/01/04) Cleaner energy sources could displace both the capacity and the output of a
1,600 MW coal-fired facility by 2010 by a mix of realistic supply-side and
demand-side initiatives. Alternative
state energy plan calls for more renewables in Texas (posted
12/01/04) “All Texans have the right to purchase clean renewable energy from their
electric provider at prices that are reasonable and just and nondiscriminatory.” TVA
to pay $338 million to states (posted 12/01/04) $630 million in contracts to supply low-sulfur coal to power plants nearest
the Great Smoky Mountains. New State
Program Encourages Residents to Convert Sunshine Into Electricity (posted
12/01/04) the first rebate in Nevada resulting from a pioneering state program to
encourage the use of renewable energy. The program is called SolarGenerations. The
Energy Challenge 2004 - Hydrogen (posted 12/01/04) Widespread research on all aspects of hydrogen production, storage,
transportation and use is evident, not just in the USA, but worldwide, and
technological advances are appearing at a bewildering rate. Environment
Group Slams Power Cos Over Global Warming (posted 12/01/04) Power companies have failed in their efforts to invest in renewable energy
and combat global warming Ohio Firm
Hopes to Produce Electricity From Landfills (posted 12/01/04) A hangar at the Huron County Airport will soon be home to an Ohio company
that hopes to turn landfill gas into electricity all over the country. Plug Power
Expands GenCore Product Line (posted 12/01/04) Plug Power Inc. (Nasdaq: PLUG) today introduced three new
product configurations designed specifically for the electric utility substation
backup market. Booming
China Awash in 'Out of Control' Acid Rain (posted 12/01/04) China's explosive economic growth is outpacing environmental protection
efforts, leaving the country awash in "out of control" acid rain, the
China Daily said Tuesday. EU Eyes
British Nuclear Decommissioning (posted 12/01/04) Brussels is
poised to vet Britain's plan for a state-owned nuclear decommissoning body to
ensure it won't break European Union prohibitions on state aid Indonesia to
Formally Charge Newmont Executives (posted 12/01/04) Indonesian
prosecutors on Tuesday said they would prosecute six executives from the world's
largest gold miner, Newmont Mining Corp., over a pollution case being closely
watched by foreign investors. Norway Weighs
Hydropower Ownership Future (posted 12/01/04) Norway took
a step towards opening its hydropower industry to private and foreign investors
on Tuesday when officials suggested reforms of century-old rules favouring
public ownership of hydroelectric concessions. Blockbuster
Atlantic Hurricane Season Closes (posted 12/01/04) Everything
about the Atlantic hurricane season was big -- lots of powerful storms that
spawned hundreds of deadly tornadoes, many deaths, an unprecedented onslaught on
Florida, a huge damage toll and millions evacuated. Gas
Leaks Shut 280,000 Bpd North Sea Oil Supply (posted 12/01/04) More than
280,000 barrels per day (bpd) of North Sea oil production remained halted on
Tuesday after two separate gas leaks shut fields in the Norwegian and UK
sectors. Delaware River
Opens to Traffic after Oil Spill (posted 12/01/04) Ships were
moving slowly into and out of the Port of Philadelphia Tuesday after the
Delaware River was partly shut by a crude oil spill last Friday Bush reaches out to
Canada (posted 12/01/04) President George W. Bush's quick trip to Canada beginning Tuesday will be
short on ceremony and long on discussion as Bush and Prime Minister Paul Martin
seek to ease national irritants at a time when U.S.-Canadian relations are
perhaps at their lowest since the Vietnam War. Dollar Hits All-Time Low
Against Euro (posted 11/30/04) Persistent worries over high oil prices and the U.S. trade and budget
deficits have pushed the dollar to new depths against the 12-nation euro in
recent weeks. French
parliament sets waste policy hearings for early 2005 (posted
11/30/04) The French parliament will hold hearings in early 2005 on high-level and US
regular gasoline drops to $1.942 (posted 11/30/04) The cost of regular-grade gasoline dipped 0.3 ct from last week to average
$1.942/gal, the US Energy Information Administration said Monday. Despite the
drop, prices are still 45.5 cts/gal higher this year than the corresponding week
of 2003. Delaware River
transit reopened on case-by-case basis (posted 11/30/04) Vessel passage along a 12-mile stretch of the Delaware River closed after a World crude market has
1-mil b/d supply excess: OPEC official (posted 11/30/04) World oil markets are oversupplied by about 1-mil b/d as OPEC pumps more
crude than its official ceiling in a bid to lower prices, the group's acting
secretary general said Tuesday. Saudis
see balanced oil market, ready to pump more if asked (posted
11/30/04) Saudi Arabia was willing to pump well beyond its current crude production EU ministers
reject reducing taxes to offset oil price rises (posted 11/30/04) Wisconsin
court sends Oak Creek plans back for further review (posted
11/30/04) The PSC gave final approval late last year to two of the three proposed Endesa bears
brunt of Kyoto cuts (posted 11/30/04) Spanish power companies including Endesa, Union Fenosa and Hidro-Cantbrico
are preparing for a 21% cut in their permitted greenhouse gas emissions from
coal-fired power plants between 2005 and 2007 under proposals published by
Spains ministry of environment. Energy Crisis
Hits Small Business (posted 11/30/04) UK ENERGY PRICES have increased sharply in recent months, with further hikes
predicted. The independent gas and electricity watchdog Energywatch warns that
"thousands of small businesses are being pushed to the limit." 'Green'
eco-friendly hospital in Boulder, Colo., uses sustainable energy (posted
11/30/04) Some of its floors are made of flaxseed. It's surrounded by a wildlife
habitat, and there are outlets in the parking lot to charge your electric car. 'Green'
startups draw investors, capital from California pension fund (posted
11/30/04) Venture capitalists see green in the next generation rechargeable battery
from PowerGenix Systems. Ojibwe
Tribe, Utility Study Renewable Energy in Minnesota (posted 11/30/04) The Fond du Lac Ojibwe Band in Cloquet, Minn., is exploring the potential of
using the winds, flowing waters and wood as sources of renewable energy. U.S.
Wind Farming, Inc. to Re-Power Old Generation Wind (posted 11/30/04) The "repowering" will consist of the replacement of 2-3 decades old
technology wind turbines, some non-operational and hazardous to the aviary
population, with advanced technology, aviary friendly, GE wind turbines. Nevada
program will help fund solar, wind farm projects (posted 11/30/04) Two developers said Friday they are getting closer to beginning construction
on separate alternate energy projects that will take advantage of a new state
program. Seattle
City Council extends agreement for wind-generated power (posted
11/30/04) The Seattle City Council has passed an ordinance that will allow the city to
acquire wind-generated power through 2020. Waveguide
principle found for terahertz imaging (posted 11/30/04) Terahertz imaging made national headlines in the wake of the
9/ 11 attacks as a new approach for detecting explosives and nonmetal lethal
devices. Terahertz fields with wavelengths longer than infrared radiation but
shorter than radio frequencies are sensitive to a range of materials denser than
clothing but not as dense as bone or metal, which can be picked up with X-rays. Brazil
Indians Grapple with White Man's Advance (posted 11/30/04) The event was also a chance to forge links with other tribes and air common
grievances in a struggle that has gone on since Portuguese explorers first
landed in Brazil on a beach just a few miles away from here in 1500. International
Forum to Take up Acid-Pollution Problem (posted 11/30/04) "Other parts of the world have been looking at these issues for 150
years, and they have got solutions ... We'd like PennDOT and DEP to be aware of
these other alternatives." Fine
Particle Pollution is Cutting European Life Expectancy, Says U.N. (posted
11/30/04) The burning of fossil fuels and wood is cutting life expectancy in some parts
of Europe by up to two years, despite a significant reduction in other
pollutants, the United Nations said Monday. Hillary
Opposed to Highway to South Pole (posted 11/30/04) Work on the 1,020-mile "ice highway" from the Antarctic coast south
of New Zealand to the South Pole is currently in its third season. US Mining
Giant Faces off against Police (posted 11/30/04) Mention Newmont Mining Corp. in this impoverished seaside community and
villagers angrily recount how pollution from its gold mine has killed the fish
and sickened residents with headaches, nausea and tremors. Use of Key
Chemical in Treatment of Commodity Crop Exports Spotlighted at International
Ozone Layer Conference (posted 11/30/04) Governments Also Agree on Level of Methyl Bromide
Exemptions For Developed World Farmers Blair Urges
Dialogue With US on Climate Change (posted 11/30/04) Prime
Minister Tony Blair on Monday urged a new international dialogue with the United
States on climate change, weeks before Britain takes over the presidency of the
G8 group of industrialised nations. North
Sea Oil Platform Leaks Gas, Workers Evacuated (posted 11/30/04) Well
experts at a North Sea oil platform struggled to stop a gas leak early on Monday
after helicopters evacuated most of the crew from the installation because of
fears of an explosion. Canada's
Terra Nova Oil Project Remains Idle (posted 11/30/04) Canada's
second-largest offshore oil project remained idle Monday as regulators looked
into the cause of an oil spill into the Atlantic Ocean eight days ago Major UK Study
Sees Little Harm in GMO Crops (posted 11/30/04) A fresh row
over genetically modified (GMO) crops brewed in Britain on Monday after a major
government and industry-backed study found no evidence they harmed the
environment. Europe's
Tug-of-War on GMO Crops Rages On (posted 11/30/04) UK
scientists pronounced some genetically modified (GMO) crops harmless on Monday
but European Union experts demurred, declining to approve another new GMO
product for the eighth time in a row EU
Food Safety Agency Attacked for Pro-GMO
Bias (posted 11/30/04) An
environmental group accused Europe's top food safety agency on Monday of
repeated bias in favour of genetically modified (GMO) foods and links with the
biotech industry. Statoil
shuts in 200,000 b/d oil output on Snorre A platform leak (posted
11/29/04) Norway's Statoil has been forced to shut in some 205,000 b/d of crude output Oil
investors see $30-34/bbl oil price as fair: Naimi (posted 11/29/04) Russia's
UES board approves creation of third wholesale genco (posted
11/29/04) Russia's power monopoly UES has approved the creation of one more wholesale
generation company (WGC) and two more territorial generation companies (TGCs) as
part of Russia's power sector reform UK regulator
Ofgem says gas price probes continuing (posted 11/29/04) British energy regulator Ofgem is continuing its actions to investigate the Wind Power
Deal Making will be focus of Wind Power Finance (posted 11/29/04) By all accounts, the future of wind power has never looked brighter. The
industry has received a tremendous stimulus from the widening array of state
mandated renewable portfolio standards. What's more, the rising price of natural
gas is making the economics of wind power increasingly competitive. Plans for
National Energy Bill May Be Losing Steam in House (posted
11/29/04) After four years of failure, House energy committee chairman Joe Barton
said Wednesday that he won't pursue national energy policy legislation in the
next Congress. Congress
Approves $18 Million for Billion-Dollar, Zero-Emission Plant That Would Be
World's First (posted 11/29/04) West Virginia is among the contenders to be the site of the plant, which has
an estimated overall cost of $1 billion. United
Utilities Quits Renewable Energy (posted 11/29/04) UNITED UTILITIES, the owner of the water and electricity networks in
North-west England, is close to quitting the green energy business and is in
advanced discussions with a number of potential buyers. 'Constraints
to Renewable Energy' (posted 11/29/04) He said he wanted to reach a target of over 13 per cent of energy consumption
from renewable sources by 2010, but it presented major challenges. Foundation
Begins Photovoltaic Research Project (posted 11/29/04) a new generation of photosensitive roofing and glazing materials promises to
transform and expand the use of PV by turning whole buildings into electrical
generators Seven School
Districts Now Considering Wind Turbine (posted 11/29/04) Seven school districts in south central North Dakota are considering wind
energy to save money on utility costs. EPCOR awarded
contract for a wind power project through Ontario Renewable RFP (posted
11/29/04) "The Ontario government's RFP process demonstrates that government and
the private sector can work together to respond to Canadians' strong interest in
developing additional renewable energy," Ont.
Signs on 10 New Renewable Energy Projects to Provide 395 Megawatts (posted
11/29/04) Ten private renewable energy projects will be built in Ontario by the end of
2007 and will generate enough electricity to power over 100,000 homes annually Plastic
Solar Cells Get a Nanoboost (posted 11/29/04) SOLAR POWER, LIKE FUEL CELLS, has a strong future, but the problem is how to
make it more cost-effective. Over the past ten years, scientists tried to
substitute polymers for the expensive- but effective-crystalline materials such
as silicon, a traditional solar cell material. These attempts produced solar
cells with poor efficiencies at converting light into electricity. Sandia Labs
Working on Solar Power Farm (posted 11/29/04) Solar farms with up to 20,000 dishes each could produce enough electricity to
compete with so-called peaking power stations Energy Supply
Short of Demand (posted 11/29/04) Many provinces and regions across China have struggled with coal, electricity
and oil shortages over the past two years. Iran's
Bushehr nuclear plant becomes operational within 15 months (posted
11/29/04) "The plant is a perfect example of using nuclear
technology for peaceful purposes, but even for this, America, on several
occasions, interfered in the process of drawing up our contract with Russia.
Contrary to its claim, America never assisted Iran in its endeavour for peaceful
use of nuclear energy." Iran's
Electricity Capacity Surges (posted 11/29/04) According to "Tehran Times", electricity production of the country
is expected to increase by 3,000 megawatts in 1384 (starting March 21, 2005). Ontario Fuel
to Contain 5 Percent Ethanol by 2007 (posted 11/29/04) Gasoline in
Canada's most populous province will contain an average of 5 percent of
pollution-reducing ethanol by 2007 Yukos
shareholders to consider liquidation/bankruptcy (posted 11/26/04) The shareholders of embattled Russian oil giant Yukos have decided to
consider liquidation or bankruptcy of the company at their extraordinary general
meeting on Dec 20 13 Countries
Launch Methane to Markets Partnership (posted 11/26/04) Methane to Markets has the potential to reduce net methane emissions by up to
50 million metric tons of carbon equivalent annually by 2015 and continue at
that level or higher in the future. This would be the carbon equivalent of
removing 33 million cars from roadways for one year or eliminating emissions
from 50 500-megawatt coal-fired power plants. GTI Converts
Ethanol into Hydrogen (posted 11/26/04) Ethanol produced from corn grown in the Midwest could be providing hydrogen
for the fuel cell vehicles of tomorrow Grant
helps run Albany, N.Y.-area solar power training project (posted
11/26/04) A state authority has kicked in $148,000 for a project
designed to teach Capital Region electricians how to install and maintain solar
panels. Ontario Plans
Renewable Energy for 100,000 Homes (posted
11/26/04) Ontario plans 10 new energy projects that could supply power to 100,000 homes
from renewable sources like wind, hydro and landfill biogas Energy Bosses
Urge EU to Back Nuclear Power (posted 11/26/04) Europe's
nuclear energy generators urged European Union policy makers on Thursday to
include nuclear energy as a central part in the bloc's energy mix and future
planning. Rains Soak
Drought-Hit Vietnam (posted 11/26/04) Rains
started this week in the central region, bringing relief to rice farmers who had
faced drought since September. Fuel-Cell
Firm Ceres Powers Ahead on London Debut (posted 11/26/04) The
Surrey-based company plans to develop fuel cells for use in home boilers to
provide cheaper and more environmentally friendly heating and electricity for
the home. Asia Faces
Living Nightmare From Climate Change (posted 11/26/04) In the
decades to come Asia, home to more than half the world's 6.3 billion people,
will lurch from one climate extreme to another, with impoverished farmers
battling droughts, floods, disease, food shortages and rising sea levels. Statoil
Says to Open Norway's First Hydrogen Station (posted 11/26/04) Norway's
oil and gas group Statoil will open the nation's first hydrogen filling point
for cars at a petrol station in 2006 Could
Be Days Before Terra Nova Restart (posted 11/26/04) It could
could be days before Canada's second-largest offshore oil project, Terra Nova,
restarts after being shut down last weekend when crude spilled into the ocean. UK’s
oil balance moves into deficit (posted 11/26/04) The UK's oil trade balance swung into
the red for the first time in 13 years in September. The figures hint that
the global economy is getting back on track after the recent soft patch seen in
the US. Britain’s
energy time bomb (posted 11/26/04) "By 2020, we will probably be
importing three-quarters of our primary energy needs -- and we will need to
adapt to that Oil ought to be
traded in euro (posted 11/26/04) The declining exchange rate for US
dollars is creating economic uncertainty, particularly for oil exporting nations
like Norway. OPEC
Fund signs agreement with UNESCWA (posted 11/26/04) The project aims to integrate renewable
energy resources into the life pattern of poor rural communities, thereby
enhancing development opportunities and protecting the environment. Iran wants
China to replace Japan as top oil importer (posted 11/26/04) "Japan is our number one energy
importer due to historical reasons... but we would like to give preference to
exports to China, Iran reports
on power generation capacity (posted 11/26/04) Iran’s power generation capacity rose
by about 53 % in seven years following construction of power plants with the
capacity to produce 12,130 MW of power. Is
it raining petrodollars in the Arab world? (posted 11/26/04) Oil is just a commodity, it must be
looked at as a "means" to achieve true wealth. The mere fact that
those Arab states whose major portion of revenues come from oil, do not increase
the wealth of their countries unless those proceeds are used efficiently to
generate true wealth for all of their citizens, in other words it is called
productive capital. President of
OPEC believes crude oil prices will keep falling (posted 11/26/04) The president of OPEC, the oil
producers' cartel, called an end to the season of high crude oil prices by
stating that stocks had returned to normal levels. Kazakhstan's
oil wealth poses threat to ecology (posted 11/26/04) "Just a couple of months ago the
beach was covered in oil - we've been told not to come here any more." Pipeline
explodes in Kazakhstan (posted 11/26/04) A ruptured gas pipeline exploded and
caught fire in western Kazakhstan, killing three workers and injuring three
others. Russia’s
oil and gold reserves close to exhaustion (posted 11/26/04) the country’s exploitable reserves of
oil, uranium, copper and vein gold would be exhausted in 2015. Russia to
start reducing oil exports in two years (posted 11/26/04) Russia will start to reduce oil exports
in two years as oil production levels in the country stabilize and fall India to
invest in Russian oil and gas projects (posted 11/26/04) India will invest $ 3 bn in developing
oil and gas fields in Russia to build a partnership in the energy sector. Australia's
fossil fuel reliance means alternative energies are overlooked (posted
11/26/04) When the Government thinks energy, it
thinks coal and gas. Australia has huge reserves of coal, and the reality is
that sooner or later we're going to have to decide that like uranium, we're
going to have to leave a lot of it in the ground. China's
push for energy supplies sours ties with Japan (posted 11/26/04) China is stepping up efforts to secure
sufficient energy supplies as its rapid economic growth has pushed it into
second place in global oil consumption behind the United States, resulting in
friction with Japan over its natural gas exploration project in the East China
Sea and fuelling the recent surge in oil prices. Power demand
to keep soaring in China next year (posted 11/26/04) State Grid Corporation of China
predicts a rise of about 10.5 % in China's electric power consumption and the
country's electric power demand will skyrocket to 2.39 tn kWh next year China’s
oil demand growth may slow to 6.7 % (posted 11/26/04) China expects oil consumption growth to
slow to 6.7 % next year from 20 % this year as government measures to crimp
economic expansion take effect. China
becomes the world's second largest power generation giant (posted
11/26/04) China's installed generating capacity
totals 400 mm kW, making it the world's second largest power generation giant
after the United States. Energy may become China's
biggest inflation driver (posted 11/26/04) "Although food prices will
increase next year, energy will account for the bulk of inflationary
pressure." India should
prepare for a new energy economy (posted 11/26/04) In the next three-four decades, the
trends show hydrogen, which is cleaner and renewable, will replace oil and gas
as the world's main source of fuel, "India will be a laggard in the race
and we will be forced to pay through our nose for proprietary technology if we
fall behind (in the adoption to a new fuel era). China and EU
launch energy and environment program (posted 11/26/04) Introduction of the program is expected
to draw energy-saving experience from members of European Commission and promote
the sustainable development in China. Korean
officials pledge more efficient energy policy (posted 11/26/04) events such as the political and
military uncertainty that prevails in the Middle East, from where Korea fills
about 80 % of its oil demand, the increasing disruptions to the global fuel
supply and rapidly deteriorating environmental conditions, have all contributed
to high prices for Korea's oil. Korea has
become an energy producing country (posted 11/26/04) Korea’s dream of becoming an energy
producing country came true within 40 years after Korea started searching the
continental shelf in 1964. Eighty oil
firms in Angola quit over rising prices (posted 11/26/04) About 80 of the 84 companies officially
registered in Burundi to import and market petroleum products locally have
ceased operations due to increasing oil prices on the world market and the
government’s unwillingness to adjust prices upward. Nigeria tries
to build new economy without oil (posted 11/26/04) The price of fuel is soaring in Nigeria
and its provision is irregular, creating shortages in a region that virtually
floats on oil. Egypt
likely to become sixth-largest exporter of liquefied gas (posted
11/26/04) The country's energy exports are expect
to surge to $ 10 bn by 2010 boosted by liquefied gas exports. The LNG
controversy between the USA and Mexico (posted 11/26/04) Getting the gas to the American
continent entails liquefying it by super-cooling, hauling it here with tankers,
and re-gassifying it for pipeline distribution by warming it. Thirty
re-gasification terminals are proposed for the United States, which is Mexico’s
prime natural gas supplier. Brazil:
A bio-energy superpower in the making (posted 11/26/04) The sugarcane needed to make Brazil the
world leader in sugar and alcohol production also generates enormous quantities
of waste pulp, a source of energy that feeds the electricity market as well as
running the sugar mills and distilleries. Surging
oil prices likely won't shock American economy (posted 11/26/04) Though crude oil prices seem to have
topped out, they've risen 78 % over the past year - 23 % in just the past two
months. Sooner or later, common sense would tell us, those high prices will work
their way like tapeworms through the rest of the US economy. Common sense is almost surely wrong.
The US economy is far less sensitive to spikes -- or drops -- in oil prices than
two decades ago, economists say. Wyoming’s
aging oil fields could still produce (posted 11/26/04) Oil production in Wyoming has declined
at an annual rate of about 5.4 % since 1991. But don't count Wyoming's first
black gold down and out. The US is
squandering oil and gas reserves (posted 11/26/04) I had the privilege of listening to a
noted expert on energy use. Randy Udall raised some cautionary flags about
energy use in the United States. Perhaps the most frightening statement he made
was to say, "We are as dependent on oil and natural gas as the Sioux and
Cheyenne were on the buffalo." US has a new
vision to cut oil dependence (posted 11/26/04) Today the US is the biggest oil
consumer in the world; it uses 21 mm bpd of oil and imports 55 % of its
consumption. It has less than 3 % of the world oil reserves and this is
declining. It, on the other hand, consumes 25 % of the total world daily demand
for oil. Rising fossil
fuel prices make green power more competitive (posted 11/26/04) With oil futures soaring above $ 55 a
barrel and natural gas doubling in price in the last two years, renewable energy
is looking a lot better to many -- not just on environmental merits but on
price. Fish oil fuels
diesel vehicles in Ontario (posted 11/26/04) Maritime provincial governments should
follow the lead of Ontario, which offers consumers a tax incentive for using
"greener" fuel When will the joy
ride end? (posted 11/26/04) British coal launched the Industrial
Revolution, but American oil put the pedal to the metal. No other material has
so profoundly changed the face of the world in such a short time. Alaskans face
big gas pipeline decision (posted 11/26/04) Alaskans face a decision soon that
ranks up there with the Permanent Fund in terms of significance. Gov. Frank
Murkowski has made a proposal for the state to invest in a natural gas pipeline
to be built from the North Slope to the Lower 48. Quote
of the day (posted 11/25/04) US utilities
face challenges on BPL as regulators mull policy suggestions (posted
11/25/04) While there are still questions about the regulatory treatment of broadband
over power line (BPL) service at the state level, both US federal and state
regulators are going out of their way to say they do not intend to stifle
broadband deployment with restrictive regulations. Wisconsin
Energy takes 'another step' in plan to build power plants (posted
11/25/04) Wisconsin Energy Corp. won another round in its quest to build
two coal-fired power plants in Oak Creek. New poll
confirms Canadians want Green Power (posted 11/25/04) Eighty-seven per cent of Canadian voters support the use of
green power as a source of electricity. "It's time for Canada's
federal and provincial governments to develop aggressive policies to promote the
use of green power," said Ken Ogilvi Importing LNG
risky says rival (posted 11/25/04) State power company boss Keith Turner is damning a proposal to import
liquefied natural gas to fuel power stations as disastrous for the New Zealand
economy and its people, said importing LNG would "place this country at the
mercy of overseas forces over which we have no control". Lithuania
announces shutdown of nuclear plant (posted 11/25/04) The nuclear plant, which produces about 80 per cent of
electricity consumed in Lithuania, is a Chernobyl-type plant with high-power
pressure-tube reactors. The reactors are considered unsafe by the West. Other
Nations Resist U.S. Delay in Phasing out Ozone-Damaging Chemical (posted
11/25/04) Negotiators for an international treaty to phase out chemicals that harm the
Earth's protective ozone layer are balking at the continued delay the United
States sought in meeting the 1987 treaty's goal for a 2005 ban on methyl
bromide. Arctic States
Agree Vague Plan to Slow Thaw (posted 11/25/04) Eight Arctic countries agreed a vague plan to counter a rapid melt of the
region on Wednesday with indigenous peoples accusing the United States of
blocking stronger action aimed at slowing global warming. Good News Shows
We Can Change (posted 11/25/04) Sometimes, just when you start feeling that everything is hopeless, something
will happen to reaffirm your faith in humanity and our ability to get out of
tight spots. Last week was just one of those times. Groups
Join, Seek Action on Global Warming (posted 11/25/04) More than a dozen conservation and public health advocacy groups joined on
Tuesday to throw their collective support behind further legislative action to
prevent global warming. Drought Fans
Fears of Rice Shortage in Cambodia (posted 11/25/04) Drought has
hit a fifth of Cambodia's rice growing land and the country is worried about
running short of the staple, officials said on Wednesday. Global Warming
Fight to Get Harder From 2012 (posted 11/25/04) Fighting
global warming will get tougher once the Kyoto protocol ends in 2012 and the
world must try to get Washington involved in the long term, the head of the UN
Environment Programme said on Wednesday. Oil Up as US
Winter Stocks Stay Tight (posted 11/25/04) Oil prices
rose on Wednesday as a US government report showed heating fuel stocks in the
world's largest energy consumer remained tight ahead of the winter, despite a
small build in distillate supplies. Forecasters
Expect Cooler-Than-Normal US Winter (posted 11/25/04) This is not
a brutally cold winter coming up, but it is (going to be) colder than normal in
the east part of the United States, (and) to the South Bi-Coastal
Warming Plans Take Shape in Kyoto - Less US (posted 11/25/04) Experts say
nascent regulatory developments in both East Coast and West Coast states that
would limit emissions and form cap-and-trade carbon markets could one day force
the federal government's hand in forming a national law regulating carbon. Company Plans
First Texas Fuel Ethanol Plant (posted 11/25/04) In a state
legendary for its oil industry, a company is planning to begin construction
early next year of the first plant in Texas to make non-petrochemical,
pollution-reducing ethanol. No Sign of El
Nino in Pacific For Now (posted 11/25/04) Sea
temperatures in the southeastern Pacific show no sign of bringing extreme
"El Nino" weather conditions in the next two months, Affordable
Solar Power Benefits Thousands in India (posted 11/24/04) In India, the potentially huge market for solar energy is not being fully
penetrated due to the lack of availability, affordability and reliability of
renewables. To overcome the obstacles to widespread adoption, there is a need to
reduce costs to enable the government to subsidise effectively, train people and
provide easy access to finance. Bio-oil
Business Looks to Canada's First Nations (posted 11/24/04) DynaMotive Energy Systems and Potlatch Creations have created an alliance to
work for the development of bio-oil projects on aboriginal traditional lands. Canada
should commit C$2.2 billion to renewables (posted 11/24/04) Government should also establish Green Energy Production Incentives, similar
to WPPI but to promote the adoption of solar, wave, tidal, hydro and biogas,
with incentives structured to reflect the marginal development costs of each
technology. Clean
Diesel Fuel Will Be Available, but Costly, in Alaska (posted
11/24/04) The new clean fuels are mandated by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
rules. These rules have caused concern among trucking firms and others operating
diesel engines that there may be problems getting the fuel in Alaska. Coal to remain
dominant U.S. Power Fuel (posted 11/24/04) Power providers could spend up to $64 billion to achieve government-mandated
clean-air requirements, but the rules should not affect coal's status as the
dominant U.S. fuel source, a new report said on Monday. EERC
Awarded $2.3 Million Mercury Research Project (posted 11/24/04) to test promising control technologies for removing
mercury from coal-fired power plants burning Texas lignites. Environmental
groups seek to overturn coal plant air permits (posted 11/24/04) In their appeal, the Sierra Club and Grand Canyon Trust argued the proposed
plants pose a threat to public health and "vistas in Utah's national
parks." The groups said they are challenging two Prevention of Significant
Deterioration permits approved last month by the DAQ. EU pushes
offshore wind to meet 2010 renewables target (posted 11/24/04) European Union member states are pushing offshore wind and other renewable Harnessing
Canada's Wind Resources (posted 11/24/04) It is estimated that the wind resources in Nunavik alone could produce 40% of
the country's electricity needs. In early 2004, there was enough electricity
produced in Canada from wind turbines to power approximately 100,000 homes. High Oil
Prices Push US to Look at Oil Shale (posted 11/24/04) The US
government said Tuesday it was ready to resurrect oil shale drilling in the
Rocky Mountains, a technology heralded 30 years ago to boost America's energy
output until it failed financially. Hydrogen to be
produced from wind turbine at South Pole (posted 11/24/04) “The ultimate aim is to be able to run the station and all the field camps
without the use of any fossil fuels,” say officials at the site. “We believe
this may be the first attempt to use hydrogen as a major energy source in
Antarctica.” IdaTech
Unveils Portable Fuel Cell System at 2004 Fuel Cell Seminar (posted
11/24/04) The entire fuel cell system, including reformer and
hydrogen purification module is about the size of a large lunch box, measuring
about 12 by 8 by 6 inches. Its fuel is a prepackaged methanol-water mixture,
which provides a highly compact and long lasting source of power. Announces
International Development Contracts for Multi-Megawatt Wind Energy (posted
11/24/04) Under the Terms of Those Contracts, U.S. Wind Farming, Inc.
Will Produce Electricity and Hydrogen for the Residential, Commercial and
Transportation Industry Landfill gas
becomes first GHG reduction project registered under CDM (posted
11/24/04) The Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol has approved its first
project: a facility that converts landfill gas to energy. Maine Firms
Go Green, Too (posted 11/24/04) The temperature dipped into the 30s and gray clouds swarmed high in the sky
one recent afternoon, but the few hours of sunlight that peeked through were
sufficient to generate enough hot water for a busy night at the Washboard
Laundry. Nanotechnology
Enabled Portable Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (posted 11/24/04) NanoDynamics has introduced a new portable solid oxide
fuel cell. The Revolution 50 has been designed for a wide range of applications Nuclear Energy
Belongs in the Technology Museum (posted 11/24/04) "Nuclear energy is still too expensive and too dangerous. Huge
amounts of water are needed in a time of increasing water shortage. Uranium
supplies are limited. In Europe $1 trillion was spent on nuclear research while
renewable energy fell by the wayside." Oil Spill
Halts Output at Terra Nova Oil Project (posted 11/24/04) Up to 1,000
barrels of crude from the offshore Newfoundland venture leaked into the Atlantic
Ocean on Sunday when equipment that separates water from the oil malfunctioned One
Year Later, Green Building Proves Itself (posted 11/24/04) "This building is proof that new structures can be built without
requiring significant energy for heating and cooling." OPEC has no
plans to adopt euro for crude sales (posted 11/24/04) OPEC has no plans to ask buyers to pay for its crude in euros as a result of Power
plant's danger to farms cited at hearing (posted 11/24/04) A public hearing called by the
Lane County Board of Commissioners over the controversial West Cascade Energy
LLC natural gas-fired power plant drew more than three dozen opponents and no
supporters. Reactor at
Wisconsin nuclear plant is closed (posted 11/24/04) One of the two reactors at the Point Beach nuclear plant was
shut down last week to fix a leaking steam pipe. Renewables
receive Euro 5.3 billion of energy subsidies in Europe (posted
11/24/04) “Despite significant emissions of carbon dioxide and residual air
pollutants emanating from the burning of fossil fuels, the amount of fossil fuel
subsidies remains high, particularly for coal,” the report notes. “Support
for renewable energy, which is on balance considered environmentally beneficial,
is increasing steadily through the introduction of regulatory support
mechanisms.” Russia's
Ratification of Kyoto Climate Treaty 'Historic' (posted 11/24/04) Formal Handing Over of Accession Papers Made at
Security Council Meeting Event Marks Countdown for Global Warming Agreement
Entering into Legal Force Southern
China's Guangdong Orders Closure of Hydropower Plants to Save Water (posted
11/24/04) More than 100 hydroelectric plants in southern China have been ordered shut
to preserve water for farming amid an extended severe drought. Super power
generator operational (posted 11/24/04) China's first domestically-manufactured 600-megawatt super-
critical power generator commenced operations yesterday in Huaneng Qinbei Power
Plant in Central China's Henan Province. Compared with traditional technology, the super-critical power
generators burn coal under higher pressure at higher temperatures, and are more
efficient. UK-based
group offers Euro 1 million to renewable energy projects (posted
11/24/04) Funding of Euro 1 million will be made available to fund renewable energy
projects around the world. Wind group
calls for level playing field for renewables (posted 11/24/04) Competition is “far from being effective” in the European Internal
Electricity Market, where 95% is based on conventional power sources and 5% on
new renewables, including 2.4% from wind. Wind-Power
Capacity Reaches Record Levels (posted 11/24/04) NEARLY three times as much wind-power capacity has been installed across the
UK in 2004 compared to 2003, spelling a record year for the rapidly expanding
and increasingly controversial industry. "As soon as we have security, we will start to build
capacity. We have huge oilfields and we will develop them with the help of Arab
and foreign investors,"
energy_challenge_2004
Petroleum (posted 11/23/04) For the first weeks of the recent price surge, most writers were trying to
lay blame on OPEC for acting like robbers. In fact, as analysts are now
beginning to realize, prices have gone up in 2 stages. The first in 2003 was
simply due to the weak dollar. During that stage, the price in Euros barely
budged. The second (2004) is due to WW demand outstripping supply, aggravated by
security concerns. Iraqi southern
oil exports to resume fully (posted 11/23/04) "When it was fixed we will tell you." US Congress
says FERC has sole jurisdiction over LNG terminals (posted 11/23/04) The US Congress, responding to the California Public Utilities Commission's Former PSC
Chairmen Call on Legislature to Fix Broken Electric Choice Law (posted
11/23/04) Two former Michigan Public Service Commission (PSC) chairmen
-- Dan Demlow and Steven Fetter -- have joined leaders of Citizens for Long-term
Energy Affordability and Reliability (CLEAR) to urge legislators to address
structural problems with the current electric choice system. Full steam ahead (posted
11/23/04) The chemical industry has been a major consumer of electricity since the
1930s, and for all this time, it's also been a user of combined heat and power
plants. The technology makes perfect sense - chemical plants invariably consume
large amounts of steam, all year round, as the main method of providing heat to
the process. Speaker touts
alternative power (posted 11/23/04) The family harnesses its own power not only because of
the costs of electricity, but because they say it's better for the environment.
Nicholson said the emissions generated by energy plants hurt the environment,
and he wanted to come up with a way to not contribute to that system. More
wind, solar power on the way (posted 11/23/04) By the year 2020, 18 percent of Pennsylvania's energy
will have to come from alternative sources - such as wind, solar and waste coal
- under a bill passed Saturday night by the House and Senate. Research May
Lead To Improved Fuel Cell Design (posted 11/23/04) Produced images revealing
how water behaves inside hydrogen fuel cells. Hydrogen fuel cells generate
electricity through simple chemical reactions. Hydrogen molecules pumped into
one side of a fuel cell react with platinum, breaking into constituent protons
and electrons. The electrons leave the fuel cell via wire to power a computer or
propel a car, before returning to the oxygen side of the fuel cell. DOE to
miss its Yucca deadline (posted 11/23/04) It was the first time the department has said it
will not meet its goal of turning in the application by the end of 2004. Russia,
South Africa sign atomic energy cooperation agreement (posted 11/23/04) "The agreement permits the supply of nuclear energy
technology for peaceful purposes, in particular medicine Solar Plan
Energizes Cathedral City (posted 11/23/04) Cathedral City has become the first city in the Coachella Valley to
capitalize on a resource that has been available to all the valley cities since,
well, eons before they existed as municipalities. Mercury
Control Costs Could Damage Industry (posted 11/23/04) Technology isn't readily available to control mercury emissions from power
plants. Some energy officials see movement toward mercury regulations as
premature and costly to West Virginia power stations, the coal industry and
recipients of coal-severance tax revenues. Canada's
Terra Nova Oil Project Shut After Spill (posted 11/23/04) Canada's
second-largest offshore oil project, Terra Nova, has been shut down after a
mechanical problem caused oil to spill into the Atlantic Ocean Ship
Malfunction Causes Oil Spill off Egypt Coast (posted 11/23/04) A Maltese
tanker leaked oil into the Mediterranean off Egypt's north coast on Saturday
because of a technical problem. Local authorities were cleaning up the
spill and had no plans to close ports on Egypt's Mediterranean coast. Indonesians
Protest Against Garbage Dump (posted 11/23/04) Indonesian
police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse hundreds of demonstrators
who blocked roads and set buildings ablaze in protest against a new garbage
processing centre in their neighbourhood. Biofuels Seen
Key to UK Farming Future (posted 11/23/04) Biofuels
could become a major revenue earner for Britain's arable farmers within 5-10
years, but much will depend on government support. Activists
to Race Giant "Floating Faeces" Down Thames (posted 11/23/04) Two teams
of rowers wearing gas masks and each towing a giant inflatable representing
faeces will race each other down the River, to protest what they see as a lack
of investment in London's antiquated sewers. North Dakota
Experimental Forest a Surprise Success (posted 11/23/04) The 636-acre Denbigh Experimental Forest was established in 1931 by the
federal government to test which types of trees would survive the harsh climate
and sandy soils of the upper Midwest. Religion Can
Be Powerful Tool for Protecting Ecology (posted 11/23/04) Religion can be used to mobilize people to protect the environment because
spirituality is closely linked to nature, members of a panel on faith-based
conservation said last week. Asian CEOs
Warned of Threat from Climate Change (posted 11/23/04) More severe tropical cyclones, heatwaves and a dramatic shift in rainfall
patterns could batter Asia by the end of the century as its factories boom, a
leading climate expert told Asian chief executives on Friday. Congress
Considering Destructive Water Bill in Lame Duck Session (posted 11/23/04) lawmakers are considering passage of a fiscally
wasteful and environmentally destructive authorization of water projects at a
time of record-breaking deficits, the National Wildlife Federation warned today. No Evidence
Ozone Layer is Recovering (posted 11/23/04) Mexico's Nobel Prize-winning chemist Mario Molina said Friday that despite
recent measures scientists still don't have evidence that the ozone layer is
recovering. Great Lakes
Region Ponders How to Keep Its Precious Waters Safe (posted 11/23/04) When a Canadian company floated the idea of hauling Lake Superior water
aboard huge tankers to parched sections of Asia, the reaction hereabouts
resembled the fury of the region's infamous November gales. Controlled
Flood Set at Grand Canyon (posted 11/23/04) Officials plan to release a controlled flood, opening four giant steel tubes
at the base of the dam and sending a torrent down the Colorado and into the
canyon. An estimated 800,000 metric tons of sediment will be stirred up during
its 90-hour run. Seven years or 70 (posted
11/23/04) A team of
Australian scientists expects their work with titanium oxide ceramics said to
harvest sunlight and split water to produce hydrogen fuel Keeping the
lights on no longer cuts it (posted 11/23/04) Normally we think
of reliability as keeping the lights on but that's not enough in a digital
economy, EPRI CEO Kurt Yeager told us. What does
electrifying the world really mean? (posted 11/23/04) "Civilizations
and basically all living species ultimately depend on energy. Approaching Zero (posted
11/22/04) Imagine living in a home where the electricity meter sometimes runs backward,
making you a net producer of electricity. As
Ice Thaws, Arctic Peoples at Loss for Words (posted 11/22/04) Many
indigenous languages have no words for legions of new animals, insects and
plants advancing north as global warming thaws the polar ice and lets forests
creep over tundra. Conservation
Goals Are Plan for Success (posted 11/22/04) Northwest utilities and their customers have reduced projected demand for
electricity by 2,500 megawatts over the last 20 years. That's enough juice to
light up two and a half cities the size of Seattle. Danish
energy industry sets renewables target of 30% by 2025 (posted 11/22/04) Denmark's energy industry has set itself the target to increase the share of
energy from renewable sources in the Danish energy sector to 30% by 2025 from
the current 12% Declining
coal stockpiles to boost gas demand: Jefferies analyst (posted 11/22/04) Coal inventories are being depleted more quickly than they can be
replenished, which means some electric utilities increasingly will rely on
underutilized gas-fired generators Electric
Utilities Eye Broadband Rollouts (posted 11/22/04) Executives at some electric utilities pointed last week to a variety of
potential IT and business benefits that could be gained from emerging broadband
over power line (BPL) capabilities, including improved support for applications
such as load forecasting. Greens
declare war on Blair for `failures' over climate change (posted 11/22/04) BRITAIN'S LEADING environmental organisation dramatically
withdrew support from Tony Blair yesterday over climate change, saying he could
not be trusted to reduce global warming. Grid West
supporters write Congress to counter strong opposition (posted 11/22/04) Seeking to win congressional support for a controversial plan to create the
Grid West transmission operator in the Pacific Northwest, utilities involved in
the project sent a barrage of letters to skeptical lawmakers this month N.
American electricity called adequate for winter (posted 11/22/04) North America's electricity producers are expected to meet demand for
electricity this winter and perform reliably, an industry-oversight group said
Friday. N.C.
files notice to sue EPA over plant emissions (posted 11/22/04) North Carolina's attorney
general plans to sue the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to force it to
require lower emissions from coal-fired power plants in 13 other states. NWF
says mercury control costs are negligible, industry disagrees (posted
11/22/04) A report by the National Wildlife Federation released earlier this month
concluded that older coal-burning power plants can be retrofitted with
technology to cut mercury emissions at a cost of about "one cup of coffee
per household per month," but federal regulators and the power industry
said the report wrongly calculates the economics of pollution controls, which
they said currently have no guarantees. Oil Prices
Regain Momentum (posted 11/22/04) Production edged higher, but the jump in production was insufficient to
offset the decline in imports and strong demand OPEC should
not cut output unless it wants prices up again (posted 11/22/04) The fall in oil prices since mid-October does not mean the beginning of a
price slide, and OPEC should not cut output unless it wants to push prices back
up again Passage of
Clean Energy Bill Revolutionizes Electricity Industry (posted 11/22/04) This legislation will create thousands of manufacturing and construction
jobs, attract billions in private investment to Pennsylvania, stimulate local
tax bases, help clean our air and water, provide incentives to reclaim piles of
coal waste at abandoned mines, spur energy conservation and actually lower
electricity prices by creating a greater, more diverse supply of electricity. Petrobras
Finds Oil Leak on Sea Floor off Brazil (posted 11/22/04) Brazil's
state-run oil company Petrobras said on Friday it found an oil leak on the sea
floor in Marlin Sul, which is expected to become the company's main off-shore
producing field. Renewable-Energy
Amendment Raises Questions for State Utilities (posted 11/22/04) From fighting the state legislature to relentlessly gathering signatures
during the hot summer months, it has been one long struggle to put
renewable-energy issues on the ballot. Russia Accused
of Theft as YUKOS Oil Auction Set (posted 11/22/04) Russia pressed ahead on Friday with the last step in the destruction of
YUKOS, saying it will auction the oil major's main Siberian unit on Dec. 19 for
$8.65 billion and hit it with a new tax claim. Russian
authorities raid homes of Yukos employees (posted 11/22/04) Russia's authorities have launched wide-scale searches of offices and homes
of Yukos management, adding to the company's fears that the government is on the
verge of increasing still further the ferocity of its assault on the oil
producer with a spate of personal criminal charges against its staff. Scientists See
Hope Amid Coral Doom and Gloom (posted 11/22/04) Even though
nearly two thirds of coral reefs are now officially endangered, some are
bouncing back despite warmer oceans and pollution, giving hope the marine
marvels are not completely doomed Shortage of
Rain May Lead to Power Outages in Northeast Thailand (posted 11/22/04) The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) has warned that
drought conditions in the Northeast could affect power generation next year. SunPower's
Solar Cells Designed Into Futuristic 'BioHaus' Building Facade (posted
11/22/04) SunPower's A-300 silicon solar cells -- which generate 25-30 percent more
power than conventional solar cells -- were encapsulated between sheets of glass
by Saint Gobain Glass Solar and integrated into the building's rounded south
facade. US firms could
benefit from Libya (posted 11/22/04) Libya's efforts to revitalize its gas and oil industry could provide ample
business opportunities for US energy companies if they have the patience to
pursue them US Plans Would
Defer Roan Plateau Drilling (posted 11/22/04) The Bush
administration has marked the Rocky Mountains as an area where it wants to see
more oil and gas development to lessen domestic reliance on imported energy but
environmental groups have been fighting the plans. Utilities
Score High in Diversity (posted 11/22/04) Utilities across the nation put in a strong showing in Fortune's top 50 list
for the most diverse companies. Sempra Energy, Southern California Edison, PNM
Resources, PG&E Corporation, Consolidated Edison, DTE Energy, and Pepco all
made the top 50. Water problems
force layoff at American Coal (posted 11/22/04) Since it opened more than two years ago as part of AmCoals Galatia
underground mining complex, Millennium has been plagued by geological woes,
mainly water and roof falls. The company continually pumps water from
Millennium. What's
Moving the Market? (posted 11/22/04) Benchmark sweet crude futures maintained their bullish momentum during early
trading Monday as concerns about the adequacy of heating oil stocks in light of
cold weather forecasts once again dominated oil market sentiment. Why
the UK energy market isn`t working (posted 11/22/04) London- The UK energy market is suffering from high and volatile gas
wholesale prices and Energywatch is accusing producers of manipulating the
market. Declining
coal stockpiles to boost gas demand: Jefferies analyst (posted 11/22/04) Support
Builds for ACORE "Phase II" Conference (posted 11/19/04) Attention and attendance is mounting for an upcoming renewable energy
conference slated for early December in the Nation's capitol. It is based
largely on transitioning renewable energy technologies from a research and
development phase to a mass deployment and implementation phase. San Diego RFP
Envisions Over One MW Solar PV (posted 11/19/04) The City of San Diego is seeking a firm, or a team of firms, to provide cost
effective solar photovoltaic (PV) electric generating systems at eight city
sites. Renewable
Energy Takes a Back Seat to Hydrogen (posted 11/19/04) Today, almost all hydrogen is produced via steam
reforming of natural gas at oil refineries. Free Solar PV
Systems Offered in Connecticut (posted 11/19/04) Yeah, it caught our attention too. It's all part of the Connecticut Clean
Energy Fund's (CCEF) new program - Connecticut's Clean Energy Communities. Energy Hiring Hot Spots (posted
11/19/04) America is digging deep for coal miners.
The Gulf of Mexico is desperate for oil platform workers and
petro-engineers to rebuild after a horrendous hurricane season.
Natural gas producers from Alaska to the Southwest and beyond are vying
for experienced field hands who can help squeeze more fossil fuels out of the
earth while prices are high and the demand is increasing. And the electricity business, well, it needs just about
every power engineer it can muster right now. Yukos
warns of further 'theft' of Yukos' assets (posted 11/17/04) Yukos Friday denounced the Russian government's planned sale of
Yuganskneftegaz as "clearly illegal," said the starting bid price bore
no resemblance to the unit's true value, and warned that selling off Yugansk at
a low price increased the likelihood of further "artificial" sales of
Yukos assets to meet "artificial" tax bills. OPEC revises
2005 demand for its crude below 28-mil b/d (posted 11/17/04) OPEC has revised its estimate of demand for crude produced by its eleven
members next year plus movements in and out of stocks downwards by 140,000 b/d Approving new
gas storage projects, US FERC touts flexibility (posted 11/17/04) Highlighting the application of rate flexibility to promote infrastructure
development, the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Thursday cleared the
way for operation of new gas storage capacity in the Mid-Atlantic and Gulf Coast
regions. Melting
Glaciers Threaten World Water Supply (posted 11/17/04) Around 75 percent of the world's fresh water is stored in glacial ice, much
of it in mountain areas, allowing for heavy winter rain and snow-falls to be
released gradually into river networks throughout summer or dry months. Brazil Trains
Environmental Police to Guard Amazon (posted 11/17/04) Ranks of young camouflage-clad federal police agents lined up in a rain
forest clearing to learn how to raid illegal mining and squatter camps, nab
foreigners stealing plant and animal species and shoot straight in the jungle. Russia
Formally Notifies U.N. of Kyoto Acceptance (posted 11/17/04) Russia formally notified the United Nations on Thursday of its acceptance of
the Kyoto Protocol on global warming, starting a three-month countdown for the
long-debated 1997 pact to come into force. Soy
Story: On the Environmental Impacts of Soy (posted 11/17/04) As of 2004, 85 percent of the U.S. soy crop was genetically modified,
accounting for some 63.6 million acres of soybeans. Canada Must
Consult Natives in Land Disputes (posted 11/17/04) In
its two unanimous decisions, the court said that while governments are obliged
to try to reach an accommodation with natives when there are disputes, natives
do not have a veto over land-use plans, and forestry and mining companies have
no obligation to consult with natives. US
Winter Weather Mixed Bag - NOAA (posted 11/17/04) Winter
weather in the United States, affected by a weak El Nino, will be warmer in the
West and cooler and wetter in the South and Southeast, forecasters predicted
Thursday. NASA's
Eyes in the Sky to Help Global Conservation (posted 11/17/04) Space
agency NASA, which first put man on the moon, will now help to map the Earth in
the name of conservation, the agency announced on Thursday. Greens
Paint Grim Picture of Future, Warmer World (posted 11/17/04) Environmentalists
forecast a grim future for planet Earth on Thursday, predicting that droughts,
heatwaves and hurricanes will become increasingly common and more severe if
global warming is allowed to continue unchecked. Accelerating
Distributed Power in New York (posted 11/17/04) "We are making it possible to accommodate even larger power
generating units, while also opening up all of the local utility delivery
systems in the state to such connections to provide more choice and flexibility
to customers." Biggest US gas
consuming body says high gas price kills industry (posted 11/17/04) The American Chemistry Council, representing the largest industrial consumers
of natural gas, has called on the US government to open up more areas of the
Outer Continental Shelf for gas exploration saying high natural gas prices were
destroying the industry's competitiveness. Biologist
Seeks Wolves' Return to Rockies (posted 11/17/04) A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist says returning wolves to the Rocky
Mountains is "a chance to undo a great wrong" done when wolves were
exterminated from about 98 percent of their range by the mid-1900s. Bush
Victory Gives U.S. Nuclear Power Industry Hope for New Plants (posted
11/17/04) For the first time in 20 years, the American nuclear power industry is
hopeful it can build a new reactor inside the United States. Construction
Under Way on Hydrogen Power Project (posted 11/17/04) The Chewonki Foundation has started construction on a $240,000 demonstration
project designed to use renewable energy to generate hydrogen and power fuel
cells for electricity production. Countries Join
Partnership to Harness Methane (posted 11/17/04) "Countries participating in the Methane to Markets Partnership are
expected to undertake activities aimed at capturing and using methane emitted
from landfills, coalmines, and oil and gas systems." Critics
raise doubts about Japan's need for fast-breeder nuclear reactors (posted
11/17/04) The building of fast-breeder reactors became the cornerstone of the national
nuclear energy policy. They use plutonium extracted from spent uranium fuel and
can produce more fissionable material than they consume. Emissions
Reductions Beyond Renewable Energy (posted 11/17/04) Reductions on the manufacturing side will come from transitioning its rail
facility in Pennsylvania from coal power to fuels that produce less greenhouse
gas emissions. Energy
Legislation: Smaller is Better (posted 11/17/04) Lobbyists left behind when Congress failed to pass President Bush's energy
bill will probably have a chance to catch up next year. Passage of the
legislation was one of the administration's major unmet priorities during its
first four years. GE
Global Research lands $11M in hydrogen research funds (posted 11/17/04) The programs are focused on near- and long-term
solutions for the production of hydrogen with sustainable, clean technologies. Green power
could generate 150 TWh by 2025 in Canada (posted 11/17/04) Canada could install 41,400 MW of green power capacity by 2025, or 150TWh
which is half of the country’s electricity generation Hydrogen Hijacked (posted
11/17/04) Make no mistake about it, the visions being mapped out for a hydrogen
economy on both sides of the Atlantic provide an excuse for the revival of
nuclear and give environmental legitimacy to fossil fuels." Hydrogen Hits the
Autobahn (posted 11/17/04) According to the press release, BMW favors liquefied hydrogen because it
boasts a higher energy density and gives vehicles a greater driving range. Melting Swiss
Glaciers Threaten Alps (posted 11/17/04) Melting glaciers caused by climate change pose an urgent threat to Mount
Everest's unique environment OPEC funds
renewables to reduce poverty in western Asia (posted 11/17/04) A project funded by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries will
integrate renewable energy resources into the life pattern of poor rural
communities. Solar thermal
capacity three times higher than wind (posted 11/17/04) Solar thermal systems provide 70,000 MWh of thermal energy around the world
which is equivalent to three times current wind energy capacity according to a
new report. Ten Honda
Hydrogen Cars on Road (posted 11/17/04) The city of Chula Vista in California has become the latest municipality to
test the Honda fuel cell FCX vehicle in daily operations. U.S.
agency handbook helps regulators support renewable energies (posted
11/17/04) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has developed a handbook to assist
air regulators to develop emissions regulations that recognize the pollution
prevention benefits of renewable energy technologies. U.S.
invests $14 billion in renewables since oil crisis (posted 11/17/04) The United States has invested US$14 billion in renewable energy technology
in the past 30 years, according to a former assistant secretary of energy. Ultra-Low
Emissions Fuel Cell To Feed Power to Local Distribution System (posted
11/17/04) Caterpillar Inc, FuelCell Energy, Inc. and the city of Westerville, Ohio,
have reached an important milestone, bringing on-line one of the first
utility-scale fuel cell power plants in North America that will feed power to
consumers from a substation. Wave Energy
Device Nears Deployment (posted 11/17/04) While more entrenched renewable energy technologies like wind power have
settled on a particular design for success -- large towers with horizontal-axis
wind turbines consisting of three blades -- quixotic wave and ocean energy
entrepreneurs are still exploring the seemingly infinite possibility of designs. White House
asks Congress to come to Yucca Mountain project (posted 11/17/04) The White House has asked the US Congress to help the administration overcome
two potential obstacles to the Energy Dept's plan to build a high-level nuclear
waste repository in Nevada World's
largest solar concentrator systems to be built at US laboratory (posted
11/17/04) Sandia National Laboratories and Stirling Energy Systems of Phoenix will
build six new solar dishes that will make a 150 kW power plant. Abraham
resignation letter says leaving for family reasons (posted 11/16/04) cited family issues as his primary reason for his impending departure.
Abraham said he will stay in his post until his successor can be confirmed.
"One of the challenges of public life is properly balancing the demands of
one's job with the family and personal commitments one faces ACC
Hopefuls Debate Other Energy (posted 11/16/04) Arizona Corporation Commission hopeful Carl Seel wants to scrap the
requirement for Arizona utilities to generate at least 1.1 percent of their
power from alternative sources. Another
Ontario reactor shut down (posted 11/16/04) Another reactor has been shut down at an Ontario nuclear generating station
taking the total to seven out of commission and leading to increased electricity
imports. Arizona
senator calls Bush policy on carbon dioxide 'disgraceful' (posted
11/16/04) McCain said he will examine climate change initiatives offered Atlantis Hunt
Reveals Structures in Sea Off Cyprus (posted 11/16/04) An American
researcher on the trail of the lost city of Atlantis has discovered evidence of
man-made structures submerged in the sea between Cyprus and Syria, Australia
Faces Weather Blitz from Warming (posted 11/16/04) Australia
could expect more frequent droughts, heatwaves, rainstorms and strong winds
because of greenhouse gas-induced climate change, the country's main science
research body warned on Monday. Chemicals
Linger in Environment (posted 11/16/04) The chemicals go down the drain, but in the environment they remain.
Researchers have found that a complex brew of everyday compounds -- from
products as ubiquitous as shampoo, bug spray and even that morning cup of coffee
-- lingers in Minnesota waters even after they're showered off or dumped down
the sink. Climate Change
Already Affecting the Global Environment (posted 11/16/04) Global warming has had little noticeable impact in Washington, D.C.
Politicians in the nation's capital have been reluctant to set limits on the
carbon dioxide pollution that is expected to warm the planet by 4 to 7 degrees
Fahrenheit during the next century, citing uncertainty about the severity of the
threat. Conservationists
Fear for Congo (posted 11/16/04) The
Democratic Republic of Congo has some 250 million acres of rainforest, most of
which has remained untouched. A moratorium on new logging rights in the world's
second largest rainforest was imposed in 2002. Democrats,
Greens Aim to Overturn Bush Forest Plan (posted 11/16/04) Democrats and environmental groups Monday expressed hope that changes in the
Bush administration Cabinet could moderate a White House plan to open some 60
million acres of federal forests to logging. Despite recent price
drop no predicting future crude move (posted 11/16/04) Despite crude prices falling almost $9 from all-time highs, it is difficult
to Governments
must rethink renewable support schemes (posted 11/16/04) Renewable energies need market-based support solutions if they are to survive
long term, an industry organisation promoting the use of 'green' certificates
said Tuesday. Great Day for Bio Fuels
(posted 11/16/04) This is a major victory for alternative fuels like
biodiesel and ethanol, which reduce CO2 emissions. Greenpeace
Hails Bayer India GM Pullout (posted 11/16/04) Environment
pressure group Greenpeace said on Monday it welcomed news that leading crop
technology company Bayer had pulled out of genetic modification trials in India
to focus on conventional plant breeding. Group
calls for ‘urban’ renewable focus (posted 11/16/04) Environmental campaign group Friends of the Earth has called for more
renewable energy facilities to be set up in towns and cities across the UK, in
order to match the level of countryside development and maximise the potential
of the technology. Groups Sue EPA
For Failing to Protect Children from Rat Poisons (posted 11/16/04) The Environmental Protection Agency has failed to
protect children from exposure to chemical rat poisons, according to a lawsuit
filed today Harbor
Research Announces New Study of the Pervasive Internet (posted 11/16/04) The study offers a complete portrayal of the adoption climate, technology
issues, business models and revenue opportunities arising from the convergence
of device networking, wireless sensors, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication
and the Internet Hollywood Goes Organic
(posted 11/16/04) Eighty presenters and award winners will receive
organic goodies including personal lubricant, deodorant, chocolate, roses and
coffee.“Entertainers are increasingly vocalizing their concern for
environmental issues, Hydrogen Pump
Station Using Air Products Equipment Opens in Washington (posted
11/16/04) A showcase hydrogen fueling station using technology from the Lehigh Valley
opened Wednesday in Washington, D.C., in a bid to convince Capitol
decision-makers that hydrogen is America's most promising future fuel. IEA'S
Mandil says market well supplied, crude to ease further (posted 11/16/04) The International Energy Agency is "happy" to see a downslide in
crude prices and expects a further drop Innovative
Energy forms joint venture to construct clean energy power plant (posted
11/16/04) The new clean energy plant will enable Norwood Foundry to generate six times
more electricity than it consumes at its foundry located in Nisku, Alberta,
Canada. Enviromentalists
Ask For Louisiana Refinery Monitoring (posted 11/16/04) Environmentalists
who are suing a Louisiana refinery for alleged violations of the U.S Clean Air
Act called on Tuesday for the state's government to place additional monitoring
equipment around the plant. Florida gas
company wants state to approve hurricane surcharge (posted 11/16/04) Florida Public Utilities Co. said this week it would ask state
regulators for permission to tack on a monthly surcharge to recover the amount
it spent during the August and September hurricanes. Foundation
stone laid for pilot sisal biogas power plant (posted 11/16/04) When complete, the power plant will generate more than 30 megawatts of
electricity which is the current total electricity consumption of the Tanga
region, one of Tanzania's 26 province- like administrative areas. Fuel-Cell
Maker Knows It Will Lose Money with Product at First (posted 11/16/04) But MTI -- which expects to be the first company in the world to successfully
commercialize micro fuel cells with the sales -- said losing money at first is
necessary when building an industry from the ground up. Global
coal demand up, mining surging (posted 11/16/04) Strong demand for coal from China and India is driving coal production to
record levels, the Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday. Global methane
partnership hopes to save 500-bil cu ft/year gas (posted 11/16/04) International cooperation in reducing methane (natural gas) emissions could Iran and EU
Reach Agreement in Nuclear Talks (posted 11/16/04) Iran said
on Sunday it had submitted a letter to the United Nations' atomic watchdog
announcing it would suspend uranium enrichment activities as part of a deal with
the EU to avoid possible U.N. Security Council sanctions. Iraqi oil
exports halted to Ceyhan as violence escalates (posted 11/16/04) Iraqi oil exports to the Turkish Mediterranean port of Ceyhan have stopped
following a series of attacks against the country's energy infrastructure as US
forces engage Iraqi insurgents in Sunni Muslim-dominated areas. "Nothing is
being pumped to the north Male Fish
Becoming Female from Estrogen (posted 11/16/04) In Colorado's rivers and streams, what scientists have discovered in the
white sucker fish worries even veteran scientists. Melting Swiss
Glaciers Threaten Alps (posted 11/16/04) Switzerland's
glaciers are melting faster than expected, shrinking by as much as one-fifth of
their size over the 1985-2000 period alone Miners Seek
Fortune In Uranium (posted 11/16/04) Uranium is
suddenly the hottest topic in the high-stakes mining industry in the
mineral-rich country that is home to the world's richest deposit. Monitors to
track air quality near South San Jose (posted 11/16/04) Equipment to monitor the air quality around the Metcalf power plant began
going up Monday in South San Jose, apparently ending a battle between Calpine --
which is building the 600-megawatt, gas-fired facility -- and residents
concerned about pollution. Natural
gas used to heat 57% of US homes in 2003 (posted 11/16/04) The second most popular home heating source was electricity, used New EU energy
commissioner candidate toes the EC line (posted 11/16/04) The new European Union energy commissioner candidate, Latvian Andris
Piebalgs, followed the official European Commission line under questioning from
European parliamentarians late Monday. "Everybody in Europe would like to
see more efficient energy use, more renewables and more and stable energy
supply. New York
widening retail competition to set major example (posted 11/16/04) The New York PSC
in August dramatically approved its long-expected new energy policy creating a
transitional energy market North Dakota
Democrats float renewable energy bill (posted 11/16/04) a "Comprehensive Renewable Energy Initiative." They say
they'll introduce it as an appropriations bill early in the Legislature. Nuclear-Power
Industry Sees Signs of a Revival (posted 11/16/04) The nuclear-power industry is laying the groundwork to build new plants in
the U.S. for the first time in more than two decades. Oil prices
continue slide on eased supply concerns (posted 11/16/04) Oil prices continued to decline Monday on the back of an apparent easing of
any lingering concerns over crude oil supplies, and with a sign of some movement
on the potential re-escalation of Nigerian labor strife. Part
1: Hydrogen as Transport Fuel (posted 11/16/04) The recent and apparently continuing surge in oil and gas prices has
stimulated fresh interest in the hydrogen economy. But the concept is
surprisingly controversial. "The hydrogen economy" encapsulates a
vision of hydrogen as a superior successor to fossil fuels for serving the world’s
energy needs. Radium—Taken
Out of Water but Put on Land and in Rivers (posted 11/16/04) Dozens of northeastern Illinois communities are stripping their drinking
water of cancer-causing radium, only to dump the radioactive element back into
the environment in sludge spread on farm fields and wastewater pumped into
rivers and streams Saudis
slip to No 2 spot behind Canada on US crude import ladder (posted
11/16/04) Saudi Arabia slipped back to second place behind Canada on the US crude
import ladder for September, data released Monday by the US Energy Information
Administration showed. Short-Term
Ozone Pollution Raises Mortality Risk (posted 11/16/04) When ozone
goes up in cities, even for short periods at levels below current regulatory
standards, so does the death rate Soft
Energy Pathfinder: Who Needs Oil, Anyway? (posted 11/16/04) Amory Lovins drives a hybrid that gets 64 miles per gallon and lives in a
solar-powered house that is so energy-efficient he's able to grow bananas in an
indoor jungle high in the Colorado Rockies. Study Links
Smog Increases to Urban US Deaths (posted 11/16/04) Increases
in air pollution caused by cars, power plants and industry can be directly
linked to higher death rates in US cities Tapping the Power
of Refuse (posted 11/16/04) In a major expansion of "clean-energy" production that may cost
less than purchasing electricity in the wholesale market, Indianapolis based
Wabash Valley Power Association Inc. plans to begin construction by year-end on
two landfill gas-to-electricity power plants. TXU
to shut eight gas-fired power plant units (posted 11/16/04) said its power-generating subsidiary would shut eight aging units
representing a quarter of its natural gas-fired capacity in Texas US
Firm to Build a Gas-Fired Independent Power in Nigeria (posted 11/16/04) "We are determined to ensure stable power supply in Kwara State as part
of efforts to boost industrialisation and provide employment US
Gulf oil output could reach 2-mil b/d by 2006 (posted 11/16/04) More than 100 deepwater development projects have begun production and new
discoveries in the last three years will likely to developed US OKs
Commercial Drilling in Alaska Oil Reserve (posted 11/16/04) The US
Interior Department on Friday gave final approval to a plan by ConocoPhillips
and partner Anadarko Petroleum Corp. to develop five tracts around the oil-rich
Alpine field on Alaska's North Slope. USEC
CEO Calls for Strong National Energy Policy To Power America (posted
11/16/04) today called for Congress and the Bush administration to
develop a strategic national energy policy that will overcome constraints to
expanding, modernizing and diversifying America's electric power generating and
transmission system. What
is the Environmental Impact of an Oil Spill into the Sea? (posted
11/16/04) According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the United
States uses approximately 250 billion gallons of petroleum products every year.
With so much demand, it is not surprising that spills do occur during various
stages of production, transportation and distribution. Coalition
Warns That White House is Out-Of-Touch and Irresponsible for its Continued
"Do-Nothing" Climate Change Policy (posted 11/16/04) The Sustainable Energy Coalition today sharply
criticized recent comments by senior White House officials rejecting any limits
on greenhouse gas emissions. Wind in Reserve (posted
11/16/04) Each year, Texas generates more electricity from wind than any state except
California.While researchers have discovered the secret to pulling kilowatts out
of wind in the Lone Star State, they still haven't found a way to make that
power source available at any time. A new process could make that feasible. Whole Foods
Mulls Push Into Organic Clothing (posted 11/13/04) Whole Foods
Market Inc. may sell organic clothes at its supermarkets, a move which could
mark the boldest move yet by a major U.S. retailer to market goods made of
naturally grown fibers. Woes of
Warming Arctic to Echo Worldwide Via Birds (posted 11/13/04) The decline
of migratory birds due to an accelerating Arctic thaw may also disrupt the
delicate ecosystems of their far-flung winter homes from Africa to South America West
Virginia is 'open for business,' coal leaders say (posted 11/13/04) The re-election of President Bush and the defeat of state Supreme Court
Justice Warren McGraw signal good times ahead for coal operators, industry
officials said Wednesday. US
coal prices soar as output declines (posted 11/13/04) coal prices are rising rapidly as unexpected growth in demand this
year is undermined by declining domestic production, according to Standard and
Poor's. A Look Back at
the 2003 Fuel Cell Industry (posted 11/13/04) "While the financial results for the fuel cell sector were mixed for
2003, there are encouraging signs that the industry may soon find its
feet." A Return to
Honest Differences in Arizona (posted 11/13/04) Lost in all the election-season debates and media coverage was any real
discussion of energy matters, either in the presidential contest or at the state
or local levels. Abraham Sees
Congress Backing Alaskan Oil Drilling (posted 11/13/04) U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham said Wednesday he was optimistic the
new Congress would vote next year to allow oil drilling in an Alaskan wildlife
refuge. Arizona
Approves Solar HVAC Pilot Program (posted 11/13/04) "Adding solar HVAC to the portfolio mix provides new options for
power-hungry industrial users." Australian
state Queensland funds 13 (posted 11/13/04) The government of Queensland has pledged a grant of A$250,000 ($190,000) to
help launch an ethanol fuel industry based in the sugar growing region in the
far north of the eastern Australian state California ISO
hoping to persuade Dynegy to keep plants running (posted 11/13/04) it plans to shut the units because of weak wholesale power prices, but
Southern California Edison and the ISO determined that they are critical to
reliability in the Los Angeles Basin Coal
to fuel big jump in energy bills (posted 11/13/04) Coal, traditionally a bright spot in the utility industry, is starting to
leave a smudge on electricity bills. Coal workshop
addresses environmental regulations (posted 11/13/04) The Interstate Air Quality Rule proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency does not include mandatory provisions for mercury reductions Democrats
propose state bank profits for renewable energy (posted 11/13/04) Democratic state lawmakers want to use money from the Bank of North Dakota
for ethanol, biodiesel and wind energy projects. Republicans say the plan is
unrealistic. DOE Keeps Mum
on Preferred Option for Uranium Tailings Piled Near Moab (posted
11/13/04) The long-awaited draft environmental impact study of what to do with 12
million tons of radioactive uranium ore tailings piled next to the Colorado
River near Moab contains a mystery: What does the Department of Energy believe
is the best solution? From Wasteland to
Biofuel (posted 11/13/04) known to us as Barbados
nuts – contain up to 80% oil. In the long run, this plant could become
foundation for the mass production of biofuel. Inuit want to
pressure US to slow Arctic thaw (posted 11/13/04) Inuit
hunters threatened by an accelerating thaw of the Arctic want to amend a U.N.
convention to put pressure on Washington to do more to slow global warming Local Russian
authorities approve northern export pipeline (posted 11/13/04) With support by Khanty-Mansiysk government, we have accomplished a part of
legal procedure that envisages the approval of a pipeline project by all three
regions Nuclear waste
reaches German depot after protests (posted 11/13/04) A convoy of
nuclear waste reached the northern German storage depot of Gorleben this week
after authorities cleared away anti-nuclear activists who descended on the area
to block its path. Oil
Fades Toward $47, Awaits US Data (posted 11/13/04) Oil prices
fell to seven-week lows near $47 a barrel this week as traders braced for
another increase in U.S. oil and gas inventories. Opponents
sound off on proposed natural gas depot on Long Island Sound (posted
11/13/04) Fishermen and environmentalists worry that a proposed natural
gas storage facility in the Long Island Sound would disrupt fishing, hurt
ecosystems and present a terrorism target. 'Risk
aversion' blamed for slow US drilling (posted 11/13/04) said that regardless of gas prices, there needs to be a change in the
"mindset" of CEOs, many of whom "are becoming risk-averse on
exploration" Study
Shows Customers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware
Benefited From Competitive Electric (posted 11/13/04) competitive market forces are more effective than economic
regulation The
Energy Challenge 2004 - Solar (posted 11/13/04) While there has been little progress in installations in some years,
technology has continued to improve, and with rising costs of coal oil and
natural gas, interest in solar energy is now growing rapidly. Biodiesel
Offers Potential Environmental, Economic Benefits (posted 11/11/04) The message at a biodiesel conference held at the Georgia Farm Bureau on
Tuesday was simple: Georgia is ripe for creating a successful new fuel industry. Boston
mayor to require 'green' public buildings (posted 11/11/04) Mayor Thomas M. Menino will require all new city government buildings to be
"green" and will begin to push large private projects to be
environmentally friendly as well. Brussels
welcomes reconnection of SE Europe power grid (posted 11/11/04) The aim is to create a single market established under the same regulatory Bush Looking
Anew for Alaska Oil Drilling (posted 11/11/04) Republican gains in the Senate could give President Bush his best chance yet
to achieve his No. 1 energy priority -- opening an oil-rich but environmentally
sensitive Alaska wildlife refuge to drilling. California
agency calls for re-powering of wind turbines (posted 11/11/04) The report identifies concerns and recommends actions to avoid an electricity
crisis that could impact the state as early as next summer. Colorado
approves ballot to require green power supply (posted 11/11/04) The state of Colorado has become the first in the U.S. to use an election
ballot to require utilities to source green power. Congo
Mine, Source of Atom Bombs, Stays Shut (posted 11/11/04) A mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo that provided uranium for the U.S.
atomic bombs dropped on Japan in 1945 -- the first nuclear weapons used in
warfare -- is too dangerous to reopen Consultant
Identifies Flaws, Suggests Remedies to Grid (posted 11/11/04) Power Engineering interviewed Dave Brown, viee president of NUS Consulting
Group First
Nanotechnology Enabled Portable Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (posted 11/11/04) it will introduce its ground-breaking new portable solid oxide fuel cell at
the 2004 Fuel Cell Seminar Exhibition in San Antonio, Texas. Generating From the
Farm (posted 11/11/04) It's hardly a major operation, generating barely one-tenth the power needed
for a typical home. But the intense sun and strong breezes that often burnish
the flat, open land encompassing Hatfield's 53-acre tract activate the solar
panels and wind turbine that help turn on lights hundreds of miles away. Small
as it is, the operation is a model of the kind of renewable- energy facility
that TVA wants to proliferate. IdaTech
Unveils Portable Fuel Cell System at 2004 Fuel Cell Seminar (posted
11/11/04) IdaTech today unveiled a scalable 100W to 500W portable fuel cell system
prototype to be introduced to the U.S. market at the 2004 Fuel Cell Seminar. Methane
research offers promise (posted 11/11/04) In
Canada, in the struggle against global warming, we've been successful in cutting
methane emissions from landfills. Methane, an extremely powerful greenhouse gas,
is 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide. New
Scientific Consensus: Arctic is Warming At Unprecedented Rate (posted
11/11/04) Ice Melt to Accelerate Warming, Cause Sea Level Rise
Dangerous to Coastal States New Report
Refuels Debate on Wind Farm (posted 11/11/04) The new draft environmental impact report, prepared over three years by the
Army Corps of Engineers, will be released in full today. The findings are
largely favorable to the project, suggesting that the 130 turbines proposed to
be built off Cape Cod would have little or no negative effect on the surrounding
air, sea, and animal life. Organic Farmer
Wins Siehl Prize for Excellence in Agriculture (posted 11/11/04) The award is given for "contributions to the production of food and the
alleviation of hunger." The Painfully
Slow Emergence of Green Energy (posted 11/11/04) Green, or renewable, energy sources – biothermal, solar, wind, and others
– are emerging, but too slowly to as yet make a noticeable impact on U.S.
energy use. And therein lies a major problem facing our economy – what if
green energy sources aren’t ready to fill the gap when the gasoline runs out,
or when the traditional electric power plants run out of fuel? Prognosis for
natural gas depends on the weather (posted 11/11/04) Climate is what we expect. Weather is what we get. Province
creates renewable energy opportunities (posted 11/11/04) The Ontario government is working to ensure that Ontario residents benefit
from clean, renewable energy sources by encouraging development of new
waterpower sites Renewables in
Europe need an investment of Euro 443 billion by 2020 (posted 11/11/04) An investment of Euro 443 billion is needed by 2020 if Europe is to meet its
targets for renewable energies Ripples
of climate change ; An analysis of studies finds solid evidence that warming has
disrupted U.S. (posted 11/11/04) Spring is arriving about two weeks earlier throughout the
United States. Tree swallows are nesting nine days earlier than they did 40
years ago. Butterflies are disappearing on the West Coast, and tropical species
are moving into Florida and the Gulf Coast. San
Antonio activists aim to ax plans for new coal-fired power plant (posted
11/11/04) Local environmental activists out to stop City Public Service's new coal
plant have vowed to start a grass-roots campaign similar to the one levied
against the failed PGA Village. Seven
states to install 1,000 MW of CSP (posted 11/11/04) Seven states in the western U.S. will invest US$1.9 million to install 1,000
MW of concentrating solar power systems. The participating states include
New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California, Utah, Texas and Colorado US
public's resistance to LNG terminals is confounding industry (posted
11/11/04) Public resistance in the US to new liquefied natural gas terminals has become
so intense and widespread that industry officials are increasingly uncertain
about how to overcome it. Iran,
EU reach tentative nuclear deal (posted 11/10/04) Iran and
the European Union's three big powers have reached a tentative deal that could
see Tehran avert U.N. Security Council sanctions over its disputed nuclear
programme Many
Species Scramble to Adjust to Warming (posted 11/10/04) North
American wildlife species ranging from butterflies to red fox are scrambling to
adapt to Earth's rising temperatures and may not survive Marubeni
Announces Siting of Direct FuelCell(R) Power Plant at Tokyo (posted
11/10/04) power plant to operate on anaerobic digester gas from a food recycling
facility at the Tokyo Nrc Seeks
Public Comment On Implementation Of Reactor Oversight Process (posted
11/10/04) the agency created five years ago to revamp and improve its inspection and
enforcement programs for commercial nuclear power plants. Nuclear Waste
Shipment Arrives in Germany (posted 11/10/04) A shipment of nuclear waste arrived Tuesday at a disputed storage site in
northern Germany, completing a journey that was marred by the death of an
anti-nuclear protester in France. Renewable
Energy, At Last (posted 11/10/04) It's finally happening. Anticipated since the 1970's, renewable energy
deployment is beginning to take off in the U.S. In summary, an unmistakable
shift is occurring. Sadly, though, our federal government lags significantly
behind these nationwide trends in policy innovation. New Mexico
task force locates three possible sites for solar energy plant (posted
11/10/04) The governor's solar energy task force has released a feasibility study
showing three sites in southern New Mexico and two near Belen as suitable for a
commercial solar power plant. Santa
Fe, N.M., energy panel sorts out duties (posted 11/10/04) The Santa Fe City Council created the committee earlier this year to discuss
city power options, including renewable energy such as wind and solar power. Socially Responsible
Food (posted 11/10/04) On this week's radio program Beyond Organic we learn how some
businesses are integrating a commitment to their community with a commitment to
their own bottom line. Swiss law
makes utilities spread renewable cost (posted 11/10/04) Swiss power companies will have to identify the source of their electricity
on all invoices from the year 2006, and must also distribute the extra cost of
renewables more evenly among consumers UK
to follow Germany’s green example (posted 11/10/04) The UK will follow Germany’s lead on renewable energy, energy efficiency
and hydrogen fuel cells, while working together to combat the wider threat of
climate change US'
Al Gore starts sustainable growth firm (posted 11/10/04) launched an
investment firm to seek out companies taking a responsible stance on big global
issues like climate change. Utilities
Promote Green Energy (posted 11/10/04) After market surveys revealed that customers of electric utilities had high
interest in clean, renewable energy from biomass, wind and solar sources hut low
awareness of where and how to get it, utility companies got busy. VOIP is under
FCC jurisdiction (posted 11/10/04) The FCC voted
today to support a petition from VOIP firm Vonage declaring that VOIP services
such as DigitalVoice, the service Vonage offers, aren't "subject to
traditional state public utility regulation." Yukos row is
damaging business environment in Russia (posted 11/10/04) The long-running Yukos scandal is impacting negatively on Russian oil H2RV
– FORD HYDROGEN HYBRID RESEARCH VEHICLE (posted 11/10/04) "H2RV is proven technology - it could be put into
production," said Dr. Gerhard Schmidt, vice president, Ford Research and
Advanced Engineering. "What we are lacking are the other two legs of this
three-legged stool - a fueling infrastructure for hydrogen, and uniform laws and
regulations that will allow its use across the nation." GM,
SAIC to Pursue Joint Development of Clean Vehicles in China (posted
11/10/04) the partners will co-develop a demonstration vehicle using the latest
fuel-cell technology, building on GM's HydroGen3 fuel-cell vehicle. Global Warming
Exposes Arctic to Oil (posted 11/10/04) Rising
global temperatures will melt areas of the Arctic this century, making them more
accessible for oil and natural gas drilling. Fundamentals
suggest oil prices may have peaked (posted 11/10/04) Normal oil stock levels in OECD countries and growing sweet crude supplies
suggest oil prices may have peaked in the short term despite ongoing
geopolitical tensions and tight OPEC spare capacity playing on supply concerns Franklin
Fuel Cells: A Powerful Energy Alternative (posted 11/10/04) As the energy crisis grows, efforts continue to find new ways to generate and
deliver energy that is cleaner, more efficient and less dependent on the energy
grid some believe is becoming increasingly less reliable. FFC has developed a
unique solid oxide fuel cell technology (SOFC) that can operate directly on
hydrocarbon fuels FERC Chief
Sees Difficulty In Passing Energy Bill In 2005 (posted 11/10/04) The head of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said Tuesday he's hoping
lawmakers go ahead and pass the long-stalled comprehensive energy bill this
month during the lame-duck session, saying it might be harder for Congress to do
so next year. EU Threatens
to Go It Alone on Nuclear Fusion (posted 11/10/04) The
European Union warned yesterday it may go ahead and build the world's first
nuclear fusion reactor with whatever partners it can find Electricity
demand to reach 904-mil MWh (posted 11/10/04) Total demand for electricity is expected to reach 904-mil MWh in the fourth
quarter of 2004, the US Energy Information Administration said Tuesday in its
short-term energy outlook. Conservation
Progress Is Possible (posted 11/10/04) “Conservation progress is possible if the president
delivers on commitments he and his administration have made to the American
people. Confronting
People in Denial: An Environmental Intervention and Psychology Tool (posted
11/10/04) On average, we spend over 95 percent of our time
indoors. Is it any wonder that we suffer our dysfunctions? In our estrangement
from nature, we disconnect our mind from its nurturing and healing origins in
our planet's natural systems. China in for
Extreme Weather as Climate Change Felt (posted 11/10/04) China can expect more droughts, floods and other extreme weather as it
struggles to balance rapid development with environmental concerns Bush advisor
claims climate change conspiracy (posted 11/10/04) An advisor to President George W Bush has reportedly claimed that global
warming is a fallacy created to disrupt the American economy Blair urged to
push US on green issues (posted 11/10/04) The Prime Minister has pledged to make climate change the key issue during
the UK’s EU and G8 presidency in 2005, but so far all efforts to get America
onside have fallen short. Battle over
proposed San Antonio (posted 11/10/04) The battle over City Public Service's proposed coal plant appears to be
heating up Arizona Judge
Recommends Against Unisource Acquisition (posted 11/10/04) Administrative Law Judge Jane Rodda wrote that the risks of the proposed
acquisition "outweigh any expected benefits" and that the deal is not
in the public's best interest Arizona Urges
School Districts to Test Drinking Water for Lead (posted 11/09/04) To keep students safe from environmental hazards, the Arizona Department of
Environmental Quality is urging school districts to test water coming out of
drinking fountains and taps for lead. Bottled or Boiled? (posted
11/09/04) For the fifth day straight the community will have to use boiled or bottled
water. Resulting from positive testing for the presence of total coliform
bacteria in the town's water. Calgon Carbon
Introduces Arsenic Removal Systems (posted 11/09/04) The arsenic removal systems enable customers to meet the approaching
implementation date for EPA regulations that lower the maximum contaminant level
for arsenic in drinking water from 50 ppb to 10 ppb. Co-Op
seals `green power' deal (posted 11/09/04) London THE
CO-OP will go green today under a pounds 25m deal whereby its electricity needs
will be met from renewable sources. Power for all its sites, from its 3,000
small food shops, funeral parlours and pharmacies to the headquarters in
Manchester, will be supplied from windfarms and hydro stations operated by
Scottish Power and Scottish and Southern Energy. DOE takes
first step to get new nuclear plant (posted 11/09/04) The U.S. Department of Energy made the first step last week in a new
licensing process designed to help a nuclear power plant get built. No new
nuclear reactors have been built in the country in decades. Exclusive
Water Economy Report Analyzes the Industry (posted 11/09/04) This Report will provide thoroughly researched insights into trends in
building out the water infrastructure, desalinization, purification technologies
as well as developments in bottled water. Gas hike a
multiwhammy Natural gas spike affects everything from heat to plastics
(posted 11/09/04) Consumers are being warned to prepare for higher
heating bills this year, but they may not realize that natural gas price
increases could affect them in other ways. Governor
Arnold Schwarzenegger Commends Orange County Water Purification Project
(posted 11/09/04) a state-of-the-art water purification project that takes highly treated sewer
water and purifies it to near-distilled quality water. Japan to Meet
Kyoto Protocol Targets by Buying Rights to Pollute from Companies in 2006
(posted 11/09/04) Tokyo, one of the treaty's biggest supporters, has pledged a 6 percent cut in
emissions of greenhouse gases, which trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere and are
thought to be a chief cause of global warming. Japan's
Toho Gas to Field-Test Home Fuel Cell System (posted 11/09/04) The environmentally friendly, highly efficient system runs on hydrogen
extracted from city gas supplied to households. Manure energy
plan becoming a pile of issues (posted 11/09/04) Amid smiles and handshakes, Lodi dairyman Larry Castelanelli's new
methane-powered generator chugged to life last week. Michelin,
Swiss researchers test new car fuel-cell technology (posted
11/09/04) an experimental pollution-beating electric car that uses a
fuel cell combining oxygen and hydrogen. New Brochure
Focuses on Products for a Cleaner Environment (posted 11/09/04) The brochure reviews water, soil and air emissions treatment utilizing
hydrogen peroxide, soda ash, sodium sulfite, sodium percarbonate, trona, sodium
bicarbonate, sodium fluoride, calcium peroxide, or magnesium peroxide. Oil
analysts unsure when production will peak (posted 11/09/04) Those who believe that depletion of the world's oil supply is imminent are
sometimes derided as Chicken Little-like eccentrics who tell governments, the
media, the energy industry and just about anyone else willing to listen that the
world is on the front edge of an emergency. Quantum Ships
First Fuel Cell Vehicle to U.S. Army
(posted 11/09/04) a high
performance, fuel cell off-road vehicle retail
competition is here to stay (posted 11/09/04) He was
"bullish" on wholesale power markets. Arctic Ice Cap
Warming at Twice the Global Rate (posted 11/09/04) A new study conducted by an international team of 300 researchers from the
Arctic Council, which is comprised of the eight nations including the U.S. with
Arctic territories suggests that the northern ice cap is warming at twice the
global rate. Eight Nations
Find Arctic Warming Quickly (posted 11/09/04) Scientists say changes in the earth's climate from human influences are
occurring particularly intensely in the Arctic region, evidenced by widespread
melting of glaciers, thinning sea ice and rising permafrost temperatures. Scientific
Assessment Confirms Arctic in Crisis from Global Warming (posted
11/09/04) The scientific findings announced today by the Arctic Climate
Impacts Assessment depict an Arctic already in crisis due to human-induced
global warming with worldwide ramifications Bush Stands by
Rejection of Limits on Gases Blamed for Global Warming (posted
11/09/04) President Bush is holding fast to his rejection of mandatory curbs on
greenhouse gases that are blamed for global warming, despite a fresh report from
300 scientists in the United States and seven other nations that shows Arctic
temperatures are rising. South
Korea plans world's largest solar power station (posted 11/09/04) Representatives from Sun Power and Geothermal Energy Co, a
solar systems design company from the United States, and Sharp Electronics Corp
of Japan came to South Korea to map out the final details Strategic
saved schools $100+ million (posted 11/09/04) The schools
are saving $25 million/year via EFS's supply deal and Lewisville's savings are
expected to be $1 million/year. Swimmers,
Fishermen Warned to Avoid Some Beaches in U.S. Virgin Islands (posted
11/09/04) Runoff from passing storms was likely responsible for the bacteria, causing
residents' septic tanks to overflow and animal waste from farmland to wash into
the sea Utah Tackles
Water Shortage with Plan To Reuse (posted 11/09/04) Responding to five years of an ongoing drought and a rapidly growing
population, the Utah Water Quality Board recently adopted a rule allowing the
use of "gray water" for subsurface irrigation. Utilities hunt for
loopholes (posted 11/09/04) Colorado Springs Utilities is looking at options to get out from under
renewable energy standards approved Tuesday by state voters. The utility is not alone. Water Research
Partnership Accepting Arsenic Proposals (posted 11/09/04) Five requests for proposals (RFPs) on projects that focus on treatment
technologies for removing arsenic from drinking water. Watts from Wastewater?
(posted 11/09/04) A new technology is being developed that can turn raw sewage into raw power. Solar PV Shortage
(posted 11/08/04) Solar PV module production is not keeping pace with worldwide demand. Heavy
Metal Fission - A Reason for Optimism (posted 11/08/04) In essence, my view is that nuclear fission is the most important discovery
of the 20th century, with the potential for more positive impact on human
prosperity than the automobile, air travel, television, personal computers, or
the Internet. The Hydrogen Economy
(posted 11/08/04) Why hydrogen? Because hydrogen is a clean universal fuel that can be used to
power cars, trucks, planes, trains, buses, boats and ships. Hydrogen can heat
homes and commercial buildings, and generate electricity. Hydrogen can replace
all forms of fossil fuels. A nation that has converted all of its power systems
to run on hydrogen will no longer be dependent on oil because hydrogen can be
made from many different sources of energy such as wind, solar, biomass and
geothermal as well as fossil and nuclear. Nuclear or Fossil (posted
11/08/04) The right package of incentives could make new US nuclear designs competitive
with fossil fuels in 2015, and carbon charges could make it the cheapest option. Researchers
From National Renewable Energy Laboratory Review Green Building Technology
(posted 11/08/04) Is green building technology all that it's cracked up to be when it comes to
operating performance and efficiency? The
Long-Term Consequences of California's Electricity Deregulation Experiment
(posted 11/08/04) While the market failure aspect of the California Experiment is fairly well
understood, the real failure is that it was one of the biggest colossal failures
of public policy in our nation’s history the payoff (posted
11/08/04) "The Payoff from successfull research in solar energy would be the
production of very pure hydrogen that is cost-competitive with fossil fuels as
an energy source. Inexpensive, high-purity hydrogen would greatly accelerate the
implementation of fuel cell technology by eliminating some of the costly
purification systems currently used. UK to push
Bush on global warming (posted 11/08/04) Prime
Minister Tony Blair has made tackling global warming and reducing carbon
emissions one of two priorities for Britain's year-long presidency of the Group
of Eight (G8) richest nations starting in January. US,
Mexican energy regulators sign coordination agreement (posted
11/08/04) The US and Mexico have "thriving" energy trade, "and our
interdependency will only increase in the years to come Wind Farms
Found to Affect Weather (posted 11/08/04) A Princeton University researcher has determined large-scale wind farms can
change the weather during the night. Europe
Eclipses U.S. Solar Shift (posted 11/08/04) The cost of installing solar energy is finally within reach for many
Americans, but people who have waited for this seemingly opportune time are
being told to move to the back of the line Africa Must
Boost Use of Water Resources to Combat Food Shortages and Poverty (posted
11/08/04) Africa needs to step up the use of its abundant water resources to boost farm
productivity and combat persistent poverty and food shortages America's
Solar Energy Potential (posted 11/08/04) Every hour, the sun radiates more energy onto the earth than the entire human
population uses in one whole year. The technology required to harness the power of the sun is available now.
Solar power alone could provide all of the energy Americans consume – there is
no shortage of solar energy. CB&I
Supports Development of Renewable Energy Sources (posted 11/08/04) The Company's scope includes fabrication,
installation of internals and painting of the 80-meter (262.5 ft) towers, which
will be manufactured and shipped from CB&I's fabrication plant in Provo,
Utah. Climate change
policy may be at fork in US (posted 11/08/04) "State programs will put pressure on the federal government to make it
look at it seriously DOE
to award $13-million to two nuclear consortia (posted 11/08/04) The money is being taken from fiscal 2004 funds for the Nuclear Power 2010
program, which aims to have at least one advanced reactor under construction by
2010 Energy
Measure Backers Show Off Sun's Power (posted 11/08/04) A solar-powered tent. The tent, with possible military and humanitarian
applications, is powered by flexible solar photovoltaic sheets capable of
generating enough electricity to power lighting, 10 laptops, a couple of
evaporative coolers and a small refrigerator.
EPA Honors
Moab Area Community As Nation's First Green Power Community (posted
11/08/04) In August 2004, the City of Moab, Castle Valley, Pack Creek Ranch, and
Spanish Valley, Utah became the first community in the nation to meet and exceed
the EPA Green Power Partnership's minimum benchmark for green power usage with
voluntary purchases. Arizona
Utility Showcases Space-based Solar PV (posted 11/05/04) A Spectrolab solar PV wind used for spaced-based applications.
Now, similar PV is a part of an Arizona utility's solar test site. Bathed with some of the greatest solar energy resources in all
the United States, it's fitting that Arizona would also have some of the best
utility efforts toward harnessing that solar energy. China Endorses
300 MW Ocean Energy Project (posted 11/05/04) Tidal Electric's "tidal lagoon" ocean energy process taps into the
rising and falling tides in coastal zones. Tax Bill
Contains First Ever Biodiesel Tax Incentive (posted 11/05/04) "It's estimated that the tax incentive could create up to 50 thousand
jobs in the United States over the next ten years. " A Rebirth for
Concentrating Solar Power Systems (posted 11/05/04) Regional, Five-Year Agreement Would Deploy 1000 MW of Concentrating Solar
Power Systems Where Solar
Energy Stands After the Election (posted 11/05/04) "We did not lose any of our solar champions in the House and Senate,
and many of those champions are poised to assume greater leadership roles in the
next Congress." Critical
Information Access in the Balance (posted 11/05/04) Over the next several weeks, NRC staff will be reviewing thousands of
documents related to all aspects of NRC regulation of power reactors and nuclear
materials to identify and sequester any information that might be useful to a
terrorist intent on attacking or disrupting nuclear facilities. Energy
Central Launches Magazine for Electric Power Industry (link
takes you to Energy Central!!) (posted 11/05/04) US
economy more vulnerable to energy prices than generally reported (posted
11/05/04) Despite progress towards improved energy efficiency over the past 30 years
the overall net increase in household and transportation demand ensures that the
US economy is still vulnerable to energy prices Power plant
will convert Florida hurricane debris into electricity (posted
11/05/04) Nearly half the debris created by hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne in
Polk County -- storms that also left thousands in the dark -- is being used to
fuel a power-generating plant that sells electricity to Progress Energy. Competition
Serves Energy Consumers (posted 11/05/04) Unfortunately, fears and smears, and not the facts, are behind a campaign to
roll back a decade of progress and significant customer savings made possible by
competitive energy markets. GE Energy
Views NuStart Funding as Boost for Nuclear Industry (posted
11/05/04) GE Energy welcomed the DOE's preparations for a new round of nuclear power
plant construction. UK
Government:
O'Brien finalises proposals for review of renewables obligation (posted
11/05/04) The Renewables Obligation ensures all electricity suppliers produce a
specified and increasing amount of energy from renewable sources. Agreement
to Distribute and Package Direct FuelCell Power Plants in Korea (posted
11/05/04) The three companies have further agreed to jointly investigate formation of a
joint venture for the research, development and production of DFC products in
Korea for sale throughout Asian and eventually global markets. Investors
propose ethanol plant in Fairbank (posted 11/05/04) Investors are proposing what would be one of the state's
largest ethanol plants on a site on the Fayette and Buchanan county border. Eagles overshadow world
(posted 11/05/04) British
construction group Amec announced plans this week to build the world's biggest
onshore wind farm on a rugged Scottish island, stirring fears for the local
landscape and wildlife. Antarctic
Wildlife Facing Food Shortages (posted 11/05/04) Global
warming and disappearing sea ice in the Southern Ocean are causing food
shortages that could threaten Antarctic whales, seals and penguins, scientists
said. Russian
president Vladimir Putin ratifies the Kyoto protocol (posted
11/05/04) Russian President Vladimir Putin Friday ratified the Kyoto protocol aimed at US homeland
security agency to release infrastructure plan Nov 10 (posted
11/05/04) The US Homeland Security Dept plans to release its National Infrastructure 2004PresidentialElection
(posted 11/05/04) Energy
highlights from Bush's first administration (posted 11/05/04) President
Bush's key energy commitments for the second-term (posted 11/05/04) Policies
Expected During Bush's Second Term (posted 11/05/04) Following
are some policies President Bush has said he will pursue in his second term in
office Election
results give life to ANWR opening (posted 11/05/04) the election results appear to have given new life to a key component of the
administration's energy initiative: opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
(ANWR) to oil and gas leasing. Apparent Bush
victory may give new life to energy bill (posted 11/04/04) President Bush's apparent election victory is likely to encourage Branding in the
energy sector (posted 11/04/04) The benefits we always called "soft" like brand value, good will,
trust - have become solid, valuable and mission-critical. Broadband Over
Power Lines Presents Opportunities and Significant Marketing Challenges
(posted 11/04/04) Electric utilities that offer broadband over power lines (BPL) may find
customers eager for low-cost, high-speed internet access, but they are also
likely to have mixed feelings about signing up with their utility California
Solar Power Developer Studying 2,600 Megawatts of Global Solar Towers
(posted 11/04/04) the license holder for solar tower technology, has agreed to
build, own, maintain, and operate 2,600 megawatts of solar towers. Environmental
Collectivism Plus Hedge Funds Equal a Huge Energy Tax on Ordinary People
(posted 11/04/04) Energy is essential for the lifestyles of ordinary people. Therefore, it is a
very convenient tool for the political and financial gratification of wealthy
elites on the East and West Coasts. Gas
pipeline, LDC representatives cheered by election results (posted
11/04/04) "Overall, the administration has been supportive...of pipeline
infrastructure and LNG. it should grease the skids for the gas industry to
"continue to ramp up production. Italy Basks in
Record High Temperatures (posted 11/04/04) The Italian
capital Rome saw the hottest start to November since records began OPEC will
monitor US election impact on oil price (posted 11/04/04) noting that Bush's victory Wednesday appeared to have boosted prices.
"The victory of President Bush had an impact on the oil price". Poo
Power From New Fuel Cell (posted 11/04/04) A new fuel cell is being
developed that can turn raw sewage into electrical power Public
Service Co. of OK seeking proposals (posted 11/04/04) AEP is seeking bids from renewable-energy providers that could
place new generating facilities into service by Dec. 31, 2005. Reid
to seek Senate's top Democratic leadership post (posted 11/04/04) Repository opponent Sen. Harry Reid will seek the top Senate
Democratic Rural China
Reels from Violent Protests (posted 11/04/04) The ruling
Communist Party is keen to curb dissent and preserve social stability, but the
spate of recent protests and their scale illustrate the extent of grievances in
rural China, fueled by corruption and a growing gap between rich and poor. Russia must
explore or lose oil, gas production lead (posted 11/04/04) According to the ministry, annual investment of some $4-bil is required to
replace Russian reserves. Solar
panels to power EDH plant (posted 11/04/04) The addition of solar panels at a wastewater treatment
plant could brighten the El Dorado Irrigation District's economic future. US
Gulf shut-ins Wednesday 215,053 b/d oil (posted 11/04/04) MMS said that cumulative oil shut-ins since Sep 11, when Hurricane Ivan
stormed Arctic
Melt Accelerates, Governments Split (posted 11/03/04) A thaw of the Arctic icecap is accelerating because of global warming, but
nations in the region including the United States are deadlocked about how to
stop it. Russian
Scientist Surrenders Arms-Grade Plutonium (posted 11/03/04) A Russian atomic scientist surrendered to police on Tuesday eight containers
filled with arms-grade nuclear material he had kept in his garage for eight
years Louisiana Asks
Federal Government to Help Build a Better Bridge to Threatened Oil Port
(posted 11/03/04) If you think oil is expensive now, just imagine if Hurricane Ivan had swung
west and come ashore at this bustling oil and gas port at the southernmost point
of Louisiana. A Look At Bush
Administration Policies Regarding Renewable Energy (posted 11/03/04) "Renewable energy was not espoused as a "much needed
element" of energy policy, but rather necessary to show balance and enlist
farm and key legislators promoting primarily ethanol, hydropower, and wind
farms." 2005 Expected
to be Record Year for U.S. Wind Power (posted 11/03/04) As natural gas prices continue to demonstrate volatility, and coal prices are
increasing as well, wind power looks more attractive as a way to diversify a
utility's supply portfolio." World Sales of
Solar Cells Jump 32 Percent (posted 11/03/04) "In contrast, PV production in the United States decreased by 14
percent in 2003, dropping to 104 MW." New Hampshire
Begins Coal Switch to Biomass (posted 11/03/04) "...when power producers have access to very low cost biomass
supplies the choice to use biomass in the fuel mix enhances their
competitiveness in the marketplace." Canada Looks
to Boost Renewable Energy Use (posted 11/03/04) Minister Dion indicated that Canada's future is closely linked to the
development of renewable energy. Ethanol
to Hydrogen, A Double Duty Fuel (posted 11/03/04) "Ethanol has the potential to be an integral part of the emerging
hydrogen economy. Its properties make it an excellent liquid fuel for the
extraction of hydrogen." Arizona
Solar Incentives Pay Up to 9K (posted 11/03/04) The SolarWise program will pay up to US$9,000 to residential
and small business customers who purchase and install photovoltaic (PV) systems
that can connect with SRP's power grid system. State mandates
encourage more green power than RPS in US market (posted 11/03/04) State mandates account for the vast majority of new green power capacity in
the United States...That is 86% of all new green power capacity from state
programs Global energy
body criticised (posted 11/03/04) IEA’s ‘World Energy Outlook 2004’ predicts
that the global demand for energy will be 60% higher than they are now, by 2030.
The forecast also notes that with current government policies in place, carbon
dioxide (CO2) emissions will rise by 60%. Nigerian Court
Throws Out Case Challenging Troop Withdrawal from Disputed Peninsula
(posted 11/03/04) A court in Nigeria's capital on Tuesday threw out a bid by political and
ethnic leaders to prevent a disputed territory in oil-rich waters from being
handed over to Cameroon. Nigeria NLC
leader says Nov 16 fuel strike (posted 11/03/04) Nigerian workers will disrupt the country's key oil exports and production
when they launch an indefinite general strike on Nov 16, the country's top labor
leader warned Wednesday. "The last time, we did not allow the strike to
affect the exports. But now we think disrupting oil exports is the only way the government will
realize that the people are really angry. That is why this time around, the oil
sector will be affected, Crude down
slightly after stock build (posted 11/03/04) Benchmark crude futures were showing slight declines just after 12 p.m. EST
(1700 GMT) Wednesday, having recovered from intra-day lows following a
larger-than-expected build in US crude stocks. Colorado
voters approve renewable portfolio standard (posted 11/03/04) Colorado voters Tuesday approved a ballot measure that calls for 10% of all
utility electric sales to come from renewable sources by 2015, with 4% of that
coming from solar sources. Arizona
Public Service Tests World's Most Efficient Solar Cells (posted 11/03/04) "This has been an evolutionary process, but this technology has the
potential to bring revolutionary change," Wind turbines
cause problems for neighbors (posted 11/03/04) Commercial wind-powered electrical generating plants are not
the benign form of renewable energy that those who wish to make a lot of money
on them would have us believe. Share
of renewables to remain small to 2030 (posted 11/03/04) Global production of non-hydro renewables will treble by 2030, but will
supply only 6% of the world’s electricity Earth
energy reaches 12,000 MW of thermal energy (posted 11/03/04) Present worldwide installed capacity of earth energy systems has reached
12,000 MW of thermal energy according to an international analysis Renewables
could reduce global GHG emissions by 1,000 MT a year (posted 11/03/04) Annual emissions could be reduced by 1 gigatonne by replacing 700 GW of
capacity from conventional coal plants with green power facilities. If
wind were the sole technology, 300,000 turbines of 5 MW capacity would be
required. Where's
the spark on power line Net? (posted 11/02/04) The NYT has an optimistic overview on broadband over power lines, calling it
"the ultimate plug and play." A great line, but the piece doesn't do
much to dispel the idea that utilities are wary of investing in the technology High Tech
Buildings Use Sunlight (posted 11/02/04) Buildings are getting smarter and the next generation of building materials
is expected to do even more. Iraq's
SOMO discusses 2005 term crude contracts with customers (posted 11/02/04) Iraq's State Oil Marketing Organization discussed the renewal of its
long-term crude supply contracts during a meeting with its customers in the
Jordanian capital Amman last week Kyoto Is Too
Little to Fix Warming (posted 11/02/04) Although saved recently with Russian help, the Kyoto pact on global warming
offers too little to arrest climate change and governments should adopt more
radical solutions Crude Awakening
(posted 11/02/04) A prominent physicist warns in a new book that the world is running out of
oil and we’re not doing anything to stave off the coming crisis Oil Gone (posted
11/02/04) If peak oil theorists
are correct, our dependence on oil is not only foolish, it's lethal. the end of
cheap oil (posted 11/02/04) It's inevitable. But just how soon will the vital
fuel become so scarce and expensive that we're forced to make hard choices about
how we live? THE PARTY'S OVER
(posted 11/02/04) As
Richard Heinberg makes shockingly clear in this extraordinarily well-researched
and -written book, our way of life will soon change dramatically, as oil
production and reserves both begin to decline. He also makes clear that our
actions now will strongly affect what is left of the world when this shift away
from oil takes place. Waste touted
as source of energy (posted 11/02/04) Scientists are working on ways to put sewage to productive
use, chemical society journal says BIODIGESTER
/BIODIGESTER SEPTIC TANK (posted 11/02/04) The activities of the Scientific Research Council (SRC) will soon make Septic
Tanks and Soak-away Pits, which can cause pollution to the environment, a thing
of the past. It achieves this through the application of anaerobic technology. A plastic
tube biodigester (posted 11/02/04) She is cooking delicious food on a biogas stove. Dispose
of your waste water and save money doing it! (posted 11/02/04) SRC executive director, Dr Audia Barnett, is enthusiastic about the
technology: ".You are treating your waste water. You are getting gas, which
you can use for cooking. You are getting water you can use for irrigation and
you are getting literally no waste, Biodiesel
enthusiasts celebrate Senate passage of biofuel provisons (posted
11/02/04) "This legislation includes new tax credits for biodiesel, improves tax
laws to boost ethanol production and promotes the use of biomass while reducing
the tax burden on farmers," Can Organics
Save the Family Farm (posted 11/02/04) A groundbreaking essay by the nation’s foremost
organic grower and writer. Colorado
regulators to allow global warming testimony at power (posted 11/02/04) Testimony about carbon emissions from a proposed coal- fired
power plant and its effect on global warming will be allowed in a major
regulatory hearing beginning next week, THE COMING ENERGY
CRUNCH (posted 11/02/04) Economic growth, as we have come to know it, is entirely dependent on a vast,
continuous flow of remarkably cheap oil. As Simmons says, "Peak does not
mean oil has run dry, it does mean that growth is over. Competition's
savings tallied (posted 11/02/04) American
consumers would save $10 billion from lower electricity prices, if states
matched the best practices of 13 fully deregulated US states Do
competitive energy markets work (posted 11/02/04) Much to
Restructuring Today Editor George Spencer's dismay, 68% of ghi^markets
readers believe that competitive energy markets do not work, while
only 32% say that they do. Nigerian
oil unions take on Shell in build-up to general strike (posted 11/01/04) Nigerian unions clashed in court with Shell Monday as the labor movement
flexed its muscles ahead of a nationwide general strike, which its leaders have
warned will disrupt key oil exports. OPEC,
Russia commit to continue cooperation (posted 11/01/04) "There is an understanding between OPEC and Russia that prices must be
stabilised at a level acceptable to producers and consumers alike," OPEC president
Purnomo predicts lower oil prices in near future (posted 11/01/04) Oil prices should fall further in the near future as production is returning
to normal in the Gulf of Mexico and US oil stocks have risen, OPEC president
Purnomo Yusgianto said Friday. PMC-Sierra
CEO sees wafer shortage ahead (posted 11/01/04) "By next year or at the
latest 2005 the industry will experience the most severe wafer shortage ever
seen," Power content
label on San Diego utility bill is called misleading (posted
11/01/04) The most recent copy of the insert -- called a "power content
label" -- declares that 8 percent of the electricity supplied by SDG&E
is derived from renewable resources. SDG&E derives about 4 percent of
its electricity from renewables. Russia,
OPEC blame geopolitical concerns for unstable oil prices (posted
11/01/04) share "the opinion that instability on the world oil market, leading to
sharp price swings, is closely connected with geopolitical factors," Russian
Environmentalists Urge to Think of Future of Nuclear Dumps (posted
11/01/04) Scientists have not observed any serious changes in radioactive situation
there, however they said that sooner or later sea water will corrode the
reinforced concrete. It is sufficient to start averting possible danger now. Scientists
warn of high arsenic levels in region (posted 11/01/04) The Merrimack Valley of New Hampshire has some of the nation's highest levels
of arsenic in their wells, which are used for drinking water. US Congress
may consider natural gas bill in January (posted 11/01/04) The US Congress may take up in a separate bill parts of the stalled
comprehensive energy legislation designed to promote the development of domestic
natural gas US heating oil
distributors warn of debt problems (posted 11/01/04) asking officials to push lenders to cooperate in warding off what could be a
capital crisis. Banks in areas of high oil-heat consumption soon will also
be directly approached. Useless Dam
Presents Dilemma for California (posted 11/01/04) A pile of sediment has built up so high behind The Matilija Dam that even if
an inch of rain falls, water spills over in glistening cascades. However,
tearing down the Southern California structure presents a costly challenge Waterborne Illness
Declines (posted 11/01/04) fewer Americans became sick from drinking tap water in 2001-2002 than in the
previous two-year period. Waterproofing
the Home Property Market (posted 11/01/04) Starting July 2007, Sydney, Australia, homes built before July of 2004 will
need to be fitted with water-efficient showerheads, taps and other devices
before they can be sold. Brownville
Nuclear Plant May Get Reprieve to 2034 (posted 11/01/04) The station had been ranked as one of the nation's poorest performing nuclear
plants. California
regulatory panel divided on electricity discount in Sonoma County
(posted 11/01/04) to let PG&E give an electricity discount to a Sonoma County business
threatening to move its 700 jobs out of California California
utilities told to speed increase in reserves (posted 11/01/04) State regulators voted yesterday to order utilities to accelerate their
buildup of electric generating reserves, saying it was needed to ensure power
reliability in the state. Campaign
Skirts Tricky Issue of Costly Oil (posted 11/01/04) Record
crude oil prices have mostly seeped between the cracks of this year's
presidential campaign in a tacit recognition that next week's winner can do
little to defuse oil prices soaring above $50 a barrel. Clean Energy
Joint Venture Receives concession to build and operate first 30 megawatt solid
municipal waste and tire gasification (posted 11/01/04) The CORE technology is an environmentally-friendly gasification system which
converts organic or carbon-based materials contained in solid municipal waste to
5% ash content. Crude
oil prices continues sliding on US stocks build-up (posted
11/01/04) Crude prices remained on a downslide in Asia Friday as markets continued to
sell on Wednesday's report of a higher-than-expected crude stocks build in the
US EPA Issues
Updated Guidelines for Water Reuse (posted 11/01/04) which recommends water reuse guidelines, along with supporting information,
to help water and wastewater utilities and regulatory agencies, particularly in
the U.S. Fourth El Paso
gas trader pleads guilty to false price reporting (posted 11/01/04) The last of four former El Paso natural gas traders who had admitted to
reporting false price data to index publishers has pleaded guilty in US District
Court in Houston Thursday. Iran tries to
lure China into LNG purchase with oil sweetener (posted 11/01/04) Iran has signed a memorandum of understanding with China's Sinopec offering
the state-owned Chinese oil giant rights to develop the Yadavaran onshore
oilfield in Iran on condition it commits to purchasing liquefied natural gas
over a 30-year period. Joint Venture
for solar grade polycrystalline silicon (posted 11/01/04) ASiMI has discontinued production at the Moses
Lake Plant. As a result, an impairment loss will be recorded at the end of the
current fiscal year. ASiMI has studied the possibility of converting the Moses
Lake Plant into a plant dedicated to produce polycrystalline silicon for solar
applications. Micron CEO
says 2004 outlook strong (posted 11/01/04) the shortage of silicon (chips) around the world.” "The
time pressure is enormous" (posted
10/30/04) The
photovoltaic industry desperately needs a new source of silicon. a
bottleneck is threatening the supply of silicon waste from the semiconductor
industry. Currently, this gap in the supply of raw materials is being filled
through the use of pricey, electronic-grade silicon, which is available as a
result of the economic slowdown in the microchip sector. However... The PV Industry
Moving into the 21st Century (posted
10/30/04) There
is little risk in predicting, that the PV-industry will "take off" in
the next century. Another moving target, which is critical to the
competitiveness of PV, is the availability and the price of crude oil. With
all the good reasons the human society has to promote PV, our long-term model
uses an annual growth rate of between optimistic 15 and fantastic 25 percent on
a megawatt basis. These rates will depend heavily on the development of the
grid-connected portion of the market in industrial countries. Photovoltaic Solar
Energy (posted 10/30/04) The cost of PV systems has been a
long-standing issue for PV applications, however, in recent times, the cost has
decreased due to improvements in the efficiency of cells, improved manufacturing
techniques and the larger market size. The trend is for Photovoltaic systems to
become quite competitive with the conventional power supplies The Global Peak Oil
Gathering (posted 10/29/04) One of the surprising outcomes was that the precise date of Peak Oil is
actually quite irrelevant. Iraq joins
Arab gas line project (posted 10/29/04) The Egyptian minister of oil Sameh
Fahemi announced that Iraq has joined the Arab Mashreq Gas transport project
which so far includes Lebanon, Syria, Egypt and Jordan. Iraq still
offers enormous investment potential (posted
10/29/04) Businessmen and economists gathered to
discuss reconstruction prospects in violence-wrecked Iraq said that lack of
security was a major impediment to investment but that the country still offers
enormous potential. Liquid gas
plan worries nuclear plant (posted
10/29/04) One of the region's largest utilities has urged federal regulators to
consider threats to a nuclear complex along the Delaware River while reviewing
plans for a new liquefied natural gas import terminal opposite Claymont in New
Jersey. Minnesotans'
Renewable Energy Experience May Be What Coloradans Will Discover (posted
10/29/04) If Minnesota's experience in requiring more renewable energy is any example,
then Colorado residents will see a decrease in electricity rates if the same
standards are approved Nov. 2 New Hampshire
Begins Coal Switch to Biomass (posted
10/29/04) The US$75 million project, developed by Public Service of New Hampshire
(PSNH), will replace a 50 MW coal-fired boiler with a new boiler of equal size
that will burn wood chips and other clean wood products. Ofgem calls on
EC to investigate continental gas market (posted
10/29/04) Energy regulator Ofgem wants the
European Commission to investigate the continental gas market to see whether
firms are preventing gas from flowing to the UK where prices are now at record
highs. Oil price
falls as concern eases over disruption to Nigerian supply (posted
10/29/04) Crude oil, which closed above $ 50 a
barrel for the first time in New York, fell as concerns eased that Nigerian
rebels may disrupt exports from Africa's biggest oil producer. Once
N-waste arrives, it’s not likely to leave (posted
10/29/04) Private Fuel Storage (PFS) is confident its nuclear waste storage site in
Skull Valley will only be temporary, but...when the waste goes into permanent
underground storage, the Energy Department carefully classifies rods to avoid
any future atomic reactions. OPEC ready to
supply enough oil to market at time of crisis (posted
10/29/04) "OPEC is capable of meeting rising
global demand for oil, should a fresh oil crisis take place at any time, Pakistan ranks
3rd in the world in compressed natural gas use (posted
10/29/04) Ahmed said that there is a growing
energy demand in the country and the government is striving to overcome the
shortage of gas. He said that the country has good potential for supplying
natural gas and its growth will increase by 7 % in the coming years. Politics and
Gas Fuel Battle over New Mexico Forest (posted
10/29/04) A Texas energy company may get rights to drill in a pristine swathe of a New
Mexico national forest after a White House task force intervened on its behalf,
a move that has become a hot issue in the battleground state of New Mexico
before next week's presidential election. Qatar
believes high oil prices are market-manipulated (posted
10/29/04) The running high oil prices are market
manipulated and OPEC has no role in it, Qatari Minister of Energy and Industry
said. Refinery and
Chemical Workers Are Not Ready for an Attack (posted
10/29/04) Workers at U.S. refineries, chemical plants, and paper mills that might be
attractive terrorist targets are not adequately trained to prevent or respond to
attacks, according a survey released this week. Revolutionizing
the World of Recycling (posted 10/29/04) A new site is revolutionizing the world of recycling,
reuse and charitable donations. Throwplace.com
, the Internet's landfill alternative, offers an online market where
individuals, charities/non-profits, and businesses can exchange excess goods and
surplus inventory free of charge. Russia to play
key role as crude reserves diminish (posted
10/29/04) Today, big oil is operating in a vastly
different environment. The Middle East and Iraq are still in their sights but
the complexity and danger of going into Iraq has forced the need to think some
more. Hence, Russia's growing importance as an economic partner. Russia to set
Far East oil pipeline route (posted
10/29/04) An environmental probe report on the
Russian Far East oil pipeline will be finished in the coming two months. The
pipeline's route will then be fixed. Small Wind Energy (posted
10/29/04) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is
proposing new program rules for administering its Renewable Energy Systems and
Energy Efficiency Improvements Program, and is requesting public comments. Southwest
Windpower Enters the Grid-Tie Market (posted
10/29/04) Flagstaff Arizona based Southwest Windpower,
recently announced the introduction of the utility tie version of its 1000
watt Whisper turbine Understanding
Today's Electricity Business (posted
10/29/04) A New Book from Enerdynamics! Understanding Today's Electricity Business presents a comprehensive
216-page overview of the U.S. electric industry. US developers
see hope in abandoned oil wells (posted
10/29/04) The US sits on 3 % of the world's
proved oil reserves and accounts for more than a fifth of global consumption,
making nonsense of the "energy independence" stances of both
presidential candidates. But it has spare oil a-begging. Venezuela
believes oil prices will stay up (posted
10/29/04) Venezuela won't increase oil supplies
to the United States and believes oil prices will never again return to the
levels of a few years ago, the country's top oil official said. Will China and
US have to compete in global search for oil (posted
10/29/04) Little more than a decade ago, China
was able to produce enough of its own oil to satisfy domestic needs. That was
before its economy started growing faster than any other in the world, forcing
China to become a net importer of oil in 1993. The United States and China are
the number one and number two global consumers of oil. The wrangle
over drilling on Alaska (posted 10/29/04) Federal officials say the marshy tundra
around a giant lake on Alaska's North Slope could hold hundreds of millions of
barrels of crude oil, enough to significantly boost domestic oil production for
a nation heavily dependent on foreign imports. For
good or ill, Bush clears path for energy development (posted
10/29/04) A decade ago this wind-swept swath of
country was largely untouched by humans. Today, nearly 500 natural-gas wells dot
the Green River Valley, and the Bush administration has called for up to 3,100. Feds approve energy
deal (posted 10/29/04) Federal regulators approved a settlement late Monday between Dynegy Inc.,
California power companies and state agencies that wipes out $281.5 million in
unpaid electricity bills during the state's energy crisis. Federal
Government Streamlines Solar Planning (posted
10/29/04) "With this new policy, we are getting ahead of the curve by
implementing policies and procedures before we have solar energy applications in
hand." FCC's
final version of BPL rule released today (posted
10/29/04) "This new
technology offers the potential for the establishment of a significant new
medium for extending broadband access to American homes and businesses. Energy
explorers scramble to buy New Mexico leases (posted
10/29/04) With energy prices soaring and
predicted to remain relatively stable, oil and gas companies across New Mexico
are scrambling to buy up state and federal mineral leases at prices not seen
since the energy price spike of 2001. Drought
Threatens the Lives of Some 4 Million People in Southeastern Ethiopia (posted
10/29/04) Four years of successive rain failures in southeastern Ethiopia have set off
a drought that is threatening the lives of 4 million people Department
of Energy Funds 26th Year of University Coal Grants (posted
10/29/04) begins its 26th year this week with the release of a
solicitation calling on the Nation's colleges and universities to propose new
projects to enhance the long-term use of coal. Denmark begins
oil race for North Pole (posted 10/29/04) Denmark aims to show that the North
Pole belongs to it and is sending an expedition to try to show that the ocean
floor from northern Greenland to the North Pole is geologically a natural
extension of Danish territory Consumers Lose
2 Allies on California Utilities Panel (posted
10/29/04) The powerful state panel that regulates what Californians pay for energy and
phone calls is about to lose the two members considered most sympathetic to
consumer interests Clinton-Style
Oil Rescue Ruled Out for Bush (posted
10/29/04) Plagued by
iffy crude shipments from Iraq and threadbare heating oil supplies, the
president of the United States in September called for a release of 30 million
barrels of crude oil from national emergency reserves. China's huge oil
search (posted 10/29/04) China's huge appetite for oil to power
industry and its electricity generation is a commodity-market tectonic shift
whose outcome and strategic implications are unclear. What is clear is that
China is in a great hurry to close deals on long-term supply, including that of
gas. China Welcomes
Russian Approval of Kyoto Protocol (posted
10/29/04) China welcomed on Thursday Russia's ratification of the Kyoto climate change
protocol and urged countries that have not done so to follow suit. China to
explore new energy resources (posted
10/29/04) Huge consumption, exploration and use
of energy resources have led to the depletion of resources and deterioration
environment, which oblige China to explore and utilize new energy sources for
its sustainable economic growth. Canadian
Province Renewable Energy Gold Mine (posted
10/29/04) Renewable energy initiatives can add over $9 billion
and create 25,000 new jobs by 2010 to the Canadian Province of Ontario,
according to a new report from the David Suzuki Foundation. Brazil
Flex-Fuel Ethanol Cars to Stay in Top Gear (posted
10/29/04) After years
in the slow lane, ethanol-powered cars zoomed back onto Brazil's fast track this
year as oil prices hit record levels, and producers say that this time they
won't run out of gas. Bolivia calls
on Spain and Brazil for understanding of energy reform (posted
10/29/04) A provision of the bill explicitly says
the Bolivian state will "regain" control of extracted natural gas
"at the wellhead." That means foreign companies will lose the
prerogative of selling as they see fit the gas -- and to a lesser extent, oil --
that they extract. $4.5
Million in Rebates Help put Solar on 30 Schools (posted
10/29/04) "Over 60 school districts applied for the one-time $6.40-a-watt special
rebate incentive - twice the amount of the regular Emerging Renewables Program
rebate level for solar, wind, and other eligible systems at the time." A Look At Bush
Administration Policies Regarding Renewable Energy (posted
10/29/04) The Bush Administration's first term has been a very mixed bag regarding
renewable energy policies. A new challenge for
OPEC (posted 10/29/04) In practice oil market mathematics has
meant little since the outbreak of war in Iraq and it would surprise no-one if
additional OPEC capacity was brought into production. ACORE
Announces Speakers for Policy Forum (posted
10/29/04) Calling for "Phase II" of Renewable Energy in America Africa Power
Firms Join to Light Up Dark Continent (posted
10/29/04) The latest scheme to spread electric light in Africa may sound familiar, but
this time African leaders say they have the will, and financial backing, to
succeed. African
countries need to discuss how to deal with higher oil prices (posted
10/29/04) South African Finance Minister Trevor
Manuel said discussion was needed among African countries on how to deal with
higher oil prices that could trigger fiscal problems for some governments. African oil
key for global economy (posted 10/29/04) The African continent is becoming an
increasingly important source of oil production and exploration for the global
economy, with investment from the world's top energy companies expected to rise
more rapidly than in the past and oil and gas production also set to accelerate. Alberta
dealer wants to raise natural gas price (posted
10/29/04) The province's largest natural gas dealer
wants to boost the price of natural gas by about $3 a gigajoule next month,
which would almost double the average energy bill. All Nuclear
Power Plants Meet NRC Deadline for Security Enhancements (posted
10/29/04) All of the 103 commercial nuclear power plants operating at 64 sites in 31
states have met the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Oct. 29 deadline for
implementing more stringent security measures. Ancient Star
Dust May Point to Human Origins (posted
10/29/04) Star dust
found deep beneath the Pacific Ocean has led German scientists to speculate that
a supernova explosion 3 million years ago might possibly have helped bring about
human evolution. As
gas prices soar, truckers battle record costs (posted
10/29/04) With oil prices closing above $ 50 a
barrel for the first time in 21 years, and the national average for the price of
diesel hitting $ 2 a gallon for the first time ever, shock waves are rippling
through the transportation industry -- the main consumer of diesel fuel. New vs. Old Thinking
(posted 10/28/04) At the highest policy level there is recognition that our water quality and
supply as well as the natural systems and the infrastructure that support our
way of life demand attention. The EPA wastewater management initiative has been a supply side strategy.
However, despite the success of the EPA grants program the quality of the nation’s
water resources continues to decline. The New West (posted
10/28/04) The "New West" has emerged full of concerns and new laws that
make water treatment necessary and some that make it harder to sell. California
is well-known for its progressive way of thinking. Although often its tactics
may be questioned, many people anxiously wait to see what will be next. The Standard Septic
System (posted 10/28/04) In 1997, EPA and Congress officially recognized onsite wastewater
treatment systems (commonly referred to as septic systems) as a viable,
long-term solution for treating wastewater. Renewables
could create 77,000 jobs in Canada’s largest province (posted
10/28/04) The province of Ontario could install 12,000 MW of renewable energy capacity
by 2020 and generate 35,000 GWh of green power, while developing 180 PJ of green
heat for homes and offices. Adoption
of renewable energies can improve corporate profit (posted
10/28/04) A number of private companies have significantly reduced their greenhouse gas
emissions while increasing their profits from the use of renewable energy,
according to a report from The Climate Group. U.S.
groups develop corporate guide for green power (posted
10/28/04) Two government departments and two private organizations have
released a ‘Guide to Purchasing Green Power.’ The document is intended for companies that are “considering the merits of
buying green power, as well as those that have decided to buy it and want help
doing so.” Environmental
groups call for global support of renewables (posted
10/28/04) A coalition of 17 environmental groups warns that global warming threatens to
reverse human progress, and calls on the international community to take “urgent
action” to introduce small-scale renewable energy projects. Hydrogen
and fuel cells receive funding for renewables in U.S. (posted
10/28/04) Renewable energy programs in the United States have US$50 to $60 million a
year available for fuel cell research Volatility
and Energy: How Much Longer Do We Have Before Politicians Weigh In (posted
10/28/04) The energy market likes to see itself as central to the economy -- and it is.
At some point the capital investor votes with their feet – and they already
are doing so. While labor costs are a major point in the relocation of
facilities, energy is inescapably another measurable pressure. Utility
industry official disputes Galveston Bay mercury emissions warnings (posted
10/28/04) Bush administration policies will allow coal-burning power plants to spew six
times more mercury into the air in the next decade than the federal Clean Air
Act now permits, two Texas environmental groups said Tuesday. Power
Engineers Helps Commission New Iraqi Power Plant (posted
10/28/04) The plant will also furnish reliable power to a nearby oil field operation,
which is critical to maintaining the efficient production of oil and improving
Iraq's economy in the short term. As
Oil Hits a High of $55, Who's in Pain, Who Stands to Gain (posted
10/28/04) While Americans wince as they fill up their SUVs with $2-a-gallon gasoline,
market forces are smiling on the Saudi Arabias and Exxon Mobils of the world. U.S.
Should Stop Exposing Poor to Mercury in White Tuna (posted
10/28/04) "Since last year, FDA has known that white canned
tuna has three times as much mercury as light tuna," said Michael Bender,
director of the Mercury Policy Project. "So why is the federal WIC program
continuing to subsidize the tuna industry and, in effect, the poisoning of
low-income Americans with mercury from white albacore tuna? Protesters
Weld Shut Entrance to Brazil Nuclear HQ (posted
10/28/04) The
pro-environment group said it was protesting against new investments in Brazil's
nuclear program, including a government plan to enrich uranium that has caused a
dispute with the United Nations over nonproliferation inspections. EU authorises
Monsanto GMO maize for import (posted
10/28/04) The
Commission used a legal default procedure that kicks in after months of deadlock
between EU governments to issue an approval High Oil
Prices Stir Gas Demand Doubts (posted
10/28/04) Booming
world demand for natural gas could soon falter as gas prices rocket following a
surge in world oil markets to record highs, industry executives and analysts
said. BP reports massive
profits (posted 10/28/04) BP, the
world's second largest oil company, has reported bumper third-quarter profits
thanks to high oil prices, but its higher capital expenditure plans has raised
some concerns Gas Pump Price Falls, 1st
Drop in 6 Weeks (posted 10/28/04) The average
price U.S. consumers pay for gasoline declined for the first time in six weeks,
but still remains near the record high Fed
economist: US natural gas could ease long-term (posted
10/28/04) The United
States could whittle the cost of natural gas to around $3.25 per million Btu
over the next 20 years if regulators, producers and importers work aggressively
to develop as much inflow as possible Positions
of Bush/Kerry on Domestic Issues (posted
10/28/04) These are
the positions of Republican President Bush and his Democratic challenger, Sen.
John Kerry of Massachusetts, on some of the domestic issues in the 2004
presidential campaign ADDITION
OF ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE LAND TO CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM (posted
10/27/04) Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced that the USDA will Government aims
to change green ‘behaviour’ (posted
10/27/04) The UK Government views changing the behaviour of
people and businesses as a key factor in tackling climate change Los Angeles
toughens renewables plan (posted 10/27/04) The Los Angeles City Council has ordered its municipal utility, Los Angeles
Department of Water & Power (LADWP), to toughen its renewable fuels goal,
even at the anticipation that it will result in higher electricity rates. NGOs welcome
Russian ratification (posted 10/27/04) With Kyoto entering into force, focus is expected to
shift back onto the US and Australia, who have both famously opted-out of the
programme over economic concerns. Nuclear
power is back, a bit (posted 10/27/04) "THE worst possible nuclear disasters are not as bad as
the worst possible climate change disasters," declared the Centre for
Alternative Technology in Britain recently, urging "a modest revival of
nuclear energy . . . to sell the idea to the sceptics." On or Off (posted
10/27/04) Over the past 25 years, the onsite wastewater industry has developed many
new treatment technologies that can achieve high-performance treatment on sites
with size, soil, groundwater and landscape limitations that may preclude the
installation of conventional systems. Renewable
Energy Gets Focus on Ballot (posted
10/27/04) But the intention of the proposition is to use other energy sources, such as
windmill power, converted landfill gas and other combustibles, if necessary, to
reduce reliance on coal-generated electricity. Renewable
Energy Laws Saving States Money (posted
10/27/04) States committed to developing more renewable energy have
found it costs less than expected and typically saves money. U.S.
Farm Policy, Present and Future (posted
10/27/04) On this week's radio program Beyond Organic, join host Jerry
Kay, publisher of the Environmental News Network (ENN.com), as we learn
more about the good, the bad, and the future of the U.S. Farm Bill. US activists
call for Ford changes (posted 10/27/04) Green activists in the US have continued campaigning
against the Ford Motor Group, calling for the company to commit to a
zero-emission future in a massive coordinated protest this week. War Spurs
Interest in Water Treatment (posted
10/27/04) It was September 11 that originated the drive for the country to take a
closer look at protecting its citizens. Our nation's drinking water has since
risen to become a top priority for protection. Zero
Waste: A Look at the Future of Reverse Osmosis (posted
10/27/04) With millions of gallons of water wasted daily by reverse osmosis systems in
the United States alone, it is no surprise that ZeroWaste technology is coming
to the forefront of the point-of-use (POU) industry. ‘Turn
off’ for energy efficiency (posted
10/27/04) The energy we use at home contributes to climate change, so saving energy is
not just good for people's pockets but good for the environment too Energy
Wars -- Foreign and Domestic (posted
10/27/04) "My party, the Republican party, is too deep in bed with the coal,
oil and electric utility industries to remember its free market
principles." Solar,
Geothermal Guides Nevada to RPS (posted
10/27/04) "What we just have an abundance of is sun. We're hoping that this
project will really jumpstart the other renewable projects that are underway in
Nevada." Open Letter to
Governor Schwarzenegger (posted 10/26/04) In fact, there is a solution sandwiched in between the opposites of energy
production and energy conservation, between existing technologies and
unrealistic technologies, between callous disregard for the environment and
callous disregard for economic development. Protecting
Utility Assets from Attacks by Terrorists (posted
10/26/04) Among the many results of the 9-11 attacks on U.S soil, increased concern for
protection of critical infrastructure from terrorist acts is the one with the
greatest potential impact for utilities and energy providers. Conservation
Tariff: Ending Customers vs. Shareholders' Impasse (posted
10/26/04) Traditional utility ratemaking pits the interests of utility shareholders
against customers in energy conservation and efficiency efforts. That is a
situation that Northwest Natural proposes to change through what it calls a
"conservation tariff." Utilities take
pass on offering broadband (posted
10/26/04) The nation's top telecommunications regulators are convinced
that electric-power lines are finally ready to become a revolutionary new way
for Americans to get high-speed Internet access EPA
designation puts wind in Moab's environmental sails (posted
10/26/04) When it comes to encouraging renewable energy use, the Moab
community is already in the forefront. Russia
seeks EU support for Iran's peaceful nuclear (posted
10/26/04) Russia is ready to cooperate with the leading EU states in the
implementation of Iran's nuclear energy programme Britain facing
crisis from climate change (posted
10/26/04) Britain
faces a multi-billion pound flood catastrophe from climate warming unless people
have a radical lifestyle change, an energy watchdog said yesterday. Kyoto Too
Little to Fix Warming (posted 10/26/04) Although
saved last week with Russian help, the Kyoto pact on global warming offers too
little to arrest climate change and governments should adopt more radical
solutions, the top U.N. climate expert said. Americans
Forego 10 Billion-Dollar Benefit (posted
10/26/04) Retail electricity consumers could save up to 9 percent of their power bill
in states that have yet to deregulate their electricity markets DATAMONITOR:
UK green energy outlook still grey (posted
10/26/04) Just 15% of industrial and commercial companies have a set target for
procuring green energy. Can
Lower Energy Rates Boost Economic Development (posted
10/26/04) The state of Maine has taken steps to promote economic development in areas
with high unemployment and low wages by offering incentives that include lower
taxes and lower energy costs. Bottom
Lines: Waking Up the Sleeping Giant of Solar Power (posted
10/26/04) Audubon
Society of Rhode Island's project promotes renewable energy (posted
10/26/04) The Audubon Society of Rhode Island yesterday announced a campaign to urge
thousands of people to use electricity from wind and water sources. Green power for Canada
(posted 10/26/04) Pollution Probe today released a long-term Green Power Vision and Strategy
for Canada to accelerate the development of low-impact renewable energy for
electricity across the country. Ontario Helps
Advance Sustainable Green Power Generation (posted
10/26/04) The Ontario government is partnering on a project that will reduce greenhouse
gases from manure and generate green power Green
Project Hoping Solar Panels Will Result in Significant Savings (posted
10/26/04) The amount of power generated by the solar array won't allow the Green
Project to disconnect completely from the power grid. So it will be an
experiment in net metering, the use of a bidirectional electric meter. Wind Ranch
Coming in '05 (posted 10/26/04) Albuquerque: A recently reinstated 1.5 cent per kilowatt-hour
federal production tax credit for wind developers will make the wind ranch an
economical source of electricity for Xcel customers FuelCell
Energy Teams With Chevron Energy Solutions to Sell Its First One Megawatt
DFC1500 Unit in California to Alameda County (posted
10/26/04) A leading manufacturer of large stationary fuel cell power plants for
commercial and industrial customers, announced today its first one-megawatt
Direct FuelCell power plant sale in California to Alameda County Dairy
introduces system to help with waste problem (posted
10/26/04) The Joseph Gallo Farms Cottonwood Dairy near Atwater has 5,000 cows, and each
one of them produces about 120 pounds of liquid and solid waste per day.
>$183
Billion Market for Water, Wastewater and Filtration Products and Services by
2010 (posted 10/25/04) Suppliers of water and wastewater treatment products and services and
suppliers of filtration products and services will achieve worldwide sales of
$183 billion dollars in 2010 up from $122 billion in 2004 alternative
energy returns to Connecticut (posted
10/25/04) Connecticut consumers will be offered new choices next year to buy
electricity from renewable sources, such as wind and water -- if they are
willing to pay more for it. Brothers
to Plead Guilty in Ontario Water Disaster (posted
10/25/04) During a judicial inquiry into the outbreak, the brothers admitted to
falsifying well logs, mislabeling water samples, and allowing unchlorinated
water to flow to the taps of unsuspecting town residents. The E. coli contamination that struck the town came from cow manure on
a nearby farm that found its way into a poorly maintained town well after heavy
rains. Calif.
Utility to Return $35M to State (posted
10/25/04) One of California's largest utilities has pledged to return millions of
dollars in performance-related bonuses awarded by the state after admitting it
underreported on-the-job injuries for the last seven years. EDF to build
nuclear prototype (posted 10/25/04) France, which depends on nuclear power for 80% of its energy,
is to build a new atomic reactor which EDF says is safer, cheaper and more
environmentally friendly than those in use. ELECTRICITY
PILOT PLAN STILL HAS NO BIDDERS (posted
10/25/04) Volunteers for Dominion Virginia Power's pilot programs for
energy choice will have to wait to buy electricity from a competing company. Feds
Say No Extra Water for Georgia's Gwinnett County (posted
10/25/04) "In order to take water out of a federal reservoir, you need a water
supply contract with the federal agency, Fewer Hoops
for Solar Power on Fed Lands (posted
10/25/04) The Bush administration Thursday announced new guidelines for streamlining
the approval of plans for solar power projects on federal lands. Florida to
Begin Everglades Overhaul Project (posted
10/25/04) The state of Florida plans to launch eight Everglades restoration projects,
building reservoirs that could ease suburban flooding and environmental damage
from hurricanes. Portugal
Rejects Use of Nuclear Energy (posted
10/25/04) The Portuguese government has ruled out the use of nuclear energy as a
measure to reduce the country's high dependency on petroleum Pinnacle West
Reports Third Quarter Earnings (posted
10/25/04) "Our results reflect milder weather and rising costs necessary to meet
Arizona's growing energy needs," said Chairman Bill Post, citing customer
growth that is three times the national average. Pataki,
state need to act to protect air quality (posted
10/25/04) New York state needs to be the leader and protect us from the
planned federal rollbacks by the Bush administration ("Clear Skies false
signal," Oct. 11). Power plant pollution continues to hurt New Yorkers. Npower to burn
tree fuel at plant (posted 10/25/04) Npower will start burning willow branches as well as coal at
its Didcot power plant after signing the country's first major purchase order
for renewable biomass supplies. Global Warming
Effects Faster Than Feared (posted
10/25/04) Recent
storms, droughts and heat waves are probably being caused by global warming,
which means the effects of climate change are coming faster than anyone had
feared, climate experts said. Global Warming
Seen as Security Threat (posted 10/25/04) Rising
sea levels force millions of Bangladeshis into India, fueling ethnic and
religious tensions that end in bloody riots. Greece unveils
program to boost renewable energy sources (posted
10/25/04) The Greek government plans to reform a regulatory framework
covering Renewable Energy Sources, to improve planning conditions for the
installation of such units and to strengthen electricity networks in the country High Emissions
Credit Costs Continue To Hurt Cinergy (posted
10/25/04) "The market price for SO2 has increased dramatically from last year to
this year," Massive Wind Farm
Plan for UK (posted 10/25/04) Gamesa Energy UK -- a division of one of the world's biggest renewable energy
developers -- already has a portfolio for 400 megawatts in Wales and wants to
add another 1, 600 total megawatt capacity elsewhere in Britain. Nevada tribe
says court order may mean power plant can remain viable (posted
10/25/04) Participants in a regulatory review of the Mohave Generating
Station at Laughlin said Thursday they are encouraged by a proposed order that
could mean the power plant will continue operating. Mohave Plant
Status in Limbo (posted 10/25/04) The future of the Mohave Generating Station remains undecided after a
proposal late Wednesday that urged denial of a conditional certificate for
continued operation of the plant. Federal
grant to help build "clean coal' plant (posted
10/25/04) It sounds like a can't-miss proposition: The U.S. Department
of Energy awarded a $235-million grant on Thursday toward the construction of a
high-tech "clean coal" power plant in eastern Orange County that will
generate more than 1,800 jobs. power-plant
grant has nothing to do with politics (posted
10/25/04) The announcement of a $235 million federal grant for a
coal-fueled power plant in Orlando comes less than two weeks before the
presidential election. Public Must
Weigh in on Mercury Emission Regulation (posted
10/25/04) The debate is not about whether Indiana should develop a mercury rule. The
Air Board has already indicated its intent to do so. The issue now becomes the
substance of that rule, and all of us need more information before meaningful
public debate can begin. Report warns
of electricity woes (posted 10/25/04) A report by the California Energy Commission says Southern California could
see severe electricity shortages as early as summer 2006 and Northern California
could follow two years later. Researcher
Turns Wastewater into Electricity (posted
10/25/04) "By creating a treatment process that generates a product with market
value, such as electricity, the substantial costs of building, operating, and
maintaining wastewater facilities may be offset." Russia set to
ratify Kyoto pact (posted 10/25/04) Russia's
parliament is due to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, the last hurdle before the
long-delayed climate change treaty comes into force worldwide. Salt
River Project moves forward with production-scale rollout of Elster
Electricity's EnergyAxisr System (posted
10/25/04) Elster's system features powerful two-way RF communications The deployment
will enable SRP to collect data for electricity consumption and time-of-use
(TOU) metering from apartments, townhouses, residential homes and small
commercial businesses in the Phoenix area. Schwarzenegger
Opens Stop on 'Hydrogen Highway' (posted
10/25/04) California
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger dedicated a pioneering hydrogen fueling station last
week, calling it the first stop in a "hydrogen highway" that would
someday stretch across the nation's most populous state as drivers switch to the
cleaner-burning fuel. Solar
energy, a new source of energy for farmers in W. China (posted
10/25/04) Shi Weihong, an ordinary farmer at a mountainous village in
southern Ningxia, now cooks meals and keeps warm in winter with a solar energy
stove, a clean energy source that has became popular in the region. USDA
Awards $3.8 Million in Water Quality Grants (posted
10/25/04) Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced that 10 grants totaling more
than $3.8 million have been awarded for research, education, and extension
projects to improve the quantity and quality of water resources across the
country. Viruses
Found In Wisc. Groundwater (posted
10/25/04) "There is a misconception that groundwater is pure because it is
filtered simply by the process of passing through the soil, but that isn't
always the case, Waterproofing
the Home Property Market (posted 10/25/04) Starting July 2007, Sydney, Australia, homes built before July of 2004 will
need to be fitted with water-efficient showerheads, taps and other devices
before they can be sold. Yucca Mountain
to Be at Capacity Before Opening (posted
10/25/04) More nuclear waste than the planned repository at Yucca Mountain can hold
will pile up at reactor sites as the government continues to approve license
extensions for power plants, an environmental research organization claimed in a
study to be released today. BP Solar
Annual Production Boost (posted 10/23/04) BP Solar announced three projects aimed at strengthening its position in the
global solar photovoltaic (PV) market. Energy
Independence Emerges as Pivotal Campaign Issue (posted
10/23/04) Americans overwhelmingly view independence from foreign oil as a major
campaign issue in the upcoming presidential campaign. "...it is the issue of energy independence that offers the most
surprising glimpse into the mindset of Americans, particularly Republicans.
" New Inverter
Launches at Solar Power 2004 (posted
10/23/04) If companies in the solar industry seem to have been quiet the past few
weeks, it's not for a lack of projects, developments or new products. PTC Revival
Spurs GE Wind Power Projects (posted
10/23/04) Many leading developers of wind projects now are encouraged to move
forward with their plans to significantly increase the country's supply of wind
electricity." Roadmap
Tackles Lagging U.S. Solar Industry (posted
10/23/04) "We now have a choice: do we create those jobs in the US, or do we
watch them go overseas to Japan and Germany?" Wind Energy
from Bering Sea to Power St. Lawrence Island (posted
10/23/04) Remote villages in Alaska are used to power provided by diesel generators or
wood fires, but soon the people living there will get power from the wind as
well. Wind Energy
Gains Corporate Strength (posted 10/23/04) "The move reflects the positive support that wind energy has been
receiving around the world as more and more governments set up favourable
frameworks for wind energy markets." After
125 Years, What's Next for Big Oil? (posted
10/22/04) Like its cohorts, some people within ChevronTexaco envision a time in which
oil might not be the dominant fuel source for transportation. There are still
plenty of other markets for petroleum products, from fuels and lubricants to
fertilizers and construction compounds. BP Texas City
plant to shut hydrogen unit (posted
10/22/04) BP will
shut a hydrogen unit at its Praxair BP Texas City refinery for the month of
November for turnaround and process upgrades Britain has no
room for energy supply complacency (posted
10/22/04) Britain should not become complacent over its energy supply
situation although the country has enough gas and power to meet consumer demands
this winter, British energy regulator Ofgem said Wednesday. Congresswoman
critical of energy regulatory panel (posted
10/22/04) The letter was sent Monday to President Bush. It criticizes
him and his appointees on the five-member commission for failing to order
refunds for utilities harmed during the 2000-01 Western energy crisis by Enron
Corp. and other companies. Connecticut
residents can use 'clean power' while sticking with current company (posted
10/22/04) Electricity customers can stay with their current power companies and still
sign up for "green power" under a final decision by the Connecticut
Department of Public Utility Control released Wednesday. Energy
Savings Equal to Consumption of 180,000 households (posted
10/22/04) "Energy efficiency is everyone's business. That's why
we're increasing our awareness-raising efforts to encourage people to make
purchases and investments that support the achievement of our target when
renovating or when purchasing appliances and equipment, EPA identifies
Nevada power-generation plant as heavy polluter (posted
10/22/04) The future of the Mohave Generating Station remains undecided after a
proposal late Wednesday that urged denial of a conditional certificate for
continued operation of the plant. Gas Cos To
Talk To FERC About Need For More Storage (posted
10/22/04) Although there appears to be enough gas in storage to meet this winter's
demand, the natural gas industry sees a strong need for more storage facilities
in order to help reduce price volatility in the gas market Georgian
leader says "sabotage" group killed after power grid attack (posted
10/22/04) President Mikheil Saakashvili has announced that Georgian
security forces have killed saboteurs who attacked the country's power grid. He
said that the group was "destroyed" shortly after it blew up three
pylons earlier this month. Grant
fuels Orlando, Fla., utilities commission plan for coal plant (posted
10/22/04) Orlando expects to nail down a $235 million federal grant today to build
another power plant in east Orange County fired by coal, a fuel increasingly
regarded as loaded with toxic pollutants, damaging to the global climate and due
for phasing out. To build a generation system that pollutes less than
traditional coal plants. IRAN TO
CONSTRUCT GAS POWER PLANT IN ZIMBABWE (posted
10/22/04) During the meeting, expressed Iran's readiness to bolster
economic ties with African countries, Nigerian tribe
gives Shell an ultimatum (posted 10/22/04) Nigeria's
Ogoni tribe has threatened mass action against the local unit of Royal Dutch
Shell if the oil giant fails to withdraw troops from the area within seven days. Nuclear waste
storage remains an issue in Virginia (posted
10/22/04) The debate over what to do with waste left over from nuclear
power plants heated up after a report released Wednesday detailed how much used
fuel will be left at sites once the nation's permanent repository is full. Oil
Back Up to $55 on US Winter Stocks (posted
10/22/04) Oil prices
charged back up to $55 a barrel this week as a fresh fall in U.S. heating oil
stocks stoked worries over winter supplies. Power supply
crisis looms in Tanzania due to incessant drought (posted
10/22/04) A power supply crisis is looming large in Tanzania as
incessant drought has caused the water levels in reservoirs to go down with one
already at its record low. Review
gives thumbs up to Richland, Wash., nuclear plant (posted
10/22/04) A Nuclear Regulatory Committee review of safety performance of the Richland
plant that produces commercial nuclear fuel found that it has corrected problems
found in a 2003 emergency exercise. Speaker's
Natural Gas Task Force Endorses New Alaska Gas Pipeline (posted
10/22/04) Chairman Joe Barton today endorsed new laws signed by
President Bush that will make the long- awaited Alaska Gas Pipeline a reality
and fulfill the promise of affordable natural gas for homeowners and businesses
in America. U.S.
Consumers Get Cold Feet as Energy Costs Soar (posted
10/22/04) The surging cost of fuel oil and gasoline have set the stage for a cold,
expensive winter in the United States and sparked concerns that consumers will
cut spending, a move economists worry will hamper growth. Waste
companies seen topping expectations in qtr (posted
10/22/04) Surging
energy costs and a lack of pricing power are keeping investors hesitant about
waste management companies World
Living Beyond Its Environmental Means (posted
10/22/04) The
world is consuming some 20 percent more natural resources a year than the planet
can produce, conservationist group WWF said yesterday. Kerry Wins
Fans Abroad with Global Warming Plan (posted
10/21/04) Democratic presidential hopeful John Kerry has won plaudits abroad for his
promises to fight global warming but could find his hands tied at home if he
wins next month's U.S. elections. 38,000
- Jobs Promise After Report Spotlights the Region's Wind- Power Potential (posted
10/20/04) Wind power is set to generate more than 38,000 jobs in the region over the
next 15 years. Climate change is the biggest threat we face and the
manufacturing expertise in the North East must be harnessed to build the
renewable energy technology that will help defeat global warming. Alcoa Says
Legislation Allows Relicensing Of 4 Dams (posted
10/20/04) Alcoa Inc. received government approval for a plan to relicense four of its
hydroelectric dams with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Alternative
energy seems popular, but may not be cost-effective (posted
10/20/04) "I've always been fascinated by the direct connection between the usage
of energy and the energy source, Aust Gas sets
sights on renewable energy (posted
10/20/04) The Australian Gas Light Company is actively pursuing investment
opportunities in renewable power generation and engaging further with the
community on energy efficiency initiatives as part of a range of policies aimed
at promoting a more sustainable energy industry. Backup
Generators Could Have Averted Energy Crisis (posted
10/20/04) If all of the state's backup generators had been used during California's
energy crisis, they would have supplied enough power to prevent blackouts The batteries are coming
(posted 10/20/04) The Peoria company that wants to revolutionize America's
battery habit is coming out of the weeds. Firefly expects to offer an
alternative to lead acid batteries that power cars, trucks and motorcycles as
well as those used in the reserve power segment -- batteries that back up
telecommunications and computer data when power goes out. Big cut in
mercury emissions affordable (posted
10/20/04) Pennsylvania's residential electricity customers would pay about a $1 per
month more to pay for equipment to reduce mercury emissions from the state's
coal-fired power plants by 90 percent, the National Wildlife Federation said. California Law
Shines on New Solar Energy Projects (posted
10/20/04) Just in time for the solar industry's major conference in San Francisco this
week, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill that will make it
less difficult for homes and businesses hoping to install solar energy systems
in towns that tend to find the projects aesthetically unfit for their tastes. China Eyes AP1000
Reactor (posted 10/20/04) U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Nils Diaz said Tuesday that a
decision on export licensing for Westinghouse's AP1000 nuclear reactor
technology is expected within a few months, clearing the path for China to
become one of the first customers. China to
generate additional 500 million kw of generating capacity (posted
10/20/04) A senior official of the Chinese power industry said here on October 18 China
will be have an additional installed capacity of 500 million kW of electricity
in the next 15 years. Coal Stays on
the Front Burner (posted 10/20/04) Suggests it might be time again to consider reserving natural gas for higher
value uses such as heating, and letting coal replace gas for other uses such as
electricity generation. Cooperatives
Caution FERC on 'Special Treatment' for Wind Power (posted
10/20/04) FERC should deny "special treatment" sought by the American Wind
Energy Association (AWEA) in a recent filing related to interconnecting wind
power to the transmission grid, a move that appears to be "based solely on
the economic interests of the wind industry rather than the technical
characteristics of wind generation, Corruption
rampant in many leading oil-producing nations: survey (posted
10/20/04) Corruption is rampant in several of the world's leading oil-producing
nations, according to the latest annual survey by non-governmental organization. Crude
see-saws, supply seen stable for now (posted
10/20/04) Energy consultant Jim Ritterbusch said in a report that the lower Dem Lawmakers
Ask Bush To Push FERC On Calif Elec Refunds (posted
10/20/04) More than 30 Democratic Congressmen from western states are urging U.S.
President George W. Bush to tell the chief of the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission to take "immediate action" to refund billions of dollars to
California electricity consumers. DOE Responds
to Yucca Mountain Decision (posted
10/20/04) "The court dismissed all challenges to the site selection of Yucca
Mountain. [It] rejected the state of Nevada's challenge to the constitutionality
of the resolution approving Yucca Mountain.... While the court did not question
the scientific validity of the EPA's standards, it did vacate ... the
10,000-year compliance period. Drop in US green
lawsuits (posted 10/20/04) An American-based NGO has claimed in a study last week that the number of
lawsuits filed against polluters and other environmental offenders has fallen by
75% since President George W. Bush took over, signalling a slack approach to
green legislation. Election-Year
Politics: What's New Under the Sun? (posted
10/20/04) "President Bush's party controls both houses of Congress, yet has no
new, substantive solar energy legislation for Bush-Cheney '04 to tout in the
campaign. " Geothermal in
Harlem Means a Greener City (posted
10/20/04) "It says a lot of good things about the prospects for redeveloping
the country's emerging urban markets in ways that are responsible to the
environment, responsible to long term stakeholders and that encourage the
entrance of new financial and human resources into communities that had been
long overlooked." High prices to
last a while yet (posted 10/20/04) COAL Buyers are suffering now and cannot long
sustain the current historically high prices. Nonetheless, he too argued that
coal prices were unlikely to fall precipitously. "For too long prices were
too low. They had to go up," Hope Creek to stay
offline (posted 10/20/04) The Newark-based parent of New Jersey's largest electric
utility announced Monday that the Hope Creek plant in Salem County, which was
shut down Oct. 10 due to a steam pipe failure, will remain offline so the
company can begin a planned refueling. Hospital Cures
High Electric Bill with Solar Energy (posted
10/20/04) There is PV as far as the eye can see on the roof of the Lifetime Health Care
facility. 624 panels will help insulate the roof as well as produce up to
116,000 kWh of power annually. Hydrogen on
Demand is Military Goal (posted 10/20/04) The program is based on utilizing fuel cell systems as interchangeable power
sources for military equipment Las Vegas
Valley Water District to Generate Solar Power (posted
10/20/04) Directors approved a $22.6 million contract to initiate the development and
construction of a 3.1-megawatt photovoltaic (PV) solar energy project that will
be one of the largest ever built by a public agency in the United States. Mission
Viejo, Calif., Residents Decide on Burying Overhead Power Lines (posted
10/20/04) More than 5,000 residents might pay to preserve their views and bury 3.1
miles of power lines that Southern California Edison is planning to string
behind their back yards. Nevada program
will teach workers to install solar (posted
10/20/04) Nevada officials on Monday announced a federally funded
program to train electrical workers to install solar systems. New Hydrogen
Generation on the Rise (posted 10/20/04) With visions of a future hydrogen economy, scientists around the world have
thrown themselves headlong into a wide-variety of hydrogen research projects. Oakland,
Calif., and FedEx plan to build private solar power system (posted
10/20/04) FedEx Corp. and the city of Oakland announced plans Monday to
build California's largest private solar power system, bringing the city a step
closer to achieving Mayor Jerry Brown's goal of producing five megawatts of
solar energy per year by 2005. Power
plant on Arizona-Nevada border may be shutting down (posted
10/20/04) Southern California Edison may shut down the Mohave Generating
Station on the Arizona-Nevada border by the end of 2005. Scientist
Envisions Small-Scale Hydropower (posted
10/20/04) A scientist says the United States could more than double its hydropower
supply by harnessing the energy of smaller streams. Secretary,
senator campaign for Coburn on energy (posted
10/20/04) A member of President Bush's Cabinet and a Republican senator from Kansas
charged Monday that Brad Carson would help Senate Democrats stall the
president's energy policy. "Tom Coburn has made irresponsible and insensitive comments about every
group in Oklahoma including seniors, veterans, Native Americans, and the people
of Oklahoma City." Southern
Co Group To Get $200M For Clean-Coal Generator (posted
10/20/04) The U.S. Department of Energy will give more than $ 200 million to a
consortium led by Southern Co. (SO) to build a clean coal-fired power plant in
Florida SPR
build's cost proving heavy on US taxpayers (posted
10/20/04) October has marked the end of 15 consecutive months of additions to the US
Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and it could be as good a time as any to tabulate
the cost of the Bush administration's persistent stock building effort on the US
taxpayer. Student
Activists Deliver Clean Energy Declaration (posted
10/20/04) Over 6,000 citizens call upon Ford, America's
worst-ranked automaker, to commit to zero emissions future UK
approaching ‘recycling revolution’ (posted
10/20/04) “We know what we can recycle, we know how we can recycle - now it is time
to recycle that recycling awareness into recycling action. US retail
power market expected to grow (posted
10/20/04) US competitive retail power market growth only will inch above levels posted
in 2003, but show much stronger growth in 2005, 2006 and beyond. Winds Stirring Up North
(posted 10/20/04) While the reinstated Production Tax Credit for wind energy has revived the
sector in the United States, at least temporarily, recent actions in Canada are
aimed at growing the nascent sector there. World Sales of
Solar Cells Jump 32 Percent (posted
10/20/04) World production of solar cells which convert sunlight
directly into electricity soared to 742 megawatts (MW) in 2003, a jump of 32
percent in just one year. With solar cell production growing by 27 percent
annually over the past five years, cumulative world production now stands at
3,145 MW, enough to meet the electricity needs of more than a million homes. National coal
industry group not partial to either presidential candidate (posted
10/18/04) "If you look at the details, there's really very little
difference between the candidates," said Robert A. Beck Jumbo Flying
Squid Found Off Alaska Is First of the Species Recovered from British Columbia
Waters (posted 10/18/04) "It's unprecedented," he said. "It speaks of a fundamental
change in the ocean along the coast." IPP scrambling
for coal Shutdown of Skyline Mine (posted
10/18/04) Falling production levels of Utah coal
have created a desperate situation for the state's largest coal-fired power
plant. Horizon
Organic Joins White Wave in Using Renewable Energy Source for 100 (posted
10/18/04) Horizon Organic, the leading U.S. manufacturer of certified
organic foods, announces today that it will replace the electrical power used in
its operations with sustainable wind energy, exclusively using wind power for
its supply chain. GE Energy gets
wind project contracts (posted 10/18/04) GE Energy in Atlanta said Monday it has secured contracts to supply more than
750 megawatts of wind turbines for 2004-2005 projects in the United States. From Europe
Energy-server (posted 10/18/04) News from the European Front! Federal
government announces $25 million in funding for Alberta wind farm (posted
10/18/04) MONTREAL: The $24.7 million
for Summerview Wind Farm, near Pincher Creek in southern Alberta, comes after a
commitment in the throne speech to address climate change and support altenative
energy industries Energy
Companies Face Jury Trial (posted 10/18/04) In a significant blow to Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE), a far-reaching antitrust
lawsuit alleging conspiracy and market manipulation that contributed to the
state's devastating energy crisis in 2000 and 2001 will be heard by a jury. East Timor
government launches public consultation on oil fund (posted
10/18/04) East Timor's government this week launched public consultation on key issues
related to the establishment of a Petroleum Fund, which will hold and re-invest
the country's oil and gas revenues. China takes
sustainable development of energy sources as its national strategy (posted
10/18/04) Along with an annual GDP growth rate of 9 percent in the last 20 years, China
also saw a soaring energy demand and deteriorating environment. Invest in coal
or see winter power cuts (posted 10/18/04) London UNION
LEADERS are to meet the Chancellor Gordon Brown to warn of the risk of a winter
of blackouts as Britain's electricity generating capacity begins to run down. Blackout Britain (posted
10/18/04) BRITAIN faces energy blackouts and price rises because of a "looming
generating crisis" in the electricity industry, unions warned yesterday. American
Indians Who Fish for Their Food Are Worried About Mercury in the Nation (posted
10/18/04) American Indians are adding their voices to the controversy over mercury in
the nation's waters, saying they are among the biggest consumers of fish and
therefore more at risk from contamination. 2005 Models Now
Posted on EPA (posted 10/18/04) The 2005 models, including cars, SUVs, pickups, and vans, are now 3 State
Utilities May Offer Internet Via Power Lines (posted
10/18/04) Clearing the way for homes and businesses to receive high-speed Internet
services through their electrical outlets, the Federal Communications Commission
adopted rules this week that would enable the utility companies to offer an
alternative to the broadband communications services now provided by cable and
phone companies. Npower secures
BT green contract (posted 10/18/04) The deal with telecommunications giant BT means that Npower
will supply virtually all the company's power using environmentally friendly
energy. Public
Citizen: Nuclear regulations influenced by contributions (posted
10/18/04) Large contributions from the nuclear industry appear to have influenced the
Bush administration on security matters for commercial nuclear plants and other
major infrastructure in the U.S., asserts the advocacy group Public Citizen. US
coal imports could hit 75-mil tons in 5-10 years: executive (posted
10/18/04) A reduction in Central Appalachia coal production combined with the fact that
a growth in low-sulfur Western coal will likely be limited by rail restrictions
and the need for modifications to existing coal-fired power plants, will lead to
a rise in imports. Demand is rising as production is falling in the US Washington
State Voters to Wrestle with Future of Nation (posted
10/18/04) Supporters call an initiative on the Washington state ballot a no-brainer:
bar the federal government from shipping nuclear waste to the Hanford nuclear
site until all the existing waste there is cleaned up. West
states to feds: What's nuke plan? (posted
10/18/04) Along with other Western states, they would like to know how
the PFS and the U.S. Department of Energy plan to move and monitor the deadly
material. High Oil Price
Set to Boost Exploration (posted 10/18/04) Explorers
were now looking at $30 or $40 a barrel of oil as the base for investment rather
than $15 or $20 a few years ago A nuclear
plant problem raises interest (posted
10/18/04) Federal regulators and the out-of-town activists who monitor the activity of
the three nuclear power plants a few miles from here reacted swiftly this week
when one of the plants had to be shut down because of a small leak of
radioactive steam. Companies
backing off plans to add power plants (posted
10/18/04) Aquila Inc.,a utility, wanted to buy the land and use 20 acres for a natural
gas-fired power plant that would generate electricity _ and huge profits _ at
times of high demand....But... Energy
industry faces aging work force (posted
10/18/04) The typical oil and gas man isn't getting any younger. In fact, he's reaching
an age where industry officials are wondering who's going to fill his soon-to-be
retired shoes. Fed chairman
not worried about rising energy prices wreaking havoc with economy (posted
10/18/04) This year's surge in energy prices is likely to have far less of an impact on
the economy than the oil shocks of the 1970s, Federal Reserve Chairman Alan
Greenspan said Friday. Kuwait foreign
minister says high oil prices (posted
10/18/04) OPEC producer Kuwait did not favor sustained high oil prices, which he blamed
on the lingering impact of Hurricane Ivan and on speculators in paper barrels. Long
Island Pwr Plans To Sign 25,000 For Renewable Energy (posted
10/18/04) The Long Island Power Authority says it has a goal to sign up 25,000
customers to get alternative energy produced in New York over the next two
years. Nervous buying
drives oil prices to fresh highs (posted
10/18/04) Active fund-buying amid continued concerns of tight oil supplies going ahead
of the winter demand season drove crude prices to record highs in Asia Monday. OPPD Board
Votes to Buy Energy From Wind Farm (posted
10/18/04) Omahans and other southeast Nebraskans will be getting more of their
electricity next year from a familiar, renewable source -- the wind. Payson Eyes Coal Power
(posted 10/18/04) City leaders want a cheaper source of electric power than the just-completed,
$100 million Nebo Power Plant generates. Quote of the day (posted
10/18/04) "I think
OPEC, led by the Gulf producers, is trying with its utmost capacity to maintain
oil price stability and has actually raised production to its full capacity but
there are too many disturbances around the world.. S&P:
Pipe break could hurt Hope Creek finances (posted
10/18/04) Hope Creek's pipe break, "the latest in a series of operational
difficulties" at the southern New Jersey site, which also houses Salem,
could have a particularly severe financial impact on PSEG Nuclear Wind
farm planned near Flagstaff (posted
10/18/04) A California developer plans to put up 40
giant wind turbines east of Flagstaff capable of producing 60 megawatts of
electricity. Winds
of Change; Counties Get Ready for Turbine Farms (posted
10/18/04) Two Central Illinois counties are rolling out alternative energy welcome mats
in the form of ordinances that can streamline construction of wind farms. Will Egypt join OPEC? (posted
10/16/04) Egypt is moving towards the entry into
OPEC through the adoption of its policy Why the
sluggish development of new energy resources in China (posted
10/16/04) Currently, the utilization of renewable
resources in China is much lower than the average level of the developed
countries. It has witnessed 14 percentage points lower than the world average in
the instalment of nuclear energy capacity and a retardation of renewable and new
resources. ADB
expects big surge in Malaysia’s oil and gas sector (posted
10/16/04) Energy production is predicted to be a
pillar of the Malaysian economy Algeria,
an important country for world energy market (posted
10/16/04) "Algeria is important to world
energy markets because it is a significant oil and gas producer and
exporter," US Department of Energy (DOE) indicated in a study mapped out on
every OPEC member country. Asia's
energy demand poised to grow as much as 3 % (posted
10/16/04) "With the energy demand of China,
ASEAN and India expected to grow at an annual rate of between 2.5 %-3 %, a pace
which is almost twice as high as the world's average (based on projections by
the International Energy Agency), Asia is undoubtedly the region of highest
energy demand growth Blair is
missing the point on financing renewables (posted
10/16/04) Tony Blair's call on British businesses
to take the moral lead on climate change is laudable and his encouragement to
the UK renewable and low-carbon energy industry is welcome. But by tying
renewables so closely to climate change, we are in danger of undervaluing them. Chechen
government brings oil sector under control (posted
10/16/04) The funds raised from sale of Chechen
energy resources will be fully contributed to the Chechen economy. Chechnya will
restore its oil processing industry and continue the sale of its crude oil China
needs $ 75 bn a year to boost energy output (posted
10/16/04) China may need $ 75 bn in investments
annually over the next two decades to boost output of crude oil, natural gas,
coal and build power plants, China and
Brunei to cooperate more in oil exploitation (posted
10/16/04) China expects to strengthen cooperation
in trade and investment with Brunei -- especially in the field of oil and gas
exploitation China explores
ways of easing dependence on oil imports (posted
10/16/04) China, the world's second-largest
consumer of oil after the United States, is ever more hungry for energy. Its
economic boom is the driving force China is now
largest Saudi oil client (posted 10/16/04) Saudi Arabia, long the largest supplier
of oil to the United States, has cut US sales dramatically and is likely no
longer among the top five largest US suppliers. The Saudi kingdom's new largest
customer is China. China willing
to promote energy cooperation with Russia (posted
10/16/04) China is willing to cooperation with
Russia in oil production and building nuclear power plants, said Chinese Premier
Wen Jiabao prior to his visit to Russia. He said that it was in the interests of
both China and Russia to boost oil and gas cooperation. China’s
oil imports rise 39.3 % in eight months (posted
10/16/04) China’s imports of crude oil in the
first eight months rose nearly 40 % from a year ago as strong economic growth
continued to drive demand. China's
thirst for oil gets into top gear (posted
10/16/04) China is not the biggest oil consumer
in the world, that prize goes to America, nor is it the biggest importer --
which is also the USA. What China outdoes the rest of the world at is the growth
of its appetite. Colorado
Renewable Energy in the Voters (posted
10/16/04) In November, Colorado's 4.3 million citizens will have the opportunity
to vote on Amendment 37, a renewable energy portfolio standard. Egypt
to play greater role in EU’s oil and gas market (posted
10/16/04) The European Union (EU) is
consolidating its role as a major oil and gas customer in North Africa. In
particular Egypt's vast gas resources are catching the EU's attention. Eliminating
US oil dependency through profitability (posted
10/16/04) Imagine a United States where the
military protects the American citizens instead of foreign oil, while moving to
eliminate oil as a source of conflict, and treats oil-rich countries the same as
nations that don't own a drop. Hawaii
to pass 10 % ethanol mandate (posted
10/16/04) The rule requires ethanol to be mixed
with gasoline starting April 2006 for a period of 10 years. India
discusses securing of oil and gas fields at OPEC conference (posted
10/16/04) As part of the largest ever oil
diplomacy mission to secure oil and gas fields for Indian firms, Petroleum
Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar met his counterparts from 13 major oil producing
nations on the sidelines of OPEC ministerial conference in Vienna. Iran should
stop underselling oil (posted 10/16/04) Traditional ways of trading have
resulted in low prices for Iran’s oil in the world markets, an Iranian expert
stated. Iraq plans for
rehabilitation of oil industry (posted
10/16/04) Iraq is drawing up plans to involve the
private sector and foreign oil majors in its state-run oil industry in order to
generate funds for rehabilitation and expansion in the sector estimated at $ 50
bn over 10 years, an Iraqi oil expert said. Japan to lobby
for oil pipeline from Siberia (posted
10/16/04) Japan has reportedly swooped in under
China's nose with $ 7 bn in financing to persuade Russia to build a link to the
Pacific instead of the $ 2.8 bn route to China backed by Yukos Oil, Russia's top
crude exporter. JOBS Bill
Offers Mixed Results for Renewable Energy (posted
10/16/04) "The only renewable energy resource that received no actual incentive
is solar energy, which is absolutely unconsciencable." The LNG
controversy between the United States and Mexico (posted
10/16/04) What’s the LNG controversy between
the United States and Mexico all about? I think awareness of the environmental
considerations is a worthy cause, so here’s a stab at examining them. The making of a tragedy
(posted 10/16/04) For the inheritors of the defunct
Soviet empire their independence was deeply unwelcome, because they are rich in
natural resources, National
Security Think Tanks Call for Shift from Oil (posted
10/16/04) "The (coalition) said the U.S. is facing today a
"perfect storm" of strategic, energy, economic and environmental
conditions that demand a dramatic reduction in the quantities of imported
oil." New Hydrogen
Generation on the Rise (posted 10/16/04) With visions of a future hydrogen economy, scientists around the world have
thrown themselves headlong into a wide-variety of hydrogen research projects Nigeria to
rank as 3rd highest earner in OPEC oil revenue (posted
10/16/04) Nigeria is expected to rank the 3rd
highest revenue earner amongst member nations of OPEC from oil sales put at $ 27
bn, behind Saudi Arabia expected to earn $ 91.7 bn, and Iran which is expected
to earn $ 27.5 bn by the end of this year. Nigeria's
oil reserves to hit 40 bn barrels (posted
10/16/04) The Federal Government has initiated
moves to ensure that Nigeria's crude oil reserves reach 40 bn barrels by the
year 2010. Nigeria's
OPEC output quota rises to 2.2 mm bpd (posted
10/16/04) The increase was as a result of OPEC's
decision to raise production ceiling for 10 of its members by 1.0 mm bpd to 27.0
mm bpd. OPEC said it was raising its official production ceiling to help
moderate oil prices that were making consumers uncomfortable. Oil output
growth in Russia supports world market stability (posted
10/16/04) "It is in our common interests to
keep the oil price within a range that would cover the production costs and
country-related risks of the producers, Oil producers
nervous about speculation (posted 10/16/04) "Psychologically, producers know
that the current prices do not essentially indicate the actual oil market
scenario, as prices are highly influenced by undue speculation," Oil windfall
brings Africa opportunities and risks (posted
10/16/04) It is a golden opportunity: billions of
dollars in windfall earnings for a clutch of African countries thanks to
sky-high oil prices...But the windfall also carries risks of economic
overheating and inflation Renewable
Energy Project Funds for Tribal Lands (posted
10/16/04) Tribal lands owned by Federally recognized Native American tribes are rarely
connected to regional power grids, and renewable energy options offer a solution
without the high cost of running in new electric lines. Russia raises oil
output (posted 10/16/04) Russia's oil production amounted to
38.3 mm tons in August 2004, which was 8.2 % higher than in August 2003, Solar panels
could revolutionise renewable energy for the world (posted
10/16/04) Weak or not, energy experts believe
that with better investment in the informal private sector that engages the
majority of Africans, panels like these could breed a revolution in renewable
energy for the world's poorest -- and many believe sunniest -- continent. Texas
awards 1,228 new drilling permits (posted
10/16/04) The July total included 982 permits to
drill new oil and gas wells, 39 to re-enter existing well bores and 207 for
recompletions. Coal companies
battle for workers as prices and demand rise (posted
10/15/04) While much of the country struggles with a difficult job market, coal
companies are in a heated competition for workers. They're raiding each other's
employees, renting billboards and even paying for banner-towing planes at beach
resorts with generous offers of pay and benefits. FCC makes BPL rule
final (posted 10/15/04) Fast turnaround
on the rulemaking was meant to quickly create the regulatory clarity the
fledgling industry needs to win investment and catch hold. Former El Paso
trader pleads guilty to reporting false gas prices (posted
10/15/04) A former El Paso gas trader has pleaded guilty in a federal court in Houston
to false gas price reporting. Four
Men Took Photos As Wis Elec Towers Fell (posted
10/15/04) Four men were reported taking photos and shooting video outside the
headquarters of a transmission company at the same time 17,000 customers lost
power in what police have called an act of sabotage. Global Warming
Hits the Front Pages (posted
10/15/04) Fears over accelerating carbon dioxide (CO2) levels have led to speculation
about runaway climate change. Reducing carbon emissions and sequestering carbon from the atmosphere is a
vital step in preventing climate change Hope Creek
nuclear reactor shut down after steam pipe bursts (posted
10/15/04) Federal investigators are trying to determine what caused a steam pipe to
rupture inside the Hope Creek nuclear power plant, forcing operators to shut the
reactor down Sunday night. Indonesian
president urges OPEC to try to lower high oil prices (posted
10/15/04) Indonesian president-elect Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono Friday urged his fellow
OPEC members and Middle East oil producers to try to lower high oil prices,
saying the current record levels could harm both the Indonesian and global
economies Instead
of an Energy Policy, We Get Tax Complications (posted
10/15/04) For all intents and purposes, the pending legislation for a comprehensive
national energy policy bill (HR 6) is dead for this year. Oil Spill
Spreads Through Puget Sound Near Seattle (posted
10/15/04) An oil
spill spread out over Puget Sound on Thursday, covering an area of several
square miles of water just north of the port city of Tacoma, Washington Ontario
Electricity Coalition says electricity legislation will create an energy crisis
(posted 10/15/04) The Ontario Electricity Coalition (OEC) says that the government's new
electricity legislation will lead to a new energy crisis in the province. Prices retreat
slightly but stock concerns remain (posted
10/15/04) Benchmark crude prices in New York and London retreated slightly from recent
highs Friday but remained close to record levels Rising fossil
fuel prices boost prospects for renewable energy (posted
10/15/04) With oil reaching a record-high $54 a barrel and natural gas doubling in
price in the last two years, renewable energy is looking a lot better _ not just
on environmental merits but on price. Solar energy
could be a hot buy (posted 10/15/04) A LONG with conversations about granite countertops and hardwood floors, some
Bay Area new home builders are starting to give potential buyers something new
to consider -- solar energy systems. THE
ENERGY CHALLENGE 2004 -- Wind (posted
10/15/04) In addressing the declining availability of fossil fuels, and with nuclear
energy less than popular, the remaining choices are energy efficiency and
renewables. U.S.
Department of Energy Awards Peabody's Mustang Energy Project (posted
10/15/04) U.S. Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham today announced that Peabody's
Mustang Energy project will be presented with a $19.7 million Clean Coal Power
Initiative grant for demonstrating technology to achieve ultra-low emissions U.S.
nuclear generation heading for record year, says EIA (posted
10/15/04) [N]uclear generation in the first 8 months of 2004 continues at a higher pace
than in either the comparable period of 2003 or 2002 Ukraine
to commission new 1,000MW nuclear reactor (posted
10/15/04) Ukraine's state nuclear power generator EnergoAtom is to officially
commission a new 1,000MW nuclear power reactor Saturday, a company official
said. The reactor 4 at the Rivne Nuclear Power Plant has already been tested at
50% capacity earlier this week US
DOE, electricity industry report progress toward 'smart' grid (posted
10/15/04) A US electric utility industry-Dept of Energy partnership has completed the
first phase of a project to develop a communications platform designed to help
the industry transform its aging transmission and distribution lines into
amodern, "smart" power grid, officials said Thursday. US FCC
approves broadband over power line regulations Thursday (posted
10/15/04) The US Federal Communications Commission approved a final rule Thursday on
broadband over power line services Vermont
Candidates for Governor debate energy policy (posted
10/15/04) The two leading candidates for governor were talking wind in a debate before
a renewable energy conference on Wednesday. Wind
Developers Gearing Up for New Growth (posted
10/15/04) MidAmerican Energy is on course to construct a
$323 million, 310 megawatt wind project in Iowa. It comes on the heels of
Congress re-enacting the tax credit given to wind energy producers A Coalition of
Labor and Environmental Advocates Endorse Policy Package for a Smarter
(posted 10/14/04) A coalition of labor and environmental advocates are hailing the findings of
a new report that clearly demonstrates how smarter environmental policies can
lead to significant job creation. Coast Guard
officials confident about security (posted
10/14/04) Many of the mammoth tanker ships that haul liquefied natural
gas to ports around the world use flammable forms of polystyrene or polyurethane
foam to keep their cargo at a super- chilled temperature. Domenici:
Senate funding for nuclear exceeds House levels (posted
10/14/04) Domenici also said he has "forcefully" told DOE it should fund all
three consortia that have applied for construction and operating licenses for
new plants Ecuador Seen
Losing Glaciers to Global Warming (posted
10/14/04) Global
warming is melting Ecuador's cherished mountain glaciers and could cause several
of them to disappear over the next two decades, Ecuadorean and French scientists
said on Wednesday. Electricity's
in the air as wind-powered turbines (posted
10/14/04) OLIVER SPRINGS, Tenn: The 15
huge, new windmills that are part of the Southeast's only wind farm are up, and
five of them are producing electricity. Environmental
Group Draws Attention to 1872 Law by Threatening to Mine Posh Subdivision
(posted 10/14/04) An environmental group has staked claim to 20 acres of public land next to a
posh subdivision to show just how antiquated the nation's mining laws are. Environmental
suits fall sharply under Bush administration (posted
10/14/04) The number of lawsuits the US government has filed against industry for EPA is holding
a public meeting to receive public comments on the proposed (posted
10/14/04) EPA's Office of Brownfields Cleanup and Redevelopment EPA is holding a public meeting to receive public comments on the proposed
Mistake
Led To Natural Gas Price Surge (posted 12/23/04)
Mistake Led To Natural Gas Price Surge (State News, VA,
December 22nd, 2004, 9:20 a.m.) Federal officials say a mistake by a clerk
at Dominion Transmission Incorporated may have cost American consumers
hundreds of millions of dollars in excess energy ...
Dec
22, 2004 WTKR, Virginia
"Our global mission has advanced on many fronts but the allegations
about the oil-for-food program have cast a shadow
over the operations that brought relief to millions of Iraqis."
(UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said Tuesday referring to the scandal
about the recent oil for food programme in Iraq).
See more industry/OPEC viewpoints. http://www.platts.com/Oil/Resources/Quote of
the Day/
"early-winter euphoria" subsides and market realities set in
"major injuries and significant structural damage" within a 250-meter
to
500-meter zone from the spill's origin
by its filing before a US Bankruptcy Court in Houston
crude output cuts agreed at OPEC's Dec 10 meeting
to launch exploration in onshore and offshore areas under its sovereignty.
"The important thing is that 1-mil b/d is being taken out by OPEC.
OPEC has been pumping over quota for several months in a bid to ease high oil
prices, but despite the cartel's move to curb oversupply, oil prices may still
fall further,"
(Saudi Arabian oil minister Ali Naimi said referring to OPEC's decision to cut
production by 1-mil b/d from January.)
See more industry/OPEC viewpoints. http://www.platts.com/Oil/Resources/Quote of
the Day/
futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange Tuesday
- Governor Bill Richardson
with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 2008 at least one combined
construction and operating license (COL)
producers and on-site generation, is expected to rise to 5,467-bil kWh in 2025
from 3,657-bil kWh in 2003, an average increase of 1.8%/year
producers largely because lawmakers have allowed a 1.8-ct production tax credit
to expire before voting to renew it.
Information Administration on Tuesday pulled back sharply on its earlier
estimates for winter gas prices.
Tim Wilkinson has taken on that dilemma as a personal challenge.Crude futures reversed last week's slide to climb Monday mainly amid a 90,000
b/d outage in Nigerian production due to renewed militant activity and news
that OPEC was leaning toward a rollover of its ceiling for the first quarter
of next year
long-term solutions to what he called the "looming crisis in natural gas
supply and demand."
The nation's electricity grid is strained.
Coal, oil and natural gas prices are at or near record levels.
Ice is melting in the Arctic, heating up the debate about fossil fuels and
global warming.
seen over the previous two days as fears of winter supply shortages receded.
200 militants stormed three flow stations operated by Shell and ChevronTexaco in
the swamps of Nigeria's Rivers State early
Sunday
morning, forcing them to halt operations and effectively shutting in about
100,000 b/d of crude production.
http://www.platts.com/Oil/Resources/Whats%20Moving%20the%20Market/"OPEC feels oil prices will remain high in the first quarter of
2005 due to geopoliticalfactors.
- Senate Minority Leader Senator Harry Reid
"Today it is really a demand-driven situation where everyone is
taken by surprise in 2004 by the surge in demand, it is
demand that is pulling the price up."
Saudi oil minister Ali Naimi said at the Royal Institute of International
Affairs in London, insisting that high prices were mainly driven by rising
demand for oil.
See more industry/OPEC viewpoints.The US will reduce the maximum sulfur specifications in diesel to 15 parts per
million beginning in 2006.
long-lived waste management policy.
weekend tanker spill near Philadelphia has resumed on a case-by-case basis,
the US Coast Guard reported Monday
levels of around 9.5-mil b/d if required to do so.The ministers discussed oil prices over dinner Sunday, and Brinkhorst said that all agreed there should be more
investment upstream and downstream, more energy efficiency and more transparency.
"The time is right for a real dialog with OPEC.
coal-fired units at Oak Creek, giving the green light for construction of a
total of 1,200 MW of coal-fired power
and "a small amount" of natural gas production in the North Sea
following a
gas leak at its Snorre A platform Sunday eveningIn the 1990s, investor were making a 15-16% rate of return and were happy with
an oil price of $20/bbl, Naimi said after a speech to an industry conference
in London. "If you wanted to make that rate of return in today's environment,
you would probably be looking at $30-34/bbl
massive increase in wholesale UK gas prices over the past year, it said
Friday.
It is reported that over 70 % of China's power generating facilities are fuelled
by coal, and the remaining are almost all hydropower installations.
Petroleum is black magic, the lifeblood of our civilization.
"We have an interest in contributing to stability on world
energy markets."
(Venezuelan oil minister, Hugo Chavez said in reference to a two-day visit to
Russia to discuss possible arms and energy deals). See more
industry/OPEC viewpoints. http://www.platts.com/Oil/Resources/Quote of the Day/
energy sources 'with high potential' as a way of meeting the EU's 2010
renewables target
continuing weakness of the US dollar
(posted 11/23/04)
claim that it has jurisdiction over a proposed liquefied natural gas import
terminal in the state, supported the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's
contention that it has sole authority over LNG terminals under section 3 of
the Natural Gas Act.
More than 40 species were planted from throughout the United States, Europe and
Asia. Today, about 30 species not only survive, but thrive.
"You have to think about what's the
reliability that's going to keep the computerized assembly lines and all the
other digital equipment from going off.
"That means you have to keep the power on
and keep its integrity on a fraction of the cycle basis."
They die -- whether it's anthills or human
civilizations -- when their populations exceed their access to energy.
"We are rapidly approaching a world of 9-10
billion people," he forecast, with some 2 billion without access to
electricity now.
earlier this year by UK Prime Minister Tony Blair in preparing new legislation
designed to limit greenhouse gas emissions in the US.
project future prices moves, Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said Monday.
"No one can comment definitely on the future of crude prices and we should
be careful that the market not face high (levels) and sudden (declines) in
prices.
recover some 500-bil cu ft/year of gas by 2015, according to the new Methane to
Markets Partnership.
by 31.3% of US households.
rules from Sweden to Turkey and from Bulgaria to Portugal
production and on the overall business climate in the country
"When you get the politics right, the markets will work
The premier issue of EnergyBiz magazine, now mailing to
leaders in the $350 billion electric and natural gas industry, reports on
emerging trends in the all-important economic sector touching the lives of all
Americans and every commercial and industrial enterprise.
November 3, 2004 -
Denver, CO (News Release)
reducing pollution emissions that cause global warming, the Kremlin said.
Russia's ratification of the treaty will come in force three months after the
president has notified the United Nations on the move, the Kremlin said.
Protection Plan, which will detail the Bush administration's strategy for
protecting electricity, natural gas and oil facilities, on Nov 10, a DHS
official said Thursday.
congressional Republicans to mount another push for a comprehensive energy bill
either during a lame-duck session this month, or when the new Congress with a
stronger Republican majority convenes in January
leadership position now that Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) has lost his
re-election bid.
through the region, amounted to 27,428,422 bbl
Where would we be without satellites? Most people
probably don't spend much time thinking about those high-tech orbs that allow us
to communicate instantly across the globe and beam massive amounts of
information over long distances, in real time.
California Energy
Markets - 10/25/04
prices partly reflected stable flows of oil--at least for the time
being--"from key areas of concern" Nigeria, Iraq and Russia.
environmental violations has fallen sharply under the Bush administration, an
environmental group said Tuesday.
EU takes action against Britain over nuclear waste (posted 10/14/04)
Britain faces legal action from the European Commission over its failure to notify Brussels over how it disposes of radioactive waste at the Atomic Weapons Establishment, home to its nuclear weapons industry.
Genetically Modified Pollen Travels Frighteningly Far and Other Stories (posted 10/14/04)
Bioengineered plants can sow their genes over many kilometers in just a single season, according to a new study.
Greenhouse Gas Jump Shows Kyoto Vital (posted 10/14/04)
A worrying rise in the levels of so-called greenhouse gases linked to climate change highlights the importance of the Kyoto protocol, British Environment Minister Elliot Morley said Wednesday.
Lauderhill, Fla., urges study of burying power lines (posted 10/14/04)
A common refrain has surfaced among residents and elected officials throughout Florida since the state was walloped by four hurricanes: Bury our power lines -- or at least find a way to protect them during storms.
Lava Oozes Out of Mount St. Helens (posted 10/14/04)
The U.S. Geological Survey, or USGS, kept their warning level at the agency's second-highest setting of "heightened activity," but said there was still a chance that Mount St. Helens could erupt as magma continues to build up
Mercury Fever (posted 10/14/04)
The debate about expected mercury regulations is getting hotter.
NYMEX front-month heating oil settles at all-time high $1.4991/gal (posted 10/14/04)
November heating oil settled at an all-time high of $1.4991/gal Wednesday for a gain of 4.46 cts on the session
Oil prices to continue rising through this month (posted 10/14/04)
Oil prices will continue to strengthen until the end of October because demand is still rising, OPEC president Purnomo Yusgiantoro told reporters in Jakarta in a brief comment Thursday.
Post-Fossil Fuel Preparation with Renewable Energy (posted 10/14/04)
The key to the fuel source paradigm, according to the book, is to develop the use of renewable energy resources such as wind, solar and water, and combine these technologies to include the use of hydrogen.
Promoting Hybrid Development for Heavy Duty Trucks (posted 10/14/04)
Fuel efficient hybrid technology isn't just for the environmentally-minded, energy conscious consumer. The U.S. military has shown increasing interest.
Red Trail Energy seeks investors for North Dakota ethanol plant (posted 10/14/04)
Representatives of the Red Trail Energy L.L.C. of Richardton, N.D., say they're $18 million away from their $25 million goal to break escrow and build a $78 million ethanol plant just east of Richardton, N.D.
Renewable energy proponents complain about opposition tactics (posted 10/14/04)
Proponents of a renewable energy initiative claim Xcel Energy, Colorado's largest electric utility, is violating the campaign finance law by sending pamphlets opposing the measure in customers' bills.
Russia's power utilities breakup to be completed in 2007 (posted 10/14/04)
Russia's power monopoly UES expects that in 2007 all Russian power utilities will be split into separate generating, transmission and distribution businesses.
US Gulf shut-ins Wednesday (posted 10/14/04)
The shut-ins in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan represented about
27.73% of usual oil output of 1.7-mil b/d and 13.87% of normal gas output of
12.3 Bcf/d.
USDA Funds Renewable Energy Projects (posted 10/14/04)
Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced the approval of 97 value-added agricultural product market development grants in 34 states, totaling over US$13.1 million.
ACORE Calls for Phase II of Renewable Energy in America (posted 10/13/04)
“After 30 years of outstanding effort by our country’s best scientists and engineers, it is time to declare an interim success in our nation’s RD&D program for renewable energy,” said Dan Reicher, co-chair of the ACORE Advisory Board
Alaskan Gas may be in the Pipeline (posted 10/13/04)
More Alaskan natural gas appears to be in the pipeline. The U.S. House and Senate passed loan guarantee provisions that would provide producers with new incentives to build the Alaskan pipeline
Brazil seeks nuclear energy cooperation with Russia (posted 10/13/04)
Space exploration and peaceful use of nuclear energy are among the most promising areas of cooperation between Russia and Brazil
California to fund research on ‘zero-energy’ homes (posted 10/13/04)
The state of California will fund US$10 million for a project to reduce the cost of reducing power consumption in residential homes with the use of solar PV.
Chart watchers eye $70 peak for oil (posted 10/13/04)
Signals are growing that oil's price surge could push all the way to $70 a barrel, according to the technical analysts who forecast market trends by interpreting chart patterns.
Chief British Scientist Says Act Now on CO2 (posted 10/13/04)
The world faces a surge in extreme weather events because of global warming and governments must act immediately to avert disaster, Britain's chief scientist said yesterday.
Climate warning should spur action (posted 10/13/04)
Green group Friends of the Earth has responded to reports earlier in the week claiming that emissions of the key global warming gas carbon dioxide (co2) have increased, by calling for immediate government action on the issue.
Court ruling forces US nuclear industry to rethink appeal (posted 10/13/04)
The US nuclear industry is considering whether it will proceed with a planned appeal to the US Supreme Court of an appeals court ruling remanding to the Environmental Protection Agency a 10,000-year regulatory requirement considered critical to the licensing of a high-level nuclear waste respository in Nevada
EC tells 18 member states to put EU gas (posted 10/13/04)
The European Commission has sent formal notices to 18 of the 25 members of the European Union, asking them to put the EU directives on gas and power market opening into national law.
Energy Regulators to Focus on Rates (posted 10/13/04)
Energy regulators to focus on rates
Priority is to keep them reasonable and affordable
Farmers asked to comment on federal support for renewables (posted 10/13/04)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will implement a program to provide grants, loan guarantees and direct loans to farmers and ranchers to purchase renewable energy systems.
FERC To Push Harder For Open Access To Transmission Lines (posted 10/13/04)
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will more actively enforce independent power producers' right to use electric transmission lines owned by utilities
World has no shortage of energy resources, says WEC (posted 10/13/04)
There is no shortage of biomass, wind or geothermal energy resources in the world, according to a survey by the World Energy Council.
What's Moving the Market (posted 10/13/04)
Saudi Arabia has left its term crude allocations to European customers unchanged
Russia's justice ministry is moving in on the assets of troubled Russian oil major Yukos
Oil was still flowing in OPEC member Nigeria as union leaders took a general strike into a third day.
GM Reduced U.S. Greenhouse Gases 72% from 1990 to 2003 (posted 10/13/04)
General Motors' U.S. facilities reduced their overall composite greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions more than 72 percent in the past 13 years,
Greenhouse Gas Jump Spurs Global Warming Fears (posted 10/13/04)
An unexplained jump in greenhouse gases since 2002 might herald a catastrophic acceleration of global warming if it becomes a trend, scientists said.
Hydrogen scholarship launched (posted 10/13/04)
Five researchers from the UK will be given the chance to study hydrogen technologies with experts in the US, in the first stage of an innovative research and development programme.
Mercury regs still up in the air (posted 10/13/04)
One by one, the industry “suits” lauded coal as an energy source and warned that superseding EPA’s 70 percent reduction target would cause economic hardship.
“Green Team” asked the APCB to place public health above private profit and join Connecticut, Massachusetts and Wisconsin in passing rules stronger than EPA’s proposal.
New Finnish nuclear plant raises hopes and fears (posted 10/13/04)
One of the world's largest nuclear power plants is under construction in Finland, raising the long dormant atomic power industry's hopes for a revival but evoking fears among opponents of lethal accidents and waste.
Nigerian oil flows as fuel strike enters third day (posted 10/13/04)
Oil was still flowing in OPEC member Nigeria as union leaders took a general strike into a third day.
Pipes at 7 thermal plants eroded (posted 10/13/04)
Pipes at seven thermal plants across Japan have eroded to below the acceptable standard of thickness, increasing the risk of rupture, according to a survey by electric companies released Tuesday.
Ready for a steamy summer rerun (posted 10/13/04)
California could see a different type of summer rerun next year — the return of the 2001 electricity crisis.
Renewable progress (posted 10/13/04)
Perhaps the manufacturing operations can locate to replace jobs lost as the coal industry is phased out. Presumably, these jobs are safer, cleaner, healthier and don't add to acid mine drainage.
Renewables could reduce U.S. power emissions by 10% by 2020 (posted 10/13/04)
Non-hydro renewable energies offer “the greatest potential for future growth” of low-emission power in the United States, according to the Electric Power Research Institute.
Revolutionary Honeywell Thermostat Offers Homeowners Effortless Programming to Cut Energy Costs (posted 10/13/04)
Vision(TM) Thermostat Also Automatically Adjusts for Daylight- Saving Time
Russia's Putin Hopes for Kyoto Ratification (posted 10/13/04)
Russian ratification is vital to the environmental pact, which needs the backing of nations responsible for 55 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. After Washington pulled out in 2001, Moscow's participation is essential to meet targets.
Solar grants announced (posted 10/13/04)
LONDON: Funding of up to £1.4m for new solar energy projects has been announced this week, bringing the government financial backing for the technology up to an impressive £40m.
Speedier, cheaper clean-up raises prospects of nuclear energy (posted 10/13/04)
The UK Atomic Energy Authority yesterday slashed its estimates of the cost of cleaning up its nuclear liabilities by some pounds 1.5bn
Supply concerns keep crude prices high (posted 10/13/04)
Crude prices remained elevated in Asian electronic trading by global supply concerns fueled by strikes and US Gulf shut-ins despite a limited and short-lived technical reversal Tuesday
Top U.S. green power consumers exceed 1.3 million MWh per year (posted 10/13/04)
The U.S. Edwards Air Force Base is the top-rated member of the Green Power Partnership administered by the Environmental Protection Agency. It purchases 138,000 MWh of biogas, biomass, geothermal, small-hydro, solar and wind energy from American Electric Power, to meet 61% of its total power consumption.
U.S. groups want government to double support for renewables (posted 10/13/04)
A coalition of energy groups in the United States has recommended that federal support for renewables and energy efficiency double over the next five years.
Utilities offered guide to creating ‘green pricing’ programs (posted 10/13/04)
The American Wind Energy Association has released the second edition of its ‘Green Pricing Resource Guide’ to help utilities develop the market for green power.
BG looks for gas supply partner for third Egyptian LNG train (posted 10/12/04)
The UK's BG group has started to increase its gas exploration in Egypt and meet with other gas companies in a bid to find supplies for a third LNG train planned for construction
2 Demos Criticize Excess Electricity (posted 10/12/04)
The two Democratic contenders for Arizona Corporation Commission charged Wednesday that the Republican-controlled panel is letting Arizona bear the environmental burden of California's energy needs.
Crude prices linger at new highs amid supply concerns (posted 10/12/04)
Concerns over possible supply disruptions from a general strike in OPEC member Nigeria, coupled with slow recovery of US Gulf production shut-in by Hurricane Ivan and an industrial dispute in oil exporter Norway ahead of the peak winter demand season sustained crude at its all-time highs
Energy Tax Credit Inches Ahead (posted 10/12/04)
Geothermal energy producers are poised to receive a new tax break in a bill moving toward final passage in Congress this week.
Federal energy-savings contracts get second life (posted 10/12/04)
A popular Energy Department program that encourages government buildings to undertake energy-efficiency upgrades is about to get a second life and unlock as much as $300 million in federal contracts.
France's Total confirms 'significant' gas find in Bolivia (posted 10/12/04)
French oil-giant Total Monday confirmed it has made a "significant" discovery in Bolivia's Ipati block, 300-km south of the Santa Cruz basin.
Green Power Awards Highlight Market Makers (posted 10/12/04)
Although the policy initiative for expanding retail choice has reached a plateau in most parts of the nation, the green power market continues to grow
HLW residue at Idaho DOE lab can be reclassified (posted 10/12/04)
High-level waste (HLW) residue in tanks at a DOE lab in Idaho can be
reclassified as low-level waste and left in place under provisions in the
defense authorization bill for fiscal 2005 that was sent to President George W.
Bush over the weekend to be signed into law.
IEA cuts 2005 oil demand estimate (posted 10/12/04)
The International Energy Agency Tuesday said it has raised its world oil
demand estimates for 2004 but cut the estimate for 2005 to reflect the likely
impact of current record-high oil prices on economic growth.
Israel Electric delegation heads to Egypt for gas talks (posted 10/12/04)
A high level Israel Electric Corp delegation has gone to Egypt in an attempt to advance natural gas talks
Lead Contamination Is a Serious Problem in Dozens of Drinking (posted 10/12/04)
Dozens of the nation's largest drinking water utilities have tried to hide lead contamination and failed to correct problems, it was reported recently.
Limited Availability for 'Cheap' LNG to the U.S. (posted 10/12/04)
There has been suggestion the U.S. import 'cheap' (i.e., nearby supplies priced at variable cost) LNG into the U.S. as a way to apply downward pressure on domestic natural gas prices. However
Nigerian fuel price strike enters second day (posted 10/12/04)
Nigeria has entered its second day of a four-day general strike, bolstering world oil prices to record highs but leaving crude exports from Africa's largest oil producer unaffected.
Power prices in the West posted losses (posted 10/12/04)
Power prices in the West posted losses for Tuesday’s delivery, largely due to the significant drop-off in spot natural gas prices
Pueblo, Colo., tour of homes generates interest in solar power (posted 10/12/04)
One visitor even asked what happens when all the electrons are gone, she said. "I told him, the world has plenty," she said with a laugh.
Quote of the Day (posted 10/12/04)
"Sustained high oil prices will help cool oil demand growth in two ways
Reliant Energy to turn Pennsylvania coal waste into power (posted 10/12/04)
The West Fork of the Susquehanna River runs amber yellow after gurgling past the "boney pile," a heap of coal-mining waste dumped here nearly a century ago. Now, Houston-based Reliant Energy plans to use these piles to generate enough electricity to light about half a million homes.
Rising US Coal Prices (posted 10/12/04)
"At current production costs of coal, spot coal prices can move up quite a bit and not fear displacement from natural gas — there isn’t much ‘push back’ on coal producers,"
Rocky Mountain Front in Montana Won't Be Drilled for Years, Says Interior Department (posted 10/12/04)
Bush administration will put the Rocky Mountain Front in Montana off limits to oil and gas development for at least the next four years
Russian authorities move closer to sale of key Yukos assets (posted 10/12/04)
according to a ministry statement, "the debt repayment period has been unjustifiably lengthened, and the justice ministry has taken the decision, on the basis of the law, to sell part of the debtor's property through the Russian property fund."
Sludge may get to stay in tanks at Aiken (posted 10/12/04)
Controversial legislation, which will allow federal energy officials to leave grout-and-concrete-laced atomic residue after pumping out the bulk of 37 million gallons of waste from 49 storage tanks at SRS
Southern Natural Gas may need 6 months for Ivan repairs (posted 10/12/04)
El Paso's Southern Natural Gas unit warned Monday it may need as long as six months to return part of its system to service following continued assessment of damage from Hurricane Ivan.
STB sets Nov. 2 public hearing on Arizona Electric coal rate case (posted 10/12/04)
The Surface Transportation Board will hear oral arguments on Tuesday, Nov. 2, in the rate case involving Arizona Electric Power Co-op against Burlington Northern Santa Fe and Union Pacific railroads.
Study proposes closure of coal-fired plant (posted 10/12/04)
A consultant has concluded that this city's most cost-effective long-term solution to providing electricity to residents is to shut down its coal-fired power plant within the next decade.
Super energy efficient homes go tankless (posted 10/12/04)
A cluster of prototype Southern California homes are further evidence that energy efficiency is more than a few added inches of fluffy insulation.
THE ENERGY CHALLENGE 2004 -- Nuclear (posted 10/12/04)
No aspect of the energy challenge is more polarized than that of nuclear energy.
U.S. plutonium arrives at France's Cadarache (posted 10/12/04)
One hundred forty kilograms of U.S. weapons-origin plutonium arrived at a high-security fuel complex at Cadarache at 2:30 a.m. today.
UK Atomic Energy Authority to cut nuke clean up cost (posted 10/12/04)
UKAEA said that the cost and time reductions were achieved by a range of measures including the use of technologies from other industries, cost effective treatment of fuels and reductions in infrastructure costs.
Uranium Industry Enjoys Rebound as Prices Nearly Triple (posted 10/12/04)
Pat Drummond monitors a complex system of pipelines and vats that produce 55-gallon drums of uranium, weighing 600 to 1,000 pounds each, ready to be shipped to nuclear power plants across the globe.
US HHS releases $1.2-bil of LIHEAP funds to states (posted 10/12/04)
The US Dept of Health and Human Resources late Thursday announced it was releasing $1.2-bil of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds to the states.
US Energy Dept says continues to review SPR loan requests (posted 10/12/04)
The US Department of Energy will continue to review requests as they come in from refiners looking for loans from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to make up for Gulf of Mexico supplies lost due to last month's Hurricane Ivan.
Washington UTC stifles VOIP growth (posted 10/12/04)
Washington Utilities & Transportation Commission (UTC) in June ordered that VOIP firm LocalDial is a telecom firm and so has to follow the same laws as other long-distance companies.
Well-insulated, efficient homes becoming trend (posted 10/12/04)
But it's not the obvious stuff that sets it apart from other homes. It's the stuff that can't be seen. The only visible evidence might be in his utility bills.
Supply concerns propel prices to fresh highs (posted 10/11/04)
Continued concerns about oil supply from key producing countries propelled benchmark oil prices to fresh highs Monday as markets shrugged off assurances from Persian Gulf producers that additional capacity would be used to meet any demand for extra barrels.
Huge wind farm planned for South Dakota (posted 10/11/04)
Plans for the world's largest wind farm _ 10 times bigger than the largest one currently making electricity _ are on track for South Dakota.
California utilities commission delays decision on power costs (posted 10/11/04)
The California Public Utilities Commission has again delayed a decision that could shift $1 billion in crisis-related power costs to San Diego Gas & Electric customers and cause a major rate increase.
Siemens seeks growth in Asia power generating sales over next three years (posted 10/11/04)
Encouraged by economic growth and increased energy demand in the Asia-Pacific region, Siemens Power Generation of Germany has set an ambitious target of expanding sales in the region by 25 percent over the next three years
Coal crunch: For the hottest job market you've got to aim low (posted 10/11/04)
Competing companies are raiding each other for experienced help, renting ad space, billboards, even banner-towing planes at beach resorts with generous offers of pay and benefits
State Energy Policy is Proposed (posted 10/11/04)
A pair of legislators want Utah to have a codified state energy policy, and they'll be seeking input on it during a meeting Oct. 19.
PNM To Introduce Enviro Director (posted 10/11/04)
The Public Service Company of New Mexico is holding an open house today to introduce Santa Fe to the company's new director of environmental sustainability.
Clean coal important, energy expert says (posted 10/11/04)
Though nuclear energy is another source that the world should look into expanding, he said, uranium and other sources needed to produce it aren't so easy to come by.
Wolf Creek resumes generating electricity after lightning strike (posted 10/11/04)
The Wolf Creek nuclear power plant resumed generating electricity Friday afternoon after an emergency shutdown caused by a lightning strike.
Kansai Electric Completes Checks on All Nuclear Reactors (posted 10/11/04)
Kansai Electric shut down all its nuclear reactors for inspections after a badly corroded coolant pipe in the No. 3 reactor at Mihama ruptured in August, spilling out superheated steam that killed four workers and injured seven others
Project applies with Arizona commission for high-transmission siting (posted 10/11/04)
The Salt River Project has filed an application with the Arizona Corporation Commission to build a high-voltage transmission line from western Pinal County to east Mesa to serve rapidly growing areas of the East Valley.
Goal to Increase Renewable Power to 20% by 2017 (posted 10/11/04)
Currently, state law requires investor owned utilities, such as Southern California Edison, to generate at least 20% of their electricity by the year 2017.
Scottsdale, Ariz.-based solar cell maker enjoys growing international demand (posted 10/11/04)
First Solar, of Scottsdale, Ariz.is suddenly selling every panel it can make, and more.
Kyoto protocol: Russian decision gives global green light (posted 10/11/04)
The Russian government has recommended that the State Duma ratify the Kyoto Treaty, paving the way for it to come into force in three years' time.
Wood Energy 'Key' to Meet Kyoto Targets (posted 10/11/04)
The promotion of wood as a viable alternative energy source must be a key objective of the Government if Ireland is to meet its Kyoto targets, a conference was told yesterday.
State Pushed to Reduce Mercury Emissions (posted 10/11/04)
Environmentalists want state regulators to take more aggressive steps to reduce the amount of mercury released by Indiana's coal- fired power plants.
Counting Cost of Green Fuel Future (posted 10/11/04)
The Government would have to invest heavily in nuclear plants or cover an area the size of Wales in wind farms if it planned to replace oil-dependent cars with greener hydrogen-powered vehicles, Midland researchers have claimed.
Nuclear convoy reaches French recyling plant safely (posted 10/11/04)
A convoy believed to be carrying a large shipment of U.S. weapons-grade plutonium arrived safely at a recycling plant in southeastern France on Friday after a long journey across the country.
Kenyan Environmentalist Wins 2004 Nobel Peace Prize (posted 10/11/04)
She rose to international fame for campaigns against government-backed forest clearances in Kenya in the late 1980s and 1990s.
Ukraine starts up 1GW reactor at Rivne (posted 10/11/04)
Ukraine's third-largest nuclear power plant, Rivne NPP, has put a large new nuclear reactor in operation Sunday
Gulf oil producers led by Saudi Arabia pledge oil capacity hikes (posted 10/11/04)
Persian Gulf oil producers Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates pledged Sunday to bring on additional spare capacity to meet rising demand for crude oil though their ministers asserted there was no justification for current record high oil prices.
clay wall-heaters (posted 10/08/04)
The Seiser Alm Hotel Urthaler is pure nature. Built absolutely biologically, without chemical materials, with specially-beaten wood. The healthiest hotel in the Alps.
A Sustainable Energy Blueprint for the Next Administration (posted 10/08/04)
Shortly after taking office in 2001, President George Bush made the passage of national energy legislation a centerpiece of his Administration. Although he continues to call for its approval, the measure, which envisions greater domestic development of fossil fuel resources and nuclear power as well as increased use of energy efficient and renewable energy technologies, has languished in Congress ever since.
America’s dependence on oil imports (posted 10/08/04)
When the Arab oil embargo occurred in 1973, the effects on the U.S. economy were devastating—lost productivity, economic recession, stock market declines, long lines at gas stations.
At that time, the United States imported about 30% of its oil. Today, that figure stands at 57%—and is growing.
An Energy Independent America (posted 10/08/04)
Together, Americans will be freer and stronger when we break our dependence on foreign oil.Today, we consume 2.5 million barrels of oil per day from the Middle East, where instability has pushed prices to record highs.
Angola, Nigeria oil targets in danger of slipping (posted 10/08/04)
Nigeria and Angola must speed up expansion plans if they are to meet targets of doubling oil output and grow Africa's share and influence of the global industry
China's dependence on dangerous coal keeps growing (posted 10/08/04)
"The economic development is going to be extremely significant, It is going to need large loads of energy."
In China, that means large loads of coal.
Congress Moves to Close SUV Tax Loophole (posted 10/08/04)
Congressional negotiators closed a controversial tax loophole on Wednesday that allowed small business owners to write-off the full cost of the biggest and most expensive sport utility vehicles.
Energy in Motion. Oil is more expensive than ever. (posted 10/08/04)
“Away
with Oil” is the motto for future energy supply. Worldwide. Thailand is
seeking German know-how in the field of renewable energy, Russia finally wants
to sign the Kyoto Protocol, and 56 percent of German citizens believe that it
can pay off for them to invest in solar power plants. To learn more about where
you can personally meet the minister of industry from Thailand and how you can
save money with renewable energy, keep reading this newsletter!
Former El Paso employees to admit to falsifying data on natural-gas trades (posted 10/08/04)
The defendants, who all worked for El Paso Merchant Energy, are accused of one count of false reporting for e-mailing false data during 2000 to Inside FERC's Gas Market Report, a trade publication. That data was then used to create price indexes, which others would use to set prices.
France, Germany, Poland should cooperate in energy projects - Polish minister (posted 10/08/04)
France, Germany and Poland should expand their joint scientific research to include energy. These three countries are natural partners for such cooperation as they are Europe's biggest energy consumers
Gov't says no problem with eroded pipe at Fukushima nuclear plant (posted 10/08/04)
The Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency said Thursday it saw no safety problem with water piping at a reactor of the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, dismissing concerns that it may have been eroded beyond safety levels.
Green Mountain Power Joins Chicago Climate Exchange (posted 10/08/04)
Green Mountain Power today announced it has signed a commitment letter to become a member of the Chicago Climate Exchange, a voluntary, legally binding multi-sector market for reducing and trading greenhouse gas emissions. Green Mountain Power is the first electric utility in the northeast to join the CCX.
Japanese Cars Top Government's List of Most Fuel Efficient (posted 10/08/04)
Japanese vehicles dominate the government's annual list of vehicles with the best fuel economy, but Ford Motor Co. can claim the most fuel efficient pickup and sport utility vehicle.
Judge Orders Calif. to Drop Enron Lawsuit (posted 10/08/04)
A federal bankruptcy judge ordered California's attorney general to drop a lawsuit that seeks to block Enron from ever doing business with the state
National Security Think Tanks Call for Shift from Oil (posted 10/08/04)
"The (coalition) said the U.S. is facing today a "perfect storm" of strategic, energy, economic and environmental conditions that demand a dramatic reduction in the quantities of imported oil."
Nuclear power plant shuts down after lightning strikes (posted 10/08/04)
Wolf Creek Generating Station officials Thursday were investigating the cause of an emergency shutdown at the nuclear power plant.
Nuclear-Refueling Season Arrives, Prices Unmoved (posted 10/08/04)
The price for electricity, on the other hand, had little incentive go move anywhere during the first three days of this week. The cost for power throughout the West stuck close to last week’s closing prices, despite some major generating facility outages.
NYC Mayor to Announce New Plan to Ship Trash Out of City on Barges (posted 10/08/04)
New York's trash, 11,000 tons a day, will be hauled out of state on barges under a 20-year plan being proposed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The plan would replace the city's current system of carting trash out of the state in garbage trucks.
Oil prices top $51 a barrel (posted 10/08/04)
Crude-oil prices surged above $51 a barrel for the first time yesterday as output in the Gulf of Mexico remains in shambles more than two weeks after Hurricane Ivan tore through the region.
Oil holds steady as supply fears plague markets (posted 10/08/04)
World crude benchmarks held close to Thursday's record highs Friday as traders worried about possible winter fuel shortages in the US and supply disruptions stemming from labor disputes in OPEC member Nigeria and Norway. Reports that bad weather was hampering crude discharging at the Louisiana Offshore Oil port as well as ongoing disruptions to supplies from the Gulf of Mexico were also a major cause for concern.
Ontario committed to eliminating coal-based power (posted 10/08/04)
Ontario's coal-fired power plants will be mothballed in three years, no matter how clean the fuel is
Power-plant pollution sparks lawsuit by environmental groups (posted 10/08/04)
Soot from Allegheny Energy Supply's coal-fired Hatfield's Ferry power plant has been raining down on Charlotte O'Rourke and the other residents of Masontown in Greene County for years.
President Bush Signs Bill Extending Production Tax Credit Clearing the Way for Windfarm Projects (posted 10/08/04)
President George W. Bush signed into law a middle-class tax bill (H.R. 1308) that included an extension of the Federal Production Tax Credit (PTC) for renewable energy sources. PTC provides a 1.5 cent/kWh tax credit to producers of energy generated by wind and biomass sources.
Quote of the Day (posted 10/08/04)
"The rising price of oil is the largest risk factor for Japan's
economic growth...I don't see any immediate measures to deal with the spike in
oil prices. All that we can do is save energy over the intermediate term. That
will be good for Japan's economy."
(Japan's minister for economic and fiscal policy, Heizo Takenaka said
Friday, indicating that rising oil prices represent the biggest risk to Japan's
economic recovery and there is little the government can do given the country's
near total dependence on imports.)
Russia Could Finish Kyoto Approval by Year's End (posted 10/08/04)
Russia could ratify the Kyoto Protocol by the end of the year and kick-start global attempts to control climate change
Saving Water in West Saves Energy (posted 10/08/04)
Better coordination of water and energy policy in the West can conserve energy and money, according to a new analysis by the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Pacific Institute
Schwarzenegger Signs Bill to Save Solar Funding (posted 10/08/04)
"A diversified energy portfolio is a more secure energy portfolio.
Assembly Bill 135 is the first step on this important journey and will help lead
toward energy security, reliability and independence for California."
- Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
Sen Bingaman Questions Use Of Gas To Produce Electricity (posted 10/08/04)
Sen. Jeff Bingaman , D-N.M., at a hearing on Thursday suggested the need for policies that encourage utilities to use fuels that are cheaper than natural gas to fire up their power plants.
The Coming Electrical Energy Shortage (posted 10/08/04)
Pick up any newspaper almost daily, listen to the major media. They all forecast a major shortfall in electrical energy production in the near future due to increased population, an improved economy and increased growth in business.
TVA nuclear reactor needs $200 million repair (posted 10/08/04)
Eight years into a licensed 40-year lifetime, the $7 billion Watts Bar nuclear station needs a $200 million repair.
U.S. Bomb-Grade Plutonium Convoy to Cross France (posted 10/08/04)
A heavily guarded convoy of vehicles believed to be transporting U.S. weapons-grade plutonium left a plant in northern France on Thursday for a recycling factory 1,000 km (660 miles) southeast.
UK approves build of three windfarms with total capacity of 300MW (posted 10/08/04)
Three new wind farms in the UK with a total capacity of 300MW have been
approved, the British Wind Energy Association said Wednesday
West Waking Up to Dangers of Oil Addiction (posted 10/08/04)
Controlling growth in fuel consumption may become a strategic imperative for the West, as explosive demand growth in Asia threatens a damaging tussle for world supplies.
Iraqi Navy takes over security for coastal areas (posted 10/07/04)
Iraq's navy has started to protect the country's territorial waters and oil
terminals after the US Navy handed over limited responsibilities, a US-led
coalition spokesman said from Basra Thursday.
Southern California real-time power prices back in triple digits (posted 10/07/04)
At 11 am PDT Wednesday, the ISO reported that it was experiencing high Southern California Import Transmission load.
Senate resolution praising nuclear power introduced (posted 10/07/04)
The resolution noted that the U.S. will need 40% more energy by 2020,
requiring the use of all available energy sources.
Winter outlook: Colder weather and higher heating bills. (posted 10/07/04)
Residential heating costs are projected to soar this winter to more than $1,000 on average because of higher fuel costs and expected colder weather, the government said Wednesday.
Options Few in Energy Stocks (posted 10/07/04)
With oil prices soaring, investors may be wondering what options there are among renewable energy stocks. The answer: not many.
Mock utility billing aims to conserve (posted 10/07/04)
Soldiers have had a year of "mock" bills that reflect their usage, Spigelmyer said. When actual billing begins, those families that use less than the average rate will earn a rebate
DOE suspends radioactive shipments through Arizona (posted 10/07/04)
The U.S. Department of Energy suspended shipping radioactive material through Arizona after a truck leaked packing material last month
Iran Readies Uranium for Enrichment (posted 10/07/04)
Iran began processing uranium more than a week ago to prepare it for enrichment - a process that can be used to make nuclear weapons - in defiance of the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, a diplomat said yesterday.
Plutonium shipment reaches France (posted 10/07/04)
A shipment of 140 kg (308 lb) of U.S. weapons-grade plutonium has arrived in the French port of Cherbourg, despite protests by anti-nuclear campaigners who fear it is vulnerable to a terrorist attack.
Blame Hurricane Ivan for Oil Over $51 (posted 10/07/04)
Oil prices leaped above $51 a barrel this week as a prolonged U.S. production outage following Hurricane Ivan attracted fresh speculative buying.
US Bars Natural Gas Drilling in Northwest Montana (posted 10/07/04)
The U.S. government put the brakes on energy development in a scenic area of northwest Montana that is rich in wildlife, responding to hunting, environmental and ranching interests that opposed development, an official said this week.
"End Game" Near for Indonesia's Rain Forests (posted 10/07/04)
Time is running out for Indonesia's dwindling rain forests, as illegal logging is destroying them 10 times faster than the Amazon's
Canon Establishes Worldwide Goals to Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions (posted 10/07/04)
Targeting 20 percent reduction of carbon dioxide emissions per unit of sales
by 2006, Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ) has established a worldwide campaign to minimize
the environmental impact that logistics activities, including procurement,
production and transportation, have on the environment.
Green Energy Resources (posted 10/07/04)
Formerly New York International Log and Lumber Co
Green Energy Resources (NASDAQ: NYIL) will acquire three (3) biomass power plants in Italy. The plants will generate approximately $150 million annually ($1.1billion dollars through 2012)
Australia's Leaders Woo Valuable Green Votes (posted 10/07/04)
As Australia's marathon six-week election campaign enters the final stretch before a weekend ballot, the contenders to lead the nation were set to clash on Wednesday in last-minute bids to win valuable green votes.
FERC Says Grid Monitors Cost Power Consumers About (posted 10/07/04)
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Wednesday said creating a Regional Transmission Organization, or RTO, costs electricity consumers only $2 a year.
Dem candidates make issue of power plants (posted 10/07/04)
ARIZONA: Democratic candidates for the state Corporation Commission on Wednesday said the all-Republican panel's approval of new power plants stands to make Arizona an energy colony for California.
31 Flavors of Transmission (posted 10/07/04)
As the overseeing authority on what Wright called "the largest transmission project in the nation," BPA well knows the need for new transmission lines, as well as the pitfalls they usually encounter.
A French lesson in how to curb oil needs While U.S. guzzles, France cuts waste (posted 10/07/04)
The United States, land of gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles and air-conditioned McMansions, might do well to turn to the country Americans love to hate for lessons on how to curb its reliance on imported oil: France.
US still slow on renewable energy (posted 10/06/04)
More could have been accomplished already if the US government had embraced efforts as extensive and consistent as in Asia and Europe. At the end of last year, the entire United States had only 464 MW of wind energy capacity in place, according to the World Renewable Energy Network. (One MW can supply about 1,000 homes.)
On the range, gas trumps wildlife (posted 10/06/04)
Not long ago such remote regions seemed on track to one day become officially protected wilderness areas. Now they're part of a huge debate over the proper use of public lands in the United States.
Green Party urges Alaska to plan for a future without oil (posted 10/06/04)
Alaska needs to increase its share of the take in resource development and plan for a future without oil, according to Jim Sykes, the Green Party's candidate for US Senate.
Permian Basin producers see renewables as part of energy evolution (posted 10/06/04)
The Permian Basin is home to the US' largest reserves of oil and natural gas, having supplied hydrocarbons for close to 80 years. The region is also home to large wind farms, huge clusters of wind turbines that dot the mountains
Oil and human rights abuses and is there oil in Haiti (posted 10/06/04)
"Ten years from now, 20 years from now, you will see, oil will bring us ruin. It’s the devil’s excrement. We are drowning in the devil’s excrement."
Are there hydrocarbons in the deep earth (posted 10/06/04)
In an era of rising oil and gas prices, the possibility that there are untapped reserves is enticing. Since the first US oil well hit pay dirt in 1859, commercially viable wells of oil and gas commonly have been drilled no deeper than 3 to 5 miles into Earth's crust.
Oil and gas drilling leases increase for sacred lands (posted 10/06/04)
Sacred lands in the West became further endangered as the Bush administration pressed for approval of a record number of new oil and gas drilling permits, targeting unspoiled pristine wilderness, including the Rocky Mountain region.
Getting to the bottom of the world's oil issues (posted 10/06/04)
Question: Why has the price of crude oil ranged from $ 10 a barrel five years ago to almost $ 50 this year? Surely the supply-and-demand equation hasn't changed that much.
Colombia’s oil discovery promise (posted 10/06/04)
With Colombia’s proven oil reserves continuing to fall, investment and exploration sagging and sabotage from a 40-year old civil war enduring, the Colombian government and its oil company, Ecopetrol, have been desperate to commotion any find, small though it may be.
New cars that run on gas or alcohol make Brazilians smile at the pump (posted 10/06/04)
If it wasn't for the TotalFlex logo on the new Gol subcompacts leaving a sprawling Volkswagen plant, the shiny cars would be indistinguishable from millions already on the road across Latin America.
World energy crisis... the Venezuelan context (posted 10/06/04)
In the last analysis, within this "crisis," the current problems of Venezuela, the war on Afghanistan and Iraq, the imperialist policies of Russia vis-a-vis the Balkan peoples, the counter-revolutionary roles of Israel in the Middle East and of South Africa on the African continent, have to be seen.
Lifting the curse of black gold (posted 10/06/04)
Oil exploration and production has left its mark across the African continent over the last three decades. Oil has all too often has provided the catalyst for corruption, economic mismanagement, civil unrest and even attempted coups
Africa's energy needs to integrate (posted 10/06/04)
While the African power sector is more advanced in terms of integration, little has been done to plan and integrate the whole oil, gas and power resulting in suboptimal outcomes.
Eyes are on African oil producers and their welcome windfall (posted 10/06/04)
It is a golden opportunity: billions of dollars in windfall earnings for a clutch of African countries thanks to sky-high oil prices.
West-to-east natural gas transfer to reach west line terminal (posted 10/06/04)
According to the CCTV since the first station of the west-to-east natural gas transfer project successfully received gas natural gas from Xinjiang Tarim has been rushing toward the west terminal in Shannxi Jingbian station at a speed of 18 km per hour.
China will have to invest vast amounts in alternative energy (posted 10/06/04)
The forecast has huge implications for Australia's natural gas and uranium industries. Reports from China say that in the first two months of this year, electricity generation jumped 22 % on last year to 385 mm kW while the country had plans to build 130 mm kW of new capacity.
China aims for stronger energy ties with GCC (posted 10/06/04)
Li acknowledged discussing the issue of high oil prices with Saudi officials. GCC secretary general Abdulrahman Al Attiyah said the oil-producing member states were ready to supply China with needed oil and gas "within the strategic partnership" between the two parties.
China's power industry in boom-bust cycle (posted 10/06/04)
This summer, 24 out of China's 31 provincial-level jurisdictions have been suffering from power shortages. Factories have been forced to suspend production while government offices; hotels and shopping malls have had to turn down their air-conditioning.
Asia contemplates renewable energy (posted 10/06/04)
Rising oil prices and pollution are fuelling interest in green power in Asia but experts see no prospect of a rapid switch from the region's growing dependence on oil, coal and gas. The problem is the high cost of renewable energy projects such as solar, wind, geothermal and biofuels, lack of government incentives and vested interests who believe green power is unviable or a threat to their wallets.
Korea and Russia to discuss energy cooperation (posted 10/06/04)
On September 8, a spokesperson for the Korean Embassy in Russia stated that President Roh Moo-hyun is scheduled to visit Russia. Both presidents are expected to discuss energy cooperation including the North Korean nuclear development issue, space-air technology, connecting the trans-Siberian rail (TSR) and the trans-Korean rail (TKR), the Siberian development project, the maritime and fishery quota agreement, cultural and arts exchanges and improving investment by Korean companies.
Saudi Arabia and China to hold regular consultations (posted 10/06/04)
Saudi Arabia and China have decided to hold consultations at various levels on a regular basis. This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries.
Philippines plan sugar-fuelled power plant next year (posted 10/06/04)
The Philippines, seeking to cut its reliance on imported oil and avert electricity shortages, will start work next year on its first sugar-fuelled power plant, one of the investors in the project said.
The reality of the Maui gas reserves depletion (posted 10/06/04)
"Gas depletes differently from
oil. ... There were no market signals of the approach of the cliff at the end of
the plateau. It accordingly came without warning, causing prices to surge
through the roof, and bringing power blackouts to California."
Colin Campbell, 2001.
Seafloor methane ice may hold big tsunami risk as well as energy (posted 10/06/04)
Huge seafloor deposits of frozen natural gas being eyed by many countries as a potential energy source may also pose a severe risk of creating tidal waves triggered by underwater landslides, a New Zealand scientist says.
Australia and Mexico to sign energy pact in November (posted 10/06/04)
Australia and Mexico will forge an energy co-operation agreement in November, the energy minister of Australia, which wants to sell more coal and gas to the Latin American country, said.
Iran and Thailand to bolster oil cooperation (posted 10/06/04)
Visiting Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Surakiat Sathianthai called for bolstering of Iran-Thailand cooperation in the field of energy, particularly in the oil industry.
Iran expected to become self-sufficient soon in petrochemical sector (posted 10/06/04)
Managing Director of Esfahan Petrochemical Company, Mostajeran said that petrochemical sector would be self-sufficient in near future.
Iran to build first geothermal power plant (posted 10/06/04)
Director of geothermal projects of the Renewable Energy Organization of Iran noted that the first geothermal power plant of Iran will be built during the Fourth Economic Development Plan.
Iran to have 100 CNG stations by next year (posted 10/06/04)
The managing director of Iran Fuel Consumption Organization announced that the number of compressed natural gas (CNG) fuelling stations will reach 100 by the end of the current Iranian calendar year (March 2005).
Iran undertakes underground gas storage project (posted 10/06/04)
Storing gas in underground reservoirs will make its export to target markets safer. Hassan Chakeri, official in charge of natural gas storage project at the National Iranian Gas Company, stated that positive outlooks for gas exports was a reason for storing gas in such reservoirs.
Iraq produces more than 2.5 mm bpd (posted 10/06/04)
Iraq was producing more than 2.5 mm bpd of oil and exporting 2 mm, Iraqi Oil Minister Thamir Ghadhban revealed.
Saudi Arabia is against $ 40 price level for oil (posted 10/06/04)
Saudi Arabia said that OPEC is against a $ 40 price tag on oil, but admitted there was little the 11-member cartel could do to reduce it as other players are involved.
Can 1 million barrels of oil revive the world market (posted 10/06/04)
OPEC decided at its ministerial meeting to increase its oil production ceiling by 1 mm bpd beginning Nov. 1, but the decision will have little real impact on the high oil prices.
North Sea oil: the lifeline of the UK (posted 10/06/04)
You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone," sang Joni Mitchell. For the UK, it might be North Sea oil. In July, the UK recorded an oil deficit of £ 61 mm ($ 109 mm) -- its first oil shortfall for 13 years.
New plans to encourage UK renewable energy (posted 10/06/04)
New moves to encourage further investment in renewable energy were outlined by UK Energy Minister Stephen Timms.
Australian labour party aims to cut oil reliance (posted 10/06/04)
Australia's dependence on costly imported oil would be reduced and the focus shifted to cleaner fuels under a $ 500 mm scheme announced by Labour.
Turkmenistan, Oman and Canada to increase oil and gas cooperation (posted 10/06/04)
Have met in Astana to discuss increasing cooperation in the oil and gas sphere.
The oil scene (posted 10/06/04)
The fact is that the crude markets are tight. There is call all around to add capacity. Fingers are pointing at OPEC, particularly the Gulf oil producers. The issue of adding capacity is increasingly under focus and the onus for adding capacity is on OPEC.
Belgian ship leaks 180 tons of crude oil in south (posted 10/06/04)
A Belgian ship tossed around by typhoon Songda leaked 180 tons of crude oil in south-western Russia, civil defence officials said.
Study concludes large-scale CO2 storage is safe (posted 10/06/04)
A report at the international Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies Conference in Vancouver concludes that geological conditions in the Weyburn oil field in western Canada are favourable for long-term storage of carbon dioxide (CO2).
Biomass provides green heat and green power in industrialized countries (posted 10/06/04)
Agricultural bioenergy provides 7% of the heat generation in OECD countries, and 1% of their total electricity, according to a report from the Organization for Economic Co-operation & Development.
Wind and biomass are cheaper than carbon sequestration (posted 10/06/04)
Renewable energy is much less expensive than storing carbon in the ground, according to a report published by the Australia Institute think tank.
US ‘isolated’ on global warming – WWF (posted 10/06/04)
The United States will be forced into carrying out some form of co-operative climate change action - or face being marginalised further on the international scene – following Russia’s announcement that it is to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, according to conservation group WWF.
EU welcomes Russian ratification (posted 10/06/04)
The European Commission has welcomed the Russian Government’s recent decision to back the Kyoto Protocol. President Putin has submitted the proposal to the Duma (parliament), where it is widely expected to be passed shortly.
OPEC has boosted its crude production to more than 30-mil b/d, and its members will continue pumping at their maximum capacities in an effort to cool down oil prices, visiting Qatari oil minister Abdullah al-Attiyah told Japan's economy, trade and industry minister Shoichi Nakagawa in Tokyo Wednesday. (posted 10/06/04)
Read more...
http://www.platts.com/Oil/Resources/Whats%20Moving%20the%20Market/
Two-month period to sell Yukos' Yuganskneftegaz expires Wednesday (posted 10/06/04)
Despite the two-month period set by Russian law, the company could be sold at
a future date due to "objective causes", or the need for the completion of a
valuation of the company's assets, the ministry said.
House-Senate panel rejects proposal for $17-bil in energy credits (posted 10/06/04)
A US House-Senate panel working to complete a must-pass corporate tax bill Tuesday rejected a Senate proposal for some $17-bil in energy tax incentives. The Senate proposal was a package of energy incentives meant to encourage marginal oil and natural gas production, clean coal technology, electricity restructuring, and consumer purchases of electricity powered vehicles and energy-efficient appliances.
Groups say dual Wackenhut security role an insurance risk (posted 10/06/04)
The firm that underwrites nuclear liability insurance was warned by several
advocacy groups that there is a financial interest at stake in having the
industry use a company other than Wackenhut Corp. to play the adversaries in
mock attack exercises.
Nuclear protest continues (posted 10/06/04)
Greenpeace has continued the protest against the US shipment of plutonium in Northern France, by blocking the main road that is due to be used by the controversial convoy on its arrival today
Eco-Activist's Tale Headed to Big Screen (posted 10/06/04)
Eco-activist Julia Butterfly Hill's nonfiction book "The Legacy of Luna" is headed for the big screen, and the film's producers plan to make the feature on an ecology-conscious set.
Gas Pump Price Highest Since Mid-June (posted 10/06/04)
The U.S. nationwide price for gasoline rose closer to $2 a gallon over the last week and diesel fuel hit a new record high for the second week in a row, the government said.
Oil Eases from Highs on Nigeria Pact (posted 10/06/04)
Oil prices eased this week after rebels in Nigeria withdrew a threat to target oil operations, but lingering concerns over stretched supplies ahead of winter kept prices close to $50 a barrel.
WRI's Green Power Group Wins National Award (posted 10/06/04)
The World Resources Institute (WRI) and its Green Power Market Development Group today received the 2004 National Green Power Pilot Award
EERC Project Generating Electricity with Biomass is First of its kind in the U.S. (posted 10/06/04)
The University of North Dakota (UND) Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) has successfully generated electricity from biomass with an exciting, cost- effective gasification technology in a diesel engine.
Availability of wind power averages 20% (posted 10/06/04)
Wind turbines can generate electricity for an average of 20% over a year, according to the organization that controls power transmission in Europe.
Europe’s wind energy future outlined (posted 10/06/04)
The Dutch EU Presidency’s workshop on the development of offshore wind farms has called for increased development and better financial support from the European Commission, in order to get the full benefits from the technology.
EU Commissioner wants more work to make renewables competitive (posted 10/06/04)
Environmental preoccupations are having a real impact on energy decisions, but “far more needs to be done to make renewable energy technologies competitive,” says the vice-president of the European Commission responsible for energy.
Offshore wind promoted as answer to Europe (posted 10/06/04)
The wind industry in Europe wants to develop into an industry of the same size as the offshore oil and gas sector.
Green power standard could save $1.7 billion for consumers in Michigan (posted 10/06/04)
More than 4,900 jobs would be created in Michigan and consumers in the state would save US$1.7 billion in lower utility costs via a green power standard, according to a study by the Union of Concerned Scientists.
GE installs 2,500 of its megawatt wind turbine (posted 10/06/04)
Eight and a half years since the first installation, GE Energy says it has installed its 2,500th turbine of 1.5 MW rated capacity.
Why Have Lessons Learned Not Been Transferred to the Current Generation of Power System Engineers (posted 10/05/04)
There has been increasing recognition of the failure of the electric power engineering profession to transfer knowledge and experience gained in the past to succeeding generations.
US regular gasoline prices jump 2.1 cts to $1.938/gal: EIA (posted 10/05/04)
The price of regular gasoline in the US jumped by 2.1 cts to $1.938/gal for
the survey week ended Oct 4, the third consecutive weekly price increase
UK regulator finds steeper oil, lower supply pushed up gas prices (posted 10/05/04)
British gas and power industries regulator Ofgem Tuesday said record oil
prices and declining UK gas supplies were the main causes for the recent highs
in wholesale gas prices in the country.
Tyson, Wal-Mart Sign on for Emissions Reduction Program (posted 10/05/04)
The EPA-sponsored SmartWay Transport Partnership asks members of the freight industry to voluntarily adjust their shipping operations to improve air quality and help the companies save money on fuel and shipping costs.
Talk of El Nino Floods, Droughts Worries Farmers (posted 10/05/04)
After a seemingly unending string of hurricanes and typhoons, talk that the "little boy" is stirring in the Pacific is unwelcome news for weather-battered farmers.
Sweden eyes natural gas in short term after switch from nuclear (posted 10/05/04)
Sweden will turn to natural gas as a short term solution for power generation
as it decommissions its nuclear power generators, Sweden's ministry for trade
and industry said Monday.
Quote of the Day (posted 10/05/04)
"The emergence of new industrial powers, China and India, where
demand for energy products, particularly refined products is growing at 6% per
annum, will accentuate the deficit in world refining capacity...This situation,
which is expected to continue, offers us an opportunity to increase our refining
capacity to 50% of our crude oil production, which will reach 1.5-mil b/d in
2005 and 2-mil b/d in 2010."
(Algerian oil minister Chakhib Khelil said, adding that US refining
capacity was also insufficient to cope with demand.)
See more industry/OPEC viewpoints. http://www.platts.com/Oil/Resources/Quote of
the Day/
OPEC hopes US will release more SPR crude to cool prices (posted 10/05/04)
OPEC hopes the US will release more crude from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve in an effort to cool down oil prices, which have been driven up in part by prolonged hurricane-related production shut-ins in fields in the Gulf of Mexico, the cartel's president, Purnomo Yusgiantoro, said in Bali Tuesday.
Northeast Power Plants Cut Emissions (posted 10/05/04)
New York businesses and their counterparts across the Northeast are making significant strides in reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, according to a new report released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Niagara Mohawk Pushes Green Energy (posted 10/05/04)
Niagara Mohawk is hoping to get its customers to embrace renewable energy, or "GreenUp."
Much Goes into Deciding Future Power Needs (posted 10/05/04)
a lot goes into determining power needs now than in the 1970s and 1980s because of government regulations, transmission of power and determining need.
INTERVIEW - Australia would be "crazy" to approve Kyoto (posted 10/05/04)
Australia would be "crazy" to ratify the Kyoto protocol because it would hike power prices and cost the country jobs, Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane said last week after Russia moved to approve the climate change treaty.
High oil prices threaten Philippines (posted 10/05/04)
Philippines' relatively high heavy oil imports dependence compared to other ASEAN members is threatening its economic growth in 2005 as global oil prices rose above the $50/bbl level
Global stocks of nuke bomb material growing (posted 10/05/04)
The world's stockpiles of plutonium and highly enriched uranium useable in atomic weapons are growing, despite increasing fears about the security of nuclear materials
GE, Bechtel set venture on clean-coal power plants (posted 10/05/04)
plan to offer a standardized clean-coal power-plant package that they expect to become competitive with other energy sources by the end of the decade
Few Alternatives Available to Those Weary of Oil Prices (posted 10/05/04)
With oil prices soaring, investors may be wondering what options there are among renewable energy stocks. The answer is, not many.
energy_challenge_2004 Coal (posted 10/05/04)
Coal may be the most interesting of the fossil fuels, and it is certainly the most abundant and the most controversial.
Cost Conundrum Holds Up Diesel Hybrid Cars (posted 10/05/04)
A car that can go 80 miles on a gallon of renewable fuel such as soy and canola would seem like an ideal solution to oil prices bumping around historic highs of $50 a barrel.
Alliant Energy Wind Development Positioned for Growth (posted 10/05/04)
officials announced today that the extension of renewable energy production tax credits (PTC) -- part of the new family tax cut bill to be signed in Des Moines today by President Bush -- will allow its utilities to proceed with plans to add 230 megawatts (MW) of wind generation to its already substantial renewable portfolio.
Activists held ahead of nuclear shipment (posted 10/05/04)
French police have detained a Greenpeace boat and two activists ahead of the arrival of a U.S. shipment of bomb-grade plutonium on two British-registered ships, the environmental pressure group says.
Green Mountain to go seriously after commercial customers (posted 10/04/04)
Thomas expects to be competitive and that means price competition "is going to be important" but he doesn't feel an obligation to be the lowest price in the market.
Wal-Mart pushing Arkansas to foster retail competition (posted 10/04/04)
If Arkansas does it right -- easier to do now that several states have successfully opened -- large users could cut their power bills and all ratepayers would benefit from more efficient utility generation fleets and improvements in the economy as businesses become more competitive and productive.
Yukos' upstream subsidiary settles $14.51-mil power debt in full (posted 10/04/04)
Russian oil major Yukos has completely paid off the debt of its main
production subsidiary Yuganskneftegaz
Xcel Energy Seeks Fast Track for Wind Power Bids (posted 10/04/04)
In order to take full advantage of the recent Congressional extension of the federal Production Tax Credit (PTC) for wind generation, Xcel Energy yesterday filed a request with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to further expedite a company bidding process for new wind power in the state.
Xcel, Public Clash Over Proposal (posted 10/04/04)
About 150 people turned up at a downtown Denver hotel Monday afternoon to voice their concerns and learn more about Xcel Energy's proposed $1.4 billion coal-fired power plant in Pueblo.
What Is the Kyoto Protocol? (posted 10/04/04)
Kyoto needs Russian backing to come into force after it was weakened by a U.S. pullout in 2001. Here are some frequently asked questions about the pact.
US OKs Emergency Oil Loan to 4th Refinery (posted 10/04/04)
The Energy Department said last week it has approved another emergency oil loan to a refining company to make up for crude supplies disrupted by Hurricane Ivan.
US FERC chief applauds PJM expansion (posted 10/04/04)
shows regional independent grid operators are "moving ahead, delivering improved reliability, transparent market monitoring and oversight, and tangible economic benefits"
Tracking Renewables Out West (posted 10/04/04)
Western Governors' Association (WGA's) plan to measure the feasibility and define actions required to reach a goal of 30,000 MW of renewable energy by 2015.
Power Politics (posted 10/04/04)
WHAT DO THE MAJOR PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES HAVE TO SAY TO THE ELECTRIC UTILITY INDUSTRY?
Nuclear Waste on Way to UK (posted 10/04/04)
THREE containers loaded with nuclear waste left a power plant in southern Germany under heavy security early today, bound for Cumbria's Sellafield reprocessing plant.
Nuclear Power Could Be on Way Out (posted 10/04/04)
NUCLEAR power may have had its day, according to a draft British Government energy review leaked to a leading scientific journal.
N.B. power plant disrupted (posted 10/04/04)
There was an unscheduled shutdown Saturday at New Brunswick's nuclear power plant. Crews had been doing maintenance work on one of the automatic shut-down systems at the Point Lepreau nuclear station prior to the disruption.
Leaders Stress Need for National Energy Bill (posted 10/04/04)
Higher energy prices are cutting deeply into the bottom lines of small- and midsize manufacturers, forcing business leaders to push for a national comprehensive energy bill.
Irish Fury at N-Plant Start-Up (posted 10/04/04)
THE controversial new nuclear reprocessing plant at Sellafield has opened for business, pushing Anglo-Irish relations to their lowest ebb in years.
IPE Brent falls towards $46/bbl as Nigerian tension eases (posted 10/04/04)
Brent futures on the London-based International Petroleum Exchange fell in
early trading Monday, remaining just above intra-day lows as tensions in
oil-rich Nigeria appeared to be easing, traders said.
Illinois Coal Plants Dodge Tougher Pollution Rules (posted 10/04/04)
Operators of coal-fired power plants in Illinois dodged tougher limits on air pollution after the Blagojevich administration agreed with industry groups that a state campaign against the oldest and dirtiest generators could drive up the cost of electricity.
Green Technologies Win Capital Breaks (posted 10/04/04)
IRELAND
Energy-saving fridges and solar heaters were among a list of "green technologies" that will qualify for enhanced capital allowances designed to protect the environment.
Edison Awards (posted 10/04/04)
In recognition of innovation in expanding the markets for coal combustion products (CCPs) ...is the 2004 winner of the Edison Award, the electric power industry's highest honor.
East-West Transmission Grid Would Provide Reliable, Clean Energy (posted 10/04/04)
Transmitting electricity from Manitoba to Ontario along a proposed east-west power grid would drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide jobs and other economic spinoffs, the governments of the two provinces said Thursday.
'Cool' Fuel Cells May Soon Heat Up (posted 10/04/04)
NEW THIN FILM SOLID OXIDE FUEL cells (SOFCs) may someday supplant traditional power plants
Brown says oil prices still a threat (posted 10/04/04)
World economic growth is improving but remains patchy and at risk to record-high oil prices
Antarctic Ozone Hole Smaller This Year (posted 10/04/04)
A gaping hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica appears to have shrunk by about 20 percent from last year's record-breaking size, New Zealand scientists said.
Active Power Receives Order for First Parallel Multi (posted 10/04/04)
Active Power, Inc. a leading manufacturer of battery-free backup power products, announced that it has received its first order for two multi-megawatt systems in a parallel configuration.
Drop
Everything!
Exert Your Influence Now!
Federal Tax Credit Vote Today!
(posted 10/01/04)
Solar hydrogen - energy of the future (posted 10/02/04)
A team of Australian scientists predicts that a revolutionary new way to harness the power of the sun to extract clean and almost unlimited energy supplies from water will be a reality within seven years.
Navy to Shut Down Sub Radio Transmitters (posted 10/02/04)
On Thursday, the Navy will shut off its extremely low frequency (ELF) radio transmitters in northern Wisconsin and Michigan
Illinois EPA Rejects Tougher Pollution Rules for Coal (posted 10/02/04)
The state Environmental Protection Agency has concluded it would be "irresponsible" for Illinois to act on its own and order coal-burning power plants to reduce the amount of soot and mercury they release into the air.
Investing in Sustainability Abroad Can Pay Handsome Dividends (posted 10/02/04)
For socially and environmentally responsible investors leery of putting more money into a still-lagging American economy, international mutual funds focusing on investments in green companies abroad are good options to help minimize risk while at the same time expanding one's investment horizons.
Kyoto Is Saved Again— But Will It Save the Earth? (posted 10/02/04)
Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to ask parliament to ratify the Kyoto Protocol should belatedly allow the anti-global-warming treaty to come into force, but it's far from saving the climate.
Mammoth Toxic Algae Bloom Sighted Off Washington State Coast (posted 10/02/04)
A toxic algae bloom off the coast of Washington state has grown to about 30 miles wide, the largest and most potentially lethal algae yet found by scientists in the region.
Government Issues Forecasts of Harmful Algae in Gulf of Mexico (posted 10/02/04)
The government will begin issuing forecasts Friday of red tides, harmful blooms of algae, in the Gulf of Mexico.
Distributed Energy Systems Awarded SBIR Phase II Contract for Advanced Regenerative Fuel Cell Development (posted 10/02/04)
Award of a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II contract from the U.S. Army Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to continue development of lightweight regenerative fuel cell technology for high altitude airships.
ASTRIS ENERGI ANNOUNCES NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT OF MODEL E8 PORTABLE GENERATOR MISSISSAUGA (posted 10/02/04)
North American premiere of its 2.4 kW Model E8 Portable AFC Generator
Vote Solar Supporters, some news and upcoming events for you (posted 10/01/04)
1) “THE WAY FORWARD WITH RENEWABLE ENERGY” a talk by Hermann Scheer.
2) SOLAR POWER 2004 CONFERENCE
3) COLORADO'S VOTE ON RENEWABLE ENERGY
4) CALIFONIA SOLAR NEWS
U. Minnesota spearheads renewable-energy research (posted 10/01/04)
marketing renewable fuels to the masses and finding ways to store and move it are the main issues the project deals with.
Texas power grid agency under fire (posted 10/01/04)
The agency that runs the Texas power grid is coming under increased fire from state legislators who are upset with the operation and want more oversight.
Tax Breaks Could Provide Windfall for Alternative (posted 10/01/04)
The wind energy industry is expected to exit its funk now that Congress has passed a tax bill that includes an extension of wind-power incentives through next year.
Study urges upgrade of power grid in western U.S. (posted 10/01/04)
Without the addition of new transmission lines, electric utilities in Utah and other Western states increasingly will be forced to rely on natural gas-fired power plants to meet the growing demand for electricity
Russian OK clears way for Kyoto (posted 10/01/04)
The Russian government has approved the Kyoto Protocol, giving decisive support to the long-delayed climate change treaty that should allow it to come into force worldwide.
Researchers Discover 'Hole' In Global Warming Predictions (posted 10/01/04)
In the future, global warming might not be as severe in the central United States as in other parts of the country, according to scientists at Saint Louis University and Iowa State University (ISU).
Reliant Energy's New Waste Coal Power Station (posted 10/01/04)
Reliant Energy's new waste coal power station and applauded the advanced technology that will enable Pennsylvania to power its economy by putting to use an energy source that otherwise would be a threat to the environment and public health.
Quote of the Day (posted 10/01/04)
"I believe the $50/bbl WTI resistance is very strong...we couldn't
get past it the last time [the all-time high close for the front-month crude
contract on NYMEX was $49.90/bbl] and it is proving to be stubborn."
(An Asian trader said in reaction to the weaker market, saying the market now
needed "another excuse" besides the after-effects of Hurricane Ivan in
the US Gulf, Russian Yukos' woes and the Nigerian unrest to get past $50/bbl.)
See more industry/OPEC viewpoints. http://www.platts.com/Oil/Resources/Quote
of the Day/
Oil Prices Slip as Supply Threats Ease (posted 10/01/04)
Oil prices slid toward $49 a barrel yesterday after U.S. crude stocks rose unexpectedly and rebels in Nigeria's oil-rich delta region agreed to a cease-fire with the government, reducing an imminent threat to supplies.
Oil prices drift lower ahead of weekend (posted 10/01/04)
Benchmark world oil prices drifted slightly lower Friday but held on to most
of their recent gains amid continued fears of possible supply disruptions in
Nigeria.
New Energy Program Could Aid Spread of 'Green' Power in Nevada (posted 10/01/04)
Nevada regulators on Wednesday removed a roadblock that was stalling development of solar, wind and other forms of renewable energy, analysts said.
Moves to Boost UK Investment in Green Energy (posted 10/01/04)
The renewables obligation will be extended by five years under new moves to encourage further investment in renewable energy outlined by the DTI.
Money Talks: Ready to Boycott Oil Companies? (posted 10/01/04)
Boycotting oil companies that buy Middle Eastern oil might send a powerful message to American enemies
MMS, Coast Guard revise cooperation pact (posted 10/01/04)
he MOU details how the two agencies will work together to regulate offshore activities and facilities to keep pace with an energy industry facing evolving technologies and new engineering standards
Kyrgyzstan Seizes Nuclear-Bomb-Grade Plutonium (posted 10/01/04)
Security forces in the ex-Soviet state of Kyrgyzstan have detained a man who tried to sell nuclear-bomb-grade plutonium on the black market
Incentive to seek alternatives (posted 10/01/04)
The oil warning light is switching from amber to red. Since oil affects the price of just about everything in the world economy, we will all feel the effects in higher prices - and not just at the pumps. Three of the past four global recessions have been triggered by a sharp rise in the oil price.
Green Power Awards Highlight Market Makers (posted 10/01/04)
Although the policy initiative for expanding retail choice has reached a plateau in most parts of the nation, the green power market continues to grow. Actual green power sales now exceed 3.2 billion kilowatt-hours annually
Governments Need to Act to Avert Water Crisis (posted 10/01/04)
Strong action is needed to avert a global water crisis. "(We're) in the middle of a paradigm shift from taking water for granted to seeing it as one of the most important priorities
Fuel-cell developers open door to commercialization (posted 10/01/04)
While Ballard Power Systems Inc. accounted for the lion's share of that number -- it had sales of US$120-million -- other players also delivered dramatically improved sales.
Cinergy, 4 Others Seek To Dismiss Carbon Dioxide Suits (posted 10/01/04)
one of five power companies facing lawsuits by eight states and the city of New York to curb its carbon dioxide emissions, filed motions to dismiss the cases. Many scientists theorize that carbon dioxide emissions are the main culprit behind global warming.
BNFL nuclear supercompactor being dismantled (posted 10/01/04)
The largest nuclear supercompactor in the world is being dismantled after
having crushed its last piece of material from three DOE gaseous diffusion
buildings in Oak Ridge, Tenn.
Australia's Labor Leads, but Greens' Influence Grows (posted 10/01/04)
Minor Australian parties like the increasingly popular Greens shaped up as major players in an Oct. 9 election as an opinion poll this week showed
After Years of Exporting Organic Products Abroad (posted 10/01/04)
Mexico has exported organic coffee, fruits, and vegetables abroad for about two decades, but it is just beginning to share these products with consumers at home.
A grand idea, but how realistic is it? (posted 10/01/04)
The hydrogen economy: the European Union, the US and other governments are planning to spend billions of dollars on the advancement of this clean fuel. After all the hype about the hydrogen economy as a magic solution to fuel shortages and global warming, a reaction was inevitable.
3 Hearings in Sacramento, Los Angeles and Fresno Examine California's Fragile Electricity Future (posted 10/01/04)
With an aging fleet of power plants, bottlenecks in its overburdened transmission system and ever- increasing demand, California could encounter electricity shortages as early as next year, according to the California Energy Commission.
TEPCO to shut Fukushima reactor for unplanned check (posted 9/30/04)
Japan's biggest power utility, said it would shut down the No. 2 nuclear power generation unit at its Fukushima-Daiichi plant in northern Japan yesterday due to technical problems.
Seeing Past the Edge (posted 9/30/04)
Technology by itself cannot be expected to improve the quality of our lives. Indeed, until we are willing to fundamentally alter the way we treat the planet and each other, our technologies may extinguish all life as we know it within the next 50 years. This is a bitter and sobering thought. We are running out of time.
San Diego County moves to cut energy (posted 9/30/04)
Energized by reports that their earlier decisions to buy wholesale electricity and install energy-conserving equipment had shaved $655,000 off county power bills this last year, county supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to chase new power-saving measures.
Quote of the Day (posted 9/30/04)
"Looking forward, spare capacity in the oil market is expected to remain low through the remainder of the decade..consequently, with terrorist attacks on oil supply a continuing risk, higher and more volatile oil prices may persist. This underscores the need to reduce vulnerability to such conditions, both through concerted measures to restrain the growth of oil demand and through investment in capacity."
(The International Monetary Fund said in the September edition of its World
Economic Outlook.)
Plan to Bury Greenhouse Gases Unworkable, Experts Say (posted 9/30/04)
A report by leading energy consultants has dismissed plans by the Australian government to promote the burying of greenhouse gases as the solution to climate change and has labelled the idea as an expensive and technologically uncertain strategy.
Philippines works on long-term plan to cushion high oil prices (posted 9/30/04)
The Philippine government is working on a long-term plan to cushion the
impact
of high international oil prices
Oil market faces tight spare capacity for rest of decade (posted 9/30/04)
The global oil markets look likely to face tight spare capacity for the rest
of the decade, as capacity additions take time to ramp up and are steadily
consumed by steady growth in demand, the International Monetary Fund said in
the September edition of its World Economic Outlook.
Nigerian Oil Delta Rebel Says Meeting Obasanjo (posted 9/30/04)
A rebel fighting for autonomy in Nigeria's oil-producing Niger Delta said he would meet President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday to discuss terms for ending the violence that has helped push crude prices to record highs.
Motorists Could Face $2/gal Gasoline Soon (posted 9/30/04)
U.S. drivers could again face $2 a gallon gasoline now that crude oil has topped a record $50 a barrel, government experts said.
Mexico proposes oil sales to China to reduce trade deficit (posted 9/30/04)
Mexico has proposed selling oil to China as part of a plan to reduce a trade
deficit with China that Mexico calculates at around $9-bil each year, a senior
official from Mexico's Economy ministry said Wednesday.
Hawaii Approves Ethanol Use Mandate (posted 9/30/04)
"Renewable energy sources like ethanol have the potential to offer
significant benefits to Hawaii's economy and energy security, and it's
imperative for Hawaii to continue to move in this direction."
- Hawaii's Governor Linda Lingle
Green Building Joins Solar Tour (posted 9/30/04)
Solar photovoltaic and thermal systems are far from the only way to save energy at home. Green building techniques are just as effective, and the third annual Green Buildings Open House is scheduled in collaboration with the American Solar Energy Society's National Solar Tour on Saturday, October 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Critics of Hydropower Production Urge Protection of South Carolina Waterways (posted 9/30/04)
Plans to boost America's hydropower production also should include efforts to reduce environmental impacts on rivers, a South Carolina scientist told congressmen during a hearing Monday in Augusta.
Consumers Tire of Expensive Natural Gas (posted 9/30/04)
"Installing a solar hot water system is a cost effective step that consumers can take to significantly decrease their monthly gas bill this winter."
Wind and Nuclear Power- a Generation Gap? (posted 9/29/04)
Just across a meadow of grazing cows sits another source of energy, one generation older and a symbol of a different political ideology.
Texas is top state in use of renewable energy (posted 9/29/04)
The Environmental Protection Agency says Texas has 200 Green Power Partners, which represents 40% of all partners in the national program.
Transmission study looks at linking 500 MW of US wind capacity (posted 9/29/04)
A study will begin on October 7 to examine the transmission impact of installing 500 MW of wind turbines in the U.S. mid-west.
Successful mass market adoption of fuel cells to be driven by active endorsement of standards (posted 9/29/04)
If fuel cell and other alternative energy technologies are to be successfully adopted into mass market applications, government and industry leaders in Canada and around the globe need to be actively involved in the endorsement of standards
Schwarzenegger Sets Power-System Overhaul in Motion (posted 9/29/04)
While focusing the public's attention on his efforts to rebuild the California economy, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has quietly started overhauling the state's dysfunctional power system with the goal of completing the task in time for a 2006 re-election bid.
San Francisco Plan Aims to Slash Greenhouse Gases (posted 9/29/04)
Three days after California regulators adopted tough rules to cut car pollution, San Francisco's mayor unveiled a plan this week to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, saying cities must take action because the Bush administration is ignoring global warming.
Russia on brink of Kyoto (posted 9/29/04)
Russia has again moved a step closer to finally ratifying the Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change, conservation group WWF has revealed
Rocky Mountain group to propose $4.2-bil of transmission projects (posted 9/29/04)
A transmission study group for the Rocky Mountain region recommended that two major transmission lines be built to connect potential coal-fired and wind generation to West Coast markets
Report Targets Energy Waste (posted 9/29/04)
A BPIF-commissioned report aims to highlight ways of reducing energy consumption and costs, at a time when some companies face price increases of 60%.
Renewables group criticizes energy conference for support of nuclear (posted 9/29/04)
Two global energy groups have a different view of the future role of nuclear power.
MidAmerican Energy proceeds with wind project (posted 9/29/04)
MidAmerican Energy released final plans for a $323 million Iowa wind energy development Friday, crediting the passage of renewable energy tax credits by Congress for its decision to proceed.
Major wind project scuttled in Canada (posted 9/29/04)
A proposal to install 150 MW of wind capacity in western Canada has been cancelled.
LNG will not replace coal as the baseload power plant fuel (posted 9/29/04)
Imports of liquefied natural gas will never be sufficient to replace the coal
used in baseload power plants, John Stanton, vice president of the National
Environmental Trust said Tuesday. Stanton also told the Natural Gas Roundtable
in Washington, D.C., that wind, solar, wind and biomass will at best remain
fringe sources of energy.
New Interest in Coal Sparks Energy Debate in Western States (posted 9/29/04)
Proposals for electric plants that feed on coal are dotting the West's deserts and plains, raising new questions about how the region should power its drive into the next half-century.
New York State adopts aggressive renewable energy policy (posted 9/29/04)
The Public Service Commission of New York State has adopted a renewable energy policy that will require 25% of electricity to come from green power facilities by 2013.
Energy meeting draws protests (posted 9/29/04)
The group claims that Esso has done more than any other company to derail global warming measures around the world.
Environmental Power Completes Reclamation of Waste Coal Site (posted 9/29/04)
Environmental Power Corporation (OTCBB: POWR) said its Scrubgrass Generating Plant ("Scrubgrass") in Kennerdell, PA has completed the reclamation of the 160-acre Leechburg waste coal site, which is located in North Apollo, PA.
EU energy boss finds replacing nukes with gas 'worrying' (posted 9/29/04)
"The switch to gas is a positive move as it increases fuel diversity and reduces CO2 emissions," said de Palacio. But she added that the global effect of the switch to gas on CO2 emissions was unclear, owing to the potential for gas leaks from long distance pipelines.
India to promote renewables as part of national environmental policy (posted 9/29/04)
"The direct causes of air pollution are emissions from the use of fossil energy, and other industrial processes, and some consumption activities," it explains. "In terms of primary energy use, India's share of renewable energy at 36% is far higher than industrialized countries can hope to reach in many decades."
Nigerian oil delta rebels threaten (posted 9/29/04)
Nigerian rebels fighting for sovereignty of the oil-producing Niger delta have told oil companies in the world's seventh largest exporter to shut production before they begin an "all-out war" on October 1.
IPE Brent falls lower on possible end to Nigerian violence (posted 9/29/04)
Crude oil prices on London's International Petroleum Exchange drifted lower on reports that Nigerian hostilities could be nearing a conclusion and as dealers waited for the publication of the weekly US Department of Energy inventory report
OPEC ministers in close consultations to calm markets (posted 9/29/04)
OPEC ministers are keeping in close consultations over the current high crude
prices "with the aim of bringing calm to the market
Delicate process of refueling York (posted 9/29/04)
High above Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station's spent nuclear fuel pool, a team of plant workers dressed in radiation-resistant white coveralls and yellow rubber gloves ride a motor-driven platform.
Canadian PV car sets world record (posted 9/29/04)
The solar-powered vehicle from a Canadian university has completed a 40-day tour and set a new world record for distance.
A Tight Oil Supply-Demand Situation Gets Tighter (posted 9/29/04)
Another burst of volatile price rises springing from the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan pushed an already tight supply-demand balance into a higher gear this week.
Wind Power Struggle Crosses Political Boundaries (posted 9/28/04)
During a debate this spring in the Vermont House on the potential merits and demerits of wind energy, Representative Michael Obuchowski said this emerging controversy "tests our values" and touches upon Vermont's "heart and soul."
US needs eight new LNG terminals to meet demand (posted 9/28/04)
North American energy companies will be able to build enough new liquefied natural gas terminals to meet growing US gas demand, the head of the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission asserted Monday. North America will require "probably another eight" LNG terminals in the next few years
St. Lucie-1, -2 expected to return in about a week (posted 9/28/04)
Florida Power & Light Co. (FP&L) said it hoped to return St. Lucie-1 and -2 to service within "a week or so," after the units were taken off line Saturday in advance of Hurricane Jeanne. FP&L said the hurricane did not damage its nuclear units, but that the company did have some interruptions to its transmission system.
AMR System Survives Wrath of Hurricane Ivan in Alabama (posted 9/28/04)
Southern Company service territories in Alabama and Mississippi were among the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Ivan when it came ashore from the Gulf of Mexico on the evening of September 15th.
'Green' buildings take root in New York state (posted 9/28/04)
They're growing gardens insulated with 4 inches of Styrofoam on roofs -- and collecting wastewater to irrigate nearby parks
Power battle heats up in California (posted 9/28/04)
While focusing the public's attention on his efforts to rebuild the California economy, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has quietly started overhauling the state's dysfunctional power system, with the goal of completing the task in time for a 2006 re-election bid.
The Importance of Being Arnold (posted 9/28/04)
In my experience, California has not had a governor who was particularly strong on energy issues and policies since Jerry Brown occupied the Sacramento Capitol Building
Japan official orders Kansai Electric Power Co (posted 9/28/04)
The move came after a ministry panel probing the accident released its interim report Monday that blamed the Aug. 9 accident that killed five workers and injured seven others at the Mihama plant on safety control failures by Kansai Electric and others regarding a coolant water pipe at the reactor.
It only takes 16% DG to keep markets fair (posted 9/28/04)
It's a "regulatory fantasy" that utilities should have to design to meet all peak demand.
Shell, PowerGen step up UK wind farm project plan (posted 9/28/04)
The wind farm's turbines would be located some 20 km off the coasts of Essex and Kent in southeast England, and the companies said it could save annually 1.3 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
Crude Sets Record, Nigeria Concerns Mount (posted 9/28/04)
Concerns over Nigeria, OPEC's number five producer, compounded worries about supplies from Russia, Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
"All these factors create apprehension in the market and reinforce the view that we're on a knife's edge in terms of supply and demand
Purnomo says OPEC has no plans for emergency meeting (posted 9/28/04)
OPEC headquarters in Vienna will study how big an impact the latest outbreak of strife in Nigeria and continuing problems at Russian Yukos were having on the market
Saudi Arabia says can pump extra 1-mil b/d crude at short notice (posted 9/28/04)
"OPEC is doing all it can do to provide supplies to the market.
But we need to get cooperation from other suppliers. Problems creating the
high prices are all political and commercial
Wind Farm May Power Ski Area Evergreen Inks Deal With Big Rock (posted 9/27/04)
The project, including 33 wind turbines atop Mars Hill Mountain, would be Maine's first wind power development.
Utility Turns Biomass into Renewable Energy (posted 9/27/04)
Central Vermont Public Service Corporation creates a two-pronged strategy to expand renewable energy supply and meet customer demand through cow-powered generation.
US wind industry pushes FERC for higher grid link standards (posted 9/27/04)
The American Wind Energy Assoc has asked the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to add special interconnection requirements for large wind generators to the agency's existing standards for generators connecting to a transmission power grid
US Congress votes to extend wind energy production tax credit (posted 9/27/04)
The US House and Senate Thursday approved a $146-bil middle-class tax bill that also would extend through 2005 a 1.8-ct/kWh production tax credit for wind energy and permit producers of marginal oil and natural gas wells to accelerate depreciation of equipment.
U.S. nuclear fuel costs steady in 2003 (posted 9/27/04)
U.S. nuclear fuel costs stayed steady in 2003 while other O&M reactor
costs
inched upward, according to Platts.
Thin Glaciers Get Thinner in Antarctica (posted 9/27/04)
Some of Antarctica's glaciers are melting faster than snow can replace them, enough to raise sea levels measurably
Scientists Build Turbines Not As Deadly to Birds (posted 9/27/04)
The scientific strength of the Russian weapons program is being aimed at a new target: wind power.
Schwarzenegger Vetos Energy Shortage Plan (posted 9/27/04)
Schwarzenegger said he opposed Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez's measure because it wouldn't have allowed utility customers to shop around for cheaper power among utilities and independent power producers.
Russian Power Company Hopes to Export Electricity to China (posted 9/27/04)
Russia's little-known Complex Energosystems holding is proposing to start electric power exports to China by supplying about 17bn kWh per year to the country
Rival Technologies Vie for 'Green' Car of Tomorrow (posted 9/27/04)
Carmakers presented new-age automobiles at the Paris car show that could give much-hyped fuel cells a run for their money in the coming market for vehicles that do less damage to the environment.
Renewables Becoming a Major Player in the Region (posted 9/27/04)
Energy Northwest has become a regional leader in renewable energy development with wind, solar, and hydro generation throughout their system.
Council Against Energy Proposal (posted 9/27/04)
A majority of Colorado Springs City Council members indicated Wednesday they oppose a November ballot measure that would require larger utilities to produce 10 percent of their power from renewable energy sources by 2015.
Colorado utilities panel hears support (posted 9/27/04)
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission normally has to make sure customers of the states' energy monopolies pay a fair price, but in Pueblo Thursday night, nearly two dozen people implored commissioners to consider other costs.
Achieving sustainable Sarbanes-Oxley compliance (posted 9/27/04)
The deadline for Section 404 compliance is rapidly approaching with most companies currently required to comply by their first fiscal year ending on or after November 15, 2004. With the clock quickly ticking, companies in the public utility sector are racing to meet the deadline.
EU ministers want many partners for nuke fusion ITER plant (posted 9/27/04)
The EU wants ITER, which uses fusion technology, to be built at
Caderache in France. It has the support of China and Russia, but the US and
Korea favor a rival site in Japan.
Future of Energy Conservation Looks Promising (posted 9/27/04)
Energy conservation has a promising regional future, brightened by technology advances and forecasted higher power prices
Little else OPEC can do now to lower oil prices (posted 9/27/04)
"OPEC is still trying and is making more than enough oil" available to the market, but there is very little it can do to bring down prices in the short term
Nevada Loses Nuclear Waste Grant (posted 9/27/04)
Nevada has been turned down for a $13.75 million nuclear waste grant, potentially threatening the state's legal and science campaigns against the Yucca Mountain Project
Nuke Waste Stalls DOE Budget (posted 9/27/04)
A dispute over how to pay to get rid of nuclear waste has stalled Senate action on the Department of Energy's budget, raising the possibility of budget cuts.
NYMEX front-month crude sets new all-time high of $49.75bbl (posted 9/27/04)
Front-month crude futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange posted an
all-time intra-day high of $49.60/bbl Monday after opening at $49.50/bbl as
supply fears continued to plague the oil markets.
Plugging into the Ocean (posted 9/27/04)
The Sun and Moon's gravitational pull on the Earth generate tides, which could provide anywhere from 10,000 to 30,000 MW of electricity if we tapped areas suitable for power generation.
Power Cuts to Main Yukos Production Subsidiary Begin to Bite (posted 9/27/04)
The first restrictions on the supply of electricity to installations operated by Yukos's main production company, Yuganskneftegaz, have already led to a reduction in oil extraction.
"Power Plant" Takes on a New Meaning (posted 9/27/04)
Waste heat from a 100-MW electric plant could, in theory, warm 100 acres of greenhouses.
Power Cooperative to Produce Renewable Electricity From Anaerobic Digesters (posted 9/27/04)
A mini power plant will be sited at each farm. After the manure is collected, it will be heated in the digester tank at 135F for approximately three weeks. "Methane gas that is the by product of that process will be the fuel used to generate electricity.
Power Study Panel Debates Competition (posted 9/27/04)
"I think the record is clear: whenever you have competition, things are cheaper," Johnston said. "They're cheaper in the airline business. They're cheaper in telecom. They're cheaper in electricity."
BREAKING NEWS: Wind Energy Tax Credit Wins Extension
(posted 9/25/04)
The wind energy Production Tax Credit (PTC) -- a critical factor in financing new wind power installations -- will be reinstated through 2005 as part of a major tax package (H.R. 1308) extending a number of individual and business tax provisions. The House and Senate approved the bill last night, and President Bush is expected to sign it into law. The PTC provides a 1.5 cent-per-kilowatt-hour tax credit (adjusted annually for inflation) for electricity generated with wind turbines.
Installation Costs of solar utility interface systems reach a milestone by Jack Davis (posted 9/25/04)
"The future of this industry is customer reliance, not just industrial, huge jobs, we need to be able to satisfy the average home owner". "We have achieved a milestone in this arena. Products are becoming more efficient and reliable. Costs of products are becoming more competitve. Installations costs must keep pace."
Taiwan Invests in Waste to Energy Plants (posted 9/25/04)
The waste-to-energy plants will employ a waste-processing technology that converts municipal, industrial, and residential waste streams into a combustible by-product that is 50 to 80 percent more efficient than burning conventional refuse derived fuels.
NASA Could Drive Next Gen Solar Cells (posted 9/25/04)
The success of the Mars Exploration Rovers is a sign of things to come in the realm of space exploration. Robotic technology coupled with high efficiency solar photovoltaic (PV) power sources will play an increasingly important part in NASA's new Exploration Systems Mission Directorate
Study Aims for National Solar PV Standards (posted 9/25/04)
"Higher photovoltaic system efficacy and rising fossil fuel prices are making the cost of PV-generated energy competitive with traditional power sources," Glavinich said. "Environmental issues, the movement toward 'green architecture,' and concerns about energy security are also giving PV a boost. Federal and state governments, along with utilities, are offering building owners financial incentives to reduce their demand and energy use."
Kyocera Solar to Double Worldwide PV Output (posted 9/25/04)
In a plan to double its global solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing output, Kyocera Solar is planning broad manufacturing expansions - including new facilities in North America, Europe and Japan.
New York Passes Renewable Energy Standard (posted 9/25/04)
In a move that could kick-start a burgeoning regional renewable energy market on the East Coast, The New York State Public Service Commission has voted to enact an ambitious renewable portfolio standard (RPS) demanding that by 2013, a one-quarter of electricity sold to consumers in the state be derived from renewable energy technologies.
Antarctic Glaciers Melting Faster (posted 9/24/04)
Glaciers once held up by a floating ice shelf off Antarctica are now sliding off into the sea - and they are going fast, scientists said.
Zimbabwe to Invest in Solar Energy to Sustain Forests (posted 9/24/04)
The Zimbabwean government will make substantial investments in the use of solar energy in order to sustain forests and preserve human health
US Tax Bill's Approval Would Be Boost For Wind Energy Co's (posted 9/24/04)
Several utilities invested in wind energy projects in 2003, but placed those projects on hold this year as they waited to see if legislators would extend the federal tax credit for wind energy production.
US Congress votes to extends wind energy production tax credit (posted 9/24/04)
The US House and Senate Thursday approved a $146-bil middle-class tax bill that also would extend through 2005 a 1.8-ct/kWh production tax credit for wind energy and permit producers of marginal oil and natural gas wells to accelerate depreciation of equipment.
BPA says California demand key to Northwest's supply picture (posted 9/24/04)
The Pacific Northwest will have an adequate power supply for the next four to
five years, but only if the new merchant generators sell their power within
the region rather than market it to California
'Green' Power Would Cost You in Naperville (posted 9/24/04)
The city is exploring a proposal to allow residents to voluntarily buy "green electricity" and add it to the power grid.
Kyocera to set up 700 million yen solar cell plant in Czech Republic (posted 9/24/04)
Kyocera Corp. said Wednesday it will spend 700 million yen to set up a new solar cell plant in the Czech Republic to boost its global output and meet growing demand.
Mercury Emission Regulation Will Require Public Input (posted 9/24/04)
The debate is not about whether Indiana should develop a mercury rule. The board has already indicated its intent to do so.
Mercury emissions from power plants are currently unregulated in the United States.
Oil Reserves Drop for 1st Time in 5 Years (posted 9/24/04)
U.S. proven crude oil reserves fell last year for the first time in five years, as energy companies replaced just over half the oil they took out of the ground
Power utility restores full supplies to Yukos upstream subsidiary (posted 9/24/04)
Power supplies to Yukos's main production unit Yuganskneftegaz were restored in full as of Friday, regional power utility Tyumenenergo said, a day after the Yukos management promised to clear the subsidiary's Rubles 260-mil ($8.9-mil) outstanding power bill.
Renewable Energy Measure Gets Look (posted 9/24/04)
The Colorado Springs City Council on Wednesday will hear about a November ballot measure that would require Colorado utility companies to develop renewable energy sources.
U.S. nuclear generation on its way to record year (posted 9/24/04)
U.S. nuclear generation is on its way to a record year, DOE reported today.
US Nuclear Shipment En Route to France (posted 9/24/04)
A controversial U.S. shipment of bomb-grade plutonium escorted by armed British commandos has set sail for France, despite protests from environmental activists who fear a terrorist attack or an accident.
US Nuclear Tests Still Haunt Marshall Islands (posted 9/24/04)
Fifty years after a string of U.S. nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands, the western Pacific republic's people are still suffering lingering health problems.
British Nuclear Waste to Be Shipped to Central Asia (posted 9/24/04)
BRITISH NUCLEAR Fuels plans to ship 1,800 tons of radioactive materials to Kyrgyzstan for reprocessing, in a scheme that has been condemned as "a back-door route to dump British nuclear waste on an impoverished former Soviet republic".
California Panel Weighs Greenhouse Gas Plan for Cars (posted 9/24/04)
A plan to require automakers to cut greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks by about 30 percent is expected to be approved on Thursday by the California Air Resources Board, backers and opponents said.
College Building New Wind Turbine (posted 9/24/04)
A wind turbine that could supply 90 percent of the electricity for Turtle Mountain Community College is the next step in the school's drive to adopt environmentally friendly technologies.
DOE confirms it is in negotiations to loan SPR crude after Ivan (posted 9/24/04)
The US Department of Energy Thursday said it is in negotiations to loan
"a
limited quantity" of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to help
relieve physical Gulf of Mexico supply shortages caused by Hurricane Ivan.
White House sees possible oil loan from SPR (posted 9/24/04)
The White House said Thursday that the Department of Energy was considering a request from refiners on the US Gulf Coast to borrow oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to compensate for hurricane-related crude production disruptions in the Gulf of Mexico
Sweetheart Deal Won't Solve Power Crisis (posted 9/23/04)
CALIFORNIA's energy crisis is not over. This summer, electricity use set statewide records, and with inadequate supplies, we are at risk of recurrent blackouts.
Report gives warning about electricity reserve margins in California (posted 9/23/04)
If a significant number of aging power plants continue to retire between now and 2008, and nothing is done to replace those supplies, electricity reserve margins in the state could become dangerously thin
Wisconsin Task Force Proposes More Renewable Energy (posted 9/23/04)
The task force -- made up of representatives of customer groups, the legislature, utilities, environmental groups and unions -- recommends that Wisconsin utilities expand use of renewable energy sources 6 percent by 2015
Officials question developer of gas-fired power plant (posted 9/23/04)
Most of those opposed point to the estimated 1,150 tons of air pollution the plant would emit each year.
Safety activists to testify in security review for nuclear power plants (posted 9/23/04)
Nuclear industry watchdog groups are hailing a U.S. Court of Appeals ruling that they say will force the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to take public comment on security at nuclear power plants.
Iran seeks world nod for atomic rights (posted 9/23/04)
The world must recognise Iran's right to enrich uranium for fuelling power stations, Iranian President Mohammad Khatami has said, responding to a U.N. call for Iran to suspend enrichment-related activities.
Drinking-Water Disinfectant Produces Toxic Compound (posted 9/23/04)
A chlorine alternative used in the U.S. to disinfect some public drinking water can produce a class of byproducts far more toxic than those generated by chlorine, a new study suggests.
Coming Soon - Gene-Engineered Insects (posted 9/23/04)
Coming soon to a jungle near you - mosquitoes genetically engineered so they cannot give people malaria.
Gene-Modified Grass Spreads Far, US Study Finds (posted 9/23/04)
Genetically engineered grass developed for use on golf courses can spread its modified genes for miles, carried by ultra-light pollen particles
Oil Hits $47 as Supply Worries Linger (posted 9/23/04)
Oil prices hit a one month-high of $47 a barrel this week as China showed no let-up in its strong import growth and traders worried that U.S. petroleum inventories had drawn down heavily due to Hurricane Ivan. Supply worries were underpinned by concerns about exports from Russian oil giant YUKOS as well as rising tensions between Iran and the United Nations over Tehran's nuclear ambitions.
No damage from earthquake at Ignalina (posted 9/23/04)
An earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale was felt at Lithuania's
Ignalina nuclear plant late yesterday afternoon, but plant management said
reactor operations were not affected.
For fifth year in a row, proved gas reserves rise (posted 9/23/04)
EIA noted that US reserves increased by 1% last year. US gas production remained almost level in 2003 as declines in the US Gulf of Mexico and New Mexico were offset by production increases in the Rocky Mountain states and Texas
US EPA reports level of six major air pollutants declined in 2003 (posted 9/23/04)
Emissions of the six principal pollutants identified in the Clean Air Act
dropped again in 2003
Quest for Energy is Race Against Time (posted 9/22/04)
There are two reasons why society has to get out of oil, and at first sight, they seem contradictory. Firstly, oil is running out. Secondly, we cannot afford to burn it all. Oil is running out because it is a finite resource.
Not Enough Water (posted 9/22/04)
Setting aside many other compelling reasons to reject nuclear power, a major problem is that a nuclear power plant requires a large and continuous supply of cooling water
The future of renewable energy is now (posted 9/22/04)
Someone should capture the energy generated in downtown Denver. A thousand people from 90 countries have gathered for the eighth annual World Renewable Energy Conference, trying to save the planet -- and make money while they're at it.
Norway to stop toxic emissions to sea on Norwegian Shelf (posted 9/22/04)
The emissions to sea of chemicals from the oil industry are enormous: Last year alone, 130,000 tons were let directly into the sea, much of this was toxic waste.
The horrors of sour gas (posted 9/22/04)
In the last 30 years this industry, which produces, flares and leaks highly toxic stuff, has killed nearly 40 oil patch workers, sickened thousands of Albertans, directly displaced more than 100 rural families, generated scores of lawsuits and poisoned untold numbers of cattle and horses.
Frances Powers Debate on Underground Lines (posted 9/22/04)
About 2.8 million customers lost power during Hurricane Frances, and it will take weeks to arrive at a fair assessment of how well Florida Power & Light Co. did in restoring it. But anecdotal evidence already points to one conclusion: People who had buried power lines had fewer and shorter interruptions of service than people with overhead lines.
Environmental group analyses US oil and gas leases (posted 9/22/04)
The federal government has offered 229 mm acres of land for oil and gas leases since 1982, but there has been little reduction in US dependence on foreign sources of energy
European future in climate change must involve renewables (posted 9/22/04)
Renewable energy technologies “will have to play a much larger role” in the future of Europe’s actions on climate change.
EU energy chief wants ETS review if Kyoto not in force by Dec (posted 9/22/04)
The European Union should review its emissions trading scheme if the Kyoto
protocol on climate change has not entered into force by December
New Program From Utility Nevada Power to Develop (posted 9/22/04)
Nevada Power Co. will be developing a proposal for "green" rates that allows customers to pay higher rates to support the use of alternate power sources, such as wind and solar energy.
Lib Dems ‘hypocritical’ on environment – Greens (posted 9/22/04)
The Greens have launched an updated report on the Lib Dem’s environmental polices and track record entitled “Too Yellow To Be Green”
EC approves controversial British Energy restructuring plans (posted 9/22/04)
The European Commission has approved British Energy's restructuring plans
Making the oil patch environmentally safe (posted 9/22/04)
"There's an emphasis on cleaning pipeline releases and an overall growing awareness the industry has that it is cheaper to care for a problem in advance, or to take preventive measures
Petroleum lures trouble to Africa (posted 9/22/04)
The petroleum wealth of Africa is the new honey that attracts the foreign bees to our home. These words by the man who has been in power in Equatorial Guinea for the past 25 years describe the mercenary operations in Africa which are being likened to terrorism.
Oil: Africa's double-edge sword (posted 9/22/04)
While the surge in world oil prices has been a godsend for African exporters, it has placed an extra burden on other economies on the world's poorest continent
Percentage Who Favor Making Deal on Yucca Project Grows (posted 9/22/04)
A growing share of Nevadans say in a new poll the state should accept a nuclear waste repository and try to deal for benefits in return, although they remain less than a majority.
OPEC president Purnomo urges oil producers (posted 9/22/04)
OPEC president Purnomo Yusgiantoro Wednesday urged oil producing countries to boost their crude output in order to dampen the latest surge that has taken US crude prices back up close to $47/bbl.
OPEC insists high oil prices are result of speculation (posted 9/22/04)
OPEC insisted that high oil prices were a result of speculation and vowed to provide enough crude to calm global markets, while an energy research group warned prices could remain high for some time.
Japan's Nuke Power in Danger If Fuel-Recycling Plan Fails (posted 9/22/04)
More than half of Japan's nuclear power reactors will have to be shut down by 2010 if a reprocessing plant in northern Japan immediately stops accepting spent nuclear fuel for storage, according to a recent estimate by a government commission.
Japan seeks greater influence in Central Asia (posted 9/22/04)
Due to their location, the five Central Asia nations -- which have abundant reserves of oil and other natural resources and are wedged between Russia and China -- are likely to play a vital role in the war on terror.
High oil prices threaten Japan (posted 9/22/04)
Surging crude oil prices, which are threatening to reach $ 50 a barrel for the first time in history, are becoming a destabilizing factor for the Japanese economy.
Energy efficiency gains can't prevent oil risks in Japan (posted 9/22/04)
Although soaring crude oil prices have cast a shadow over the world economy, many business leaders in Japan remain surprisingly optimistic
Iran Says No Reason to Halt Nuclear Program (posted 9/22/04)
Iran is determined to press ahead with its nuclear program even if it results in a halt of U.N. checks of the Islamic Republic's nuclear sites
Iran faces power shortage (posted 9/22/04)
"We face shortages in view of growing consumption and slow developments in the electricity sector,"
Russia to increase its oil exports this year (posted 9/22/04)
Putin made his pledge at a three-way summit at his residence in the Black Sea resort of Sochi with French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. The three leaders discussed their cooperation in the energy sector, with Putin pledging that Russia would increase its oil exports this year.
Indo-Iranian gas project to be a pipeline of peace (posted 9/22/04)
Professor Riyaz Punjabi told that the gas pipeline will be the bridge that will take the bilateral relationship between India and Pakistan to a higher pedestal and will help in alleviating poverty in the region.
Russia unveils pipeline development plans to France and Germany (posted 9/22/04)
"It was important for the German and French leaders not just to hear assurances from the Russian leadership but also to learn of its concrete steps towards stepping up the production and export of energy resources,
How much room does China have for saving oil consumption (posted 9/22/04)
Continued price hikes and fluctuant oil price once more add to the uncertain factors in the world economy. Also the "triumphantly advancing" dependence on oil import leaves China with uncertainty about oil security.
China to invest in wind and solar power (posted 9/22/04)
By 2020, the Chinese government plans to build power generation facilities that use alternative energy sources such as wind and solar power, at a cost of $ 16.9 bn.
China to have 140 million cars by 2020 (posted 9/22/04)
China expects to have 140 mm automobiles plying its roads by 2020, seven times more than now
China is seeking alternate energy supplies (posted 9/22/04)
China is seeking alternate energy supplies in regions where sources other than coal or oil, such as solar or wind power, are possible
China needs to invest $ 120 bn in power generation (posted 9/22/04)
China needs to invest $ 120 bn in the next five years to generate enough electricity to meet its huge demand for power and reduce crippling power shortages.
Greens slam Blair and Howard (posted 9/22/04)
Major speeches by Prime Minister Tony Blair and Conservative Leader Michael Howard on the subject of climate change action last week have been slammed by the Green Party as ‘greenwashing’ and a ‘smokescreen’
Government ‘in denial’ over global warming (posted 9/22/04)
group says the Government is ‘in denial’ over the effects of transport emissions on global warming.
Gas glut could lead to huge fall in UK prices (posted 9/22/04)
Gas prices could collapse as the end of the decade approaches, as heavy investment in a number of planned gas projects bear fruit.
Broadband Over Power Lines Gaining Steam (posted 9/22/04)
In Manassas,Va., residents and businesses have a third option for broadband Internet access, and it comes at a lower price and without the installation fee and long-term commitment of DSL and cable.
BP Solar to Increase Photovoltaic Production (posted 9/22/04)
It is one in a series of company developments that could expand the PV market. Over the next 18 months the company also plans to try and lower costs of the solar market through the economic strategy of increasing production.
The Arctic may be final contested frontier (posted 9/22/04)
Hundreds of Canadian troops were all around. Helicopters swooped over the tin roofs of this isolated hamlet. A Navy frigate and a Coast Guard icebreaker were moored and readied in a nearby fjord. Across the bay, Master Cpl. Carl Gale was doing his part, too, as he introduced himself to an Eskimo family out picking wild blueberries.
A solution to global warming (posted 9/22/04)
Global warming is occurring at an unprecedented rate and is starting to have adverse consequences, such as increased frequency and severity of droughts, heat waves and floods. The World Health Organization estimates that global warming is already killing 150,000 people a year.
$22m for US farm renewables (posted 9/22/04)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued $22 million in renewable energy and energy efficiency grants for projects across rural America, in what is being seen as one of the most significant clean energy developments by the Bush Administration.
green power program moves into top spot after one year (posted 9/22/04)
The largest utility in Oklahoma says its wind power program has become one of the leaders in the United States after only one year of operation.
S&P Promotes Wind Power As Energy Source (posted 9/22/04)
Wind power remains often more expensive than traditional energy sources ... although it is becoming increasingly price competitive
Regulatory uncertainty threatens US wind sector growth (posted 9/22/04)
Prospects for future growth in the US wind power sector are unclear given
growing uncertainty over federal regulations
Saving the Environment, Really Fast (posted 9/22/04)
Mark Thomas, five-time International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Funny Car champion will bring his ethanol-powered drag car to Capitol Hill to promote ethanol
Shell sees output stagnant (posted 9/22/04)
Troubled oil major Shell said Wednesday it may not see any increase in oil and gas production until after 2009 despite a further boost to its capital spending budget to help restore confidence in its under performing upstream portfolio.
Solar Tour Opens Doors to Renewable Energy Lifestyle (posted 9/22/04)
"The National Solar Tour gives people the chance to meet directly with others who have incorporated energy efficiency and solar design features in their buildings to save energy."
Teaming up to save salt marsh (posted 9/22/04)
The state Department of Environmental Services and FPL Energy Seabrook Station, the majority owner of the Seabrook nuclear power plant, have signed an agreement to protect the 42-acre Browns River salt marsh.
Thai electrical authority to subsidize purchases of backup generators (posted 9/22/04)
Operators of factories and other buildings that use their own backup power generators during peak demand periods will soon qualify for substantial subsidies
U.S. department releases draft report on wind energy impacts (posted 9/22/04)
A U.S. federal department has proposed a program that will “result in the greatest amount of wind energy development over the next 20 years, at the lowest potential cost to industry.”
International solar group renews call for global transition to renewables (posted 9/22/04)
An aggressive transition to renewable energy may take more than 50 years to stabilize the environment due to over-use of fossil fuels,
U.S. groups urge government to restore funding (posted 9/22/04)
A coalition of 25 organizations has urged the U.S. Senate to increase funding for renewables by millions of dollars.
U.S. market for solar thermal declines in 2003 (posted 9/22/04)
Sales of solar collectors in the United States dropped 2% last year, to a total of 11.4 million square feet, says the Department of Energy.
UK government provides additional £8.5 million to solar energy (posted 9/22/04)
The UK government will provide another £8.5 million to encourage schools, homes and commercial buildings to install solar PV and small-scale renewable energy systems.
US and Algeria examine situation of oil and gas co-operation (posted 9/22/04)
The head of ExImBank, who paid earlier a visit to Algeria, said he is "optimistic" concerning the promising prospects offered by the Algerian economy for the development of the Algerian-American co-operation.
US military commander and senator to visit Gabon and Sao Tome (posted 9/22/04)
A senior US military commander and an influential Republican senator will visit oil-producing Gabon and the potentially oil-rich state of Sao Tome and Principe to discuss security, oil and environmental issues, a US embassy spokeswoman said.
YUKOS Cuts Exports To China (posted 9/22/04)
Oil prices jumped this week after Russia's biggest exporter, YUKOS, said it was cutting supplies to China by 1 million tons in the remaining months of 2004 due to a lack of funds to pay export fees.
The point on financing renewables: fossil volatility costs more (posted 9/21/04)
Tony Blair's call on British businesses to take the moral lead on climate change is laudable and his encouragement to the UK renewable and low-carbon energy industry is welcome. But by tying renewables so closely to climate change, we are in danger of undervaluing them.
Government sees no need to up nuke power (posted 9/21/04)
Prime Minister Tony Blair has in the past said he will not rule out another generation of nuclear power stations, but his government is more eager to concentrate on renewable energy sources to cut carbon emissions.
Application for coal plant called a 'sham' (posted 9/21/04)
A scientist at the Environmental Protection Agency labeled We Energies' application for a large coal-fired plant in Oak Creek a "sham" because he said it would not meet a host of requirements under clean-water laws.
Over 20 Big Projects Are Being Prepared in the Czech Republic (posted 9/21/04)
Czech Venti (CV) (Chomutov, Czech Republic), involved in the building of wind-power plants, wants to build a wind-power park with 180 towers in the region Chomutov by the end of 2006.
California Energy Commission Announces Grants (posted 9/21/04)
Ten small-scale but innovative projects have been awarded funds by the California Energy Commission to conduct cutting-edge research that will reduce the cost of producing electricity, save energy and improve the environment.
Reliability Beyond the Supply and Demand Curves (posted 9/21/04)
The take-away message coming from national reliability planners is that enough new electric generation will be built to match anticipated increases in power demand for the next decade
Nevada utility gets approval to finish power plant (posted 9/21/04)
Commissioners agreed that Nevada Power was getting a good deal for the incomplete, 1,200-megawatt Moapa Energy Facility located 20 miles north of Las Vegas. They also underlined the importance of Nevada Power increasing its generating capacity by 2006.
Big Guns Backing Case for Wind (posted 9/21/04)
Nearly three-quarters of the population agree that wind farms are necessary to help meet current and future energy needs in the UK, despite a vocal protest against their expansion
Alternative Energy Market Gaining Share (posted 9/21/04)
"Saudi Arabia wants the oil price to remain low enough so that consuming nations do not seek alternatives to oil as their principal source of energy."
State in running for $1 billion power plant (posted 9/21/04)
Kentucky is among seven states being considered for a new $1 billion-plus power plant. The American Electric Power Co. plant will convert coal to a clean-burning synthetic gas.
China Energy Savings is There When New Power Plants Won't Stop the Current Energy Crisis (posted 9/21/04)
With the world's energy crisis as the backdrop, China's own crisis is growing not only in size, but in concern as well.
Some Aging Nuclear Plants Receive License Renewals Despite Safety Concerns (posted 9/21/04)
Driven by demand for cheap power, utilities are seeking to keep existing reactors operating until as late as 2040 and beyond. Regulators have approved license extensions for aging nuclear plants across the country, with more to come.
NRC Says Ohio Reactor Damage 'Significant' (posted 9/21/04)
Damage to the reactor head of the Davis-Besse power plant in Ohio ranks among the top five most serious nuclear plant accidents or near-accidents since Three Mile Island, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission said Monday.
Nuclear Power Competitive With Coal & Natural Gas (posted 9/21/04)
The first exhaustive study examining the economic competitiveness of nuclear power has been completed by the University of Chicago and it shows that the future cost associated with nuclear power production is comparable with gas and coal-based energy generation.
Ukraine Restarts One Nuclear Reactor (posted 9/21/04)
As of today, 11 out of Ukraine's 14 nuclear power units are generating electricity.
Oil firms must win back trust on environment (posted 9/21/04)
Oil companies must join forces with governments to restore public trust in the energy industry's ability to combat climate change
US Carmakers Lukewarm on Diesel Engines (posted 9/21/04)
Soaring U.S. gasoline prices may have some U.S. consumers taking a closer look at diesel cars, but few auto industry executives expect a wholesale rush to diesel any time soon.
Beckett says no more nuclear power needed yet (posted 9/21/04)
Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Margaret Beckett said the aim of reducing carbon emissions did not rely on more nuclear capacity but could be achieved via renewable energy sources.
Mussels found near North Pole in global warming sign (posted 9/21/04)
Mussels have been found growing on the seabed just 1,300 km from the North Pole in a likely sign of global warming
Water everywhere but none to drink (posted 9/21/04)
As the fog closes in, the waterfalls and the vast plains of Bangladesh gradually disappear from view. The people of Cherrapunjee hunker down for another inhospitable night in the world's wettest spot.
State Regulatory Bodies (posted 9/21/04)
Since the passage of the Public Utility Holding Company Act (PUCHA) of 1939, investor-owned electric utilities in the United States have increasingly been under the watchful eye of the State Regulatory Agencies
LNG imports key to retaining competitive edge (posted 9/21/04)
US manufacturers, already hit hard by rising natural gas prices, will find
themselves at an growing competitive disadvantage if liquefied natural gas
imports do not increase over the next several years
Behind the Scenes as California Power Use Hits New Peaks (posted 9/21/04)
One o'clock is a crucial time at the California Independent System Operator's control room
Wind Energy Handbook (posted 9/20/04)
This large tome by Messrs Burton, Sharpe, Jenkins and Bossanyi gives a detailed and technical description of the mechanical, electrical, aerodynamic, meteorological and planning aspects of modern wind turbines.
Volkswagen Joins the Fuel Cell Crowd (posted 9/20/04)
Auxiliary power units (APU) are in Volkswagen's future, and IdaTech, a producer of fuel cell systems, was selected to design and manufacture an integrated fuel processor system that operates on diesel fuel.
UK energy minister ignores calls for European probe of gas prices (posted 9/20/04)
New UK energy minister Mike O'Brien offered no hope last week to consumers calling out for a full investigation into high gas prices. Speaking in Parliament late last week
Study says nuclear reactors could help make hydrogen gas cleanly (posted 9/20/04)
Hydrogen, touted as the fuel of the future for cars, homes and industry, could be economically and cleanly produced using the high heat of a next-generation nuclear reactor, scientists at the Savannah River National Laboratory said.
Shell Oil says US Gulf output returning to normal after Ivan (posted 9/20/04)
Shell Oil on Monday said it was continuing to restore oil and natural gas
production in the Gulf of Mexico that was disrupted last week by Hurricane Ivan.
Rainstorms help TVA generate more hydroelectricity (posted 9/20/04)
The high winds, rains and tornadoes spawned by Hurricane Ivan threatened to down some power lines in the Tennessee Valley, but the storm also is bringing the region plenty of its cheapest power source.
Quote of Day (posted 9/20/04)
"From today, Dubai will supply the missing link in the global economy.
Public Support for Wind Power (posted 9/20/04)
THERE is strong public support to increase the number of wind turbines in Britain, a Greenpeace poll reveals.
Provo City Power Giving Away Trees (posted 9/20/04)
Provo City Power will give away 500 trees today to help customers reduce energy consumption. Trees strategically placed in yards and around homes can lower energy consumption by up to 50 percent.
Power Industry Wakes Up to Green Power (posted 9/20/04)
"The mainstreaming of green power is the growth industry of the decade, with many industry players unfortunately being caught unprepared to take advantage of this monumental opportunity."
Power fails in veil of mystery (posted 9/20/04)
Power blinked out for thousands of Clark Public Utilities customers shortly after noon Wednesday, but utility workers weren't sure what caused the failure.
OPEC, oil industry cannot control course of oil prices (posted 9/20/04)
The course of oil prices over the coming months is largely out of the hands of both OPEC and the international oil industry
North American Power Industry Currently Under Construction With More Than 17,000 Megawatts Scheduled (posted 9/20/04)
Despite down trending construction activity over the past few years, the North American power industry is expected to see over 17,000 megawatts (MW) of capacity begin commercial operation in 2005.
More than 1.5-mil customers still cut off in Ivan aftermath (posted 9/20/04)
More than 1.5-mil electric customers in the US Southeast remained without power Friday morning as the soggy remnants of Hurricane Ivan moved up the spine of the Appalachian mountain chain.
Methanol Offers Renewable Energy Solutions (posted 9/20/04)
In the face of all the press surrounding solar and wind power, it's easy to gloss over the renewable energy potential of the comparably less-glamorous methanol.
Los Angeles Solar Incentives Revised (posted 9/20/04)
"Extending solar energy options to residents, businesses and even the affordable housing community will not only further help the environment, but is a creative way through which the city can help lower the financial pressure on our families."
Looking Back at the 2003 U.S. Solar Thermal Market (posted 9/20/04)
"One of the few notable differences between 2002 and 2003 solar collector shipments was in complete shipments."
Looking Back at the 2003 U.S. Solar PV Market (posted 9/20/04)
"With nearly a 40 percent share in 2003, the grid-interactive application increased its position as the predominant use of PV cell and module shipments, up from 30 percent in 2002."
Lawmakers aim for compromise concerning energy bill provision (posted 9/20/04)
Stalled in the Senate for nearly a year, a comprehensive energy bill is getting a last-minute push by lawmakers who are trying to reach a compromise on its most controversial provision.
LADWP Receives over 40 Proposals for Renewable Energy Projects (posted 9/20/04)
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) received more than 40 proposals for renewable energy projects, marking a milestone in its effort to increase renewable energy to 20% of its power portfolio by 2017.
Kyocera's Most Powerful Solar PV Module to Date (posted 9/20/04)
"The KC187G raises the performance bar of our solar energy products, while reducing total installed system costs."
Electric Autos Get Hydrogen Focus (posted 9/20/04)
Electric and hybrid car manufacturer ZAP has signed an exclusive agreement with Apollo Energy Systems of Pompano Beach, Florida for its fuel cell technology.
Energy secretary looks ahead to hydrogen (posted 9/20/04)
The U.S. needs to move from a carbon- to a hydrogen-based economy, and will need to develop advanced nuclear reactors that can produce hydrogen in order to make the transformation
Europe Could Run on Renewable Energy (posted 9/20/04)
Every home in Europe could be powered by renewable energy, according to a new report.
Explosives Bring Down Maine Plant Dome (posted 9/20/04)
With a thunderclap of explosives, Maine Yankee's containment dome toppled to the ground Friday in one of the final steps toward completion of the nuclear power plant's decommissioning.
Green Power Inches Along (posted 9/20/04)
IF ALL goes well, Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division hopes to begin offering power generated by the Tennessee Valley Authority from renewable energy sources next spring.
Group to Pull Plug on Power Plants (posted 9/20/04)
Californians for Renewable Energy Inc. have opposed FPL Energy's Tesla plant and a similar power plant proposed by Calpine Corp., saying they would add to the San Joaquin Valley's air pollution problems.
Connecticut lawmaker suggests big power users go off grid (posted 9/20/04)
As technical problems and mounting costs hamper plans to upgrade power lines in southwestern Connecticut, state Rep. Lawrence Miller, R-Stratford, has a solution: Have large commercial energy users secede from the electrical grid.
High-Level Energy Conference to take place in Brussels (posted 9/20/04)
the roundtable discussions will focus on the significant investment opportunities in Canadian energy markets
HOUSE REPUBLICANS REJECT EFFORT TO FORCE WHITE HOUSE TO SHARE DIRTY ENERGY SECRETS (posted 9/20/04)
On a party line vote, the House Energy & Commerce Committee voted to kill a resolution of inquiry seeking the names of individuals who worked behind closed doors with Vice President Cheney's energy task force to craft the Bush administration's national energy policy.
China's Energy Crisis Blankets Hong Kong in Smog (posted 9/20/04)
The "fragrant harbor" from which Hong Kong takes its name is often shrouded in toxic smog.
Hong Kong's air pollution hit a record high on September 14.
Illinois Ethanol Plant Completed (posted 9/20/04)
Lincolnland Agri-Energy began production at their ethanol plant near Palestine, Illinois. Illinois now has six operating ethanol plants.
Kansai Elec may delay reactor restart due to leak (posted 9/20/04)
said last week it was likely to delay the restart of a nuclear power generation unit at its Mihama plant in Fukui prefecture, western Japan, because of a coolant leak.
Canada to use PetroCan money for green technology (posted 9/20/04)
The Canadian government will devote some of the proceeds from its sale of its 19 percent stake in oil company Petro-Canada
Key facts about Petro-Canada (posted 9/20/04)
The share sale will spell the end of Ottawa's financial relationship with the company it created amid the energy crises of three decades ago as a "window" on the then mostly foreign-controlled oil and gas industry.
California Fuel Cell Partnership Launches Third Annual Road Rally From the State (posted 9/20/04)
For the first time in road rally history, all eight of CaFCP's automakers provided fuel cell vehicles for the weekend event.
Blackout Britain (posted 9/20/04)
Britain has gobbled its North Sea gas resources in little more than 10 years, its nuclear power stations are due to be decommissioned and wind farms alone cannot fill the gap. Within two years, Britain could be facing a series of blackouts'
Biomass to Ethanol Partnership (posted 9/20/04)
a partnership to build and operate a joint venture biomass to ethanol processing plant in Canada
Bill blocking New Mexico geothermal power (posted 9/20/04)
A resolution to the rancorous debate over a proposed geothermal power plant in the heart of the Valles Caldera National Preserve gained unanimous approval from the U.S. Senate this week.
2005 Solar World Congress Final Call for Papers Now Available by Becky Campbell (posted 9/20/04)
Now's the time to start making plans for the next
National Solar Energy Conference!
It's been 14 years since the ISES Solar World Congress was held in the U.S., and
we're going to make this a truly special program you won't want to miss.
2004 National Solar Tour Offers First-hand Look at Successful Uses of Renewable Energy Features (posted 9/20/04)
with more than 1,800 homes, businesses and public buildings open to visitors in 800 communities across the U.S. Participants will have the opportunity to see first-hand the successful use of many forms of renewable energy including passive solar design, wind energy, solar hot water, and solar-electric generating systems in a variety of buildings.
25 Years of Hydrogen Research (posted 9/20/04)
The 2004-2009 strategic plan has three goals: advancement of science and technology, assessment of the market environment, and implementation of an outreach program.
$2.3 Billion in Energy Supply Technology R&D Opportunities will be discussed (posted 9/20/04)
The U.S. Government is now funding robust R&D investments in a diverse portfolio of energy supply technologies deemed crucial to strengthening our ability to meet the climate change challenge.
Utilities report more than 1.3-mil customers left in dark by Ivan (posted 9/17/04)
Outages from Hurricane Ivan--now downgraded to a tropical storm--total more than 1.3-mil, including 820,000 at Alabama Power and 360,000 at Gulf Power, those utilities and others said late Thursday afternoon. Ivan was by far the most devastating storm ever for both Alabama Power and Gulf Power
Use of Clean Coal Technologies Will Help Utilities Take the Lead in Hydrogen Economy Race (posted 9/17/04)
Soaring prices and tight supplies of natural gas will force electric utilities in the United States to radically reconsider their fuel choices, says a new study. "There's only one choice--almost a 'no brainer'--and that is coal," concludes Thinking Energy
US Seeks Help on Securing Nuclear Material (posted 9/17/04)
The United States will ask countries that possess or have produced bomb-useable nuclear material to join in a new effort to keep it out of the hands of extremists
UK Government announces GBP16.5 million investment for nine UK coal mines (posted 9/17/04)
"Coal supplies around a third of the UK's electricity demand, half of which is generated from UK produced coal.
Russia's government raises gas transportation tariffs by 17% (posted 9/17/04)
Russia's federal commission on tariffs has approved a 17% increase in Russian gas monopoly Gazprom's transportation fees for independent gas producers
New EU energy commissioner expects more market opening measures (posted 9/17/04)
The European Union is likely to need more liberalization measures to achieve a single gas and power market
Mexico's environmental body approves Baja California LNG project (posted 9/17/04)
ChevronTexaco has been given a permit by Mexico's environment ministry, Semarnat, for the construction of a 700,000 Mcf/day LNG regasification terminal off Baja California
Green Energy Resources Launches Strategic Initiative With Coal Industry to Reduce Air Polluting Emissions (posted 9/17/04)
The objective of NYIL is to work with corporate utilities promoting the environmental and financial benefits of co-firing. Co-firing is an established process of adding wood fiber to coal to reduce harmful emissions.
Global Warming May Spur Fiercer Hurricanes (posted 9/17/04)
Global warming will increase the temperature of ocean water that fuels hurricanes, leading to stronger winds, heavier rains and larger storm surges
FuelCell Energy And Department Of Energy Finalize Phase 1 Award For Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance Program (posted 9/17/04)
The goal of the SECA program is to accelerate the development of low-cost solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), a key element of DOE's commitment to developing clean, efficient, reliable and affordable power generation for virtually all markets.
Energy Grant Comes to North Dakota (posted 9/17/04)
a consortium of energy companies and research institutions in North Dakota has been awarded a federal grant of $497,050 to undertake a pilot program to produce, store and distribute hydrogen fuel
DOE's EERE 'Reorganized for Results (posted 9/17/04)
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Reorganizing for Results," states: "EERE has demonstrated that much can be achieved in a relatively short period of time if top management is committed to doing so.
California Regulators Call Cogeneration Vital to State (posted 9/17/04)
In the cogeneration process natural gas is converted to electricity to power a facility. In essence thermal heat and steam are generated to run equipment and machinery.
Xcel Energy gets favorable ruling for coal-fired plant (posted 9/16/04)
Colorado consumer advocate Ken Reif sided Monday with Xcel Energy on the utility's plans to build a $1.3 billion coal- fired power plant in Pueblo without opening the process up to competitive bids.
Wind Power Program One of Most Successful (posted 9/16/04)
Just one year after launching its wind power program, nearly 9,000 OG&E Electric Services customers have subscribed. About one-third of the subscribers have 100 percent of their electricity generated by wind
We need more nuclear power stations (posted 9/16/04)
The Prime Minister yesterday issued a rallying call to the world to respond urgently to the increasing threat of greenhouse gases which are transforming the climate of our planet. But with Britain leading the way in tackling emissions of carbon dioxide, the biggest culprit in our atmosphere, it is disappointing that a lack of political courage
Wave energy project planned for U.S. (posted 9/16/04)
An Australian company will install a wave energy project off the southern coast of Rhode Island.
Utility regulation bears rethinking (posted 9/16/04)
A new national advocacy group co-headed by a Florida Public Service commissioner is calling for a fresh, market-oriented approach to utility regulation.
US-funded operation returns Uzbek nuclear fuel to Russia (posted 9/16/04)
"We are prepared to remove fresh and spent nuclear fuel from all research reactors built abroad in Soviet projects," the head of the Federal Atomic Energy Agency (Rosatom)
US House panel to weigh measure aimed at White House energy group (posted 9/16/04)
The resolution, sponsored by Rep John Dingell (Democrat-Michigan), the committee's senior Democrat, would require the White House to release the names of all individuals and staff who were present
US Gulf gas output shut in by Ivan (posted 9/16/04)
Crude oil and natural gas production shut-ins in the US Gulf of Mexico as a result of Hurricane Ivan rose to 1.3-mil b/d
UPS and DaimlerChrysler Launch First Medium (posted 9/16/04)
Buoyed by initial road-test results and significant technological advancements, UPS has announced the U.S. deployment of its first three large package delivery vehicles utilizing hydrogen fuel cells for power.
U.S. solar industry reduces shipment of PV cells and modules (posted 9/16/04)
Shipments of solar PV cells and modules declined in the United States last year for the first time in two decades.
Tax Credit Stalls Wind Energy Push in Illinois (posted 9/16/04)
The future of wind energy is as uncertain as the weather.
State Seeks More 'Green' Energy Users (posted 9/16/04)
The state is lending its support to a campaign starting today aimed at increasing the sale of electricity from renewable power sources in Maine.
S&P says US public power sector healthy (posted 9/16/04)
Although the US public power sector has used conservative budgeting, along with increased hedging activity to mitigate its exposures to volatility in commodity markets to craft surprisingly stable credit ratings, it faces significant challenges in the years ahead
Philippines urged to consider nuclear power sources (posted 9/16/04)
The Philippine government has been urged not to discount the possibility of tapping nuclear power in the coming years despite the country's relatively small size.
OPEC communique confirms 1-mil b/d ceiling hike (posted 9/16/04)
OPEC issued a communique after a ministerial meeting in Vienna Wednesday confirming a decision to increase the quotas of the ten OPEC producers bound by quotas by 1-mil b/d to 27-mil b/d
OPEC ministers agree to 1-mil b/d quota hike (posted 9/16/04)
OPEC ministers agreed Sep 15 to raise their crude output ceiling by 1-mil b/d to 27-mil b/d from the beginning of November
Only in Nevada Is Bush (posted 9/16/04)
For environmentalists hoping to turn anger at President Bush into electoral votes for John Kerry, the biggest and perhaps only field of dreams is a nuclear waste dump site in Nevada.
NRC plays down radiation risk from crash into nuclear plant (posted 9/16/04)
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has concluded that it is unlikely significant amounts of radiation would be released in a deliberate crash of a jetliner into a nuclear power plant
Notion of US energy dependence is unrealistic (posted 9/16/04)
The notion that oil consuming countries such as the US can attain complete energy independence is unrealistic, ExxonMobil chairman and CEO Lee Raymond said Thursday.
New Energy Bill: Reducing Our Dependence on Foreign Oil (posted 9/16/04)
Growing transportation requirements combined with declining domestic oil production have led to burgeoning oil imports. Rising oil prices are having an adverse impact on the U.S. economy as evident from recent economic data and stock market performance. We need a responsible energy plan which will balance our transportation requirements with the necessity to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
NEI: Nuclear industry will meet NRC security deadline (posted 9/16/04)
The nuclear power industry expects to meet federal security requirements by the NRC's Oct. 29 deadline, the Nuclear Energy Institute's (NEI) chief nuclear officer said today.
Indian Tribe Conducts First War Dance Since 1887 to Stop Expansion of Shasta Dam (posted 9/16/04)
As darkness fell across the crescent-shaped Shasta Dam, eight barefoot Winnemem Wintu warriors armed with bows began the tribe's first war dance since 1887.
In search of a windy city (posted 9/16/04)
Councilman Bob FitzGerald huffed and puffed about wind-generated power at city hall Sept. 14, but he could have been just tilting at a dream because Aurora isn’t windy enough to make windmills practical, officials said.
If There Ever Was a Time for Composting (posted 9/16/04)
If there ever was a time for composting, it is now. Backyards are overflowing with old plant material, stuff once foolishly called "garbage:" old stems, leaves, and flowers from the garden; kitchen trimmings; leaves from trees.
Howard’s green stance applauded (posted 9/16/04)
Conservative Party leader Michael Howard’s comments on climate change this week, which included a call for urgent action, have been welcomed by green group Friends of the Earth.
Green power standard could create 6,000 jobs in one state (posted 9/16/04)
More than 5,800 jobs would be created in the state of Pennsylvania if the U.S. were to aim for 20% of its electricity from renewables by 2020.
THE GLOBAL WARMING CRISIS (posted 9/16/04)
There is only one possible response to the latest news about climate change - panic. It's happening; it's here. Over the past few years, we in Britain have been living through a drastic change in climate.
Gas shortage threatens blackouts this winter (posted 9/16/04)
ONE OF the operators of Britain's biggest gas terminal warned yesterday that there was a good chance of the country being hit by blackouts this winter because of a shortage of gas.
FuelCell Energy's DFC1500 Power Plant Certified As the Largest Fuel Cell System to Meet 2007 California Emissions Requirement (posted 9/16/04)
By meeting this standard, the Company's DFC1500 qualifies as an 'ultra-clean' technology, exempting it from air pollution control and air quality district permitting
Expanded Energy Agency Will Promote Sustainable Projects (posted 9/16/04)
A NEWLY-expanded energy agency is to be launched in Mid Wales next month to promote sustainable energy projects.
European Commission poised to approve British Energy bail (posted 9/16/04)
BRITISH Energy's life-saving (pounds) 5bn restructuring plan yesterday looked destined for approval on September 22 after it emerged that the European Commission was prepared to support the government-backed deal.
EU pledges €8m green fund (posted 9/16/04)
The European Commission has announced an €8m (£5.4m) funding package for environmental projects around the world
Energy efficiency is first step to sustainable energy (posted 9/16/04)
“The first step in developing any energy efficiency policy is to adjust energy prices in order to give correct signals to consumers,
Energy Manipulation: Justice is Pending (posted 9/16/04)
Is anybody awake at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission?
FERC gets direction (posted 9/16/04)
THE feckless Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which failed to protect California from the Enron-inspired energy crisis of 2000-2001, has finally been given a swift kick in the right direction by a federal appellate court.
Court Ruling Should Prod FERC to Order Refunds (posted 9/16/04)
The checks aren't in the mail, nor are they likely to be anytime soon even should a federal court ruling stand.
Climate change action 'now' – Blair (posted 9/16/04)
Prime Minister Tony Blair spoke last night of the need for urgent action on the issue of climate change, and warned of catastrophic repercussions if action is not taken.
China to increase cooperation with International Atomic Energy Agency (posted 9/16/04)
China will further cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the future, which will surely make greater contribution to the peaceful use of atomic energy in the world.
Cheney voices support for coal in Raleigh County (posted 9/16/04)
Cheney said President Bush has proposed spending $447 million for clean-coal technology, "more than double the level of funding when we took office."
Britain Burying Nuclear Waste From Overseas (posted 9/16/04)
Nuclear waste from overseas power stations has been sealed in concrete and buried in the UK in several kilometres of trenches in breach of official government policy.
BP's A+ for Energy Grant Program Awards $2 (posted 9/16/04)
1,075 California K-12 teachers will receive $2 million in grants to teach energy and energy conservation in the classroom.
America's 'Clean Little Secret (posted 9/16/04)
America's air quality has dramatically improved since passage of the Clean Air Act in 1970, and continues to improve despite robust economic growth
Agencies to promote renewables in emerging markets (posted 9/16/04)
a renewable energy program that focuses on innovative financing to promote environmentally-sound economic growth in developing countries around the world.
(posted 9/14/04)Ballard, DaimlerChrysler and Ford Solidify Program
Development PlansThe Alliance partners have jointly developed program plans for the next generation vehicular fuel
cell, electric drive and fuel cell system. They have also established a framework for the development and funding of the follow-on next generation fuel cell and fuel cell technology.Under the terms of the MOU, DaimlerChrysler and Ford would provide up to $58 million in funding
for the next two generations of vehicular fuel cells and the next generation electric drive system.
University of Illinois researcher (posted 9/14/04)
For the last 3 years, the 34-year-old University of Illinois research specialist has worked to get his fuel cell business, INI Power Systems, off the ground.
Six weeks ago, his company landed a $3 million investment from MHI Energy Partners of Norwalk, Conn.
Retail Green Power Market To Exceed $10 Billion in Revenues By 2013 (posted 9/14/04)
The moribund power industry is waking up to the significant financial bonanza associated with the fast growing demand for Green Power, driving jobs for wind turbine manufacturers, and profits for many companies involved in designing, developing and deploying cost effective wind power projects, for example.
Green Meeting in Brazil to Propose Environmental Court (posted 9/14/04)
A meeting this week sponsored by major energy companies will propose creating an international court to assess and punish environmental crimes, organizers said.
The Truth About Garbage (posted 9/14/04)
This week, join host Jerry Kay, publisher of the Environmental News Network, to learn how San Francisco's composting program is bringing new life to old food.
North Korea Says Blast Was for Hydroelectric Project (posted 9/14/04)
A huge explosion in North Korea last week was a deliberate blast to pave the way for a hydroelectric dam, Pyongyang said on Monday.
Boulder Launches New "Grass Roots" UN (posted 9/14/04)
Boulder, CO, September 8, 2004: Thousands of people from across the globe will be attending a multi-disciplinary, grassroots conference on sustainable development, technology and use of resources at the University of Colorado, Boulder this fall.
Oil-dependent Philippines banks on volcano power (posted 9/14/04)
Geothermal and hydro power already account for a third of national electricity output, and the potential for more renewable energy capacity is high.
US Department of Energy Funds Solar Program (posted 9/14/04)
Over the last ten years, the DOE's Tribal Energy Program, and its predecessor programs, has provided $17 million in funds for 90 renewable energy projects across Indian Country.
First Alternative Energy Index Spawns Exchange Traded Fund (posted 9/14/04)
Investing in a portfolio of companies involved in alternative energies such as wind, solar, and hydrogen fuel cells has been challenging, but it is now getting easier.
official wants fuel-cell powered community (posted 9/14/04)
Imagine a community powered solely by its own recycled energy. Fuel cells, instead of electricity, would produce enough watts to light your house, heat your kids' school, produce clean water for your clinic and generate enough hydrogen to power the senior center shuttle.
Idaho Power
Eyes Wind Generation Options (posted
9/14/04) Idaho Power's biennial plan for energy sourcing includes wind power for the
first time. Renewable
Energy Mandate Would Fuel Iowa Job Market
(posted 9/14/04) A federal mandate that utilities obtain 20 percent of their electricity from
renewable sources would bring about 1,600 more jobs to Iowa, according to an
updated study by the Union of Concerned Scientists. Court
Revives Pollution Suit Against TEP
(posted 9/14/04) A federal appeals court is giving an environmental group
another chance to prove that a major coal-fired Arizona power plant is operating
illegally. Survey
indicates oil price may fall (posted
9/14/04) Crude oil may fall this week as rising production from OPEC
helps replenish global inventories, according to a Bloomberg News survey of
traders and analysts. Study says
renewable energy to benefit state (posted
9/14/04) DENVER - The state ballot question that would require power companies
to use more renewable energy won't significantly impact customers' electric
bills, a California pro-sustainable energy group says. Program could
shrink energy bills (posted 9/14/04) People could save as much as $15 billion annually if they had more
information about fluctuations in the price of electricity and then acted to cut
power usage when prices were expected to be high, congressional investigators
conclude. Southeast's
largest green power program running deficit
(posted 9/14/04) The Tennessee Valley Authority's renewable energy program, the largest in the
Southeast, is selling far more premium-priced "green power" than it is
producing, according to an internal audit. NRC approves
Westinghouse AP1000 design (posted 9/14/04) Westinghouse is celebrating today after receiving the news that its AP1000
advanced reactor design received final approval from the NRC staff. EC
wants more ambitious post-2012 Kyoto climate targets
(posted 9/14/04) "We will need to strengthen our efforts, put more ambitious targets in
place and use innovative approaches to reach those targets". OPEC production
(posted 9/14/04) OPEC sets a production ceiling for ten of its 11 members. Iraq, which is
subject to UN oil export sanctions, does not have a production quota. The Energy
Challenge 2004 (posted 9/13/04) The new administration's priority attention to energy is a
much needed step in the right direction. However from a perspective of the
challenge we face and the nation’s real needs it must be given a failing
grade. Dark Future
for White Animals in Arctic (posted
9/13/04) Adding to
the disruption of habitats, rising temperatures may simply make white animals
too obvious if melting ice and snow exposes tracts of dark, bare ground. US Atomic
Energy Pioneers Regret Lost Chances (posted
9/13/04) More than half a century later, few people are clamoring publicly for more
nuclear energy despite high oil prices, and the Russians are even disputing who
won the race to atomic power. Election Calls
for US Oil Independence a Pipe Dream
(posted 9/13/04) U.S.
election-year pledges by both presidential candidates to wean the nation from
its foreign oil dependence have vote-winning potential but may be just a pipe
dream, energy experts say. Big Explosion
Reported in North Korea (posted 9/13/04) A huge
explosion rocked an area in North Korea near the border with China three days
ago and appeared to be much bigger than a train blast that killed 170 people in
April. Shell Russian
venture vows to clean up oil spill (posted
9/13/04) Sakhalin
Energy Investment Company, operator of the multi-billion dollar Sakhalin-2
project, has long been under pressure for not doing enough to protect rare grey
whales feeding near Russia's Pacific island of Sakhalin near Japan. Xcel Power Plan
Raises Concerns (posted 9/13/04) Xcel Energy's proposal to build a $1.4 billion coal-fired power plant in
Pueblo is drawing opposition and concerns from across the board.
"This case has more interveners than I can remember for any single docket
in the past 12 years that I have been here," said Terry Bote, spokesman for
the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. "The issues are of interest to a
large number of groups." Iraq crude
export target will not be met until Q2 2005
(posted 9/13/04) Iraq will not meet its end-of-year export goal of 3-mil b/d of crude oil
because of the "plague" of regular sabotage to pipelines around the
country, a senior US oil consultant in the country now estimates. The target has
been pushed back to the second quarter of 2005 UK opposition
leader slams PM Blair (posted 9/13/04) UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has failed to deliver on climate change and
energy efficiency, Michael Howard, leader of the opposition Conservative
party. US appeals
court affirms FERC jurisdiction over electricity rates
(posted 9/13/04) The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Friday upheld a district court
ruling that found a Washington municipal utility's lawsuits charging various
wholesale power suppliers with violating California antitrust and consumer
protection laws are preempted by federal law. Court
Backs California's Push for Energy Refund
(posted 9/13/04) Federal regulators were too timid in taking control of California's runaway
energy market, and now the state should have another chance to push for billions
more in refunds, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday. US court sends
California refund claims back to FERC
(posted 9/13/04) The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit said the US Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission "improperly concluded" that it could not order
retroactive refunds for sales made during the 2000-2001 Western energy crisis. UniSource
Energy Announces Quarterly Dividend (posted
9/13/04) The board of directors of UniSource Energy Corp. (NYSE: UNS) today declared a
quarterly dividend for common shareholders of 16 cents per share. Power-Plant
Bidding Called Sham (posted 9/13/04) "The biggest flaw in the process is that there really isn't a process.
This is simply a sham for the utility to be able to pick itself." Nevada Files Yucca
Lawsuit (posted 9/13/04) Suing the Energy Department over its plans to ship nuclear waste on a
railroad to be built through rural Nevada. DOE failed to perform adequate
environmental studies before identifying a preferred 319-mile railroad corridor Japan Utility
TEPCO to Get Emission Rights Via Southeast Asian Projects
(posted 9/13/04) TEPCO, the world's largest private electric power company, will also launch
an 800-kw hydroelectric power project in Malaysia and build a 10,000-kw
hydropower plant in the Philippines Kyushu
Elec. Finds 292 Damaged Pipes at Nuke Reactor
(posted 9/13/04) There are a total of 10,146 pipes in the steam generator. Of the 292 damaged
pipes, 287 had grown thinner due to corrosion. The remaining five had cracks. State
regulators to listen to 'green' firm
(posted 9/13/04) Last week, Farris and his company, Biomass Gas & Electric, won a chance
to make an unusual case to the state Public Service Commission, against Georgia
Power. Pennsylvania
Enters Second Funding Round of Energy Harvest Program
(posted 9/13/04) This round funds projects that promote and build markets for renewable energy
technologies. "Energy Harvest is not a research initiative. It is about
deployment of innovative technologies in the marketplace ... that create jobs
and produce economic development." Electrical
Energy is Where You Can Find It (posted
9/13/04) A western city is putting in energy systems from hydroelectric to geothermal.
Alternative energy production may not be the tour de force it should be with the
crisis in oil production, but in the area of municipal and county investment in
new technology, it is beginning to make serious headway. Invesco
in U-turn over British Energy's shake-up
(posted 9/13/04) British Energy's largest shareholder said it is not backing calls for the
nuclear generator's restructuring to be renegotiated -- just two months after
saying it was. Washington
Biofuels Briefing (posted 9/11/04) The upcoming Biofuels Briefing, taking place on
September 14 in Washington, DC, provides valuable insights on biofuels
activities in many parts of the world, and in building relationships with the
oil and auto industries to improve air quality... Residents
could pay premium for renewable energy
(posted 9/11/04) By water, by wind or by the light of the sun, the city of Naperville is
seeking environmentally friendly alternatives in energy production. Jeep SUVs Roll
Off Factory Floor with Biodiesel (posted
9/11/04) "This is an important first step in encouraging wider use of these
clean, renewable, environmentally-friendly fuels in the United States." The
National Effects of a Renewables Standard
(posted 9/11/04) "It is time our elected officials free us
from being hostage to energy resources of the 19th century, and switch to
advanced clean energy technologies. The technologies are ready. All it takes is
the political will." Partnership Aims
to Export U.S. Clean Energy
(posted 9/11/04) "...renewable energy technologies are often the most cost-effective
means to generate electricity in developing countries, particularly those with
few fossil fuel resources." East Asia
fastens steps to develop nuclear energy
(posted 9/11/04) East Asia is set to expand its nuclear energy market to meet
the challenges of a world-wide energy crisis. California
Dairies Look to Biogas Market (posted
9/11/04) Dairy farms and anaerobic digesters seem like a
no-brainer business venture, and the California dairy industry is starting to
pick up on the idea. California
Million Solar Homes bill failed to pass this year
(posted 9/11/04) Despite the efforts of so many, we are sorry to report that
the California Million Solar Homes bill failed to pass this year. While the
bigger bill didn't pass this year, a smaller bill - AB 135 – which allocates
$60 million for solar energy in 2005, did pass. Calif PUC
president would assure enough power while fostering market
(posted 9/11/04) For the
residentials and small businesses (core) supply would come from competitive
"open and transparent bidding process" to build new generation. Calif.
entitled to new hearing on energy refunds
(posted 9/11/04) Federal energy regulators improperly calculated how much money energy
companies should refund to California consumers, and the state should get
another chance to argue for $2.8 billion in overcharges An opportunity for Bush
(posted 9/11/04) Cinergy Corp. made a welcome announcement the other day: It
plans to spend $1.8 billion to reduce pollution from its power plants in Ohio,
Kentucky and Indiana. $4.50 Gas Expected
(posted 9/11/04) Forecasting has become more difficult. The volatility is too
high. The risk environment is too great. Connecting to the Grid
(posted 9/10/04) IREC Releases 4th Edition of Connecting to the
Grid Interconnection Guide The first interconnection guide was created
because states with net metering laws lacked a uniform method for
interconnecting their systems to the grid despite the existence of net metering
laws. Warming is a
hot topic among Arctic scientists (posted
9/10/04) On a cloudy day in the Chukchi Sea near Alaska's northwestern coast, two
marine biologists from the Russian Academy of Sciences' Zoological Institute
pulled up a small crab that could be proof the Arctic is growing warmer. Mexico,
U.S. environmental officials take first step to clean up mountains of old tires
at border (posted 9/10/04) With 5 million discarded tires littering the background, the United States
and Mexico announced an accord Thursday to clean up the mountains of rusty cars,
smashed school buses, and rotting rubber that are a blight on the border. Farmer becomes
first in Tennessee to use federal funds for preservation
(posted 9/10/04) Dairyman Earl Cruze has become the first farmer in Tennessee to use a new
federal program to forever ensure the preservation of his farmland. US gas
supplies likely to remain tight through 2006
(posted 9/10/04) Because gas prices currently are "set by the marginal customer Grid upgrades
could allow US to displace gas (posted
9/10/04) annual savings of up to $300-mil if the power industry invested in a group of
"high-potential" transmission congestion-relief projects that would
allow less-expensive coal-fired generation to displace high-cost natural
gas-fired electricity Yukos meeting
its commitments to export crude to China
(posted 9/10/04) The ongoing crisis at Yukos, which is struggling to settle mounting tax
debts, sparked fears that crude supplies to China might be disrupted. Sustainable
energy achievable, but not easy (posted
9/10/04) The 19th World Energy Congress wound up its five-day discussions on the key
issues facing the world's energy here Thursday, saying that sustainable energy
systems people have hoped for are achievable. World Largest
Solar Power Plant Operates in Germany
(posted 9/10/04) The world's largest solar power plant went into operation Wednesday in the
eastern German town of Espenhain. Wind Power
Gets Airing in Park City (posted 9/10/04) Eighty steel towers rise out of the sagebrush in Evanston, Wyo North Amer Pwr
Supplies Seen Adequate Through 2008 (posted
9/10/04) North America should have enough power to meet demand through 2008, but some
perpetually constrained areas could face shortages during periods of heavy use. Behind the
Scenes as California Power Use Hits New Peaks
(posted 9/10/04) One o'clock is a crucial time at the California Independent System Operator's
control room, especially when there's a likelihood of setting a new record for
peak electricity use within the next few hours. RPS
in U.S. would save $49 billion and create 355,000 jobs
(posted 9/09/04) A national standard in the United States which calls for 20%
from renewable energies by 2020 would save US$49 billion for consumers in lower
electricity and gas bills, according to a study from the Union of Concerned
Scientists. Utility fund
supports 25 renewables projects
(posted 9/09/04) The fourth-largest utility in the United States will provide US$22 million
for 25 renewable energy projects. Single
solar facility reaches 3.2 MW (posted
9/09/04) An electric utility in California has dedicated new Solar PV arrays at the
site of its first major solar installation, boosting output on that facility to
3.2 MW. The output from PV6 is sufficient for 2,200 homes. EU presents
future vision for Solar PV (posted
9/09/04) The European Union has finished a public consultation session on the future
of solar PV on the continent. Spain rated
top country for renewables (posted
9/09/04) Spain remains in first place for the attractiveness of renewable energy,
according to a global assessment conducted by Ernst & Young. Sales
of solar thermal increase 25% in Europe
(posted 9/09/04) The market slump of 2002 for solar thermal sales in Europe has ended, with
growth of 25% last year..Sales are expected to increase by another 24% this
year. Energy Bills
Soar in Europe as Wholesale Costs Bite
(posted 9/09/04) Millions of
consumers face higher prices this winter as utilities pass on gains in wholesale
costs, which have shot to record levels on the back of rampant oil and coal
prices, and tightening environmental laws. White
House offers plan to improve sharing of Earth observation data
(posted 9/09/04) The White House on Wednesday told 15 federal agencies to better share
scientific data about the Earth among themselves and with other nations. Australians
asked to provide water as koalas are dropping from trees because of thirst
(posted 9/09/04) Residents of Australia's drought-ravaged east coast were urged Wednesday to
leave buckets of water underneath trees because koalas are dropping dead of
thirst. Long-running
pollution study shows dirty air limits children's lung development
(posted 9/09/04) New research shows that teenagers who grow up in heavy air
pollution have reduced lung capacity, putting them at risk for illness and
premature death as adults. Businesses
urged to curb thirst for water
(posted 9/09/04) The largest, least expensive, and most environmentally sound source of water
to meet California’s future needs is the water currently being wasted in every
sector of our economy. Energy
dependence on Mideast, Russia to grow, says study
(posted 9/09/04) Despite vaunted crude oil finds in Africa and Latin America,
widespread pumping decreases will make global markets more dependent on the
Middle East and Russia over the decade, a study released on Wednesday found. Oil
market well-supplied; short-term factors driving prices
(posted 9/09/04) World oil markets are currently well-supplied, with OECD crude
stocks in the middle of their historic range and US gasoline inventories above
the average of the last five years Oil-gas
price link means energy prices can fall
(posted 9/09/04) The connection between oil and gas prices is not a one-way, uphill street,
but also works when oil levels are lower and are pushing gas values down,
Germany's gas and water industry OPEC members
agree average target price should be
(posted 9/09/04) "There is a limited and meager difference of opinion about the possible
change of the OPEC oil price band Scientists
call for increased use of renewable energy
(posted 9/09/04) Pennsylvania consumers could save nearly $1.8 billion and nearly 6,000 jobs
would be created by 2020 if the amount of electricity produced by renewable
energy resources increases to 20 percent, according to an environmental group. Nuvera Fuel
Cells Launches Plan for Hydrogen Test Facility
(posted 9/09/04) The plan calls for expanding SIAD's facility located in Osio Sopra, (Bergamo)
Italy for the purpose of demonstrating hydrogen-based fuel cell systems. Conservation
urged as power use hits high in California
(posted 9/09/04) For the sixth time in two months, California set a new record for peak
electricity usage Tuesday. Consumers are being asked to curtail their use of
electricity whenever possible Efficiency and
Renewables Combined into an Energy Portfolio
(posted 9/09/04) Energy Efficiency is finally being recognized as an important component to
America's energy future. In a California
pilot program (posted 9/09/04) The restaurant is participating in a pilot project to test how electricity
users respond to visual indicators of how much they are paying for power. Advocacy group
urges mandate for cleaner power in Wisconsin
(posted 9/09/04) Wisconsin should require utilities to produce or buy 10 percent of the
state's electricity from renewable sources, the leader of an environmental and
consumer political advocacy group says. Navajo
Tribal Utility Authority's Solar Program Commences with SunWize Residential
Power Stations (posted
9/09/04) The NTUA reports there are an estimated 18,000 homes on the Navajo
reservation without electrical grid connection. Because the majority of these
homes are scattered in remote locations throughout the reservation, it has been
difficult for the NTUA to build line extensions. UK charged over
Sellafield (posted 9/08/04) The European Commission will refer the UK to the European Court of Justice
over the Sellafield Nuclear power station, in the latest blow to the country’s
nuclear industry. No shortage of
global energy resources (posted
9/08/04) Council's Survey of Energy Sources Committee, said the reserve to production
ratio was 40 years for oil, 60 years for gas and 200 years for coal. California
avoids calling power emergency despite record demand
(posted 9/08/04) The state Independent System Operator, which operates 75% of the state's
grid, is expecting another tough day on Wednesday Nevada to sue
over proposed railroad route to Yucca Mt
(posted 9/08/04) Nevada will sue the federal government over DOE's selection of the Caliente
route for a railroad spur to the DOE repository planned for Yucca Mountain Russia puts
nuclear power plants under enhanced security
(posted 9/08/04) Russian nuclear plants have been under enhanced security since Aug 24 when
two transport airplanes of Russian airlines exploded mid-air, killing 90 people EC adopts weaker
nuke waste (posted 9/08/04) admitted that the new rules were "less rigid" than earlier versions
but said that these had more chance of being accepted. Playing
Catch-up with US Solar (posted
9/08/04) "The Bush Administration, and the Republican leadership of the House
and Senate, are committed to an energy policy designed by the Vice President
that is dismissive of any important role for solar energy." Salt Lake City
Retail Biodiesel Pump Opens (posted
9/08/04) Biodiesel is slowly gaining acceptance and widespread
use across the United States. Two
nuclear nightmares: the past and the possible
(posted 9/08/04) HBO presents a pair of documentaries Thursday night outlining
the potential and realized dangers of nuclear power. Power Grid
Vulnerabilities Mapped (posted
9/08/04) From A Penn State
press release: Vulnerabilities inadvertently built into the U.S. power
grid, which is one of the most complex systems ever constructed India-Pakistan
talks on energy sector cooperation
(posted 9/08/04) Both countries reached an understanding on the confidence
building measures on security and the nuclear issues, but differences on Kashmir
and cross-border terrorism remained. Alert system
damage idles reactors on Hutchinson Island
(posted 9/08/04) The nuclear-power plant here is built to withstand 195-mph winds, but damage
to the island's system to alert residents of potential radioactive leaks kept
the plant closed Monday. Renewable
Energy Gaining Market Share in Europe
(posted 9/08/04) Europe is well on its way toward achieving its pledged target of having
nearly 22% of its entire energy supply in renewable energy sources by the end of
this decade Exciting Times
for the Nuclear Industry (posted
9/08/04) How do you justify the use of nuclear energy economically? How is Canada handling its spent fuel disposal? Missed
Deadline Could Stall Yucca (posted
9/08/04) The Energy Department failed to meet a self-imposed deadline for making
documents public about a national nuclear waste repository in Nevada State Sees
Proposed Mercury Limits Hurting Coal Output
(posted 9/08/04) West Virginia's black gold and the mercury embedded in it are targets of the
Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. IEA
Praises France's Energy Policy Achievements
(posted 9/08/04) International Energy Agency was full of praise for the country's successful
achievement so far of the famous "three E's of energy policy"-energy
security, economic efficiency, and environmental protection. Energy Software
Development (posted 9/08/04) Over the years, advances in software engineering have been modest offering
slight gains in productivity. A promising remedy rose out of the mass market. South
Africa seizes uranium enrichment materials
(posted 9/08/04) South Africa seized 11 shipping containers of uranium
enrichment materials in a raid Hurricane
spilled 41 million gallons of acidic waste in Tampa
(posted 9/08/04) Hurricane Frances carved a huge gap in the wall of a fertilizer company
reservoir, spilling 41 million gallons of acidic waste that posed a threat to
aquatic life in a bay near Tampa. Innovative
`Wave Energy' Project Announced
(posted 9/08/04) Energetech America LLC today announced plans for a "first of its
kind" wave energy project in the United States. Planned for an area more
than a mile off the southern coast of Rhode Island Abstract: Wind
Power Development on the United States Outer Continental Shelf
(posted 9/08/04) Calls for United States energy independence and concerns about dwindling
fossil fuel reserves have drawn national attention to the search for viable
sources of alternative energy. Defying
Vested Interests in Quest for Green Policy
(posted 9/08/04) The drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is now of overriding concern to
society as a whole. Scientist:
Extreme Weather Will Kill Millions
(posted 9/08/04) Millions of
people across the globe are set to die early due to extreme weather events such
as floods and heat waves caused by climate change, a British scientist said. Price outlook
uncertain; supply/demand view precarious:Greenspan
(posted 9/08/04) growing concerns about the long-term security of crude oil production in the
Middle East, along with heightened worries about the reliability of supply from
other oil-producing regions, "led to a pronounced increase in the demand to
hold inventory at a time when the level of world commercial oil stocks was
rising only modestly Protests
continue against gold prospecting of sacred Peruvian mountain
(posted 9/07/04) Some 300 farmworkers and students on Monday blocked the main road to Mount
Quilish in northern Peru to protest gold prospecting they fear will pollute the
water supply coming off the mountain, which they believe is sacred. World's
oldest field test reveals soil secrets
(posted 9/07/04) The world's longest continually running experiment has revealed traces of
plutonium in British soil from nuclear tests in the Nevada desert 50 years ago,
scientists said on Monday. US
natural gas to average $6.65/Mcf in 2005
(posted 9/07/04) He said current soft prices were directly related to low, weather Tighten
mercury emission standards now
(posted 9/07/04) Anglers have had enough mercury in our fish. The Environmental
Protection Agency must address this toxic problem soon. Storm poses
little risk to Florida (posted
9/07/04) A coastal location fully exposed to hurricane-force winds might not be the
first place you'd think to build a nuclear power plant. Ship with
Toxic Waste Sinks Off Turkish Coast
(posted 9/07/04) A ship
containing toxic waste sank yesterday after being moored in a Turkish harbor for
four years, sparking fears among environmentalists of serious damage to local
marine life. Several
Mass. Communities Eye Wind Power
(posted 9/07/04) The most prominent of the projects calls for 130 turbines in Nantucket Sound.
It's the project that has grabbed headlines Saudi oil
price cuts respond to market not politics
(posted 9/07/04) Saudi Arabia's deep price cuts for October sales to western customers
announced this week have nothing to do with the kingdom's oil policy but are a
response to market conditions Northern
California grocery saves with energy
(posted 9/07/04) In the highly competitive grocery business, every penny counts.
Cinergy to
Install 'Scrubbers' (posted 9/07/04) Cinergy Corp. plans to invest $1.8 billion to reduce air pollution from its
coal-burning plants in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, as it anticipates new clean
air standards from the federal government. City of
Buffalo to Study Production of Electricity
(posted 9/07/04) The Common Council voted Wednesday to spend up to $40,000 on studying the
feasibility of having the city produce its own electricity The Dragon Steps on the
Gas (posted 9/07/04) Natural gas has been an insignificant source of primary energy in the PRC in
the past 50 years, accounting for less than 3% of the annual total primary
energy source since 1985 ECan's
Nuclear Power Debate Welcome (posted
9/07/04) Environment Canterbury's decision to debate the merits of nuclear electricity
generation is to be applauded. European Union
pollution cap fuels futures market for greenhouse gas emissions
(posted 9/07/04) The Chicago Climate Exchange will team up with the International Petroleum
Exchange to create a new futures market in Europe for greenhouse gas emissions. Iraqi
delegation to seek Japanese partners in oil reconstruction
(posted 9/07/04) A delegation of representatives from Iraq's oil and gas sector will visit
Japan next week to discuss the involvement of companies, such as Nippon Oil
Corp, in rebuilding the country's devastated industry Kansai
Electric Power Plant Raided Over Deadly Nuclear Accident
(posted 9/07/04) Fukui prefectural police on Saturday searched a nuclear plant operated by
Kansai Electric Power Co. for evidence of lax security management that may have
led to the deaths of five workers in one of Japan's worst nuclear plant
disasters. Key Campaign
Positions of Bush and Kerry (posted
9/07/04) These are
the positions of Republican President Bush and his Democratic challenger, Sen.
John Kerry of Massachusetts, on some of the central issues that have dominated
the 2004 presidential campaign: Platts looks
at the key energy commitments of the Republican and Democratic parties in the
run (posted 9/07/04) Platts looks at the key energy commitments of the
Republican and Democratic parties in the run-up to the US election in November. Power
Generators in Place for Florida
(posted 9/07/04) As Hurricane Frances casts a wide, menacing shadow across much of Florida,
Wisconsin companies that make power generators have emptied their warehouses of
products to meet the demands for emergency electricity. Protecting
Remote Critical Assets Against Vandals and Terrorists
(posted 9/07/04) In the past, isolated and infrequent incidents were often no more than a
nuisance, but post 9/11 the possibility of a coordinated attack on numerous
facilities must be considered. Chevron Energy
Solutions Completes $6.4 Million Energy Efficiency Improvement Program for
Mississippi Schools (posted 9/07/04) Chevron Energy Solutions, a unit of ChevronTexaco Corp. , today announced
that it has completed for the Harrison County School District comprehensive
facility improvements that will save the district over $390,000 annually. Australian
Researchers Push Solar Hydrogen
(posted 9/06/04) "This is potentially huge, with a market the size of all the existing
markets for coal, oil and gas combined." South Korea
discloses it enriched uranium (posted
9/06/04) Revelation that South Korea enriched uranium outside of International Atomic
Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards in 2000 will set back efforts by the IAEA and
its member states to rein in nuclear programs in both Iran and North Korea AES Invests in US
Wind Force (posted 9/06/04) The AES Corporation (NYSE:AES) announced today that it is making an equity
investment in US Wind Force, LLC as its first step into the U.S. wind market. Uncertainty
zaps power-plant construction in California
(posted 9/06/04) Three years after the energy crisis faded from view, California's electricity
picture remains uncomfortably muddled. UK
users face 50% hike in power prices: analysts
(posted 9/06/04) UK commercial electricity customers face price increases of up to 50% as they
renew their long-term contracts, energy procurement analysts Energyquote said
Monday. UK Solar PV
Funding Drying Up? (posted 9/06/04) "The Prime Minister must put his money where his mouth is, and help
the UK take a lead in developing a range of renewable technologies that will
help combat global warming." Renewable
Energy Boom for Texas (posted
9/06/04) "Because Texas has the technical potential to produce eight times its
electricity needs from clean renewable energy, setting standards and building
toward that potential is good economic and public health policy." OPEC President
sees oil prices falling over next two months
(posted 9/06/04) OPEC President Purnomo Yusgiantoro said Monday he expected world oil prices
to fall over the next two months as supply fears recede and the US presidential
election nears. Fatal Mihama
Accident Might Permanently Rupture Japan's Confidence in Nuclear Power
(posted 9/03/04) Also revealed was the fact that Kansai Electric had never performed
safety inspections on that section of pipe in the 28 years of Mihama's
operations. Despite
deregulation, some utilities won't compete in Virginia power markets
(posted 9/03/04) While 3.1 million Virginians have the right to choose their own electric
company, few have.
Largest
Colorado utility opposes renewable-energy
initiative (posted 9/03/04) Xcel Energy, Colorado's largest utility, is touting its "green
energy" credentials even as it seeks to defeat a renewable- energy
initiative on the November ballot. Consol,
FirstEnergy looking at clean coal plants
(posted 9/03/04) The
announcement came one day after American Electric Power Co. Inc. said it planned
to build at least one power plant by 2010 that will use technology that
substantially reduces emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, mercury and
carbon dioxide. Power-rebate
program irks Nevada contractors
(posted 9/03/04) Photovoltaic systems convert electrons from sunlight into electricity
soundlessly, but some electrical contractors are making a lot of noise about how
a rebate program meant to encourage use of the alternate power systems was
handled. Renewable
energy remains elusive (posted
9/03/04) Jimmy Carter put solar heating panels on the White House during his first
year in office to promote energy conservation. Ronald Reagan took them off and
ushered in the era of market deregulation shortly after he was elected. Convention
Hikes Alternative Energy Stocks
(posted 9/03/04) Alternative energy companies saw a market boost Tuesday after the U.S. energy
secretary reiterated the president's support for alternative energy. Wind Firms Cry Foul
(posted 9/03/04) Wind energy companies are seeing red over a secret taxpayer- funded
Government guarantee for a new gas-fired power station when there is no similar
support for wind. Environmental
officials praise Somerset County
(posted 9/03/04) Pennsylvania is cleaning up its act when it comes to energy. Utility
offers lower rates to energy-efficient customers
(posted 9/03/04) Here's a signal to businesses from Rochester Public Utilities: "Buy
energy-efficient heating systems; save dollars along with power." Wind Tax Credit Up in
Air (posted 9/03/04) Since a federal tax credit for wind energy expired in December, hardly anyone
is putting up new wind turbines to generate electricity. South Carolina
Utility Warms Up to Bright Idea of Solar Power
(posted 9/03/04) Santee Cooper plans to generate and sell solar power by the end of next year,
in a small yet somewhat pioneering move for a South Carolina utility. New Fury Over
Massive Nuclear Dumping By UK (posted
9/03/04) Up to 10,000 cubic metres of foreign nuclear waste - enough to fill a trench
six miles long - has been buried on the Cumbrian coast 50 miles from Ireland. Cleveland-area
property owners fight FirstEnergy over tree removal plan
(posted 9/03/04) The Akron utility wants to chop it down because it says the tree, which is
inside a FirstEnergy easement, is growing too close to high voltage lines. Toxins in food
supply signal need for change (posted
9/02/04) Higher levels of flame retardants found in farmed salmon" read the
headlines a few weeks ago. While the news raised questions about the safety of
eating farmed fish, the bigger question might be: why the heck are there flame
retardants in salmon at all? U.N.
delivers mixed report on Iran nuclear program
(posted 9/02/04) U.N. inspectors delivered a mixed report on Iran's nuclear activities
Wednesday that listed unanswered questions but contained no "smoking
gun" confirming U.S. allegations that Tehran is building a bomb. Blast at South
African gas plant kills 6 workers
(posted 9/02/04) A gas explosion tore through part of a giant South African fuel and chemicals
complex Wednesday, killing six workers and injuring more than 100 Britons
finally get legal right to ramble on
(posted 9/02/04) The right to roam across the English countryside will be enshrined in law for
the first time this month, ending a century-long battle for access to rural
Britain. Oil rally not
enough to spur renewables investment
(posted 9/02/04) "Industry
is going to need more bad news on oil prices before switching to
renewables," said Andrew Oswald, economics professor at Warwick University.
"Spikes won't do it as they don't change people's long-term outlook Nigeria and
thirteen other nations form gas cartel
(posted 9/02/04) Nigeria and 13 other natural gas
producing countries in the world have formed a cartel known as Gas Producing and
Exporting Countries (GPEC) to explore opportunities and influence gas sales
price globally. Nigeria
creates conducive environment for increase in oil production
(posted 9/02/04) The Federal Government of Nigeria and
banks in the country have been enjoined to create the right financial and
physical environment to enable a significant increase in local oil production as
a follow-up to the current administration's local content policy. Australia has
no real plan to deal with dependence on imported oil
(posted 9/02/04) Labour has signalled plans for more
investment in technology to convert natural gas and coal to transport fuels to
offset the impact of skyrocketing oil prices. China to make
strategic shift towards use of more nuclear power
(posted 9/02/04) China plans to boost development of its nuclear power industry to help meet
the country's growing need for electricity, an official said Wednesday.
"Nuclear power is going to be an important pillar Growing energy
demand is nagging China (posted
9/02/04) Sweltering energy consumption is
essential if China's miracle economy is going to stay on track, but generating
that power will be much too expensive. China must reduce its dependence on coal
and fine-tune its energy mix China's
demand for oil to slow down in second half
(posted 9/02/04) China's demand for oil will still
maintain a rapid growth in the second half of this year and the absolute demand
will not be lower than in the first half, but the growth will have a big fall. China emerges
as a major energy player (posted
9/02/04) China is emerging as a major energy
consumer and producer of oil and gas. Following the United States, China has
become the world's biggest oil importer and consumer. China predicts
rosy prospect for renewable energy development
(posted 9/02/04) Under the background of international
crude oil price instability and limits on usage of electric power domestically,
Chinese energy experts agreed that China has great potential to develop
renewable energy. Russian
authorities show new interest in oil companies
(posted 9/02/04) The Russian authorities spearheaded by
the Natural Resources Ministry decided to establish a very tight control over
the country's oil companies and their activities. Oil and gas is
fuelling Russia (posted 9/02/04) Russia is again emerging as a
superpower -- but the reason has less to do with nuclear weapons than with oil.
The country has its swagger back as its economy expands for the fourth
consecutive year and the world price of oil hovers at more than $ 46 a barrel. US to delay
some oil and gas drilling projects
(posted 9/02/04) The Interior Department said it will
begin delaying some new oil and gas drilling projects until the effects on
wildlife are studied more thoroughly Melting
permafrost could cause Arctic underwater landslide
(posted 9/02/04) What we can see on the image tells us
it's a process that's been going on for quite some time," said Rochon.
"We have no way of saying if it's being accelerated by the actual warming
that we observe today." Venezuelan
minister guarantees dependable oil supplies to US
(posted 9/02/04) Venezuela's energy minister guaranteed
a "dependable oil supply" to the United States and maintained that the
policy of the government of Hugo Chavez is to "contribute to the
stability" of the world crude market. Microbes’
role in oil recovery could increase
(posted 9/02/04) Ike Terry's business is bugs -- not
insects but the microscopic "bugs" or microbes that can be injected
into wells to treat paraffin or scale build-up. Democrat's
energy platform promotes US coal
(posted 9/02/04) Democrats meeting in Boston to nominate
Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry as their candidate for president are promising to
support coal as a key domestic fuel for power generation and say the party would
"move beyond OPEC" by diversifying sources of oil in the US and
abroad. Countdown to an
energy crisis (posted 9/02/04) With oil prices spiking above the
record $ 45 per barrel level, the public may forget the other energy challenges
that are confronting the United States. Most US oil
and gas leases are unexplored (posted
9/02/04) Despite soaring oil and gas prices, oil
companies and individuals who own nearly 30 mm acres of non-producing federal
oil and gas leases have made little effort to transform them into energy
producers, federal records show. Russia's
natural gas: Power to America?
(posted 9/02/04) Russian LNG would be shipped across the
Pacific to help power California, under a contract that is in "very, very
advanced" negotiations US to continue
filling petroleum reserve (posted
9/02/04) Oil supplies have not been disrupted
enough to justify releasing petroleum from the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve,
Treasury Secretary John Snow said. Iraq to
construct four new oil refineries
(posted 9/02/04) The General Director of the
Administrative and Financial Department in the Iraqi Ministry of Oil said that
the ministry is planning to construct four new oil refineries in central and
south Iraq. OPEC can do
nothing to quench scorching oil prices
(posted 9/02/04) OPEC can do nothing to quench scorching
oil prices when markets are already oversupplied by 2.8 mm bpd of crude, Iran's
OPEC governor said, warning that prices could fall sharply. Trouble
in the world's largest oil field
(posted 9/02/04) Others have noted how the percentage of
water brought up with the oil has been growing on Ghawar. There are published
reports that Ghawar has from 30-55 % water cut. This means that about half the
fluids brought up the well are water. Saudi Arabia
minimizes dependence on oil (posted
9/02/04) Seeking to diversify the kingdom's
dependence on oil revenue, Saudi Arabia has signed lucrative gas deals with some
of the world's major energy players to develop the country's gas fields. The view of OPEC
(posted 9/02/04) OPEC producers have said they see
little impact on economic growth so far from oil’s relentless price surge that
racked up yet another record high. UK
energy: The dash to gas increases exposure to imports
(posted 9/02/04) The UK must face up to its dependency
on gas imports for power generation. The UK's move to net gas importer status
has raised concerns over the country's dependence on gas as the principal fuel
for power generation. UK urges World
Bank to review lending for oil and gas projects
(posted 9/02/04) The World Bank group is partially
financed by UK tax payers. The government has stated that the World Bank has not
gone far enough to implement recommendations of the Extractive Industries Review
(EIR) -- a three year review of the Banks lending for oil, mining and gas
projects. French
president calls for development of biofuels
(posted 9/02/04) Chirac "emphasized the great
importance of the development of bio-energy to agriculture, environment and
energy," World Congress to
Talk Energy (posted 9/01/04) Cecelski now hopes to get American women more involved with the nation's
energy policy, especially when it comes to renewable sources such as solar,
wind, hydro and biomass power. TEP
First Arizona Utility to Receive OSHA
(posted 9/01/04) Tucson Electric Power is the state's first utility, and one of
only two southern Arizona businesses, to meet the requirements for the Safety
& Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) certification Abandoned mine
cleanup in peril (posted 9/01/04) U.S. Interior Department officials on Monday warned Congress that
"millions of acres" of abandoned mines would go unreclaimed if
lawmakers do not renew a coal industry tax. Technology
already exists to stabilize climate
(posted 9/01/04) Existing technologies could stop the escalation of global warming for 50
years, and work on implementing them can begin immediately, according to an
analysis by Princeton University scientists. US backs plan
to develop Alaskan oil fields (posted
9/01/04) to develop
five satellite oil pools around the oil-rich Alpine field on Alaska's North
Slope. AEP to build
plant with clean (posted 9/01/04) American
Electric Power Co. Inc. said yesterday it plans to spend $1.6 billion to build a
power plant using a technology that reduces emissions, a move that attempts to
address environmental concerns. Great Outdoors
May Ease ADHD Symptoms (posted
9/01/04) Parents may
find some help for their children's ADHD symptoms by going back to nature, new
research suggests. Gas Price Hits
Lowest Level in 4 Months (posted
9/01/04) U.S.
gasoline costs fell to their lowest level in four months, with the national pump
price dropping 1.8 cents over the last week to $1.866 a gallon, the government
said. Push made for
more power in Iraq (posted 9/01/04) U.S. has sunk more than $200 million into one plant Burying
lines, raising questions (posted
9/01/04) Virginia is weighing the expense and slow repair time
associated with burying power lines against reliability benefits. Diary of an inferno
(posted 9/01/04) An
underground cavern storing six billion cubic feet of natural gas ignited,
sending flames one hundred feet into the air and lighting the night sky for
miles Department of
Energy Continues Hydrogen Education Series in Portland
(posted 9/01/04) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will continue its effort
to educate state and local government officials about the vision of a hydrogen
economy with a workshop in Portland, Oregon, on Tuesday, August 31. Texans'
electric bills yet to decrease despite deregulation
(posted 9/01/04) Electric deregulation has not yet lowered monthly bills for
most Texans. In fact, the typical TXU residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt
hours of electricity has seen his or her monthly bill rise 33 percent, or
$27.16, since deregulation took effect in January 2002. Solar PV
Design for the Beginner (posted
9/01/04) Solar Energy International (SEI) has released a book
that should help builders and contractors figure out the best way to incorporate
solar photovoltaics (PV) into new construction. Designing, installing and
maintaining such systems requires knowledge and training, Clean Energy
Investments RFP (posted 9/01/04) The North American Development Bank (NADB) is looking
for clean energy projects that seek to improve air quality in the U.S.-Mexico
border region. Green Power for
Republicans (posted 9/01/04) Delegates at the Republican National Convention in
New York are getting a boost of green energy with transportation and
accommodations Colorado
Ballot Initiative Aims for RPS
(posted 9/01/04) tarted a statewide campaign to garner support for the
ballot initiative to require that 10 percent of Colorado's electricity is
generated by renewable sources by 2015 Last Minute
Measure Saves Solar Funding by Jesse Broehl
(posted 9/01/04) In the twilight hours of last Friday's final
legislative session, the California Legislature passed a critical "stop
gap" measure to keep funds flowing to the California Energy Commission's
(CEC) rebate program. US lawmakers
raise concerns on mercury (posted
9/01/04) Ten US senators and House members Wednesday reiterated their request to meet
with US Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Mike Leavitt and urged the
agency to adopt the toughest rule possible to control mercury emissions from
power plants. OPEC
goal to put "much more oil on market": Gulf source
(posted 9/01/04) Raising official crude output quotas and suspending quotas completely are two
options OPEC will likely consider when ministers meet Sep 15 in Vienna with the
goal of putting "much more oil on the market" Quote of the Day
(posted 9/01/04) (US Secretary of Energy
Spencer Abraham said Tuesday relating to the recent fall in oil prices). Concerns grow
over nuclear shipment (posted
9/01/04) Report signals
climate change policy shift (posted
9/01/04) Reprieve
for Th!nk electric cars (posted
9/01/04) Scotland’s
most powerful wind farm opened
(posted 9/01/04) Fury over waste exports
(posted 9/01/04) Northumberland County Council and green group
Friends of the Earth have reacted angrily to reports that household waste from
the area has been exported to India for recycling Direct
marketing can sell more green power
(posted 9/01/04) Superior-quality direct marketing by electric utilities is a major factor in
the sale of green power in the United States, according to a market study. Whale
shuts down world’s second-largest tidal facility
(posted 9/01/04) A 7 m juvenile humpback whale was responsible for shutting down the
second-largest tidal power plant in the world. Green
power grows 12-fold among OECD nations
(posted 9/01/04) The generation of non-hydro green power has grown 12-fold in OECD nations
since the OPEC crisis, according to the International Energy Agency. Understanding
Today's Electricity Business (posted
9/01/04) Understanding Today's Electricity Business presents a comprehensive
216-page overview of the U.S. electric industry. As with its gas industry
companion, this book presents a straightforward and easy-to-understand look at
how the industry operates A Hydrogen
Economy and Fuel Cells (posted
9/01/04) A
new U.S. Congressional Research Service report, “A
Hydrogen Economy and Fuel Cells: An Overview”, examines
electric, hybrid electric, and fuel cell vehicles in terms of cost, fueling and
maintenance infrastructure, and performance. GM/Suzuki
First In Japan Approved To Use Advanced Hydrogen Storage System
(posted 9/01/04) General
Motors (GM) became the first automaker in Japan to receive approval for a
compressed hydrogen storage system that allows its fuel cell vehicles to travel
farther on a tank of hydrogen. AQMD
Celebrates Grand Opening of the First Hydrogen Highway Network Fueling Station
in Southern California (posted
9/01/04) Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency fueled up a
hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle at one of the first hydrogen fueling stations
accessible to the public at the headquarters of the South Coast Air Quality
Management District (AQMD). QuestAir
Delivers Hydrogen Purification Units to Plug Power
(posted 9/01/04) QuestAir
Technologies Inc. has delivered the first of 10 H-3200 hydrogen purification
units to Plug Power Inc. to be integrated into Plug Power GenSite™ hydrogen
generation systems that will operate at customer sites at international
locations. PLUG
POWER EXPANDS GENCORE FUEL CELL PRODUCT OFFERING
(posted 9/01/04) announced today the availability of GenCore®5T24, a 24-volt, 5-kilowatt
backup fuel cell system that will be marketed to wireless service providers UPS Expands Real-World
Testing of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology
(posted 9/01/04) Buoyed by initial road-test results and significant
technological advancements, UPS (NYSE:UPS) today announced the U.S. deployment
of its first three large package delivery vehicles utilizing hydrogen fuel cells
for power. COLORADO
Anemometer Loan Program (posted 8/31/04) This program works through a partnership with
matching funds from U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind Powering America Program. Algeria's
Khelil sees price above $30 into 2005 (posted 8/31/04) Algerian oil minister Chakib Khelil said Aug 29 that he expected oil prices
to stay above $30/bbl until early 2005 because of what he described as a very
tight margin between supply and demand. Russian
oil production, exports on upward path (posted 8/31/04) Russian oil production and exports will continue to climb in 2004, President
Putin told reporters in the Black Sea resort town of Sochi, Itar Tass reported
Tuesday. EC's
draft energy efficiency law unlikely to pass by end-2004 (posted 8/31/04) The European Commission's draft law on energy end-use efficiency and energy
services is unlikely to be approved by end-2004, the European Parliament energy
committee heard Monday. Midwest
to restart two coal-fired units in booming market (posted 8/31/04) Midwest Generation is restarting two coal-fired units at its Will County
plant in Romeoville, Ill. The company had temporarily idled the units, totaling
310 MW, in early 2003 due to depressed power sales U.S.
nuclear output at record high in first-half 2004 (posted 8/31/04) U.S. nuclear output reached record levels in the first half of 2004, DOE's
Energy Information Administration (EIA) said today. Happy First
Anniversary to Blackout 2003 (posted 8/31/04) While headlines screamed "third-world electrical infrastructure"
and "$100 billion needed to up-date North American electrical grid,"
the United States Congress has been conducting a yearlong debate about national
energy policy, including various proposed solutions for the U.S. electrical
grid. No Utility Is An Island
(posted 8/31/04) As soon as they were assured that Charley was not going to wreak the same
kind of damage in their own territories, other utilities responded. Utilities in
the West face the growing complexities of transmitting electricity to keep the
lights on (posted 8/31/04) But even after the lines are planned, it is a challenge to put them up.
Nobody wants a power line in his back yard, and most communities fight it. Ion Plasma
Generator Reduces Wind Turbine Lightning Strikes (posted 8/31/04) Inside 20 years, the U.S., Europe and Japan have the potential for generating
up to 40% of their electrical needs from wind energy. With the trend toward
larger wind turbines, the cost/kWh for generating electricity continues to drop. U.S.-Mexico
Bank Seeks Clean and Efficient Energy Projects (posted 8/31/04) With expansion into new environmental sectors beyond its traditional areas,
the North American Development Bank (NADB) is actively pursuing projects that
seek to improve air quality in the U.S.-Mexico border region. Blowing in the Wind
(posted 8/31/04) Everybody lives downwind from someone. Just as wind picks up leaves from a
neighbor's yard and scatters them onto your raked lawn, so, too, dirty air
drifts from state to state, miles from original sources. FuelCell
Energy Reports Third Quarter 2004 Results and Accomplishments (posted
8/31/04) a leading manufacturer of stationary fuel cell power plants for distributed
generation, today reported results and accomplishments for the quarter and nine
months ended July 31, 2004. Do urban trees
really help reduce pollution and clean the air? (posted 8/31/04) researchers have since found that city trees do indeed perform important
environmental functions like soaking up ground-level pollutants and storing
carbon dioxide, which helps offset global warming. Nuclear waste
languishes in Kazakhstan as talks with United States stall (posted
8/31/04) In a storage pool at a mothballed nuclear power plant on the shores of the
Caspian Sea rests a key ingredient for anyone seeking to build a nuclear weapon Texas
group seeks $500 million from Mexico over water (posted 8/31/04) A group of Rio Grande Valley irrigators and farmers is seeking $500 million
from Mexico for crop loss and other damages the group says were caused by that
country's failure to comply with a water-sharing treaty. Bush
Stumps as Friend to Coal and Steel Workers (posted 8/31/04) President
Bush portrayed himself as a friend of steel and mining workers in West Virginia
on Sunday, on the eve of a Republican National Convention likely to spotlight
his domestic policies. Bush
Orders New 'Cooperative' Environmental Policy (posted 8/31/04) In what
some environmentalists rejected as a campaign ploy, Bush signed an executive
order instituting a policy of "cooperative conservation" between the
federal government and local parties on the broad issues of environmental
protection and use of natural resources. Group Faults
Epa for Ignoring Pollutants (posted 8/31/04) New York rates in the top 21 states for airborne releases of four types of
pollutants that an environmental group says will be subject to no controls if a
proposed Environmental Protection Agency rule is put in place. Arizona
Wind Resource Map (posted 8/31/04) The Department of Energy's Wind Program and the National
Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently published a new wind resource map
for the state of Arizona. This resource map shows wind speed estimates at 50
meters above the ground and depicts the resource that could be used for
utility-scale wind development. IOWA
- State Supreme Court Orders Net Metering (posted 8/31/04) On July 21, 2004, the Iowa Supreme Court issued an
opinion in the case of Windway v. Midland Power Cooperative, ordering
Midland to allow net metering to the owner of a 65-kilowatt wind turbine. Solar
PV a First-Home Selling Point (posted 8/30/04) Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are moving beyond
individual home installations into community developments that promote PV as a
selling feature. Solar Power
Without Current Conversion (posted 8/30/04) The Nextek System uses power where, when, and how it
is generated. DC power from PV systems is put to use in DC appliances such as
lighting instead of being converted to AC power. Study Finds
Electricity Beats Hydrogen for Power Storage (posted 8/30/04) A new study finds that major applications for hydrogen envisioned in hydrogen
economy scenarios could be more efficiently accomplished with technologies that
use electricity directly. US CFTC finds
no evidence of manipulation in gas price rise (posted 8/30/04) The agency said its investigation, which began in early December 2003,
"did not uncover evidence that any entity or individual engaged in activity
with an intent to cause an artificial price in natural gas in late 2003 US
congressional Republicans to offer new energy bill next month (posted
8/30/04) Republican leaders in the US House and Senate are preparing pared-down
versions of the stalled comprehensive energy bill that will include a compromise
on liability protection for manufacturers of gasoline additive MTBE, a provision
that was widely blamed for the Senate's failure to approve the bill last year Renewable
Energy Tariffs--Has Their Day Come? (posted 8/30/04) "While Americans vainly struggle to re-instate their Production Tax
Credit for wind energy, Canadians push to increase payments under the ill-named
WPPI (Wind Power Production Incentive), and environmental groups clamor for
Renewable Portfolio Standards, the Germans just forge ahead with their renewable
tariffs." Distributed
power to boom in 3-5 years
(posted 8/30/04) The Distributed
Energy Financial Group (DEFG) wondered who will promote and guide investment in
distributive generation to bridge the gap between capital markets and energy
technology firms. Electrical
Training Centers Receive Solar Photovoltaic Systems (posted 8/30/04) As utilities offer customers more incentives and the cost of equipment
continues to decrease, solar energy is finding greater acceptance. Electricians,
theoretically, should be cashing in. Energy
Storage: Value is Clear, but who will Pay? (posted 8/30/04) No one disputes that energy storage devices have great value to electricity
production, delivery, and use, and that commercial technology options across the
size spectrum are available today. In other words, a non-fuel electricity
generating resource can be packaged and sold into peak demand markets. It is
difficult in the storage community to ignore the head-to- head debate between
battery and flywheel proponents Environmental
groups rip Ohio power plants (posted 8/30/04) Ohio's coal-fired power plants are among the worst polluters in the nation,
spewing millions of pounds of toxic chemicals into the air, according to a
report released Thursday by environmental groups. EPA chief decries 'fiction'
over mercury-control technology (posted 8/30/04) EPA is mulling two proposals to reduce utility mercury Evergreen Solar Closes
$5 Million Credit Facility (posted 8/30/04) A manufacturer of solar power products with proprietary,
low-cost manufacturing technology, today announced that it has secured a $5
million credit facility from Silicon Valley Bank Inpo:
a Good Model for Blackout Fix (posted 8/30/04) A year after the blackout of 2003 knocked out 62 GW of load in seven states
for as long as four days, the industry is still struggling for a fix. Largest
Wind Energy Resources in CA (posted 8/30/04) In the future, Tehachapi could play a significant role in filling the state's
electricity needs....There's just one problem.
Mayor Lauds
Green Energy Over Coal Plant (posted 8/30/04) "Mayor Hahn's decision to stop this coal plant, combined with his
commitment to clean, renewable energy puts Los Angeles on the path toward
becoming one of the most environmentally progressive cities in the
country." New Mexico
Starts Planning for Solar Plant (posted 8/30/04) A solar energy task force has been established by Gov. Bill Richardson to
develop a commercial scale solar project by the end of 2004. PacifiCorp Hails
Kerry Plan (posted 8/30/04) Said a plan supported by Sen. John Kerry would encourage the development of
renewable energy sources and lower U.S. dependence on foreign oil. Policy Guide
Sets Renewable Ideals (posted 8/30/04) The final version of the policy statement on renewable energy, PPS22,
published this week says that planners should "promote and encourage rather
than restrict the development of renewable energy". Reliant says
lenders to foreclose on Pa. plant (posted 8/30/04) The 530-megawatt, natural gas-fired Liberty power plant has been in technical
default under its $262 million project financing agreement for more than a year
because it had committed its output to a PG&E Corp. Russian
Nuclear Power Plant Starts Using New Fuel (posted 8/30/04) Fuel of a new type has been uploaded to the Unit No 5 of the Novovoronezh
nuclear power California Solar
Bill Update (posted 8/30/04) Solar Homes Peak Energy Procurement Program, know in
the California Legislature as SB 199, was rejected by the Assembly Utility and
Commerce Committee during the Thursday August 26, session. Schwarzenegger
burned on solar bill in California (posted 8/30/04) Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger suffered a political defeat Thursday when a bill
he backed to promote solar-powered homes was defeated in a legislative committee
in favor of a competing proposal that did not involve a possible rate increase. Citigroup: new
Enron claims (posted 8/30/04) Citigroup is facing fresh legal action related to its role as
an adviser to Enron, with investors claiming they were duped by a "massive
scheme of deception" when they bought securities tied to the
credit-worthiness of the bankrupt energy firm. Barbados Sugar
Cane Bound for Biomass (posted 8/30/04) The study objective is to develop an industrial base
for production of fuel alcohol and other higher value products from sugar cane
biomass. APS
settlement may boost competition in Arizona (posted 8/30/04) The proposed settlement agreement, announced Aug 18, will end
stranded costs for APS and will increase electric rates enough to spark
competition in the state A Sustainable
Approach To Changing Market Conditions With the Management System (posted
8/30/04) Security is a factor that is included in on these considerations (HSSE) due
to heightened awareness of global terrorist activity. $24
Million in 'Nano' Awards by DARPA (posted 8/30/04) Nanosys and Nanosolar share more than a common goal
in the production of flexible, low-cost solar cells. The United States Defense
Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) awarded each business a solar
cell-related contract for research and development in the field of plastic solar
cells. The total award for both contracts is $24 Million. U.S.
study links human activity to global warming (posted 8/27/04) Warmer temperatures in North America since 1950 were likely caused in part by
human activities, the Bush administration said in a report that seems to
contradict the White House position there was no clear scientific proof on the
causes of global warming. R.
W. Beck Foresees Growth of Coal Gasification Technology (posted 8/27/04) With seven large-scale coal gasification projects operating nationwide,
dozens more in development and numerous other large-scale projects operating
worldwide Where Have All
the Gen Farms Gone (posted 8/27/04) In the energy-starved winter of 2000-01, many Northwest public power
utilities installed portable generator landscapes, referred to as "Gen
Farms", to cover load gaps, keep up with demand, or simply increase
generation capacity. Energy-Project
Openness (posted 8/27/04) Renewable energy is supposed to be clean and green. It's supposed to assure
us that when we turn on our lights or cool ourselves with air conditioners, we
are not harming the environment. Plugged into Energy Use
(posted 8/27/04) Reducing energy costs by merely cutting the amount of kilowatts facilities
consume is a nice start. But really, it's that - a start. Scientists Say
Sunoil Could Power Cars (posted 8/27/04) British
scientists say they have found a new, greener way to power cars and homes using
sunflower oil, a commodity more commonly used for cooking fries. One Billion
People Still Drink Unsafe Water (posted 8/27/04) More than
one billion people drink unsafe water and over 2.6 billion, around 40 percent of
the world's population, have no access to basic sanitation, U.N. agencies said
yesterday. World is
meeting goals on safe drinking water but falling behind on sanitation
(posted 8/27/04) Countries are improving access to clean drinking water but falling behind on
sanitation goals fixed at a summit four years ago, the United Nations said
Thursday. Fifteen years
after Exxon Valdez (posted 8/27/04) Exxon claimed that crude oil was not a pollutant under the federal Clean
Water Act...On September 16, 1994, more than five years after the spill, a
federal jury in Anchorage awarded in excess of $5 billion in punitive
damages..."It's really an insidious poison," Short said, shaking his
head. "The fact that we can find this much oil 14 years later — and
oil in this toxic condition — means it did a lot more damage than we
think." Drought boosts
campaign to drain one of the West (posted 8/27/04) The worst drought in the recorded history of the western United States has
shrunk the lake behind Glen Canyon Dam to its lowest point in more than 30
years, leaving a 117-foot-high bathtub ring of white mineral deposits on the
ruddy shoreline cliffs. California
Grid Controllers in Line for a BIG Overtime Check (posted 8/27/04) the California Independent System Operator faces an overtime bill that could
easily exceed $15 million. Groups
say US EPA's mercury rule would increase other emissions (posted 8/27/04) Environmental groups Thursday said the "fine print" on the US
Environmental Protection Agenc's proposed mercury regulation would allow other
toxins emitted from power plants to go unchecked. White House
may agree to breaking up energy bill (posted 8/27/04) Acting Energy Undersecretary David Garman said that while the White House
still prefers a single broad energy bill, members of Congress may be determined
to pass some legislation as the session draws to a close. "Lots of things
happen at the end of a congressional session," Garman said "It's good
to be agile." What's
Moving the Markets? (posted 8/27/04) Russia to sign
deal with Iran on return of spent nuclear fuel from Bushehr (posted
8/27/04) a protocol with the Iranian leadership on the return to Russia
of spent nuclear fuel from the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Managing Used
Nuclear Fuel (posted 8/27/04) Canadian citizens are keen to play a role in deciding what to
do with the country's used nuclear fuel. They are concerned for public safety
and they want to act now to protect this and future generations. Coal is back (posted
8/27/04) It's a job that can put you deep underground, where people
have been crushed by collapsing roofs and electrocuted by live wires. The
darkness is pure black and in every corner you may be breathing clouds of
lung-shredding coal dust. What draws him is the good money that comes with a
life in the mines -- possibly $18 an hour, he says. Nuclear plant
site cleared for use (posted 8/27/04) The site in Parks Twp., Armstrong County, was one of several
properties -- all about 35 miles northeast of Pittsburgh -- that spawned
class-action litigation and accusations that radioactive contamination
contributed to cancer cases in Kiskiminetas River Valley. California
lawmakers scramble to pass handful of key energy bills (posted 8/27/04) Touting his environmental credentials on the campaign trail,
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vowed to accelerate utilities' use of clean energy so
that 20 percent of their power comes from renewable sources by 2010 -- seven
years sooner than current law requires. THIS WEEK AT EIA
(posted 8/27/04) THIS WEEK AT EIA is a list summarizing and providing URLs For
every Energy Information Administration (EIA) product released during this week. Power
sector identified as largest air polluter in US, Canada (originally
posted 6/03/04) The electricity generating industry was the
largest single emitter of toxic air pollution in the US and Canada in 2001 Where's Energy IT
Now? (posted 8/26/04) Since 2000, information technology spending by utilities had been weathering
a perfect storm of declining demand. But in the last 18 months or so, energy IT
spending has been reviving, though for different reasons and in different
locales than was true before. Pollution-reducing
coal gasification at power plants is held back by cost (posted 8/26/04) The state's coal is loaded with sulfur, forcing the coal-fired generating
plants that supply nearly half the state's electricity to buy cleaner fuel from
western states....It is those substances -- mercury and compounds of sulfur and
nitrogen -- that are among the nation's principal sources of air pollution and
acid rain. Kansas leaders
hope electricity transmission summit fuels energy efforts (posted
8/26/04) The federal government's top energy regulator will be in Lawrence next month
for a conference that will focus on ways to lower electricity bills and increase
wind energy production. U.S.
Senators Visit Arctic, Investigate Climate Change (posted 8/26/04) It is the first comprehensive peer-reviewed scientific assessment of current
and projected climate change in the Arctic. Energy
Northwest back on line (posted 8/26/04) The 1,500 megawatt plant had been offline since
July 30th, when the failure of an electronic part closed one of its eight
12-foot steam valves and triggered an automatic shutdown. Legislation
and Industrial Investments to Spur Recovery of European Cogeneration Equipment
Market (posted 8/26/04) There are now signs that the
cogeneration market is on the rebound. The ability to effectively utilise waste
heat is giving cogeneration a distinct advantage over conventional thermal power
generation processes where levels of heat energy wasted are considerably higher. Power use drops
on dairy farm (posted 8/26/04) "Not only has energy consumption at the farm been cut by
nearly 30 percent, the quality of milk has improved and the time taken to milk
the cows has been halved," Mr Broomhall said. Focus on
hydrogen economy has things backwards (posted 8/26/04) The cars are technological marvels. They're cool. They're futuristic. And
they're virtually useless — for now. Asian farmers
are sucking the continent dry (posted 8/26/04) Asian farmers drilling millions of pump-operated wells in an ever-deeper
search for water are threatening to suck the continent's underground reserves
dry, a science magazine warned Wednesday. Nigerian
senate orders Shell unit to pay tribe (posted 8/26/04) Nigeria's Senate has ordered a subsidiary of petroleum giant Royal/Dutch
Shell to pay a Nigerian ethnic group US$1.5 billion (euro1.2 billion) for oil
spills in their homelands NASA experts
report drought forecast breakthrough (posted 8/26/04) Climate experts at NASA believe they have found a way of forecasting droughts
and floods months in advance, the New Scientist magazine reported
Wednesday. Coal Takes
Heavy Human Toll (posted 8/26/04) Startling new research shows that one out of every six women of childbearing
age in the United States may have blood mercury concentrations high enough to
damage a developing fetus. This means that 630,000 of the 4 million babies born
in the country each year are at risk of neurological damage because of exposure
to dangerous mercury levels in the womb. Tri-State
Considers Large Coal-Fired Power Plant (posted 8/26/04) A Denver-based company that supplies power for rural
utilities in Wyoming and other Western states is considering building a
coal-fired power plant along Colorado's Front Range to help meet growing demand. Windmill idea
gets close look (posted 8/26/04) Barriere touted power-producing windmills as
non-polluting, aesthetically pleasing in cities like Toronto and Boston, and as
a cheap source of energy. Farmer
to present plan to turn hog manure into electricity (posted 8/26/04) Kluthe, 48, is planning to build a digester south of his four
hog confinement buildings that would produce up to 60 kilowatts of power and
allow him to add two more 1,000-head confinement barns. Los Angeles
municipal utility ditches Utah coal power (posted 8/26/04) Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn on Tuesday ordered the city to
withdraw from a planned $2.1 billion coal power plant in Utah, saying the city's
$215 million share of the project should be spent on cleaner energy sources
instead. Fifth worker
dies from Mihama PWR steam accident (posted 8/26/04) A fifth maintenance worker burned by hot steam and water at Kansai Electric
Co.'s Mihama-3 PWR has died German
primary energy demand to fall 7% by 2020 (posted 8/26/04) Natural gas would challenge oil's position as the most important primary
energy source in the country. Esso said the share of oil in power generation
would be 34% by the year 2020, followed closely by natural gas with 32% of
generation. SPR release
should occur only with big loss of supply (posted 8/26/04) The US should only release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve if there
is a severe supply emergency--such as a loss of 5-6-mil bbl of supply or if
exports from a major supplier were halted Quote of the Day
(posted 8/26/04) Brazil
Police Seize Black Market Uranium Ore (posted 8/26/04) Police
have seized a load of uranium and thorium ore taken from a secret mine in the
jungle in northern Brazil and destined for sale in the black market Solar
Incentives on the Rise in Arizona (posted 8/25/04) Just days after Tucson Electric Power
upped their incentives for consumers to install solar electric systems,
UniSource Energy Services (UES) based in Kingman, Arizona is offering their own
incentives Solar Power
Does More Than Grow Grapes (posted 8/25/04) Eden Vineyards made the shift to a 100 percent solar
power system for the winery's electric needs after Akeena Solar sold them on the
other benefits of power from the sun. SB 199 Goes to
California Legislature (posted 8/25/04) Legislators, industry officials and California's
Governor are working hard to get a solar homes bill before the state
Legislature. The
Vote Solar Initiative Update (posted 8/25/04) Governor
Schwarzenegger formally announced his Million Solar Homes Initiative on August
20. This bold policy would do much to bring solar into the mainstream, and your
emails were instrumental in moving this plan forward--nearly 10,000 emails were
sent in support. Many thanks for your efforts. Days of Cheap
Energy Over for UK (posted 8/25/04) ELECTRICITY price rises do not arouse passions in the same way as petrol
prices rises, but that may change. State
Renewable Energy Goals in Jeopardy Due to Prolonged Federal Tax Credit Lapse
(posted 8/25/04) State-level renewable portfolio standard (RPS) goals are in jeopardy due to
the lapse of the 10-year 1.8 cents/kWh federal production tax credit (PTC),
according to a study from Platts. Biomass Takes
Center Stage in Renewable Energy Industry (posted 8/25/04) The proposed merger will seek to capture the vertical market from
procurement, to transportation, to power generation plants and would create one
of the largest international biomass/ renewable energy companies in the world
today The
Economics of Energy: Face the Facts. The Future Must Be Nuclear: Renewables
Won't Deliver (posted 8/25/04) THE CASE for resuming a nuclear energy programme in the UK is so strong that
the time is ripe to take the argument head-on. Fatal
accidents damage Japan's nuclear dream (posted 8/25/04) When told by local television crews that the white buildings
on the other side of the harbour house a nuclear power plant, and that an
accident there killed four people this month, some holidaymakers decide to pack
up and leave Everybody's
talking about Transmission & Distribution in the 21st Century (posted
8/25/04) Everybody's talking about Transmission &
Distribution in the 21st Century. 2000MW of
green power from RPS in US (posted 8/25/04) The United States has installed more than 2,000 MW of new green power as a
result of renewable portfolio standards (RPS), according to an analysis prepared
for the Department of Energy. Demand for
green power grows in Australia (posted 8/25/04) Demand for green power increased 35% in Australia during the most recent
18-month period, according to the latest National Green Power Accreditation
Audit. Consumption of
solar and geothermal drop in the US (posted 8/25/04) Consumption of solar and geothermal energies in the United States declined
last year, according to the Department of Energy. UK to take
tough line against US over Kyoto (posted 8/25/04) The government signalled a
tougher British and European stance yesterday against the Bush administration's
hostility to the Kyoto treaty when Tony Blair takes over the chair in both the
EU and the G8 group of major industrial states next year. Air
pollution 'masking global warming' (posted 8/25/04) The true threat from global warming may have been masked by air pollution, a
leading scientist warned today. Floods
'to become more frequent' (posted 8/25/04) The recent flash floods have raised concerns over the possible
repercussions of global warming on the European climate. Huge waves
eroding British coast (posted 8/25/04) The waves rip huge boulders from cliff faces and sweep them up
to 50m inland in exposed areas such as Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles. BP repairs
leaky FCC piping at Texas City refinery (posted 8/25/04) BP will
repair leaky piping in a fluid catalytic cracking unit at its 470,000
barrel-per-day (bpd) Texas City, Texas, refinery after the leak was discovered
over the weekend U.S.
says diplomacy can resolve Iran nuclear crisis (posted 8/25/04) The top U.S. disarmament diplomat said Monday that evidence pointed to an
Iranian nuclear weapons program but that Washington wanted a diplomatic solution
and its ultimate goal was not to topple Tehran's government. Kerry
Pledges $10 Bln to Clean Up Coal Power Plants (posted 8/25/04) U.S.
Democratic presidential challenger John Kerry pledged $10 billion over a decade
to help U.S. electric utilities find cleaner ways to burn coal, the nation's
most abundant energy source. Solar progress
for California (posted 8/25/04) Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger has
announced legislation to promote solar panelling in housing. The legislation
would primarily create the ‘Solar Homes Peak Procurement Account’ for
homeowners to get rebates on solar photovoltaic systems and energy bills, and
oblige the building industry in the state to offer solar options for homebuyers
by 2008. Bill targets
energy deregulation (posted 8/25/04) Environmental groups endorsed Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's latest proposal
for an ambitious solar energy incentive program Monday, even as a competing
proposal was thrown into the mix as lawmakers hurried to adjourn by week's end. Mayor
named to power authority (posted 8/25/04) In July, the city commission voted to join about
15 other cities in the South Dakota Public Power Authority as a step in the
direction of possibly getting into the utility business. Rising coal
price will not cause natural gas price to rise (posted 8/25/04) Breaking with conventional thinking on the effects of coal price on gas
price, new research by Wood Mackenzie finds that rising spot Central Appalachian
coal (CAPP) prices will not lead to a meaningful increase in demand or price for
the already tight natural gas market. UQM
Technologies Announces Contract With Marine Corps to Develop Hybrid Electric
Propulsion System (posted 8/25/04) Propulsion Motors to Be Developed are Expected to Have
Commercial Applications in Small Utility Vehicles Such as Forklifts, Scissor
Lifts and Golf Fishing
Warnings Up Due to Mercury Pollution (posted 8/25/04) Americans
were cautioned about eating fish from more than one-third of U.S. lakes and
nearly one-fourth of its rivers last year due to pollution from mercury and
other chemicals, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Tuesday. Federal
rule renews fish-kill debate (posted 8/25/04) The debate over whether electricity from a Salem County
nuclear plant is worth the 3 billion fish eggs and larvae that are sucked into
the plant's machinery has been renewed following passage of a new federal rule
favoring the nation's nuclear power industry and the state's attempt to block
the rule. General
Electric remodels power plant for salmon survival (posted 8/25/04) Portland General Electric is midway through the first phase of
a $10 million project to improve the survival rate of salmon and other fish
passing through Willamette Falls on their way to spawn in the upper Willamette,
Yamhill, Santiam and McKenzie rivers. Arizona
utility Tucson Electric Power touts solar power plan (posted
8/25/04) Tucson Electric Power Co. has sweetened its SunShare subsidy
program, hoping to make solar power add up for more Tucson- area residents. US
SEC, UK's FSA confirm settlements with Shell over reserves (posted
8/25/04) US and British financial regulators Tuesday confirmed they have agreed Australia's
Petsec eyes 50% rise in Gulf of Mexico output in H2 (posted 8/25/04) The Vermilion field was discovered late in 2003 and has boosted Petsec's
total net production from its Gulf of Mexico operations to around 24.3-mil cu
ft/day of gas equivalent. Why Hydropower
Should be Included in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Initiatives
(posted 8/25/04) As the many power, environmental and societal benefits of the hydropower
resource are being debated in both national and international forums, the
National Hydropower Association (NHA) offers twelve reasons why hydropower
should be included in national and international renewable and sustainable
energy initiatives. US gas prices
facing downward momentum as storage rises (posted 8/25/04) US natural gas prices will "likely be subject to substantial downward Single mom
builds big Canadian marketer (posted 8/25/04) Of 3 million
potential customers in Ontario, the fund signed up a million one at a time using
only door-to-door sales Arizona
Legislators Push for Solar Energy Tax Incentives (posted 3/30/04) This one got away!!!! The legislature has NOT deemed this important enough to pass
into law!! Too bad for ARIZONA!!!! North East Arizona Energy Services Company (the host of
this website) totally supports initiatives like this one. We believe this is
exactly what Arizona needs to meet the energy needs of tomorrow!!! Please
support this in any way you can!!! For specific information on each bill go to: Legislation This is a VERY SAD STATE!!! We have greater potential in Arizona to make a future
with so-called "alternative" energy...AND WE DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. SO SAD!!! ******************************************************* East China
county leads China to develop wind power for economicgrowth (posted
8/23/04) Acute shortage of resources, environmental pollution and
ecological deterioration have prompted the Chinese government to attach great
importance to developing wind power industry. Arizona
utility reaches tentative agreement to hike electric rates (posted
8/23/04) Arizona Public Service Co. announced a tentative agreement
with regulatory staff members, major customers and other groups Wednesday that
would allow the electric company to increase its rates by 4.21percent. Fuel-cell
firm powers up in Bothell, Wash. (posted 8/23/04) For five years, Neah Power Systems has been working on a new approach to
developing fuel cells. Power
Prepayment Gets Good Reviews in Phoenix Area (posted 8/23/04) While consumer advocates expressed concern about the program, Salt River
Project, a municipal utility serving part of the Phoenix area, said some of its
customers love a similar program. Norwalk,
Conn., loses attempt to have power lines buried (posted 8/23/04) The city, led by Knopp, appealed the decision after residents of the
Silvermine neighborhood argued that the project would run an unsafe and
unsightly high-voltage transmission line atop 110-foot-plus poles through or
near their properties. Lightning
at Wind Farms 'Could Start Forest Fires' (posted 8/23/04) DIRECT lightning strikes on wind farms could create power surges that damage
the electricity network and start forest fires, according to campaigners against
the proliferation of turbines in Scotland. Glaciers
Shrink, But Some Resist Global Warming (posted 8/23/04) Glaciers
are melting faster than before in some regions from the Arctic to the Alps but
others are getting bigger Scientists Say
Risk of Water Wars Rising (posted 8/23/04) The risk
of wars being fought over water is rising because of explosive global population
growth and widespread complacency, scientists said. Weak El Nino
Seen Affecting US This Fall (posted 8/23/04) A weak
El Nino, the weather anomaly that distorts wind and rainfall patterns worldwide,
is expected to develop and affect the United States this fall and winter, U.S.
government weather experts said. Water Rises in
Great Lakes After Near Record Low (posted 8/23/04) After
several mild winters that increased winter evaporation rates and reduced the
snowpack, water levels rose following heavy rains last fall and a
once-in-a-century deluge in May. But that rainfall was an anomaly. Greenroof Benefits
(posted 8/23/04) Vegetated
roof covers add value by: Schwarzenegger
announces solar-power legislation in California (posted 8/23/04) Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Friday announced his own version of legislation
aimed at putting solar-power systems on a million homes in 13 years, NW Energy
Efficiency Alliance Receives (posted 8/23/04) Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance will begin promoting green practices in
the industrial sector this fall after receiving an $11 million allocation from
its board of directors earlier this month. Pueblo,
Colo area labor, environmental groups rap Xcel's power plant plans
(posted 8/23/04) At a seminar Thursday night that drew a crowd of more than 50 people to the
School District 60 auditorium, it became clear that the same coalition of labor
leaders and environmentalists that turned back the U.S. Army's plans to
incinerate chemical weapons a decade ago was hoping to change Xcel's mind about
how it would generate electricity. Iraq's
southern terminal loadings continue at normal rates (posted 8/23/04) Iraq's southern crude loadings continued at normal levels Monday with the
resumption of pumping through the 48-inch pipeline after 14 days offline due to
violence in southern Iraq Yukos
to settle $1.7-bil of tax bill by end August (posted 8/23/04) Russia's Yukos said Monday it expects to settle the government's $1.7-bil tax
arrears demand for the year 2000 by end-August, but a remaining $1.7-bil worth
of related fines and penalty interest will remain outstanding. Green Roof (posted
8/21/04) A
roof that has been covered with a dense mat of growing plants is called a Green
Roof or a Living Roof. With a Green Roof, a waterproof membrane is installed
on the roof, which then is covered with about 4 inches of soil and planted
tightly with low-growing succulent and alpine plants. For more on Green Roofs,
go to ../Analysis/Builders/ WE'D RATHER
HAVE WIND FARMS THAN ANOTHER NUCLEAR
POWER STATION (posted 8/21/04) Anti-nuclear campaigners yesterday urged people to support
plans for a wind farm in the West Somerset countryside. Opinion is sharply
divided on the proposal for 12 turbines US Bureau of
Reclamation revives 92-year-old Idaho hydro unit (posted 8/21/04) The US Bureau of Reclamation has completed retrofitting a historic US
gas production shows 3% year-over-year decline (posted 8/21/04) Natural gas sales by top US producers fell roughly 3% in the second quarter
of 2004 compared with the same period last year Solar PV Shortage
(posted 8/21/04) the U.S. PV module shortage is effecting the solar
industry, individual businesses, installations and peoples' lives and
livelihoods. Second
Explosion Rocks Texas Gas Facility (posted 8/21/04) A second explosion in less than 24 hours rocked a burning
underground gas storage facility early Friday, prompting authorities to expand
an evacuation zone around the site. Rising prices
put utilities at risk (posted 8/21/04) Conditions for rising coal prices are creating risk among coal-burning
utilities as an unexpected surge in demand has led to delivery bottlenecks and
dwindling stockpiles at a growing number of power plants, states a new analysis
by the credit rating agency Standard & Poors. Radioactive
fuel rod pieces still missing (posted 8/21/04) Despite an
exhaustive search of its Humboldt Bay Power Plant near Eureka in northern
California, segments of a spent nuclear fuel rod remain missing, Pacific Gas and
Electric Co., says. Project to
Produce Hydrogen from Wind Power (posted 8/21/04) "...renewable energy sources will become the most important source
for the production of hydrogen." Power
play: Your cash is fighting renewable energy (posted 8/21/04) It's a reckless commitment to 19th-century technology in a 21st-century
world, where 15 states have established renewable energy requirements for the
power industry and where countries such as Denmark and Germany are getting 20
percent of their power from renewables. Saudi raises
stakes in bid to calm oil price scare (posted 8/21/04) Top world
oil exporter Saudi Arabia's decision to raise supply close to its capacity limit
is a gamble aimed at dousing world markets with enough extra crude to force
prices down from record highs Oil futures
bounce after threat to torch Iraqi wells (posted 8/21/04) Front month crude oil futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange scrambled
to yet another record high Aug 19 after reports that Iraqi militants had
threatened to torch Iraqi oil wells spooked a market already jittery over
security of supply. N.Y.
Orders Power Plants to Cut Emissions (posted 8/21/04) Citing what they called a public health emergency, New York officials on
Tuesday ordered power plants to reduce emissions blamed for acid rain. Groups
Chide U.S. on Mercury Regulations (posted 8/21/04) Environmentalists and two Maryland Democratic congressmen chastised the Bush
administration Wednesday for proposed regulations they said will not do enough
to reduce mercury contamination Group Urges
EPA for More Pollution Cuts (posted 8/21/04) If the government required deeper cuts in air pollution from power plants, at
least 3,000 lives would be saved and 140,000 children would avoid asthma and
other respiratory ailments, an environmental group said Tuesday. Fuel Stations
May Pose Child Cancer Risk (posted 8/21/04) Living
near a fuel station may quadruple the risk of acute leukemia in children,
research published yesterday showed. European
fuel oil - has it hit rock bottom yet? (posted 8/21/04) While
reduced runs would cut fuel oil production, renewed exports of Russian fuel oil
on board huge tankers from Europe to Asia are set to further reduce supplies by
removing some of the European surplus. Clean Energy
Stock Index Announced (posted 8/21/04) Investors with a green way of thinking can keep up to
date on renewable and clean energy companies through the WilderHill Clean Energy
Index, ticker symbol ECO. CACHE CREEK
CASINO RESORT BETS SUN AND COMMUNITY WILL SHINE BRIGHTLY ON NEW SOLAR ELECTRIC
INSTALLATION RWE SCHOTT Solar System (posted 8/21/04) The installation serves not only as a clean energy power station, but also as
a symbol of the property’s commitment and contribution to helping California
meet its energy needs. Asia rushes to save
energy (posted 8/21/04) Asian
countries are scrambling to limit the impact of record-high oil prices on their
growing economies through energy conservation, but analysts say such moves are
unlikely to dampen strong demand for fuel imports. 8 other pipe
rupture accidents occurred in Japan nuclear plants (posted 8/21/04) Eight cases of accidents similar to a recent pipe rupture accident at the
Mihama Nuclear Power Plant, which killed four people and injured seven others,
occurred in the past at four other reactors UK could
secure its energy supply if using its huge coal reserves (posted 8/19/04) The UK could secure its energy supply
for many decades if it could use its huge reserves of coal, scientists say. Scotland
receives boost for renewable energy projects (posted 8/19/04) Scotland is to become one of the
world's leaders in wave and tidal power, following a £ 50 mm investment in
renewable energy. Protecting
Iraq's oil infrastructure (posted 8/19/04) Think of the numbers. Iraq's oil pipelines stretch for 5,418 km through the
desert. There's another 1,739 km of gas lines, and 1,343 km for refined fuels,
8,500 km in all. Most of it lies on the surface, exposed, rusting, and ripe for
attack. In addition, there are hundreds of storage tanks, refineries and pumping
stations. Iraqi
crude won't be flowing through the region any time soon (posted 8/19/04) Iraq has taken the first steps toward
reopening and expanding its regional oil exporting network. But for a
combination of reasons, the day when significant volumes of Iraqi crude begin
traversing the country's neighbours is still far off. Iran and Iraq
stress importance of expanding bilateral cooperation (posted 8/19/04) Iran and Iraq stressed the importance
of expanding bilateral cooperation in various economic fields. Iraq may soon
reopen oil pipelines to Lebanon and Syria (posted 8/19/04) Nearly a quarter of a century after
diplomatic relations between Syria and Iraq were broken off, saw some historic
changes, as the leaders of the two neighbours pledged to mend fences -- and
boost economic co-operation. Iraq seeks
contracts with Jordan to hike oil output (posted 8/19/04) The Iraqi Oil Ministry is seeking to
make contracts with Jordan in the realm of petroleum cooperation and exportation
of oil products UES
Encourages Customers to Invest in (posted 8/19/04) UniSource Energy Services (UES) is offering two new programs
that help customers pay for their own solar energy systems and provide an easy
way to support the development of community "green power" projects. Renewable
Energy Incubator Launches in Rochester (posted 8/19/04) A new business incubator in Western New York will help renewable energy
companies harness available business resources and raise their visibility. A
modern-day Noah warns that the end is nigh for oil (posted 8/19/04) There was no fanatical gleam in his
eye, no catchphrases, no spin -- but still, I left the meeting convinced that I’d
met the modern-day equivalent of Noah and we’d better start listening to him. There is no
easy fix for our Saudi oil habit (posted 8/19/04) If production in the desert kingdom has
in fact peaked, as some experts say, the alternatives aren't easy, if they exist
at all. Saudi oil
reserves might not deplete for 73 years (posted 8/19/04) At the current production level of 8 mm
bpd of oil, Saudi Arabia's oil reserves might not face depletion for at least 73
years, said a BP report. Total
recoverable gas amount expected to jump in northern Alaska (posted
8/19/04) When the US Geological Survey releases
its final numbers for northern Alaska's undiscovered, technically recoverable
natural gas, the average estimate is likely to reach 211 tcf. That would be
enough natural gas for a pipeline from the North Slope to deliver 5.6 bn cfpd to
market for 100 years. No such pipeline has been built yet, however, because of
uncertainty about whether it would be profitable enough. Study finds
potential for gas production in New Mexico (posted 8/19/04) A government study released reports
significant potential for natural gas production from shallow coal bed methane
reserves in the Valle Vidal. Western
US states take lead in drive for renewable energy (posted 8/19/04) "Some states have oil. Some have
coal. Here in Arizona, we've got sun," said Hansen, a vice president of
Tucson Electric Power, as he squinted through heavy-duty sunglasses. "And
now we're using that resource to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels." Wildcatters
comb unlikely US states in search for oil (posted 8/19/04) The number of US oil rigs has increased
from 750 in 2002 to more than 1,200 this summer Clean
fuel regulations aren't cause of high prices (posted 8/19/04) As gasoline prices soared in recent
months to $ 2 a gallon and beyond, it was not long before the question was
asked: Are environmental regulations to blame? Is that why no new refineries
have been built? US
coal-to-diesel plant closer to reality (posted 8/19/04) Cars running on coal? It could happen
in this country -- someday. US to harvest
methane emissions as fuel (posted 8/19/04) The United States will work with at
least seven other countries to harvest methane emissions as fuel and reduce
pollution that contributes to global warming, the Bush administration announced. Study finds
new supply sources needed to meet 2020 gas demand (posted 8/19/04) Natural gas supply from several
"frontier regions" will need to be developed in order to meet the
projected 30-tcf US gas market by 2020, according to a study, which was
sponsored by the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America. Iran Says Can
Make Uranium for Nuke in a Year (posted 8/19/04) In recent
weeks, Iran has intensified its standoff over its nuclear programs and the
United States has said it is increasingly likely the U.N. Security Council would
take up the case against the Islamic republic for possible sanctions. “Green”
Vehicle Guide (posted 8/19/04) EPA’s Green Vehicle Guide assigns air pollution scores to vehicles, and Japan utility
KEPCO to shut down reactor over missed pipe inspections (posted 8/19/04) Accident-hit Kansai Electric Power Co. said Wednesday it has failed to carry
out pipe inspections at 11 designated points at three of its nuclear reactors in
Fukui Prefecture, adding that it would immediately shut down the one reactor
currently in service. Japan's
Nuclear Accident Raises French Hopes for a Big Job (posted 8/19/04) The fatal accident at the Japanese nuclear power plant Mihama last week has
stirred hopes here that France will build the new international nuclear power
plant called ITER, an experiment in new nuclear technology. Vietnam's
Doubts on Nuclear Plans Grow After Japan Mishap (posted 8/19/04) Japan's worst nuclear accident to date -- has prompted many Vietnamese to
question plans to develop the country's first atomic plant by 2017. California
governor sets off energy debate (posted 8/19/04) As the tug-of-war over the future of California's electricity system heats
up, critics of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's market-oriented approach Government
to pay $80 million toward storage of spent fuel (posted 8/19/04) The U.S. Department of Justice and Exelon Corp. have reached a settlement
that will shift $80 million in reimbursements to the utility to cover spent fuel
storage costs. U.S.
government funds $16 million for renewables (posted 8/19/04) The U.S. Department of Energy will provide US$16,204,099 for 159 renewable
energy and energy efficiency projects in 43 states and the District of Columbia. U.S.
agency to investigate foreign market for renewables (posted 8/19/04) The International Trade Commission will provide an overview of foreign and
domestic markets for renewables, and examine trade and investment in those
markets Wind capacity
waiting for government incentive (posted 8/19/04) More than 2,000 MW of wind energy projects across the United States are
stalled, pending renewal of the federal tax incentive Solar tour
cancelled after PV car crashes and driver dies (posted 8/19/04) A 1,700 km tour to promote renewable energy has been cancelled following the
crash of a PV-powered car and the death of its student driver. UK planning
rules provide support for renewables (posted 8/19/04) New UK planning rules state that regional and local development strategies
“should contain policies designed to promote and encourage, rather than
restrict, the development of renewable energy resources,” Earth energy
systems offer greatest GHG mitigation (posted 8/19/04) Earth energy heat pumps have the potential to reduce CO2 by 6% of the world’s
emissions, which is “one of the largest savings that a single technology can
offer.” NRC dismisses
three Utah contentions in PFS proceeding (posted 8/19/04) Utah had argued that PFS' environmental report was deficient because it did
not address how defective or leaking canisters would be repaired. Maine tribe
votes to continue discussions on LNG import project (posted
8/19/04) The Passamaquoddy tribe in Pleasant Point, Maine, late Tuesday voted to
continue talks about siting a liquefied natural gas import terminal on tribal
land. Rocky Mountain
drilling divides US presidential candidates (posted 8/19/04) The future of drilling in the Rocky Mountains divides the presidential Oil prices set
new record as US stocks fall (posted 8/19/04) US crude oil futures opened at an all-time high of $47.20/bbl Wednesday and
scrambled to a new record of $47.35/bbl Arizona
Utility Increases Solar Energy Incentives (posted 8/18/04) "TEP is working with the ACC to ensure that solar
power plays a significant role in Arizona's energy future. Every customer who
installs a grid-connected photovoltaic system brings us a step closer to that
goal." Biofuels
Reloaded by Martin Tampier (posted 8/18/04) Bio-ethanol and biodiesel are being hailed by many as
part of the solution to climate change, energy security and as an economic
opportunity to develop domestic industries. Chrysler Fuel
Cells Come to California (posted 8/18/04) The agreement will enable the organizations to gain
additional experience with a fuel cell vehicle and a public hydrogen refueling
station. Discount
Offered for Bulk Green Power Purchases (posted 8/18/04) Utah Power introduced a new version of its Blue Sky
renewable power option for business customers, one that encourages larger
purchases of clean power for less cost. Faroe Islands
launch second oil, gas licensing round (posted 8/18/04) The area offered for licensing lies to the east and the south of the Faroe
Islands. It covers approximately 19,000 sq km Heat Wave
Pushes Japan Power Demand to Record High in July (posted 8/18/04) Japan's electricity demand in July soared to a record high as the searing
heat wave pushed up air conditioning demand, an industry group said Monday. New
California energy-saving campaign (posted 8/18/04) With summer finally showing its sizzle, utilities and electricity experts
hope to enlist Californians in a new kind of energy-saving program. New Direction
for California Energy Markets (posted 8/18/04) As California's energy community
continues to pick up the pieces of the crisis, the energy policy of the State
continues to develop and evolve. NRC denies
appeal for hearing on Davis-Besse restart (posted 8/18/04) The petitioners had objected to allowing the reactor, which had been shut for
more than two years, to resume operations on the grounds it was not in
compliance with fire protection and other licensing requirements. PG&E
says has been unable to locate missing nuclear fuel (posted
8/18/04) Pacific Gas and Electric Co said Tuesday it had informed the US
Nuclear Regulatory Commission that it was still unable to locate segments of a
used nuclear fuel rod at its Humboldt Bay Power Plant near Eureka in northern
California. Solar
Power Protects Olympic Rowing Center (posted 8/18/04) "The installations come despite an earlier assessment
from the environmental group Greenpeace that faulted the Greek Government and
Olympic planners for not deploying enough renewable energy and undertaking other
green initiatives." South
Carolina nuclear plant's radioactive waste will be sent to Idaho
(posted 8/18/04) Savannah River Site will continue producing about 250 kilograms
of radioactive neptunium 237 despite a decision to alter where it eventually
will be sent To catch the sun
(posted 8/18/04) the certified
passive-office-building produces much more electricity as the energy saving
workstations consume. Today we have the unique opportunity of using
solar energy as an environment-friendly and inexhaustible energy supply. Only by
switching to the respective technologies can we meet our obligations toward the
coming generations. It is not enough to think ahead, we have to act now." Wisconsin
Utilities Take Action to Avoid Power Grid Failure (posted 8/18/04) As he patrols Wisconsin and Upper Michigan watching for problems with the
poles and wires that keep the lights on, Chris Dailey sees a patched-together
electric power network that spans two centuries. The worldwide biggest
solar thermal large-scale power plants AndaSol-1 and AndaSol 2 in Andalusia
will supply 180,000 people with electricity from 2006. The start of the
construction of both 50MW parabolic trough power plants is planned for this
year. Solar
Millenium, the Erlangen based company in charge of this
project, is using the nine Californian solar power plants in the Mojave
desert as models. These plants produce half of the world's solar electricity and
have already brought in 1.6 billion US-dollars in revenue. Solar energy in Spain is
now a trend. The energy
agency (AGENCIA ENERGÉTICA MUNICIPAL DE PAMPLONA) in
Pamplona for example can enforce the law prescribing that in new buildings at
least 60% of required energy for warm water has to be produced using
solar thermal energy. Other Spanish regions are interested in this legislation. World Events
Spark Interest in California (posted 8/17/04) After years of shying away from funding solar cell energy start-ups because
of high costs, venture capitalists are almost tripping over themselves to sign
up the most promising companies, many of them in Silicon Valley. Why Are Oil Prices
So High? (posted 8/17/04) Following
are some of the factors behind oil's price surge. Where Sterling
Planet CEO sees green power industry headed (posted 8/17/04) He's working with
18 utilities who are outsourcing green power. Sterling supplies the meter. The $4
billion new home market (posted 8/17/04) Not just for the rich anymore, home automation -- combining media and
entertainment with communications and smart appliances -- is nearly ready for a
wider market of upper middle-class households. Ireland's
carbon emissions fall in 2002 (posted 8/17/04) Ireland's energy-related carbon dioxide emissions decreased by 1.4% in 2002,
according to new figures from Sustainable Energy Ireland, published Monday. This
decline occurred despite economic growth of 6.9% Japan utility
says supplementary pipes were not inspected at 4 reactors (posted
8/17/04) Following Japan's deadliest nuclear plant accident last week, Kansai Electric
Power Co. admitted Monday it failed to inspect supplementary steam pipes at four
nuclear rectors. Los Alamos and
the missing discs that never were (posted 8/17/04) The hunt for a missing pair of computer discs said to contain classified
information at a key US nuclear weapons research lab has turned into a near
farce this week after it emerged the discs may never have existed. OPEC
unable to boost output until 2005 (posted 8/17/04) "At the September meeting we will evaluate how much capacity OPEC can
tap early next year," Ramirez said. "For this year we don't see it as
possible." President
Stands By Yucca Mountain Decisions (posted 8/17/04) President Bush on Thursday stood by his decision to locate a national nuclear
waste repository at Yucca Mountain and pledged to abide by any court or
licensing decision related to the project. Seeking
debate on waste facility (posted 8/17/04) The plant would melt solid waste into liquid form,
then cool the lava-like byproduct to solid material that could be sold as
ingredients for products such as road material and insulation. Sluggish
movement on power grid cyber security (posted 8/17/04) SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, in particular,
allow utilities to remotely control and monitor generation equipment and
substations over phone lines, radio links and, increasingly, IP networks. That
makes them an obvious target for cyber attackers. Software
bug contributed to blackout (posted 8/17/04) A previously-unknown software flaw in a widely-deployed General Electric
energy management system contributed to the devastating scope of the August 14th
northeastern U.S. blackout, industry officials revealed this week. Tracking
the Blackout bug (posted 8/17/04) A number of factors and failings came together to make the August 14th
northeastern blackout the worst outage in North American history. One of them
was buried in a massive piece of software compiled from four million lines of C
code U.S.
Wind Farming To Conduct Repowering Of Altamont Pass (posted
8/17/04) suggests that the installation of new, taller wind turbines at California's
second-largest wind farm could significantly reduce the annual number of bird
deaths Violence in Iraq, concerning the latest news on an oil well fire and
continuing fighting in the Shi'ite holy city of Najaf, is still the main factor
keeping oil prices high. Iraq's
southern crude export loadings remain at 40,000 bbl/hour (posted
8/17/04) Iraq's southern crude export loading rates continued at 40,000 bbl/hour, or
960,000 b/d, after being halved following threats Green
roofs offer wear, climate and run-off advantages (posted 8/17/04) Face it, roofs are a hassle. They leak and collect gutter
debris. They're expensive to maintain and replace. And they're no friend to the
environment, adding to urban "heat islands" and floods of stormwater
runoff. Diesel Exhaust
Exposure Raises Ovarian Cancer Risk (posted 8/17/04) The risk of
ovarian cancer increases with increased exposure to diesel exhaust, according to
a new study published in the International Journal of Cancer. Coal costs
could impact the credit ratings of some utilities (posted 8/17/04) Standard & Poor's warned yesterday that the credit ratings of some U.S.
utilities could be jeopardized over the long term if surging coal prices remain
near current levels. Can you make
any money retailing power in Texas (posted 8/17/04) For the revenues
that's a 190% and 227% jump. New
electricity laws needed (posted 8/17/04) Congress must pass legislation to protect the
nation's electricity grid if it wants to avoid repeats of the devastating
outages that rolled across eight states last year, Sen. Maria Cantwell,
D-Washington, said Saturday. Utilities
Still Fumbling a Year After Blackout (posted 8/17/04) In some ways, they are still fumbling about in the dark, except now at least
there's a flashlight on hand. The Blackout In Congress
(posted 8/17/04) Saturday was the first anniversary of the biggest blackout in North American
history, an occasion to reflect on how little Congress has done to make sure the
electric power industry does not repeat the same sloppy mistakes that triggered
a chain of events that eventually left 50 million people in the United States
and Canada without power. Biomass plan
headed for failure in Thailand (posted 8/17/04) A supply shortage is expected because certain kinds of biomass -- byproducts
of agricultural processing -- would be used up by other industries as raw
materials Encourage
Governor Schwarzenegger to Adopt the CA EPA Solar Plan
posted 8/06/04) an ambitious plan that
would promote solar energy on all rooftops in California - a huge boost for the
U.S solar industry, the citizens of California, and to other states modeling
California's success. His positive affirmation for solar is crucial to finally
bring solar power into the mainstream Your
Immediate Action is Required (posted 8/05/04) California's Governor Schwarzenegger will make a major decision in the next
48 - 72 hours on whether or not to move forward with an ambitious plan that
would promote solar energy on all rooftops in California -- a huge boost for the
U.S solar industry, the citizens of California, and to other states modeling
California's success Heat Waves to
Worsen Across America (posted 8/16/04) Heat waves
like those that have hit Paris and Chicago in recent years are likely to get
worse, roasting more and more cities with ever-higher temperatures, climate
researchers predicted. Blackout task force
calls (posted 8/16/04) While actions taken since the Aug 14, 2003, blackout have
"significantly" Czech
Nuclear Plant Malfunctions Again (posted 8/16/04) A reactor at the Czech Republic's Temelin nuclear power plant has been closed
down due to a malfunction in a generator Green Power
Station Will Turn Waste into Electricity (posted 8/16/04) LAND in the region has been earmarked for an environmentally friendly power
plant that will turn household waste into electricity. Kerry's
Energy Policy Diverges Sharply From Bush's (posted 8/16/04) PLEDGING A "MANHATTAN-type project" to develop alternative energy
sources, and aggressive moves to prevent Enron-style manipulation of power
markets, Sen. John Kerry yesterday came courting the Pacific Northwest. Bush accuses
Kerry of changing stance on nuclear waste repository (posted
8/16/04) President Bush on Thursday defended his decision to send the nation's nuclear
waste to a repository at Yucca Mountain and accused Sen. John Kerry of
flip-flopping on the issue. The Economic
Impact of the Deregulation and Restructuring of the Ontario Electric Power
Industry (posted 8/16/04) Energy is an issue in public view that is no longer just taken for granted.
People are faced with it in rising utility bills, political campaigns, and now
in energy shortages. Green Light
for Electricity Network Upgrade (posted 8/16/04) ENERGY regulator Ofgem will today give the green light for vital upgrades to
Scotland's creaking electricity network that will allow the nation to exploit
the full potential of green power resources such as windfarms. California
lawmakers stall on electricity bill surcharge (posted 8/16/04) Utility officials further note that applications for solar power
installations have soared from a couple of dozen in 2000 to more than 475 so far
this year. Japan Utility
to Shut Down All Nuke Plants (posted 8/16/04) A Japanese utility said Friday it will temporarily shut down all of its
nuclear power facilities to conduct safety checks, following a deadly accident
this week at one of its plants. Japan
power companies increase July fuel oil consumption by 50% (posted
8/16/04) Industry sources said consumption of fuel oil and crude oil will likely Global
oil demand running 'much faster' (posted 8/16/04) Global oil demand has been running much faster than previously
thought over the last three years, paving the way for an oil supply crunch that
has pushed prices to record highs, the International Energy Agency said
yesterday. Dewhurst
urges lawmakers to plan for grid attack (posted 8/16/04) Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst today urged state senators to develop a blueprint to
increase security and reliability for the state power grid and protect Texas
energy resources from terror attacks. Blackouts could be
returning (posted 8/16/04) Power usage in two large populated areas of town are being monitored
carefully to prevent residents from experiencing rolling blackouts. Energy
Department Announces 2004 University Coal Research Recipients
(posted 8/16/04) Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham announced today that 22
universities in 18 states will receive $3.4 million in fossil energy research
grants Colorado
commission approves Xcel Energy (posted 8/16/04) Xcel Energy received approval this week to proceed with a plan
that could triple its wind-power capacity in Colorado by 2007. Alternative
power stocks fade from post (posted 8/16/04) Some of the glow, it seems, has diminished for alternative
energy stocks. A Look at the
Changing Electrical Energy Transmission Operations (posted 8/14/04) ELECTRIC UTILITY DEREGULATION has begun to create an entirely new type of
service provider: the transmission company, or TRANSCO, which transmits from one
place to another the energy generated and ultimately distributed by others. Billion Dollar
Solar Bill Hangs in the Balance by Jesse Broehl (posted
8/14/04) "Time is short but we do have some legislative options that we are
working on." Last
summer's blackout shows power grid's vulnerability to terrorists
(posted 8/14/04) Last year's massive blackout that left much of the Northeast United States
without power did more than inconvenience millions of people and businesses. In
a frightening way, it also highlighted a particularly vulnerable area for
terrorists: the North American power grid. BP Solar is
first solar module manufacturer to receive international product conformity
certificate (posted 8/14/04) The certificate allows BP Solar to sell its product
without further testing in countries where the certificate is recognized and
accepted. This contributes significantly to getting products to market more
quickly and at less cost. Demand for
crude is forecast to surge Saudis offer more oil to calm global market
(posted 8/14/04) Global oil demand is expected to be higher in 2004 and 2005
than initially forecast, increasing pressure on oil producers to increase their
output at a time when rising oil prices may hurt a recovering world economy Fortune
Magazine Backs Renewable Energy (posted 8/14/04) "The goal is a real-world plan that won't derail the economy and has
a strong chance of political success." FTC
enforcement, probes have prevented higher oil prices (posted
8/14/04) Mergers of private oil companies over roughly the past decade have not Goals are airtight
(posted 8/14/04) Training program for technicians to test homes is ready to go nationwide IEA appeals
for sanity in oil markets (posted 8/14/04) INTERNATIONAL oil traders have been urged by one of the
world's most influential energy organisations to calm down or cause severe
damage to the global economy. Iraq's
southern crude flows back to normal: oil official (posted 8/14/04) Iraq's southern crude flows have returned to normal levels with the two crude
pipelines to export terminals now operational as violence continues throughout
much of the Shiite-dominated south of Iraq, an Iraqi oil official said Friday.
"Everything has returned back to normal IREC Announces
Renewable Energy Award Winners (posted 8/14/04) "It is not only our individual successes that we should acknowledge.
It is our collective progress that gives us the leading edge." No quick and
easy fix to power grid (posted 8/14/04) One year after a power failure in Ohio left much of the Northeast and parts
of Canada in the dark, partisan politics are blocking reforms needed to bring
the power system up to 21st century standards Obesity Report
Card Finds That Most States are Underperforming (posted 8/14/04) Researchers at the University of Baltimore recently released a national
obesity report card indicating that almost half of U.S. states have failed to
pass obesity-prevention legislation and that more than one-third of U.S. states
have failed to pass legislation addressing childhood obesity Still just a
blink away from another blackout (posted 8/14/04) A year has passed since a minor power failure in Ohio
escalated into a massive blackout across the Central and Eastern United States,
and no one can say it won't happen again. US government
to pay Exelon for nuclear fuel storage (posted 8/14/04) The U.S.
government could pay Exelon Corp. (EXC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) as much as
$300 million for failing to take control of waste from the company's nuclear
stations under a past deadline and to reimburse costs for storing that waste Wind,
Solar at Odds Over State Initiative (posted 8/14/04) "It is a crucial time to think about our energy security. We need to
prepare for the future by reducing our dependence on unstable foreign energy
sources. Renewable Energy is a step toward a secure, stable energy future." Black
Mesa residents urge search for energy alternatives
posted 8/12/04) Hopi and Navajo tribal members told a utility commission in
California that it is time to stop threatening Indian people with the loss of
jobs and stop holding them hostage to economic deprivation by dependence on the
destruction of natural resources. The Mohave plant receives coal from Hopi and Navajo lands on
Black Mesa, by way of water slurry using the pristine water from the N-aquifer
in the dry region where many Indian families lack running water. The Mohave
plant produces electricity for Southwest cities, while many Indian families on
Black Mesa lack electricity and rely on kerosene lanterns. U.S.
Wind Farming Selects First 15 Sites for Wind Turbine posted
8/12/04) U.S. Wind Farming America's only publicly traded wind farming company, has
selected its first 15 agricultural sites to install the 1.5 MW (mega watt) and
2.5 MW Wind Turbines. Councils urged
to boost use of green power posted 8/12/04) Local
councils in England will have greater powers to demand that new buildings use a
certain amount of green energy, according to new planning policies set out by
the government. Desert Shrub
May Help Some Cancer Patients posted 8/12/04) Chaparral,
an evergreen desert shrub widely discredited as a purported cancer cure, may
shrink some tumors when processed and used properly, U.S. researchers reported. Mihama-3
probe looking at reaction to Surry-2 accident posted 8/12/04) In 1987, NRC circulated memos to foreign regulatory organizations
recommending corrective actions in that case. LNG Imports to
Soften Prices posted 8/12/04) According to a top industry analyst, the influx of LNG over
the next few years will have a significant impact on the economics and pricing
of the natural gas industry. If his assessment is correct, the imports will
provide needed supply and act to lower prices. Safety agency
begins probe of Midkiff posted 8/12/04) The explosion occurred last Friday with enough fire and force
to injure three plant employees and shake books off shelves in homes in the
vicinity of Midkiff, located in Midland County, about two miles west of the
plant, emergency responders said at the time. Nuclear waste
settlement may impact state utilities posted 8/12/04) Exelon Corp., the biggest U.S. operator of nuclear power
plants, said it will be paid as much as $300 million through 2010 by the federal
government after settling a dispute over storage of spent nuclear fuel. LNG's safe track
record posted 8/12/04) As a lifelong Mainer who has spent his career at sea, and 21
years sailing as a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed engineer aboard liquefied natural
gas tankers, I have watched with more than passing interest the ongoing debate
concerning the safety of a new LNG marine terminal. Colonie,
N.Y., power authority attempts to gain hydro facility posted
8/12/04) A local public power authority is pushing ahead with efforts to wrest a
hydropower facility on the Mohawk River from the hands of a large energy
company. New York
senators renew calls for power grid overhauls posted 8/12/04) Both New York senators called yesterday for big changes to the way the
nation's power grid is operated. Clinton blasts
Bush on power posted 8/12/04) Clinton and Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., have proposed
legislation that would create mandatory reliability standards for electric
utilities. EPA Challenged
Over Health Risks at Nuclear Dump posted 8/12/04) As an outsider looking in, Jacob Paz believes he is calling the Department of
Energy's bluff on its assessment of health risks for its plans to bury nuclear
waste in Yucca Mountain. EPA seeks
balance in new mercury pollution rules posted 8/12/04) How can we keep electricity prices stable for consumers and businesses and
still protect human health?" EPA chief
defends plan for cutting mercury pollution posted 8/12/04) The Bush administration said Tuesday that its plan for
reducing mercury pollution from power plants will protect children and pregnant
women while creating "a level playing field" for the nation's
coal-producing regions - which include several presidential election
battleground states. Natural
Gas Prices Factor Into EPA Mercury Rule posted 8/12/04) EPA will work to ensure that its upcoming rule to control mercury
emissions from power plants does not escalate the price of natural gas Power demand
in California sets record posted 8/12/04) Californians set a record for electricity demand Tuesday as
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's administration clashed with Democratic lawmakers
over how to regulate the state's unsettled energy system to encourage the
building of new power plants. California
governor, legislators at loggerheads over energy market changes
posted 8/12/04) Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger put himself on a collision course
with Democratic lawmakers Tuesday over the future design of California's
electricity market, declaring his opposition to a major energy market overhaul
they've proposed. Calpine
Applauds the Schwarzenegger administration posted 8/12/04) Calpine Corporation welcomed the announcement by the Schwarzenegger
Administration that it remains committed to a fair, open, and transparent
wholesale energy market in California. Former workers of
Houston-based gas firm put on notice in price probe posted 8/12/04) As many as 10 former El Paso Corp. employees have been
notified they are targets of a grand jury investigation into natural gas price
manipulation. US Attorney in
Houston mum on El Paso gas price posted 8/12/04) US Attorney Michael Shelby in Houston Wednesday declined to confirm a Houston
Chronicle report than 10 former El Paso Corp natural gas traders and Saudis see world
oil market as 'slightly oversupplied' posted 8/12/04) Al-Jubeir said instability in Iraq, the Yukos crisis, market speculation, and OPEC crude
output up 730,000 b/d in July posted
8/12/04) Indonesian President Purnomo Yusgiantoro said the cartel could not increase
supply in the short term. Purnomo, who is also Indonesia's oil minister, said
OPEC heavyweight Saudi Arabia, the world's largest holder of spare output
capacity, needed time to bring additional volumes on stream. New
Energy Age: Do We Really Mean It This Time? posted 8/11/04) Was it groupthink, or did the German Government's
Renewables 2004 conference in Bonn earlier this summer mean the world's nations
finally understand that the age of fossil fuels is coming to a close? Neb.
to Pay $141M Over Radioactive Dump posted 8/11/04) Nebraska will pay $141 million for blocking
efforts to build a low-level radioactive waste dump and will be allowed to
continue to oppose locating the dump in the state, under the settlement of a
lawsuit accepted Monday. Millions
in US Face Mega-Wave from Island
Collapse posted 8/11/04) The bad
news is tens of millions of people along the eastern seaboard of the United
States and Canada may drown if the slow slippage of a volcano off north Africa
becomes a cataclysmic collapse. Mesa,
Ariz., area's power worries finally cool off posted 8/11/04) A 400,000-pound replacement transformer that took a
rough-and-tumble trip to its new home was put into service, ending the threat of
rolling summer blackouts and voluntary power conservation by electric customers. Kerry Would Spend $20B to
Develop Alternative Fuels posted 8/11/04) Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry on Friday pressed the case for
American energy independence as a step toward better national security, talking
to farmers on the western edge of Missouri. Kerry-Edwards:
Committed to Ensuring Nevada Does Not Become A Nuclear Waste Repository
posted 8/11/04) "Rest assured, Nevada, if I'm the president of the United
States, Yucca Mountain will not be a repository," -- John Kerry, May, 17,
2004 Kerry-Edwards
Release Energy Platform posted 8/11/04) As crude oil prices reach the highest nominal levels
in US history, John Kerry and John Edwards released their campaign's proposed
energy platform -- a plan they say will lower US energy prices, decrease US
dependence on foreign oil and ramp up the use of renewable energy and
alternative fuels. Kentucky
senator continues push to move nuclear compensation program from DOE
posted 8/11/04) Kentucky's federal lawmakers and the Department of Energy are
in a tug of war over legislation to strip DOE of its backlogged program to
compensate sick nuclear workers. Japan's
Kansai Electric may need to shut older nuclear reactors posted
8/11/04) Japan's Kansai Electric Power Co Inc may need to idle other nuclear power Iraqi
government says crude oil exports in south down 50 posted 8/11/04) Iraq's interim government Tuesday said it would hit back with an iron fist Iowa Ethanol
Coop to Double Production posted 8/11/04) Over the past 18 months the Midwest Grain Processors
Cooperative (MGP) has produced 50 million gallons of fuel grade ethanol.
Business has been so good that the coop has plans to double the annual capacity
of their dry-mill plant by the summer of 2005. Group urges
tough limits on mercury emissions posted 8/11/04) A public policy group petitioned the state Department of
Environmental Protection yesterday to issue new regulations that would limit the
amount of mercury that can be emitted by power plants in the state. Groups
question firms' compliance posted 8/11/04) "We've heard rumors that operators may be trying to
circumvent the court's order, but I would be surprised if either the Army Corps
of Engineers or coal operators are not complying with Judge Goodwin's
order," How Soon for Hydrogen
posted 8/11/04) At General Motors ...We believe there are many compelling reasons to move as
quickly as possible to a personal mobility future energized by hydrogen and
powered by fuel cells. OMI
fined $4.2 mln for concealing waste oil dumping posted 8/11/04) Oil tanker
operator OMI Corp (OMM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) was fined $4.2 million for
illegally concealing the dumping of thousands of gallons of waste oil and sludge
at sea, the U.S. Justice Department said. Prince pours
scorn over wind farms posted 8/11/04) THE fierce debate over wind farms intensified yesterday after
the Prince of Wales was reported to have described them as a "horrendous
blot on the landscape". OPEC UPDATE posted
8/11/04) "The oil price is getting higher. It's crazy," Purnomo said. Asked
whether a shortage of supply was causing prices to rise, Purnomo said:
"Yes, There is no supply." Fears that Russia's Yukos could halt its
crude output were also a factor, Purnomo said. Record
oil prices 'irrational' given fundamentals posted 8/11/04) Despite limited spare OPEC production capacity and supply-side concerns Rush for
Natural Resources Still Fuels War in Congo posted 8/11/04) Walikale is
the scene of a war within a war, a microcosm of a broader regional conflict
where groups of armed men prey upon civilians and fight for control of the
valuable natural resources found in Democratic Republic of Congo. Solar industry
group encouraged by support for renewable energy at Democratic Convention
posted 8/11/04) "We hope this week's favorable words are followed by a strong action
plan to turn our nation's abundant sunlight into energy to fuel our lives." Solar Powered
Water Distillation System Completed in Greece posted 8/11/04) Wastewater or seawater wouldn't normally be a first
choice for something to drink, but Millennium Electric T.O.U. has completed a
solar powered photovoltaic (PV) water distillation system that can take either
non-potable liquid and purify it. Some political
declarations lack measures to promote renewables posted 8/11/04) Some of the political declarations adopted at an international conference on
renewable energies this summer do not call for new international arrangements to
promote renewables, according to a comparison by EUROSOLAR and the World Council
on Renewable Energy. U.S.
group wants renewables to replace deregulation posted 8/11/04) All levels of government in the United States should adopt policies that
maximize cost-effective distributed generation and encourage the development of
renewable sources of energy, recommends the National Association of State Public
Interest Research Groups (USPIRG). UK launches
review of Renewables Obligation posted 8/11/04) The British government has launched a review of its policy to require
electricity suppliers to source 10% of their electricity from renewables by 2010 US appeals
court affirms FERC wholesale power rate authority posted 8/11/04) the court affirmed a lower court's ruling that held FERC, not state or other
courts, is the agency to deal with wholesale power rates US regular
gasoline prices fall 1.1 cts to $1.877/gal posted 8/11/04) The average price of regular gasoline in the US fell 1.1 cts to $1.877/gal
for Venezuela sees
oil prices staying at record levels in 2004 posted 8/11/04) Venezuela sees oil prices surpassing their current record highs in the coming Wind
power in Arizona soars to top of federal energy push posted
8/11/04) Developing energy from biomass materials still has a way to go
on transportation costs, and solar energy's future is bright but still needs
work. HyRadix
Hydrogen Generator Approved for Service posted 8/11/04) "This is a major step towards making hydrogen filling stations as
easy to operate as consumer gas stations." Gazprom in
dollars 6bn Siberian oil drive posted 8/11/04) GAZPROM, the Russian energy giant, is seeking a UK partner for
an ambitious multi-million pound plan to supply Siberian gas to western Europe
via a pipeline across the Baltic Sea. Gazprom is understood to have approached
Shell, BP and Centrica, with US investment bank Goldman Sachs said to be
advising on the deal. French energy
users group hits out at power posted 8/11/04) Power and gas producers have been behaving anti-competitively and a Four Die in
Steam Leak at Japan Nuclear Plant posted 8/11/04) A steam
leak at a Japanese nuclear power plant killed four workers, hospital officials
said, but authorities said no radiation escaped in the accident, the worst ever
in terms of deaths at a Japanese nuclear facility. Ford's
hybrid Escape SUV meets new EPA standards posted 8/11/04) 2005 Escape
as the first gasoline-electric hybrid SUV for sale in the United States that
meets the agency's stringent new emissions standards. We have the
power to protect the climate Global warming posted 8/11/04) Northern Europe may have missed out on a heat wave this July,
but other parts of the hemisphere have sweltered. From Canada to California,
Japan to China, Romania to Spain, temperatures reached into the high 30s and 40s
Celsius, in some cases breaking records. El Nino Conditions
In Place posted 8/11/04) Meteorologists generally acknowledge that in order for an El
Nino to develop, sea surface temperatures must show considerable warming before
any significant climate changing events can take place. Although not ready to
call for a full blown El Nino, such warming conditions are in place which could
eventually lead to an El Nino. Disruption
fear not oil shortage pushing prices up posted 8/11/04) "The main reason for the increasing oil price in the current situation
is not a shortage of crude oil. It is, rather, anxiety about a possible stoppage
of oil exports by some of the producers," Utilities
invest in program to watch grid posted 8/11/04) American Electric Power is one of several utilities investing
in a program that could avert the kind of blackout that paralyzed the Eastern
states and Canada a year ago. We're
still in the dark A year after posted 8/11/04) When a major power line goes dead in New York state, its ghost
appears in Guilderland. Electrical
Blackouts: A Systemic Problem posted 8/11/04) Although human error can be the proximate cause of a blackout, the real
causes are found much deeper in the power system. Changes to
North American power grid intended to avoid blackouts posted
8/11/04) The electrical grid was in dire need of a makeover -- one that
required unprecedented amounts of money, attention and cooperation. In the past
year, it has received plenty of money and attention. Cooperation, at least on
some fronts, has been a little more elusive. US
DOE, utilities to install enhanced grid monitoring system posted
8/11/04) A joint project by the US Dept. of Energy and several utilities will allow Saturday,
August 14 Marks Anniversary posted 8/11/04) Marking the anniversary allows examination of what happened
and why -- why PECO Energy customers were not affected,
what the industry learned from the event, and what PECO
has done since Campus
Demonstrates Fuel Cell Mini-grid
posted 8/11/04) A "mini-grid" is a group of residences,
commercial or industrial buildings that are interconnected and serviced by
multiple Distributed Generation (DG) units. These facilities may also be
connected to the local utility grid. California
Issues Final Greenhouse Gas Plan for Cars posted 8/11/04) California
released its final plan on Friday to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cars
and trucks by about 30 percent by requiring hundreds of dollars in technology to
control air pollution in new cars. California and
New Mexico governors stress clean posted 8/11/04) Two moderate, high-profile governors from Western states but opposite parties
on Monday stressed the need to work together on issues like development of clean
energy alternatives. Bush
Lets Guard Down on Nuclear Plants posted 8/11/04) George Bush's Nuclear Regulatory Commission is failing miserably in ensuring
that the nation's nuclear plants are safe from terrorist attacks. Bioenergy
should not use corn or wheat posted 8/11/04) The best use of biomass to reduce GHG emissions is the use of switchgrass to
ethanol, or the future use of switchgrass to hydrogen. Arizona
Looks to Renewables for Economic Growth posted 8/11/04) "Arizona should be a national leader on renewable
energy. The state is currently producing less than one-half of one percent of
its electricity from non-hydro renewable energy when much more is
possible." 40-Day
Test Run for Waterloo Solar Car posted 8/11/04) The challenge is a cross-country race of student
built solar cars and sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. Alliance to Save Energy
posted 8/09/04) Fifty million people across the US and Canada suffered through
the "Great Blackout" of 2003. While the cause of the August 14
cascading power failure was not a peak overload issue on that hot summer day,
ways to avoid a repeat are still being discussed. Three Energy
Commission White Papers Examine California posted 8/09/04) As part of the ongoing process to help government understand
the State's changing electricity picture and to better make decisions that will
secure supplies in the future, the Energy Commission has just released draft
staff white papers that examine these three key aspects of the State's
electricity supply and demand. Report
warns of 'second power crisis' for California posted 8/09/04) Citing a growing danger of electricity shortages this summer
or next, an advocacy group for business and local governments wants state
officials to intervene by speeding up permitting of new power plants and
allowing utilities to sign long-term contracts with power sellers. California
officials push small businesses to conserve power posted 8/09/04) There's no air conditioner to turn down at Superior Chrome in
San Jose when California's anxious power-grid managers put out pleas for
consumers and businesses to save electricity. North
Korea's energy supply only 8 % of South Korea's posted 8/09/04) North Korea's energy supply was
equivalent to only 8 % of South Korea's in 2000, the South's Korea National Oil
Corp. said. China's
oil and natural gas output ranks world's 5th and 18th posted
8/09/04) The output of China's crude oil and natural gas ranks 5th and 18th,
respectively, in the world, according to the State Development and Reform
Commission. China sets new
record in power consumption posted 8/09/04) It was the third time this year the country set a record in power
consumption. Beijing imposed its first brownout of the year Oil
eyes $50 - where will it end? posted 8/09/04) As oil
hits fresh highs, bringing $50 crude firmly into view, it will take a sea-change
- a recession, an abnormally mild northern winter or perhaps a change in U.S.
President - to end the rally, analysts say. West African
nations critical to US energy security posted 8/09/04) The West African nations of the Gulf of Guinea are critical to US energy
security and could one day provide the United States with up to 20 % of its
energy needs, says energy expert David L. Goldwyn. Could
Equatorial Guinea become the Kuwait of Africa posted 8/09/04) With gas prices hitting record levels this summer, and violence in the Middle
East unabated, America has been scouring the globe searching for new sources of
oil. And one could be Equatorial Guinea, a tiny nation that's been dubbed the
Kuwait of Africa because it has so few people and so much oil. Davis Besse nuke to
posted 8/09/04) First Energy will restart its Davis-Besse plant during the weekend and
"synch" it to the grid by Monday Generator
damage keeps German Gundremmingen posted 8/09/04) The reactor, in Bavaria, southern Germany, has been on annual maintenance
since July 4 and had been expected to return to service in early August. El Nino
Forecast to Return to Pacific in 3 Months posted 8/09/04) El Nino,
the dreaded weather anomaly which has killed hundreds and spawned disasters
across the Asia-Pacific region over the years, could possibly develop by late
2004 Iran able to
turn into major supplier of oil and gas in Asia posted 8/09/04) Iran, a country possessing huge oil and gas reserves, is able and enjoys
necessary potential to turn into a major supplier of oil and gas in Asia. Energy
transfer network from Iran to Asia is a necessity posted 8/09/04) The Head of the Asia-Europe Energy Association told that establishing an
energy transfer network in Iran for distributing energy among Asian countries is
a necessity. Kerry energy
plan endorses renewables posted 8/09/04) Democratic Presidential nominee John Kerry Friday released a broad energy
plan that would require the US to generate 20% of its electricity from renewable
resources by 2020, invest $10-bil over the next 10 years to speed the deployment
of new coal-fired generating technologies and encourage more gas development in
the western and central US Gulf of Mexico. Kerry
Offers 10-Year Plan for US Energy Independence posted 8/09/04) Under the
measure, aides said, American companies and consumers would receive financial
aid to develop and buy more fuel-efficient motor vehicles. Despite court victory,
Yukos' fundamental problems remain posted 8/09/04) Last month, it emerged that Kagalovsky had written to Russian president
Vladimir Putin offering to pay Yukoss outstanding taxes and $800-mil...The
bail-out proposal was sent on behalf of a number of unnamed investors and it is
yet unclear whether Putin has given any thought to the offer Politically Motivated
posted 8/09/04) There had all along been a lingering suspicion that just about anything could
happen in the Yukos saga. Yukos’ troubles, runs the consensus, are less to do
with its tax-paying record and rather more to do with the increasingly open
politics Leader of the Pack
posted 8/09/04) Yukos has since the turn of the millennium been the clear leader among
Russian oil firms, both operationally and from an investment point of view.
Since a massive PR drive a few years ago eventually succeeded in transforming
the company from pariah to prince, the company has been ahead of the pack in
technological innovation and output growth. San Francisco
Rides New Wave of Energy Planning with the Help of the Rocky Mountain Institute
posted 8/06/04) "Distributed generation and energy efficiency can be a major, if not
the most important, part of a plan that improves reliability, reduces emissions,
and provides local jobs." 15 States with
Renewable Energy Requirements posted 8/06/04) A new analysis by DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA) reveals that,
as of the end of 2003, 15 states had a renewable energy requirement or goal. Of
the 17 programs (two states have multiple programs), nine are renewable
portfolio standards (RPS), four are renewable energy mandates, and four are
renewable energy goals. NREL Reports
More Energy to Green Customers in 2003 posted 8/06/04) Analysts at the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory
(NREL) recently reported that approximately 1,650 megawatts of new renewable
energy capacity was supplying green power customers at the end of 2003. Bush Moves to
Keep Sensitive Land Out of Crops posted 8/06/04) Farmers
will get an early chance to re-enroll the more than 16 million acres due to
leave the Conservation Reserve beginning in 2007 - half of the land in the
long-term reserve, Exxon
Mobil unit to pay $5.5 mln for oil
spills posted 8/06/04) An Exxon
Mobil Corp. subsidiary agreed to pay more than $5.5 million to settle charges
that its oil spills in Utah polluted water supplies of a local Indian tribe Coal from
Usibelli mine in Alaska to be tested in Chile power plant posted
8/06/04) Alaska coal has a very low sulfur content, and by blending it with other
coal, a power plant can achieve reductions in air pollution. Usibelli mines
approximately 1.2 million tons of coal yearly, with about 800,000 tons sold to
fuel power plants and provide space heating in Interior Alaska Northland
Power Income Fund Outlook Revised to Negative on Wind Generation Investment
posted 8/06/04) "The revision of the outlook to negative from stable reflects
Northland's introduced exposure to some potential construction and performance
uncertainties regarding its investment in the wind project and the ability of
the investment to affect Northland's distributable cash flows in the near to
medium term," S&P
Report Examines How Western U.S. Drought posted 8/06/04) Some Western U.S. utilities may experience a moderate amount of financial
pressure in 2004 due to suppressed levels of hydro generation Nevada
Power seeks financial incentives for buying power plant posted
8/06/04) The Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection, called the
5 percentage points excessive and worried that Nevada Power would use the
precedent to get higher profits from other projects. New
Documents Suggest Enron posted 8/06/04) Federal energy regulators have just released more than 400 pages
of documents that suggest former Enron chairman Ken Lay and former chief
executive Jeff Skilling were aware that Enron's west coast traders may have
broken the law by using manipulative trading tactics in California to boost
Enron's profits during the height of that state's power crisis. Legislative
task force in Utah compiles power plant recommendations posted
8/06/04) With Utah's population surging, new power plants are in demand. Producer
buying boosting prices? posted 8/06/04) Market talk that a major producer of South African Richards Bay
coal is short for at least one October loading cargo and needs to cover has
helped push Richards Bay fourth quarter numbers World
Bank rejects advice to end coal and oil lending posted 8/06/04) The World Bank's governing board has rejected the
recommendations of an independent adviser that the bank stop financing new coal-
mining ventures and end support for oil projects by 2008 and instead use those
resources to encourage poor countries to develop renewable energy sources. PSC
wants yearly tests for stray voltage posted 8/06/04) Proposal mandates inspections by utilities of
poles, manholes in wake of electrocution Ohio
nuclear plant shuts down unexpectedly posted 8/06/04) FirstEnergy Corp.'s Davis-Besse nuclear power
plant shut down unexpectedly Wednesday morning during routine testing of plant
circuit breaker equipment. Nearly
6,000 subscribe to Florida Power posted 8/06/04) Nearly 6,000 residents have signed up for Florida
Power & Light Co.'s Sunshine Energy program, making it the fastest-growing
alternative-energy program in the Southeast Snow
says high energy prices hurt U.S. recovery posted 8/06/04) Soaring global energy prices threaten a U.S. economic recovery
that otherwise seems healthy and has largely overcome a June lull, Treasury
Secretary John Snow said on Thursday. WWF Urges
World Bank to Take Lead in Promoting Clean and Sustainable Energy Use (posted
8/05/04) The World Bank's decision to reject the recommendations of its
own Extractive Industries Review process in favor of a business-as-usual
approach towards oil and coal industry investments is a profound disappointment
that will do little to alleviate poverty or meet the long-term energy needs of
developing countries, World Wildlife Fund said Tuesday. World Bank
agrees to continue oil,
gas lending (posted 8/05/04) The
World Bank this week agreed to continue making investments in oil, gas and
mining, setting aside an independent review's recommendations that it phase out
lending for such projects. Wind Farm
Waiting on Tax Credits (posted 8/05/04) A patchwork of corn and soybean fields in eastern McLean County could sprout
into the nation's largest wind farm within the next year or two. US urges
Norway to boost oil production (posted 8/05/04) John Doyle Ong, the US' ambassador to
Norway, wants both Norway and Russia to boost their production of oil and gas. US rig count
to decline by 100 by yearend (posted 8/05/04) Some people expect the US rig count to
decline by 100 by the end of the year. Crude oil and natural gas prices are
projected to continue to decline throughout the remainder of the year. US NERC
regional councils should mirror RTOs (posted 8/05/04) The regional groups that oversee compliance with reliability rules should be
changed so that they closely mirror the boundaries of regional transmission
organizations US carbon
dioxide emissions increase (posted 8/05/04) US carbon dioxide emissions from fossil
fuels increased by 0.9 % in 2003, from 5,736 mm tons of carbon dioxide in 2002
to 5,788 in 2003, according to preliminary estimates released on June 30 by the
Energy Information Administration (EIA). U.S.
investors criticize World Bank target for renewables (posted 8/05/04) The World Bank proposes to invest US$200 in renewable energies this year, but
that is $30 million less than last year’s investment, claims a group of
investment advocates. Towering
stacks are part of Gilbert landscape (posted 8/05/04) Large stacks rise Wednesday from Salt River Project’s San
Tan power plant in Gilbert. Sunshine
Energy approaches first solar milestone (posted 8/05/04) Juno
Beach-based Florida Power & Light Co. said nearly 6,000 of its customers are
now enrolled in its green pricing program. Springfield,
Mo., voters nix 300-MW coal-fired project (posted 8/05/04) Voters in Springfield, Mo., rejected on Tuesday a proposal to finance and
construct a 300-MW coal-fired power plant for the city. The new station would
have been located adjacent to the existing Southwest station and would have
burned Powder River Basin coal. Solar Thermal
Addition Cleans up Coal Power Plant (posted 8/05/04) "The first phase of the solar trough project offers a nominal thermal
capacity of 1.2 MW with a planned expansion to 40 MW." Shortage of
oilfield workers expected to become worse (posted 8/05/04) The shortage of oil field workers --
both professional and field hands -- will get worse within the next decade
unless the trends reverses, according to one of the leading oil and gas experts
in Texas. Renewable
Energy Plan Nears Nov Ballot in Colorado (posted 8/05/04) A group that wants to force Colorado utilities to use renewable energy
resources for a portion of future electric power supplies filed petitions with
the state Monday to put the issue on the November ballot. Presidential
contender promises 20% from green power in U.S. (posted 8/05/04) The presidential candidate for the Democratic party has promised to generate
20% of U.S. electricity from renewables by 2020. Polls Show
Strong Public Support for Solar (posted 8/05/04) "As an alternative energy source, solar energy has long been
perceived to be of interest primarily to environmental activists. However, both
the PPIC and Charlton Research polls showed enormous levels of support by
individuals from across the political spectrum." Oregon,
conservationists ask court to order dams to spill water for salmon (posted
8/05/04) Bonneville Power Administration started spilling water over its Columbia
River dams in the early 1990s after tribes advocated for the program that helps
young fish run the gauntlet of dams between spawning tributaries and the Pacific
Ocean. Oil hits new
highs as OPEC says it cannot add supply Benchmark oil prices in the US and
London hit fresh highs Aug 3 after OPEC (posted 8/05/04) OPEC's Indonesian President Purnomo Yusgiantoro said the cartel could not
increase supply in the short term. Nuclear plant due for $706
million repair (posted 8/05/04) PG&E, which reported a 64
percent increase in net income Tuesday, wants its customers to pay $706 million
-- and possibly more -- to overhaul the utility's Diablo Canyon nuclear power
plant. NRC to stop
posting plant security findings on Web site (posted 8/05/04) NRC will no longer post security findings of the reactor oversight process
because the agency doesn't want to identify plants with poor performance, senior
NRC security officials said today. New Facility
Holds Promise for Renewable Energy Future (posted 8/05/04) While renewable energy may hold the key to the
nation's energy future, a new facility in Colorado may hold the key to the
technologies themselves. Ground was broken on a new facility at the U.S.
Department of Energy's (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) which
aims to speed up the time it takes to bring new technologies from the laboratory
bench to commercial manufacturing. New Canadian
coalition calls for new energy priorities (posted 8/05/04) A new, wide-ranging coalition of energy
industry associations in Canada presented their joint submission, Time for a New
Focus for Energy in Canada, to the annual meeting of the Council of Energy
Ministers. Mass Electric
Customers Can Go Green (posted 8/05/04) Massachusetts Electric Company customers can voluntarily pay more to ensure
that more renewable electricity is used in New England. LEDs Embedded
in New Sharp Solar PV Modules (posted 8/05/04) "The thin-film solar module with integrated LEDs manages power
generation, daylight transmission and illumination in a single module." Laidlaw power
plant to burn wood instead of natural gas (posted 8/05/04) Laidlaw Energy Group in Ellicottville has been
awarded a $1 million state grant to convert a natural gas power plant into a
wood buring plant. Judge approves
Utah oil and gas exploration (posted 8/05/04) A federal judge in Washington refused to block oil and natural gas
exploration on 57,500 acres of public and private land in eastern Utah. Japan to
Introduce Renewable Energy in Designated Areas (posted 8/05/04) Japan's Environment Ministry is planning to introduce renewable energy
sources such as sunlight, wind power and biomass in designated areas from fiscal
2005 starting next April as part of its measures to tackle global warming Ireland's
switch to gas helps emissions fall 3.3% in 2003 (posted 8/05/04) Switching to gas in power generation has helped Ireland's greenhouse gases
emissions to fall in 2003 for a second consecutive year Iraq plans to dig 2,000
new oil wells (posted 8/05/04) Iraqi Oil Minister Thamir Al Ghadhaban
has announced that the ministry intends to dig 2,000 oil wells and extend gas
pipes for more than 3,000 km inside the country. Iraq forms oil
council to woo investors (posted 8/05/04) Iraq announced the formation of a
Higher Oil and Gas Council to oversee strategy as the country seeks foreign
investment into the sector. Iran eager to
participate in Iraqi oil sector (posted 8/05/04) Iran is determined to cooperate with
Iraq in building refineries and transfer of crude from the war-shattered
country, the foreign ministry said. Harvard Links
Renewable Energy, Public Health (posted
8/05/04) "The clean energy transition can become the engine of growth for the
21st century, helping to alleviate poverty and initiate a more equitable,
healthy and sustainable form of development." Green power sales
increase 86% in U.S. (posted 8/05/04) The sale of green power certified under the U.S. Green-e program increased
86% last year over 2002. Green power
rejected at Athens games (posted 8/05/04) Organizers of the Olympic Games in Greece have failed to fulfill their
commitment to incorporate renewable energy into the event facilities. Governor
embraces report calling for overhaul of California (posted 8/05/04) Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Tuesday formally unveiled his plan to
"blow up the boxes" of state government Government
audit criticizes low target for internal renewables (posted 8/05/04) The UK government has abandoned monitoring its ‘Greening Government’
initiative in a systematic and objective manner Germany and
China look to the sun for energy answers (posted 8/05/04) German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer opened what is billed as the biggest
solar collector plant in the world in a bid to help promote renewable resources
as China faces an energy crisis. Gas prices may be high,
but new refineries cost even more (posted 8/05/04) With the United States consuming record
amounts of gasoline, there's never been a more dire need to build new oil
refineries. But don't hold your breath. EU lowers
greenhouse gas emissions (posted 8/05/04) Under the 1997 UN pact for combating
climate change, known as the Kyoto Protocol, the EU is committed to cutting its
emissions 8 % from 1990 levels by 2012. So far emissions are down 2.9 %. Ending the
conservation conundrum (posted 8/05/04) The natural gas industry and a major
environmental organization proposed a new philosophy for setting natural gas
rates that they contend would allow utility companies to urge customers to
conserve without cutting into their revenues. Economist
warns legislators about need for better energy management (posted
8/05/04) A national energy bill that failed to pass last autumn has fuelled advocates
fearing Americans are doomed to live the life of Bill Murray. Distributed
Power Generation: A Cure For California's Energy Woes? (posted 8/05/04) The Californian energy industry was in the news again this week, as hot
weather sent electricity consumption to all-time highs. Assurances were given
that thanks to recent increases in generating capacity, blackouts like those of
the past are unlikely.
But if demand continues to increase, generating capacity will once again fall
short. Critical Power
Industry Forms New Coalition (posted 8/05/04) Representatives of the critical power industry today announced the formation
of the Critical Power Coalition (CPC), a national organization whose mission is
to develop common public policy and establish a unified industry voice to ensure
the quality, reliability, and continuity of electrical power within critical
industries, businesses and public services. Canada
forecasts on crude oil production (posted 8/05/04) Canadian crude oil production should reach 3.6 mm bpd by 2015, up from its
current 2.6 mm bpd California EPA Proposes
$1 Billion in Solar Electric Rebates (posted
8/05/04) "I can't overstate the urgency of this...we need people from all over
the country to help." California
Biodiesel Plant Ramps Up Production (posted 8/05/04) American Biofuels (ABF) announced that its
Bakersfield Biodiesel Plant's production and sales have increased by 60% per
calendar quarter since plant start-up November 2003. Building
Sustainable Policy Bridges (posted 8/05/04) "Renewable policies that are implemented in spurts followed by
stagnant or declining periods are worse than no policies at all." Belgium Mourns
Victims of Massive Gas Explosion (posted 8/05/04) With flags
at half mast, Belgium held a national day of mourning yesterday as a funeral
took place for seven victims of last week's massive gas explosion ASU
cutting back on power use during crunch (posted 8/05/04) ASU is trying to do its part to ease the Valley’s power
crunch. “We’re supposed to keep the lights off, but sometimes you need to
see something Another OPEC
surprise or just being efficient (posted 8/05/04) OPEC has rightfully decided that there
is no need for an extraordinary conference in Vienna on July 21. Alternative
energies looking good again (posted 8/05/04) One of today's more promising growth
engines could come from an industry that harks back to the 1970s. Companies
promoting solar power and other alternative-energy concepts are rapidly
attracting venture funding, research grants and, just as important, the interest
of many of the tech industry's deep thinkers and influential figures. Achieving
'Best Practices' by Eliminating Ten Common Worst Practices! (posted
8/05/04) Public utilities are not often thought of as leading edge best practice
companies. However, they may be making greater strides than some of their
suppliers conditioned in the "good old days". A greenhouse gamble (posted
8/05/04) No, the fight against global warming has not been abandoned.
President Bush's disinterest in the danger that carbon dioxide emissions pose to
the atmosphere doesn't mean defeat so much as a shift in venue and a change in
tactics. Wind farms in
New England find unlikely foe in environmentalists (posted 8/03/04) But seven years after the region's first commercial wind farm was built, it
is becoming clear that wind power faces a hard road here, partly because of
environmentalists themselves Towards a
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Future Renewable Energies Working Together
(posted 8/03/04) How can the world meet its 21st century energy needs while protecting the
environment? This is the task before us, and only with affordable and
environmentally sound energy can we maintain our quality of life and develop our
economies. Solar power
firm to move out of air force base
(posted 8/03/04) The greater Barstow area is still in the running to be the home of two or
more towers of power that would be about twice the height of the Empire State
Building. Scotland Seeks
to Rule the Waves With Investment in Renewable Energy Scheme
(posted 8/03/04) The news of the Department of Trade and Industry funding boost was tempered
by revelations the government was about to unveil plans to bury millions of
tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions under the North Sea. Mitsubishi
Heavy Industries to build Japan's biggest wind turbine
(posted 8/03/04) Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. said Monday it will build by next March
Japan's largest wind turbine with a 92-meter-diameter rotor capable of
generating 2.4 megawatts of electricity. Alternative
Fuel Bill Could Generate Many State Benefits
(posted 8/03/04) Pennsylvania's General Assembly is considering legislation designed to
promote development of alternative fuels and energy sources to help reduce the
state's dependence on foreign fuel. Arizona
regulators to require further studies into planned power line
(posted 8/03/04) State regulators agreed Wednesday with Southern Arizonans that
a power line planned for Santa Cruz County needs a closer look. As anniversary
of blackout nears
(posted 8/03/04) Nearly a year after the worst blackout in U.S. history, a national advocacy
group says the nation's electric system is becoming increasingly less reliable
while costing consumers more and called for a return to regulated markets. Bank of
America and The Durst Organization Break Ground On the Bank of America Tower at
One Bryant P
(posted 8/03/04) $1 Billion Project in Midtown Manhattan Will Result In the
World's Most Environmentally Responsible High-Rise Office Building - BP Sees No Fall in
Oil Price
(posted 8/03/04) The head of oil giant BP expects no significant short-term fall in oil prices
but said on Sunday he did not foresee a further spike higher either. Broadband Over
Power Line Comes of Age
(posted 8/03/04) The last-mile solution may have been under our noses the whole time.
Integration
Key to Energy Optimization
(posted 8/03/04) To minimize my energy costs all I need to do is manage my energy price,
periodically review the energy efficiency of my equipment and check my utility
bills, right? Wrong. Court ruling
favors salmon over more electricity from Columbia River dams
(posted 8/03/04) A U.S. District Court judge yesterday barred the federal government from a
first-ever attempt to reduce the summer spill that improves passage of young
salmon past dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers. Judge rejects
reduced dam spill at sites in Bonneville
(posted 8/03/04) A federal judge Wednesday rejected government plans to curtail spill programs
at four federal dams in August. False Indicator
Took Down Plant
(posted 8/03/04) Investigators have found the problem that shut down the power plant at the
Hanford nuclear reservation. Growth slows
as energy costs rise
(posted 8/03/04) Economic growth slowed abruptly to a 3 percent rate this spring as consumers
pulled back on spending in the face of record-high energy prices, the Commerce
Department reported yesterday. How utilities
can save America from its oil addiction (posted 8/03/04) Every American president since Richard Nixon has promised to reduce America's
demand for oil while investing in new energy sources. Largely due to lack of
political will, all have failed. Most of America's electric power is generated
from domestic resources such as coal, nuclear power, and natural gas (barely 2%
of U.S. electricity is generated from oil.) A Response to How utilities can
save...(posted 8/03/04) To make a long story short, the position that the H2 economy is not the way
to go clearly won the day, and even I was convinced...requiring nothing less
than a whole new transportation fuel infrastructure, the hydrogen approach is
very inefficient. VOTE SOLAR ACTION ALERT
(posted 8/02/04) Universities
Develop California Hydrogen Policy White Paper (posted 8/02/04) “An
Integrated Hydrogen Vision for California.” UK
Government launches $92-mil wave, tidal power fund (posted 8/02/04) "The UK's wave and tidal flows are the greatest in Europe and I want to
ensure we harness these immense natural resources to generate power for the
UK." Two-Pronged
Approach Increases Renewables (posted 8/02/04) Two policy approaches are currently proving popular
for developing renewable energy supplies in the United States: green power
markets, which use a free-market approach to allow consumers and businesses to
buy renewable energy; and state renewable energy requirements and goals, which
set specific amounts of renewable energy per year, usually imposed upon
utilities within each state. Solar Thin (posted 8/02/04) International Nanotechnology Corporation (INC) said
they have made forward progress toward developing a solar-powered solution for
powering cellphones and laptop computers. Plug Power Wins DoD
Award (posted 8/02/04) Plug
Power Inc. has been awarded a US$1.8 million contract by the U.S. Department of
Defense New York Awards $15
Million for Clean Energy Projects (posted 8/02/04) Governor
George E. Pataki announced the awarding of more than $15 million to support 52
distributed generation and combined heat and power projects throughout New York. Mercury information
(posted 8/02/04) There are extensive data on the EPA's Web site, including a
15-page report that states in the summary and conclusions section: "The
reduction at any individual plant ranges from 0 to 98 percent dependent on coal
type, control technology type, and other unquantified factors. Iraq,
Kuwait form joint committee to develop oil, gas cooperation (posted
8/02/04) Iraq and Kuwait have formed a joint committee to develop bilateral energy
cooperations Iran,
Iraq discuss building a 350,000 b/d crude export pipeline (posted
8/02/04) Iran and Iraq have revived steps to build a crude oil export pipeline that Hydrogenics
Signs New Agreement With John Deere to Advance the Commercialization of Fuel
Cells (posted 8/02/04) Earlier this year Hydrogenics launched its off-road mobility initiative in
the belief that these applications present earlier viable markets for hydrogen
fuel cells than broader mass vehicular applications such as the automobile. Hydrogen Added
to Denmark Infrastructure (posted 8/02/04) Hydrogen fuels and fuel cell technology is imperative
to the future of energy use in Denmark, according to the Danish Energy
Authority. Game On in Greece,
Just Not Green (posted 8/02/04) "...there is very little evidence that Athens has applied any
learning thus leaving a huge gap in the ongoing process of moving toward
sustainable development for all Olympic Games." Fuel Cell and
Hydrogen Permitting Guide (posted 8/02/04) A
new guide
was developed for use by code
officials and building owners interested in regulations pertaining to fuel cells
and hydrogen. First County
in New York Purchases Wind Power (posted 8/02/04) "We are honored to be the first county in New York State to join 23
municipalities in purchasing wind energy." Ethanol Runs
with the Pack at Le Mans (posted 8/02/04) "The key issue on most people's minds at the moment is the
environment and ways to sustain it." It was
the second year the team qualified for international motor sport race, but the
first year the drivers took it to the line to become the first team to place
with a car run on alternative fuels. Environmentalists
urge Illinois governor to cut coal emissions (posted 8/02/04) Environmentalists and state lawmakers called on Gov. Rod
Blagojevich to require the state's coal-burning power plants to sharply reduce
toxic emissions, especially mercury, which they said causes birth defects and
developmental problems in children. Energy Info Source
Report (posted 8/02/04) Energy
Info Source has released "Towards A Hydrogen Economy" report, an
110-page study of the movement towards using hydrogen as
a key energy carrier. Energy agency
to issue new standards (posted 8/02/04) The Energy Department took a long-awaited first step Thursday
toward requiring improved energy efficiency for residential furnaces, electric
transformers and commercial air conditioners and heat pumps. DaimlerChrysler
and Ford Acquire Fuel Cell Unit from Ballard (posted 8/02/04) Ballard,
meanwhile, will work on developing the next-generation electric drive system and
the next two generations of fuel cells County sues Sempra
Energy (posted 8/02/04) The lawsuit accuses San Diego-based Sempra Energy and other companies of
artificially inflating the price of natural gas during California's energy
crisis. Higher
prices, production boost Jim Walter's coal earnings (posted 7/30/04) Favorable pricing from metallurgical coal and natural gas sales, plus higher
coal production, drove profitability FERC's
new affiliate rules could harm competition, observers say (posted
7/30/04) Rules approved Wednesday by the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission aimed
at ensuring electric utilities consider all competitive options before seeking
agency approval of a transaction with an affiliate could harm competition in
certain areas, industry analysts said Thursday. Yukos warns
oil production could be halted in days (posted 7/30/04) Russian oil major Yukos could be forced to stop pumping oil within just a few
days, the company has warned the country's justice minister, Interfax reported
Wednesday. US monitoring
Yukos situation (posted 7/30/04) The US Energy Department is monitoring the potential disruption of crude
supplies from Russia, due to the legal problems of major Yukos, and is
"trying to determine what the consequences of it is," US Energy
Secretary Spencer Abraham told reporters Wednesday. OPEC worried
about high oil prices (posted 7/30/04) OPEC continues to be concerned about high oil prices and is doing all it can
"to restore order and stability to the market," including pumping
close to its crude production capacity Shell sees oil, gas production
falling until 2006 (posted 7/30/04) Shell expects its total oil and gas production to fall over the next two
years as a result of divestments, delayed projects and price effects on oil
entitlements Scheme
to make electricity from rapeseed (posted 7/30/04) The world's
first commercial venture to generate electricity from rapeseed is planned for
northern England and set to start production next July, its backers say. Global
warming melts Peruvian peaks (posted 7/30/04) The snow
atop Pastoruri, one of the Andes most beautiful peaks and a big draw for
mountaineers and skiers, could disappear along with many of Peru's glaciers in
the next several years because of global warming, experts say. Fact
or Fiction? Iran's Quest for the Atomic Bomb (posted 7/30/04) It has been
two years since a group of Iranian exiles accused Iran of hiding a secret atomic
weapons program from U.N. inspectors, and diplomats and analysts say Tehran is
only getting closer to the bomb. Bacteria,
Underground Fires to Unlock Oil Reserves (posted 7/30/04) Could
microbes, underground fires, or sonic vibrations help open up untapped oil
resources? GE
hopes its solar will top $1 bln per year
by 2010 (posted 7/30/04) Ali Iz, who
heads GE Energys solar business, said recent growth in demand of solar equipment
that is tied to the national electricity grid, over traditional units designed
for remote areas that are far from the grid, could play a big role in boosting
the companys production. Queen
Creek, Ariz., meeting to provide information about transmission line plan
(posted 7/28/04) Queen Creek residents will have a chance to review a proposal
to install a new electrical transmission line through parts of the East Valley
and Pinal County at a public meeting Wednesday. Research on
renewables drops 40% since oil crisis (posted 7/28/04) Research in renewable energies has dropped by 40% since the post-OPEC period,
according to an analysis by the International Energy Agency. Senior Iraqi
oil ministry delegation to visit Iran (posted 7/28/04) "There is an economic conference in Tehran," the spokesman said,
adding six ministry officials will attend the conference. Spanish
utility recognized by UN for its work in renewable energies (posted
7/28/04) The technical committee analysed more than 2,000 candidates before selecting
EHN's proposal, entitled ‘Fourteen years of a business initiative that has
converted Navarre into an international benchmark in the use of clean energy.’ U.S.
Senators Strive to Protect Domestic Ethanol (posted 7/28/04) "The Daschle proposal will ensure all the ethanol used to comply with
an RFS is produced here in the U.S. - creating jobs, boosting farm income, and
enhancing energy security." Policy changes in U.S.
could increase green power capacity by ten-fold (posted 7/28/04) Policy changes in the United States could lead to 131 GW of green power
capacity by 2025, more than ten times the level of 2001. The West is
Poised for Energy Innovation (posted 7/28/04) Arizona Corporation Commission chair Mark Spitzer expressed his interest in
doubling the state’s RPS benchmark, but talk off the dais with others from
Arizona revealed that Governor Janet Napolitano is considering a ten-percent
goal. Lifecycle
assessment shows favourable impact of renewables (posted 7/28/04) The study analyzes all stages of energy production and use for a range of
conventional and alternative energy sources from raw materials supply,
production, transport and energy generation to recycling and disposal stages. Lawsuit
Offers Another Reason for Renewable Energy (posted 7/28/04) Lawsuits could be a means to convince major power
companies they need to make a real effort toward lowering greenhouse gas
emissions. IEA group
helps reduce cost of solar thermal by 7% - 30% (posted 7/28/04) The global solar thermal industry has reached “substantial cost and price
reductions” of 7% to 30% as a result of activities to promote large-scale
procurement. Health
official wants renewables to avoid premature deaths in Canada (posted
7/28/04) The government in Canada’s largest province must “aggressively promote”
renewable energy sources as a priority to reduce potentially fatal air
pollution, a health official has urged. Half-MW
Solar Energy System for Water Treatment Plant (posted 7/28/04) "Going solar allows us to have more control over our rates." Gnashing
on Renewables: Time To Face the Options (posted 7/28/04) "But the goal of this storage medium (hydrogen)...is that it be
sustainably-tied to renewable energy, not just a way to disguise more dirtier,
non-renewable fuels." Fuel Cell
Buses in China to Ease Pollution (posted 7/28/04) "Recognizing that the increasing demand for automobiles in China
cannot be satisfied using internal combustion engines, without a significant
adverse impact on urban air quality, the Chinese government is focused on
sustainable, clean transportation." Energy
Company and Foundation Jointly Promote Renewable Energy (posted 7/28/04) Talk about strange bedfellows Electric Power
From the Ocean (posted 7/28/04) Old Orchard Beach could host a $4 million pilot project that would harness
the energy of ocean waves and turn it into electricity. Coalition of
environmental groups sues EPA over water (posted 7/28/04) A coalition of environmental groups has filed suit against the US
Environmental Protection Agency over rules governing cooling water intake for
existing power plants. Democrat's
energy platform promotes US coal (posted 7/28/04) Democrats meeting in Boston to nominate Massachusetts Sen John Kerry as their
candidate for president are promising to support coal as a key domestic fuel for
power generation and say the party would "move beyond OPEC" by
diversifying sources of oil in the US and abroad. Clean Energy
Electrifies Democratic National Convention (posted 7/28/04) Organizers of the Democratic National Convention
(DNC) don't just want their party speaking about the importance of clean energy
-- they're putting those words into action right at the conference. California
Energy Demand Spikes (posted 7/28/04) Back when the energy crisis was at its peak, a day like Monday would have
cost California a fortune. Buying
Green Power: Does It Make Cents? (posted 7/28/04) Green energy purchases are no longer the exclusive province of the Ben &
Jerry's of the world. In the process of gathering and evaluating disparate
tangible benefits into a complete menu of arguments for making the green energy
business case Budget Crunch
May Stall Yucca (posted 7/28/04) While a court battle threatens to derail the Energy Department's plans to
ship nuclear waste to Nevada, the department could see the Yucca Mountain
project delayed by a budget crunch. ReliOn
Selects Fuel Cell Product Manufacturer (posted 7/27/04) ReliOn, the leading provider of high reliability fuel cell
solutions for backup power applications, announced that Celestica, a world
leader in electronics manufacturing services (EMS), will serve as EMS provider
for ReliOn's fuel cell products going forward. Fitch Rates
Tucson Electric (posted 7/27/04) Fitch Ratings has assigned a 'BB+' rating to Tucson Electric Power Company's
(TEP) PUTIN URGES MORE
ENERGY-SECTOR COOPERATION WITH THE UNITED STATES (posted 7/27/04) "I would like relations between Russian and U.S.
businesses to develop more actively, especially in the strategically important
area of energy," Putin said Average
US regular gasoline price falls 2.3 cts (posted 7/27/04) The average retail price of regular gasoline in the US fell 2.3 cts to Supply
shortage, not import problems, called main US LNG hurdle (posted 7/27/04) A shortage of global LNG supplies is far greater an obstacle to boosting US
imports than local opposition to new LNG terminals, according to analysts at
Deutsche Bank AG. Laws
Hindering Power Crisis Refunds (posted 7/27/04) State and federal energy laws and regulations are stacked
against California officials who are seeking refunds for overpriced electricity
during the energy crisis, Ohio,
Michigan big players in fuel-cell development (posted 7/27/04) University of Toledo researchers received more than $1.3 million in state
funds to buy equipment for efforts to convert diesel and other fuels into
hydrogen for powering fuel cells, part of more than $30 million in grants the
state has doled out. Across the state line in Michigan, officials have altered and scaled back
plans for a duty-free center to house budding alternative fuel companies,
including those exploring fuel cells. Assembly Looks at
Governor's Energy Vision (posted 7/27/04) Lawmakers debated whether the state should again allow a competitive retail
market for electricity Monday as they reviewed Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's
energy goals. Exercising
electric choice (posted 7/27/04) A six-bill package introduced in the Michigan Senate earlier this month may
change the rules on deregulation. Supporters say the new legislation will level
the playing field for all suppliers, while critics maintain it will wipe out the
competition. The process (posted 7/27/04) To change its electric rates, a regulated company such
as Consumers Energy must go through a process that resembles a trial. Here's how
it works. Stage 1 Power
Emergency Declared (posted 7/27/04) With both Southern and Northern California experiencing heat waves, the
state's energy regulator declared Monday a "power watch day" in
anticipation of record electricity consumption. Pacific
Gas and Electric Company Urges Conservation as High Electric Demand Continues
(posted 7/27/04) PG&E has joined the California Independent
System Operator (CAISO), the agency responsible for managing the states' power
grid, to urge customers to conserve electricity. World Bank
gives Kenya 102m dollars to fund energy sector (posted 7/26/04) The World Bank's executive board of directors have approved
two international Development Association (IDA) credits totalling 102m dollars
(8bn shillings) to expand electricity generation and distribution and help
develop the micro, small and medium size enterprise sector in Kenya. Wisconsin
Public Service Beefs Up Renewable Energy Portfolio (posted 7/26/04) Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, a subsidiary of WPS Resources
Corporation (NYSE: WPS), today announced it will increase its wind generation by
70 megawatts, increasing that portion of its renewable energy portfolio to a
total of about 80 megawatts. Wind power works
(posted 7/26/04) Contrary to Bob Graham's claims, wind power has an important
role in curbing CO2 emissions. During its life-cycle a modern combined cycle
gas-turbine plant produces around 429 grams of CO2 per kWh, whereas wind
produces between 6.5 and 9.1 grams per kWh. This takes into account fossil fuels
used in construction and manufacture. UniRac adds 3-inch
PV PoleTop and Wind Pressure Certification (posted 7/26/04) A new 3-inch top-of-pole PV rack today joins UniRac's
proven family of PV PoleTops. Effective immediately, the company also begins
certifying Design Wind Pressure ratings for all of its top-of-pole mounts for
photovoltaic arrays. Thai prime
minister pledges state support for household solar power systems (posted
7/26/04) "Using solar cells to generate electricity would be a good start for
developing renewable energy. Even though it is costly, the government is willing
to absorb the losses to help people in remote areas have access to cheap
electricity," Texas agency
accuses American Electric Power of serious pollution violations (posted
7/26/04) The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality filed the notice this week
against American Electric Power, alleging at least seven violations pertaining
to sulfur dioxide and particulate emissions, record keeping and burn rates at
Welsh Power Plant in Titus County. Ski Area to
Use Snowmelt to Generate Electricity (posted 7/26/04) In what officials say is an industry first, a small power plant has been
installed at Snowmass Ski Area to generate electricity from melting snow. Oshkosh,
Wis.-Area Plant Banks on Alternative Fuel Growth (posted 7/26/04) A facility that plans to double its output of ethanol to 50 million gallons a
year is hard at work on pursuing an allied task: development of the first area
stations to dispense the alternate fuel. Official
Wants Jump on Nuclear Plants Feds May Start Issuing Licenses Again
(posted 7/26/04) If the federal government starts handing permits to build new nuclear power
plants, Public Service Commissioner Jay Blossman wants Louisiana up near the
front of the line. NOx Emission
Reduction Projects Underway at Indianapolis Coal (posted 7/26/04) An estimated $33 million will be spent on a NOx reduction
project scheduled for Unit #7. ISSUE:
U.S. Solar PV Module Shortage? (posted 7/26/04) Over the past few months SolarAccess.com has received numerous indications
that the U.S. renewable energy market is facing a solar photovoltaic (PV) module
shortage Iowa Supreme
Court equalizes cooperatives (posted 7/26/04) An Iowa Supreme Court ruling Wednesday could encourage more farmers to invest
in wind or solar energy by requiring rural electric cooperatives to buy their
excess electricity under the same terms as Iowa's rate-regulated utilities. "If
Energy Performance Contracting Is So Good, Why Aren't More Agencies Using
It?" (posted 7/26/04) Energy performance contracting (EPC) is touted by many as a solution for
housing authorities to use energy savings to generate additional HUD subsidy,
thus freeing up their capital fund allocation for other needed agency
improvements. Four
Governors Push Congress on Renewables (posted 7/26/04) "A reinstatement of the renewable energy tax credit -- known more
specifically to the renewable energy industries as the Production Tax Credit
(PTC) -- would have a dramatic and positive effect on the renewable energy
industries. " Energy
Independence Reaches Pennsylvania Farms (posted 7/26/04) A PROGRAM to use methane and other biomass projects in Pennsylvania with
support of the Pennsylvania Departments of Agriculture and Environmental
Protection, and financing from the West Penn, Met Ed, and Pennelec Sustainable
Energy Funds, has been introduced by a company called NativeEnergy. Electricity Report By
Md (posted 7/26/04) The group sponsored a study, released yesterday, describing a cleaner, more
efficient and less expensive electricity system for the United States. State
leaders of the group said it showed that Maryland still has to move forward on
the issue. Economic
slowdown may be near (posted 7/26/04) After nearly a year of strong growth, the US economy may slow in the coming
months, according to economic data released yesterday. California-based
energy firm puts wind back in British official's sails (posted 7/26/04) Former Tory minister Colin Moynihan is back in the energy sector -- with
added bite.
China Hits
New Record High in Power Consumption (posted 7/26/04) China set a new high for electricity consumption at 6.406 billion kwh
Wednesday, the State Grid Corporation of China (SG) announced Thursday. Developments
Signal Boost for Coal Gasification (posted 7/26/04) Integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) is broadly viewed as the holy
grail of coal-fired generation, a technology offering the possibility of using
the fuel representing 95% of U.S. fossil reserves (easily a 250-year supply)
while producing little or no pollutants. California
faces shortage of electricity (posted 7/26/04) For the first time since the energy crisis petered out three
years ago, energy consumption is starting to bump up against the limits of
supply. On Thursday the state avoided a fourth straight day of record
electricity usage -- but supplies were tightened by the unexpected shutdown of a
major Pacific Gas and Electric Co. generating plant due to an equipment
malfunction. Diablo Canyon
Offline As Power Draw Soars (posted 7/26/04) As electricity grid managers prepared for another day of high energy demand
Thursday, one of two units at a nuclear power plant was shut down so workers
could fix a leaky pipe, cutting 1,100 megawatts of electricity from the state
power grid. Contra Costa Times
(posted 7/26/04) The Utility Reform Network sees itself as a barking watchdog on behalf of
California's utility customers. The San Francisco-based nonprofit strives to
ensure that energy and telecommunications customers pay what it considers fair
rates, that utilities get no more than they deserve, and that consumer rights
are protected. 9/11
Commission urges nonproliferation effort (posted 7/23/04) "A parallel vital effort" on nonproliferation should be carried out
in Activists Win
Bid To Fight Nuclear Plant (posted 7/23/04) A company that wants to build a nuclear fuel factory in New Mexico will have
to do battle with activists over the waste the plant will produce, a federal
panel ruled this week. Ballard
Introduces Ecostar Power Converter to Photovoltaic Market (posted
7/23/04) Ballard Power Systems has introduced its 75 kW Ecostar
power converter specifically designed for Photovoltaic applications. The only 75
kW grid-tie utility interactive power inverter available to PV customers Investing in China
(posted 7/23/04) The world seems to be getting hooked on investing in China, and China's power
sector has often been cited as one of the best ideas around for portfolio
investors. Lacey,
N.J., hearing set on nuclear plant evacuation plan (posted 7/23/04) Emergency management officials tonight are expected to hear feedback on a
controversial plan designed to evacuate towns in case a radioactive release from
the Oyster Creek nuclear power plant in Lacey becomes an immediate threat. Mitsubishi
Electric Launches Stand-Alone Photovoltaic
Electricity Generation System (posted 7/23/04) The stand-alone system employs a 36-cell array US moves
forward with more SPR fills (posted 7/23/04) Even with US oil prices over $41/bbl, the US government remains committed to
filling its Strategic Petroleum Reserve to capacity, announcing Thursday its
intention to take some 17-mil bbl of royalty oil produced from federal offshore
leases in the Gulf of Mexico and deliver it into the emergency stockpile
beginning in October. Why windpower
offers no solution (posted 7/23/04) The output from all the wind turbines in the UK last year was
a derisory 1/27th of the electricity lost in the National Grid system through
transmission losses. Currently, a unit of electricity from a modern windfarm is
wholesaling at more than three times that from normal sources. The consumer will
have to pay the difference. Wisconsin
Governor’s task force recommends boosting use of renewable energy
(posted 7/23/04) A governor’s
task force has recommended the state increase its use of renewable energy over
the next decade as a way to help satisfy its growing demand for energy. Calif.
Sets Power Use Record for 3rd Day (posted 7/23/04) For the third day in a row, California set a record for electricity use
Wednesday - and for the third day supplies were sufficient. LADWP Urges
Energy Conservation (posted 7/23/04) Mayor James Hahn and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
(LADWP) asked for the public's help today in conserving energy in light of a
continued heat wave and brush fires burning in the vicinity of several major
power lines. San
Diego-area utility's share of California power crisis costs may grow
(posted 7/23/04) Larger San Diego Gas & Electric Co. customers, who already pay the
highest electricity rates in the state, would see rates climb further if
regulators adopt proposals offered this week on shifting more than $900 million
of the state's power crisis costs to the local utility. Nuclear
Revival Hits Home as PG&E and Edison Seek to Put Ratepayers on the Hook for
Nuke Steam Generator Replacements (posted 7/23/04) In particular, PG&E is seeking to make its ratepayers pay for the $900
million investment. On July 16 the recently bailed out of bankruptcy
company admitted it was investigating the whereabouts of about four pounds of
nuclear waste. Contradicting the Governor and state agency promises of a 2010
acceleration of the state Renewable Portfolio Standard law and a growing
municipal green power movement China builds
more nuclear power plants to ease power shortage (posted 7/23/04) The Chinese State Council on Wednesday approved two nuclear
power plant projects in provinces to ease power shortage. Conservation
Steps for Florida (posted 7/23/04) The state Public Service Commission on Tuesday approved mandatory energy
conservation measures for the state's major utilities. El Paso
Merchant Energy Closes Sale of Two Power Plants (posted 7/23/04) El Paso Merchant Energy, a business unit of El Paso
Corporation (NYSE: EP), today announced that on Monday, July 19, it closed the
sale of two domestic power generation facilities to Northern Star Generation,
LLC for approximately $97.4 million. FERC orders Enron
to forfeit (posted 7/23/04) he Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Thursday ordered Enron Corp. to
forfeit $32.5 million in "unjust profits" from wholesale power sales
and called for a combined review of all violations by the company in the western
energy market that could result in much larger refunds. Connecticut
may recoup Enron losses (posted 7/23/04) There's good news that the state of Connecticut might actually get back some
of the money it lost when Enron, the energy giant, went belly up. The state took
a bath of $220 million, and it hopes to recoup $80 million to $90 million after
lengthy negotiations between the attorney general's staff and Enron. GE Global
Research Breaks Two World Records For OLEDs as a Lighting Device
(posted 7/23/04) GE Global Research, the centralized research
organization of General Electric, has had a major breakthrough in the
development of more efficient Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLEDs) by breaking
two world records. OLEDs are thin sheets of plastic-like material that emit
light when powered by electricity. Green Power
and the LEED Initiative (posted 7/23/04) Electricity sector restructuring is opening up new business opportunities for
independent power producers and alternative energy developers. LEED, the
national standard for green building design, has acknowledged the importance of
green power by incorporating it into its rating systems. Idaho Power
sees coal and wind in its energy future (posted 7/23/04) Natural gas is out. Coal and wind power are in. Shell
Launches Shell PowerMax Range of High Performance Modules (posted
7/23/04) Shell has launched a new range of solar electric
modules known as Shell PowerMax. The solar panels are 10 percent more powerful
than the current solar panels available in the market today and are designed to
provide a new set of solutions for grid-connected and off-grid applications. Sierra Club
to sue owners of coal-fired plant over air emissions (posted
7/23/04) The Sierra Club Thursday said it will sue the utility owners of the 2,340-MW
Stuart coal-fired power plant in southern Ohio for alleged violations of the
Clean Air Act. Successful
Nuke-plant attack seen unlikely (posted 7/23/04) A successful attack on a British nuclear power plant
would be "highly unlikely" to kill many people immediately but could
cause large numbers of long-term cancers, according to a report. Two
Arizona chambers take stand against planned high-voltage line
(posted 7/23/04) Business leaders in Santa Cruz County and Green Valley on
Wednesday took a position against a Tucson Electric Power Co. proposal to build
a high-voltage transmission line in their area. US energy
firms facing law suits The UN estimates countries will not meet their emissions
targets (posted 7/23/04) Eight US states have joined forces to file law suits against five giant
power firms challenging their gas emissions. The case was being launched in the federal district court of Manhattan using
the common law of "public nuisance" to demand cuts.
The five are American Electric Power, Southern Co, Xcel Energy, Cinergy and
the Federal Tennessee Valley Authority. 8
states, New York City to consider landmark emissions lawsuit
(posted 7/23/04) When a rendering plant persists in stinking up the neighborhood or a dump
keeps fouling area drinking-water wells, the victims have a centuries-old friend
they can tap to haul the offender into court: the common law of public
nuisance. Now, California and seven other states and New York City are
trying to stretch this doctrine to cover emissions neither odorous nor toxic
from power plants far outside the neighborhood. Iowa joins
global warming lawsuit against giant power companies (posted
7/23/04) Iowa joined forces with seven states and New York City Wednesday in filing a
federal lawsuit against five giant power companies charging carbon dioxide from
their electric generating plants is contributing to harmful climate changes. New York
attorney general joins lawsuit aimed at halting global warming
(posted 7/23/04) The heat is on for some of the nation's largest power suppliers. New York's Eliot Spitzer and fellow attorneys general from seven other states
announced a lawsuit yesterday aimed at forcing five power companies to cut
carbon dioxide emissions before global warming gets out of control. JBIC,
3 Banks to Give 200-M.-Dollar Loans to Power Supply Project in Mexico
(posted 7/22/04) Kyushu Electric Power Co. said Tuesday that its electricity supply project in
Mexico, to be launched jointly with Mitsubishi Corp. , will receive 200 million
dollars in loans from the government-affiliated Japan Bank for International
Cooperation and three commercial banks. Yucca Lawsuits
(posted 7/22/04) Already with a budget in the red, the U.S. government now faces challenges
regarding its never-ending quest to store spent nuclear fuel at Yucca Mountain. New Jersey
joins air pollution suit (posted 7/22/04) New Jersey will join seven other states in filing a groundbreaking suit
against five of the nation's largest utilities to curb global warming, state
officials said Tuesday. California
joins 8-state lawsuit to fight utilities (posted 7/22/04) California, seven other states and New York City together plan to launch the
first major attack on emitters of global warming gases today in a lawsuit that
demands big cuts in the climate-altering exhausts from the nation's five largest
power suppliers. Xcel Energy
deal trades wastewater from Amarillo (posted 7/22/04) Ever think flushing your toilet could help power your light bulb?
Wind Tops
Survey on Energy Sources (posted 7/22/04) WIND is the most approved form of electricity generation and most people
would not oppose a wind farm being built in their area, a new survey shows. California
sets power usage record again (posted 7/22/04) California used more electricity than ever before Wednesday, a third straight
day of record power consumption that will likely be topped today. Willie
Nelson: On the Road Again with Biodiesel (posted 7/22/04) "When I fill up at Pacific Biodiesel, I'm doing something good for
America, and that makes me feel better about my personal impact on the
planet." Nevada Moves
Ahead on Renewable Energy Policy (posted 7/22/04) "Nevada's renewable energy development was interrupted by financial
events of 2002, but will be put back on track by this initiative." Tax
Bill, RE Provisions Move Toward Conference (posted 7/22/04) After weeks of partisan haggling, U.S. Senate
Republican and Democratic leaders have reached an agreement allowing the start
of negotiations between the House of Representatives and Senate on a final
version of corporate tax legislation (S.1637 / H.R.4520) that contain some
vitally important measures for the renewable energy industries. Isofoton
CEO: U.S. PV Market Requires Patience (posted 7/22/04) Javier Gorbena often repeated the word
"patience" during our brief conversation. He knows the U.S. is hungry
for more PV modules during a time when modules are scarce, but clearly does not
want to over-promise his company's capacity at a time when there are profits to
be had in Europe. Five
Renewable Energy Policy Proverbs by Paul Komer (posted
7/22/04) The renewables industry has seen some
impressive policy changes: 14 states have renewable portfolio standards (RPSs),
14 states have system benefit charges that support renewables and the production
tax credit (PTC) has contributed to the over 6.3 GW of wind now installed in the
U.S. But overall, the news is not great. Russia is one
of the key players in the global energy market (posted 7/22/04) Russia is one of the major players in
the world energy market. Currently, Russia's oil and gas sector accounts for
some two-thirds of the country's national budget and high oil prices have been
the main driving force behind the country's recent economic growth. Russia plays its
energy card (posted 7/22/04) Russia has embarked on a new
geopolitical game, playing its energy card to reclaim global clout. Its vast
energy reserves and control over the markets in the former Soviet Union are to
be leveraged to turn Russia into a superpower. US pipeline
inspections reveal many trouble spots (posted 7/22/04) The US's 160,000 miles of aging
pipelines that carry gasoline and other hazardous liquids may be in worse
condition than expected, a Senate committee was told. Biodiesel
bill a plus for farmers (posted 7/22/04) Senate Bill 321, which Gov. Ruth Ann
Minner called for in her State of the State address, is designed to help clean
the air by reducing pollution from diesel engines. The bill has been approved by
the Senate and now is awaiting consideration in the House. White House
passes vote on DOE (posted 7/22/04) The US White House June 17 passed on a
334-86 vote a spending bill that largely keeps federal oil and natural gas
research funding intact for the upcoming fiscal year slated to start Oct. 1. US sends
tough message to Saudi Arabia (posted 7/22/04) US officials said the Bush
administration has warned that Americans would not stay in Saudi Arabia unless
the kingdom takes significant steps to protect them. US energy
secretary calls for study on oil refineries (posted 7/22/04) US Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham
asked the National Petroleum Council to study the country's oil refineries,
looking particularly at how to increase production capacity. US to auction
record oil and gas leases in Utah (posted 7/22/04) the government plans to auction oil and
gas leases on a record 281,000 acres of public lands in Utah. More than 10 % of
those lands are within proposed wilderness areas, Balancing act
over Alaskan crude oil continues (posted 7/22/04) Biologists warn the decision could
affect thousands of migrating geese, caribou and the Inupiat Eskimos who hunt
them for food. The scenario is familiar. In one of the nation's wildest places,
oil and wildlife inhabit the same ground. Californian
gas refineries at precarious output level (posted 7/22/04) You may not be able to hear it tick,
but the clock is running out on California oil refineries chugging away at full
speed. US
gas demand to grow 40 % by 2025 (posted 7/22/04) natural gas use in the United States
will grow substantially over the next 25 years, and natural gas demand will
increase by more than 40 % between now and 2025. Americans
should invest in more efficient cars (posted 7/22/04) We Americans can't solve our oil
dependency and high gas prices by building more refineries. But we can by
building cars that guzzle less gas. It's
time for the United States to create a workable energy strategy
(posted 7/22/04) It should be clear by now, even to
those in the White House, that America needs a new oil strategy. Iraq's
oil industry: The endemic problem (posted 7/22/04) Iraq ceased oil exports because of
sabotage to the southern and northern pipeline systems. The oil market’s
response was initially subdued, despite generally high price levels and a tight
supply/demand balance. Iran modifies
oil laws to encourage participation of foreign firms (posted
7/22/04) Like Indonesia, Iran's parliament
(Majlis) is changing its laws in order to entice foreign firms to participate
more in its oil and gas development projects. Iran claims to be
world (posted 7/22/04) Iranian Minister of Petroleum Bijan
Namdar Zanganeh announced that Iran was the world-second nation in terms of oil
and gas reserves after Saudi Arabia. Iran’s
strategic approach greatly influences oil industry development
(posted 7/22/04) he added that the destiny of the world
depended on oil, gas, and petrochemical industries, noting, "Decreasing
trend of oil resources and increasing consumption has concerned the world and
many political developments in the Middle East stem from this fact." UK think tank
believes poorest should have access to clean energy (posted
7/22/04) Two billion of the poorest should have
access to clean energy. The only way to meet international poverty targets is by
a massive switch to renewable energy, such as solar power, a UK think-tank says. Norway:
a haven for oil production (posted 7/22/04) Norway’s oil and gas industry looks
set to have a longer shelf life than its counterpart in the UK sector, largely
due to the Oslo government’s more disciplined approach to husbanding its
offshore assets. Church of
England declares support for climate plan (posted 7/22/04) The Church of England has declared its
support for a challenging proposal to tackle the threat of climate change. The
idea, hatched by the Global Commons Institute, says all the Earth's people have
equal rights to cause pollution. Already endorsed by other faith groups, it says
nobody, however rich, should cause more than their allotted share. UK energy bill
get royal assent (posted 7/22/04) The UK energy bill is now law, having received royal assent Thursday, Independent
certification needed on oil (posted 7/22/04) Reforms to the way oil and gas companies collect and disclose reserve data
need to include some form of "third party expert certification" to
insure the data is accurate, a US House panel was told Wednesday. EARTH
ISLAND NATURAL FOODS POWERS ENTIRE FACILITY WITH ITS FLAT-ROOF “NATURAL ENERGY”
PV STATION (posted 7/22/04) Earth Island Natural Foods, is now being powered entirely by the sun. Enron's
Houses of Sand and Fog (posted 7/21/04) Bankruptcy, like divorce court, opens a highly public window on actions and
events that the individuals involved would probably prefer were left closed. Coal
plant will bring many benefits (posted 7/21/04) Coal fuels more than 50 percent of U.S. electricity, driving
down energy costs and helping Americans live longer and better. Even as coal
used for electricity generation has tripled over the past three decades,
emissions from coal-fueled plants have been reduced dramatically thanks to
investments in new technologies. California
utilities ask for more renewables (posted 7/21/04) Two major utilities in California have issued requests for green power by
2010. Biofuels
primed to grow after 12 years of development (posted 7/21/04) Production of biofuels in Europe rose 26% last year, to 1.7 million tons of
ethanol and biodiesel. The
Structural Shortcomings of Retail Provider Choice in Distribution
(posted 7/21/04) As well known, generation was the first business segment where deregulation
was attempted. The approach was fostered at the turn of the century by both US
federal policy and technological development; a contributing factor to this
emerging competition could also be found in the progress of integrated systems State
utilities eye wind farm purchase (posted 7/21/04) Madison Gas & Electric and Wisconsin Public Power
Inc. of Sun Prairie are teaming up on what would be the largest wind power
project east of the Mississippi River. Advocates of
Solar Power See Bright Future (posted 7/21/04) Solar energy boosters see broad public support, declining production costs
and a financial commitment Environmental
Externalities (posted 7/21/04) This paper reviews life cycle analyses of alternative energy technologies in
terms of both their private and societal costs ...the removal of subsidies to
fossil fuel-based technologies and the appropriate pricing of these fuels to
reflect the environmental damage (local, regional, and global) created by their
combustion are essential policy strategies for stimulating the development of
renewable energy technologies Arizona
Public Service says blackouts are likely today (posted
7/21/04) Blackouts in the Phoenix region are likely today because of
higher temperatures and a transmission substation fire that occurred early
Tuesday morning, an Arizona Public Service spokeswoman said. 'Insurance'
generators still idle in Page (posted 7/21/04) Six diesel-driven electrical
generators are whiling away their fourth idle summer under the hot sun of the
northern Arizona desert on the edge of Page. Keeping Our Cool
(posted 7/21/04) The topic each year - to put it bluntly: Can we keep our cool this
summer? PJM is called upon to detail what the chances are that a blackout
will strike some or most of PJM because peak electric demand caused by summer
heat waves overwhelms supply. Largest
offshore windfarm to be dismantled for repairs (posted 7/21/04) All the turbines installed at the world’s first large offshore windfarm
will be dismantled to fix a series of problems. Minnkota Says
Power Plant Emissions OK (posted 7/21/04) Minnkota Power Cooperative officials say the utility's coal- burning power
plant near Center does not have emission problems, despite the possibility of
legal action by federal regulators. New
Calif. Power Lines Stir Health Debate (posted 7/21/04) California's push to build more transmission lines to satisfy growing demand
for electricity is stirring concern over possible health effects from electric
and magnetic fields -- EMFs -- created by electricity lines Northern
Utilities asks PUC for approval of cleanup plan (posted 7/21/04) The former gas manufacturing plant along the Fore River
operated from 1852 to 1965. A natural gas and propane distribution facility
remains on a portion of the 8.9-acre site. Record
power usage in California (posted 7/21/04) California's power-grid operator said electricity demand rose to a record
Monday, topping a record that stood for five years Reid
demands resignations of FERC commissioners (posted 7/21/04) Sen. Harry Reid on Monday called for the resignation of
two members of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, charging that they have
failed to protect Nevada consumers from the misdeeds of Enron Corp. Seven
states? AGs to sue five power companies over CO2 (posted 7/21/04) Attorneys general from seven states are expected to announce today that they
will sue five power companies owning more than 170 power plants nationwide and
demand substantial cuts in carbon dioxide emissions. Those
Fightin' Attorneys General (posted 7/21/04) In case you hadn't noticed, we are experiencing an historic jurisdictional
battle between states and the federal government. Energy policy is just one of
the fronts in conflict. Wind industry
releases draft guidelines for sustainability (posted 7/21/04) Wind power must be “developed and operated in a sustainable manner” if it
is to play an important role in addressing the major global challenges of this
century, and the wind industry has published guidelines to achieve that goal. Wind will
match fossil electricity by 2020 (posted 7/21/04) The cost to generate electricity from wind turbines will rival the cost of
power from fossil fuel facilities by 2020, if government increases its targets
for renewables. 'Wonderbug'
converts waste into power (posted 7/21/04) Geobacter, a class of bacteria, is tiny and yet so talented that it can turn
deadly uranium waste into harmless muck, generate electricity from rust and
garbage, and even run a toy car. World Bank
closes consultation on position on renewables (posted 7/21/04) The World Bank will promote the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency
to combat climate change Yucca
Mountain Must Stay on Track As Nuclear Waste Site (posted 7/19/04) We'll be up-front about our home-state interest in seeing a nuclear waste
repository opened - safely - in Nevada's Yucca Mountain. Why
Did California's Lights Go Out (posted 7/19/04) A reporting team looks for answers amid a new and complex electricity market. Utility
Concerns Over Security and Transmission (posted 7/19/04) THE BIGGEST AREA of concern for power utilities over the next five years is
security of supply and increasing transmission capacity, according to a new
report. Using
Narrative to Tell the Blackout Story (posted 7/19/04) Reporting from inside a power plant helped to tell the dramatic story of
decision-making when the lights went out. US crude
inputs to refineries decline (posted 7/19/04) US crude inputs to refineries declined by 223,000 b/d to average 15.835-mil
b/d in the week ended July 9 US capacity growth
adds one'medium-sized' refinery annually (posted 7/19/04) Despite the fact that no significant grassroots refinery has been built in
the US since 1976, US refinery capacity has increased 1.9-mil b/d over the last
10 years, equivalent to the addition of one medium-sized refinery annually UK energy
bill back in the Lords (posted 7/19/04) The UK energy bill returned to the House of Lords Thursday for the Lords to
give their assent to changes made to the bill in the House of Commons. Run the Risk (posted
7/19/04) Using risk and return and the relationship of these two important measures
can lead to superior decisions about changes to any energy- based portfolio Sempra Enjoys the
Good Time (posted 7/19/04) US ENERGY COMPANY SEMPRA is celebrating first quarter figures which have seen
its net income for that period more than double to $197 million from $88 million
a year ago. Solar Energy
Industry Says It's on the Rebound (posted 7/19/04) If the crash hadn't happened, we'd probably be where Germany is, and Japan,
said John Patterson, president of Mr. Sun Solar in Portland. Just 1 percent of
energy generated in Oregon is solar. In Germany, the world leader, the number is
about 10 percent. OPEC statement
reaffirms 500,000 b/d output quota hike from Aug 1 (posted 7/19/04) OPEC's Vienna headquarters issued a statement Thursday confirming the
cancellation of next week's Jul 21 conference and reaffirming the cartel's
intention to raise the ten-member crude output ceiling by 500,000 b/d to 26-mil
b/d from Aug 1. Opposing
Renewable Projects is Shortsighted (posted 7/19/04) Opponents of renewable power projects like wind farms and hydroelectric dams
are missing the forest for the trees - perhaps air pollution from fossil fuel
plants in neighboring states is obscuring their view. Our Energy Mix
Needs Adjusting (posted 7/19/04) AFFORDABLE energy is necessary to heat and light our homes, to help us
travel, and to power our businesses. However, burning fossil fuels is a major
contributor to climate change and will have major consequences not just for
Wales, but worldwide. Prison Taps
Geothermal Aquifer (posted 7/19/04) A vast underground aquifer of near-boiling water is saving Utah taxpayers
hundreds of thousands of dollars. Railway firm
supports Mobridge, S.D., as site for power plant (posted 7/19/04) A top executive for Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railway was in Aberdeen
Thursday to support Mobridge as the site for a proposed coal-burning power
plant. Razing
begins of `most dangerous building' (posted 7/19/04) Demolition of what some call "the most dangerous building in
America" got under way today at DOE's Rocky Flats, marking a milestone in
the accelerated cleanup of DOE's former nuclear weapons sites. Building 771, a
plutonium process building, has a 50-year legacy of plutonium leaks and spills Subpoenas Follow
Price Hikes (posted 7/19/04) FEDERAL AUTHORITIES in the US have issued subpoenas on a number of energy
companies as part of an on-going investigation into the steep price hikes last
autumn. Terrorism
Fears Thwart Journalists (posted 7/19/04) Is the public being well-served by the government's protection of
information? Newspaper
inquiry finds deception goes higher at Texas electric (posted
7/19/04) A consulting firm billed the state's electricity grid operator for hundreds
of thousands of dollars in services from people who didn't perform any work --
including a dead man. Improvements
make repeat of last year's Ohio blackout unlikely, regulators say
(posted 7/19/04) Chain saws have toppled overgrown trees under thousands of miles of electric
transmission lines. Computerized monitoring systems are upgraded. People who
operate utility control rooms are better trained. Florida Power & Light makes
pitch for license renewals at nuclear plants (posted 7/19/04) They stressed improvements made over the last 18 months in preventive
maintenance programs, plant upgrades as well as changes in training programs,
personnel and communications with employees. DOE, USDA
Award $25 Million (posted 7/19/04) The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of
Agriculture (USDA) today announced the selection of 22 projects that will
receive $25,480,628 for the Biomass Research and Development Initiative. Court
approves plan of reorganization for Enron (posted 7/19/04) Far from the confusion and din that accompanied its bankruptcy
filing 30-odd months ago, Enron quietly gained court approval for a plan of
reorganization Thursday. Judge approves Enron's
plan to emergy from bankruptcy (posted 7/19/04) A federal bankruptcy judge in New York yesterday approved
Enron's plan to emerge from bankruptcy proceedings, marking another step in the
one-time energy giant's journey out of scandal. Arizona
Utility Doubles Solar Incentive Funding (posted 7/19/04) "Customers want the reliability and environmental
benefits of solar power, and will leap at the chance to install a system,
particularly when their up-front costs are reduced through a utility or
government incentive program." Solar
industry group applauds APS solar incentive program extension in Arizona
by SEIA (posted 7/19/04) "The popularity of the APS program is not surprising.
Across the country, we are seeing high demand in all the states where programs
like this are offered." Analysts
expect recent downward trend in US gas prices to reverse (posted
7/19/04) The recent bearish trend in US natural gas prices likely will dissipate in
the coming weeks Anadarko says
USG Marco Polo field begins production (posted 7/19/04) Anadarko Petroleum has begun production from three wells at its Marco Polo
field in the deepwater US Gulf of Mexico All Eyes on
Corporate Tax Bill for Renewable Energy (posted 7/19/04) "Surprises are always possible, with the Energy Bill perhaps more
than anywhere, but prospects are dim this year." Klamath tribes
on the warpath (posted 7/15/04) They are expected to meet the Glasgow-based utility to discuss
the environmental damage they claim its US subsidiary PacifiCorp has caused to
the Klamath River in northern California and southern Oregon. Demand for
oil set to bubble up fast (posted 7/15/04) THE worldwide demand for oil will continue to grow rapidly
next year as the global economy continues on an expansion phase. Oil demand
growth will slow in 2005 (posted 7/15/04) Oil demand will rise by 2.2 per cent next year, slowing from
2004's record growth, as higher interest rates restrain US and European
economies and the Chinese Government reins in use, the International Energy
Agency (IEA) said. US keen on
LNG cooperation with Russia (posted 7/15/04) The United States is interested in cooperating with Russian state-run gas Shell
auditors warned of reserves problems in Jan 2002 (posted 7/15/04) Shell's external auditors were warned of possible problems with the company's
oil and gas reserves bookings as long ago as January 2002, two years before the
company disclosed overstatements in its proved reserves, the Wall Street Journal
reported Wednesday. UK likely to
fall short of renewables target (posted 7/15/04) The UK government likely will fail to meet its goal of generating 10% of the
nation's electricity from renewable energy sources by 2010, a report issued by
the British upper house of parliament, the House of Lords, concluded. Dash for gas
helps reverse rising emissions trend in Europe (posted 7/15/04) The switch from coal to gas helped trim 0.5% off greenhouse gas emissions in
the European Union in 2002 Rural Energy
Delivery and the Energy Divide (posted 7/15/04) "...the private sector must be the leader in providing PV
technology." Troubled Wind
Farm Undergoes Dismantling (posted 7/15/04) Denmark-based Vestas, one the world's major wind
turbine companies, announced that every last one of their wind turbines
installed offshore at their flagship Horns Reef project will be transported to
nearby Ringkobing and Lem and dismantled for tests and repairs due to ongoing
problems. Pioneer for
Straw Bale Housing Wins ASES Award (posted 7/15/04) "In the 1970's we thought it was about energy. Now we know that it's
really about comfort and productivity. Occupants love environmentally responsive
buildings." Depleting Oil
Reserves Push European Renewables (posted 7/15/04) "Instead of viewing renewables as a threat to revenue, oil companies
are broadening their energy base to include renewable energy technologies such
as solar power, wind and hydrogen -- currently the three main renewable energy
sectors in Europe." Wind Power for Old
Oil Rigs (posted 7/15/04) "Grand Vent will show whether the combination of consistent offshore
wind, modern wind-turbine technology and unused oil platforms can produce clean
and inexpensive power for Louisiana." Los Angeles
Issues Renewable Energy RFPs (posted 7/15/04) "This is an investment Angelinos appreciate, and by the year 2017,
they will be able to say their City is leading the way in environmental
protection." Legislation Could
Offer a U.S. Biodiesel Boost (posted
7/15/04) "Imported petroleum has become the single largest component of our
national trade deficit and created a security and foreign policy
nightmare." Solar
Concentrator Hydrogen Testing Proves Successful (posted 7/15/04) Tapping the hot Arizona sun and a new Solar
Concentrator developed by the Lab, the research team said they were able to
extract Hydrogen from water at a temperature of 850 degrees Celsius. Electricity
grid operator tells Texas legislators it will fix problems (posted
7/15/04) Facing intense criticism over their handling of a contracting scandal,
officials at the state's electricity grid operator sought to reassure lawmakers
Tuesday that they would fix the organization's problems and improve cooperation
with the public. Cinergy Powers Up Web
(posted 7/15/04) A surprising number of east-siders are plugging into a Cinergy Corp. venture
that's offering Internet service over electric power lines. Japanese town
approves plan on construction of nuclear (posted 7/15/04) Electric power companies are stepping up efforts to construct interim nuclear
storage facilities, which receive spent nuclear fuel from nuclear plants,
because temporary spent fuel storage pools at their plants are filling up. China Puts 6
on Trial in Gas Leak Deaths (posted 7/15/04) Six gas company employees went on trial Wednesday over a disaster that killed
243 people in December when a burst gas well spewed toxic fumes over mountain
villages in China's southwest. Closed
Ohio plant's credits let other firms pollute air (posted 7/14/04) The trash-burning power plant here was shut down in 1995 - but
it recently earned $3.8 million. A federal program allows power plants
that reduce pollution levels to sell "credits" for the pollution they
would have produced to other power companies. The program has been credited with
reducing acid rain. Attorneys
general criticize FERC over Enron (posted 7/14/04) "There can be no doubt that Enron, through fraud and deceit, sent the
West Coast energy market into an unnecessary and destructive tailspin,"
Myers said in a prepared statement. "The fact that FERC has not already taken adequate steps to hold this
company accountable is inexcusable," he said. Winter
Park must choose between 2 out-of-state utility operators
(posted 7/14/04) The city that kicked out its power company now has to
choose between two out-of-staters to operate its service because no local
utilities applied for the job. Canadian
‘green tags’ flow south to U.S. distributor (posted 7/14/04) A foundation in the northwestern United States will purchase green tags from
one of the largest wind energy developers in Canada. Wave converter raises
£7.5 million in funding (posted 7/14/04) The Scottish developer of a wave energy generator has raised £7.5 million in
funding, including £1.5 million from the Carbon Trust. Jamaica
completes its largest windfarm (posted 7/14/04) The largest windfarm in Jamaica has been completed by Renewable Energy
Systems of Britain. Literature
search shows strong job potential for renewables (posted 7/14/04) A number of recent reports see “major growth” for employment in the
renewable energy sector, according to a memo from the Interstate Renewable
Energy Council. Indirect
costs of biomass can be high (posted 7/14/04) The International Energy Agency estimates that 14% of end use energy comes
from non-commercial biomass fuels, which may have a high impact on the world’s
agriculture, environment and public health. Solar collectors
displace 6.7 billion litre of oil per year (posted 7/14/04) The world has installed more than 100 million square metres of solar thermal
collectors, which are reducing CO2 emissions by 18 megatonnes a year. Growth of
global green power slows in last decade (posted 7/14/04) Global consumption of non-hydro green power increased 629% between 1982 and
2002, but only 175% between 1992 and 2002. Lawmakers
Ignore Lessons of Energy Deregulation (posted 7/14/04) So now it's just the state Senate standing between California and another
experiment with electric deregulation, one whose design is similar to the
disgraced system that caused the energy crisis of 2000-2001. Arizona
utilities struggle to meet energy demands as temperature
(posted 7/14/04) Valley utilities struggled to meet consumers' energy demands
Monday as higher temperatures and humidity drove electricity use to the highest
level so far this year. No outages had been reported as of late afternoon
Monday, but utilities officials were still holding their breath. Count
Us Lucky That Electricity is Back Online (posted 7/14/04) A short circuit a few weeks ago disrupted power service in
Arizona, California, New Mexico and even Alberta, Canada.
Nuclear
Knowledge to the Next Generation (posted 7/14/04) In some Member States, measures have been taken to terminate operations prior
to the scheduled end of plant life, or agreements have been made to phase out
nuclear power. Privatization and more open energy markets have created greater
financial uncertainty. Downsizing and right sizing efforts in NPP operating
organizations can result in the departure, almost simultaneously, of much of the
organizational knowledge. These factors mean that, in many Member States, it is
more difficult today to attract people into the nuclear power industry. A New Rule for Clean
Air (posted 7/14/04) At this roundtable, a group of industry stakeholders representing electric
generating units, environmentalists, state regulators, manufacturers, and EPA
discussed how CAIR will affect industry, the economy, and environmental quality. Colorado
Can Play Key Role in Defining Power Sources of Tomorrow (posted
7/14/04) Energy system is the very lifeblood of our economy and our daily lives.
Energy is at the heart of our national security and survival. However, terrorism
and war and years of power shortages and price volatility have triggered changes
in how the nation values energy and how it thinks about energy issues. Opinions on
Yucca Mountain Vary in Scientific Community (posted 7/14/04) Scientists familiar with the Yucca Mountain Project offered differing
opinions Friday on the now-uncertain future of the decades- long,
multibillion-dollar effort to dispose of high-level nuclear waste. Customers Look at
Utilities (posted 7/14/04) Reflecting their larger economic concerns, customers' top energy-related
concerns are cost, dependence on foreign fuels, and conservation. Deutsche
Banks on British Energy (posted 7/14/04) Deutsche's move, made after a deal was struck on Wednesday, is a vote of
confidence in the UK government's ability to get approval from European
Commission for its '5bn rescue package for the generator Firm
sends electrical cable protectors to Athens for Olympics (posted
7/14/04) Shipments of more than 3,000 of the electrical cable protectors left the
Duarte headquarters of Peterson Systems International Inc. on Monday, bound for
the Summer Olympics in Athens. Athens
Officials Warn on More Blackouts (posted 7/14/04) Athens remains at risk of another mass power blackout during next month's
Olympics if power consumption stays high because of the scorching heat, a chief
overseer of Greece's electricity grid said Tuesday. Iran Now
Capable of Nuclear Power Generation (posted 7/14/04) Iran is now capable of nuclear power generation, marking a colossal overhaul
in its industry sector US to Proceed
on Nevada Waste Site Despite Ruling (posted 7/14/04) The Bush
administration will proceed with a plan to build a nuclear waste site in Nevada
this year despite a court decision ordering it to prevent radiation leaks for
more than 10,000 years California
utilities on board with renewable energy program (posted 7/14/04) In future years, a larger portion of the electricity that powers California
will come from wind, solar and other alternative energy sources. FirstEnergy
Will Reduce Air Pollution From Plant (posted 7/14/04) FirstEnergy Corp. has agreed to spend $1.1 billion to drastically cut
pollution from a coal-burning power plant, delaying the opening of the penalty
phase of a lawsuit by federal agencies and three states, Duke Energy to refund
$207.95 million to Western governments, utilities (posted 7/14/04) Duke Energy Corp. said Tuesday it will refund $207.5 million to Western state
governments and utilities that accused energy companies of charging unjust rates
during the region's 2000-01 power crisis. US FERC erred
in asserting jurisdiction over gas gatherer (posted 7/14/04) The US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission exceeded its authority in a 2002
order asserting jurisdiction over a Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line's UK energy
bill completes third reading in House of Commons (posted 7/14/04) The UK energy bill completed its final stages in the House of Commons
Tuesday, passing report stage and third reading, and is now on its way to the
House of Lords, a Commons spokeswoman said. If the Lords agree with the changes
made to the bill--which started off in the Lords--it will become law. British
politicians support renewables (posted 7/14/04) Energy officials from the three main political parties in England agree that
the Renewables Obligation must be maintained as the delivery mechanism for
increased generation from renewables. Alternative
energy comes of age (posted 7/14/04) The time is right to take a serious look at solar water
heating. "Further growth is expected as electricity prices rise and
the need for alternative, appropriate energy sources becomes more urgent." Power generation
(posted 7/14/04) Will someone hurry and invent an affordable methane
gas-powered generator so we can all disconnect ourselves from power companies --
companies that are prepared to put low-income families and the elderly at risk. Fish to Pass
Oregon Dams for First Time in Decades (posted 7/14/04) Salmon and steelhead will migrate past a large series of dams
for the first time since 1968, under the terms of an historic multiparty
agreement to be signed today SDG&E
Updates Long-Term Energy Resource Plan (posted 7/14/04) San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) filed late Friday the first annual
update to its long-term resource plan to continue supplying safe and reliable
power to its customers. The plan calls for accelerated purchases of renewable
energy, such as wind and solar power, a new transmission line in the 2010 time
frame, and additional generating plants in subsequent years. Business
Electric, Follow the Bouncing Energy Tax Breaks (posted 7/13/04) You might find it hard to believe that a piece of legislation containing $155
billion in various tax breaks and government giveaways could be missing
something, but that appears to be the case with the "American Jobs Creation
Act" recently passed by the House of Representatives. Price rises
until electricity is reformed (posted 7/13/04) The real question is, why does it need more money to operate
as a successful business? Why do electricity generators need an increase in
revenue of 40% over five years, when distributors, or for that matter car
dealers, baked bean manufacturers and other businesses, don't? There are two
fundamental causes. Blackout Hits
Athens a Month Before Games (posted 7/13/04) All Olympic venues will have an uninterrupted power supply, and any system
failures will be fixed in seconds World
oil demand to rise 1.8-mil b/d (posted 7/13/04) The International Energy Agency Tuesday raised its forecast for world oil Chinese
oil demand to grow by 8.1% (posted 7/13/04) The International Energy Agency Tuesday raised its forecast for world oil US
regular gasoline price rises 2.2 cts (posted 7/13/04) The average retail price of regular gasoline in the US rose by 2.2 cts/gal to EC
president-designate sees Kyoto as priority for EU (posted 7/13/04) The EU should work with all administrations to "engage them in a more Study
says US retail power rates fell 1.8% over past 12 months (posted
7/13/04) The average retail price of electricity in the US has declined 1.8% over the Nevada wants
NRC to strike DOE (posted 7/13/04) Nevada has asked NRC to strike DOE's licensing support network (LSN) US Court
upholds Yucca Mountain (posted 7/13/04) A US federal court Friday rejected claims by Nevada that a 2002 congressional
resolution approving Yucca Mountain as the site of a nuclear waste repository
was unconstitutional, providing a major victory for the Dept of Energy and the
nuclear energy industry. U.S.
Nuclear Waste Plan is Dealt a Legal Setback (posted 7/13/04) The U.S. government's 17-year effort to bury nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain,
Nevada, suffered a major setback as the U.S. Appeals Court for the District of
Columbia said that the government's standards for protecting the public from
radiation leaks at the repository extended only 10,000 years. Hoover Dam
output down about 15 percent (posted 7/13/04) Hydroelectric production from Hoover Dam has fallen 15 percent below peak
levels produced when Lake Mead is full, Green power
initiative receives boost from Nevada governor (posted 7/13/04) Gov. Kenny Guinn on Friday filed documents in which he urged state utility
regulators to adopt new rules and to support legislation that would help
"green power" developers finance power plants. The Best Way to
Save on Energy (posted 7/13/04) One of the fastest ways to save on energy costs is to use less of it in the
first place Native Load (posted
7/13/04) PJM insists it can work with states that have fully restructured the
generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity and with states that
have neither deregulated electric utilities nor unbundled their electricity
services. El
Paso offers several summer payment options (posted 7/13/04) El Paso Electric is offering several summer payment options for customers who
might have trouble paying bills during this high-air-conditioning-demand period Electric
utilities says lessons from 2003 Northeast blackout have been learned
(posted 7/13/04) From the control room of New York state's electrical grid, dispatchers
sitting in front of computer screens can for the first time monitor the flow of
current as far away as Florida and the Midwest. In Ohio, where the
nation's worst blackout began last August, officials have started sending out
foot patrols in search of untrimmed trees that could fall on power lines. Dallas-area
residents angered by utility's tree trimming (posted 7/13/04) Bridget Stedman was shocked when she walked outside her Lake Highlands home
and saw the large pile of tree branches lying on the side of her lawn. She
marched over to the tree-trimming crew and demanded they put down their saws. weekly_drought_update
(posted 7/12/04) Above normal temperatures with very little rain failed
to provide any drought relief to the West. Only isolated thunderstorm activity
was noted the past several days, mainly in the mountains. This has done little
to reverse drought conditions. Utah,
Arizona utilities are powered up to deal with summer heat (posted
7/12/04) Temperatures are rising but for many of the state's municipal power
companies, this season promises to be a lot more pleasant than the past few
summers. Union,
Republicans join to oppose US controls on CO2 emissions (posted
7/12/04) A coalition of Teamsters and Republicans Thursday launched what it called a
"national grassroots effort" to defeat US Senate legislation that
would impose mandatory caps industry emissions of carbon dioxide. Ruling on
Yucca Site Delays Waste Delivery (posted 7/12/04) Nevada's Yucca Valley site has been approved by a U.S. appeals court, but
questions about how long into the future the facility must provide protection
for people against radiation leaks could delay the reality for a long time. S.F.,
Santa Clara fault firms in energy crisis (posted 7/12/04) San Francisco and Santa Clara counties yesterday filed
separate suits against Sempra Energy and six other natural gas providers
and marketers, alleging they conspired to drive up the price of gas during
California's energy crisis. SDG&E
Wins Approval For Key Electric Transmission Line (posted 7/12/04) For the second time in the past month, the California Public Utilities
Commission (CPUC) has approved a key piece of San Diego Gas & Electric's
(SDG&E) plan to enhance reliability in the San Diego region and to meet the
growing energy needs of its customers. Renewable
Energy a Priority of China (posted 7/12/04) Technology for the production of renewable energy, including wind power, has
been listed as a priority of China's high-tech development. Portland,
Ore.-based agency tries to rev up interest in power line (posted
7/12/04) The Bonneville Power Administration is taking a last stab at rounding up
interest in a new 500 kilovolt transmission line between McNary and John Day
dams before its environmental permit expires. Ozone_smog_a_global_problem
(posted 7/12/04) The study showed that significantly large ozone trends
occur at low latitudes and in the Southern Hemisphere, implying that the ozone
problem has expanded beyond the areas traditionally affected by photochemical
air pollution in Europe and the United States. Oil group
sues to block California's offshore discharge standards (posted
7/12/04) The Western States Petroleum Association has filed suit in US federal
district court in Los Angeles to block the California Coastal Commission from
regulating release of wastewater and drilling muds from 22 oil platforms in
federal waters offshore Southern California. Officials say
energy price volatility, credit risk here to stay (posted 7/12/04) For the next 4-5 years at least, "volatility looks like it's here to
stay Nevada Loses Yucca Mt
Nuclear Waste Fight (posted 7/12/04) A federal appeals court on Friday rejected Nevada's arguments against a
building a nuclear waste site in the state, but ordered the government to
develop a plan to protect the public against radiation releases beyond the
proposed 10,000 years. Municipalities
and Cooperatives Banding Together to Build New Power Plants Competitively
(posted 7/12/04) In many states and regions, rural electric cooperatives and
municipalities are forming joint ventures to enable them to build power plants
that will provide them with rates competitive to those of the giant energy
producers. FuelCell
Energy to help provide green power for the DNC (posted 7/12/04) FuelCell Energy Inc. of Danbury, Conn., will
provide a 250-kilowatt Direct FuelCell (DFC) power plant as part of a temporary
distributed generation micro-grid for the Democratic National Convention to be
held at the Fleet Center in Boston. Energy
Savings often Pay Off Big (posted 7/12/04) WHILE CONSUMERS fret this summer about rising gasoline prices, they may be
missing the fact that their homes are also guzzling fuel. Electric
cooperative takes on construction of new plant (posted 7/12/04) Great River Energy is taking the do-it-yourself approach for its next power
plant. El Paso Merchant
closes $226-mil sale of four power plants (posted 7/12/04) El Paso Merchant Energy Wednesday said it had closed on the sale of four US
power plants to Northern Star Generation LLC for about $226-mil and the
assumption of roughly $39-mil in non-recourse debt. Delivery of
windmill parts proves to be monumental task in Tennessee (posted
7/12/04) When others eyed the challenge -- hauling huge windmill parts
up a steep, rutted mountain road with abrupt curves -- they said it couldn't be
done. Amazon
Climate Changes Could Affect U.S. (posted 7/12/04) June through September is the dry season for the Amazon
Basin of South America. Yet the basin's dry season may be getting
uncharacteristically wetter, according to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in
Maryland. Wind
study caught in doldrums (posted 7/10/04) Phillip Green believes the wintry gusts
that blew down his windmill tower last December prove his point. Take a peek
at the new home as your market (posted 7/10/04) Not just for the
rich anymore, home automation -- combining media and entertainment with
communications and smart appliances -- is nearly ready for a wider market of
upper middle-class households. Quebec approve $500 million
natural gas-fired power plant (posted 7/10/04) TransCanada Corporation has
been given the final go-ahead by the Quebec government to build a $500 million
natural gas-fired cogeneration power plant in Becancour OPEC
president says cartel committed to raising output in August (posted
7/10/04) OPEC will go ahead with next month's planned 500,000 b/d production hike in a Ohio
Utility to Pay for Pollution Controls (posted 7/10/04) FirstEnergy Corp. has agreed to spend $1.1 billion to drastically cut
pollution from a coal-burning power plant found to be in violation of pollution
law. NRC releases staff's
proposed final rule before vote (posted 7/10/04) NRC commissioners have released the staff's proposed final rule that would New York weighs 25% green
standard (posted 7/10/04) New York's PSC is
looking at requiring utilities and marketers to meet a 25% renewables portfolio
standard by 2013 or 2015 and that all retail customers share the cost. New York
Launches Renewable Energy Incubator (posted 7/10/04) "The establishment of RENEW NY is another step forward in carrying
out Governor Pataki's vision to promote energy efficiency, diversity and
security, while protecting our environment, and improving our economy." Multicrystalline
Solar Cell Efficiency Peak (posted 7/10/04) Scientists at Fraunhofer ISE have designed a
multicrystalline photovoltaic (PV) cell that has an efficiency value of 20.3
percent, an increase of up to 5 percent for the technology that has had
historically low efficiency values. More met coal price
hikes (posted 7/10/04) Metallurgical coal buyers should expect massive price increases for 2005 Los Angeles
panel to urge utility to increase (posted 7/10/04) Nearly 30 people -- including actors, environmentalists and
business leaders -- will help nudge Los Angeles' electrical utility toward its
goal of generating 20 percent of its power from "green" sources by
2017, city leaders announced Wednesday. Increasing PV
Funding Through Education and Awareness by Clayton Handleman
(posted 7/10/04) Corporations and the financial community are finding that being green can be
good business... In spite of our recent strides, the
solar and renewable industry is still in its infancy. Indonesian
Nuclear Watchdog to Work on Terrorism Prevention (posted 7/10/04) Indonesia is cooperating with a number of developed countries, in particular
the United States, to prevent terrorist acts and threats involving the use of
nuclear power. Estimates of
Nuclear Energy Contribution revised upward (posted 7/10/04) Why have the figures been revised to such an extent, and how much confidence
should we place in the current projections? Balance of Power
(posted 7/10/04) Slowly, but perhaps not so surely, the nuclear power industry is moving
forward... Weapons proliferation concerns are continuing to get widespread
coverage in the international media, hampering attempts to persuade the general
public of the advantages of nuclear power. Blair Signals
U Turn on Nuclear Power (posted 7/10/04) He told MPs that the threat of global warming meant that greater reliance on
nuclear power could not be ruled out. Britain must
keep nuclear option open (posted 7/10/04) The UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has came out in defense of nuclear
generation California
energy marketers strike accord with speaker (posted 7/10/04) At issue was AB
2006 adopted last week and sent to the Rules Committee. Consumers
ready to turn on broadband (posted 7/10/04) 40% of on-line
homes believe their need for faster connection speeds will grow over the next 12
months. Diesel
engines run on animal fat (posted 7/10/04) I've heard a few stories recently about people running their diesel vehicles
and generators with animal fat that the get from any fast food store essentially
free. Does anyone know if this is accurate? EC tells
Germany to change national emissions law (posted 7/10/04) The European Commission has told Germany it must change its national
emissions Edwards
opposes waste repository (posted 7/10/04) Vice presidential candidate John Edwards is committed to stopping the Yucca Energy-Uruguay,
an Energy Crisis Amidst Potential Abundance (posted 7/10/04) Scarce rainfall and the subsequent drop in water level in the rivers that
feed Uruguay's hydropower plants has compounded the cuts in natural gas and
electricity imported from Argentina, and this country has been forced to turn to
ageing thermal plants that run on costly petroleum by-products. Enron
blazed trail for failure in California energy deregulation (posted
7/10/04) Kenneth Lay's company was the godfather of electricity deregulation in
California and, eventually, the symbol of everything that went wrong. A chronology of
Enron Corp (posted 7/10/04) 6
bills would help big Michigan utilities (posted 7/10/04) The package of six bills would change Michigan’s newly
deregulated electric industry. Texas
electric grid operator grew quickly but lacked controls (posted
7/07/04) Biometric fingerprint technology secures some of the doors. A hallway window
overseeing a key control room can be fogged at the flick of a switch. Officials
say electrical grid can't meet renewable energy goal (posted
7/07/04) The problem, according to the city's water and light director, is that it's
not possible for the city to make large purchases of wind or solar energy
because the existing power grid doesn't allow it. Lapse in
federal subsidy for renewable energy project strands wind power
(posted 7/07/04) The lapse of a crucial federal subsidy has stranded wind power in the
doldrums, greatly reducing the amount of electricity coming from newly built
turbines. U.S.
leads world in non-hydro green power output (posted 7/07/04) The United States was the world leader in the generation of non-hydroelectric
green power in 2002. Renewables included
in U.S. response to climate change (posted 7/07/04) Renewable energy and energy efficiency are two principal technologies that
deserve the greatest attention to address climate change, according to U.S.
energy secretary Spencer Abraham. Renewables group
to lever 25-fold in funding (posted 7/07/04) The Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Partnership was launched in 2002
to promote market growth for renewables, and has released a draft of its
three-year program of work for comment by countries which support the
initiative. Offshore
windfarms have high risks (posted 7/07/04) Offshore windfarms still have high risk from construction, technological and
operational issues, according to an assessment by a company involved in credit
analysis. Indigeneous News
(posted 7/07/04) There is little public awareness of the everyday problems of indigenous
peoples. Global
conference backs 200 actions (posted 7/07/04) Almost 200 action items to support renewables are contained in the
International Action Programme adopted at the recent international conference on
renewables in Germany. DECLARATION
OF THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES AT THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR RENEWABLE
ENERGIES (posted 7/07/04) We, Indigenous Peoples, represent a
population of more than 350 million world-wide and our territories constitute
the most diverse ecological systems, which contribute immensely to our survival
and that of mankind. As such, high
consumption of fossil-fuel energy and subsequent climate change directly affect
our livelihood. Alternative
Energy is a Must for Business in the Future (posted 7/06/04) Organisations must make the most of business opportunities in reducing
greenhouse gases, by reducing dependency on traditional energy sources such as
oil and gas and supplying new types of technology, the report says. What a
difference a recall makes (posted 7/06/04) Prospects for
competitive markets for power in California and the balance of the West are good
-- far better than in the recent past, stakeholders agreed at the RT conference,
Developing Markets in the West. Our Lady of the Grid
(posted 7/06/04) Vickie Vanzandt was planting azaleas in her garden on August 10, 1996, when
the phone rang. Competing for
Energy Resources (posted 7/06/04) This article is the first of a two part series. Both electricity and liquid fuel supplies appear to be increasing in costs in
the United States. The U.S. appetite for liquid fuels in the forms of gasoline
and diesel fuels has very nearly reached the capacity maximum of the existing
U.S. refineries. This demand for fuel continues to increase as more and more
people convert to SUVs and larger automobiles. The trucking industry demand for
fuel increases with improvements in the economy. Competing for
Energy Resources (posted 7/06/04) This article is the second of a two part series. If the environmental community was willing to recognize these factors they
might re-think their opposition to a major interstate transmission system. Yucca Web Site
Criticized (posted 7/06/04) Seventeen environmental organizations on Friday called on the Energy
Department to withdraw its certification of a Yucca Mountain licensing database,
claiming the material is incomplete and inaccessible to the public. Coal
Could Power Alaska's Future (posted 7/06/04) Alaska's most abundant fuel source, coal, provides only 5 percent of the
state's Railbelt electric power generation, although it could increase to a
double-digit portion of generation capacity with resolution of a lengthy dispute
involving the Healy Clean Coal Project. Calpine,
Tribe Closer to Deal on Power Plant (posted 7/06/04) An independent power producer and the Moapa Band of Paiutes are moving closer
to their goal of building a 720-megawatt power plant on the reservation
northeast of Las Vegas. Italy's
Enel Buys Five U.S. Power Plants (posted 7/06/04) Italy's biggest power company Enel Spa said Friday that its U.S. division has
bought five hydroelectric power plants in Idaho and California. Financial terms
were not disclosed. Nova
Scotia firm seeks ideal spots for wind power (posted 7/06/04) A Halifax-based company is planning to spend
$24 million to find the ideal locations to produce wind power in Nova Scotia. Door County
residents dispute power-line route (posted 7/06/04) Sturgeon Bay -- In a peaceful section of booming Door County,
sparks are flying over the best route for a power-line extension to a new
subdivision. Universal
energy is free to anyone and everything on this earth (posted
7/06/04) Universal energy is free
to anyone and everything on this earth. We all have Universal Energy inside and
around us. Forecaster
puts world DG at 200,000 mw
by `08 (posted 7/06/04) Allied Business
Intelligence of Oyster Bay, NY, is telling clients that DG contribution to the
grid may hit 200,000 mw as early as 2011 and that's worldwide. Cleaner air is a
benefit (posted 7/06/04) People are concerned about the almighty dollar, I understand
that. But what about the environment you live in, the environment your children
and grandchildren will one day live in? Everyone keeps asking, "How much
money will I save?" Here's a little secret I'll share with you: It's not
all about the money. Utility
nearly finished switching to remotely-read meters (posted 7/02/04) The "meter man" will go the way of the milkman on north country
doorsteps by the end of the summer. Great Plains
Energy puts second coal-fired power plant on back burner (posted
7/02/04) Great Plains Energy Inc. would build only one of two proposed coal-fired
power plants, while pushing wind power and energy conservation projects, under a
revised plan. NRC
considering requiring verification of UFM accuracy (posted 7/02/04) NRC staff is considering issuing a bulletin requiring licensees to confirm
the E-Mail
Snooping Ruled Permissible (posted 7/02/04) E-mail privacy suffered a serious setback on Tuesday when a court of appeals
ruled that an e-mail provider did not break the law in reading his customers'
communications without their consent. State
agencies can safely site LNG terminals (posted 7/02/04) California agencies have the right to require that Sound Energy Solutions' NERC,
US DOE to ensure blackout lessons followed, not forgotten (posted
7/02/04) The North American Electric Reliability Council and the US Dept of Energy are Utilities
need true 'back to basics' strategy (posted 7/02/04) It will take years for utilities to truly pursue a "back-to-basics"
strategy Solar power
shines in Bay Area (posted 7/02/04) OPEN HAND Manufacturing dedicated a 68-kilowatt solar electric system this
week, the largest of its type in Oakland, which the woodblock maker estimates
will save the company nearly $17,000 a year in electricity costs. PANEL OKS
POWER PLANT NEAR SHENANDOAH PARK (posted 7/02/04) A state panel gave the go-ahead yesterday to a $240 million
power plant about 4 miles from Shenandoah National Park, which suffers from air
pollution. World's
Longest Serving Nuclear Plant Closes (posted 7/01/04) The world's oldest operational nuclear power station has ceased production
after nearly 45 years, it was announced yesterday.
World energy use
grows by 2.9%, says BP summary (posted 7/01/04) One of the oldest statistical reviews of global energy does not include data
on renewables because of “problems with the completeness, timeliness and
quality of the data.” Wind and solar energy are “relatively immature
and fast growing” due to “a combination of technology advances and
supportive government policy, which create a virtuous circle of expanding
markets and falling unit costs,” it explains. Wind industry
releases guidelines on sustainability (posted 7/01/04) The wind energy industry is developing guidelines for windfarms around the
world that will promote greater consideration of environmental, social and
economic factors. Survey
reveals public confusion over which energy sources are renewable
(posted 7/01/04) “In terms of attitudes, results indicated that there exist predominantly
positive attitudes towards renewable energy in comparison to fossil-fuel and
nuclear energy,” it concludes. There were high levels of awareness and
positive attitudes across western and southern EU countries, but far less
understanding of renewables among respondents in Romania and Slovakia, who had
far more positive attitudes towards nuclear. Sites
identified for wave energy conversion (posted 7/01/04) Several sites in four U.S. states have been identified for possible
demonstration of offshore wave energy. PV roadmap
plots solar evolution in Europe (posted 7/01/04) According to an industry roadmap, a substantial share of future energy will
be delivered by renewables, and solar PV will take a major role in the
generation of power. Purnomo
expects oil prices to cool down following Iraq handover (posted
7/01/04) OPEC President Purnomo Yusgiantoro Thursday said he expected oil prices to Nussle
introduces renewable energy bill (posted 7/01/04) U.S. Rep. Jim Nussle, R-Iowa, introduced a bill in Congress
last week to encourage use of renewable energy sources as a way to decrease
America's dependence on foreign oil. Natural gas
pipeline company El Paso Corp (posted 7/01/04) El Paso Corp., a natural gas pipeline company, wired $16.2
million to a state bank account as the first step in paying a settlement that
will total $52 million over time Impact of
wind turbines on grid operation are minor (posted 7/01/04) Wind generation facilities would have a relatively modest impact on
electricity grid operations, according to a recent study by the U.S. Utility
Wind Interest Group. Hydro dams
are threatening large rivers (posted 7/01/04) Indiscriminate building of dams is threatening the world’s largest and most
important rivers, according to a new report from the World Wildlife Federation. Government and
Nuclear Energy (posted 7/01/04) Nuclear energy generation has come a long way since the first large-scale
nuclear power plant flipped the switch in Shippingport, Pennsylvania in December
1957. Today, nuclear energy generates about 16% of the world's electricity. Global LNG
market ready to heat up (posted 7/01/04) Advances that have brought the cost of the supply source down—and, at least
as importantly, growing global demand that has brought the price buyers are
willing to pay up—have made LNG the hot new topic in energy markets. Global LNG
market ready to heat up (posted 7/01/04) And the number of suppliers is growing; in addition to traditional LNG
exporters such as Indonesia and Algeria, nations including Russia, Norway and
Egypt are constructing liquefaction plants. Coal power
plant jobs cannot be exported (posted 7/01/04) Southwest
Virginia will be taking advantage of improvements in the national economy to
bring new business and jobs into the region, according to economic development
officials meeting here yesterday. Canada’s
first solar facility to create 200 jobs (posted 7/01/04) Two hundred jobs will be created and C$100 million invested by the end of
next year at Canada's first full-scale solar cell manufacturing plant. California
governor urges energy-refund deal
(posted 7/01/04) In a letter to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Pat Wood III
released Tuesday, Schwarzenegger expressed impatience with the agency over
unpaid refunds and support for a settlement conference it has convened today and
Thursday. Bulgaria Will
Honour Pledge to EU to Close Nuclear Reactors (posted 7/01/04) According to Minister Kovachev, the peer review of the Kozloduy nuclear power
plant's reactors three and four has played an important role in our country's
ability to develop its nuclear energy. Assembly OKs
Requiring More (posted 7/01/04) The General Assembly has passed a bill that will gradually increase the
amount of electricity supplied to Rhode Island from renewable energy sources,
such as the sun and wind. DOE may miss
repository license application target (posted 6/30/04) DOE may not be able to meet a December target for submitting a repository IEA warns
Europe of dependence on Russia for natural gas (posted 6/30/04) Europe needs to consider nuclear
generation when investing in new power plants as its rising dependence on Russia
for natural gas is a growing concern for the International Energy Agency. Norway is
already producing at full capacity (posted 6/30/04) Norway, the world's third-biggest oil
exporter after Saudi Arabia and Russia, reiterated it is already producing oil
at full capacity. Renewables
conference in Bonn adopts ambitious targets (posted 6/30/04) Governments and environmentalists have
enthusiastically welcomed the outcome of the International Conference on
Renewable Energy on 1-4 June 2004 in Bonn, celebrating it as a significant step
in the right direction. From cheap
and dirty to clean and lean (posted 6/30/04) Canada could really learn a thing or
two from the Calgary Flames about using energy efficiently. The Flames have
relied for success on the strategic use of energy (along with some superb
goaltending). Canada, on the other hand, has a terrible record of wasting
energy, an approach that is costing our economy billions of dollars and damaging
our environment. US and Canada
need major natural gas infrastructure investment (posted 6/30/04) Natural gas demand in the US and Canada
has caught up not only with wellhead supply and also with existing storage
capacity and transportation infrastructure, the Merrill Lynch Global Securities
Research & Economics Group reported. Iraq and the hidden
euro-dollar wars
(posted 6/30/04) Despite the apparent swift US military
success in Iraq, the US dollar has yet to benefit as a safe haven currency. This
is an unexpected development, as many currency traders had expected the dollar
to strengthen on the news of a US victory. Rising oil
prices and discoveries of new sources (posted 6/30/04) Oil produced the modern world and soon,
we are told, the end of cheap oil will produce abrupt, wrenching changes in the
way we live. Changes, certainly, but not convulsions, because the modern world
responds to price signals. A real market
solution to gas price hysteria (posted 6/30/04) The price of gas at the pump was $
2.119 the other day. And when prices go that high, we can be sure of two things:
First, American consumers will be outraged; and second, lots of people will be
proposing solutions. Would you
like an oil crisis with your gas (posted 6/30/04) Koons and millions of other angry Americans are blaming oil companies for the
fact that petrol prices have edged above $ 2 per gallon. Websites such as
boycottgasoline.com have sprung up, urging consumers to buy strategically. Since
they can't abstain from gas completely, they boycott individual oil companies on
a rolling basis. Americans
don't have to drive tiny cars to save big
amounts of gasoline (posted 6/30/04) A sport utility vehicle that today gets
about 18 miles per gallon could get twice that by using better technology under
the hood, lighter body materials and an upgraded electrical system that allows
the engine to shut off while standing still. The environmental group Union of
Concerned Scientists used current technology to draw up a blueprint for a more
fuel-efficient SUV. Energy
Projects Funding Unveiled (posted 6/30/04) A FIVE MILLION euro EU fund to help stimulate cross-border renewable energy
projects and energy efficient technologies was unveiled yesterday. N.M.
And West Poised To Keep Energy Lead (posted 6/30/04) Energy is practically in the state's blood. A gradual transition is
already under way. Western governors meeting in Santa Fe last week pledged their
states to an ambitious alternative energy program. Wish Upon an Energy
Star (posted 6/30/04) Those cost-saving, environmentally friendly products could have strong appeal
in the summer months Distributed
Generation Gives Utilities Reason to Consider Net Metering (posted
6/30/04) Federal law says that customers who make the investment to install a private
hydro project, solar generation, a wind turbine, or even a fuel cell to generate
all of the power the home needs obviously don't want to pay a utility bill.
Common sense would dictate that most also would not want to be disconnected from
the grid, just in case something went awry with their personal system. Shell has
Solar Panels to the Max (posted 6/30/04) Crystalline silicon technology was used to create two
new solar panels, the PowerMax Ultra and the PowerMax Plus, for the Shell
company's solar product lines. They are said to be 10 percent more powerful than
the current solar panels available in the market today USDA Places
Priority on Renewable Energy Ventures (posted 6/30/04) Bioenergy is a growing field, and the U.S. Department
of Agriculture is going to offer US$13.2 million in grants to agricultural
businesses that dedicate some of their development to bioenergy. Rhode Island
Passes 15 Percent State RPS (posted 6/30/04) "When it comes to protecting our nation's heath and environment,
Rhode Island is not only doing its share, we're helping to show the way." Arizona
PV System Rebate Extended (posted 6/30/04) "The success of the program proves that Arizonans are willing to do
their part to produce clean, renewable solar-electricity in our state." Canada Gains
20 MW Solar Production Boost (posted 6/30/04) Solar Energy isn't exactly the first thing the comes
to mind in Canada, but that's all about to change in one southwestern Ontario
city as ATS Automation Pelamis Wave
Converter a Growing Investment (posted 6/30/04) "Wave power offers a fantastic opportunity for the UK to emulate the
wind industry, which today has grown into a multi-billion pound export-led
business, employing tens of thousands of people in Denmark, Germany and
Spain." Aquila
Expanding Waste Tire Burning Program (posted 6/30/04) Aquila is expanding a program that helps rid the Missouri landscape of waste
tires by using them to generate electricity at the company's coal-fired power
plants, a company official said today. SuperPower
wire to debut in real world (posted 6/30/04) For the first time, a piece of superconducting cable,
containing superconducting wire made by SuperPower Inc. of Schenectady, will be
installed underground in a utility's transmission system. 11 States protest
EPA's mercury-emissions rule (posted 6/30/04) Pennsylvania and 10 other states filed comments yesterday
opposing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's proposed mercury emissions
rule, a measure that critics say is not as tough as one proposed during the
Clinton administration. San Antonio
utility agrees to buy more expensive pollution controls (posted
6/30/04) Honoring a commitment to clean up a controversial coal- fired
power plant, City Public Service trustees agreed to buy emission controls for it
even though they cost almost a third more than expected. Power
outages prompt calls to oust utility (posted 6/30/04) Power failures like the ones this past stormy weekend are what
drove city residents to take a stand. Oklahoma
Public Service Company plans to buy wind (posted 6/30/04) Public Service Company of Oklahoma, Tulsa's chief supplier of
electricity, could become the largest wind power provider in the state under
plans announced Monday. Take
Action Californians (posted 6/29/04) Take Action Now... California Solar Rights Act The California Solar Energy Industries Association (CalSEIA) is seeking your
immediate support to help influence the Senate Local Government Committee's
passage of CalSEIA's AB 2473 (Wolk) -- the Solar Rights Act. Steel plant
deal puts state up in pollution (posted 6/29/04) Toxic waste generated in Michigan is up, mirroring an increase in pollutants
nationwide, according to data released last week.
More than 133 million pounds of toxic substances were released into the
environment during 2002 in Michigan, according to the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency. That was up 2.8 percent from the previous year.
Solar Energy
Used to Heat New Homes (posted 6/29/04) Nuaire has secured a deal to provide an environmentally-friendly system to
heat new homes in Blackwood. Siemens eyes
gold rush in power sector (posted 6/29/04) Siemens, one of world's leading electrical engineering and
electronics companies, strengthened its power division in electricity-thirsty
China, establishing Siemens Power Automation (China) Ltd on Friday in Nanjing,
Jiangsu Province. Plug Power
and Tyco Sign Agreement (posted 6/29/04) Plug
Power Inc. has signed an agreement with Tyco Electronics Installation Services
Inc., under which Tyco will install and service Plug Power's GenCore® fuel cell
systems throughout the United States and its territories Nuclear
Power `Can't Stop Climate Change' (posted 6/29/04) Nuclear power cannot solve global warming, the international body set up to
promote atomic energy admits today. Interior West
Think Tank Releases Comprehensive Study for Western Power Grid (posted
6/29/04) Adding significant amounts of renewable energy
resources and energy efficiency measures to the Western power grid between now
and 2020 would reduce regional electricity costs by billions of dollars Increase
of Power Plants in Works (posted 6/29/04) Fifty years after the world's first nuclear-power electric-generating station
went on the grid near Moscow, experts at the International Atomic Energy Agency
say it's likely many more nuclear-power plants are coming _ but it's unclear how
many will be built in the United States or Western Europe. Illinois
reactors not affected by earthquake (posted 6/29/04) Exelon's Illinois nuclear plants were not affected by today's earthquake in Governors,
Now's Time to Fine-Tune Wind Power (posted 6/29/04) After this morning's keynote address from Interior Secretary Gale Norton, and
before their noon adjournment, Western-state governors convened at the Eldorado
Hotel will take up one more major issue: clean energy. GM to Help
Deliver Mail in DC (posted 6/29/04) In
September, the United States Postal Service (USPS) will begin a two-year lease
of a fuel cell vehicle from General Motors (GM) to deliver mail in and around
Washington, DC. Energy Politics and
China (posted 6/29/04) Energy security of nations has become one of the major issues gaining global
attention today. Energy
Officials Cautious About Summer Power Supply (posted 6/29/04) The California Independent System Operator, the state's electric grid
operator, came close to asking San Diego Gas & Electric to interrupt
electricity service May 3. Higher demand and transmission congestion caused the
scare. Energy
Dept. to help develop coal-drying system (posted 6/29/04) The U.S. Department of Energy said it will participate in testing a new
system that could dramatically reduce air emissions from certain coal-fired
electric power plants while boosting overall generating capacity. Dynetek
Delivers Storage Systems to Hydrogen Car Company (posted 6/29/04) Dynetek
Industries Ltd. has delivered on-board hydrogen fuel storage systems to The
Hydrogen Car Company for its hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine (ICE)
cars. DTE Breaks
Ground on Hydrogen Technology Park (posted 6/29/04) DTE
Energy broke ground on its Hydrogen Technology Park, a pilot project that will
model a complete, multi-use hydrogen energy system. BTI Reports
on Safety of Hydrogen Fuel (posted 6/29/04) Breakthrough
Technologies Institute (BTI) general council William Vincent presented new
analysis, titled "Hydrogen and the Law: Safety and Liability Cogeneration
Vital to Energy Plan (posted 6/29/04) Key California policy-makers are now making important decisions about where
the state's utility companies will obtain their electricity in the future. Contractors
Find Answers to Utility (posted 6/29/04) Renewable energy contractors are finally seeing green. As in money that
is.
Arduous
process ahead for developers of power plant (posted 6/29/04) Some high hurdles
are ahead for the people who want to build a coal-fired power plant that would
be Montana's first major project of that kind in 30 years. High Coal
prices drawing exotic origins (posted 6/28/04) Record spot coal prices are attracting offers of a wider than usual variety
of EIA only
slightly less concerned about gasoline stocks (posted 6/28/04) The EIA was only slightly less concerned about gasoline stocks, which have
fallen during the past two weeks. While the declines were relatively mild -
800,000 bbl for the week ended June 18, for example - the agency noted even that
is beyond the norm. House Blocks
Bid for Power Refunds (posted 6/28/04) The House rebuffed a Democratic effort Friday to force regulators to order
bigger refunds for electricity consumers in Western states who were victims of
price gouging during the energy crisis of 2000 and 2001. Utah Power
issues electricity shortage alert for hour-long crisis (posted 6/28/04) Summer is only a few days old, but Utah Power already has confronted its
first energy crisis. Maine offers
energy tips through new state (posted 6/28/04) With gas prices at about $2 per gallon, energy efficiency is increasingly a
financial concern.
South
Carolina groups want an increase in flows into Santee (posted 6/28/04) Environmental and conservation groups are making their voices heard about
management of the Santee Cooper lakes, one of the state's largest freshwater
resources. Utility Chief
Seeks International Commitment (posted 6/28/04) The leader of the nation's largest power generator called for an
international commitment to control emissions of gases that scientists say have
contributed to global warming. House Panel
Resolves Impasse on N-Waste Site (posted 6/28/04) A House committee approved legislation Thursday aimed at resolving a budget
problem that threatens the proposed nuclear waste facility in Nevada. Yucca Deadline Missed
(posted 6/28/04) The Department of Energy missed a self-imposed deadline Wednesday that could
cause delays for the Yucca Mountain Project. Benson said the hold-up would be
"days at this point, but I don't want to speculate. It's got to be done
right, and so we're working on it." 'Green
Power' Urged for Dwp (posted 6/28/04) Saying Los Angeles should increase its reliance on clean energy sources even
if it costs ratepayers more, members of a City Council committee Tuesday
endorsed a move to require the Department of Water and Power to obtain 20
percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2017. Solar
Energy Project Wins $50k Ashden Prize (posted 6/28/04) Lamba and members of his team Aurore have delivered renewable energy, mainly
solar projects across 12 states in India. He has brought government, banks,
non-governmental organisations and manufacturers together to deliver products
that are relatively effective and affordable. With that 250 local people have
been trained in maintaining the power supply through renewables. Toshiba
Corporation Unveils World's Smallest Direct Methanol Fuel Cell in Tokyo (posted
6/28/04) Toshiba
Corporation unveils the prototype of a highly compact direct methanol fuel cell
at the Toshiba headquarters in Tokyo June 25, 2004. Mercury
Debate Concentrates on Hot Spots (posted 6/28/04) There's no argument that mercury is a noxious
pollutant yet there is widespread disagreement over how or whether to control
it. Now the attention is on potential “hot spots,” whereby individual power
plants could end up not cutting mercury-related emissions under a free market
approach espoused by the Bush administration and others. Have US
petroleum prices peaked this year? (posted 6/28/04) A look at inventories suggests that while crude may have reached its 2004
high, the products have hardly been handed over to the bears. BPA dam spill
plan is changed to save more fish (posted 6/28/04) Federal dam managers have tweaked the amount of water spilled
over dams this summer to save more fish, reducing the net benefit to Northwest
ratepayers by about $3 million. Utility
companies slam Houston ordinance plan (posted 6/28/04) Lawyers for utility companies on Thursday blasted a city
proposal to force utilities to pay to relocate their underground wires and pipes
on city construction projects, saying the measure would exceed the city's
authority. Fee
reclassification not in energy funding bill (posted 6/28/04) Lawmakers did not attach waste fee reclassification legislation to the FY-05 House
approves fee reclassification bill with offsets (posted 6/25/04) Offsets of $576-million were attached to a waste fee reclassification bill
that the House Energy & Commerce Committee approved today as lawmakers
worked to keep the DOE repository program alive in fiscal 2005. Mercury
Debate Concentrates on Hot Spots (posted 6/25/04) There's no argument that mercury is a noxious pollutant yet there is
widespread disagreement over how or whether to control it. House faction
urges EPA to re-work mercury proposal (posted 6/25/04) A bi-partisan group of 180 House members, led by House Democratic leader
Nancy Pelosi, sent a June 23 letter to the Environmental Protection Agency
urging it Saudi April
crude supplies to US were lowest since March 1997 (posted 6/25/04) US crude imports from Saudi Arabia in April were at their lowest level since UK may run
out of gas in a severe winter (posted 6/25/04) BRITAIN MAY not have enough gas to keep power stations and
domestic central heating systems working if there is a severe winter in the next
two to three years, a group of peers warn today. Board approves
mercury-reduction proposal (posted 6/25/04) Regulations that would require four Wisconsin utilities to
limit mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants for the first time received
approval Wednesday from the state Natural Resources Board. Enron Misled
Congress on Market Schemes (posted 6/25/04) New evidence shows Enron Corp. was still manipulating energy markets a year
after the company claims it stopped, a Democratic senator said on Thursday,
asking that lawmakers haul the company back to Capitol Hill to explain the
discrepancy. Berkley
Revives Bill to Block Yucca Funding (posted 6/25/04) Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., has revived a bill that would block funding for
the Yucca Mountain Project while encouraging utilities to store spent nuclear
fuel at their power plants. 'Green
Power' Aims to Generate Energy With a Conscience (posted 6/25/04) It takes many forms. Call it green energy, renewable sources or simply poop
to power.
Clean Energy
Goal (posted 6/25/04) In a bipartisan vote, governors of nine Western states, including Colorado's
Bill Owens, unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday aimed at boosting clean
and renewable -energy - a move that many called a "political
milestone." Group irate
over Massachusetts, NStar green power plan (posted 6/25/04) calling it nothing more than a "horse trade" that will fail to
promote any significant off-the-grid power generation projects. New
gas-fired power plant goes into service (posted 6/25/04) When he first walked the field off Townline Road two years ago, Jonathan
Nyson strolled among acres of long grass and soybeans. On the same site Tuesday,
Nyson was extolling the virtues of a $300 million natural gas-fired power plant,
the largest built in Wisconsin in nearly two decades. USDA Places
Priority on Renewable Energy Ventures (posted 6/25/04) Bioenergy is a growing field, and the U.S. Department
of Agriculture is going to offer US$13.2 million in grants to agricultural
businesses that dedicate some of their development to bioenergy. New Mexico
RFP Eyes Concentrating Solar Power Research (posted 6/25/04) The State of New Mexico through the New Mexico
Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), is requesting
proposals to perform a feasibility study to define and scope a specific, viable
utility scale project or projects using concentrating solar power (CSP)
technology in New Mexico. FirstEnergy
announces reforms in management of nuclear power plants (posted 6/25/04) FirstEnergy Corp., which has finished repairing a major rust hole on top of
its Davis-Besse nuclear power plant, is nearly done plugging holes in how it
runs its three nuclear plants. Solar system
cuts New Jersey official's electric bill (posted 6/25/04) That's not surprising, as Hughes is a commissioner on the New Jersey Board of
Public Utilities. What might be surprising, however, is the steps she and her
husband have taken to slash their electric bills and improve their quality of
life are available to homeowners throughout the state. New York Extends "Net-Metering"
to Wind Power (posted 6/25/04) "This new proposal will be of particular
assistance to small farms, allowing them to use the natural resource of wind to
supply electricity and create economic and environmental benefits for their
business and family Fuel Cell
Expo Draws Bipartisan D.C. Crowd (posted 6/25/04) An estimated 1,000 members of Congress, congressional
staff, federal officials, business executives and news media representatives
filled the Cannon Caucus Room on Capitol Hill for the US Fuel Cell Council's 4th
Annual Congressional Fuel Cell Expo on June 22, 2004 Support for fuel cell and hydrogen technologies
crosses party lines 'Solar
Generation' Reflects on Bonn Conference Inaction (posted 6/25/04) "Through discussions with U.S. officials, the American youth
delegates said they understood the only commitment of the current administration
was to fossil fuels, not renewables." Scottish Coal
Expansion (posted 6/24/04) SCOTTISH Coal has unveiled plans to expand its opencast mining operations and
extend its drive into renewable energy in a move that it claims will protect 340
jobs, as part of the group's drive into renewable energy, it is also set to
lodge a planning application for a new, 16-turbine windfarm in the area. Senator
Proposes Financial Fix for Yucca Project (posted 6/24/04) The chairman of the Senate Energy Committee is proposing to collect $446
million in additional fees from nuclear utilities to help solve a financial
crisis for the Yucca Mountain Project. bakersfield
Calif., officials launch energy-efficiency drive (posted 6/24/04) City and county government officials joined three utilities on Wednesday to
launch a new energy efficiency program designed to help local residents,
businesses and government save money and energy. Power Crisis a Big
Sham (posted 6/24/04) Now more than three years later, the evidence is mounting that the energy
crisis that nearly bankrupted Southern California Edison, the area's power
utility, was orchestrated for the profits of out- of-state companies -
Texas-based Enron Corp. in particular. Governors Push
Clean Energy (posted 6/24/04) Western governors on Tuesday endorsed a resolution that calls for developing
30,000 megawatts of clean energy -- enough energy to power 15 million to 30
million homes -- in the West by 2015. New Mexico
takes a first step toward solar electricity (posted 6/24/04) The state of New Mexico on Tuesday issued a request for proposals seeking a
consulting firm to help it develop a commercial solar power plant in New Mexico. US Supreme
Court sends energy case back to lower court (posted 6/24/04) By remanding it back to a lower court, the decision keeps alive the case. ..
The groups argued that top members of the oil, nuclear and coal industries were
present at the closed-door meetings of the task force, which met in early 2001
to draft the Bush administration's energy policy, but that environmental groups
were excluded. Oil
market 'comfortable' despite Iraq, Norway (posted 6/24/04) the market right now is in a very comfortable situation in terms of stocks of
crude and supply," the source said. "But if there is a real shortage,
OPEC will step in and add [supply] Nanocrystals
light the way (posted 6/24/04) The energy source is a so-called 'quantum well' that emits energy at
wavelengths most easily absorbable by the nanocrystals. Release
of New Poll on Climate Change (posted 6/24/04) PIPA/Knowledge Networks will release the findings of an
extensive nationwide poll on climate change and global warming, conducted from
June 8 to 14 with 753 respondents. California
approves Tesla power plant near Tracy (posted 6/24/04) State regulators last Wednesday approved the second of two massive power
plants planned on farmland between Tracy and Livermore. Honeywell
and City of Burnaby Partner to Reduce Energy Costs and Reduce Environmental
Emissions (posted 6/24/04) Burnaby is the first municipality in the province of British Columbia to
embark upon a comprehensive energy reduction program of this magnitude. Businesses
zap state alternative energy plan (posted 6/24/04) Businesses zap state alternative energy plan Environmental advocates say
commission is on right track BY Press & Sun-Bulletin BINGHAMTON --
Regulators were told Tuesday that they must strike a balance between the costs
and benefits of a policy that would mandate increased use of renewable energy
sources to supply the state's electricity needs. Joe Parella of the state Public
Service Commission ... UniSource
value on market called low The assertion about TEP (posted 6/24/04) UniSource Energy Corp., the parent company of Tucson Electric Power, is
undervalued by the stock market, said officials from Saguaro Utility Group,
which is primed to buy the Tucson-based firm. Los Angeles
council urges power department to increase renewable energy use (posted
6/24/04) Saying Los Angeles should increase its reliance on clean
energy sources even if it costs ratepayers more, members of a City Council
committee Tuesday endorsed a move to require the Department of Water and Power
to obtain 20 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2017. U.S.
wind company enters Italian market (posted 6/24/04) The largest electric utility in Italy will purchase 71 wind
turbines from GE Energy. Australia to
fund support for solar cities (posted 6/24/04) “Renewable energy will play an important part in Australia's long-term
greenhouse response” and the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target will continue
to 2020, providing incentives for $2 billion in renewable energy investment. Annual awards
to recognize renewable energy projects (posted 6/24/04) The 'Green Oscars,' as the awards are nicknamed, are in the fourth year of
recognizing “inspirational and innovative renewable energy projects which both
provide social and economic benefits to local communities and contribute towards
protecting the environment by reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.” Canary Island
could become world's first to be 100% green power (posted 6/24/04) The largest electric utility in Spain will make one of the Canary Islands the
world’s first area to be supplied 100% by renewable energy. Renewable
energy can meet all human needs (posted 6/24/04) Even a small shift of support away from fossil fuels to renewables could save
millions of lives and help avert global warming, according to the British
think-tank New Economics Foundation. PV industry
wants a policy to help it grow (posted 6/24/04) The solar PV industry in Europe wants an industrial PV policy that will
create a sustainable market development for its product. Sparks to fly
over new grid payments (posted 6/23/04) North Island The Electricity Commission is promising a few sparks when it
releases its preliminary decision on who will pay what for using the national
grid. ENMAX and
Ivanhoe Cambridge to partner in major (posted 6/23/04) announced today an agreement to supply green power to six of
Ivanhoe Cambridge's Alberta shopping centres and two professional offices. Under
the agreement, one quarter of the properties' electricity needs will be supplied
from wind-generated electricity. Energy
Secretary Abraham to Keynote June 24 NanoSummit (posted 6/23/04) The Department of Energy will host a NanoSummit Thursday, June
24 to bring together policymakers and the scientific community to share
information on emerging research opportunities and priorities in nanoscale
science and technology for our energy future. Power-grid
manager fends federal government (posted 6/23/04) The
California Independent System Operator, manager of the electricity flow along
California's open-market wholesale power grid, has won a federal Appeals Court
victory against the U.S. government. Russian MP
warns of consequences of electricity grid reform (posted 6/23/04) Following an Audit Chamber finding that the reform of the
electricity grid was proceeding without taking into account its effect on the
Russian economy and that action had to be taken to avert a crisis, Iranian
authorities need popular support to withstand IAEA pressure (posted
6/23/04) It is a well-known truth in scientific and political circles
around the world that the authoritarian powers have these three fields
exclusively in their own hands, and do not let their technological expertise be
transferred to other nations. SAfrica
Energy minister says use nuclear power for electricity 'unavoidable' (posted
6/23/04) South Africa needs to wake up to the fact that its coal
reserves are not infinite, and the use of nuclear power to produce electricity
in the future is unavoidable U.S.
Manages Iraqi Oil Money Sloppily (posted 6/23/04) The U.S.-led occupation is sloppily managing billions of dollars of Iraqi oil
money and moving at a glacial pace to guard against corruption, an international
watchdog agency charged on Tuesday. Arizona Public Service’s
short-term rating may be pressured by power plant acquisition (posted
6/23/04) The purchase secures sorely needed peaking generation to meet rapidly
expanding demand hydrogen_from_electrolysis
(posted 6/23/04) "it is clear why hydrogen from electrolysis is gaining credibility as
perhaps the most logical way to achieve the introductory phase of the hydrogen
fueling infrastructure." Army Tents
Become Solar Power Field Equipment (posted 6/23/04) "Successfully integrating PowerFilm flexible solar panels with fabric
is a major milestone for fabric-based building integrated solar products for
both military and commercial uses." New Mexico
Gets Sharp With Renewable Energy (posted 6/23/04) "Amid increasing energy costs and environmental concerns, the clean,
renewable energy provided by solar technology holds significant promise for the
future." Fortune
Cookies Deliver Renewable Energy Message (posted 6/23/04) The delivery was part of an ad campaign run by the
network to promote the clean air, jobs, and other benefits of renewable energy. Energy Venture Fair V
(posted 6/23/04) Currently, the Energy Venture Fair technical advisory panel is screening
applicants to select 75 companies in the areas of: clean energy, generation,
distributed generation, transmission, distribution, retail, information
management, technology, exploration, production, energy storage, billing, fuel
cell, solar power, hydrogen technology, power quality, reliability, trading,
risk management, and more to present at North America’s premier forum for
pursuing capital and strategic alliances. PNM To Supply Ariz (posted
6/23/04) Public Service Company of New Mexico has signed a 10-year wholesale contract
to supply up to 10 megawatts of electricity to the city of Mesa Nuclear Plant
May Hinge on a Word (posted 6/23/04) Enough lawyers to field two basketball teams, with a couple of subs to spare,
converged on a meeting room at the Lea County Events Center last week to argue
about what the word "plausible" means. Proposals
Could Require Utilities to Use Green Power (posted 6/23/04) Green power could increase your electric bills in more ways than one,
analysts from three major bond-rating agencies told public utility
representatives meeting at a national conference Monday. Fund Yucca Mountain (posted
6/23/04) It's been more than two years since Congress - after decades of studies and
more studies - finally approved Yucca Mountain Many of the anti-nuke zealots are the same environmental radicals who
oppose fossil fuels and just about any other practical means of meeting the
nation's energy needs. They are basically anti- power, anti-progress and
anti-free enterprise. (???) Used-Fuel
Facility, Security to Be Installed at Waterford (posted 6/23/04) Construction is expected to begin this week on projects
designed to store spent radioactive fuel at the Millstone Nuclear Power Plant in
Waterford and to strengthen plant security against terrorist attacks. Talks Fizzle on
Coal-Fired Power Plant for Kentucky (posted 6/23/04) he plug has been pulled on negotiations to build a coal- fired
power plant in Clark County, signaling a likely death for the controversial
project. Subsidiary
Investment Boost May Smooth Way for Tucson (posted 6/23/04) Nearly $2 billion in new financial assurances could help
smooth the way for the proposed $3 billion private buyout of Tucson Electric
Power Co. parent UniSource Energy Corp., as regulatory hearings on the deal
kicked off this week in Tucson. The utilities staff of the Arizona Corporation Commission has
changed its position on the buyout to neutral from opposing the deal World Bank
rebuked for fossil fuel strategy (posted 6/22/04) The World Bank's drive to promote fossil fuel-generated power
for 1.6 billion people lacking electricity will drive developing countries
deeper into debt, a report by a development thinktank claims today. With Billions at Stake
(posted 6/22/04) AUSTIN, Texas --The Public Utility Commission will begin
hearing its largest electric case ever today, deciding whether to grant
CenterPoint Energy's request that it be allowed to recover $4.4 billion the
company says it is due under the state's 1999 electricity deregulation law. US lawmaker
Markey questions safety of ships carrying LNG (posted 6/22/04) Markey asks the department to respond to a series of questions, including who
tests the LNG carriers for fire resistance and what standards are imposed on
insulating materials on LNG carriers. US energy
chief calls for NPC refinery capacity study by Sep 30 (posted 6/22/04) "I understand that this is a tight timeframe, but it is my hope this State
Continues Work on Energy Roadmap (posted 6/22/04) West Virginia is poised to be a key player in a national energy strategy
being considered by Congress that could focus heavily on coal. Shell
downgrades size of oil reserves fourth time this year (posted 6/22/04) Shell downgraded the size of its proven
oil and gas reserves for the fourth time this year as the oil giant continued to
stumble over a scandal that shocked the markets and forced the resignation of
three top executives. Security Forces
Turnback 'Attack' at TMI (posted 6/22/04) The incident was part of a Nuclear Regulatory Commission pilot preparedness
program designed to uncover security weaknesses through simulated terrorist
attacks. PG&E
Asks for Residential Rate Increase in California (posted 6/22/04) Pacific Gas and Electric Co. wants to lower business energy bills at
residents' expense, to the chagrin of consumer advocates. Only
20% of European ports ready for July 1 security code deadline (posted
6/22/04) Only around 20% of European ports are already in compliance with the new
worldwide shipping security code due to come into force July 1, shipping sources
said last week. New
York's governor examines the High Desert's power base (posted 6/22/04) "Energy independence is one of the most important issues facing the
U.S.," he said. "It's an issue that touches on job creation, national
security and eliminating our dependence on foreign countries." Hydro Power
May Flow Farther in SE (posted 6/22/04) There are immense mountains and deep fjords in Southeast Alaska, and it rains
a lot. Highlands in
revolt at wind farm plans (posted 6/22/04) PLANNERS are expected to rubber stamp a controversial
application today which could eventually lead to Europe's biggest wind farm
being built on some of the Highlands' most beautiful landscapes. High coal
prices set new record (posted 6/22/04) The Platts benchmark physical delivered European coal marker, CIF ARA, 90-day
forward delivery, hit a new record Monday at $74/mt. Global pressure on
energy (posted 6/22/04) "The coal industry as it exists
today is a drag on the economy," says Jacek Wojciechowicz, the World Bank's
representative in Poland. "We are doing what we can to provide alternative
employment and businesses for the coal mining community." Fitch Report (posted
6/22/04) The high prices and volatility of the natural gas market are likely to
continue over the next several years, presenting varying degrees of challenges
to U.S. electric and gas companies, according to a report issued by Fitch
Ratings. The cop at
FERC explains gas market forensics (posted 6/22/04) He was telling
NARUC's winter meeting about how OMOI dug into the historic gas price spike in
February last year. Cradle of
August blackout has done little to upgrade transmission (posted 6/22/04) The region of the US where the August 2003 blackout began will enter the Department of
Energy Officials to Testify before Congressional Committees (posted
6/22/04) two officials will testify on nuclear security; facility
security requirements. Acting Undersecretary of Energy David Garman will testify
on the administration's policies regarding liquefied natural gas siting of
import facilities. As fresh prospects
dry up, oil industry strikes deals (posted 6/22/04) Roger Skinner's job is to execute the
oil industry's new strategy for where to strike it rich: at the negotiating
table. Californian
Decries Energy Refund Plan (posted 6/22/04) As California struggled through the 2000- 2001 energy crisis, Enron Corp.
traders reportedly gloated about gouging the state. Now state Attorney General
Bill Lockyer says federal regulators are heaping insult upon injury by demanding
that California pay Enron and other energy companies almost $270 million in
refunds. Enron outrage
championed (posted 6/22/04) These days, Roger Rice has just one question on his mind: Where's the
outrage?
Rice wonders why Snohomish County residents who may be forced to pay Enron
$122 million aren't more angry despite proof that the PUD's contract with the
bankrupt energy trader was illegal.
Action Against
Enron Sought (posted 6/22/04) Lawmakers from Washington state and California pressed energy regulators
Friday to take retroactive action against Enron, seeking to make the bankrupt
energy company pay for actions from the beginning of the 2000-01 energy crisis. British
Energy Has Come Back From the Brink (posted 6/21/04) Plunging wholesale electricity prices meant British Energy was losing
hundreds of millions of pounds a year. It also had more than pounds 3.5bn of
decommissioning liabilities on its balance sheet that it could not afford. In
September 2002, the Government stepped in to rescue it. Turkish
Minister Unveils Plan to Build Nuclear Power Plants (posted 6/21/04) "We will face a power shortage in 2020. Even if we use our national
resources fully, we will need imported coal, natural gas and electricity to meet
the national demand in 2020. They will all need to be imported. Nuclear power
plants are, therefore, absolutely necessary." Ontario Moves
to Build New Nuclear Reactor (posted 6/21/04) With Ontario on the brink of an energy supply squeeze, and some of its aging
nuclear plants facing an uncertain future, moves are under way in the province
to build the first nuclear reactor in North America in more than two decades. Authorities
Arrest Former California Economics Teacher in Alleged Energy Scheme (posted
6/21/04) A former Caltech economics instructor and co-creator of one of the
Southland's most revolutionary clean-air programs is under arrest on claims she
misused the program to defraud an energy company of at least $12.5 million. Sierra Club
May Lose Xcel Power Plant Fight to More Jobs for Pueblo (posted 6/21/04) The regional chapter of the Sierra Club wants to make Xcel Energy's plan to
build a new 750-megawatt, coal-burning power plant a key issue in the Pueblo
County commissioner elections this year -- but it may lose the argument in favor
of the 1,000 construction jobs that would come with building the plant. A Faceoff on
Green Power Proposal (posted 6/21/04) Environmentalists Wednesday praised a proposal that would require a quarter
of electricity purchased in New York to come from renewable energy sources, but
local business officials worried that the requirement could drive up power
prices. $31
Billion Energy Bill Passes U.S. House (posted 6/21/04) Amid charges of election-year grandstanding, House Republicans pushed through
a $31 billion package of energy proposals Tuesday -- identical to a bill they
approved six months ago only to have it die in the Senate. Palo
Verde Nuclear Plant a Success in Brief Failure (posted 6/21/04) The lights went out for about 65,000 Arizonans early Monday.
Power Cut Off to 35,000 in
Southern Arizona (posted 6/21/04) Arizona's Palo Verde nuclear power plant - the nation's largest single
producer of electricity - may remain out of service for days after a glitch in
the region's electrical grid triggered an automatic shutdown Monday morning. Change Planned
for Power Plant (posted 6/21/04) Basin Electric Power Cooperative filed an application for federal funds to
help finance a $700 million project that would combine coal gasification and the
newest technology in power generation. Coalition to
sue EnCana over Colorado natural gas seepage (posted 6/21/04) EnCana could be on the hook for millions of dollars in Wind Power
Call for Tenders from Hydro (posted 6/21/04) Hydro-Quebec Distribution has done a preliminary analysis of
the pricing formulas in the bids received in response to the call for tenders
for the purchase of 1000 MW of wind power. Nevada
storage for nuclear waste not expected soon (posted 6/21/04) It looks as though Maine will be stuck with high level nuclear
waste for at least another 20 years. The state of Nevada is suing the DOE,
claiming the site is ill-suited for such a use. And Maine Yankee is one of 65
utility companies nationwide suing the DOE for breach of contract over delays in
accepting nuclear waste - the target date was January 1998. Pilger farmer
finds selling wind power is no breeze (posted 6/21/04) A farmer hoping to install a wind generator at his place and
sell excess power to a local utility says the biggest hurdle he faces is too
much regulatory red tape. Proposed
Rules to Limit Mercury Output from Wisconsin Coal (posted 6/21/04) With an eye on making fish from Wisconsin waters safer to eat,
the Natural Resources Board will be asked to approve regulations next week
requiring utilities and large manufacturers to reduce mercury emissions from
coal-burning power plants. Nevada Power Co (posted
6/21/04) Nevada Power Co. is asking state regulators to approve the
third and last leg of the $300 million Centennial transmission project. Opinions
Mixed over Planned Sale of Tucson (posted 6/21/04) The pending sale of UniSource Energy Corp. to a
private investment partnership has the support of some Tucson charities and
businesses, although the deal is raising concerns with residents, state
regulators heard Thursday night. The Biomass
Answer to Global Warming (posted 6/18/04) "Decision-makers have overlooked the potential of biomass to deliver
sustainable energy for the future." Beacon Power
Announces New Dates for M5 Certified Installer Training Classes in Three States
(posted 6/18/04) Beacon Power Corporation (NASDAQ: BCON), a leader in
sustainable energy storage and power conversion systems, has announced a series
of new dates and cities for Smart Power M5 Certified Installer training programs Xantrex
launches performance guarantee and new extended warranty packages for large
scale solar inverters (posted 6/18/04) Xantrex customers can now enjoy the benefits and
peace of mind offered by upgraded warranty and new performance guarantee
packages for its PV Series grid-tie solar inverters installed in the U.S. and
Canada. Proton Energy
Systems Announces Distribution Agreement with GE (posted 6/18/04) The 36-month agreement appoints GE as a non-exclusive
distributor of Proton's products for the electric power production industry
throughout the world, excluding select European countries. A Solar Manifesto (posted
6/18/04) In this fully updated edition of A Solar Manifesto, Herman Scheer once more
attacks the lack of political will to find answers outside a conventional frame
of reference. Developer_pushes_for_green
Energy Plants in San Diego County, Calif. (posted 6/18/04) On the heels of a key regulatory approval last week, a local businessman said
Monday that he is talking to various officials about building at least five
"renewable energy" projects around the county, three of them in North
County. House Panel
OKs Funds for Yucca (posted 6/18/04) The proposal for a nuclear waste site in Nevada took a tiny step forward
Wednesday as House members tried to resolve a budget problem that threatens to
dramatically curtail work. FERC acted to
prevent future crises (posted 6/18/04) you incorrectly state that Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission Chairman Pat Wood "failed to respond in a timely effective
fashion as the California energy crises unfolded." In addition, you claim
that little has been done to ensure that it never happens again. US FERC
chairman directs staff to include new Enron evidence (posted 6/18/04) US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Pat Wood Thursday ordered
the agency's legal staff to develop recommendations "to ensure"
transcripts of telephone conversations between Enron traders during the
2000-2001 Western energy crisis are included in the commission's continuing
investigations into the failed energy giant's business practices. California
files lawsuit against Enron seeking close to $2-bil (posted 6/18/04) California Attorney General Bill Lockyer Thursday said the state had filed a
lawsuit against Enron in an effort to recover profits the former energy trading
giant made through alleged market manipulation and commodities fraud during the
state's 2000-2001 power crisis. New York Lawmakers
Environmentalists Face Off on Green Power (posted 6/18/04) Environmentalists Wednesday praised a proposal that would require a quarter
of electricity purchased in New York to come from renewable energy sources, but
local business officials worried that the requirement could drive up power
prices. Windmills Keep on
Turning (posted 6/18/04) For more than 25 years, Bergey has been trying to outguess the vagaries of
the winds. They fluctuate hourly here, sway and buckle metal, and in tornado
season, sometimes transplant windmill parts in a neighbor's field. Clifton Sold
on Solar Power to Save Money (posted 6/18/04) The historic property of City Hall may soon be at the cutting edge of the
future. Clifton is one of only a handful of municipalities in the state that
have applied for the New Jersey Clean Energy Program to convert their city hall
to solar power. BFI Landfill
Gas to Power The Solae Company Plant in Memphis (posted 6/18/04) Air quality will improve and fossil-fuel demand will decrease in Shelby
County this fall...organizations are creating a system to collect and use gas
generated from decomposing municipal solid waste New York State
Project to Lay Groundwork for Use of Hydrogen (posted 6/18/04) The roads of the future will be populated by hydrogen-fed cars and lined with
hydrogen-powered buildings, some say. But navigating to that point, where things
run on clean, renewable fuel, will not be simple, cheap or pollution-free. Iraq Powered
By a Patchwork Grid (posted 6/18/04) Repairs have suffered from the difficulty of finding parts for machines that
are so outdated, and from the pullout of a Russian engineering company after two
of its employees were shot in an ambush. Solar-Heated
Salsa at Taco Burrito King (posted 6/17/04) Salvador Lamas isn't kidding when he brags about his restaurant chain's
hot-as-the-sun salsa, thanks to the new solar energy system that provides hot
water for his new state-of-the-art main kitchen. Renewable Fraud (posted
6/17/04) Supposedly, renewable energy is a clean way to produce electricity.
Supposedly, renewable energy will make the United States less dependent on
imported fossil fuels. It sounds wonderful. In actual fact though Arizona
Nuclear Power Plant Shutdown Wreaks Havoc in Southwest (posted
6/17/04) Nevada Power Co. narrowly avoided an outage following the unexpected shutdown
of all three units at an Arizona nuclear power plant, Mark Shanks, director of
regional transmission for the Las Vegas-based electric utility, said Tuesday. Feds
to Inspect to Arizona Nuclear Plant (posted 6/17/04) Federal regulators plan a closer look at the emergency shutdown of a major
Arizona nuclear power plant earlier this week.
U.S.
plants operated at near record 2003 levels (posted 6/17/04) U.S. nuclear plants continued operating at high levels of production and
efficiency in 2003, the Nuclear Energy Institute House panel
approves nuclear R&D funding (posted 6/17/04) Nuclear energy R&D would receive $122.5-million in fiscal 2005 under a
funding bill the House Appropriations Committee approved today. The allocation
includes $40.5-million, $10-million over the budget request LNG market
faces oversupply if planned US terminals are not built (posted 6/17/04) US gas markets are defining a new paradigm in the LNG industry and hold the
key to future supply-demand balance that could transform LNG from a buyer's
market to a seller's market if projected demand materializes, or cause
overcapacity and length if it doesn't Controversial
ANWR drilling pulled from House consideration (posted 6/17/04) A controversial bill to open Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil
and gas drilling has been pulled from consideration by the US House of
Representatives Electricity
at center of power struggle (posted 6/17/04) The deadly car bombing of a convoy of General Electric
contractors Monday dramatizes the dangerous challenge the United States faces as
it struggles to revive Iraq's beleaguered power supply. Mexican
outcry stalls natural gas projects (posted 6/17/04) Fierce opposition to proposed liquefied natural gas terminals
in Baja California has thrown into doubt the Mexican government's plan to end
the country's dependence on U.S. gas imports. Mohave station
topic of hearing (posted 6/17/04) The Hopi Tribe, the Navajo Nation and Peabody Western Coal
Co., which operates a strip coal mine on land jointly controlled by the two
Indian groups, are urging the state regulatory commission to provide a
"conditional" certificate of public convenience and necessity for the
continued operation of the Mohave plant. Groundbreaking
for Biorefinery in Buna, Texas, Temporarily on Hold (posted 6/17/04) However, officials from the Lufkin-based company are assuring
the town that the project still is going ahead. Nuclear
Power Plant May Soon Offer Tours (posted 6/17/04) Public tours of the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant, which
were halted abruptly following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, may soon resume. TV Commercial
Displays Potential Perils of Proposed Massachusetts LNG Terminal (posted
6/17/04) The latest assault on a proposed port facility for receiving
liquefied natural gas comes in the form of a television commercial narrated by a
fifth-grader. California
Officials Fight Ruling that Ratepayers Owe Enron Huge Refunds (posted
6/17/04) State officials, saying they're outraged, are fighting a U.S.
government ruling that says California ratepayers owe Enron Corp. and other
electricity sellers refunds totalling $270 million for deals made during the
worst of the energy crisis. Carbonizing Wind (posted
6/17/04) Wind turbine blade manufacturers are turning to high strength
and low weight materials such as carbon fibers in hopes of finding new
technology breakthroughs so they can increase turbine size and improve wind
power economics. Oil spike rattles
Africa (posted 6/17/04) Soaring crude oil prices are rattling
nerves across Africa as some of the world's poorest economies struggle to absorb
prices near historic highs, according to finance ministers and economists. Oil
prices have hit record highs on concerns that supply is unable to meet soaring
demand, coupled with geopolitical tensions. Turkey
believes 40 % of world’s gas resources (posted 6/17/04) 40 % of the world’s gas resources was
in the Caspian region and that the world’s demand for energy would increase by
50 % over the next 20 years. A modest
proposal to save the planet (posted 6/17/04) Our leaders are finally waking up to
the fact that climate change, far from being a “green” fantasy, is a real,
imminent and potentially catastrophic threat to humanity. Yet preventative
action seems to be as remote as ever. Isn't there something we could be doing? Germany pins
its future on renewable energy (posted 6/17/04) Wars have been fought in the past over
access to oil, Goliath
windmill highlights Germany (posted 6/17/04) As oil prices spike to new highs,
driven by Mideast security fears and rising consumption by emerging countries,
windpower and other "renewables" have become buzzwords. But developing
and exploiting alternative energy -- the theme of a four-day worldwide
conference opening in Bonn -- is tougher than its wholesome image suggests. Russia and
USA negotiate pipeline construction (posted 6/17/04) we are discussing the allocation of a
large grant by the USA Canada could produce 2.2
mm barrels from oilsands by 2015 (posted 6/17/04) Canada's oilsands could easily produce
more than 2 mm bpd of oil in 2015, but the industry's already heavy reliance on
natural gas is also expected to more than double Survey examines US
public (posted 6/17/04) As gasoline prices have soared this
spring with many motorists now paying more than $ 2 a gallon, it will be
interesting to see if this becomes a political issue in this election year. Coiled tubing
technology gains popularity (posted 6/17/04) Many of the new systems for drilling,
completing or remediating a well are conveyed on coiled tubing, which is gaining
popularity with the oil and gas industry around the globe. US signs
agreement with China for energy policy dialogue (posted 6/17/04) The Dialogue will strengthen
energy-related interactions between China and the United States, the world's two
largest energy consumers. Some US car
owners fuel their vehicles with vegetable oil (posted 6/17/04) Environmentalists have been using the
fuel alternative for years as a way to cut back on sooty emissions, but as gas
prices soar above $ 2 a gallon, they say their "veggie cars" are also
a great way to save some cash. Missouri
plant aims to make oil from Turkey waste (posted 6/17/04) Someday, if the hopes and dreams of
investors in a small plant in southwest Missouri come true, Americans may be
using oil derived from what is left of a turkey after it has gone through a
rendering plant. We are
finally running out of cheap gas-- good!
(posted 6/17/04) Our long-standing addiction to cheap
oil has cost us dearly in terms of health, global security, human rights and a
changing climate. It has also long stifled investment and innovation in
alternative energy sources and technologies. Maybe we should look at expensive
gas as an opportunity rather than a crisis. Rising oil
prices increase cost of asphalt and tires (posted 6/17/04) Oil is a raw material for such products
as plastic, food preservatives, aspirin, shampoo and soft contact lenses. Lack of new
refineries also factor in high gas prices (posted 6/17/04) The US oil industry is absolutely
certain that the high price of gasoline is the fault of OPEC and its production
quotas. OPEC suggests that the industry look at the refineries in its own back
yard. Hydrogen…
A trillion reasons (posted 6/17/04) The reason Hydrogen isn’t the primary
fuel source is that there has been no compelling reason to change. When Hydrogen
is economically viable the transition will occur overnight. Canada lags in
emission cuts (posted 6/17/04) Canadian industrial plants released 2.7
mm kilograms of chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects and other reproductive
harm in 2001 Oil surge won't
hurt economic growth (posted 6/17/04) The recent surge in the price of crude
oil is not expected to be painless, but economists at Standard & Poor's
Corp. expect the $ 10 hike will only chop about one-quarter percentage point off
the gross domestic product's expansion for the year. Demand for
unconventional oil and gas on the increase (posted 6/17/04) Improved exploration and production
technology along with additional investments have led to significant levels of
commercial production from unconventional oil and gas resources that previously
were considered too costly to produce. Wildcatters in America
(posted 6/17/04) Five years ago, Hollis Sullivan scoffed
at someone who said he was too busy to return calls. How could anybody be that
busy, he wondered. Now he gets it. "We're maxed out," he says Why gas prices are
too low (posted 6/17/04) Let's imagine for the moment that the
United States was a prudent nation and that its politicians, rather than
pandering to the public appetite for cheap gasoline, decided to reduce the
nation's dependence on energy from the volatile Middle East. Iraqi oil
exports hit more than$ 10 bn (posted
6/17/04) The United States and Britain have
asked the Security Council to return to Iraq full control over its vast oil
resources, beginning in July, but with continued international monitoring of how
it spends the oil money. UAE to double
oil output by 2006 (posted 6/17/04) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is
developing its oil and gas production and supply facilities to double its oil
and gas output by 2006. Increase in OPEC
output won't solve record high crude prices (posted 6/17/04) Saudi Arabia's Oil Minister Ali Naimi
said that he feared the oil market could be flooded with additional crude,
adding an increase in OPEC output won't solve record high crude prices. He also
said it was a misconception that foreign workers leaving Saudi Arabia in the
aftermath of the latest terror assault would impact the kingdom's output. Why
Hydropower Should be Included in Renewable and Sustainable Energy
Initiatives by Linda Church Ciocci (posted 6/16/04) "While (hydropower's) this flexibility is critical in terms of grid
stability, this unique feature also makes it the most efficient and
cost-effective way to support the use of intermittent renewable sources of
power, such as wind or solar energy." Use of
renewables can reduce public health impacts (posted 6/16/04) Increased levels of CO2 and warmer climates stimulate the production of
ragweed pollen and moulds, with major health impacts on residents US House
approves energy bill (posted 6/16/04) During the House debate, Republicans claimed they were for increasing energy
supplies to meet US demands and that Democrats were against raising production,
despite high oil, gasoline and natural gas prices. Unified
Renewable Energy Groups Call for Public Support by Jesse Broehl (posted
6/16/04) "Key Senators and congressional staff have told AWEA and other energy
lobbyists in Washington, D.C. that the corporate tax bill is the best -- and
only -- shot at gaining energy tax credits this year." Tapping
the 'Fat of the Land' for Biodiesel (posted 6/16/04) "Without a doubt, biodiesel is among the future solutions for
sustainable transportation." Shell Solar
to bring electricity to more remote Chinese villages by Shell Solar (posted
6/16/04) About 100 villagers from a remote Yunnan village in
southwest China have access to electricity for the first time, thanks to a Shell
Solar project. Renewable
energy is a priority for climate protection (posted 6/16/04) Canada’s uptake of renewables is “one of the slowest in the G-8"
and, while Canada once was a pioneer in advancing low-impact renewables, “today
programs, policies and deployment are more advanced in much of the industrial
world and some of the developing world,” Reliability,
aging infrastructure among chief US utility concerns (posted 6/16/04) Regulatory uncertainty, system reliability and aging physical infrastructure
are the three most critical issues facing the US electric power industry, a
survey of industry executives released Tuesday found. Each of the issues is
linked with the other and it would be "extremely difficult" to fix one
without fixing all, executives said in the survey Proton Energy
Systems Announces Distribution Agreement with GE (posted 6/16/04) Proton Energy Systems, Inc., a subsidiary of
Distributed Energy Systems Corp. and a manufacturer of on-site hydrogen
generator systems for electric generator cooling within power plants, announced
today the signing of a distribution agreement with GE Supply, a business unit of
General Electric Company. New York
Utility Regulators Set Buffalo Forum on Renewable Energy Plan (posted
6/16/04) on a proposal that would require a quarter of its electricity purchased in
New York to come from renewable energy sources. Natural Gas
Prices Fuel Higher Power Bills (posted 6/16/04) As consumers brace themselves to open summer electric bills, the shock will
depend on a number of factors, including their power company's dependency on
natural gas and their own willingness to conserve. Massachusetts
Launches Clean Energy Tour (posted 6/16/04) "Today's kick-off of the Clean Energy Tour is in keeping with this
law's important mandate: maximizing the economic and environmental benefits of
clean energy technologies for generations to come." Mad Cow
Concern Prompts Renewable Energy Plan by Jesse Broehl (posted
6/16/04) "...this is disingenuous. It would not meet our definition of
renewable energy." Groups want
large hydro disqualified as renewable (posted 6/16/04) A declaration calling for large hydropower to be excluded as a renewable
energy has been endorsed by 260 groups in 62 countries. Grants
Available to North Dakota Farmers to Improve Energy Efficiency (posted
6/16/04) USDA has grants available for farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses
who want to buy renewable energy systems or improve energy efficiency. Global summit
approves policy recommendations to promote renewables (posted 6/16/04) Renewable energies are a "critical element" for achieving
sustainable development, and development and diffusion of renewables "will
help realize important economic, environmental and social objectives in the
early decades of the 21st century Giant Arizona
Nuclear Power Plant May Remain Off Line for Several Days (posted 6/16/04) Arizona's Palo Verde nuclear power plant -- the nation's largest single
producer of electricity -- may remain out of service for days after a glitch in
the region's electrical grid triggered an automatic shutdown Monday morning. Experts Do
Not See Alternative Energy Sources Replacing Coal Anytime Soon (posted
6/16/04) Coal releases pollutants into our atmosphere and waters. Mining destroys
forests and mountains.
European bank
to double loans to renewable energy projects (posted 6/16/04) The European Investment Bank will increase its loans for renewable energy
projects to Euro 700 million per year by 2010. Emission caps
would boost the use of renewable energies (posted 6/16/04) The use of renewable energy in the United States would double if the federal
government were to set a cap on the emission of greenhouse gases, according to
an analysis by the Department of Energy. DTE Energy
Breaks Ground on Hydrogen Technology Park in Southfield (posted 6/16/04) DTE Energy today broke ground on its Hydrogen Technology Park,
a pilot project that will model a complete, multi-use hydrogen energy system. Dark Iraq (posted 6/16/04) Tripped up by problems including sabotage and a reliance on by- the-book
engineering, the United States has failed by a wide margin to meet its
long-stated goal of reviving Iraq's electricity output for the start of the
searing summer. Enron
gouged Western customers (posted 6/16/04) Enron Corp. manipulated the energy market practically every day during the
2000-01 power crunch and gouged Western customers for at least $1.1 billion,
according to audiotapes and documents released Monday. Cantwell
wants Enron investigation reopened (posted 6/16/04) U.S. Sen.
Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) in a statement Monday blasted the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission and said it needs to reopen its investigation of Enron as
newly discovered documents and audio tapes show Enron's illegal manipulation of
energy markets. Big Names to
Speak at Renewable Energy Finance Forum (posted 6/16/04) "Governor Richardson's interest in speaking to this conference
illustrates how central the renewable energy agenda is becoming in US
policy-making, and how critical finance has become in getting it done." Bet on Logic
Leaves Yucca Mountain Short (posted 6/16/04) Poor Yucca Mountain. Located 90 miles from Las Vegas, Nev., the designated
storage site for highly radioactive waste from nuclear power plants is about as
popular as a skunk at a casino.
But at budget time in Washington...
Book
Review - Out of Gas, The End of the Age of Oil (posted 6/16/04) enterprising energy companies are engaging in alternative sourcing like
solar, wind, hydrogen and nuclear fuel in addition to its traditional
hydrocarbon based business. That’s right, growing energy companies with
the world’s future in mind, and I might add, its company’s bottom line in
mind. That’s Dr. Goodstein’s real message - “prepare now” . . . And I
think he’s right on target. Reliability Rules (posted
6/15/04) Worldwide, the electricity industry is undergoing significant changes with
regards to its structure (i.e., vertical separation of generation, transmission,
and distribution companies), its ownership (i.e., participation of privates in
transmission), and its regulatory mechanisms (e.g., establishment of autonomous
regulatory entities). These changes are having a significant impact in the way
transmission networks are planned and operated. 'Standby
Power' Enjoys Surge of Popularity (posted 6/15/04) Is it any wonder a growing number of homeowners are turning to emergency
generators to keep their houses comfortable, their sump pumps running and their
lights on? Wind Power
Puts Positive Charge into Earnings for Farms (posted 6/15/04) In the musical "Paint your Wagon" they called the wind "Mariah
. " In Colorado we call the wind "Power." Can Solar Power Work?
(posted 6/15/04) Solar electric power, the industry says, has reached as many as 20,000
American rooftops, where it has proved it can supplement electrical grids and
trim bills. But its contribution so far is meager. World's
proven oil reserves rise (posted 6/15/04) The world's remaining proved oil reserves in the world stood at
1.147-trillion bbl at the end of 2003, up 0.1% from 1.146-trillion bbl a year
earlier US regular
gasoline slips 4 (posted 6/15/04) The average price for US retail regular-grade gasoline has dropped for the
third straight week, sliding 4.9 cts over the past seven days to $1.985/gal, the
US Energy Information Administration reported Three Palo
Verde nuclear units shut down Monday morning (posted 6/15/04) PS was not available for comment. However, according to a recorded message,
APS said it experienced a major system disturbance Monday morning that affected
homes and businesses in a portion of the company's control area. US House to vote on
energy (posted 6/15/04) After a week delay due to events marking former President Ronald Reagan's
death, US House Republicans on Tuesday intend to bring several energy bills to
the floor in an effort to spur the US Senate to pass comprehensive energy
legislation. Energy bill
unlikely to pass before November election (posted 6/15/04) Congress will pass a comprehensive energy policy, but it might not happen
before the November general election Riverside,
Calif., to Build Power Plant (posted 6/15/04) The city of Riverside Public Utilities is sinking $75 million into a new
power plant that, once constructed, will eliminate the need to purchase
additional power from other companies to meet energy demand on hot summer days. California
Power Bill May Allow Big Electricity Users to Shop Around Again (posted
6/15/04) Utility bills have stabilized, and rolling blackouts are a fading memory, but
California's electricity system is reaching a critical juncture as state leaders
debate letting some large-business customers shop around again for power. No Easy Choices
on California (posted 6/15/04) If we lost the Middle Eastern supply of oil (which makes up) 25 percent of
world oil supplies, prices would skyrocket. UK government
provides extra $4-mil of funding for solar power (posted 6/14/04) The UK Government is to provide a further GBP2.2-mil ($4-mil) of funding for
solar power schemes Possible
Water Supply Shortage Worries Wyoming Hydroelectric Power Plant (posted
6/14/04) Hit hard by the drought, the Laramie River Station is negotiating with nearby
local farmers to use their irrigation water and stave off a shortage of water
necessary to its power production process. Report
Links Philadelphia Deaths to Power Plant Pollution (posted
6/14/04) It seems so obvious: Dirty air is bad for you. Soot in our
skies triggers asthma attacks, poisons the blood, causes heart attacks and
increases lung cancer rates. Utility
Emissions Cast Deadly Pall over Tampa (posted 6/14/04) A new study ranks the Tampa Bay area as the 13th-worst metro
area in the nation for illnesses and premature deaths caused by emissions from
dirty power plants. Could
court's pro-Bell decision have serious energy impacts? (posted
6/14/04) NEMA President
Craig Goodman suspects it could. Getting
worthless gas to Henry Hub's $5.15 buyers (posted 6/14/04) Picture a world
with vast quantities of gas in the ground that has negative value. Wind power cost
nears Dalton, Ga, pricing (not San Diego) (posted 6/14/04) Bigger and better
turbines on taller towers have brought the cost of wind power down 80% to
5¢/kwh FERC acts to
add wholesale power competition (posted 6/14/04) Hooking up
generators plays a critical role in bringing generation into energy markets. Energy
watchdog forecasts growth in oil demand (posted 6/14/04) Global demand for oil will grow this year at its fastest rate
since 1980, but the producer group OPEC's pledge to pump more crude should help
ease the pressure on prices Hilo Coast Power
to close Nov (posted 6/14/04) Installing 40 megawatts of its own power in Kona, HELCO will no longer need
to buy Pollution
report exposes power plants (posted 6/14/04) Air pollution causes more deaths each year than drunk driving
or murders, according to a report released Wednesday by Clear the Air, an air
pollution watchdog group. Time for a power play
(posted 6/14/04) On the surface, a recent ruling throwing out Governor Pataki's
1999 plan to sharply lower smokestack emissions by New York utilities is a
setback. But in reality, it is an opportunity for Mr. Pataki to make good on his
pledge to expand regulation of other known threats to the environment. He should
not let the chance slip by. A Big Hand for
PG&E (posted 6/14/04) Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill Monday allowing the
sale of some $2 billion in taxable bonds to help utility Pacific Gas &
Electric now that it has emerged from bankruptcy. SMOKING GUN (posted
6/14/04) Recordings reveal Enron's effort to
stir energy crisis in California Forced to buy power at exorbitant rates, the crisis cost
California alone at least $40 billion and contributed to the state's budget
crisis. The state suffered through a series of blackouts, even as large users of
power in the Pacific Northwest were closing plants for a price to allow their
electricity to be shipped to California. Utility
Group Bolsters Power Supply with 7 Wind Turbines (posted 6/14/04) The Sacramento Municipal Utility District has added seven wind
turbines to its power plant in the Delta, boosting Sacramento's electricity
supply in the summer months, just when demand is at its peak. Electric
Choice Works in Pennsylvania (posted 6/11/04) California gave electric restructuring a bad reputation. But Pennsylvania's
similar venture has met with more success. New York
State Project to Lay Groundwork for Use of Hydrogen
(posted 6/11/04) The roads of the future will be populated by hydrogen-fed cars and lined with
hydrogen-powered buildings, some say. But navigating to that point, where things
run on clean, renewable fuel, will not be simple, cheap or pollution-free. Office Depot Deploys
"Green Power" in 12 California Locations
(posted 6/11/04) "Our commitment to purchasing green power enables us not only to enhance
our quality of life, but also helps to begin shifting the paradigm related to
how companies purchase their energy. San
Diego Gas Electric Wins Approval for New Plants
(posted 6/11/04) received approval on Wednesday from the California Public Utilities
Commission to add four generating resources, including the first major power
plants to be built in its service territory since 1984. Xantrex
products support Greenland science expedition
(posted 6/11/04) Concern about the affect of greenhouse gasses on the
Earth's ice covered regions has led to a number of scientific expeditions aimed
at better understanding climate change, sea level rise, and whether polar ice is
gaining or losing mass. Xantrex
inverters provide power for new amphitheatre in Arizona
(posted 6/11/04) playing an integral role in delivering electricity to
the Highlands Center for Natural History's new amphitheater. EC gives
Finland green light to build new nuke plant
(posted 6/11/04) The plant is the first to be ordered in the European Union for more than a
decade Coalition
Calls for a New Energy-Saving Standard
(posted 6/11/04) A broad-based coalition announced a petition to DOE to strengthen energy
efficiency standards for home refrigerators. According to the petition,
consumers would save as much as $10.1 billion over 25 years if DOE strengthened
the current standard by 30%. Green energy
investments few and far between
(posted 6/11/04) Federal politicians looking to show their "green" credentials are
promising government money for alternative energy sources like wind power, but
investors who want to convert election campaign pledges into profits may have a
tough time. Coal
causing health problems in La
(posted 6/11/04) "The public health impacts are significant, even in
Louisiana, which is not overly dependent on coal-fired power, Congressional
intervention on LNG sought
(posted 6/11/04) The existing regulations followed by the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission do not address LNG spills Power
plant pollution linked to shortened lives
(posted 6/11/04) A consultant used by the Environmental Protection Agency said
health problems linked to power plant pollution shortens nearly 24,000 lives a
year, including 2,800 from lung cancer. Groups Blast Chicago
(posted 6/11/04) An alliance of environmentalists and public-health advocates
launched a Web site on Wednesday that enables users to pinpoint local power
plants and get statistics on their effects on health. Avista
Donates Microturbine for Student Study on Alternative Energy (posted
6/10/04) When complete, the program will use wind and solar power,
among other alternative energy sources, to generate electricity directly into
the university's power grid for educational and demonstration purposes. Wisconsin
Energy Corp. honored for waste reuse (posted 6/10/04) Wisconsin Energy uses the ash in pavement, structural fill and
as concrete aggregate for a variety of building projects. The company formerly
discarded its fly ash from coal plants in landfills. Speak truth to power
(posted 6/10/04) OK, we realize that it's summer, there's a war on and everyone
has a hundred other things to worry about. The sale of one power plant may not
be on the radar screen of a lot of folks, but this sale, nevertheless, is
something that matters. Preventing another
blackout (posted 6/10/04) There were, to be sure, some encouraging words heard about
improving reliability. But they were only marginally reassuring Natural gas
prices will stay high (posted 6/10/04) While there is plenty of natural gas in storage, growing
demand this summer will keep prices high, the Natural Gas Supply Association
said Fields Point
neighbors worried over LNG proposal (posted 6/10/04) Residents cite safety concerns over KeySpan Energy Corp.'s
$50- million proposal to bring liquefied natural gas to Fields Point by tanker. Pipes
Send Big Chill All around City (posted 6/10/04) It's not for drinking, but for air conditioning, and more is
coming Lax
U.S. Power Plant Rules Killing Thousands (posted 6/10/04) Over 90 percent of the 23,600 annual deaths caused by pollution from aging
coal-fired power plants could be prevented if the U.S. government adopted
stricter rules Study Links
Power Plant Pollution to More Than 38,000 heart attacks per year (posted
6/10/04) Clear the Air also launched http://www.cleartheair.org/
dirtypower, a related interactive Web site that enables the public to learn
about the health problems caused by power plants in their town, city, and state. The report's Web site graphically shows how local power plants
contribute to death and disease, including premature deaths from lung cancer and
other cardiovascular diseases, non-fatal heart attacks, asthma attacks,
emergency room visits for respiratory problems, and lost work days. U.S.
Electric Power Industry Reputation Weakens (posted 6/10/04) The reputation strength of the US electric power industry has
shown clear signs of deterioration over the last two years New Metering
Technologies Upset Pricing Equilibrium and Create Opportunities for Start
(posted 6/10/04) Driven by changing end-user needs, many new participants in
the utility meter market are focusing on product innovation to capture market
share. These emerging competitors have already upset the pricing equilibrium
that the established metering companies have enjoyed for decades. FERC,
Calif. Near Deal on Power Grid Board Dispute (posted 6/10/04) A long-running dispute between California and the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC) over who appoints members of the state's power grid operator
could be headed for a settlement Demand
growth at 23-year high despite high prices (posted 6/10/04) World oil demand growth is running at 2.3-mil b/d, its highest level since
1980, as Chinese demand continues to shrug off record high oil prices and drive
global growth, the International Energy Agency said Thursday. Tapping New Energy
(posted 6/10/04) A report by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission on the state's energy
needs over the next seven years notes that electricity demand hit an all-time
high last year and is growing by 2.5% per year -- enough to require a major new
power plant every other year. Two-for-One Solar
(posted 6/10/04) In April, physicists at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico reported
in the journal Physical Review Letters that they had found a way to get
semiconducting crystals to produce multiple electrons from a single photon 'Green'-Power
Option Could Get Easier for Boston-Area Businesses, Institutions (posted
6/10/04) The agreement, which still needs approval from state utility regulators,
would affect NStar customers who want to produce some or all of their own
electricity from fuel cells, solar panels, wind turbines, a hydroelectric dam,
or other sources but maintain an emergency standby connection to the utility. California
Energy Commission Says Rotating Outages Unlikely This Summer (posted
6/10/04) Under normal temperatures, the outlook indicates current
electricity supplies can meet peak demand this summer, the report says. Rotating
outages are unlikely this summer, according to the commission's investigation. Small Snow
Pack in Sierras Raises Summer Electricity Concerns in California (posted
6/10/04) A lack of snowfall in the Sierra mountains in the past seven weeks has led
officials at California's electrical-grid manager to become more concerned about
whether there will be adequate supplies of power to meet demand on hot days this
summer. ASEAN adopts
plan of action for energy cooperation (posted 6/10/04) ASEAN energy ministers ended their 22nd meeting here Wednesday with the
adoption of a plan of action for stronger cooperation in light of growing
concerns on energy security and sustainable development amid highly volatile
world oil prices. International
Renewable Conference Forges Clear Path (posted 6/10/04) If fossil fuel production is finite and if carbon dioxide is
concentrating in the earth's atmosphere, then it is imperative that nations seek
alternative energy forms that are sustainable and that are more environmentally
benign. Green Energy
May Be Free but It Ain't Cheap (posted 6/09/04) THE full cost of rewiring Scotland to exploit its green energy potential is
now becoming much clearer. Fox opens
four hydroelectric power stations in northeast (posted 6/09/04) MEXICO: The new facilities will increase the electricity generation in the
northeast by 890 megawatts. The energy paradox
(posted 6/09/04) Sometimes we Americans can be such hypocrites. While soaring gas prices have
discouraged some new SUV buyers, the country needs to develop a comprehensive
energy policy that makes alternative fuel vehicles and sources more affordable
and abundant - both for our environment's sake as well as our national security. Flame Burns Low for US
Poor (posted 6/09/04) Advocates for the poor face a daunting task when it comes to finding
assistance to pay for heating and cooling bills. New York
Judge Rules Favorably on New York RPS (posted 6/09/04) "The Recommended Decision clearly shows that the RPS will provide
real benefits to New York." Petroleum
Company Redeems with Solar Energy (posted 6/09/04) "The petroleum industry has to live down its past." A
California Petroleum company is doing its part of atone for the drawbacks of
worldwide demand for fossil fuels by tapping into solar energy. German
Commitment Contrasts Mild U.S. Efforts (posted 6/09/04) "Contrast to Schroder's call for a dramatic overhaul of the global
energy economy to avoid the "horror scenario" of climate change, the
U.S. Government's response was mild." Could Large
Hydro Sink Renewable Energy Expansion (posted 6/09/04) "Including subsidies for large hydro in renewables initiatives
could...dry up funds available to promote new renewables." Governor
Signs Legislation Giving PG (posted 6/09/04) California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed Senate
Bill 772, which authorizes a dedicated rate component to securitize Pacific Gas
and Electric Company's $2.21 billion after-tax regulatory asset. Customers Could
Potentially Save Up to $1 Billion Over the Next 10 Years IEA report
tracks downward curve in renewables (posted 6/09/04) Renewables still have a “long way to go” before they can play a key role
in the world’s energy mix, says the head of the International Energy Agency. UNEP head
calls for decisive action on renewables (posted 6/09/04) “It is clear to me that, unless we can overcome the energy poverty facing
Africa and many parts of the developing world, we will never overcome the
poverty that is so closely linked to environmental degradation Final
declaration from Bonn calls for more promotion of renewables (posted
6/09/04) Delegates from 154 countries have adopted a political declaration that calls
for the promotion of renewable energies. Midwest US
gas munis charge five majors with antitrust violations (posted
6/09/04) Seventeen Midwest US municipal gas utilities Tuesday filed suit against five
of the world's largest oil companies, alleging that the majors have a monopoly
on wholesale natural gas and have deliberately withheld supplies in an effort
raise prices. US Senate
Republicans schedule their version of "Energy Week" (posted
6/09/04) US Senate Republicans will join their House colleagues in refocusing
attention on energy policy next week with their own version of an "energy
week," FERC
Commissioner Kelly to Speak at Energy in the Southwest Conference FERC
Commissioner Suedeen Kelly will address changing energy (posted
6/09/04) FERC Commissioner Suedeen Kelly will address changing energy markets at the
Annual "Energy in the Southwest" Conference, July 15 and 16, 2004, El
Dorado Hotel, in Santa Fe NM. Alberta
orders 835 gas wells to be shut (posted 6/09/04) The Alberta Energy and Utilities Board ruling, stemming from a hearing in
March, will mean 123 million cubic feet a day of gas production will be shut off New
low-emissions power plant to use waste coal (posted 6/09/04) A once-abandoned coal mine refuse pile in southern West
Virginia will provide the fuel for a new power plant that is among eight
commercial-scale clean coal projects nationwide financed by the federal
government. Bush
Admin. Spurns Science and Sacrifices Wild Salmon Again (posted
6/09/04) The damage to salmon caused by stopping spill is well
documented. Efficient
Cooling Systems Protect the Environment and Save Money (posted
6/09/04) With the launch of ENERGY STAR's "Cool Change"
campaign this summer, EPA is encouraging Americans to save energy, money, and
protect the environment by increasing the efficiency of home cooling systems. Renewal of
Wind Power Tax Credit Moves a Step Closer to Reality (posted
6/09/04) The U.S. Senate recently passed a $170 billion corporate tax
bill that included $14 billion in tax incentives for energy producers. A part of
these tax incentives includes the restoration of the wind production tax credit
for another three years. ComEd
Enhances Transmission Reliability Through Proactive Blackout Self Assessment
(posted 6/09/04) "Even though the blackout did not affect ComEd, we consider it our
responsibility to learn from history Alliance to
Save Energy Establishes Energy Efficiency Hall of Fame (posted
6/09/04) The Alliance has established the Hall of Fame to recognize the
often unheralded government employees who champion energy efficiency. Salt
River Project Offers Net Metering to Residential Customers (posted
6/09/04) This policy took effect June 1, 2004. Net excess generation is purchased
monthly by SRP at the average monthly market price minus a price adjustment AWEA
Files "Grid Code" Interconnection Standrds for Wind Systems (posted
6/09/04) establishing national standards for interconnection of new generators to the
interstate electricity grid DOE Announces
Developments in GridWise Partnership (posted 6/09/04) GridWise as a vision, a national initiative and an alliance created to
transform the U.S. energy system from electrical generation through transmission
and distribution to end-use consumption Possible Coal
Supply Shortage Leads to Blackout Fears (posted 6/09/04) U.S. power plants' coal stocks are at their lowest levels in three years,
prompting concern among industry leaders of possible blackouts this summer Turning
Utility DG Threats into Business Opportunities (posted 6/09/04) A number of DG market studies over the last several years report substantial
distributed generation (DG) and combined heat and power (CHP) potential in
existing utility markets. Some studies indicate that as much as 20 percent of
current electricity production can be generated at customer sites more
economically than at central power plants. World Bank to
promote renewable energy (posted 6/09/04) The World Bank will commit to annual growth of 20% in renewable energy over
the next five years. Potential
market for renewable energies is US (posted 6/09/04) The potential market for renewable energy around the world during the next 15
years is US$1.9 trillion, but only if ‘real concerns’ by the financial
sector are addressed. Solar and
wind groups to work together (posted 6/09/04) The International Solar Energy Society and the World Wind Energy Association
have signed a formal agreement to work together. U.S.
state should obtain 25% from green power (posted 6/09/04) The state of New York should obtain 25% of its electricity by 2013 from wind,
solar, hydro, biomass, tidal, fuel cells or biogas. Dairy farmers
corral new source of energy (posted 6/09/04) Brunswick State-funded project installs Plug Power fuel cells at four farms Advanced energy technology and old-fashioned agriculture are mingling on a
Rensselaer County dairy farm. US producer
group predicts another summer of tight gas supplies (posted
6/08/04) Projected warmer-than-normal weather, a strengthening economy and flat
production are likely to keep US natural gas prices high "as we enter yet
another summer of tight natural gas markets Russia plans
to export LNG to Mexico by 2007 (posted 6/08/04) Russia plans to begin supplying liquefied natural gas to Mexico in 2007 and
to generally help Mexico establish its gas industry, Russian President Vladimir
Putin said at a joint news conference with President Vicente Fox. Renewable
Energy Must Be More Competitive (posted 6/08/04) Renewable and other clean-energy technologies must be more competitive to
gain wider acceptance in the marketplace and replace fossil fuels at a faster
rate, a U.S. Energy Department official says. Clean Coal
Plant to Anchor West Virginia (posted 6/08/04) The project is part of President Bush's Clean Coal Power
Initiative, a key component of the National Energy Policy that competitively
selects commercial- scale technology demonstrations to continue and expand the
use of coal as a fuel source. First Enron
Criminal Case Heads to Trial (posted 6/08/04) Before it starts, Enron Task Force prosecutors and the defense will tangle
over startling evidence from former Enron Chief Financial Officer Andrew Fastow.
The government's top cooperating witness, Fastow pleaded guilty to separate
fraud charges in January. Enron's awesome
cynicism (posted 6/08/04) One energy trader gloats about cheating "poor
grandmothers." Another suggests shutting down a power plant in order to
drive up electricity prices. A third, hearing of a fire under a transmission
line that caused a power failure, shouts "burn, baby, burn." Enron
Tapes Provide Security Lesson (posted 6/08/04) The profanity-laden tapes recorded the voices of gleeful traders discussing
how they manipulated the California power market during the state's energy
crisis four years ago.
Cantwell
calls for release of all Enron tapes (posted 6/08/04) Sen. Maria Cantwell on Monday called on the U.S. Justice Department to
release all the audio tapes it has of conversations by Enron Corp. energy
traders. Shell Expands
Reaches in China (posted 6/08/04) will expand its solar energy market share in China. On June 1, Shell (China)
Limited established a solar energy project in a rural village in Yunnan Province
and residents there used electric power for the first time in their lives. Power Supply (posted
6/08/04) The deregulation of the electricity industry in New Zealand by former
National Minister of Energy Max Bradford has so far proved to be a dismal
failure. For
Hydrogen, Niche Uses Are Key (posted 6/08/04) Hidden among the larger announcements at recent national hydrogen industry
meetings in Los Angeles were two smaller stories that underscore the fact that
renewables and combined transportation-stationary applications carry a lot of
near-term potential. German
Renewables Law Portends Tight California Market (posted 6/08/04) Germany's Renewable Energies Act is increasing the price of photovoltaic
modules, according to California solar sales and installation firms. The
combination of German demand along with the decline in state rebates threatens
to cause a shortage in the year ahead. Trash burning
is left off renewable energy list (posted 6/08/04) Burning garbage should not be considered a resource on par
with wind and waves as New York increases its reliance on renewable energy, a
state official recommended Thursday. Secretary
of Energy Spencer Abraham visited Air Products and Chemicals (posted
6/08/04) "It offers immense environmental benefits that current energy
technologies cannot meet. This multi-million dollar commitment to research is a
down payment on a more energy and environmentally secure future." DOE Comments
on Senate Approval of Nuclear Waste Tank Cleanup (posted 6/08/04) "We are very pleased that the Senate approved DOE's scientifically sound
plans to empty, clean, stabilize and dispose of nuclear waste currently stored
in tanks at its Savannah River site in South Carolina. Europe tries trade in
(posted 6/08/04) buying and selling permits to discharge the waste gas chiefly
blamed for global warming. Wind
farms 'swept in' to meet energy targets (posted 6/08/04) MINISTERS have been accused of rubber-stamping applications
for wind farms in a desperate bid to meet energy targets, while disregarding
fears of environmental protesters. Average US
regular gasoline price down (posted 6/08/04) Average US retail regular-grade gasoline prices have dropped for the second
straight week, sliding 1.7 cts over the past seven days to $2.034/gal Retail Gas
Price Falls for Second Week (posted 6/08/04) U.S.
drivers found more relief at the pumps as gasoline prices fell for a second
straight week, the government said yesterday. UN Warns on State
of World's Oceans (posted 6/08/04) Over-fishing,
pollution and global warming are threatening the world's oceans US
presidential hopeful supports Alaska pipeline (posted 6/07/04) US Sen John Kerry, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, said he
would support construction of a natural gas pipeline to bring gas from Alaska's
North Slope to the lower 48 states. 150 countries
sign Bonn declaration supporting renewable energy (posted 6/07/04) acknowledges that "renewable energies, combined with EU asks
Netherlands to verify lax CO2 targets for refining sector (posted
6/07/04) The European Commission has questioned official CO2 emission targets set by
the Netherlands which would allow emissions from one of Europe's largest
refining hubs to rise by 2.5% from 2005 to 2008 California
asks Shell not sell refinery units prior to turnaround (posted
6/07/04) California's Attorney General's office, which is seeking to block Shell's
planned sale of its Bakersfield, California, refinery, has requested the oil
major show good faith by agreeing not to sell or market any of the refinery's
equipment or components prior to Oct 1, the refinery's scheduled shut-down date. Abraham says
refiners assure him on US summer gasoline supplies (posted 6/07/04) The US refinery industry has reassured Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham that
it was prepared to run full-out this summer, without interruption, to meet
domestic gasoline demand Honolulu City
Council passed a solar bond (posted 6/07/04) Good news to share: On Friday, June 4, the Honolulu City
Council passed a solar bond--$7.85 million for solar and energy efficiency for
public buildings. Expert Warns
of More Summer Blackouts (posted 6/07/04) With summer nearing, the United States has done little to avoid a repeat of
last August's power failure and the Northeast blackout, an expert says. Deregulation Talk
Resumes (posted 6/07/04) After spending $50 billion on its botched effort to deregulate electricity
markets, California is back to debating the value of loosening power regulation. State
Regulators Urge Energy Reliability Law (posted 6/07/04) Wisconsin's energy regulators and Gov. Jim Doyle on Thursday called on
Congress to pass new energy reliability standards to help prevent blackouts. Time to Go
Nuclear (posted 6/07/04) Nuclear power is making a comeback. Lunacy? Perhaps, but more
relevantly it is a path borne of desperation. The global production of oil
arguably has reached its peak, and the mining of natural gas is not far behind. Thermal Energy
Storage Myths (posted 6/07/04) Using thermal energy storage has shifted gigawatts of power off daytime peaks
in a cost-effective manner. This article attempts to set the record straight on
the myths and reality of this technology by demonstrating how TES is well-
positioned to help the move towards more energy-efficient and
environment-friendly air-conditioning systems. Energy
Secretary Abraham to Make Announcements (posted 6/07/04) Energy Secretary Abraham to Make Major Environmental Management Announcements
June 7 in Cincinnati Surprise
U-Turn on Wind Farm (posted 6/07/04) People from the hamlets of Stanley, Crook and Sunniside, near Tow Law, turned
out in force for the meeting at Crook Civic Centre to protest against the
turbines, which they said would be too near their homes. Energy Ballot
Initiative Started (posted 6/07/04) Colorado: After two defeats in the state legislature this year, House Speaker
Lola Spradley aims to put her renewable energy initiative on the ballot - hoping
voters will approve what lawmakers failed to pass. Hill
Republicans to push energy strategy (posted 6/07/04) House GOP leaders looking to take advantage of voter concern on high gas
prices plan to push stalled energy legislation next week. Secretary
Abraham to Commission New Clean Coal Plant (posted 6/07/04) Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham will travel to West Virginia Monday to
commission a $215 million clean coal project based on new technology that over
the next 60 months will deliver environmental improvements, economic benefits
and thousands of new jobs. Big Energy
Companies Enter Renewable Energy Industry (posted 6/07/04) It used to be a quaint dream of the granola and Birkenstock crowd: widespread
use of windmills and solar panels to generate electricity. But now, lured by the
potential profits, some big corporations are starting to plow billions into the
field. $800K Cut
From Electric Bill (posted 6/07/04) Carl Rald, energy program coordinator for the city of Tucson, scans new homes
with an infrared camera, which detects the invisible hot spots that drive up
cooling bills. An Essay on
Thought Leadership (posted 6/07/04) A leader's ability to develop innovative ideas and ask for people's help
in implementing them may seem to be obvious keys to success. But the sad fact is
that too many of today's leaders resign themselves to the limits imposed on them
by flawed systems rather than rethinking those systems. Nuclear
plants lead in terrorism defense (posted 6/04/04) Nuclear plants continue to lead in comprehensive defense against terrorist
attacks, NRC Chairman Nils Diaz told McGraw-Hill's Homeland Security Summit in
Washington, D.C. today. California
teachers' fund to invest in clean energy projects (posted 6/04/04) The California State Teachers' Retirement System, one of the largest public
pension funds in the US, has adopted a clean energy and environmental technology
investment program NERC's Gent responds
(posted 6/04/04) The North American Electric Reliability Council outlined in a Wednesday
letter to US Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham several steps it is taking to
ensure the nation's transmission grid is prepared for the summer. Saudis
'determined' to bring down price of oil: Saudi advisor (posted
6/04/04) Saudi Arabia is currently producing in excess of 9-mil b/d of crude and will
make additional barrels available if needed to bring down world oil prices that
are "clearly not acceptable Old habits
die hard for the CEECs (posted 6/04/04) All eight former Communist states have worked near miracles over the last 15
years in reforming their energy sectors to comply with EU legislation Massachusetts
Trains Teachers on Renewable Energy (posted 6/04/04) Westborough, MA (May 27, 2004) - Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC)
Executive Director Mitchell Adams today announced that it will sponsor five
Renewable Energy Content Institutes to train up to 150 teachers this summer.
Through a continuing partnership with the Department of Education, teachers will
learn innovative ways to incorporate renewable energy into science and math
curricula in the fall. Ontario
Minister Sees Nuclear Decision in 2 Months (posted 6/04/04) An independent report in December detailed mismanagement and soaring costs to
refurbish Pickering A nuclear plant, one of the world's largest nuclear
facilities. California
Attorney General Says He'll Sue Enron (posted 6/04/04) Attorney General Bill Lockyer said Wednesday he plans to sue
Enron Corp. over the disgraced energy conglomerate's alleged manipulation of
electricity prices during the California energy crisis. Safety Report
on Proposed Fall River (posted 6/04/04) The first government-sponsored report to investigate the
safety of transporting liquefied natural gas by ship has provoked responses from
critics, as well as proponents, of a terminal proposed for the city. Texas
Regulators Investigate Security Issues at Power Grid (posted
6/04/04) The Texas Public Utility Commission launched an investigation
Wednesday into a possible security breach at the state electricity grid, with
some employees facing accusations of wrongdoing and potential criminal charges. Groups to sue EPA
over coal (posted 6/04/04) A coalition of groups announced plans to sue the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency for allegedly failing to stop pollution from
coal-fired power plants in the Chicago area. Program to
alert Utahns on status of power grid (posted 6/04/04) For the fourth consecutive year, the Utah Energy Office and
the state's electrical utilities are teaming up to issue daily advisories on the
status of the power grid Utahns rely on to run their air conditioners,
refrigerators and TV sets. Energy sector
takes lead position (posted 6/04/04) The energy sector came out on top yesterday in a list of
China's 1,000 leading industrial companies published by the National Bureau of
Statistics in Beijing. HOLLYWOOD
FICTION STIRS PUBLIC INTEREST IN GLOBAL WARMING (posted 6/04/04) A film portraying cataclysmic results of global
warming may be pure Hollywood fiction, but it presents an opportunity to discuss
real issues Proton Energy
Systems Receives $1.1 Million to Continue Work (posted 6/04/04) Government sponsorship is an important part of advancing our regenerative
fuel cell technology, which we believe will have far-reaching implications for
military, aerospace, homeland defense and commercial applications." THE
INSTITUTE OF OCEAN SCIENCES INSTALLS SOLAR, CONTINUES ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGIES
(posted 6/04/04) The Institute of Ocean Sciences (IOS) located in Sidney, BC installed a solar
system large enough to generate up to 7000 kWhr/year or a green house gas
reduction of an estimated 8.25 tonnes/year if the energy had been produced by
fossil fuel. The use of the solar energy will reduce dependency on the
electrical utility and lower IOS's monthly power bills. The energy from the new
systems will go directly back into the buildingýs electrical grid. Colorado RPS
Bill Reborn as Ballot Initiative (posted 6/04/04) This is the legislation that just won't quit. Generous
Austin Solar Rebates Take Effect (posted 6/04/04) Starting, June 1, 2004, Austin Energy is offering
generous rebates for residential and commercial customers on the installation of
solar systems. The maximum rebate of up to $5 per watt for installation -
expected to pay for up to 70-80 percent of the cost of a solar installation RPS Becomes
Official in Maryland (posted 6/04/04) signed into law the state renewable portfolio
standard Wisconsin
Governor Proposes 10 Percent RPS (posted 6/04/04) Wisconsin's Governor Jim Doyle proposed an
ambitious plan for the state to meet 10 percent of their electric demand through
renewable energy projects by 2015 Tipping the
Renewable Energy Balance (posted 6/04/04) Clean energy technologies are a solution to the
complex of fossil fuel problems, and they are also a $1.9 trillion opportunity
by 2020. But only if public policy makers provide the right framework for
private financial decisions. Renewables
2004 Conference Opens in Germany (posted 6/04/04) One hundred and fifty-four countries represented by
over 3000 participants opened the four-day Renewables 2004 conference called by
German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder "...renewables are at the mercy of global financial markets which are
anti-environmental and short term in their thinking." Renewable
Energy Legislation Hangs in the U.S. House (posted 6/04/04) "...the corporate tax bill is the best - and only - shot at gaining
energy tax credits this year." "There is a widespread understanding on Capitol
Hill that corporate tax legislation is a 'must-pass' bill Critics seek
ban on injection of freshwater into Canadian wells (posted 6/03/04) The oil and gas industry’s practice
of "water-flooding" -- injecting freshwater down wells to recover more
oil -- needs to be phased out US Secretary
of Energy speaks about US national energy policy (posted 6/03/04) US energy policy plays an influential
role in maintaining global energy security. Gulf states
to sign landmark economic deal with China (posted 6/03/04) Gulf Arab oil monarchies will sign a
landmark economic cooperation agreement with China to boost trade relations and
pave the way towards a free trade accord Bahrain
expects major shift in global oil product flow (posted 6/03/04) There will be a major shift in product
flow around the globe and the world will face substantial challenge in the
economies of refining due to the almost total embargo on new refineries in the
US and Europe Middle East
oil exports expected to soar 70 (posted 6/03/04) With Middle East's share of the world
oil export is expected to rise to 70 % by 2030, Arab world will have to rise to
the challenges in the oil refining and petrochemical industries. Many Iraqi
pipeline attacks go unreported (posted 6/03/04) are helping to cripple economic and
other reconstruction efforts in that strife-torn country Post-war
Iraq's refining sector continues to take shape (posted 6/03/04) A program of rehabilitation and
reconstruction for the Iraqi refining industry is beginning to take shape.said
Iraqi production of crude oil would reach 3.3-3.5 mm bpd by the end of 2005.
Progress both upstream and downstream comes despite the threat of sabotage and
attacks on workers. Saudi Arabia
tries to settle worries about oil (posted 6/03/04) He
didn't know why global oil prices were so high, because plenty of crude is
available In recent days, Saudi officials have said a lack of US refining
capacity and speculation by investment funds may be behind the price spike. Saudi Arabia
triples estimate of recoverable oil (posted 6/03/04) Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s key oil
and finance ministers assured the audience -- which included US Federal Reserve
Chairman Alan Greenspan -- that the Kingdom has the capability to quickly double
its oil output and sustain such a production surge for as long as 50 years. Oil and the
challenges of the 21st century (posted 6/03/04) There is broad consensus on the
projection that energy demand will continue rising in an era of increasing
globalisation, rapid communications and continued advances in technology, but
that consumers will want this energy to be as clean and as safe as possible The
world’s waning energy dependence on Gulf oil (posted 6/03/04) The world’s dependence on Gulf oil
for meeting its total primary energy consumption has been in continuous decline
over the last 25 years or so. OPEC is not
to blame for soaring oil prices (posted 6/03/04) OPEC is not to blame for soaring oil
prices which have hit 13-year highs as members pump up to maximum capacity, but
the producers' cartel must do more to calm a nervous market, Gulf analysts say. Illinois
Electric Generators Take Steps to Fight Summertime Smog (posted
6/03/04) Emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from Illinois power plants will be 75
percent lower this summer than they were in 1996 as power generators complete
implementation of significant additional reductions in NOx emissions required by
state and federal regulations. Hydroelectric
Power May Be Shared (posted 6/03/04) There are immense mountains and deep fjords in Southeast Alaska, and it rains
a lot. ..But in smaller outlying communities, villages like Hoonah and Kake,
power is still generated with diesel generators. Colorado
Technology Firm Joins with Xcel to Reduce Mercury Emissions (posted
6/03/04) Colorado's largest utility and a small technology company are teaming up to
test a process designed to reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants
while leaving behind a valuable byproduct -- ash that can be used in road
construction. Residents
Oppose Planned Wind-Turbine Generators (posted 6/03/04) Opponents of a wind farm that would put up to 40 turbines along the tops of
its two mountain peaks Utility
to Take $47 Million Charge on Arizona Power Plant (posted 6/03/04) Arizona Public Service Co. has agreed to pay the Allentown company $190
million for its Sundance plant. The 2-year-old, natural gas-fired power plant,
built at a cost of $282 million, has a current book value of $266 million. California
Electric Grid Operator's Chief Exec, VP Resign (posted
6/03/04) "It causes us to redouble our efforts. It refocuses us on issues that
are important." Investigation into
Amarillo (posted 6/03/04) A cause had not been determined for a major, hourlong power outage at a
nuclear weapons plant near Amarillo in North Texas, and the investigation is
expanding Speaker at
Milwaukee Energy Forum Says Power Demand Requires Mix of Sources (posted
6/03/04) Energy efficiency, nuclear and renewable power sources should be an important
part of the mix if Wisconsin wants to get serious about meeting growing demand
for electricity Bulgarian
president urges EU to reconsider closure of nuclear reactors (posted
6/03/04) It is an occasion for a nationwide celebration and well-deserved pride,
because Bulgaria has been operating its nuclear power plant in a completely safe
manner. TUCSON
ELECTRIC POWER CHOOSES CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE SYSTEM (posted
6/03/04) Tucson Electric Power Company has chosen EleQuant’s unique software
solution to improve the utility’s system reliability, reduce costs and improve
staff productivity. Regulators
okay Millstone dry storage (posted 6/03/04) The Connecticut Siting Council decision issued yesterday allows Mexico seeks up to 1.4
million mt calorific value (posted 6/03/04) CFE usually buys high quality Australian Schwarzenegger
"very positive" on BHP Billiton LNG plan (posted 6/03/04) Australian Prime Minister John Howard and California Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger had a "very positive meeting" Wednesday to discuss BHP
Billiton's proposed floating LNG terminal off the West Coast state, Howard told
a press conference in Los Angeles. Power
sector identified as largest air polluter in US, Canada (posted
6/03/04) The electricity generating industry was the
largest single emitter of toxic air pollution in the US and Canada in 2001 Renewables
need more support to meet EU (posted 6/03/04) EEA reported that total energy use was still rising in the EU and that fossil
fuels' 80% share was also likely to rise slightly over the next 30 years, making
it difficult for the EU to meet its climate change targets. Renewable energy is
not expected to raise its share significantly, despite some growth in absolute
terms. Russia's
tax police stage new raids at beleagured Yukos (posted 6/03/04) Tax police once again raided the offices of Russia's beleagured Yukos, the
nation's largest oil company, seizing documents from two of its offices in
Moscow Australia
cements its position as petroleum products importer (posted
6/03/04) The Australian petroleum market has cemented its position as a structural
importer following the mid-2003 closure of ExxonMobil's 78,000 b/d Port Stanvac
refinery China to boost
green power (posted 6/03/04) China plans to boost renewable energy to provide 10 percent of
the country's electricity needs by 2010, in a move to reduce its reliance on
polluting coal for generation EU halts aid
to Armenia over quake zone nuclear plant (posted 6/03/04) because the government has gone back on a deal to close the
country's only nuclear power station, which is in a highly active earthquake
zone. Enron
Traders Laughed As California Went Dark (posted 6/03/04) Enron Corp. traders openly discussed manipulating the California power
market and joked about stealing from grandmothers during the Western energy
crisis in 2000-2001 Use renewables (posted
6/02/04) If the Ontario government wants to shut down its
coal plants by 2007, it must permanently sideline the restart of the Pickering A
nuclear unit and instead focus on the construction of natural gas-fired plants
and renewable energy facilities US Senate
energy panel to consider renomination of FERC (posted 6/02/04) The US Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has scheduled a June 8
hearing to consider President Bush's renomination of Suedeen Kelly to the US
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. US
lawmaker Markey highlights LNG accident casualty estimates (posted
6/02/04) Markey highlighted comments on FERC's recent LNG US
'hooked on foreign sources of energy': Bush (posted 6/02/04) US President George W. Bush said Americans are "hooked on foreign
sources of energy," but he blamed Congress for failing to pass
comprehensive energy legislation as the reason behind the sharp runup in oil
prices. Solar PV
rebates are largest in the U.S. (posted 6/02/04) Companies in the capital city of Texas can receive US$100,000 for installing
solar PV systems. Solar Power
Cleans Up Wastewater Operation (posted 6/02/04) The Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District, (LGVSD)
which serves residents of Northern Marin County, recently completed an
81-kilowatt solar power system that provides power to its reclamation pump
station. Solar
Partnership Covers all the Project Bases (posted 6/02/04) A successful solar electric project often calls for
more than just a quality solar product and a competent installer. Expertise in
commercial real estate, finance, economics and the utility market, can also help
smooth over rough edges and make a project more efficient and cost effective in
the long run. Solar
Concentrators Tackle the Hydrogen Test by Jesse Broehl (posted
6/02/04) Roughly a year after unveiling the company's solar
energy concentrator, Canada-based Solar Hydrogen Energy Corporation (SHEC) is
following the sun down south into Arizona for the first round of field testing
for the device. Sempra eyes Mexico,
Louisiana LNG project building (posted 6/02/04) Sempra LNG, a unit of Sempra Energy, is slated to begin construction on its
two LNG import terminals More
renewables would save money and reduce emissions in U.S. interior (posted
6/02/04) The western interior of the United States could generate 20% of its
electricity from renewables by 2020, while saving US$2 billion a year and
reducing GHG emissions by 40%. Mexican
energy minister resigns in spat with Fox (posted 6/02/04) Mexico's energy minister resigned unexpectedly on Monday in a
fresh blow to Mexico's deadlocked energy sector after President Vicente Fox
publicly criticized him over his presidential ambitions. Lower
Gasoline Prices Are Not the Answer by Joel B. Stronberg (posted
6/02/04) "Rather than firing bullets in the Middle East, we should be biting
the bullet here at home to do what is necessary to make an earnest and rapid
transition to a sustainable energy economy." Hydrogen
Infrastructure (posted 6/02/04) "Hydrogen
Infrastructure: Business Models, Adoption Cycles, and Scenario Forecasts for the
Development of Fuel Cell Markets in North America,"
a new study from Allied Business Intelligence (ABI), details
pathways for hydrogen production, distribution, and storage from 2005 to 2015 in
major urban centers in the US, and in Canada. Hydrogenics
Supplies Quantum With Fuel Cell Power Module for U.S. Army Concept Vehicle
(posted 6/02/04) it has sold and delivered a HyPM 10 power module... contract with the U.S.
Army... to develop and demonstrate a high performance, hydrogen fuel cell
powered light-duty, alternative mobility vehicle for military applications. High Fuel
Costs Put Focus on Renewable Energy (posted 6/02/04) With
fuel prices at record levels, U.S. consumers are once again turning their
attention to more efficient cars, companies are investing in renewable energy
and government programs are encouraging conservation. Going
the extra green mile for Birmingham (posted 6/02/04) Practical Steps For A Greener Birmingham is a detailed set of
recommendations which Friends of the Earth say would make life better for the
people of Birmingham, improve the local environment, and demonstrate a
responsible attitude to global environmental concerns, as well as save money and
resources and create jobs. Giant
Mushroom Baffles Experts in Congo (posted 6/02/04) A giant
three-tiered mushroom which measures a yard across and was found in the tropical
forests of the Republic of Congo has left experts in the capital Brazzaville
scratching their heads. Fourteen
appeals lodged against Irish Corrib gas terminal (posted 6/02/04) Fourteen appeals have been lodged against the proposed onshore reception
terminal for gas from the 850-bil cu ft Corrib field offshore Ireland's west
coast ELECTRICAL
UTILITIES SAY THEY'RE READY FOR SUMMER (posted 6/02/04) Electrical utilities serving Southern Illinois say they are in good shape to
handle the increase associated with typical higher summer demands. Colorado
county issuing gas, oil drilling permits at record pace (posted
6/02/04) High natural gas prices and improved finding and drilling technologies are
combining to create a boom in drilling permit applications in Garfield County,
Colorado, and across the state as a whole. China Oil Market (posted
6/02/04) China's
domestic gas oil prices are set to hold on to gains as a string of refinery
maintenance tightens supply in the face of increasing power shortages, CHBC
Launches New Website. (posted 6/02/04) The
California Hydrogen Business Council (CHBC) recently launched a new website, http://www.californiahydrogen.org/.
The site utilizes a one-stop-shop approach, enabling users to find information
on upcoming meetings, register for conferences, join the organization, update
company and/or individual profiles in the member directory, and browse related
links. Cellex to
field trial hydrogen fuel cells at a Wal-Mart Distribution Center (posted
6/02/04) “We have been conducting field trials since February
2002 and have logged hundreds of truck days. We are excited about the upcoming
field trials that will include Wal-Mart as it is a milestone in our product
development and commercialization plans.” CalPERS
President to Address Renewable Energy (posted 6/02/04) "Renewable energy represents a new growth opportunity for investors
and lenders in US energy markets." Biomass could
significantly reduce GHG emissions (posted 6/02/04) Greater use of biomass by developed nations could significantly reduce
emissions of carbon dioxide Biomass Could
Reduce CO2 Emissions (posted 6/02/04) Using
biomass, a type of fuel made of materials such as wood and manure, instead of
coal to generate electricity could lower the world's carbon dioxide (CO2)
emissions and create jobs, a report said Thursday. Australian PM
to push Australia's LNG supply record on US visit (posted 6/02/04) Prime Minister John Howard plans to push Australia's reliability as a
supplier of LNG during a visit to the US this week. APS Reaches
Agreement for Purchase of Sundance Generating Station (posted
6/02/04) Arizona Public Service Company (APS) announced today that it has reached an
agreement with PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) to acquire the 450-megawatt Sundance
Generating Station near Coolidge, Ariz., for approximately $190 million. Alaska Quake
Affected Yellowstone Geysers (posted 6/02/04) A
powerful earthquake that shook Alaska in 2002 affected geysers and hot springs
at Yellowstone National Park nearly 2,000 miles away in Wyoming, scientists have
reported. Research funds for renewable
energy must rise (posted 6/01/04) Governments must spend more on research and development of renewable energy
before such secure and clean power can make a real contribution, the
International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Monday. Cheap Power Helps Industrial
(posted 6/01/04) About 100 employers benefit from allocations of power at delivered prices of
1.8 to 3.5 cents per kilowatt hour, a fraction of commercial rates. Power to Local Managers
(posted 6/01/04) Local managers are being given more authority in customer dealings.
California Commission Delays
Vote on Planned San Diego County Power Plants (posted 6/01/04) The California Public Utilities Commission yesterday postponed a highly
anticipated vote on a San Diego Gas & Electric plan for two new power plants
in the county. U.S.,
Russia sign fuel take-back agreement (posted 6/01/04) An agreement on Russian take-back of fresh and spent high-enriched uranium
(HEU) research reactor fuel was signed today in Moscow Kuwait says terrorism not
likely to affect Saudi oil supplies (posted 6/01/04) His remarks followed a weekend attack against a housing complex and two
oil-related facilities in the Saudi city of Al-Khobar which left 22 people dead. S.Africa
to invest 15 bln rand in new power plants (posted 6/01/04) The country's demand for energy is expected to exceed its
generating capacity by 2007, prompting a scramble for new
energy sources. U.S.
energy sec sees more oil output, lauds Russia (posted 6/01/04) Several producers indicated their
willingness to increase production...During a visit to Russia, the world's No. 2
oil exporter, Abraham also praised Moscow's plans to boost export capacity. Russia wants 10-per-cent share of US oil
imports (posted 6/01/04) "The construction of new pipelines in easterly and
northerly directions could be oriented towards the US market," China power crunch seen
worsening (posted 6/01/04) Power outages in fast-growing China are seen increasing in frequency this
year compared with 2003 as tight energy supplies fail to keep pace with
increasing demand, state media said on Sunday. China set to approve four
nuclear reactors soon (posted 6/01/04) China is set to give final approval as early as June to a plan to build four
nuclear reactors by 2010, as the world's fastest-growing power market grapples
with a growing supply gap Nuclear plants beneficial (posted
6/01/04) The central government mapped out a scheme earlier this year
to quadruple the current amount of nuclear power in use nationwide by 2020 and
raise the share of this type of energy in the country's overall electricity
output to 4 per cent. Some two decades after China started building its
first nuclear power plant, the country now has nine Co-op fired up
about methane project (posted 6/01/04) "Fossil fuel is going through the roof," Bernstein said.
"Natural gas is at 8 cents per kilowatt-hour and it's not going to come
down in the near future. People in the Northeast are particularly vulnerable
because natural gas has been the fuel of choice for power generation in this
region." The methane installation will produce power for about a nickel per
kilowatt-hour and the co-op will not have to look for outside sources of supply,
he noted. Assembly OKs power bill (posted
6/01/04) Lawmakers passed a bill to rebuild California's electricity market Thursday,
though all agreed the bill was a work in progress. Power plants face stricter
regulations for mercury (posted 6/01/04) Summertime heat waves are just around the corner, and power troubles won't be
far behind. But the factors that determine when utilities have to turn down the
juice often have little to do with the physical capacity of their power lines. The new regulations require the state's four coal-burning
power plants, including two in Somerset, to reduce their mercury emissions by 75
percent by 2010, and nearly eliminate mercury releases over the long term. Where Natural Gas Is Rising
(posted 6/01/04) Summertime heat waves are just around the corner, and power troubles won't be
far behind. But the factors that determine when utilities have to turn down the
juice often have little to do with the physical capacity of their power lines. Coast firms brace for short
warning (posted 6/01/04) Big West Coast power consumers have been told to expect as
little as five minutes warning of possible power cuts. UTILITIES:
Gas-rate rise OK'd; seniors worry (posted 6/01/04) Regulators on Wednesday approved a 17.1 percent increase for
Southwest Gas Corp. in Southern Nevada with no comment, but the rate change and
similar utility rate increases are causing increasing worry among senior
citizens on fixed incomes, some say. San Antonio Activists Object
to Pollution from Proposed Coal (posted 6/01/04) Texan officials of the consumer group Public Citizen wasted no
time Wednesday entering into the global warming debate sure to erupt when the
doomsday movie "The Day After Tomorrow" opens Friday. The Public Citizen report lists 10 warning signs for global
warming that already are occurring, according to the nonpartisan
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Emerging Renewables Program
Gets a Boost (posted 5/28/04) Wednesday, the California Energy Commission (CEC)
re-allocated $45 million more into the Emerging Renewables Program (ERP)
account. Uni-Solar
Receives Order for 2.4 MW of Thin-Film (posted 5/28/04) United Solar Ovonic announced the shipment of 500 kW
of its flexible thin-film solar photovoltaic producst to Solar Integrated
Technologies (SIT), a Los Angeles-based manufacturer of integrated flexible
photovoltaic roofing systems for commercial and industrial buildings. Certification for Solar Energy
Installers Gains Momentum (posted 5/28/04) "I believe that the consistently high response rate for NABCEP
Certification reflects a growing desire of highly qualified solar professionals
to distinguish themselves." Crafting a Photovoltaic Action
Plan in the Bay State by Robert Pratt (posted 5/28/04) For those of us who have been involved in
renewable energy for many years, it is truly exciting to see the great strides
that the solar photovoltaic industry is taking in powering up a bright future. Power
plants, windmills and underwater cables planned to meet Long Island growth
(posted 5/28/04) Stepping away from a simmering feud with Connecticut officials
over a 330-megawatt cable, the Long Island Power Authority announced plans
Wednesday for new power plants, windmill generators in the Atlantic Ocean and a
new underwater cable to New Jersey. S&P
assigns ratings to European wind power financing (posted 5/28/04) The financing of wind power projects through the capital markets looks set to
grow significantly, said Standard & Poor's Ratings Services today DuPont Joint Venture to
Explore Use of Renewable Resources (posted 5/28/04) plan is part of a fledgling trend to switch from hydrocarbons to
carbohydrates as a source of raw materials. Operator at San Onofre Nuclear Reactor
Fails Drug Test (posted 5/28/04) the operator was found to be under the influence of an unspecified illegal
substance and that his access to all sensitive areas of the plant was
terminated. High U.S. fuel costs
put focus on renewable energy (posted 5/28/04) With fuel prices at record levels, U.S. consumers are once
again turning their attention to more efficient cars, companies are investing in
renewable energy and government programs are encouraging conservation. Experts question impact of EPA
rules on gas prices (posted 5/28/04) Refining experts are divided over whether the Bush
administration could ease record pump prices by lifting environmental
regulations for cleaner-burning gasoline in California and New York, both
Democratic strongholds. San Antonio Panel Wants More
Energy from Nuclear Plant (posted 5/28/04) A divided City Public Service board of trustees decided
Wednesday to depend more heavily on nuclear power for the city's energy future,
going against a staff recommendation and expectations that the move will
increase the city's base electric rate. US seeks Russian help in
diversifying energy supplies (posted 5/28/04) Abraham said the US had been encouraged by President Putin's call early this
week for faster approval of new pipeline projects that could ease constraints on
Russian oil exports. US FERC chairman warns
California is 'skating on the edge' (posted 5/28/04) US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Pat Wood Thursday told
high-tech industry officials in California that the state is facing potential
power problems this year because of below-normal hydropower levels, the closing
of some generating plants US judge stays order requiring
Bush energy task force records (posted 5/28/04) A US District Court judge in Washington has issued a stay of an earlier
decision that would have required the federal government to release memos,
calendars and other papers held by US Dept of Energy employees and those of
other agencies that worked with the White House energy task force in 2001. Nuclear plants to ease
shortages (posted 5/27/04) China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), the nation's
largest nuclear power conglomerate, has applied to the central government to
build eight nuclear power generators. Sempra starts open season for
new La (posted
5/27/04) Sempra Energy Global Enterprises said Wednesday it began an
open season for its Pine Prairie Energy Center, a new salt-cavern natural gas
storage facility in Evangeline Parish, Louisiana. DOE says budget cut would
force waste program layoffs
(posted 5/27/04) A $131-million appropriation would force DOE to lay off 70% of the waste
program's federal and contract workforce, creating an "indefinite"
delay in repository operations European coal set to hit
record price levels
(posted 5/27/04) The price of coal delivered into northwest Europe looks set to hit new
heights after a couple of trades were concluded Saudi crude export offer
(posted 5/27/04) Even though Saudi Arabia's offer to increase crude output significantly in
June has failed as yet to lower crude prices, those additional supplies should
have the effect of easing prices in coming weeks Group asks US to bar Reliant
Energy from federal contracts
(posted 5/27/04) Washington-based consumer organization Public Citizen Wednesday called on the
US Dept of Defense to reverse its decision to award Reliant Energy a $35.9-mil
contract to supply electricity to military bases and to bar the Houston-based
company from any new contracts until a federal indictment against the company is
resolved. Massachusetts Sets New Limits
on Mercury Emissions
(posted 5/27/04) Massachusetts today plans to unveil the toughest limits in the nation on
mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants, three years after the previous
administration promised to clean up the state's dirtiest electricity generating
facilities. Illinois Representative Pushes
for Vote on Bush (posted
5/27/04) Citing rising gas prices, U.S. Rep. John Shimkus on Tuesday asked for the
U.S. Senate to allow a vote on the president's energy bill. Analysis:
Power grid still self-regulated
(posted 5/27/04) The blackout that struck the Northeastern United States last August has
focused government and industry on ensuring the reliability of the country's
power grid, but with summer approaching and an increase in demand for
electricity expected, no new government regulations to enforce reliability
standards are on the books. Fade to Blackstart
(posted 5/27/04) The Blackout that plunged much of the country into darkness this past August
caused millions to question the integrity and reliability of the nation's power
grid. The bulk of the criticism has fallen on the lack of enforceable
reliability requirements, ineffective vegetation management practices, and poor
communication. Hydrogen Waiting
For the Revolution
(posted 5/27/04) Everybody agrees it's the future fuel of choice, Why hasn't the future
arrived? Here's how you'll live in the Hydrogen Age...
Calpine chief sees power
troubles for California
(posted 5/27/04) California faces tight electricity supplies if it does not add more power
plants as the state's economy improves Remember Enron?
(posted 5/27/04) Remember the West Coast energy crisis - the one about electricity rather than
gasoline? The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has failed to come up with
meaningful relief for utilities and their customers from Enron's market
manipulation during the 2000-01 crisis. FERC has hidden behind technicalities
and has turned a blind eye toward the evidence. Wind Industry Continues to
Surge (posted 5/27/04) One hundred and forty GW of capacity by 2020 is well within the bounds of
reality," said Swisher, who couldn't resist a dig at the Energy Information
Administration's (EIA) prediction of a mere 16 GW by 2010. World uses only 1.3% of its renewables
potential (posted 5/26/04) The world uses only 62.4 ExaJoules (EJ) of renewable energy
today, out of a technical potential of 4,614 EJ. In the conference issue paper that will serve as the basis for next week’s
International Conference for Renewable Energies in Bonn Hydrogen from renewable
resources (posted 5/26/04) During the last decade interest in a potential `Hydrogen Economy' has
increased and is now discussed in main stream literature and political debates. China
on ‘verge of major breakthrough’ in wind energy (posted 5/26/04) Wind turbines in China could account for 14% of the world’s wind output by
2020 Big screen vs big oil (posted
5/26/04) Global warming is happening today. ExxonMobil hopes you don't notice. But
most agree an underlying premise: extreme weather events are already on the
rise, and global warming can be expected to make them more frequent and more
severe. ChevronTexaco to sell 13
producing fields in Canada for $800-mil (posted 5/26/04) The company said it expects to record a significant gain to income when the
sale closes US' Olympic
pipeline system restarted (posted 5/26/04) The US' Olympic Pipeline has successfully restarted its 400 mile (645 km)
products system after an outage Sunday due to a leak and associated fire in a
small sampling line, the company said in a statement. Olympic completed repairs
of the damaged half inch stainless steel sample line, which had a small hole in
it causing gasoline to leak EC admits EU renewables
targets will be missed (posted 5/26/04) The European Commission has formally admitted that the EU will miss its
targets of sourcing 12% of all energy and 22% of all electricity from renewable
sources by 2010 Arizona Power Company Leader
(posted 5/26/04) Southwest Growth Threatens Electricity
Capacity Rapid growth in the Southwest threatens a current surplus
in the wholesale electricity market. "We're going to see a tightening
of the market much sooner than people expect... UK
FORESTRY SYSTEM OFFERS NEW RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCE (posted 5/26/04) "Short Rotation Coppice has
the potential to alleviate the effects of climate change through substituting
wood based renewable energy for fossil fuels and contributing to our renewable
energy targets," Small Fire Uncovers Larger
Safety Issue at Southeastern Virginia Nuclear Plant (posted 5/26/04) An electric line explosion that set a transformer on fire
Friday at the Surry Power Station led to the discovery of a separate safety
problem that is more significant than the unusual incident at the nuclear plant. Nuclear Plant Pump Fails Test
(posted 5/26/04) A cooling pump at the Perry nuclear plant failed a test for the second time
in less than a year, causing officials to shut down the plant for about a week. Wilson welcomes nuclear power
support from environmentalist (posted 5/26/04) Professor James Lovelock, the scientist and celebrated green
campaigner, had opposed any expansion but now believes there is not enough time
for renewable energy to replace coal, gas and oil-fired power stations, whose
waste gas, carbon dioxide, causes global warming. Debate on oil price and quotas
certain to get more heated (posted 5/26/04) FEVERISH debate in New York and Amsterdam at the weekend has
done nothing to calm oil markets around the world. In New York, G8 finance
ministers fretted over the damage today's high oil price, if sustained, could
inflict on the global economy. Ministers urged producer countries to puncture
the price bubble by increasing supplies. U.S.
Mission to UN Set to Go Green With Solar Project (posted 5/26/04) "There is no better place to showcase U.S. technologies and to
demonstrate international cooperation on green energy than in Geneva, a highly
visible diplomatic center and the site of hundreds of international meetings
each year." Planning Ahead for Wind Power
Boom (posted 5/26/04) "Already known in the PJM queue is 1,100 MW of new wind projects in
Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and New Jersey." Bill to Bring Renewables to
Washington DC (posted 5/26/04) A hearing is taking place today in Washington, D.C.
regarding a bill that will require a small but significant percent of the City's
electricity come from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. University of Missouri to Pay
Reactor Whistleblower (posted 5/26/04) The university also will enable plaintiff Bill Yelon to complete his
grant-funded research, although Yelon will not be allowed to enter the reactor. US Senate Passes Bill With $18
Billion Energy Tax Package (posted 5/26/04) The US Senate overwhelming agreed 85-13 to keep energy tax provisions in a
pending trade bill. But the energy portion of the bill faces an uphill battle
when lawmakers meet with their House counterparts to reconcile differences Power Quality Response (posted
5/26/04) Unreliable power and high peak costs are never-ending problems in the world
of energy production and consumption. Power Quality stabilizers are the answer. Report Claims Expansion of
Renewable Energy Could Save (posted 5/26/04) Consumers in Western states could save up to $7 billion a year in energy
costs through use of more renewable energy and conservation, a Boulder research
group concludes in a new report. Economists Believe Rising Cost
of Inflation Is Due to Energy (posted 5/26/04) There is a growing consensus among economists that the cost of inflation for
businesses is accelerating beyond expectations because of rising prices for
energy, lumber, steel and other commodities. A Bad Bill on Nuclear Waste
(posted 5/26/04) U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Edmonds) is hopping mad at the Department of
Energy - and she should be. At issue is a Defense Authorization Bill that would
allow the department to reclassify waste and leave it in place at its South
Carolina complex. Consumers'
Counsel Calls for Regulators to Dismiss (posted 5/26/04) Ohio State regulators should throw out an American Electric Power (AEP)
proposal because it violates the law and would lead to higher, more volatile
rates, the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential utility
advocate, said today. 'Low-carb'
energy seen as big fuel saver (posted 5/26/04) A "low-carb" energy diet, using 33 percent fewer hydrocarbons,
would trim U.S. consumer fuel costs by $438 billion, Cornell ecologists claim. Federal
Energy Management Advisory Committee (posted 5/26/04) This notice announces an open meeting of the Federal Energy Management
Advisory Committee (FEMAC) Wednesday, June 9, 2004; 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Renewables to address climate
change in Canada (posted 5/26/04) The government of Canada will work with the province of Ontario to promote
renewable energies under an agreement on climate change. Environmental battle rages
over power plants (posted 5/25/04) America may be waging a war on terrorism overseas, but there's
one war at home for which President George W. Bush has shown less enthusiasm,
some state officials and environmental groups say. FirstEnergy Updates Outage
Information (posted 5/25/04) In total, the storms interrupted service to some 400,000
customers. Solar power plan proposed
(posted 5/25/04) Each summer, sunny skies stress California's power
grid, as homeowners and businesses crank up air conditioners and refrigerators
kick in overtime.
But State Sen. Kevin Murray, D-Los Angeles, believes the same sun that heats
the state may hold the solution to its energy shortages.
Is the white elephant of
Inverkip on its way to India (posted 5/25/04) IT has lain dormant since the 1980s, but Inverkip power station now could
find a new lease of life in India. Oil price rises made the plant uneconomic to run Japan,
US, IEA agree on need for oil production to meet demand (posted 5/25/04) agreed Saturday that oil-producing countries should supply
enough oil to meet the global market demand Energy Companies Looking Ahead
at Reliability Issues (posted 5/25/04) While much of the Northeast U.S., including New York City and parts of
Canada, was blanketed in darkness Aug. 14, 2003, in a rolling electrical
blackout that surprised more than 50 million people, Southerners basked in the
comfort of reliable energy. Global
Cooperation, Research Key to Solving Energy Challenges (posted 5/25/04) The world faces profound energy and environmental challenges that can be
successfully addressed only through international cooperation and coordinated
scientific research and technology development, said U.S. Energy Secretary
Spencer Abraham May 20 in London. Energy Efficient Lighting
Vital to Recovery 2004 (posted 5/25/04) While the worst part of the economic recovery process is probably past, the
gut-wrenching changes brought on by the manufacturing sector's recession of
2001-2003 are likely to be permanent. Bio Oil to Power Up the Sault
(posted 5/25/04) Sault Ste. Marie could be the site of one of the world's first commercial
uses of a cogeneration plant powered by bio oil. Application To
Export Electric Energy (posted 5/25/04) ECI has applied for renewal of its authority to transmit electric energy from
the United States to Mexico Wind Power Could Ease Gas
Needs (posted 5/25/04) Natural gas power generation projects can typically be built for about $800
per installed kilowatt hour-per-year of generation capacity, as an example,
while wind power projects typically cost $1,200 per kilowatt hour of capacity,
he said.
But natural gas is getting more expensive in Southcentral Alaska, while wind
is free.
Rural Energy Conference Spots
Hope in Alternative Fuels (posted 5/25/04) There appears to be no easy fix, or maybe any fix at all, for sky- high fuel
and electricity costs in the hundreds of small communities scattered across
rural areas of Alaska. But there were glimmers of hope. East Coast Power Generation
and Opportunities for LNG (posted 5/25/04) Power generation accounts for 80% of expected growth in natural gas demand
through 2010 Energy Markets Continue to
Provide Opportunities for Investors (posted 5/25/04) Developments in the energy sector continue to present a strong story for
higher prices for crude oil, natural gas, and coal, which should lift the stock
price of companies in these sectors. Some of the more interesting developments
for investors include... Energy Prices Spur Renewed
Interest in Solar (posted 5/25/04) Today, new designs make solar panels more aesthetically pleasing while
soaring fuel prices make renewable energy sources more cost effective for the
long term. PSEG shut N.J. Salem 2
nuke due to power failure (posted 5/25/04) Monday it shut the 1,150 megawatt Salem 2 nuclear unit in New
Jersey on May 21 due to the failure of a 230-volt transformer US FERC Chairman Wood
envisions 8 or 9 LNG terminals by 2008 (posted 5/25/04) Noting that about 40 LNG projects are currently on the drawing board, he
allowed that the commission probably will grant "more approvals than we
will see get built. Oil
prices, weather to dictate US gas prices this summer (posted 5/25/04) Global oil prices likely will prove a dominating influence on US natural gas
prices in the coming months...However, while increased production should
gradually cause oil prices to fall, "the next few months could be dominated
by concerns about stability in the Middle East US regular gasoline surges 4.7 cts
(posted 5/25/04) Average US retail regular-grade gasoline prices surged 4.7 cts over the past
week to set a fresh record Environmental groups sue U.S. over
coalbed methane (posted 5/24/04) The U.S. government has failed to minimize the effects air pollution from
coalbed methane mining is having on national parks and refuges in the American
West, conservation groups charged in a lawsuit on Thursday. Power Plant Goes Dormant near
Buttonwillow (posted 5/24/04) The plant near Buttonwillow is not producing any electricity, according to
the Independent System Operator, which runs the state power grid. Glenville,
N.Y., Landowner Hopes to Pull Plug on Power Plant (posted 5/24/04) Hill, 43, lives in Schenectady and owns property less than a half mile from
the proposed plant site. He is the 12th generation in his family to own the
land, and has been hoping to build a home to replace a farmhouse that burned
down in the 1960s. The plant has held him up. Environmentalist
group concerned over safety of Koeberg nuclear plant (posted 5/24/04) In a report released on Friday, the organization expressed
concern at what it described as "secrecy, non-disclosure and wilful
manipulation of health and safety records" at Koeberg. Area
Utility's Megawatts Might Be Blowin' in Wind (posted 5/24/04) Puget Sound Energy is looking at several major wind power
projects as it investigates adding 355 megawatts of electrical energy to its
system. US states suing Allegheny over
Clean Air (posted 5/24/04) Four eastern states said on Thursday they will sue Allegheny
Energy Inc. , alleging the company's five coal-fired power plants in West
Virginia violate the federal Clean Air Act. Libya to offer blocks mid-year
(posted 5/24/04) Libya's National Oil Corp (NOC) plans to offer eight oil and natural
gas exploratory blocks scattered throughout the country's onshore and
offshore areas to foreign oil companies Russia plans new reactor at
Leningrad (posted 5/24/04) Russia's plans to push ahead with the construction of a new 1,500MW reactor
at the Leningrad nuclear power plant US electric cooperatives' spending on
T&D likely to rise (posted 5/24/04) US electric cooperatives are poised to make significant capital investment in
their transmission and distribution networks over the next five years, Standard
& Poor's said in a new report. Shell restates another 120-mil boe
of end 2002 reserves (posted 5/24/04) Shell has shaved a further 120-mil boe off its end-2002 proved reserves,
the fourth in a line of downward revisions to proven reserves so far this
year which have seriously damaged investor confidence in the major. Merchant
power sector "dead as a doornail": AEP CEO (posted 5/21/04) Soaring natural gas prices have left the struggling merchant energy sector
"dead as a doornail," the chief executive of American Electric Power
Co. Inc. US Republican demands more NRC
safety regulation (posted 5/21/04) The Republican head of a Senate panel warned U.S. nuclear regulators on
Thursday that he would introduce legislation if they fail to shore up oversight
gaps that led to severe corrosion at an Ohio nuclear plant. Chinese Commission moves to
ensure energy supply (posted 5/21/04) In an interview with China Central Television Station,
officials from the commission's Energy Bureau admitted that an electricity
shortage is looming and thermal coal supplies are dwindling. Ten New Biodiesel Stations for
Colorado (posted 5/21/04) Denver, Colorado Mayor John Hickenlooper will join
Blue Sun Biodiesel tomorrow, Wednesday, May 19, 2004, at 10:00 a.m., as they
announce 10 new Colorado B20 (20% biodiesel, 80% diesel) biodiesel stations
opening this month. Solar Homes Bill Passes
California Senate (posted 5/21/04) "This bill simply requires that builders phase in solar systems
during construction, reducing energy costs and air pollution at the same
time." Solar,
Wind, Power Illinois Hydrogen Project (posted 5/21/04) The hydrogen generated by the solar and wind array
will provide stationary heat and power for an airport building and
transportation fuel for zero emission airport vehicles. Sunshine State Targets
Hydrogen Opportunities (posted 5/21/04) "Providing a strong business climate for hydrogen technology brings
environmental and economic benefits to the State of Florida." Job
Act's 'Green Bonds' Move to the U.S. House (posted 5/21/04) "The Allard 'green bonds' amendment will accelerate the deployment of
solar and other clean energy technologies nationwide." Worldwatch Bullish on
Renewable Energy Future (posted 5/21/04) With oil and gas prices soaring amid deepening
instability in the Middle East, renewable energy is emerging as a bright spot in
the global energy economy -- and is poised for a worldwide takeoff. Four US states to sue over
coal-fired power plants (posted 5/21/04) Four eastern states said on Thursday they will sue Allegheny
Energy , alleging the company's five coal-fired power plants in West Virginia
violate the federal Clean Air Act. "While the owner of these power plants
has reaped profits, New Jersey residents have reaped a bitter harvest of smog,
acid rain and respiratory ailments," New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey said
in a statement. US congressman
introduces bill to speed up review of LNG projects (posted 5/21/04) Unwilling to "sit by idly while the energy bill gathers
dust in the Senate," US Rep. Lee Terry, Republican-Nebraska, on Thursday
introduced legislation aimed at encouraging the development of liquefied natural
gas facilities. Scottish puts faith in
wind (posted 5/21/04) SCOTTISH and Southern Energy, Britain's
fourth-largest power supplier, is planning to spend an extra pounds 300m
investing in wind power this year. Portugal
grants $51.3-mil in incentives to 244.45MW wind projects (posted 5/21/04) The Portuguese economy ministry granted Eur43-mil ($51.3-mil) in
"incentives" for 20 wind park projects with a total capacity of
244.45MW Tuesday, as part of a government drive to reduce dependence on
oil-fired generation, the economy ministry said. California Assembly panels
approves power industry reform bill (posted 5/21/04) The California Assembly Appropriations Committee on Wednesday in a 16-4 vote
passed a bill to establish a framework for the state's power industry to
encourage investment in new generation and re-instate retail competition. World oil
demand currently outpacing supply (posted 5/21/04) World oil demand is currently out-pacing supply, US energy
secretary Spencer Abraham said Thursday, voicing his concern that high oil
prices could harm global economic growth. Iraqis set to take back
control of oil wealth from July (posted 5/21/04) When the US-led Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) transfers limited power
back to an Iraqi interim government on June 30 after more than a year of
occupation, oil revenue is expected to flow directly into Iraqi coffers for the
first time since the Gulf War of 1991. IRAQI
Refineries
and LPG plants struggling along (posted 5/21/04) Although oil production in the south has regained pre-war levels, other areas
of the infrastructure still require additional work. IRAQ Future depends on security
(posted 5/21/04) The most pressing issue once an interim government steps in will remain the
lack of security throughout Iraq and the impact it has on sustainable production
and the reconstruction process. Thaw of Icy Gas May Worsen
Global Warming (posted 5/20/04) Gas
hydrates could be a "serious geohazard in the near future due to the
adverse effects of global warming on the stability of gas hydrate deposits LNG Brings Major Changes to
Gas Markets (posted 5/20/04) If the present trend to develop LNG terminals
continues on the present path, the US will become increasingly dependent upon
natural gas imports from countries other than Canada for the first time in
history. All of this implies changes in technology, changes in business
practices, and perhaps even changes in who the major suppliers will be in the
future. Using SPR would hurt US in war
on terror (posted 5/20/04) S President George W. Bush, in his administration's strongest comments to
date on use of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, said Wednesday he will not
"play politics" by releasing crude from the emergency stockpile in
order to cool rising gasoline prices. Bush also said removing crude from the SPR
would weaken the US in its war on terror. India's ONGC moves on
Powergen (posted 5/20/04) India's Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) is preparing to enter the
commercial natural gas fired power generation business. About 4,000MW
capacity has been proposed initially. NYMEX oil rises above $41 a barrel
(posted 5/20/04) NYMEX crude oil futures rose above $41 a barrel midsession on
Wednesday as traders said an increase in gasoline stocks in the latest
government data still was not enough to thwart potential supply shortages this
summer. Vancouver
Area Residents Face Rate Hike (posted 5/20/04) Southwest Washington residential customers of Northwest
Natural Gas Co. would pay an average 6.8 percent more, or another $2.17 a month Mexico says LNG terminals to
reduce need for US Gas (posted 5/20/04) Mexico's top energy regulator said on Tuesday that Mexico was
on track to develop four liquefied natural gas terminals to cut the country's
dependence on expensive gas imports from the United States and to meet rising
demand. World Bank considers pulling
out of funding fossil fuel projects (posted 5/19/04) The World Bank is considering pulling
its funding of all oil, gas and coal projects by 2008. The move, recommended in
a recent World Bank report, would send a clear signal that global financial
institutions are serious about tackling climate change. Wind can generate 12% of the global
electricity by 2020 (posted 5/19/04) Offshore windfarms will capture Euro 9 billion of investment in the next six
years, boosting installed capacity to 5,000 MW from the current level of 280 MW. What's
bad for US could be good for Australia (posted 5/19/04) US Federal Reserve chairman Alan
Greenspan's warning of dramatic oil and gas price rises is bad news for the
global economy but industry leaders say it heralds an Australian natural gas
export boom. Utility to offer PV systems to
isolated customers (posted 5/19/04) A U.S. utility will install and maintain solar PV systems for its customers
in isolated areas. US Secretary of Energy speaks
about US national energy policy (posted 5/19/04) Meeting the world's energy challenges
will require a sustained global effort over many decades. Even with an
accelerated increase in energy efficiency, the United States will still be
highly dependent on energy imports to meet future consumption needs. US is extracting gas and oil
from Mexican deposits (posted 5/19/04) "They take it from us down below
and we buy it from them up above US FERC rule on transmission
could force costly changes (posted 5/19/04) Rule changes designed to further separate energy affiliates from US car buyers turn to fuel
(posted 5/19/04) Car buyers in the United States are
going for more fuel-efficient vehicles in response to rising gasoline prices,
according to a survey. US
power grid still vulnerable -energy secretary (posted 5/19/04) The U.S. power grid is in better shape than before last August's massive
blackout but remains vulnerable this summer, Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham
said on Tuesday. U.S. analysis
shows renewables at 1% (posted 5/19/04) Despite that growth, solar, wind and biomass comprised only 1% of total OECD
energy consumption in 2001. Non-hydro commercial sources of renewable
energies accounted for “an increasingly large share of energy consumption”
in OECD countries between 1980 and 2001, says the U.S. Department of Energy. Two books explore the coming
crisis of a world that's running out of oil (posted 5/19/04) Some time this century -- and possibly
as soon as this decade -- the Earth is going to start running out of oil. That's
the frightening conclusion of two recent books that walk through profoundly
important but little-discussed facts to build a case that this planet will soon
face an insurmountable oil-supply crisis. The truth about ethanol By
Sen. Tom Daschle (posted 5/19/04) The truth is that, with gas prices
rising, now more than ever it makes sense for motorists to purchase domestically
produced, clean-burning ethanol-enhanced gasoline. The
oil price - The higher it goes, the deeper it may fall (posted 5/19/04) Oil has become a commodity that is subject to cyclical developments Supply is not only factor
causing price changes in oil market (posted 5/19/04) Supply should not be seen as the only
factor that causes price changes and it is unfair to expect OPEC to stabilise
the oil market by itself, according to a study by the Abu Dhabi National Oil
Company (Adnoc). Senate Victory for Renewable
Energy Tax Credit by Jesse Broehl (posted 5/19/04) While still a ways off from becoming law, a package
of key legislation for the renewable energy industries passed on the Senate
floor. Saudi Arabia to build two
refineries in US (posted 5/19/04) Al-Naimi said that Saudi Arabia is committed
to alleviating the bottleneck in US refinery capacity and has offered to
help by building the two refineries. Renewables move into
mainstream with growing political support (posted 5/19/04) Renewable energy is a “bright spot” in the global energy economy, and is
poised for a global takeoff due to soaring prices for oil and natural gas and
the deepening instability in the Middle East. Renewable
Hydrogen -- The Right Future? (posted 5/19/04) "Basically, these [technology pathways] add costs and energy losses
that are particularly significant when the hydrogen competes as a commodity
transportation fuel, leading the committee to believe most current approaches --
except possibly that of wind energy -- need to be redirected." Peabody Energy Signs Three
Utilities to Invest in Coal (posted 5/19/04) Peabody Energy Co. has signed up three electric utilities to invest in a
large coal-fired power plant in Washington Township, Ill. OPEC…it's time to
say goodbye… (posted 5/19/04) Departure from OPEC will allow Nigeria to gain
recognition with her friends and to receive potentially significant additional
flow of income as oil and gas resources are developed to the highest possible
level. Additionally, there has been a recent change in the energy policy
of the United States of America in which they have focused interest to
potentially make Nigeria and West Africa the centerpiece of their energy policy. Oil prices soar despite
overproduction (posted 5/19/04) Oil prices have hit a fresh 13-year
high despite an admission from the oil cartel OPEC that its members are still
pumping way beyond their quotas. Oil companies can't supply all the gasoline
we demand (posted 5/19/04) Higher prices show that our insatiable
demand for gasoline is catching up with our willingness to produce it. Oil
Prices, Economic Growth and World Oil Demand (posted 5/19/04) Conventional economic reasoning, embodied in the notion of 'price elasticity'
of demand, is that large oil price rises will necessarily cut oil demand and
economic growth, perhaps resulting in zero economic growth, or recession. Officials cite high costs,
complexities of importing LNG to US (posted 5/19/04) The costs and complexities of importing liquefied natural gas to the US are
so enormous that only a handful of large companies or consortia will
succeed--and only if a combination of key ingredients falls into place, several
industry officials said Tuesday. The oceans are dying
(posted 5/19/04) The preliminary report of the US
Commission on Ocean Policy is a sobering read -- or perhaps we should say
another sobering read. It is the second major report in the past year to detail
the dire state of America's coastal waters. Nanosolar scientists designing
low (posted 5/19/04) Martin Roscheisen, CEO of Nanosolar,
holds up a plastic vial filled with dark, purple liquid -- the secret ingredient
behind a new kind of technology start-up that's turning heads in Silicon Valley. LNG is gaining momentum (posted
5/19/04) In a country where power is
increasingly fuelled by natural gas, getting it to the United States in its
liquid form is the business to embrace, oil and gas executives said. Imagining a $
7-a-gallon future (posted 5/19/04) No price in America is more visible,
indeed inescapable, than that of gasoline. And Americans don't like the numbers
they're seeing today, and their anger has turned high prices at the pump into
highly flammable political fodder. OPEC's decision to cut production has further
fuelled the fire. But what are those prices telling us?
That driving this summer will be expensive? Or that $ 3 a gallon, which spouted
at a California station, is our future? Or more worrying, that after many years
of false alarms, the world is truly beginning to run out of oil? High energy prices to impact
US energy use (posted 5/19/04) Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan
said the likelihood of persistently high energy prices would help check US
energy use and lead businesses to rethink energy-related investment decisions. Growth of renewables in U.S. to drop
for the next year (posted 5/19/04) Renewable energies in the U.S. will grow 2.8% by next year, lower than the
6.3% increase reported from 2003 into 2004, according to government data. Grid investements could reduce
power costs by $12.5 bil (posted 5/19/04) Strategic investments in the US electric transmission systems could lower the
wholesale power costs by $12.5-bil or more, according to an ICF Consulting study
projecting the amount of new transmission capacity needed to ensure continued
reliability. Global gas demand still growing
(posted 5/19/04) International gas demand grows by 2.4 %
every year, expecting this rate to be steady till 2030. FERC market power policy has
utilities howling (posted 5/19/04) Electric utilities are fuming over a second attempt by federal regulators to
impose a new system for calculating when utilities will be allowed to charge
customers market-based rates for electricity, saying the process is unfair, the
test is flawed and consumers will be hurt. Bush lifts Libyan oil sanctions
(posted 5/19/04) The easing of sanctions imposed in 1986
and those called for under a 1996 Libya sanctions law will allow a resumption of
oil imports from Libya and permit most commercial activities, financial
transactions and investments. Biomass is under-used for green power and
green heat (posted 5/19/04) “Sufficient biomass is already available to initiate the development of the
sector, in the form of forestry products and by-products, straw and municipal
arisings, Benefits of biofuels
advertised at Earth Day event (posted 5/19/04) more than 30 % of the nation’s
gasoline is currently blended with ethanol, which consumes more than 1 bn
bushels of corn annually. Power Plant Overbuilding in
Southeast (posted 5/18/04) Duke and Teco are abandoning hope that this market will recover any time
soon. Entergy has taken advantage of the situation by buying a plant at a deep
discount. Quote
of the Day (posted 5/18/04) http://www.platts.com/Oil/Resources/Quote
of the Day Mexico
'likely' to boost exports if OPEC hikes output (posted 5/18/04) He declined to speculate how much Mexico would increase its exports if OPEC,
as expected, boosts its quota sometime over the next three weeks. Production begins from Llano
field in US Gulf of Mexico (posted 5/18/04) production has begun from the field at a rate of 10,500 b/d of oil and 26,000
Mcf/d of natural gas. Production began from one well on April 30, ExxonMobil
said in a statement, adding the second of two initial wells is due to go online
later this month Normal crude exports from
southern Iraq ports "very soon" (posted 5/18/04) A key crude oil pipeline in southern Iraq has been repaired and is being
tested before normal exports resume from Iraq's Persian Gulf ports, SOMO
director general Shumkhi Farraj said Tuesday. NERC to identify 20 more
violations that led to Aug 14 blackout (posted 5/18/04) NERC is nearing completion of its own technical report on the blackout to
compliment the final report issued by the US-Canada task force, which found
several violations of NERC standards. Merchant generators say new
market (posted 5/18/04) Market-power screens approved last month by the US Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission are too open to "multiple interpretations" and would
require so much time and money to develop or challenge that many market
participants would be "overwhelmed," the Electric Power Supply Assn
said Friday. European Commission to accept
defeat on 12% renewables target (posted 5/18/04) An early draft of the document seen by Platts shows that the Commission
believes member states will fall short of the EU goal of sourcing 12% of all
energy from renewable energy sources by 2010. US natural gas production on
steady downward path (posted 5/18/04) US natural gas production "is heading firmly downwards" despite
"massive" increases in drilling activity Feds must prevail in LNG
jurisdictional fight (posted 5/18/04) If California regulators prevail in the jurisdictional fight over the siting
of liquefied natural gas terminals, it could spell doom for industry-wide
efforts to import enough LNG to meet growing US demand, a top federal regulator
said Monday. Wisconsin
Energy's Power-Plant Plan Raises Fears for Lake Michigan (posted 5/18/04) The next battleground over Wisconsin Energy Corp.'s plan for a new power
plant is beneath Lake Michigan. The company would draw 2.2 billion gallons of
lake water each day. Klamath Tribes Sue Portland
(posted 5/18/04) "The Tribes' traditional reliance upon salmon for subsistence and trade
is undisputed; and the existence of dams blocking salmon passage beginning in
1911 is undisputed." Waste
Heat - the 'sleeping giant' of all energy (posted 5/18/04) "Get your Free Energy!", "Zero Pollution Energy - Today
Only!",. . . sometimes I feel like one of those 1950's sidewalk newspaper
hawkers trying to get a busy executive's attention as they hustle right on by. World seen
facing oil deficit from 2010 unless new supply tapped (posted
5/17/04) Global oil demand could outstrip supply from as early as 2010, if promising
non-OPEC areas for new production are not realized Wind energy picks up steam
(posted 5/17/04) Colorado wants to get on the fast track with wind
energy starting today with the dedication of the 162-megawatt Colorado Green
wind farm, capable of supplying power to 75,000 homes. Record drought dims hydropower
outlook in US Northwest (posted 5/17/04) Electric utilities in the U.S. Pacific Northwest face another tough summer as
a record drought slashes available supplies of hydroelectricity, the main power
source in the region. OPEC has lost
control of crude prices (posted 5/17/04) As oil prices hit new all-time highs of more than $41/bbl Friday, a former
OPEC oil minister said the oil producers' cartel had lost credibility and,
therefore, its control of the market. Japan to hang on to nuclear
power as main energy source (posted 5/17/04) Japan will hang on to nuclear power as a main energy source
while trying to expand other energy sources to diversify risks, according to an
annual report on national energy policy released Friday. High coal price
could bring summer energy crunch (posted
5/17/04) With the price of coal chasing oil and natural gas upwards, some energy
industry analysts and experts believe there could be a crunch this summer when
there is high demand for electricity. Senate energy tax package
price soars to $18 bln (posted 5/14/04) An unexpected increase in projected use of tax credits for wind, solar and
other "green" electricity sources have raised the cost of energy tax
breaks approved by the Senate to about $18 billion from $14 billion, a Senate
aide said on Thursday. Arizona Palo Verde 3 nuke
climbs to 60 pct power (posted 5/14/04) The 1,270-megawatt Unit 3 at the Palo Verde nuclear plant in Arizona
was ramping back up to full power on Thursday, the plant's operator, utility
Arizona Public Service, said. EXCLUSION OF HYDRO FROM TAX
CREDIT SHORTCHANGES RENEWABLE ENERGY GOALS (posted 5/14/04) The exclusion of incremental hydropower from a
renewable energy production tax credit (PTC) adopted yesterday by the United
States Senate as part of corporate tax legislation, S. 1637, will leave
undeveloped as much as 4,300 megawatts of domestic renewable energy, the
National Hydropower Association (NHA) said today. Funding Boost to Propel New
Solar Production (posted 5/14/04) "As photovoltaics become increasingly a mainstream technology, the
battle for who will lead the industry will be fought on the manufacturing floor,
not in the lab." San Francisco Calls for 360 MW
Renewables (posted 5/14/04) "Energy independence offers San Franciscans permanent protection
against future energy crises, and hard savings that cannot be taken away." Navajo Reservation Gains
SunWize Solar Solution (posted 5/14/04) The NTUA implemented a renewable energy program to
provide these residents the opportunity to obtain electric service at a
reasonable cost. The 63 PV Power Stations were designed and supplied by SunWize
and assembled in Fort Defiance. Documentary Premieres at
Universal Studios as part of NHA (posted 5/14/04) The documentary tells the compelling story about an international hydrogen
economy that could solve the pressing energy and environmental challenges we now
face. The hour-long documentary showcases the real
possibilities of an exciting world enhanced by clean, efficient hydrogen energy. Powerspan and the U.S. Department of Energy
Team Up to Develop CO2 Removal Technology for Power Plants (posted
5/13/04) Powerspan Corp., a clean energy technology company, and the U.S. Department
of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) have entered into a
cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) to develop a cost
effective carbon dioxide (CO2) removal process for coal-based power plants. Power grid expected to keep
lights on (posted 5/13/04) Despite rising demand for power and pockets of congestion, the
nation's electric grid is expected to perform adequately this summer, the
industry group that monitors system reliability said Tuesday. Westminster,
Vt Officials Call for Safety Study at Nuclear Power Plan (posted 5/13/04) Last week the NRC decided to conduct it's own independent
safety study of the plant, a huge concession according to Volaitis, but one that
still falls short of addressing safety concerns according to the Westminster
resident. Bush frets over energy
prices as Kerry attacks (posted 5/13/04) The White House continued to fret about record-high gasoline
prices on Wednesday, while Democratic presidential challenger John Kerry's
campaign attacked the Bush administration for failing to
address the problem. Senate_passes_energy_bill_up_date
(posted 5/13/04) The Senate approved $13 billion in energy tax breaks and
financial incentives on Tuesday as part of a corporate tax package MotorWeek show (posted 5/13/04) MotorWeek
show #2337 is airing the week of May 15-21, 2004. This show is a
don't miss because includes a very informative segment about renewable natural
gas at landfills. Xantrex Provides Key Component
to Solar Car (posted 5/13/04) A Xantrex XFR Series programmable power supply is
helping the McMaster University Solar Car Project team fine tune the electronics
on the team's Fireball II solar car. The team's first race with the car will be
the Formula Sun Grand Prix, an international closed course race that will take
place May 19-21, 2004, in Topeka, Kansas. Wind power could ease gas needs
(posted 5/13/04) While not a
replacement, wind power can reduce demand on natural gas. Watchdog says North America
summer power supply OK (posted 5/13/04) Power supplies in North America should be adequate to meet peak summer
air conditioning demand and avoid a repeat of last year's massive blackout, the
region's electric reliability watchdog said in a summer reliability assessment
issued on Wednesday. US retail gasoline surges 9.7 cts
to record $1.941/gal: EIA (posted 5/13/04) The average US retail regular-grade gasoline prices surged 9.7 cts over the
past week to a new record, non-inflation-adjusted high of $1.941/gal, the US
Energy Information Administration said Monday. US gasoline demand continues
to sizzle (posted 5/13/04) A 289,000 b/d increase in production to 9.1-mil b/d and a 301,000 b/d jump in
imports to 919,000 b/d was insufficient to offset sizzling US gasoline demand,
causing a 1.5-mil bbl draw in inventories U.S.
utility wants 500 MW of new renewables (posted 5/13/04) The fourth-largest utility in the United States wants to acquire 500 MW of
predominantly wind power. Squeezing more Juice out of
Solar Panels (posted 5/13/04) The same national lab largely responsible for
mankind's ability to harness atomic power may be on the cusp of economically
harnessing the power of the greatest nearby nuclear device of all - the sun. National Lab Tackles Hydrogen
Storage (posted 5/13/04) "The goal of the center is to design a practical hydrogen storage
system that will be cost effective, energy efficient and also be able to refuel
or regenerate with hydrogen." SouthWest Windpower to Market
New Turbine by Jesse Broehl (posted 5/13/04) Between their impossibly-massive scale and generous
power output -- large, industrial-scale wind turbines get all the attention in
the wind power industry. Slow Progress for Renewable
Energy (posted 5/13/04) "While a number of hurdles remain in the Senate, passage of the bill
(S. 1637) would be a very big step in gaining the much-needed PTC extension this
year." Senate passes
U.S. energy tax package (posted 5/13/04) The Senate approved $13 billion in energy tax breaks and financial
incentives on Tuesday as part of a corporate tax package, the first victory in
months in Republican efforts to overhaul U.S. energy policy. Renewables Legislation Fails a
Second Time (posted 5/13/04) Crushing the hopes of Colorado renewable energy
supporters Renewables in Canada get
second chance for $2.5 million (posted 5/13/04) The Canadian government will purchase the rights to greenhouse gas
emission reductions from Cdn$2.5 million of new or expanding renewable energy
projects. Ontario's call for
renewable energy (posted 5/13/04) For the first time, Ontario is calling on private
energy producers to put forward bids to build a renewable energy supply, and
Energy Minister Dwight Duncan says there's more to come as the province aims to
reach its clean energy targets. NERC Issues 2004 Summer
Reliability Assessment (posted 5/13/04) The North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) released its 2004
Summer Assessment today, which provides an independent assessment of projected
electricity supply and demand in North America for the upcoming summer season. NERC has reliability concerns
in California (posted 5/13/04) The California Independent System Operator's reliance on external resources
to meet peak demand has increased by about 1,800 MW since last summer, and while
the state is likely to meet anticipated demand this summer, there may be
interruptions for some customers Natural Gas
Supply, Demand and Pricing (posted 5/13/04) With NYMEX crude closing at $39.57/barrel today, the stage now appears to be
set for further increases in natural gas prices this month and even higher
prices this summer. Iraq's
oil production to reach 3-mil b d (posted 5/13/04) Iraqi oil minister... Ulum did not say if his projections included full
production from the northern Kirkuk oilfields, where output is running below
capacity because of sabotage to facilities. Iraq is not exporting regularly
through its northern pipeline and the Basra and Khor al-Amaya terminals in the
south are its main export outlets. Mercury emissions experts
gather in Scotland to discuss cuts (posted 5/13/04) Some 40 experts from 13 countries are gathering in Renfrew near Glasgow this
week for the First International Experts Workshop on Mercury Emissions from Coal Hydro dams vital part of
energy mix (posted 5/13/04) Gov. James Douglas deserves credit for keeping an open mind with regard to
state ownership of 12 hydroelectric dams on the Connecticut and Deerfield
rivers. High Temperature Solid Oxide
Fuel Cells Practical handbook on solid oxide fuel cells (posted 5/13/04) This new book provides comprehensive, practical information relating to the
fundamentals, design and applications of solid oxide fuel cells. Green will make us see red
when power bills soar (posted 5/13/04) GAS and electricity bills will rocket by 20 per cent over the
next six years as a direct result of the UK's move towards 'green' energy,
consumers will be warned this week. GE Energy to buy ChevronTexaco
gasification unit (posted 5/13/04) agreement will provide GE Energy with additional capabilities to provide coal
power generation technology that produces fewer air pollutants Fed's
McTeer sees no recession from energy woes (posted 5/13/04) the United States will not go into a recession as it has
during previous jumps in energy costs. "Paying more for oil and natural
gas can sap growth, but this time around the recovery appears robust enough to
withstand the higher energy bills Europe Leading World Into Age
of Wind Energy by Lester R (posted 5/13/04) "The United States is lagging in developing wind energy not because
it cannot compete technologically with Europe in manufacturing wind turbines but
because of a lack of leadership in Washington." DG Searching for a
Winning Model (posted 5/13/04) While deregulation is not dead, it certainly does not have a strong pulse.
But, neither are we likely to head back into full regulation. The grid has not
been invested in; congestion is rampant in populated areas...security concerns
will only increase...environmental requirements will not weaken Can We Just
"Rely on the Market" (posted 5/13/04) With the movement toward
restructuring the electric industry, some have argued that energy efficiency
would be better accomplished by relying on market forces than by continuing
government and regulatory requirements for energy efficiency programs Biofuels
may displace 5% of world gasoline use by 2010 (posted 5/13/04) shifts in developing countries and demand trends towards using greener energy
would likely fuel a marked acceleration of biofuels production. The 'Biofuels
for Transport' study shows bioethanol will be the fastest growing fuel with
production likely to quadruple Agency declines to fine
nuclear plant for false data (posted 5/13/04) The Nuclear Regulatory Commission said an energy company provided false
information about a potential danger at a nuclear plant six years ago, but the
agency waived a potential $55,000 fine. A nuclear industry watchdog group criticized the decision, saying the NRC was
too "cozy" with the companies it is supposed to regulate. Argentina to create state
energy company (posted 5/13/04) The Argentine government late Tuesday said it would create a state energy
company to develop fresh hydrocarbon reserves, expand gas and power production
and expand transport capacity with the aim of overcoming the country's severe
energy shortage. Ariz.
Palo Verde 3 nuke cut to about 40 pct power (posted 5/13/04) The 1,270 megawatt Unit 3 at the Palo Verde nuclear plant in Arizona
was holding around 40 percent power early Wednesday, a spokeswoman for utility
Arizona Public Service, which operates the plant, said. Ariz.
Palo Verde 1 nuke seen back on grid by Mon (posted 5/11/04) The 1,270-megawatt Unit 1 at the Palo Verde nuclear plant in Arizona should
reconnect to the power grid in a couple of days, a spokeswoman for utility
Arizona Public Service, which operates the plant, said. Pinnacle West first-quarter profit rises 19
pct (posted 5/11/04) Pinnacle West Capital Corp. Coal stocks at US power plants
spark blackout fear (posted 5/11/04) Coal supplies at U.S. power plants are at their lowest levels in more than
three years, sparking concern of possible blackouts this summer when demand is
heavy for electricity to power air conditioners. Discovering Appropriate
Cogeneration Opportunities (posted 5/11/04) Free electricity. Sound enticing? To thousands of commercial applications
"free" electricity has become a reality. Utilizing the concept of
cogeneration, the simultaneous production of a thermal and electrical load from
a single thermodynamic process. Southern California Edison
Supports Limits on Moreno Valley (posted 5/11/04) The ballot measure would prohibit city officials from using general fund
money to support the Moreno Valley utility company. Ballot measure advocates say
the city should use general fund money for police, fire and emergency services
instead. Wind
Turbine Blades Kill 2,000 Bats Yearly (posted 5/11/04) The whirling blades of the 44 wind turbines atop Backbone Mountain in Tucker
County killed more than 2,000 bats and nearly 200 birds last year, according to
estimates from researchers hired to study bird and bat deaths at the site. Alaska Rural Energy Conference
Spots Hope in Alternative Fuels (posted 5/11/04) There appears to be no easy fix, or maybe any fix at all, for sky-high fuel
and electricity costs in the hundreds of small communities scattered across
rural areas of Alaska. Consumer Advocates Draw Battle
Lines on California Governor (posted 5/11/04) Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's push to give more large power users freedom to
shop for the best electricity deal faces opposition from Democrats and consumer
advocates who fear it will lead to higher residential bills. New York looks at POLR and
impact on markets (posted 5/11/04) New York
regulators have a vision of a POLR policy that promotes choice, value and
innovation and scales back its regulatory role -- depending on the
competitiveness of the market. FERC budget request reveals
plans for the year (posted 5/11/04) FERC's request
for money for the year beginning Oct 1 reveals that the commission intends to
identify transmission and pipeline projects with high public benefit and foster
their speedy completion -- specifically identifying regionally where grid
capacity is needed. The
end of the age of oil? Opinions vary (posted 5/08/04) It's called "the big
rollover," the moment when worldwide demand for oil outstrips the global
capacity to produce it. Most oil experts agree that when that day of reckoning
comes, it will signal the end of the oil age and the end of cheap energy.
Petroleum geologists, energy-industry analysts and others are now saying that
moment is close at hand and may even have already occurred. DOE announces security
initiatives (posted 5/10/04) OE will also consider federalizing its security forces, creating Study confirms that oil firms'
profits rise sharply (posted 5/08/04) A study released backs a common
complaint from drivers: Profits for oil companies have been rising sharply along
with prices at the gas pump. The average profits for California's top five oil
companies rose 298 % in 2002, while gas prices increased 21 % Crude reserves controversy
grows (posted 5/08/04) A great deal of controversy has
recently arisen among Western sources of information concerning their estimates
of Arab crude reserves, making economists and oil experts in the region more
perplexed regarding this extremely vital issue, not only for the oil-producing
countries but also for all the Arab states and other countries of the world in
general. New book predicts major shock
to global economy (posted 5/08/04) It's no secret the price of crude is
hitting historic highs. But oil has been expensive in the past, and it has
always drifted back to reasonable levels again, so there's no need to worry that
things will be different this time, right? The world's
overflowing oil reserves (posted 5/08/04) Oil is making headlines again. Never
far from newsworthy, such is its over-riding economic and political importance,
the spotlight has returned as harsh as ever. The oil industry is vulnerable
to terrorist attacks (posted 5/08/04) In February 1991, Saddam Hussein put
Kuwait's oil fields to the torch as his invading army was driven out of the
emirate by US-led forces. More than 700 wells were set ablaze in the worst
attack on energy infrastructure since World War II. Increasingly, the energy
industry is under threat from global terrorism, with the focus largely on the
turbulent Middle East. What to use when the oil runs
out (posted 5/08/04) So it is natural enough for us to look
for one neat and simple replacement which will be the perfect substitute for oil
in all its versatile guises. But the harsh truth is that nothing is going to be
capable of doing everything that oil does -- not yet, perhaps never. IEA expects oil consumption to
rise faster than expected in 2004 (posted 5/08/04) World oil consumption will rise faster
than expected this year because of China's surging economy, according to the
International Energy Agency, an adviser to 26 industrialized countries. Saudi Arabia and China discuss
oil sales and joint investments (posted 5/08/04) Saudi Arabia's desire to increase the
export of crude oil to China, which he said is currently importing around
300,000 bpd from Saudi Arabia. China is the world's second-largest oil consumer
after the US. Iraq offers hope for power
generator industry (posted 5/08/04) Following a two-year downturn, makers
of back-up power generators are finally seeing opportunity for recovery in the
form of Iraq. Companies such as Caterpillar, Cummins and others are hoping that
reconstruction efforts in the war-torn country will help them through this
period and towards prosperity. European and US firms win
Iraqi oil bids (posted 5/08/04) Four European firms and one from the
United States have been awarded bids for the purchase of 6 mm barrels of oil
from Iraq's northern fields, a spokesman for the Iraqi oil ministry said. Iran to launch eighteen power
units (posted 5/08/04) Eighteen power plant units will be
launched up to March 2005 marking the end of Iranian calendar year, an official
said. Iran to acquire 51 new tankers
for energy transportation (posted 5/08/04) Iran is acquiring 51 new tankers,
valued at $ 3.16 bn, to meet demand for energy transportation by 2010, said a
top official. Can Shell draw a line under
its reserves recategorization problems (posted 5/10/04) International oil major AngloDutch/Shell is living a corporate nightmare:
billions have been wiped off its value, 22% of its estimated reserves have been
“de-booked” Shell restates reserves for
third time (posted 5/08/04) Shell said in London it was restating
the firm's oil reserves for the third time this year. A very British kind of scandal
(posted 5/08/04) Whatever happened to Shell as the
paragon of corporate culture? Most observers like myself who watched the rise
and fall of giant companies over the decades saw Shell as in a class of its own:
the model for multinationals, the trainer of the best managers, the guarantor of
rational collegiate decisions and the "long view" which ensured its
continuity. Now all its reputation for corporate wisdom has been undermined over
a few months by the shattering publicity surrounding its downgrading of its oil
reserves, and finally ruined by the evidence from an external report. Lies,
cover-ups, fat cats and an oil giant in crisis (posted 5/08/04) Shell was involved in Britain's biggest
corporate scandal for almost 20 years after it admitted a three-year plan to
deceive its shareholders. Shell needs rest of decade to
rebuild exploration business (posted 5/08/04) Shell could take the rest of the decade
to rebuild its beleaguered oil exploration business, which was revealed to have
been the victim of a huge deceit by its senior management. Federal review of ocean
policy calls for more spending and regulation (posted 5/08/04) The first in-depth federal review of US
ocean policy in 35 years is calling for billions of dollars in spending and more
environmentally based regulation in hopes of reversing decades of marine
exploitation and mismanagement. Research team works to turn
pig manure into crude oil (posted 5/08/04) The thermochemical conversion process
uses intense heat and pressure to break down the molecular structure of manure
into oil. Crying over gas?
(posted 5/08/04) Motorists abroad pay far more for
petrol, buy smaller cars and drive less. Laurent Garigue has one word for
Americans griping about the cost of gasoline these days. Actually, he has many,
but the first is, "Ha!" Gov. Murkowski
signs appropriations bill (posted 5/08/04) Alaska Gov. Frank H. Murkowski recently
signed a law that appropriated $ 1.65 mm in state funds to help cover costs in
bringing North Slope natural gas to market. One-fourth
of US drilling permits is unused (posted 5/08/04) Roughly a fourth of oil and gas wells
with permits approved by the Bureau of Land Management have not been drilled,
despite skyrocketing oil and gas prices that have prompted Republicans in
Congress to demand more access by oil companies to public lands. Can US successes in Sudan be
replicated in Iraq (posted 5/08/04) It's well known that the Iraq War has
been largely waged over who will dominate global oil. The United States already
dominates a good part of global oil, along with its junior partner Britain. But
it's not widely known that China, step by step, is becoming as much a global
player in the efforts to ensure a consistent oil supply. Hydrogen without the hype
(posted 5/08/04) Hydrogen cars are being hyped today as
few technologies have ever been. Yet, for all this effort, hydrogen cars are
very unlikely to actually be good for the environment through at least 2035 Green energy potential in US
is slowly being realized (posted 5/08/04) No one has announced it, but the energy
profile of North America is changing, with the environment one of the key
drivers for a shift to clean energy Rocky Mountains face shortage
of materials to drill for gas (posted 5/08/04) The Rocky Mountains are saturated with
natural gas, but the problem is bringing it to the surface. There aren't enough
steel pipes or even fine sands needed to extract the gas that is trapped between
layers of hard rock. Making Stress Work For You by
John Reed (posted 5/07/04) With recent events it is no surprise that stress in the energy industry is
running high. Stress is now a threat more than ever before. It can damage
careers, businesses and, most importantly, your health. What is surprising is
that many executives still choose to ignore it. Managed correctly, stress can be
kept at tolerable levels and actually increase job effectiveness and
satisfaction. California Offers
4MW Solar Electric RFP (posted 5/07/04) The State of California is embarking on a procurement
process to enable agencies and educational institutions to meet their goal of
implementing cost effective, on-site solar electricity projects. USDA
Announces $23 Million in Grants (posted 5/07/04) The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the
availability of approximately US$23 million in grants for renewable energy
projects and energy efficiency improvements. The Race is On for Hydrogen
Highways (posted 5/07/04) "We're on the cusp of a new energy era." Milestone for Biotech Ethanol
Ambitions (posted 5/07/04) "The commercial use of industrial enzymes to convert agricultural
biomass into clean motor fuel represents a key breakthrough in our ability to
produce homegrown energy..." Capitol Hearing Gives Ethanol
(posted 5/07/04) "Ethanol and biodiesel are not just the future of America's energy
supply, they are cleaner and affordable alternatives today." Green Buildings Earn
Prestigious Acclaim (posted 5/07/04) The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its
Committee on the Environment (COTE) selected 10 examples of architectural and
"green" design solutions that protect and enhance the environment. The
winners combined such approaches as daylighting, solar power, ground-source heat
pumps, and energy efficiency to earn their place on the list. New Mexico Utilities Can Help
Protect against Terrorism (posted 5/07/04) Security agencies say closer cooperation from electric and gas utilities
including simple improved communication and sharing potential weak points will
help deter possible terrorist threats. Some California Families Save
Energy By Creating Own Electricity (posted 5/07/04) There are no power lines leading to the Ferry or Kimbro homes in this rural
setting. Unlike most U.S. energy users the Ferrys and Kimbros are
considered "off the grid" because they create all their own
electricity. Xcel to Minimize Role of
Natural Gas in Power Generating Plans (posted 5/07/04) Natural gas, once the preferred fuel for generating power, is likely to carry
a lesser stature in Xcel Energy's power plans. Controversial Renewables Trading Bill Passes Senate Committee (posted
5/07/04) May 3 (California Energy Circuit) - Despite
broad support, legislation that would create a renewable energy credit (REC)
trading program unearthed disagreement about how to define the green attribute
from power and who should own that credential. Calif.
panel sets tougher rules for power plants (posted 5/07/04) The California Public Utilities Commission on Thursday adopted a plan setting
tougher rules for ensuring maintenance at power plants in the state.
FERC warns of "troublesome conditions"
in Calif (posted 5/07/04) The head of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Wednesday said he was
concerned about "very troublesome conditions" in California's
electricity market and warned of a possible repeat of the state's 2000-01 energy
shortage. Scorching Heat Saps Power Grid
in Southern California (posted 5/07/04) Smashing records all over the Southland, a heat wave Monday triggered a
"transmission alert' by the state's power-grid operator. Red wine leads UT scientists
to juice up potency of solar cells by Jenni Laiman (posted 5/06/04) "While a glass of aniline with dinner would have distressing effects,
it works on solar cells because it too contains charged particles." Welsh Wind Power Project Moves
Ahead (posted 5/06/04) In support of the United Kingdom's renewable energy
target to produce 15% of its electricity from renewable sources by the year
2015, construction activities recently began on the Cefn Croes Wind Project in
Wales. Combating Climate Change
(posted 5/06/04) We are now on the verge on another, separate but
related industrial leap forward where the inefficient use of fossil fuels such
as coal and oil is being reduced, and where, like the typewriter and the punch
card machine of yesteryear, new competition is starting to make its mark. Modern
conventional power stations are almost twice as efficient as those a few decades
ago. Alternative energies, in the form of solar and wind power, are coming of
age and the costs per unit of electricity continue to tumble. Los Angeles Proposes Major
Wind Farm (posted 5/06/04) With some of the worst air quality in the county, and
vastly increasing demands for electricity, the city of Los Angeles is a perfect
candidate for a large-scale boost of clean, renewable energy. Funding Casts Doubt on Current
Technology by Jesse Broehl (posted 5/06/04) "It (a hydrogen economy) offers immense environmental benefits that
current energy technologies cannot meet." Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham announced US$350
million in nationwide funding for science and research projects to establish a
hydrogen economy. This comes at a time when many energy policy experts have
questioned hydrogen's ability to realistically replace current technologies,
mitigate pollution and reduce America's dependence on foreign oil - and all
within the next decade. UK Universities Tackle Thin-Film
Progress (posted 5/06/04) "As existing supplies of oil and gas dwindle, so we need to find
alternatives that will not damage the environment and solar energy is ideal for
this, even in countries like Britain where the sun doesn't always shine." UK softens targets for CO2
emission reduction to 15.2% by 2010 (posted 5/06/04) The UK plans to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 15.2% compared with 1990
levels by 2010 as part of its revised National Allocation Plan (NAP) as part of
the EU's emissions trading scheme, the UK government said Thursday. Renewable Energy Finance Forum
Heats Up (posted 5/06/04) Between renewable energy's growth rate averaging
close to 30 percent per year, an increasingly energy-conscious public and U.S.
states enacting a variety of legislation catalyzing new developments --
renewable energy is now viewed by a growing number as ripe investment, or
potentially lucrative lending opportunity. 'Solar
Homes' Bill Passes Senate Committee (posted 5/06/04) If a new bill makes its way through the California
legislature unscathed, developers building more than 25 homes at a time could be
required to install a certain amount of solar photovoltaic (PV) power on some of
the homes. Utility credit quality
improving (posted 5/05/04) The credit quality of US electric and natural gas utilities is improving, US commerce secretary
discounts high gasoline prices (posted 5/05/04) US Commerce Secretary Donald Evans Tuesday defended the Bush's administration
energy plan and downplayed the potential that high gasoline prices will hurt the
US economy. After meeting with Senate Republicans at their weekly caucus lunch,
Evans told reporters that high gasoline prices, which hit new non-inflation
adjusted highs on Monday, were far below 1970s levels when adjusted for
inflation. Toshiba,
GE join hands for nuclear power plant deal (posted 5/05/04) According to the business daily, the two electric giants have
agreed to carry out a feasibility study for building a nuclear plant there as
the US government decided to support the construction of nuclear power plants,
which has been suspended since a major accident at Three Mile Island nuclear
power plant in Pennsylvania in 1979. States take US FERC to court
over interconnection rule (posted 5/05/04) State regulators officially filed a court appeal of the US Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission's recent generator interconnection rulemaking, claiming
that, in the final rule, FERC overstepped its jurisdiction. Southeast US municipal
utilities form gas purchasing group (posted 5/05/04) A group of Southeast US municipal electric and gas utilities Tuesday signed a Russian nuclear power plant's unit
taken out of operation temporarily (posted 5/05/04) The fourth power unit of the Novovoronezhskaya nuclear power
plant has been fully taken out of operation and put on reserve, the unit's head
Anatoliy Fedorov has said. Reliant to mothball Miss Power Plant
(posted 5/05/04) Reliant Energy Inc. Problems Hurt Renewable Energy
Possibilities in Texas Panhandle (posted 5/05/04) The future of the renewable energy industry depends on the ability of state
and federal legislatures, government entities, utilities companies, and
individuals to come up with methods of getting the power where it can best be
utilized for the most reasonable cost. INVESTMENT IN ENERGY
INFRASTRUCTURE IS CRITICALLY NEEDED (posted 5/05/04) Over 100 companies and national organizations called upon the Senate
leadership today to take immediate action on S.1637, the “JOBS" bill.
Organizations joining the letter represent every aspect of the American economy
ranging from agriculture and manufacturing to home building and renewable
technologies. The group emphasized that the bill’s provisions encouraging
investment in domestic energy supply and infrastructure are "critical to US
economic recovery." IEA
says "unstable" oil market depressing global growth (posted
5/05/04) Fears of OPEC supply cuts, political tensions in Venezuela and tight oil Groups Oppose Additional
Reactor at North Anna (posted 5/05/04) The Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League, the Nuclear Information and
Resource Service and Public Citizen told the NRC that Lake Anna doesn't have
enough water to cool a third reactor without harming the lake and downstream
ecology. Fuel Cell Technology Update
(posted 5/05/04) Ford
Motor Company and BP plc have announced
a major initiative aimed at moving the United States closer to a hydrogen
economy...and MORE European Commission adds
security arm to energy directorate (posted 5/05/04) The terrorist attacks in Madrid and the Prestige tanker oil spill off the
coast of Spain have raised the profile of system security in the European Union,
and it is likely to be a formal priority for the new commission which starts in
November. Do you know the health of your
grid (posted 5/05/04) Certainly the scale and dynamic nature of the asset infrastructure carries
with it intrinsic barriers to efficiency. Coupled with the extrinsic burdens of
regulatory scrutiny, mandated levels of service, and markets that are constantly
in flux, the motivation for investing in asset management tools is
unquestionable. Crude hits 14-year record
(posted 5/05/04) Renewed Middle Eastern violence over the weekend and strong gasoline prices
sent June oil futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange to a 14-year record
Monday. June crude settled 83 cts higher at $38.21/bbl, the highest front-month
settle since the $38.89/bbl gained Oct 16, 1990. Cheap LNG imports to supplant
some USG gas drilling (posted 5/05/04) Called the "Dead Sea" in the mid-1980s and early 1990s because of
the lack of interest in drilling there for oil, the Gulf of Mexico could in this
decade earn that moniker again -- at least for natural gas drilling, California Public Utilities
Commission Action Threatens California Consumers Wholesale Rates Set to Increase
25% (posted 5/05/04) Yesterday, an administrative law judge of the California Public Utilities
Commission (CPUC) issued draft decisions proposing permanent wholesale rates for
SBC's California service territory. California heatwave triggers
power emergency (posted 5/05/04) Heavy air conditioning use amid triple-digit temperatures triggered a
transmission emergency in California on Monday and some businesses were asked to
turn off the lights. El Paso faults employees for
overstating reserves (posted 5/05/04) Some El Paso Corp. employees may have knowingly used incorrect
estimates to boost proven natural gas reserves over five years, the natural gas
pipeline operator said on Monday. Audit says staff used 'unsupportable
methods' on reserves: El Paso (posted 5/05/04) An independent review of the large downward revision of El Paso Corp.'s oil Attorneys Want Utility Owner
to Be Held Responsible for Utah Power Outages (posted 5/05/04) Two Salt Lake City attorneys have filed a class action petition asking the
Utah Public Service Commission to hold Utah Power owner PacifiCorp responsible
for outages that affected at least 80,000 Utah Power customers during fierce
winter storms in the last week of 2003. Arizona Corporation Commission
(posted 5/05/04) The utilities staff of the Arizona Corporation Commission says a proposed $3
billion buyout of UniSource Energy Corp. doesn't do enough to ensure safe,
reliable utility service, and has recommended the utility panel reject the deal. Solar PV Celebrates 50 Year
Anniversary (posted 4/30/04) "After fifty years and two billion watts of solar power, solar energy
is, in many ways, just taking off." Biomass-to-Ethanol
Project Makes Progress (posted 4/30/04) Combining technology developed by the National
Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Novozymes, the enzyme costs of converting
cellulosic biomass into sugars for fuel ethanol production have now been reduced
approximately twenty-fold, according to the company. Furthermore, Novozymes has
been granted a one-year extension to its collaborative subcontract with NREL and
will receive USD 2.3 million in research funding. The British Gas Utility Market
(posted 4/30/04) Britain is the largest natural gas producer and the largest gas consumer in
Europe. Natural gas consumption has doubled in the last ten years. bush_administration_defends_secrecy
(posted 4/30/04) The Bush administration's top lawyer told the Supreme Court on
Tuesday that the Constitution gives the president and vice president
near-unassailable authority to make policy without disclosing who or what
influences it. Connecticut Commits to
Renewable Energy (posted 4/30/04) "...we brought the concept of 20 percent by 2010 to the table because
we knew the impact would be so great." Cost remains key in hydrogen
production (posted 4/30/04) Hydrogen, again, becomes a leading candidate as a clean, renewable energy
source and has aroused interest not only among the research community but also
among the general public. Hydrogen burns without producing the sooty pollution and greenhouse gases
associated with fossil fuels. Discussion over this matter has become so heated
that even elementary school students have been encouraged to contribute to
making the dream come true. Firms,
Universities to Get Share of $350 Million in Fuel-Cell Grants (posted
4/30/04) Moving ahead with an initiative to promote hydrogen fueled
vehicles, the Bush administration Tuesday named more than 100 companies and
universities -- including UTC Fuel Cells -- that will get a share of $350
million in grants. High costs to impact US Energy Use
(posted 4/30/04) Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said on Tuesday the
likelihood of persistently high energy prices would likely help keep U.S. energy
use in check and influence energy-related business investments. Hydrogen
Fuel Needs to Move into Everyday Use (posted 4/30/04) Hydrogen supporters need to take the future fuel out of
research labs and into the everyday lives of people who will someday rely on it,
speakers at the 15th annual U.S. Hydrogen Conference said Tuesday. 'Hydrogen
Highways' Grab Market Attention (posted 4/30/04) Just as President Bush's State of the Union
statements about hydrogen sparked a flurry of fuel cell buzz last year,
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's ambitious plans for alternative
energy technologies are creating their own buzz in California as companies hope
to get part of the action. Largest utilities agree to SERC
(posted 4/30/04) The Southeastern Electric Reliability Council said Thursday that utilities
representing about two-thirds of the generation, transmission and load within
the SERC region have signed a "regional compliance and enforcement
program" that requires participants to face penalties for non-compliance
with certain electric reliability standards adopted by the North American
Electric Reliability Council Nevada needs renewable energy
(posted 4/30/04) Richard Burdette said that if the Organization of Petroleum Exporting
Countries continues to price crude oil at $36 a barrel or higher and the cost of
fossil fuels continues to rise, renewable energy will be increasingly important. Nuke plant reports problem
(posted 4/30/04) A problem with the cooling system prompted the PPL Corp.'s
Susquehanna nuclear power plant to declare an "unusual event" and
reduced the power output at one of the two units yesterday, but the problem was
repaired quickly, the utility said. Oil Spill Anniversary
Reinforces Wind Power by Mark Rasmussen (posted 4/30/04) "What I saw was a landscape where slowly-turning wind turbines - in
farmer's fields and on the ocean - were accepted as commonplace and stand as
symbols to a nation moving in the right direction on energy policy." Phoenix Company Wants to Make
Electricity from New Mexico Sunshine (posted 4/30/04) Phoenix-based Stirling Energy Systems says it can find the financing to erect
fields of 38-foot-tall mirror-covered dishes for a huge, commercial, solar
generating station in New Mexico. Quote
of the Day (posted 4/30/04) "Present high [oil] prices are not being caused by a shortage of
crude...OPEC has demonstrated repeatedly its commitment to achieving order and
stability in the international oil market...Our concern has been that, in a
market that is so easily influenced by psychological factors, we could suddenly
find ourselves in a situation where there is a widespread realization of
substantial excess supply and that this dramatically drives down prices." Russia will have over 17,000 tons of
spent nuclear fuel by year end (posted 4/30/04) By the end of 2004, Russia will have accumulated
17,000-17,5000 tonnes of spent nuclear fuel at its nuclear power stations and at
storage facilities of radiochemical plants Schwarzenegger Wants Large
Electricity Users to Be Able to Find Best Deal (posted 4/30/04) In his first major statement on energy since he said the issue would become
his central focus, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday called for giving
large electricity users the freedom to bypass utilities and shop around for the
best deal for power. California Governor Backs 2-Tier
Energy Market (posted 4/30/04) Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger began laying out his energy policy plans on
Wednesday, advocating a system that would allow big business to bypass
traditional utilities to shop around for competitive rates. Schwarzenegger's
Energy Plan Draws Praise (posted 4/30/04) In his first major statement on energy since he said the issue
would become his central focus, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday called
for giving large electricity users the freedom to bypass utilities and shop
around for the best deal for power. SolarCentury Unveils Solar PV
Roofing Tiles (posted 4/30/04) "We designed the roof tile primarily to make it easy for house
builders to incorporate it in with their original house design as well as to
generate clean electricity." Thirty years on,
embargo lessons still not learned (posted 4/30/04) "...we have exposed our country to this growing vulnerability and
have failed to implement a consistent and determined policy toward achieving
energy security and independence." US EPA delays mercury utility
rule until March 2005 (posted 4/30/04) The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday delayed finalizing rules to
reduce harmful mercury emissions from aging power plants until March 2005 to
consider whether stricter rules are needed. U.S.
Senate fails to resurrect stalled energy bill (posted 4/30/04) The Senate, in a pair of party-line votes tinted by election-year
politics, refused on Thursday to debate either reform of U.S. energy policy or a
federal mandate to double the use of corn-based ethanol. US Senate kills move to attach
energy bill to Internet tax bill (posted 4/30/04) The US Senate Thursday killed a back-door attempt to pass the energy bill as
an amendment to Internet tax legislation. Sen. Pete Domenici, the Republican
chairman of the Senate Energy Committee, on Wednesday moved to attach his
scaled-down energy bill to the unrelated legislation. But the attempt was
thwarted Thursday when Domenici and his allies fell five votes short of limiting
debate on the measure. Energy bill may be revived
(posted 4/28/04) The energy bill may be resuscitated tomorrow when the Senate votes on two
amendments that have been added to an Internet tax measure (S. 150). Minority
Leader Tom Daschle US Senate rejects effort to
act on renewable fuels amendment (posted 4/30/04) The US Senate Thursday defeated a motion that would have paved the way for
consideration of an amendment requiring the use of 5-bil gal of renewable fuels,
such as ethanol, in the nation's gasoline supplies by 2012. Utilities Commission Gives
Tribe Benefits from Nevada Solar Energy Program (posted 4/30/04) The Public Utilities Commission on Wednesday approved the tribe's
application for financial assistance for installing a 7.5 kilowatt photovoltaic
power system we_wish_to_give_great_thanks_to_
(posted 4/30/04) For more news in the industry, for more information on many
of the articles we cover, we invite you to go to the websites of origin. Wind Turbines Power Remote
Navajo Homesteads (posted 4/30/04) Some families on the Navajo Reservation are seeing
things in a new light—a light powered by electricity from the wind. Windpower- Expensive
or Inexpensive (posted 4/30/04) Recent studies from the International Energy Agency, the US
Department of Energy, the UK's Department of Trade and Industry, and others,
show that electricity derived from the wind can, in New Zealand's high wind
environment, now be generated at prices which are directly competitive with
coal-fired power generation. Using Emissions Trading to
Minimize Compliance Costs (posted 4/28/04) As a result of these proposed new regulations, generating companies will be
faced with increases in the cost of electrical generation. It can be a
challenging task to find a solution that minimizes total cost US Senate panel advances anti
OPEC bill (posted 4/28/04) The US Senate Judiciary Committee last week unanimously advanced the No Oil
Producing and Exporting Cartels Act, or so-called NOPEC bill, which would permit
the US Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission to bring US said pressing for nuclear
pact compliance (posted 4/28/04) The
international community must be prepared to act against states that violate a
key U.N. nuclear weapons treaty if it is to stop nuclear arms proliferation,
U.S. officials said. US needs major LNG import
capacity boost to access gas (posted 4/28/04) The US natural gas market requires a "major" expansion of LNG
import capacity in order to access world gas supplies and mirror the supply
flexibility found in oil markets, US Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan
said Tuesday. Greenspan"The near term, however, is apt to continue to be
challenging." That challenge is ensuring the North American gas market
works in a similar fashion to oil markets insofar as tapping foreign supplies
when domestic output does not meet demand. UK
seen 70% dependent on imported gas by 2020 (posted 4/28/04) Some parties have argued that import dependence is dangerous because the UK
will have to rely on countries like Russia and Algeria for its security of
supply. Technip wins US hydrogen plant
contract (posted 4/28/04) Technip
said the hydrogen plant will use its state-of-the-art steam-reforming technology
and the design will be tailored for a high degree of energy efficiency as well
as environmental compliance employing ultra low-NOx combustion. Substantial
Environmental Investments For Cardinal Plant (posted 4/28/04) American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) and Buckeye Power are investing in new
environmental controls at the jointly owned Cardinal Power Plant in Brilliant,
Ohio, a project that not only will reduce emissions but also will provide a
boost to the area's economy. Still holding customers over a
barrel (posted 4/28/04) This week marks the
30th anniversary of the Arab oil embargo. Western countries are no less in
thrall to Middle Eastern oil than they were then States gearing up to challenge
US FERC interconnection rule (posted 4/28/04) The National Assn of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, claiming that the US
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission overstepped its authority, is planning to
take FERC to court over its recently finalized generator interconnection
rulemaking, an official said Tuesday States'
Energy Regulators Seek Creation of Regional Power Transmission Body
(posted 4/28/04) Several new power plants built in Oklahoma have nowhere to ship their
electricity because of gridlock on Oklahoma's transmission system.
Short-Term
Energy Outlook – April 2004 (posted 4/28/04) Motor
gasoline markets remain tight and motor gasoline prices are likely to remain
high and volatile through the summer. "OPEC research and development team is studying the
new price range. Some members believe the band should be changed because of
inflation and US dollar depreciation."
OMOI turns on the lights at
FERC (posted 4/28/04) Wood's hope was
that the intense report could help states in measuring the costs of policy
decisions. Nuclear operators seek US
money for new reactor (posted 4/28/04) A
consortium of nuclear power companies presented a proposal to the U.S.
Department of Energy this week to share the estimated $800 million cost of
developing a new reactor. New Mexico Looks for Biomass
Proposals (posted 4/28/04) The state of New Mexico is looking to turn overgrown forests into economic
engines that save taxpayers money Most
U.S. Small Businesses Have No Back-Up Power Supply (posted 4/28/04) Jon Munson wonders whether certain small business owners have short memories.
Eight months after the worst blackout in U.S. history, the majority of the
nation's small businesses have no back-up power supply Maximizing Returns on Surplus
Equipment (posted 4/28/04) Surplus equipment, often overlooked or unaccounted for, can have serious
ramifications for all types of businesses. More Equal Than Others (posted
4/28/04) It is difficult to pick up a magazine or check out a website dealing with
energy or electricity without finding an uncritical article extolling the merits
of renewable energy. But, as George Orwell would have put it if he had lived
long enough, not all kilowatt-hours (kWh) are created equal. Some are more equal
than others. Holtec develops underground
spent fuel storage system (posted 4/28/04) Holtec International will meet with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on
Wednesday to discuss a new underground dry cask storage system designed to
provide added security for spent fuel. Groups seek halt to Bill
Barrett gas exploration project in Utah (posted 4/28/04) A coalition of environmental groups Monday sued the Bush administration to
halt a natural gas exploration project in Nine Mile Canyon region of eastern
Utah. FPL Spends Billions to Stay
Ahead of South Florida (posted 4/28/04) At the sprawling Florida Power & Light electric generating plant near
Indiantown in Martin County, hundreds of construction workers are assembling an
enormous, $500 million jigsaw puzzle that will help keep the lights on and the
air conditioners humming in South Florida. Fighting for America (posted
4/28/04) "Congress is messing around back and forth, stuttering, and not getting
it done," Dorgan complained. ENERGY-SAVING INCENTIVE
PROGRAMS (posted 4/28/04) Our story: Jill and I are environmentally considerate.
Energy Industry Eyes Future of
Power Grid System at Oklahoma City Meeting (posted 4/28/04) "This really is important because as a country, as a region and as a
state, we are going to be more and more dependent on electricity for all the
high-tech equipment we use Energy Ice (posted 4/28/04) Scientists find vast supplies of alternative energy trapped in
ice deep in the earth. Oil prices recently reached a 30-year high, prompting former President
Clinton to tap our national reserves and reviving the debate about drilling in
places like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. But some scientists believe the
most promising source of energy in the future is not petroleum, but natural gas
locked in ice. Inside a particular type of ice crystals called hydrates are
trapped molecules of methane, the key constituent of natural gas. Energy Independence a Day
Nearer in San Francisco (posted 4/28/04) This will be the greatest municipal green power works project ever, setting
in place a technology competition to meet or beat PG&E prices with a
massively greener portfolio of resources, delivering a Kyoto-scale greenhouse
gas reduction, without major tax expenditures or a rate increase. Energy
Efficiency Contract Awarded to Help Reduce Energy Use (posted 4/28/04) Just eight months after the greatest blackout in the nation’s history,
Conservation Services Group (CSG) is taking a landmark approach to providing
energy efficiency resources that will help reduce electricity use and enhance
reliability. The end of the Oil Age (posted
4/28/04) “THE Stone Age did
not end for lack of stone, and the Oil Age will end long before the world runs
out of oil.” City of Santa Monica and
electricAmerica to Assess Community Choice Aggregation Feasibility
(posted 4/28/04) The City of Santa Monica and electricAmerica, one of the nation’s leading
energy service providers, are to prepare a report to help the City determine the
feasibility of implementing a Community Choice Aggregation plan. China,
Australia strengthen energy cooperation (posted 4/28/04) Australia's Gorgon LNG Venture launched its China
representative office in Beijing on Monday [26 April], indicating tighter
cooperation on energy between the two countries. California PUC fines SoCal Ed
for poor power line maintenance (posted 4/28/04) The California Public Utilities Commission Thursday fined Southern California
Edison $656,000 mostly for 30 violations of the state's requirements for the
construction, operation, and maintenance of overhead and underground power
lines. California PUC calls on US
FERC to reconsider LNG jurisdiction (posted 4/28/04) Continuing its turf fight, the California Public Utilities Commission on California Public Utilities
Commission Gets Earful on New Power System (posted 4/28/04) Simmering disagreements about how best to lower electricity
costs and avert future power shortages boiled over Tuesday during an all-day
gathering convened by the California Public Utilities Commission. Bush
admin. tells US court Cheney papers must be secret (posted 4/28/04) The Bush administration argued at the Supreme Court on Tuesday that records
of Vice President Dick Cheney's energy task force should be kept secret to
protect the president's ability to get discreet advice when preparing
legislation. APS to dedicate first 'biomass' power
plant (posted 4/24/04) Trees cleared from the state's combustible forests will provide fuel for the
Eager Biomass Project, which will produce enough electricity to power as many as
1,500 homes. Dish Stirling Solar Thermal
Enters Production by Jesse Broehl (posted 4/24/04) They inspire awe and wonder to those who have seen
the experimental solar thermal units. Looking like massive, twisted satellite
dishes on steroids, concocted by quixotic, mad-scientists -- the power plants
aren't designed to capture man-made frequencies, but the sun's powerful and
omnipresent solar energy instead. IRAN TO PROVIDE ENERGY FOR
NORTHERN IRAQ REPORTS (posted 4/24/04) Iran will provide electrical energy for some parts of Iraq
including north of the country as of late June Mercury-absorbing
pollution solution (posted 4/24/04) Scientists at the US Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National
Laboratory have developed a material that can remove mercury and other toxic
substances from coal burning power-plant wastewater. RPT-Fuel
rods missing at Entergy's Vermont Yankee nuke (posted 4/24/04) Entergy Corp. said two spent fuel rod segments were missing at
its Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant in Vermont, the company told the U.S.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission in an event report Thursday. Schwarzenegger Unveils (posted
4/24/04) Just in time for Earth Day, Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger took the first major step toward fulfilling his campaign promise
of revamping California's highways into "Hydrogen Highways," -
allowing for the first state-wide infrastructure to support hydrogen fuel for
transportation. Tax credit lapse lets air out
of push for wind energy (posted 4/24/04) Congress has
effectively pulled the plug on the wind energy industry by failing to extend a
crucial tax credit, leaving $2 billion worth of projects on hold across the
country. Tipping Point for Distributed
Energy (posted 4/24/04) "While we are optimistic about the future, the distributed energy
sector will remain extremely volatile and speculative over the next couple of
years." Energy Bill Breaks Up (posted
4/23/04) Finally Bowing to the Inevitable, Senate Energy Committee Chairman Pete Sempra plans LNG terminal near
Port Arthur (posted 4/23/04) Sempra Energy Wednesday said it plans to develop a 1.5 Bcf/d liquefied
natural gas receiving terminal near Port Arthur, Texas. Madison,
Wis., Customers May Have to Pay More for Wind-Generated Power (posted
4/23/04) Madison electricity customers will wind up paying more and getting less of
their power from wind, unless Congress comes through with a key tax credit soon,
a Madison Gas and Electric Co. official says. Entergy finds crack in Vermont
nuke steam dryer (posted 4/23/04) The company does not discuss the expected length of outages due to
competitive reasons. Colorado's
Renewable Energy Bill Heads Back to Senate (posted 4/23/04) A measure designed to help create a market in Colorado for renewable energy
such as wind, solar and water power passed the state House by a 42-22 vote
Tuesday. Arizona Utilities Push Solar
Power (posted 4/23/04) For a state with an abundance of sunshine, Arizona makes little use of
solar power. 9 Hot Energy Issues (posted 4/23/04) The energy spotlight has moved. No longer are states concerned with
opening markets to competition. Today they're looking at a host of issues that
improve the environment, save money for consumers, ensure the power is there
when we need it, and decrease our reliance on foreign oil. Methane hydrates may represent
world (posted 4/23/04) Methane hydrates deep under the ocean
floor and the Alaskan permafrost may represent the world's next big energy
source, if they can be extracted safely. Oil companies still make
secret payments to repressive regimes (posted 4/23/04) Corruption is flourishing in
desperately poor countries such as Congo Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea and
Angola as the dividends from oil continue to be appropriated by rich and
powerful elites. Study unveils firms still
invest heavily on exploration and production (posted 4/23/04) The worldwide market for plant-level
expenditures in the oil and gas industry, which totalled more than $ 196 bn in
2003, will reach almost $ 218 bn by the end of 2008, expanding at an annual rate
exceeding 2 %, according to a new study by ARC Advisory Group. Biofuels
Will airplanes soon run on soya oil (posted 4/23/04) American scientists have developed an
aircraft fuel mix based on soya oil and traditional jet fuel, reports the New
Scientists. This fuel has the potential of considerably reducing fossil fuel
consumption from air transport, which is proven to increasingly contributing to
global warming. LNG's role in
the global gas market (posted 4/23/04) IGU sees a substantial potential for
further growth of the LNG market and the international trade in LNG. Why turning off the oil taps
(posted 4/23/04) With the world crude oil prices
hovering around a 13-year high, OPEC announced that it would go on with a
production cut effective from April 1, brushing aside consumers' worry about a
subsequent price surge. Fossil-fuel dependency (posted
4/23/04) Do oil reserves foretell a bleak
future? War is a total waste of time
and money (posted 4/23/04) War -- what is it good for? Absolutely
nothing -- or so said Bruce Springsteen, a pop superstar of the 80s. What does
war achieve? Nothing. War kills people, destroys nature, devastates society,
consumes resources, weakens democracy, undermines peace, promotes racism and
threatens human survival. Growing demand for oil and gas
expected to come from poor nations (posted 4/23/04) The growing demand for oil and gas
within the next two decades will largely come from developing countries,
commanding 42 % of the global energy demand by 2025. Expert believes global energy
market faces huge change (posted 4/23/04) Unexpectedly high demand for energy
from such rapidly growing regions as China and India, combined with supply side
constraints, means that the global energy market is about to face a "huge
structural change" of tremendous importance Global power plant additions
reach unprecedented levels (posted 4/23/04) During the first years of the 21st
century, power companies and their suppliers have undertaken an unprecedented
expansion of electric generating capacity according to the most recent release
of the Platts UDI World Electric Power Plants Database. Africa
Oil, al-Qaeda and the US military (posted 4/23/04) Africa's Maghreb and Sahel regions
recently exploded into world view with allegations that the Madrid bombers were
tied to those areas' "al Qaeda" groups. And while United States
concerns about terrorism in the region have been increasingly voiced, critics of
the administration of President George W. Bush say that the ongoing US pursuit
of energy resources lies behind them. Think-tank
urges oil-rich Africa to be transparent (posted 4/23/04) "Transparency is important not
only for a good development policy but also for a good energy security policy Arab gas consumption set to
overtake oil demand in 2005 (posted 4/23/04) Gas consumption in the Arab world is
set to overtake oil demand in 2005 as many regional countries are switching to
the cleaner source of energy in power generation and other sectors, according to
official forecasts. Saudi oil executives insist
kingdom is able to supply world needs (posted 4/23/04) Deep below the dunes of Saudi Arabia's
forbidding Empty Quarter, high-tech wells are producing oil that the kingdom
contends will help keep it the world's No. 1 exporter of crude for decades to
come. Oil shortage (posted 4/23/04) Saudi Arabia: There's plenty in the
ground, but it won't be easy to get. The kingdom may need major new foreign
investors. Will it dare open up? How much oil and gas has the
energy industry really left (posted 4/23/04) A regulatory vacuum over how oil
producing countries measure their reserves has stoked debate on how much oil and
gas the energy industry really has left. International scrutiny has intensified
over reserve assessments since super major Shell's two downgrades to its proved
reserves this year sent shockwaves through the investment community. The end of the age of oil (posted
4/23/04) It's called "the big
rollover," the moment when worldwide demand for oil outstrips the global
capacity to produce it. Most oil experts agree that when that day of reckoning
comes, it will signal the end of the oil age and the end of cheap energy.
Petroleum geologists, energy-industry analysts and others are now saying that
moment is close at hand and may even have already occurred. We don't need all that oil
(posted 4/23/04) Sir David King, the UK's chief
scientific officer, recently said that global environmental change was a greater
danger than terrorism. This must be right: terrorists may, heaven forbid, kill
millions of people in the decades to come, but if our tinkering with the earth's
thermostat gets out of hand, billions may die. The Hussein list (posted 4/23/04) The Baghdad newspaper al-Mada (Horizon)
recently published a list of 270 organizations, businesses and individuals to
whom Saddam Hussein is alleged to have given plum contracts for millions and
tens of millions of barrels of oil in exchange for political support. Germany
is waiting for the Iran-EU gas pipeline (posted 4/23/04) Germany is an economic power in the
world. As the biggest crude importer it is also the second largest purchaser of
natural gas among the West European nations. Oil consumption hit 2.7 bn barrel
in this country in 2002. Official calls for balanced
strategies in energy vs environment (posted 4/23/04) America will not sacrifice its fish and
wildlife "in a singly focused effort" to satisfy a voracious energy
appetite, Assistant Interior Secretary Rebecca Watson said. But public lands
provide Americans with 30 % to 35 % of the energy they use each day The new reason for pain at the
pump (posted 4/23/04) Everyone knows that the recent rise in
the price of oil has had an effect at the pump, but something less well known is
also affecting gasoline prices. It is something the federal government could
reduce, since the federal government created it in the first place. It is
gasoline regulations. US energy rules need overhaul
(posted 4/23/04) Regulation of energy development and
environmental protection across North America is fragmented and inefficient, and
a new system is needed to satisfy ever-increasing energy demands, said a
prominent US economist. Bush faces issue of gas price
surge (posted 4/23/04) It's the presidential campaign season,
gasoline prices are climbing, and the challenger is demanding that the president
get more oil on the market and stop foreign suppliers from "holding our
nation and our consumers hostage." Info on
America's emergency oil reserve (posted 4/23/04) Created in salt domes beneath the
Texas-Louisiana coastline after the 1973 Arab oil embargo and other oil shocks
to assure domestic supplies if imports are interrupted. There isn’t enough oil
(posted 4/23/04) At current rates, Caltech physics
professor David Goodstein argues in "Out Of Gas," we've only got
enough to last till 2043 or so. Investigator resigns from
lawsuit by American Indians (posted 4/23/04) A court-appointed investigator has
resigned from the multibillion-dollar lawsuit by American Indians against the
Interior Department, contending the government wanted him off the case after he
found evidence that energy companies got special treatment at the expense of
impoverished Indians. US natural gas import suffers
setback (posted 4/23/04) According to the US Department of
Energy (DOE), the push to import more natural gas from overseas suffered a
setback in recent weeks, when two proposed terminals for receiving LNG imports
were cancelled. Lacking oil competition causes
spiralling gasoline prices (posted 4/23/04) While OPEC has been assigned much of
the blame for this spring's spiralling gasoline prices, the US oil industry took
some lumps of its own for a perceived lack of competition that economists said
allowed chronic tight fuel inventories to drag on. All about oil (posted 4/23/04) The case Cheney vs. US District Court
is scheduled to be heard before the Supreme Court in May and could end up
revealing more about the Bush administration's motives for the 2003 Iraq war
than any conceivable investigation of US intelligence concerning Iraq's
purported weapons of mass destruction. US Senate making plans to sue
OPEC? (posted 4/23/04) Gas is averaging $ 1.77 per gallon in
the US which is probably one the lowest by far in the free world and less in
real dollars than it was twenty years ago. Yet everyone seems to be up in arms
about the recent price climbs, obviously oblivious that they ain't seen nothin'
yet. Importance of Power Sector
Privatization Highlighted (posted 4/23/04) According to "Tehran Times", deputy managing director of TAVANIR
Company stated that since power industry needed hefty investments, privatization
in the sector was a necessity. When It Comes to Energy Sometimes It's
Best to Go It Alone (posted 4/23/04) Rising energy prices as well as heightened environmental and power
reliability concerns have an increased number of facility executives using
on-site power equipment to satisfy their facilities' energy appetite. Bill
to Cut Power-Plant Emissions Languishes in Florida (posted 4/23/04) Consumer groups had opposed the bill's plan to swap rate stability for
pollution controls. Progress Energy says the legislation's dead. Signups for Renewable Energy
Program Match Florida Power (posted 4/23/04) A "couple thousand" residents have signed up for Florida Power
& Light Co.'s alternative-energy program Centrica buys U.S. Power Plant (posted
4/23/04) Britain's Centrica is buying a power station in Texas
for $143 million in the first of several similar deals it expects to do in North
America over the next five years, the firm said on Thursday. Philippines launches coco
biodiesel program under new task force (posted 4/23/04) as part of the government's effort to boost use of the environment Blackouts Not Expected in
California This Summer (posted 4/23/04) It'll be close, but California should make it through the summer without
having to endure rolling blackouts Emergency situations likely
this summer (posted 4/23/04) California will likely face emergency power situations, or "stage
alerts" this summer, given the state's slim capacity reserves Green groups press EU to
adopt 25% by 2010 (posted 4/23/04) General for Energy has so far refrained from proposing any new target.In
1997,the EU agreed a target to double renewables' share of EU energy demand from
6% to 12% by 2010 House members introduce energy
efficiency (posted 4/23/04) legislation to provide incentives for energy-efficiency technologies and to
create mandatory reliability standards for the nation's electric grid Power Lines Approved (posted
4/23/04) An Arizona regulatory committee has approved a project spearheaded by the
Salt River Project to build two parallel, 500-kV lines that will connect
merchant generation to areas of growing demand. If approved by the ACC, two
500-kV lines would run from the 3,810-MW Palo Verde nuclear generating station,
about 50 miles west of Phoenix, to a site near Mesa, southeast of Phoenix World
Bank Changing the Energy Funding Status Quo (posted 4/21/04) "As you can imagine, the petroleum, coal, metal mining and gems
industries have gone bonkers." wind_advocates_see_2003_as_boom
bust (posted 4/21/04) Boom:
Nearly 1,700 mw of new wind power capacity Bust:
Renewal of the wind energy production tax credit (PTC) was wrapped up in the
so-far doomed Christmas tree energy bill. US natural gas prices may not
follow falling crude oil (posted 4/21/04) Though natural gas prices in the US have climbed in recent weeks based in
part on the strength of crude oil prices, a fall in oil prices will not
necessarily trigger a fall in gas prices US regular gasoline hits new
record high (posted 4/21/04) US retail regular grade gasoline prices rose 2.7 cts/gal over the past week
to average $1.813/gal as of Monday, another fresh record for nominal gasoline
prices, the US Energy Information Administration reported in its weekly update The Solargenix
'Patent on the Sun' (posted 4/21/04) "There's an opportunity in the United States to produce a tremendous
amount of thermal and electric energy from the sun." Study of Poultry Litter as
Power Source of Interest to Oklahoma Farmers (posted 4/21/04) A study to determine whether burning poultry litter for energy is economical
could begin within the next three weeks Some Fear Shutdown of Texas
Utility Watchdog Agency Will Hurt Consumers (posted 4/21/04) Texas should abolish the Office of the Public Utility Counsel, which
represents consumers on electricity and telecommunications issues, a state panel
said Monday. Q&A
with HomePower's Richard and Karen Perez (posted 4/21/04) From humble beginnings in 1987 to a vibrant
international readership in 2004, HomePower magazine has supplied renewable
energy aficionados the hands-on technical information they need to make
intelligent and cost-effective decisions about how to generate, save, and
efficiently use clean energy in their homes and businesses. Both the magazine
and the RE industry have come a long way Power
companies, conservation groups join on CO2 project (posted 4/21/04) PowerTree Carbon Company, led by the massive generator of
coal-fired power American Electric Power, will invest $3-mil in bottomland
hardwood restoration projects in the three states.
Plug Power Looks to Future As
It Regroups (posted 4/21/04) After spurring investor, government and public interest, hydrogen-powered
fuel cells are still more than a decade away from becoming commonplace in homes
or vehicles, government and company officials say. Pepco Energy Services Selected
by State of Maryland Department of General Services for Energy Savings
Performance Contract (posted 4/21/04) to provide comprehensive energy efficiency and guaranteed savings programs
for Maryland state agencies, universities, K-12 schools, local government, and
county facilities. Party's Over (A "must-read" book)
(posted 4/21/04) Industrial nations' fossil-fueled joyride
is about to end . . . is anyone prepared? Pacific Gas and Electric
Rebate Program for Energy (posted 4/21/04) Consumer demand for Pacific Gas and Electric Co.'s rebate program has been so
great during the first quarter of 2004, the utility is already running out of
money for some popular products. Most Texas Consumers Didn't Switch
Providers after Deregulation (posted 4/21/04) For more than two years, Texas consumers have been bombarded with phone
calls, advertisements and door-to-door pitches about changing their electricity
service.
Group
Launches Green Energy Campaign… (posted 4/21/04) Organizations representing 150 American cities and Indian Green Power an alternative
electricity source (posted 4/21/04) For Mitchell Powers, paying an extra $6 a month to use Green Power is a
practical investment. Experts
U.S. May Be Losing Fuel Cell Race (posted 4/21/04) The United States could fall behind in using fuel cells because it already
has an extensive infrastructure for other energy sources and spends fewer
government dollars on alternatives, industry officials and analysts said. Event at Constellation's N.Y. nuke as
refuel nears end (posted 4/21/04) The event occurred on April 18 after a reactor pressure vessel leakage
test Endangered Birds Derail $23 Million
Electricity Project (posted 4/21/04) A $23 million project to bring more electricity to Santa Clara has been
brought to a screeching halt. By a couple of kites in a tree. Colorado House Speaker Fends
off Opposition to Energy Bill (posted 4/21/04) House Speaker Lola Spradley made another spirited defense Monday of a
proposal that could make Southeastern Colorado and other rural areas the state's
leaders in renewable energy. Wind power
'will cost taxpayer millions' (posted 4/21/04) Glasgow (UK) THE publication this week of a new report into
renewable energy is set to raise serious questions over the economic and
ecological benefits of wind power. Call to expand nuclear power
use attacked by greens (posted 4/21/04) Glasgow (UK) CALLS for the government to make
greater use of nuclear power instead of windfarms were denounced by
environmental groups yesterday UK energy bill passes third
reading in Lords (posted 4/21/04) The UK energy bill Tuesday passed its third reading in the House of Lords and
has now been sent to the House of Commons for consideration, according to debate
records. UK study predicts huge green
growth (posted 4/21/04) UK's
renewable energy sector could grow to between £15 billion-19 billion (US$27
billion-34.5 billion) in capital expenditures by year 2020 Arizona Biomass Plant Comes on
Line (posted 4/21/04) On February 17th,
Arizona Public Service (APS) brought its
3-megawatt Eager Biomass Project on line. The plant is fueled
with vegetation waste from the nearby Apache-Sitgreaves Forest. Talking About Electricity
Generation (posted 4/19/04) The first 75-kW fuel cell at Dow's massive Texas Operations. GM and Dow are
working on a project that uses the by-product hydrogen produced at the plant in
the fuel cell to generate electricity. Solar Manufacturing Boost for
New Mexico (posted 4/19/04) "We are pleased that this Northern New Mexico solar project brings
renewable energy and opportunities for economic development to the communities
of northern New Mexico." The Renewable Energy Job Engine
(posted 4/19/04) "Investment in new renewable energy sources leads to roughly 10 times
more jobs than a comparable investment in the fossil-fuel sector." Protest
of water use for natural gas plant prevails (posted 4/19/04) The Lincoln County Water District and its partner, Vidler
Water Co., have been seeking to build a $650 million natural gas generating
plant, using as much as 7,000 acre-feet of water to cool the facility. Power use likely to keep
growing (posted 4/19/04) Construction of $3.7 billion in power plants to quench
Wisconsin's thirst for electricity will add $70 a year to electricity bills by
2010 on top of the $88 a year ratepayers already have swallowed in the past five
years. MotorWeek is airing an episode
(posted 4/19/04) Maryland Passes Aggressive RPS
Bill (posted 4/19/04) "This truly is a historic day in our state's fight for good health,
energy sanity, and environmental protection." Keeping better track of
renewable energy (posted 4/19/04) A new system to keep better track of renewable energy production in the West
is about ready to be put into operation. Kansas Task Force Hopes to
Harness Wind Energy (posted 4/19/04) Developing wind energy and protecting the tallgrass prairie may seem like
conflicting ideas to some, but a task force tackling those subjects meets today
before taking its proposal on the road for public forums. Efficiency is back in the
spotlight (posted 4/19/04) Thirty years after the government's first publicity campaign for saving
energy, a combination of fiscal and regulatory pressures is throwing the
emphasis back squarely on reducing energy consumption. Domenici proposes tax credit
for advanced nuclear plants (posted 4/19/04) That tax credit was part of Domenici's original 2003 energy bill but was not
included in the stripped-down compromise version that is pending Senate action. Conference Told Energy Prices
Will Aid Renewables (posted 4/19/04) If prices used to work against the budding renewable-energy industry, they
are now working in its favor, he said. Citing electricity blackouts, the United
States' reliance on Middle Eastern oil and volatility in the natural-gas market, China's
Push for a Renewable Energy Future (posted 4/19/04) "...this will boost worldwide markets, speed up technological
advances and allow China to not only tip the balance of the global market, but
of our planet's ecological equilibrium as well." Canada wants to export more
power to US (posted 4/19/04) Western Canada already provides large volumes of oil and natural gas to the
United States and now appears anxious to become an electricity exporter as well. California Software Executive
to Head Initiative to Stabilize Energy Market (posted 4/19/04) Energy experts said the choice signals the governor's commitment to pursue
free-market solutions to rising electricity prices and tightening supplies. Ballard Breaks into the Solar
Inverter Market (posted 4/19/04) "The photovoltaic market has grown an average of 25 percent per year
since the 1980s, and the majority of that growth has come in grid-tie
applications." U.S.
Navy to Test Turbine for Electricity from Gulf Stream (posted 4/16/04) U.S. Navy engineers will soon help test a hydroelectric turbine designed by
Florida Hydro Power and Light (FHPL) for extracting electricity from ocean
currents. FERC proposes new US utilities
market power test (posted 4/16/04) The US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Wednesday approved two new market
power screens it will use to determine whether a generator has too great an
influence on wholesale electricity prices in a geographic area and should be
denied authority to sell power at market-based rates. State bids for
clean-coal plant (posted 4/16/04) Illinois coal-development experts Wednesday attempted to persuade the U.S.
Department of Energy to choose southern Illinois as the site of a proposed $1
billion FutureGen project aimed at creating the world's first
"clean-coal" power plant. 100
Megawatt Power Plants Now in the Sights of Fuel Cell and Wavepower Planners
(posted 4/16/04) The world's largest fuel cell power plant and projects to harness tidal wave
power are topics currently bidding for the spotlight in the field of renewable,
clean energy sources. Annual Solarbuzz Report
Reviews 2003 World PV Market (posted 4/16/04) World solar photovoltaic market installations jumped to 574 megawatts in
2003, representing growth of 34 percent over 2002, according to
"Marketbuzz," APS Four Corners 4 coal plant
shut for work (posted 4/16/04) Arizona Power Public Service Co. said on Thursday it shut the 750-megawatt
Four Corners 4 coal-fired power unit in New Mexico to fix a tube leak. Congress may scrap Energy Bill
(posted 4/16/04) Congress has begun the process of breaking up the Energy Bill and taking up
individual provisions leaders believe can be passed on their own merits. Customers line up for energy
assistance (posted 4/16/04) Milwaukee Journal Sentinel With the energy shut-off date looming, lines began forming at 6 a.m. Tuesday
at the Social Development Commission with applicants hoping to get energy
assistance DOE and Ford Host FutureTruck
2004 Competition (posted 4/16/04) The Department of Energy and Ford Motor Company jointly sponsor FutureTruck
2004, which challenges 15 teams of university engineering students to build
cleaner, more efficient SUVs. DOE Announces Partnerships to
Expand Uxpand U.S. Wind Development (posted 4/16/04) The Department of Energy is establishing partnerships with 21 public and
private entities to expand potential U.S. wind development through advances in
cost-effective low-wind-speed technology. EDITORIAL Renewable mandates
(posted 4/16/04) Las Vegas Review - Journal Two of the state's largest utilities say they won't be able to meet
"renewable energy" mandates set by the Legislature. Both Nevada Power
and Sierra Pacific are seeking exemptions from the requirements to avoid being
fined.
El Paso Corporation Announces
Agreements With FPL Group Resources for Capacity Rights on the Seafare
(posted 4/16/04) The system will transport natural gas from the proposed High
Rock liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification facility in the Bahamas to
Southern Florida. ENERGY Coming together (posted
4/16/04) Given the situation, one would expect a powerful coalition to be forming,
consisting of environmentalists, the global warming/ice age faction and those
who want safe, reliable electric power. Energy Companies Face Choices
on Greenhouse Gas Management (posted 4/16/04) Imagine the following scenario. Energy disaster may recur
(posted 4/16/04) SACRAMENTO -- State and federal energy laws and regulations are stacked
against California officials who are seeking refunds for overpriced electricity
during the energy crisis California Power Officials
Warn of Record Demand for Electricity (posted 4/16/04) The return of rolling blackouts? Not quite, but state power
officials warn that a record demand for electricity is expected this summer,
which could leave California with limited power reserves and require businesses
and residents to conserve energy. California Attorney General
Cites Power Oversight Flaws (posted 4/16/04) California Attorney General Bill Lockyer said yesterday that flaws in the
regulatory framework governing power markets continue to leave consumers
vulnerable to gouging and blocked from billions in potential refunds from past
overcharges. EPA's
mercury emissions plan takes more hits (posted 4/16/04) Minority party senators continued their volley of scathing letters to the
Environmental Protection Agency on Monday over a proposal to regulate mercury
emissions from power plants. FERC proposes new US utilities
market power test (posted 4/16/04) The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
Wednesday proposed a new way to measure whether U.S. utilities are able to
unfairly dominate the market on their home turf. Fuel-Cell
Manufacturer Bids for Idled Lawrence, Kan., Fertilizer Plant (posted
4/16/04) "I've basically had a research and development company that has been
working this for more than 25 years, but now we really want to move into the
manufacturing stage," Billings said. GE Announces Major OLED
Breakthrough (posted 4/16/04) GE Global Research, the centralized research organization of General
Electric, has announced a major breakthrough in Organic Light-Emitting Diodes
(OLEDs)—the thin sheets of plastic-like material that emit light when powered
by electricity. Global energy demand to rise
54 pct by 2025 (posted 4/16/04) World demand for all forms of energy is expected to grow by 54
percent over the next two decades, with oil consumption alone jumping by 40
million barrels a day, the U.S. government said on Wednesday. Indictments Relating to
California Energy Crisis Unlikely (posted 4/16/04) After more than three years of investigations, California
prosecutors say it is doubtful they will bring indictments stemming from the
state's energy crisis. Laws drive energy expansion
(posted 4/16/04) Changes in U.S. tax codes, investment rules and land-use regulations will be
needed before the simple economics of supply and demand will be able to attract
the large amounts of venture capital needed to feed North America's voracious
appetite for energy. More Workers
Driving to Work Alone (posted 4/16/04) More than three-quarters of U.S. workers drove to work alone in 2000,
according to "Journey to Work: 2000," a brief released by the U.S.
Census Bureau New
gas-fired plants may force older units to sidelines in South (posted
4/16/04) Recent additions of highly efficient gas-fired generation in the Northwest Called Ideal For
Green Power Push With a concentration of technical know-how, entrepreneurial spark and
abundant natural resources - including wind, water, sun and cow poop - the
Pacific Northwest stands perfectly positioned to ride the wave of a coming
clean-energy revolution. Pennsylvania Regulator Backs
Rules to Maintain Reliable Electric Service (posted 4/16/04) Strong and clear national reliability rules are necessary if
the United States is to avoid another electric blackout like the one that
plunged much of the Northeast and Midwest into darkness last August, a federal
energy official told state legislators Tuesday. QUOTE (posted 4/16/04) "The US gasoline market contains the seeds of its own problems,
with the main underlying one being the persistent lack of sufficient gasoline
producing capacity [in the US]...A second cause of market concern is the
patchwork of as many as 18 different kinds of gasoline specifications that exist
throughout the US. This greatly hinders market flexibility, as the lack of a
uniform specification prevents gasoline from moving from one region to
another." Shoot it at the sun (posted 4/16/04) Firing nuclear waste into the sun, placing it in Antarctic ice sheets so it
sinks by its own heat to the bedrock, or putting it under Earth's crust so it is
sucked to the molten core. These are three of the 14 options the government's
advisers are considering to get rid of the UK's troublesome nuclear waste
legacy. North American Natural Gas
Markets (posted 4/14/04) Summer Surprise Ahead? As the heating season draws to a close it appears that natural gas
withdrawals will leave storage levels below the 5-year average, but well above
the lows in storage that we saw last year. Calif power market vulnerable
to manipulation (posted 4/14/04) California's electricity trading market remains vulnerable to manipulative
strategies linked to its 2000-01 energy crisis, the state's attorney general
said on Tuesday. FERC to act on power grid
reliability Wed (posted 4/14/04) The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on Wednesday will outline
steps it can take to prevent a repeat of last summer's massive power blackout,
an agency source said on Tuesday. Germans go wild for (posted 4/14/04) A German
Web site dubbed "Pig Brother" has attracted more than a million
visitors in under two weeks with its 24-hour live Webcam coverage of a family of
wild boar, the site's creators say. The site
was set up shortly after the start of the latest German series of the reality
television show "Big Brother", which locks volunteers in a house and
films their every move. Solar Power Industry Slowed by
Pricey Silicon (posted 4/14/04) The cells,
used in solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity, are made of
semiconducting materials - the same basic materials used to make microprocessor
chips for computers. What is an Energy Subsidy and
What Does it Mean (posted 4/14/04) I believe that energy, when both direct and indirect energy consumption is
computed, is a very large percentage of most people’s budget... it is clear
that every increase in energy cost is on par with an increase in taxation as far
as the economy is concerned. The Future of Reliable Power
(posted 4/14/04) Providing reliable electric service is an extremely difficult challenge when
its operating requirements differ so substantially from any other service Maryland General Assembly
Passes Landmark Clean Energy Bill (posted 4/14/04) The Maryland General Assembly gave final approval Monday night
to landmark legislation that will bring significant amounts of renewable energy
-- like wind and geothermal power -- into the state's electricity grid beginning
just two years from now. EPA serious about cutting
mercury (posted 4/14/04) In the United States, coal-fired plants, which account for
about 1 percent of the total global emissions, are the largest and last
uncontrolled source of mercury emissions into the air. We all agree they must be
cleaned up. Bill Tackles US Military
Energy Consumption (posted 4/14/04) A bipartisan bill introduced by the Alliance to Save
Energy's Vice-Chair Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) with Senators Evan Bayh (D-IN),
Pat Roberts (R-KS), and Jack Reed (D-RI) would increase the energy efficiency of
military vehicles, have far-reaching money- and energy-saving benefits, and
enhance national security Solar Provides Real (posted 4/14/04) "The photovoltaics allow us an opportunity to expose our children to
the importance of conserving the environment in a very tangible way." Project Siting
The Fossil Fuel Factor (posted 4/14/04) Not only should renewable systems such as solar and
wind be installed where it's sunny or windy but also where electricity
production is dirty, according to a recent study Reading the Wind Industry
(posted 4/14/04) "Wind power investment is at a tipping point between something to be
done out of the goodness of one's heart and being sound financial sense." Calif report designed to garner
(posted 4/14/04) A report released by the California attorney general Tuesday claiming that
the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission misapplied federal law during the
2000-2001 energy crisis is largely a political document being used to generate
headlines rather than find solution's to the state's energy woes, a FERC
spokesman said. Europe's
2004 installed wind capacity up 24% y-on-y: report (posted 4/14/04) Europe installed wind capacity was nearly 5.6GW in 2003, up almost 24% on
2002 A Step Closer to the Optimum
Solar Cell (posted 4/13/04) Besides cost, the most fundamental issue in assessing
photovoltaic solar cells is efficiency - how much of the sunlight that falls on
the cell can it convert to electricity? Alaska governor signs bill
granting (posted 4/13/04) Alaska Governor Frank Murkowski Friday signed into law SB 241, which
appropriates $1.65-mil to the Department of Revenue for costs associated with
bringing Alaska's North Slope natural gas to market Bill would give energy (posted
4/13/04) Pennsylvania's House Bill 2370 may provide a sales tax holiday for purchasers
of certain energy-efficient appliances for two weeks each in 2005 and 2006. Calif PUC to begin designing
competitive market (posted 4/13/04) The California
PUC's prospective core/noncore retail market structure is to be the focus of an
all-day April 20 session to feature presentations, in panel format, from the
range of market players. FirstEnergy tries to get
beyond the Great Blackout of (posted 4/13/04) It had
been a typical, 84-degree summer day. Air conditioners were humming, but not
blasting, putting a normal burden on the grid. Green glow for lighting (posted
4/13/04) 'This changeover will not only save taxpayers' money, but also help our
environment.' Legislator proposes power plan
(posted 4/13/04) State Sen. Ken Toole, D-Helena, on Monday submitted a proposed
initiative to the Legislative Services Division to allow a state public power
board to buy electricity and natural gas facilities to serve Montanans. Midwestern Power Grid
Coordinator Takes Steps to Prevent Major Blackout (posted 4/13/04) New computers, alarm systems and increased staffing are tangible steps taken
by the coordinator of the Midwestern power grid to prevent a blackout on the
scale of Aug. 14, 2003, a report this week found. NYMEX
crude to rise as Iraq boils and OPEC leaks (posted 4/13/04) NYMEX crude oil futures were called higher on Monday as
the violence in Iraq kept security concerns propping up prices along with strong
global demand Power lost briefly at Los
Angeles Intl Airport (posted 4/13/04) An FBI spokesman said there was no indication of foul play. Power Plant Is Target of
Terror Training Exercise (posted 4/13/04) For the power company, it marked the first time it has conducted a disaster
drill that included terrorism. Questions cling to nuclear
power (posted 4/13/04) Yet, a quarter-century later, nuclear power is still breathing.
The nation's 103 nuclear plants are providing more power than ever to a
country whose appetite for electricity has grown unabated. Nuclear energy
provides about 21 percent of electric power in the United States, according to
the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Reliant
unit, officials indicted for manipulation (posted 4/13/04) According to the indictment, the defendants devised an illegal scheme to
drive up prices by shutting down four of the unit's five power generation plants
in the state, creating the appearance of a shortage and falsely telling markets
environmental limits and maintenance problems were to blame. Rhode Island Electric Utility
Allows Customers to Go Green (posted 4/13/04) You no longer have to put a wind turbine in your backyard or solar panels on
your roof to go green. S&P tells of big price
(posted 4/13/04) Wholesale power
prices rose 50% or more last year, Standard & Poor's (S&P) reported, but
merchant generators with gas or oil-fired plants saw little gain from the rise. S.C.
utilities sue DOE over nuclear waste (posted 4/13/04) Two South Carolina utilities are suing the federal
Department of Energy about the spent nuclear fuel and waste accumulating at the
V.C. Summer power plant they operate near Columbia. YUCCA
MOUNTAIN DOE defends hauling nuclear waste by rail (posted 4/13/04) While shipping firms insist nuclear waste can be moved safely over water,
environmental organizations and political leaders in states such as Michigan
have predicted intense opposition. Utilities violating state
mandate on renewable energy (posted 4/13/04) Nevada Power Co. and Sierra Pacific Power Co. said Thursday that delays
and terminated alternative energy projects are preventing them from meeting the
requirements of Nevada's renewable-energy law. US
court rejects challenge to EPA NOx rule (posted 4/13/04) The states, joined by Alabama Power and the industry-led Utility Air U.S. House
Passes Ethanol-Friendly Bill (posted 4/13/04) The U.S. House of Representatives approved a
transportation reauthorization bill (H.R. 3550) that included an important
extension and modification of the ethanol incentive, according to the Renewable
Fuels Association. Texas Wind Power Loses Oomph
(posted 4/13/04) That's because the expiration of a federal tax credit has halted in its
tracks the zooming expansion of wind farms dotted with electricity-generating
wind turbines. Senators Back Renewable Energy
Funding (posted 4/13/04) "This is an important initiative. It is the very first agricultural
program to promote broad renewable energy and energy efficiency measures for the
farm and rural business sectors." Senate Attaches Beneficial RE
Legislation (posted 4/13/04) "Today, we are implementing a new strategy for getting the energy
bill through the Senate." Madison,
Wis., Utility Seeks $21 Million Power Boost for Transmission Loop (posted
4/13/04) The 138-kilovolt line is considered medium capacity. It carries more
electricity than the lines that bring power to homes and businesses but it's
considerably smaller than the 345-kilovolt high-voltage line proposed for
northern Wisconsin that's drawn big protests from residents of that area. Supplements
and Other Changes to an Approved Application (posted 4/9/04) requires manufacturers to assess the effects of manufacturing changes
on the identity, strength, quality, purity, and potency of a drug or
biological product as those factors relate to the safety or effectiveness
of the product YUCCA MOUNTAIN DOCUMENTS: Disposal
of Spent Nuclear Fuel and High-Level Radioactive Waste at Yucca Mountain
(posted 4/9/04) Notice
of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (posted 4/9/04) In the event the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) authorizes construction
of the repository and receipt and possession of spent nuclear fuel and
high-level radioactive waste at Yucca Mountain, the Department of Energy
(Department or DOE) would be responsible for transporting these materials to the
Yucca Mountain Repository Power plants at falls win
ruling (posted 4/9/04) While acknowledging the significance of Snoqualmie Falls as a sacred site to
the Snoqualmie Tribe, a state appeals-board ruling yesterday moved Puget Sound
Energy one step closer to securing a long-term license to continue operating two
hydroelectric power plants at the falls. Largest Wind Farm Keeps On
Giving (posted 4/9/04) "The power will be delivered at a price that is competitive with
other sources of wholesale market energy." Blackout lessons (posted 4/9/04) Perhaps in terms of a free market, less bureaucracy would lead
to greater efficiency and lower rates. But what of reliability? Utility award helps pay for
solar system (posted 4/9/04) The award is funded by The Gas Company's Self-Generation
Incentive Program, which encourages large energy users to generate their own
electricity on-site. Approval of Two Wisconsin
Energy Plants Faces Opposition (posted 4/9/04) A Middleton man has renewed his fight in court against the
state's approval of two Wisconsin Energy Corp. plants being built in Port
Washington. Arizona Corporation Commission
to Hear Public Comment on Utility Rate Increase (posted 4/9/04) The five-member panel regulates most utilities in Arizona,
including APS, and sets their rates. The proposed rate hike has drawn strong
opposition from the commission's staff, which recommended that APS rates be
reduced by about 8 percent instead of increased. Ratepayers Likely to Pay for
New Electricity Grid (posted 4/9/04) Just in case you were wondering who likely will pay to make
the nation's electric grid more reliable in the aftermath of the historic August
blackout, take a good look in a mirror. Officials Warn Blackout Could
Be Repeated (posted 4/9/04) Another major outage could happen unless reliability regulations, with clear
penalties for violators, are put in place, according to the report by a joint
U.S.-Canadian task force. Fuel Cell Vehicles and Fuel
Cell Power (posted 4/8/04) As the ongoing shortage of natural gas and high prices for
wholesale power continue to impact the nation's energy industry, new windows of
opportunity are opening for alternative forms of power such as fuel cells. Electric companies begin
offering broadband service (posted 4/8/04) Today, only about 300 U.S. consumers pay for high-speed
Internet access over power lines, but this new method of delivering Web content
could jolt the market for Internet service. El Paso files long-awaited pipeline service
restructuring plan (posted 4/8/04) El Paso Natural Gas late Thursday finally filed its comprehensive order 637
compliance plan. The restructured service scheme is intended to produce "a
system that will ensure the highest level of reliability and parity of service
to each customer each day even when all customers are using their contract
entitlements at the same time ECONOMICS 1a (posted 4/8/04) Electric power is
an essential and must be controlled, he said, in Hershey. China's Communist
leaders see need (posted 4/8/04) China started
simulated electric competition in January on its way to setting up six regional
power markets. The plan is to foster competitive pricing at the regional level
to break up provincial barriers. Canada Taps Xantrex for
Distributed Gen (posted 4/8/04) Xantrex Technology received a CDN$7.2 million (US$5.4
million) multi-year commitment from Industry Canada's Technology Partnerships
Canada (TPC) program to contribute part of the cost of development of advanced
power electronics technology for sustainable energy systems. The project is part
of Industry Canada's initiative to increase research, development and innovation
in environmentally clean and sustainable energy alternatives. Call it Coal-orado (posted
4/8/04) Colorado is the fastest-growing of the nation's
coal-producing states as the power industry increasingly switches to coal as the
fuel of choice to generate electricity. Blackout Caused By Disregard
For Rules (posted 4/8/04) There was a clear understanding long before the blackout last August
that the Ohio region where the problems began was highly vulnerable to grid
instability, said the report from a joint U.S.- Canada task force. Aveda and Green Mountain
Energy Company Team Up to Promote Clean Electricity During Earth Month
(posted 4/8/04) The Art and Science of Pure Flower and Plant Essences(TM) and
Green Mountain Energy Company, the nation's largest provider of cleaner
electricity, announced today that they would partner this month (Earth Month) to
promote 100 percent pollution-free electricity. 1.1 million Texas (posted 4/8/04) 1.1 million Texas
customers had switched suppliers by the middle of December, Creating jet fuel from coal is
getting close to reality (posted 4/8/04) The Air Force's search for a jet fuel
that doesn't break down under high heat could lead it to a hard, bright black
mineral identified with propelling the steamships and locomotives of the
industrial revolution, instead of modern aircraft. A touch of windpower could go
a long way (posted 4/8/04) Despite occasional power outages on
Long Island, we take electricity for granted, as if it were an immutable law of
nature. Flip the switch, and the lights go on -- end of story. Investors are increasingly
gambling on clean (posted 4/8/04) Betting that the age of big, grimy
power plants is nearing its end, some venture capitalists see money to be made
by thinking smaller and cleaner. New US oil tanker law could
raise gasoline prices (posted 4/8/04) US gasoline supplies could be in short
supply this summer, and pump prices may skyrocket even more because of a new law
that would ban oil tankers from entering US ports if the ships fail to meet
security standards. Alaska’s
oil would barely help America’s dependence on imports (posted 4/8/04) Opening an Alaska wildlife refuge to
oil development would only slightly reduce America's dependence on imports and
would lower oil prices by less than 50 cents a barrel, said an Energy Department
analysis. Africa a new part
of US strategy (posted 4/8/04) Opening a new front in the war on
terrorism, the United States has begun training and equipping armies in parts of
Africa that US officials see as an attractive refuge for terrorists as well as a
long-term source of oil. Group's
Renewable-Energy Campaign Expands (posted 4/8/04) The Citizens Campaign for the Environment, a nonprofit organization with
offices throughout New York state, is advocating for counties to consider
purchasing energy used for buildings and vehicles from sources such as wind and
solar power Homeland Security and Its
Implications for Energy Infrastructure and the Business Environment
(posted 4/8/04) The infamous events of September 11, 2001 have
led to a spectrum of new legislation and regulatory programs intended to protect
vital infrastructure and operations, including our electric industry, from
terrorist attack. Yet, terrorists have continued to target these facilities Huge protests by voters force
the continent (posted 4/8/04) THEY INTRODUCED the world to "environmentally
friendly" energy, but now some of Europe's "greenest" countries
are under pressure to backtrack on wind farms in the face of public anger over
their impact on the countryside. Interview with Energy
Secretary Abraham (posted 4/8/04) Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham aims to fulfill the top priorities on
President George W. Bush's energy agenda, including enactment of comprehensive
energy legislation, which would promote production of conventional fuels, such
as oil and gas, as well as corn-based ethanol, and order improvements in the US
electricity grid Nuclear and Coal or Oil and
Gas in Electricity Generation (posted 4/8/04) "Clean coal does not exist. Coal was born dirty, contains polluting
agents in the combustion process, leaves a huge ash quantity, is difficult to
dispose and can be dangerous to men and environment. The Security Photovoltaic Market
(posted 4/8/04) shift from last century's concept to the new reality
of "homeland security" started a debate about a more comprehensive and
detailed set of protective and defensive policies US-Canada
panel calls for tougher power grid rules (posted 4/8/04) A huge blackout last year that hit about 50 million people in
the United States and Canada highlights the need for utilities to have mandatory
standards, investigators said Utility could have halted
blackout (posted 4/8/04) An Ohio power company should have prevented last summer's blackout across a
wide swath of North America by intentionally cutting off electricity to most of
the Cleveland area Utility Faces Opposition to
New Pueblo (posted 4/8/04) The utility's spokesman Steve Roalstad didn't seem terribly upset over
a deluge of e-mails that were sent to the Public Utilities Commission a month
and a half ago when Xcel made the announcement that it was considering building
a new plant somewhere in Colorado What happens when state
employees decide for customers (posted 4/8/04) Are customers,
utilities and regulators reading off the same page when it comes to the quality
of customer service? New Mexico grasslands become
battleground in oil drilling debate (posted 4/8/04) An oil man gazes out over the vast New
Mexico grasslands known as Otero Mesa and envisions a pipeline linking wells
that produce clean-burning natural gas and keep fuel prices down. US Senate to hold hearings on
record-high retail gasoline prices (posted 4/8/04) would question witnesses at the hearing to determine once and for all if the
price surges are the result of market forces or price manipulation. US
gas prices to average in $4/Mcf range through 2007 (posted 4/8/04) 70% of respondents say they will increase their spending on exploration this
year, with 60% of those activities focused on natural gas Senate Republicans to put
energy bill tax provisions in new bill (posted 4/8/04) Republicans in the US Senate will strip a $15-bil energy tax incentive
package from the stalled comprehensive energy bill and attach it to another bill
in the latest move to get the energy legislation through the Senate, a
spokeswoman for Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Pete
Domenici Energy bill includes tax
changes for plant decommissioning (posted 4/8/04) Changes in the tax treatment of nuclear plant decommissioning costs are among
more than a dozen provisions in an energy tax package that was attached today to
a revamped bill aimed at simplifying international tax rules and increasing
American competition. Top Senate Democrat against
splitting energy bill (posted 4/8/04) The comprehensive package could pass the Senate with 60 votes
this week if Republicans call a vote California Utility Seeks to
Offer Energy Discounts to Struggling Businesses (posted 4/8/04) Southern California Edison filed a proposal Tuesday with the
California Public Utilities Commission to offer discount electricity rates for
businesses that are struggling financially or may leave the state because of
high energy costs. Reliant Signs Tolling
Agreement With Nevada Power (posted 4/8/04) Known as a tolling agreement, the contract calls for Nevada
Power to supply natural gas to Reliant, which will convert that gas to
electricity for a fixed tolling fee. YUCCA
MOUNTAIN DOE formalizes nuclear waste plan (posted 4/8/04) The Department of Energy announced Monday it has formalized a decision to
ship most nuclear waste by railroad across the country and through rural Nevada
to a proposed repository at Yucca Mountain. GF survey reveals absurd
anomalies of IOU thinking (posted 4/8/04) The decline in
electric reliability illustrated by last August's blackout is due in part to the
effects of competition, a poll of industry executives found. Green electricity goes on flow
as councils get the message (posted 4/5/04) "Ultimately, we hope green energy will be used by everyone." Power-Plant
Plan Is New Buzz in Bronx, N.Y., Neighborhood (posted 4/5/04) Co-op City's board is electrified by the prospect of a co-generation power
plant that could save the state's largest Mitchell-Lama complex millions of
dollars a year -- and eventually earn it even more. Spending on Yucca lawyers
criticized (posted 4/5/04) The firm would be eligible to earn up to $45 million over the next five years
based on the time its lawyers spend performing the government work Florida Lawmakers Consider
Alternative Energy Bills (posted 4/5/04) "It's the growing realization that business as usual isn't going to be
adequate Renewable Energy Is Way To Go
For LA (posted 4/5/04) THIS year, Los Angeles nudged out Houston to reclaim the dubious honor of
having the worst air pollution in the United States Alternative Energy
Cogeneration Plant Bustles North of Bakersfield (posted 4/5/04) An industrial kitchen of sorts is busy at work just north of Bakersfield.
Not many locals know it exists.
California heat creates
electricity woes (posted 4/5/04) Higher temperatures contributed to the problem but did not account for all
the increased demand, officials said.
"Probably what we're seeing is an increase in growth due to the economy
rebounding
Power bills to rise as
utilities build energy infrastructure (posted 4/5/04) Wisconsin residents and businesses will see power bills increase each year as
utilities scramble to build new plants and transmission lines CenterPoint Energy estimates
its stranded costs at $3.8b (posted 4/5/04) it will seek to recover $3.8-bil in stranded power plant costs, the cost of
environmental controls and other transition costs related to the state's 1999
retail restructuring law. GE Energy Completes
Acquisition of AstroPower (posted 4/3/04) "In the big picture, it's the wonderful creative-destructive forces
of capitalism making sure that things of value are preserved while wasteful and
inefficient ones are discarded." Is Solar Energy Joining US
Outsourcing? (posted 4/3/04) "As Americans face growing concern over the outsourcing of their
jobs, a booming solar industry is increasingly developing abroad." Wind Power Projects in
Northwest (posted 4/2/04) The groups also blasted subsidies for the oil, natural gas and coal
industries now part of the federal energy bill being debated in Congress, saying
supporters of those subsidies are holding back a key tax credit for wind
projects. Canadian gas
won't fill US supply gap (posted 4/2/04) The prospect of Canadian gas filling the ever-widening gulf between US
production and consumption continues to dim MEPs press for EU 20 (posted
4/2/04) MEPs adopted a resolution urging the European Commission and member state
governments to start the process of setting "ambitious, timetabled
targets" for renewables ahead of the June 2004 international renewables
conference in Bonn. NERC considering push for stand
(posted 4/2/04) With a broad energy bill stalled in Congress, the North American Electric
Reliability Council is considering whether to push for stand-alone legislation
focusing on reliability issues US companies potential victims
(posted 4/2/04) US companies, which are the largest users of energy supplies, "could
find themselves being both the victims of -- and blamed for -- rising prices and
energy shortages" occurring from an energy crisis IRAQ Let's get the
lights on (posted 4/2/04) Most experts agree that Iraq's power generation
equipment and electrical grid was in far worse shape than prewar estimates and
that it broke down completely amid postwar looting and sabotage. Twenty years of
neglect had already driven the power infrastructure to the brink of collapse
before the first bombs fell on Baghdad. Electricity is a country's lifeblood,
and restoring power in Iraq is the first step in moving the country off life
support. IRAQ Task Force 4400 (posted
4/2/04) In just six weeks, "can do" military
engineers achieved their objective despite obstacles that included a major power
plant fire, run-down and looted equipment, and widespread unavailability of
spare parts. IRAQ POWER
View Bechtel's Dean Hagerty (posted 4/2/04) Hagerty discussed the challenges of restoring power in
a lawless country whose power infrastructure had been woefully neglected for
decades Coal gasification (posted 4/2/04) Gasifying coal to facilitate burning it has long been the Holy Grail of power
production. Now that grail is within reach. Generators warn of power
shortages from CO2 targets (posted 4/2/04) Britain will suffer a 10% shortfall in electricity output from next year
under the government's current plans for carbon dioxide emissions trading Hydrogenics Launches Fuel Cell
Initiative for Off (posted 4/2/04) Hydrogenics Corp., a developer and manufacturer of fuel cell and
hydrogen-related technologies, recently announced a new business initiative to
develop fuel cell-based power trains for 'off road' light vehicles. Navy Developing Fuel Cell
System to Power Ships (posted 4/2/04) The Office of Naval Research is developing innovative propulsion systems
based on new fuel-cell technology for efficient generation of electrical power. DOE Launches Energy Hog
Campaign (posted 4/2/04) The U.S. Department of Energy has launched a national public service
advertising campaign designed to make children and their parents aware of energy
efficient behavior through a new spokes-villain, the Energy Hog, an energy
waster. Indian Tribes and 150 US Cities
(posted 4/2/04) Organizations representing 150 American cities interested in climate
protection and Indian tribes interested in developing renewable energy projects
announced recently that they will team up to promote tribal-owned renewable
energy projects. Renewable Energy Generation
Tracking System to Cover Entire Western Grid (posted 4/2/04) For the first time, renewable energy generation in the West will be tracked
and verified under a system being developed by Western governors and the
California Energy Commission New Mexico Passes Laws for
Clean Energy and Hybrid Cars (posted 4/2/04) New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson recently signed three energy bills into
law. The "Renewable Energy Act" sets minimum requirements for
renewable energy use by the state's public utilities. Energy Star Partner of the
Year Award Winners Announced (posted 4/2/04) Last month, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) recognized 57 businesses and organizations with Energy
Star Partner of the Year Awards. New leukaemia fear over power
lines (posted 4/1/04) SCIENTISTS for the government yesterday raised the possibility of a link
between radiation from electricity power lines and childhood leukaemia. Germany to amend law to boost
wind power aid (posted 4/1/04) Germany has had an energy subsidising law for four years but the old bill has
been under review and a new draft will be put to vote in parliament on Friday. Hydro not the sole generation
source in the Northwest anymore (posted 4/1/04) It used to be that the Northwest's power supply was pretty much single
supply-oriented.
Japan lends Vietnam
$761 mln mostly
for energy (posted 4/1/04) Vietnam is in dire need of financing to ramp up energy
supplies in order to meet demand that is growing at more than twice its annual
GDP rate of seven percent. Powering down and running on
empty (posted 4/1/04) The death of Project Aqua has pitched New Zealand into the
gravest power crisis since the 1992 blackouts. Xcel Energy requesting potable
H2O (posted 4/1/04) Xcel Energy is requesting up to
20,000 gallons of water per day New Jersey Natural Gas
Announces (posted 4/1/04) will mark the start of daylight-saving time this April by distributing free
compact fluorescent light bulbs to families and individuals with limited incomes South Carolina Company Offers
Green Power as Alternative Electricity Source (posted 4/1/04) For Mitchell Powers, paying an extra $6 a month to use Green
Power is a practical investment. "It's for my children," said
Powers. Energy
Official Says California's Low Electricity Reserves Still Troubling
(posted 4/1/04) Stage 1 is the least serious of three stages. Residents were asked to
voluntarily reduce their use of electricity. Fishman said the alert was canceled at 8 p.m. when it was no longer needed. However, Fishman said, "In general, we still have some steps to take
before we can feel secure" about the state's energy future. Alaska governor plans gas
(posted 4/1/04) "We're not going to stand by and be held hostage by OPEC." EC probes Spain (posted 4/1/04) It plans to give aid for reducing activity, aid for accessing coal reserves
and/or aid to cover exceptional costs arising from the restructuring. The
planned aid to cover operating deficits for reducing capacity would reduce by
4%/year for each of the three years. US FTC objects to coal merger
(posted 4/1/04) saying the deal would reduce competition and increase costs of Wasted Energy (posted 4/1/04) Wasted energy is an awful use of resources. “Reusable energy”
refers to the re-use of waste heat generated from the combustion of fossil
fuels. Calif.
accuses FERC of ignoring court on refunds (posted 4/1/04) The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) improperly
ignored a federal court order to weigh new evidence of market manipulation
during California's 2000-01 energy crisis, according to a motion filed by the
state on Tuesday. The complaint filed by California San
Bernardino Power Plant to Serve One Million Homes (posted 4/1/04) Instead of releasing into the atmosphere heat produced by the
plant's combustion turbines, the thermal energy will be used to heat water and
drive steam turbine generators. Novel Technique Taps Cows for
Thermal Power by Jesse Broehl (posted 3/31/04) Sure cows' manure can be tapped for power, but their
milk's heat? New Jersey,
A New Solar Energy Capital (posted 3/31/04) Sure, it doesn't sound like the most likely place for
a boom in solar energy, but that's exactly what's starting to take place. The
outlook for renewable energy - solar in particular - in New Jersey officially
went from good to even better last week as the State finalized the nation's most
aggressive renewable energy portfolio standard (RPS) for solar power, which
calls for 90 MW of solar by 2008. First Solar Trough Plant Since
1990 Underway by Jesse Broehl (posted 3/31/04) Located at the company's Saguaro Power Plant in Red
Rock, about 30 miles north of Tucson, the APS Saguaro Solar Trough Generating
Station will have a 1-megawatt (MW) generating capacity, enough to provide for
the energy needs of approximately 200 average-size homes. The plant is expected
to come online in April 2005. When Green Power meets Green
Business by Kevin Hagen (posted 3/31/04) The RE industry has been quick to identify
Sustainable enterprise as a potential customer, but all too frequently we have
not looked deep enough to understand their strategy and consider it for
ourselves. Coal 'ring-fenced' in
German plan (posted 3/31/04) Environmental groups have strongly criticized Monday's compromise between the
German economic and environment ministries on its national allocation plan, the
EU-required document setting emissions limits and allowances to be granted in
the run-up to emissions trading set for 2005. Former US FERC (posted 3/31/04) Noting that US dependence on liquefied natural gas is expected to grow,
former Dept. of Energy official Vicky Bailey told the Natural Gas Roundtable
Tuesday that LNG imports from African countries such as Nigeria, Angola and
Equatorial Guinea could help fill in the gaps in the supply picture. EC allows energy tax rebate
for Germany (posted 3/31/04) Germany's energy intensive users are allowed special treatment under the
state's environmental tax scheme Clif Bar Honored for Wind
Power Support by Jesse Broehl (posted 3/31/04) While wind power has grown increasingly competitive
with traditional fossil fuels, it often takes some preemptive support to make
the capital-intensive projects a reality. Is Ethanol the Future for
Hydrogen Fuel Cells (posted 3/31/04) They say hydrogen fuel cell technology's potentially
strong future as a fuel for automobiles and various other applications is likely
to be weakened by issues regarding its availability and the expenses involved in
storage. Fuel Cell Council Urges
Congress on Funds (posted 3/31/04) The US Fuel Cell Council (USFCC) asked Congress to
increase federal funding for fuel cell and hydrogen research and demonstration
programs US$5 Watt Solar
Incentives In Texas (posted 3/31/04) Austin homes and businesses will have the opportunity
to obtain rebates of up to $5/watt by installing solar energy systems. Austin
Energy has committed to paying 80 percent of the total solar system: Electric
Utility to Promote Renewable Power (posted 3/31/04) Although its Renewable Energy Program has fallen short for the
first three years, Tampa Electric hopes better marketing and other factors will
enable it to persuade enough customers to join and make the environmentally
friendly program pay for itself. UniSource
Energy Shareholders Approve Proposed Acquisition (posted 3/31/04) voted overwhelmingly today to approve the company's proposed acquisition by
Saguaro Utility Group L.P. TXU to Shut Down Eight
Generating Plants (posted 3/31/04) TXU Corp. said Monday that it will close permanently eight
generating plants, including the landmark North Main facility just north of
downtown Fort Worth, and mothball four others in a cost-cutting move. Old plant closings a good sign
(posted 3/31/04) The decision of a major Texas energy company to close eight electric power
plants and mothball four others is being viewed as a sign the state's
deregulated market is working. Three-Mile
Island Nuclear Disaster Still Resonates Today (posted 3/31/04) "The accident was worse than anyone realized at the time, half of the
core had actually melted," New
Plant To Hum Along On Clean, But Pricey, Natural Gas (posted 3/31/04) With its shiny exterior and the latest high-tech equipment, the Hudson power
plant looks like a giant space station. And keeping it running might be just as
expensive. Energy Hogs Part of New
National Ad Campaign that Focuses on Youths (posted 3/31/04) These not-so-cuddly hog characters, with such names as Boss Hogg, Sammy Swine
and Mork Pork, are designed to look half-human, half-hog and can suck out energy
from your home. Honda FCX with Breakthrough
Fuel Cell Stack Proves its Cold (posted 3/31/04) Demonstrating the vehicle's cold-weather performance capabilities and its
ability to start in below freezing temperatures, a major hurdle in the drive to
create a truly mass-marketable fuel cell vehicle. Plug
Power, Honda Continue Home Energy Station Development (posted 3/31/04) The
companies completed the first phase of the agreement in October 2003 with the
successful demonstration of a prototype Home Energy Station at Honda’s
facility in California. Greening the Economy (posted
3/31/04) Wind energy rises by 38%
in 2002; solar by 25%; organic foods by 38% ... The clean technology era we are
entering is often compared in scale to the rise of the telecommunications
industry in the early 1980s. Stationary
Fuel Cells Future Promise, Current Hype (posted 3/31/04) Fuel
cells have been promoted as the next technological leap in the area of power
production. This technology offers the potential to replace traditional
combustion-based electric-generating technologies in both mobile and stationary
applications. House bill would cap US
greenhouse gas emissions at 2000 levels (posted 3/31/04) Legislation requiring major industrial facilities, including refineries, to Where Science and Politics
Clash (posted 3/30/04) Greedy, incompetent utilities and even political opponents are blamed for the
problem, and we are assured that if we will simply put them and their political
allies in charge, the electric supply will once again be made safe and secure
for Truth, Justice and the American Way. Energy Bill Fizzles out in
Colorado Senate (posted 3/30/04) Sen. Ken Kester conceded Friday that his renewable energy bill is dead,
although he and House Speaker Lola Spradley vowed to bring back the issue,
perhaps before this legislative session ends on May 5. Energy Policy Splits N (posted
3/30/04) Relations between New Mexico's U.S. senators might have hit their rockiest
stretch this week as rising gasoline prices spurred further debate over the
national energy policy, territory that both politicians claim as their own. Need for gravel drives company
into wind farming (posted 3/30/04) While the gravel was plentiful and access was good, the
new pit site acquired by United Materials lacked a key element: enough
electricity to run the machinery used to mine and process gravel. Illinois 2 H2 Partnership
Releases Hydrogen Highway Plan (posted 3/30/04) The report serves to organize a statewide effort in creating a
sustainable economic and environmental impact for Illinois through hydrogen and
fuel cell technology advancement. It contains the input of over 400 Illinois
citizens representing all industry sectors from all regions of the state. Acumentrics Recognized for
Rapid Development of Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cell and Cost Reduction Goa
(posted 3/30/04) Acumentrics received a $74,000,000 cost share grant to reduce
the cost of its proprietary anode supported Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
"T-SOFC" technology. TransCanada
Corporation to Sell Two U.S. Power Plants (posted 3/30/04) The ManChief Power Plant is a 300 megawatt (MW) natural-gas-fired facility
located near Brush, Colorado, PECO Sends Termination Notices
to 68 (posted 3/30/04) PHILADELPHIA-- PECO Energy has mailed termination notices to
some 68,000 residential accounts that have become seriously delinquent with
instructions to pay past due balances or risk loss of service. Coal-fired
plants slated for electricity production (posted 3/30/04) Coal, spurned for decades by power plant builders, is
enjoying something of a renaissance as natural gas prices drive up the cost of
generating electricity. Honeywell begins restart
(posted 3/30/04) Honeywell has begun the first stage of restart for its Metropolis, Ill. N-power is on the rise
(posted 3/30/04) When Three Mile Island's Unit 2 sustained a partial meltdown 25 years ago,
conventional wisdom held that the accident would cripple the nuclear power
industry.
Tainted water keeps uranium
mine closed (posted 3/30/04) ERA reported earlier in the week that employees coming off the night shift
noticed the reduction in water quality while showering. LNG market may see a GAS OPEC
(posted 3/30/04) The gross of the liquified natural gas market could mirror that of the oil
market and see the development of a "gas OPEC," El Paso to resume price
reporting by May 1 (posted 3/30/04) El Paso Merchant Energy LP has told the US Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission that it plans to resume reporting energy prices to index publishers
no later than May 1. California ISO calls Stage One
emergency (posted 3/30/04) The ISO will ask the entire state, and especially customers in SELF-GENERATING
POWER SYSTEMS PROVIDE CLEAN (posted 3/29/04) Four PV Installations by RWE SCHOTT Solar Showcase the County’s
Long-Term Commitment to Reducing Energy Costs and
Improving the Environment Ontario's
Tough New Energy Efficiency Standards Help Protect The Environment And Save
Consumers Money (posted 3/29/04) "Efficient energy use saves consumers money and helps keep our air clean
by reducing our reliance on coal-fired electricity and other energy sources that
generate greenhouse gases." Five U.S. Power
Companies Adopt (posted 3/29/04) Five electric power companies have become the first in the U.S. to support a
mandatory cap on carbon dioxide emissions through adoption of a program proposed
by the World Wildlife Federation (WWF). Energy firms fear impact of
bird lobby (posted 3/29/04) Renewable energy companies have warned that the UK's budding offshore wind
industry could be nipped in the bud if ministers heed conservationists' pleas
over the siting of turbines. Achieving Energy Efficiency in
Buildings that Utilize Subsidized Electrical Energy (posted 3/29/04) This article concludes that the foreseen benefits of improving buildings'
energy efficiency on the national level outweigh those on the individual level.
For that reason, it is suggested that the government adopt a national energy
efficient building operation campaign. Utilities Exploring Broadband
Via Power Outlets (posted 3/29/04) If a growing number of electric utilities get their way, people will soon
view the ubiquitous wall jack as their high-speed gateway to the Internet. Study Says Distributed Energy
Resources Market On Rebound (posted 3/29/04) After shrinking dramatically in 2002, the market for distributed energy
resources (DER) such as engine generators, microturbines, and fuel cells began
to rebound in 2003 Colorado Rural Electric Group
Says Wind Power Is Unreliable (posted 3/29/04) Colorado's largest electrical co-op says wind-generated power is unreliable,
costly and dangerous. Green energy deal struck to
power council buildings (posted 3/29/04) Northumberland County Council will be one of the first authorities in England
to be powered completely by green energy, saving 12,000 tons of CO2 emissions a
year. Colorado Senate Bickers Over
Utility Plan (posted 3/29/04) Colorado utilities would have to look close to home for renewable energy
sources under a bill working its way through the state legislature.
The Essence of Device
Communication Tied with Distributed Energy (posted 3/29/04) The need to eliminate power failures is essential. The most sensible response
to creating power reliability is to implement distributed energy united with
real time information, providing supply and demand energy values. Power plant pollution (posted
3/29/04) The Bush administration is leaning toward stretching out plans for reducing
mercury pollution from power plants until 2018 after concluding that technology
for quick cuts isn't available. Some plants would be able to buy their way out
of reducing emissions. Coal Activity Heating Up
(posted 3/29/04) A number of new coal-fired power projects continue to make significant
strides toward the construction phase Coal Generates More Interest
(posted 3/29/04) Power-generating plants are the single-largest producers of carbon dioxide,
which is created by burning coal, gasoline and other fossil fuels. Carbon
dioxide emissions are also a leading cause of climate change. As
Natural Gas Surges (posted 3/29/04) Illinois is at the forefront of a coal comeback in the U.S., fueled by
volatile natural gas prices that have utilities scrambling for sources of
cheaper electricity. Alliant aims to add wind power
in state (posted 3/29/04) Alliant Energy's Wisconsin Power and Light Co. unit announced that it will
proceed with plans to add 100 megawatts of wind generation in Wisconsin in 2005. Here comes the sun (posted
3/29/04) It won’t pollute,
jump in price and probably has a lifespan of more than a billion years. Xcel conserves with effluent
(posted 3/29/04) The city of Amarillo and Southwestern Public Service Co., now Xcel Energy,
realized long ago water was a precious commodity - one worth conserving. LNG is a Slippery Debate
(posted 3/29/04) The debate over constructing liquefied natural gas plants in
California and elsewhere has caused an explosive reaction. With the demand
for natural gas expected to outstrip domestic supplies and new reserves being
discovered globally, liquefied natural gas (LNG) will become more prominent. Blackout blamed on NERC
(posted 3/29/04) The final report on the August 14, 2003 blackout by the U.S.-Canada task
force investigating the incident is scheduled to be released at the end of
March. A preview of the report points to utility tree-trimming practices and
lack of autonomy at the North American Electric Reliability Council as the main
reasons the lights went out throughout the Northeastern U.S. and Southeastern
Canada that afternoon. US Supreme Court upholds state
ban on muni utility telecom plans (posted 3/29/04) The Supreme Court Wednesday upheld Missouri's authority to ban municipal
utilities from offering telecommunications service. US Senate Democrats offer stand
(posted 3/29/04) Democrats in the US Senate have drafted legislation to create a grid watchdog
with the authority to mandate reliability standards for the nation's electric
transmission lines. Green activists stage protest
at Danish coal (posted 3/29/04) Five activists from the Danish arm of environmental organization Greenpeace
climbed the 130 meter high tower at Energi E2's coal-fired power plant
Stigsnasvarket-1 early Monday morning to protest against power and heat
production at the plant North Americans fear
widespread energy shortages (posted 3/26/04) North Americans fear a widespread
energy shortage during the next five years but the vast majority don't even know
where their supplies come from now, according to a new survey. MMS counts record number of
drilling rigs in Gulf (posted 3/26/04) A record number of drilling rigs
currently is working in ultra-deepwater in the Gulf of Mexico, the Minerals
Management Service reported. Lack of refineries contributes
to soaring gas prices in US (posted 3/26/04) Drivers should brace themselves for the
kind of price swings at the pump that Californians are seeing, experts say, in
large part because there are fewer US refineries trying to keep up with
increasing demand for gasoline. Wind Turbines Threaten to
Shatter Serenity in Somerset (posted 3/26/04) The lawsuit alleges the wind turbines would violate restrictive covenants
contained in deeds to the properties, which prohibit clear-cutting trees,
building roads and using land for anything other than private homes. It also
claims turbines would create excessive noise and potentially drastically lower
the values of nearby homes. Not-for-Profit
Group Gets Federal Approval to Run New England Electric System (posted
3/26/04) New England's power grid operator on Wednesday received approval from federal
energy regulators to become the sole authority running the region's electric
transmission system, a change designed to strengthen management of the power
supply. Yucca Mtn.
Waste Site Could Be Delayed (posted 3/26/04) If Congress doesn't provide all of $890 million for the proposed Yucca
Mountain nuclear waste project next fiscal year, the facility will not be able
to open on schedule in 2010 Company Plans To Turn (posted
3/26/04) A Santa Monica company plans to build a $44 million plant to turn lawn
clippings and leaves into fertilizer, poultry feed and compressed natural gas to
power vehicles, company and city officials announced Monday. Lawmaker
Holds Back on Renewable Energy Bill (posted 3/26/04) Las Animas state Sen. Ken Kester put off a vote Wednesday on his bill to
promote wind and other sources of renewable energy for generating electricity in
Colorado. Leading the Way in Renewable
Resources (posted 3/26/04) Officials at Wisconsin Power and Light Company announced today they will
proceed with plans to increase the amount of wind power in their balanced
portfolio of resources by adding 100 megawatts (MW) of wind generation in
Wisconsin in 2005 Federal regulators say they,
not states, have say over approving natural gas terminals (posted
3/26/04) The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
said the federal government has sole jurisdiction over siting and construction
of the terminals El Paso Completes Job Cuts
(posted 3/26/04) About 400 employees, including just over 300 in Houston, were
let go during a company reorganization New Economy Focuses on Energy
Ideas (posted 3/26/04) If the “New Economy” still has resonance, the emphasis
might now be on the production of innovative technologies. Clearly, voids
presently exist. The transition to a digital world has touched everything from
the flow of electrons to the production of them. And that means new investment
is needed in transmission, generation and clean energy tools. British Energy cuts nuke 04output
target (posted 3/26/04) The company cut the target after calculating the amount of outage work
required to carry out cast iron pipe replacement at some of its plants in
2004/05 Japan's Meti
projects slow demand growth (posted 3/26/04) National energy demand is projected to grow very slowly in the longer term as
a result of the projected population decline, improved energy efficiency and
continued sluggishness in economic growth Commission laments slow
progress (posted 3/26/04) Little progress is being made to improve the market structure of Europe's
electricity industry, the European Commission will say in a third benchmarking
report on implementation of the internal energy markets. There is a future in paying
utility bills on the internet (posted 3/26/04) The Internet-savvy, transaction-driven, financial services industry has much
to teach the energy industry about effectively serving customers online. California Legislators Revisit
Partial Deregulation of Electricity (posted 3/26/04) After spending $50 billion on its botched effort to deregulate electricity
markets, California is back to debating the value of loosening power regulation. Nation's
power grid vulnerable until lawmakers agree on bill (posted 3/25/04) The wind power industry is feeling the effects of Congress'
inability to agree on a comprehensive energy bill, which it is counting on to
provide an important federal tax credit that helps the industry grow. North Carolina Asks EPA to
Crack Down on Air Pollution from other States (posted 3/25/04) Dropping its attempts at persuasion, North Carolina petitioned
the Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday to force reductions in
power-plant pollution from South Carolina and 12 other states. NRC sets up new high (posted
3/25/04) NRC has set up a separate division of high-level waste (HLW) repository
safety in its Office of Nuclear Material Safety & Safeguards (NMSS), giving
added focus to HLW programs NRC Approves Fuel Storage Site
at Diablo Canyon (posted 3/25/04) Approval by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is one of the
key milestones in the utility's efforts to build the facility. It comes as state
and local officials are asking a federal court to force the agency to publicly
review the environmental consequences of a terrorist attack on the storage site. PG&E gets
license to operate Isfsi (posted 3/25/04) NRC has issued Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (PG&E) a license to operate
an independent spent fuel storage installation (Isfsi) at Diablo Canyon National Grid would educate
people to shop for power (posted 3/25/04) Will a National
Grid plan boost shopping in the long run or is it just a Band-Aid on a poorly
structured competitive retail market? Power for more people (posted
3/25/04) The Tribune correctly summarized part of the power dilemma in
our part of the world. Power plants in Nevada mean more energy for California,
economic development for Nevada and dirtier air for Utah. But there is more to
the story. North
Carolina 'Green Power' Supporters Seek Bill Donations to Fund Projects
(posted 3/25/04) For the price of renting a movie, North Carolinians can help
generate renewable energy that could someday power their TVs. IBM Claims Major Thin (posted
3/25/04) "These types of easily processed semiconducting films could
eventually be used to make circuitry for very-low-cost or flexible displays,
high-performance smart cards, sensors and solar cells or for flexible
electronics coated onto a wide variety of molded or plastic shapes." Green Power Idea (posted 3/25/04) DEPENDING on their mood, which can be altered by the weather or their local
politicians, average energy consumers are a fickle bunch. FuelCell Energy to provide
power plant for New York hotel (posted 3/25/04) FuelCell Energy Inc. of Danbury, Conn., and its
distribution partner, PPL EnergyPlus, will provide a 250-kilowatt Direct
FuelCell power plant for installation at the Sheraton New York Hotel &
Towers in Manhattan. Fuel Cell Power from
Wastewater Breakthrough (posted 3/25/04) "If power generation in these systems can be increased, MFC
technology may provide a new method to offset wastewater treatment plant
operating costs..." Tight US gasoline markets make
more price increases likely (posted 3/25/04) US gasoline markets will remain tight and crude oil prices high, putting
increased pressure on gasoline prices to go higher this spring US
EIA forecasts high gasoline demand, prices (posted 3/25/04) The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) on Monday
forecast unrelenting gasoline demand and high prices for gasoline and natural
gas this year. The EIA said U.S. gasoline demand will set a record in 2004, with
100,000 barrels per day (bpd) more than last year during
the peak driving season US House members put pressure
on Bush to halt SPR deliveries (posted 3/25/04) The US Congress intensified the pressure on President Bush to use the US
Strategic Petroleum Reserve to lower prices Monday US trucking industry joins
airlines in call for slower SPR fill (posted 3/25/04) The US trucking industry has joined the airlines in urging the Bush
Administration to slow its push to fill the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve to
its 700-mil bbl capacity, saying the policy is having the effect of raising fuel
prices. Venezuela sees talks
progressing on a natural gas (posted 3/25/04) talks are progressing on setting up an organization of natural gas exporting
countries along the lines of OPEC Vermont lawmakers pass bill to
force regional utilities to consider grid options (posted 3/25/04) Vermont Senate has approved an amendment to an energy bill (S 261) to require
state officials to seek financial support from all New England ratepayers for
distributed generation and energy efficiency projects in the state as
alternatives to new transmission lines. What is electric power worth
(posted 3/25/04) In Georgia we
believe it's worth a bit over 4¢ because that's how the law would have it. In
San Diego it's worth 16.5¢ because that's what lawmakers say it should be
worth. What Will They Do With All
That Oil (posted 3/25/04) Every day the benchmark price of crude is above $25 per barrel is a day
closer to the end of the oil age. The oil age will not end because of a shortage
of oil but because of a glut of economic illiteracy on the part of Arab OPEC,
principally Saudi Arabia. 25 years after Three Mile
Island (posted 3/25/04) Twenty-five years after a near-catastrophe at the Three Mile
Island nuclear plant exposed lax safety practices, owners and regulators of the
nation's aging fleet of 103 reactors still face nagging questions about their
ability to prevent mishaps. As others pull back from market
(posted 3/25/04) Sempra has been building out its strategy of being a big supplier in the
Southwest. Bill to require renewable
power urged (posted 3/25/04) Supporters of the proposed Mars Hill wind farm Monday asked
legislators to back a bill requiring all electricity providers in Maine to
purchase a percentage of their power from small renewable sources. Bush, Kerry, and
green differences (posted 3/25/04) As George Bush and John Kerry circle each other warily in the early days of
the presidential campaign, focusing mainly on war and economic recovery, there's
another issue that could make the key difference in a close race. California ISO to take wait-and-see
attitude (posted 3/25/04) The California Independent System Operator staff has recommended that the
grid operator back off for now from getting more involved in power resource
adequacy issues in the state CEE states need to do more for
renewables (posted 3/25/04) The eight central European accession states must pick up their game
andquickly if they are to attract the necessary inward investment to
realizetheir renewable energy potential and attain EU targets, according to a
report Cities Eye Munis for New
Revenues (posted 3/25/04) The balancing act that state and local governments must
perform is having an immediate effect on public power companies. Because these
governments are strapped for cash, they are forced to look for revenues where
they can get them. Clean Air Renewable Energy
Coalition Dismayed By Budget (posted 3/25/04) Canada's ability to generate "Green Power" was not
enhanced in any way, shape or form today by Finance Minister Ralph Goodale's
Budget. Customers may pay millions for
cleanup of power plant (posted 3/25/04) Wisconsin Energy Corp.'s Pleasant Prairie power plant will
undergo a $325 million environmental cleanup that may be paid for through a
special charge on electric bills. DOE Releases Long-Term
Hydrogen Plan (posted 3/25/04) The Bush Administration's fiscal year 2005 budget
request includes US$227 million for research to support the President's Hydrogen
Fuel Initiative. Energy deregulation (posted 3/25/04) Electricity industry groups are pushing for a quick transition to partial
deregulation that would allow more competition. They've got a point, because
competition can reduce consumer prices and, in theory, increase supplies and
decrease the chances of blackouts. Energy Industry Positioned for
Growth (posted 3/25/04) In sharp contrast to a year ago, the utility sector is likely
to see an upswing in mergers and technology expenditures in the coming year, but
serious challenges remain for merchant companies EPA FAVORS LONGER (posted 3/25/04) President George W. Bush's administration is leaning toward
stretching out a cleanup of mercury in air pollution until 2018 after concluding
that technology for quick cuts isn't available. Some plants would be able to buy
their way out of reducing emissions. ExxonMobil says may take
retail dealer fight to US Supreme Court (posted 3/25/04) Its legal options nearly exhausted, ExxonMobil may turn to the US Supreme
Court in a last-ditch effort to avoid paying more than $1.2-bil to some 10,000
current and former service station dealers Facility Offers Major Solar
Production Boost (posted 3/25/04) Solar photovoltaic (PV) company SunPower recently
inaugurated its first high-volume manufacturing plant, drastically boosting the
company's total yearly average production by 25 MW. Power plants may get break on
cleanups (posted 3/25/04) The Bush administration is leaning toward stretching out plans for reducing
mercury pollution from power plants until 2018 after concluding that technology
for quick cuts isn't available. Some plants would be able to buy their way out
of reducing emissions. San Francisco Mayor Dedicates
Solar Array (posted 3/25/04) "This solar project marks the City's first major step towards
achieving its goal of obtaining all municipal energy from pollution-free
sources..." SBC Deregulation Bill Clears
Oklahoma House Committee (posted 3/25/04) Senate Bill 1119 was approved by the House Energy and Utility
Regulation Committee. It sends to the full House a bill that removes SBC
Oklahoma from regulation by the state Corporation Commission. Scrubbing Coal (posted 3/25/04) Some high-powered utilities have promised to install new
technologies to clean up their power production. American Electric Power, Duke
Energy and Cinergy Corp. are expected to install “scrubbers” in existing or
newer coal-fired power plants as a way to reduce harmful emissions. Solar Legislation in Arizona
Advances (posted 3/25/04) Legislation for a commercial and residential 25%
solar tax credit (with a property tax exemption) in Arizona has passed out of
committee in the House and is headed to the floor for a final vote. HB2613 The secret
surplus beats power crisis (posted 3/25/04) CALIFORNIANS have proven power savings and energy efficiency can beat an
electricity crisis, says the man who ran California's savings campaign. DOE's
EIA Issues Statistics on Use of Alternative Fuels and Vehicles
(posted 3/19/04) The alternative fuels used in 2002 were equivalent to nearly 170 billion
gallons of gasoline, and the estimated alternative-fuel use for this year will
be equal to more than 177 billion gallons of gasoline Progress Energy Joins
Utilities Suing DOE over Nuclear Waste Repository (posted 3/19/04) Progress Energy has joined dozens of utilities in suing the U.S. Department
of Energy for not establishing a national repository for nuclear waste by an
early 1998 deadline. Report urges power-short Ontario to go
nuclear (posted 3/19/04) Ontario's sickly electricity sector needs a strong jolt of nuclear power with
money from the private sector, a report said on Thursday, urging that one
nuclear reactor should restart next year at a cost of up to C$600 million ($450
million) to ease a supply crunch. The study warned that Ontario, Canada's most
populous province, could face a severe power shortage by 2007 if new capacity
does not come on board. Sierra Club sues over security
risks (posted 3/19/04) The lawsuit charges that the Bush administration and the U.S. Nuclear
Regulatory Commission have refused to hold hearings on terrorism risks posed by
a proposed storage facility for radioactive waste. Call
Center Threatens to Leave if Blackouts Continue (posted 3/19/04) The lights have gone out at American President Line's customer-service center
in Englewood twice this month, and if it keeps happening, Colorado can say
goodbye to 250 jobs, the center's controller told a hearing on Xcel Energy's
reliability Wednesday. South Carolina Utility Santee
Cooper Agrees to Clean Air Settlement (posted 3/19/04) Santee Cooper, one of the country's largest state-owned utilities, will
install $100 million in pollution-control devices and pay a $2 million penalty
to settle what the Department of Justice viewed as violations of the Clean Air
Act. The Coop Knee-Jerk (posted
3/19/04) (a theory) about Board Directors' knee-jerk rejection of acquisition offers,
prefaced by an abbreviated history lesson EPA Proposes New Specifications
(posted 3/19/04) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released new proposed
energy efficiency specifications and a test procedure for AC/DC power supplies,
commonly known as external "power packs." The EPA intends to create
strong market incentives for more energy-efficient power supplies through the
DOE/EPA Energy Star program. EPA and 52 Freight Shippers
(posted 3/19/04) Last month, EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt joined 52 freight shippers and
carriers from around the nation to promote the SmartWay Transport Partnership, a
major voluntary program to increase the energy efficiency and energy security of
the U.S., while significantly reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas
emissions. Five Wisconsin Dairy Farms to
Use Microgy System to Convert Manure into Biogas (posted 3/19/04) Microgy owns a license to a proprietary technology to convert manure and food
industry wastes into biogas, providing a waste management solution with the
potential to pay for itself by producing renewable energy and other residual
products valuable to farmers and growers. APS and WND to Build Arizona
(posted 3/19/04) APS, Arizona's largest electric utility, is partnering with Western Wind
Energy Corp. (WND) to build Arizona's first commercial wind power plant. The
Eastern Arizona Wind Energy Center will be located atop a mesa approximately 800
feet higher than the surrounding land. Xantrex's
SunTie XR Inverter Powers Yavapai College's New Building (posted
3/19/04) Yavapai College in Chino Valley, Ariz., recently installed a solar power
system, including a Xantrex SunTie XR (STXR) Grid-Tie Inverter, in its new
Agribusiness & Science Technology Center Georgia Power Wins Approval
for'Green' Program (posted 3/18/04) Georgia Power can go ahead with its stalled "green" energy program
under new rules approved by the state Public Service Commission on Tuesday Federal Inspectors Question
Security at U.S. Nuclear Facilities (posted 3/18/04) Security forces at the nation's nuclear facilities are being weakened by
deteriorating training programs, manpower shortages, long hours and fatigue,
raising doubts about their ability to respond to terrorist attacks, according to
investigations by federal inspectors and a public watchdog group. Nevada Power Could Seek $43 Million
from Colorado River Commission (posted 3/18/04) An attorney for Nevada Power Co. suggested Wednesday that the utility could
seek at least $43 million in damages from the Colorado River Commission for
alleged improper trading practices during the energy crisis two years ago. FERC finds Southern improperly
limited grid access (posted 3/18/04) The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has found that Southern Co. Environmental groups
underwrite ads critical of power companies (posted 3/18/04) The ads accuse Allegheny Energy Inc. and a consortium of other power
station owners of operating plants that are among the country's largest carbon
dioxide polluters. Turning
Utility Distributed Generation Threats Into Business Opportunities
(posted 3/18/04) "Declining DG system costs, more favorable regulatory
treatment, and the development of ever smaller and more efficient DG, CHP
(combined heat and power) and micro-CHP systems ensures that most utilities will
find DG troublesome with revenue losses and hourly load impacts growing at an
increasing rate," Searsport pursues banning LNG
on Sears Island (posted 3/18/04) The move comes in response to interest by an unidentified
company in building a $500 million liquid natural gas terminal on the 941- acre
state-owned island. Wendell Home of Methane Gas
(posted 3/18/04) Thousands of homes and businesses could be warmed by natural
gas produced by the cows of local dairies within the next few years, an Idaho
Falls renewable energy company says. GE Adds Sizzle to Solar Power
(posted 3/18/04) Solar energy may start to sizzle now that General Electric has
said it would acquire AstroPower, the largest manufacturer of solar equipment in
the United States. While the buyout is financial peanuts for GE, proponents of
solar power say that the participation of one of America's biggest companies is
a sign that solar power is gaining increasing acceptance. Utilities fight Conn (posted
3/18/04) Northeast Utilities and United Illuminating Thursday strongly opposed a bill
that would prevent new high-voltage power lines from being located near schools,
playgrounds, and churches to protect children from supposed electro-magnetic
field (EMF) dangers. Nevada again sues DOE over
Yucca Mt (posted 3/18/04) The suit claims DOE broke the law by not providing adequate funds for state
and local government oversight of the repository program at Yucca Mountain. Small-business
customers are less satisfied with their electric utility than are
larger-business customer (posted 3/17/04) While small businesses may spend less each month on their electric
bills than larger businesses, they are less satisfied with their local electric
utility than businesses that spend more, Zero-Emissions Power
Plant FutureGen Does Not Lie in Near Future for Indiana (posted
3/17/04) Indiana has no plans in place to land the $1 billion zero-emissions
coal-burning power plant known as FutureGen. Yucca Mountain Faces Tough
Hurdles Ahead (posted 3/17/04) The Department of Energy is racing to answer a series of
technical questions aimed at satisfying the concerns of nuclear regulators with
regard to Yucca Mountain, the proposed site to bury 77,000 tons of spent nuclear
fuel. Xantrex Introduces 100 kW Grid
Connect Inverter (posted 3/17/04) "Xantrex has more than 95% market share for three-phase solar
installations in North America and we're looking forward to expanding into new
markets with our three-phase products." Wisconsin Task Force
Recommends Boosting State Purchases of Renewable Energy (posted
3/17/04) Wisconsin's state government should set an example in buying
energy from renewable sources, a task force appointed by Gov. Jim Doyle said in
its first recommendation. Wind's Boom And Bust
(posted 3/17/04) Wind power experienced a nearly record-breaking year in terms of growth in
capacity last year. Who Decides How To Serve
Native Load (posted 3/17/04) According to the order, "the Commission has reviewed the application
pursuant to the Merger Policy Statement [Order No. 592] and finds that the
transaction, unless adequately mitigated, will undermine competition and thus
not be consistent with the public interest." What will the sale of
UniSource and Tucson Electric Power to private Wall Street suitors mean to the
community (posted 3/17/04) Green Valley resident Norm Martin is among the ratepayers leery of the
$3 billion deal to sell UniSource and subsidiary Tucson Electric Power Co. to a
group led by private-buyout specialist Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., or
KKR. Utah Passes Tax Exemption for
RE Costs (posted 3/17/04) This bill amends the Sales and Use Tax Act to
provide an exemption for certain energy related machinery or equipment US EIA probed on Alaska
(posted 3/17/04) The US Energy Information Administration's 2004 energy outlook is
"overly optimistic" regarding domestic production in 2003, an Anadarko
Petroleum official told the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Thursday U.S.
Oil Hits $38 as Gasoline Stocks Fall (posted 3/17/04) Oil prices roared to fresh one-year highs on Wednesday with U.S. crude
hitting $38 a barrel after another drop in already low gasoline supplies. Turning green with power
(posted 3/17/04) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Energy and
the Center for Resource Solutions presented awards to the following
organizations for their use of renewable energy. Toilet waste is power
(posted 3/17/04) There's power -- the illuminating kind, that is -- in that which is flushed
down the toilet, say researchers at Pennsylvania State University. Time to open retail power
markets in the other Texas (posted 3/17/04) It
serves about 320,000 customers in and around El Paso and in southern New Mexico
and is part of WECC, the NERC-related, 14-state reliability council. Switch on to investment and
bring power to the people (posted 3/17/04) FEW things would be more disruptive of life as we know it than widespread,
unpredictable power blackouts. Unwiring the wired generation could send whole
economies into a spin. Study to evaluate nuclear
power as alternative to natural gas receives DOE financial assistance
(posted 3/17/04) Responding to high and increasingly volatile natural gas prices that have
created economic turmoil and led to plant closings in the United States
petrochemical industry...in the form of a cost-shared cooperative agreement to
investigate the feasibility of meeting the energy needs of industrial end users
by the use of nuclear power. Study reveals that ethanol is
not a saving grace for oil dependence (posted 3/17/04) A boost in US ethanol-blended gasoline
supplies, as called for in stalled energy legislation, would slightly reduce
America's oil imports and increase retail pump prices, a government agency said. Southern
California Blackout Is Not Preview of Summer Problems
(posted 3/17/04) Southern California likely will not experience rolling
blackouts this summer, despite an "anomaly" that shut down power to
about 70,000 energy customers in about 100 communities on Monday. Solar panels create legal heat
for owners (posted 3/17/04) As solar-power devices appear on more roofs around the nation, they are
generating more than just hot water or electricity: Some are creating
controversy from neighbors who think they're ugly. Solar energy projects earn
cash injection (posted 3/17/04) Solar power projects are set to receive a 5 million boost, energy minister
Stephen Timms announced last week.
Sempra Energy to Buy 10 Power
Plants in Texas (posted 3/17/04) Sempra Energy is teaming with a private equity group to acquire 10 power
plants in Texas from American Electric Power for $430 million. Secret Pentagon report warns
of global catastrophe (posted 3/17/04) A secret report, suppressed by US
defence chiefs, warns that major European cities will be sunk beneath rising
seas as Britain is plunged into a "Siberian" climate by 2020. Nuclear
conflict, mega-droughts, famine and widespread rioting will erupt across the
world. SEC approves Enron (posted
3/17/04) The Securities and Exchange Commission has approved Enron
Corp.'s plan to emerge from bankruptcy, the company said Wednesday in a
regulatory filing. Under the plan, which was announced a year ago, Enron would
emerge from Chapter 11 as two independent companies with different names San Diego Utility Buys Entire
Output as (posted 3/17/04) -On a windy day north of Palm Springs, energy officials unveiled what may be
one of the last new wind farms built in the San Gorgonio Pass. The farm, which was completed in December, consists of 34 wind turbines on
either side of Interstate 10 between the exits for Highway 111 and Indian Canyon
Drive. It will produce 22 megawatts of power, enough for 22,000 homes. Reliant nears completion of
clean coal power plant (posted 3/17/04) The facility, located in East Wheatfield Township about 50
miles east of Pittsburg, uses a clean-coal technology called circulating
fluidized bed to burn waste coal. Rhode Island Bill Would Keep
Natural-Gas Tankers out of State Waters
(posted 3/17/04) If two proposals to build massive liquefied natural gas
terminals in either Fall River or Somerset are realized, tankers transporting
the fuel would have to pass through Rhode Island waters to reach their
destination. Regulators Ok With Customer
Service Quality (posted 3/17/04) New research by Navigant Consulting shows that regulators are satisfied
overall with customer service levels and don't necessarily need to adopt
across-the-board mandatory customer service quality (CSQ) standards. Reactive Power Capability
(posted 3/17/04) A significant challenge to the transmission providers recognized by the
National Electric Reliability Council (NERC) will be to maintain adequate levels
of reactive support for the transmission system in the evolution to regional
markets in the U.S. R.I.P.,
Texas Oil - Here Comes the Sun (posted 3/17/04) The
modern petroleum industry was founded in 1901 in Spindletop, Texas, and
the subsequent century of gushers made Texas a byword for oil worldwide. Today
the Lone Star State imports more crude than it exports, and 21st-century oil has
become a byword for jihad. Thus Austin, a city governed not by oil people but by
picky tech geeks, is looking for a better way to live. Pungent Power (posted 3/17/04) There's a spark of light in manure-it can make electricity.
Proposed rule by Texas PUC
seeks to rein in generators in wholesale market (posted 3/17/04) Texas generators of all sizes are reviewing a new--and, to some,
controversial--Public Utility Commission of Texas rule designed to prevent
manipulation of the state's wholesale electricity market. Power plant is proposed
(posted 3/17/04) A California-based utility is seeking state approval to build a $300 million
natural-gas-fired power plant in southern Frederick County, where previous
proposals have stirred controversy. Poultry Powered Generator Gets
The Go Ahead (posted 3/17/04) THE Environment Agency has given the go-ahead to a plan by Norfolk-based
Banham Poultry to establish a renewable power plant that will use poultry
by-products to generate electricity. Portals To Environmental
Progess (posted 3/17/04) Both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy
(DOE) recently launched websites that aim to further environmental objectives by
providing users with more information about environmental technologies and by
encouraging industry to become active in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Pelamis Wave Energy Converter
is Launched (posted 3/17/04) Following six years of detailed design and
development, UK-based Ocean Power Delivery has completed the build of the first
full-scale Pelamis Wave Energy Converter. "The 750 kW
Pelamis machine measures 120m long by 3.5m wide (about the size of four train
carriages) and weighs 750 tons fully ballasted." Ohio farmers in Washington
today to lobby for the stalled energy bill (posted 3/17/04) About a hundred Ohio farmers are traveling to Washington today
to discuss their needs and concerns with government officials.
Topping their priority list is passage of the stalled energy
bill. Offshore oil exploration in
British Colombia faces few barriers (posted 3/17/04) A study commissioned by the federal
government has concluded there are no scientific barriers preventing oil and gas
exploration off British Columbia's northern coast near the Queen Charlotte
Islands. Officials Want Nevada
Utilities to Pay Back Profits from Western Power Crisis (posted
3/17/04) California utilities and state officials are urging federal regulators to
force Nevada's investor-owned utilities to pay back $15.6 million in profits
from wholesale trading during the Western power crisis. Nonprofit Midwestern Energy
(posted 3/17/04) Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, the nonprofit that monitors
the Midwestern energy grid, said Wednesday it will add more than 300 jobs over
five years, paying an average of $85,000 to $90,000 a year. NJ to stand out for new DG net
metering rules (posted 3/17/04) New net metering
rules proposed by New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities would make many more DG
owners eligible to sell excess power to their utility, default service provider
or marketer. New Mexico Passes Aggressive
Clean Energy Legislation by Jesse Broehl (posted 3/17/04) "Imagine, industry, government, and environmental groups- unlikely
allies who used to fight about everything- working together for economic
development and to protect the environment." New Genes Could Provide Energy
Breakthrough (posted 3/17/04) "This will offer a direct and early test of one of the central tenets
of DOE's Genomics: GTL program - that microbes can be used to develop innovative
solutions to address national energy needs." Natural gas bills to go up for
about 577000 customers (posted 3/17/04) More than half of the nearly 1 million customers who buy
natural gas service from We Energies will see a nearly 4% increase in their
monthly bills, a rate increase authorized by the state Public Service
Commission. The increase will help defray costs of the Ixonia lateral, a natural
gas pipeline that links the new Guardian pipeline with the Milwaukee area Mill possible for trash to
power (posted 3/17/04) A New Jersey-based energy corporation is hoping to turn trash
into power on International Paper property. MidwestGen eyes
sale of Morris plant (posted 3/17/04) Because of high natural gas prices, site can't compete Lighting up a city (posted
3/17/04) When Topekans first flipped on an electric light in 1882, Thomas Edison was
still trying to perfect the incandescent light bulb. Interest stirring in wind power
(posted 3/17/04) About $23 million in grants is available from the federal government to
develop wind energy in rural areas. The purpose of the conference, organizers
said, was to increase awareness of the little- known program funded in the 2003
Farm Bill. Fuel Cell Groups Team up For
Auto Show (posted 3/17/04) The US Fuel Cell Council (USFCC) has teamed up with
the California Fuel Cell Partnership and National Hydrogen Association to form
the first-ever Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Pavilion technology showcase at the 2004
SAE World Congress French power strike extended
(posted 3/17/04) French energy workers have extended their strike against the privatisation of
Electricite de France [EDF.UL] on Thursday, with workers from Snet, France's
third largest power producer, joining in to reduce nuclear, coal- and fuel
oil-fired electricity output. FERC again orders California
ISO to seat an independent governing board (posted 3/17/04) The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has again ordered the California
Independent System Operator to seat an independent governing board and
threatened to block the grid operator from implementing new market-monitoring
rules if it continues to ignore the agency's directive. Federal Ruling Says American
Electric Power Can Ignore Virginia Law (posted 3/17/04) The federal government issued a preliminary ruling Friday that American
Electric Power can ignore a Virginia law preventing the utility from joining a
regional power grid until July. EU Takes Environmental Lead
(posted 3/17/04) Most of Europe is steadfast about taking the lead globally to
reduce carbon dioxide emissions that are thought to cause global warming. Mercury The
Latest Green Scare Campaign (posted 3/17/04) The Greens have mastered the ability to conjure up a scare campaign about
almost anything to such perfection, one almost forgets that they are a lying
bunch of lowlifes whose past lies have harmed the timber industry, those engaged
in ranching and agriculture, those who provide the chemical building blocks of
everything we use every day, and those responsible for providing the energy this
nation requires to function EPA may tighten mercury
proposal (posted 3/17/04) Under pressure from environmental groups and state officials,
the Bush administration says it is rethinking its proposed rules limiting
mercury emissions from coal-burning power plants and as a result may tighten the
proposal. Environmental groups sue
Norton over Alaska oil plan (posted 3/17/04) Seven environmental groups are suing
Interior Secretary Gale Norton to block a plan to open 8.8 mm acres to oil and
gas development in an area important to migratory birds, whales and wildlife. Enron examiner makes millions
from bankruptcy (posted 3/17/04) Bankruptcy court examiner Neal Batson said on Monday that he and his law
firm, Alston & Bird LLP, will receive about $90 million for his recently
concluded 18-month probe into the financial meltdown of Enron Corp. DoE launches competition for
coal technologies (posted 3/17/04) The DoE plans to provide approximately
$ 280 mm in federal matching funds for demonstrating barrier-breaking
technologies that sharply reduce and ultimately eliminate pollution in
coal-based power plants. Distributive Energy (posted
3/17/04) The past six years brought dramatic changes to Montana and its energy
resources. The state moved from a regulated energy environment into a
deregulated system of power generation and distribution. Business and
residential consumers went from enjoying some of the lowest power rates in the
nation to paying the third highest rates in the Northwest, with more increases
likely Customers Lose Power After
Southern California Transmission Line Overloads (posted 3/17/04) after power lines in the central portion of the state
overloaded. ISO operators gave instructions to Southern California Edison (SCE)
to "shed load" or rotate customers off the grid for 20 minutes between
about 6:30 and 6:50 p.m. The power outage affected about 70,000 SCE customers. Credit FAQ Tucson
Electric Power Co (posted 3/17/04) TEP is an investor-owned utility in Arizona that serves about 360,000
electric customers in the Tucson metropolitan area. TEP is a wholly owned
subsidiary of UniSource Energy Corp., which also owns UniSource Energy Services
(UES), a natural gas and electric utility that serves more than 200,000
customers in northern and southern Arizona...As proposed, the transaction would
increase UniSource’s already highly leveraged consolidated capital structure
by nearly $400 million. Creating a Hydrogen Energy
Economy by David Slawson (posted 3/17/04) "...as we protect, defend and use up the finite supply of fossil
fuels, while we burn it up and deny it to future generations." Conservation groups cheer
power plant emission bill New energy producers must offset discharge with
projects (posted 3/17/04) New power plants will pay a price for greenhouse gas
emissions in this state in the years ahead. Comprehensive Energy Reform
Bill Runs Out of Gas (posted 3/17/04) President Bush will have some legislative victories to brag about in his
re-election campaign, but energy policy reform is not likely to be one of them. Colorado River Commission
Makes Public Secret Tapes of Power Traders (posted 3/17/04) The conversations are the focus of Nevada Power Co.'s intervention in a
federal regulatory investigation of the river commission's potential partnership
with Enron Corp. in manipulating Western power markets. Bubble Fusion Breakthrough
Replicated (posted 3/17/04) Moving at about the speed of sound, the internal shock waves impacted at
the center of the bubbles causing very high compression and accompanying
temperatures of about 100 million Kelvin. $2
M Rebate Helps Furnish 766 kW Solar Project (posted 3/17/04) "Solar electrical systems have never been more suitable to the wine
industry." Bright Predictions for Savings
(posted 3/17/04) Consumers will have saved about $630 million during the transition to
deregulation of the electric industry, but that number falls far shy of
predictions. Transition to a Digital Society
(posted 3/10/04) Imagine if an automobile was designed to operate at a maximum speed of 50 mph
and upon reaching 100,000 miles, it was required to speed up to 100 mph, 7 days
per week, 24 hours per day, forever. Conceptually, this is what has occurred to
the demand for power within the last two decades. Defaults by four companies
leave assets (posted 3/10/04) Since November 2002 four companies have handed over--or said they planned to
hand over--15 merchant plants in seven states totaling 14,065 MW. Electricity Deregulation
Sparks Debate in Massachusetts (posted 3/10/04) Six years after Massachusetts dissolved the electricity monopolies and opened
it to the free market, few residential consumers have any choice about where
they buy their power Gas Bills have Arizonians Upset
(posted 3/10/04) Having gobbled up a utility already lean in customer good will, Tucson-based
UniSource Energy is now experiencing a little corporate indigestion. Leading Utility Green Pricing
Programs (posted 3/10/04) A green pricing program invites consumers to pay more voluntarily to
subsidize the generation of electricity through such renewable sources as wind
and solar energy. 2003
The Year of the Blackout Think Again (posted 3/10/04) in many respects 2003 could be called the year of distributed
generation (DG) for Northeastern states Washington State Senate Passes
Bill Concerning Power (posted 3/08/04) The Legislature has all but signed off on new conditions for
power plant operators to offset their plants' carbon dioxide emissions. US Senate to begin energy bill
floor debate in late March
(posted 3/08/04) The US Senate will begin floor debate on a pared-down version of a
comprehensive energy bill at the end of March, Republican counsel to the Senate
Energy and Natural Resources Committee said Monday. US
utilities' sales of green power increases (posted 3/08/04) The number of US utilities offering renewable energy to their customers
continued to increase in 2003 when more than 1.2 bil kWh of green power was
sold, a 30% increase over the level reported in 2002, the Dept of Energy's
National Renewable Energy Laboratory said THIS WEEK AT EIA (posted 3/08/04) is a list summarizing and providing URLs for every Energy
Information Administration (EIA) product released during this week. Reliant to face new federal
charges (posted 3/08/04) federal prosecutors in California told the power company they would seek a
criminal indictment against current and former employees of its Reliant Energy
Services unit. power plant
writedowns may hit banks (posted 3/08/04) Declining values of new U.S. electricity plants forced several power
companies to write down assets in the last year and that could hurt the banks
that financed the plants, industry experts say. Montana utility says wind deal
is in the offing (posted 3/08/04) While Idaho Power Co. is poised to finance what could be
Montana's first major wind-power project, in Great Falls, Montana's major
utility says it is still negotiating a contract with another wind project. micro CHP (posted 3/08/04) For years, there has been a great deal of talk about household-scale combined
heat and power (CHP) systems, but only now are they becoming a commercial
reality. Key energy and environmental
proposals of Kerry and Bush
(posted 3/08/04) President George W. Bush and Democratic presidential hopeful John Kerry have
sharply different views of U.S. energy policy Hundreds protest EPA mercury
plan (posted 3/08/04) By the time the Environmental Protection Agency gets serious about reducing
mercury emissions, Bill Cooke said both of his sons, now ages 4 and 14, will be
adults. Germany doubles generation
from green sources since 1999
(posted 3/08/04) Meanwhile, support for power from renewables has increased sevenfold Current Arizona Bills
Legislation (posted 3/08/04) 2004 House Bills HB2526
- Solar electricity; property tax classification HB2527
and HB2528
- These two bills work together to close loopholes in our building standards
for the School Facilities Board and state buildings Construction Slows (posted
3/08/04) Nearly 18,000 MW of New Gasfired Capacity
Expected on Line in 2004 as Building Boom
Slows Commissioners
Boost Renewable Energy Requirement (posted 3/08/04) Three years ago, Arizona became one of the leading states in the nation to
support the use of renewable energy sources for electric power generation.
Yesterday, the Commissioners voted to continue increasing the percentage derived
from renewable sources. The original plan called for a review in 2004 to
determine if the increased costs of meeting the Environmental Portfolio Standard
had declined to a point where the costs and benefits were in balance. Coast Guard Aid Sought for
Liquefied Natural Gas Terminal in California (posted 3/08/04) Ships full of liquefied natural gas coming into Long Beach
Harbor might get U.S. Coast Guard security escorts, Blue Ridge Power Agency
(posted 3/08/04) AMP-Ohio plan to build coal-fired project of up to 750 MW given the new
wholesale electric market, "our members became very interested in ways to
ensure an equally reliable source of power but with more price certainty and
control over our future energy needs." ACC Plans Briefing on Natural
Gas Issues Commissioners Also Invite Public Comment (posted
3/08/04) rizona’s Corporation Commissioners are holding a regional briefing on
natural gas prices, recent changes in the wholesale cost of natural gas and
inviting public comment from Northern Arizona residents. Massive New England Solar
Array Plans Unveiled by Jesse Broehl (posted 3/07/04) While not quite as large, Brockton's solar array
will join such large solar systems as the SGS array in Arizona. Mass Megawatts claims wind
power at 2.5¢/kw (posted 3/07/04) That's in
high-wind areas with at least 16 mph average annual wind
speed. And that's before you subtract a federal tax credit of
1.8¢/kwh. Gexa Energy (posted 3/07/04) Gexa focuses on
small business and residential customers in all the Texas deregulated markets
rather than the C&I clients many think are more profitable. First Power (posted 3/07/04) The first trade show in the United States to provide
a venue for all renewable energy technologies, Power-Gen Renewable Energy, which
ends today, was a resounding success according to the event's organizers - the
American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) and the PennWell Corporation,
publishers of Power Engineering magazine. Cox Communications joins world
of VOIP (posted 3/07/04) Cox Digital
Telephone subscriptions grew 40% in 2003 compared to the similar period in 2002,
said Cox, noting that 40% of those customers subscribe to the firm's high-speed
internet and video. Are TLRs (posted 3/07/04) Those with firm
transmission capacity who get bumped from time to time have long suspected the
use of undue market power may be at hand. Reliability has deteriorated
much more dramatically since the mid-1990s than measures of adequacy such as
generation capacity reserve margins or spending for grid building. Acquisition Bid for Dankoff
Solar Products (posted 3/07/04) "This merger is a great fit. I expect it to benefit everyone
involved, and help bring our industry into the mainstream." Wyoming Legislature passes
transmission infrastructure bill
(posted 3/05/04) The Wyoming Legislature has approved legislation to create a state authority
that can issue up to $1-bil in bonds to build electric transmission lines to
support new generation projects in the state Utilities Parent FirstEnergy
Assures Ohio of Computer Upgrades (posted 3/05/04) FirstEnergy Corp. assured state regulators this week that
computer upgrades and improved personnel training should prevent a repeat of the
company's failures leading into last summer's widespread North American power
failure. Utilities expanding their own
power plant portfolios to meet demand (posted 3/05/04) Utilities wary of the notoriously volatile electricity markets are pulling
back from the unregulated wholesale trade by expanding their own power plant
portfolios to meet demand, companies and analysts said. Utah Power Says New Plant Won
(posted 3/05/04) Even if Utah Power gets Public Service Commission approval to start building
its Currant Creek power plant in time to complete construction by midsummer
2005, the utility still fears it will be unable to prevent blackouts from
rolling across the state. Utah Is Closer to Controlling
Disposal of Nuclear Waste in State (posted 3/05/04) Lawmakers took another step Tuesday in drawing a line on low-level
radioactive waste. US agency report details
scenarios that would stunt gas market
(posted 3/05/04) Various restricted supply scenarios could seriously affect US gas consumption
and pricing in the coming years, according to a new report by the Department of
Energy's Energy Information Administration. Texas'
large reserve margin to cost customers billions (posted
3/05/04) While the Texas retail market has been seen as the poster child for a
successful transition to competition, the bloom may be coming off the rose there
as regulators prepare to pass through billions of dollars to consumers as a
result of excess generation in the state. Ski Areas Join National
Resources Defense Council in Keep Winter Cool Campaign
(posted 3/05/04) Ski areas throughout the United States have teamed up with the National
Resources Defense Council (NRDC) for the "Keep Winter Cool" campaign
to fight global warming PSC deciding fate of Juab
power plant (posted 3/05/04) Whether or not PacifiCorp will be able to build its controversial $345
million Currant Creek power plant now rests in the hands of the Utah Public
Service Commission. Palo
Verde to return to service by next week (posted 3/05/04) "It's important to understand these events are unrelated." NEI tells DOE industry is
committed to new plants (posted 3/05/04) argued for more funds for DOE's Nuclear Power 2010 program Million Solar
Energy Incentive Granted (posted 3/05/04) "We are working hard to transform our college into an environmentally
sound, clean campus." Largest Supplier of Private
Guards at U (posted 3/05/04) There is mounting evidence of widespread security problems at sensitive U.S.
nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons facilities guarded by Denmark-based
security firm Group 4 Falck/Wackenhut Coal on the Comeback Trail
(posted 3/05/04) The past five years have witnessed a construction spree of more than 200,000
MW in gas-fired power plants across the U.S., mostly by merchant generation
companies. Industry Reacts to Ethanol
Tanker Explosion (posted 3/05/04) "Because of its toxicity and its persistence, the fuel [oil] just
won't dissipate the way ethanol will." Highway to Hydrogen
(posted 3/05/04) Following the National Academy of Sciences criticism
of the Bush administration's plans for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles last week,
taxpayers are left wondering how realistic is the vision for a hydrogen economy,
what kinds of approaches are scientists and engineers taking and just what are
the technical hurdles involved. FERC Chairman urges return to
voluntary energy price reporting (posted 3/05/04) Those companies contemplating renewed reporting should "hurry up and do
so EERE's
Solar Energy Technologies Program Announces New Web Site
(posted 3/05/04) The Solar Energy Technologies Program, one of 11 energy programs in the DOE
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), has a new Web site DOE's
Weatherization Program Awards $4.98 Million to Iowa
(posted 3/05/04) Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham announced last month the award of $4.98
million to the state of Iowa to improve the energy efficiency of the homes of
low-income families via the Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance
Program DOE's
Hydrogen Power Education Program Begins Six-City National Tour
(posted 3/05/04) Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham announced last month a new effort to
educate state and local government officials about the vision of a hydrogen
economy. DOE expects to meet Yucca Mt
(posted 3/05/04) DOE will address all 293 key technical issue (KTI) agreements with NRC by
August Daschle says has votes to pass
energy bill (posted 3/05/04) Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle on Tuesday said there are enough votes
in the chamber to pass a slimmed-down $16 billion energy bill, which Republicans
could set for a vote later this month. Cruising the Ethanol
Highway by David Morris (posted 3/05/04) "Ethanol is cheaper than hydrogen fuel now - and that's true even if
ethanol subsidies are eliminated from the equation." Colorado Energy Bill Inches
Along in Legislature (posted 3/05/04) A bill that would establish a Colorado Renewable Energy Standard has made its
way through the Colorado House and was passed earlier this week on a 6-0 vote by
the Senate Local Government Committee Clean
Energy Turning Potential Into Profit (posted 3/05/04) It's not every day that leaders of both major U.S. political parties find
common ground on a major issue California Energy Loan Program
Wants Takers (posted 3/05/04) Too few Pacific Gas and Electric Co. customers have sought
subsidized loans to install high-efficiency heaters or air conditioners in their
homes, and the program expires March 31. Boost renewable energy in Utah
(posted 3/05/04) Utahns are already demonstrating support for renewable energy with the
growing subscription to Utah Power's Blue Sky program. Board Approves Aggressive
Readiness Audit Schedule
(posted 3/05/04) A schedule has been agreed to by the control areas to be audited and the
regions provided a list of volunteer auditors; teams of auditors are now being
assigned. Blackout Lights Up DG Markets
(posted 3/05/04) the August 14th event was largely preventable had the company trimmed more
trees near a transmission corridor, had better computers and better control
center procedures in place. "Batteries are the bane of our
existence" American Solar Energy Society
Asks Congress to Sustain RD (posted 3/05/04) ASES, a national membership organization dedicating to fostering education on
renewable energy technologies and applications, is reacting to seven
(unannounced) permanent employee layoffs from the National Renewable Energy
Laboratory's Biomass RD&D program staff. Solicitations (posted
3/02/04) There are 29 funding notices included in Issue 123 Solar Energy Gets Boost From
Richardson (posted 3/02/04) As one of the country's sunniest states, New Mexico should be a leader
in the development of solar energy. If Gov. Bill Richardson gets his way, the
next big push could be right around the corner. Slimmed Down Energy Bill RE
Provisions by Jesse Broehl
(posted 3/02/04) "Unfortunately, despite what is happening in the world around us --
climate change, oil prices, gas prices and the like, all of which tell us we
urgently need a positive, sustainable energy policy-- energy legislation is
hostage to various "higher" political considerations. Reports Analyze U (posted
3/02/04) The authors of the LBNL report caution that while the results presented in
this paper are suggestive, they urge readers to not place undue emphasis on
them, because green pricing programs in the United States are still relatively
new and have yet to gain a foothold in many markets. Renewable Energy Finance
Forum (posted 3/02/04) Announcing the Renewable Energy Finance Forum
(REFF) to take place on June 23-24 2004 at the Metropolitan
Club in New York City, sponsored by the American Council On Renewable Energy
(ACORE) and Euromoney Energy Events, New Mexico Governor Plans
Solar Energy Project (posted 3/02/04) Gov. Bill Richardson plans to use $3 million in capital outlay funds he
controls as seed money for work on a project that would use New Mexico's
abundant sunshine to generate electricity on a commercial scale. New House Bill Invests
Millions in University Nuclear Science and Engineering Programs
(posted 3/02/04) the introduction in Congress yesterday of legislation that supports
university nuclear science and engineering programs with more than $180 million
in federal spending over the next four years Hollywood Stars Shine
Spotlight On Green Power (posted 3/02/04) While movie studios are "going for the
gold" in preparation for Oscar Night, many movie stars are "going for
the green." Motivated by their desire to preserve the environment and
reduce petroleum dependence, more and more artists in the entertainment industry
are using their fame to shine a spotlight on the potential of renewable energy
technologies. FOR MARIN COUNTY
(posted 3/02/04) New PV Installation Demonstrates Latest Phase in County’s Commitment to Enhance Energy Efficiency and Conservation in its Facilities Fight Heats Up Over Yucca
Nuclear Waste Plan (posted 3/02/04) After more than two decades of contesting the selection of their state as the
nation's primary repository for high-level nuclear waste, many Nevadans feel
they now possess the legal and scientific grounds to undo the project on the
grounds of unresolved safety issues. Energy
Secretary Abraham Announces New Hydrogen Education Effort
(posted 3/02/04) a new effort to educate state and local
government officials about the vision of a hydrogen economy... “Hydrogen 101”
to state and local officials who do not have a technical background Dow and GM Set Stage for
Hydrogen (posted 3/02/04) The
Dow Chemical Company and General Motors Corp. began the Phase 1 installation
operations of a single fuel cell that will convert hydrogen into electricity for
four to six months. DOE asks court to defer costs
of spent fuel delivery delay
(posted 3/02/04) from DOE's failure to meet a contractual obligation to begin removing nuclear
waste from reactor sites by 1998. Cutting utility costs takes
load off mortgage (posted 3/02/04) Car buyers know that the real cost of owning their vehicle is much more than
just its purchase price. Take a look at the sticker on the window and you'll see
the biggest numbers show the estimated gas mileage, important information in
figuring how much it will cost you to operate the car. The same kind of thinking needs to be applied to home purchases. Assistance to High Energy Cost
Rural Communities (posted 3/02/04) The purpose of this grant program is to provide financial assistance
for a broad range of energy facilities, equipment and related activities to
offset the impacts of extremely high residential energy costs on eligible
communities. NEA-ESCO applied for this grant last year and is in the process of
applying again for 2004. Our application is for $3 million dollars to assist
residences of Apache County, Arizona A Leaner Energy Bill Aims for
Success in 2004 by Jesse Broehl
(posted 3/02/04) "In the coming years, Americans may rely on coal more heavily than
any time in the past 30 years. Wind and solar energies can't begin to meet that
demand, though their use will expand exponentially with the tax credits in my
new energy bill." Arizona Public Service finds
leak and shuts nuke (posted 3/02/04) A spokesman for the utility, a unit of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. stressed
"very strenuously" that the leak was not near the reactor vessel's
lid. Boric acid residue was found outside of the reactor coolant system during
an inspection made Sunday Wind Energy Spurs Northeast
Wind Debates (posted 2/27/04) The sponsor of this event, SmartPower, is a non-profit marketing campaign
dedicated to promoting clean air, healthy communities and energy independence --
all through the use of renewable energy. Wave energy generator unveiled
(posted 2/27/04) THE world leader in the race to harness the power of the seas unveiled its
first completed prototype wave energy machine yesterday, in a move which could
have huge environmental and economic benefits. Transportation system based on
hydrogen fuel cells will take time
(posted 2/27/04) Even if the most optimistic predictions
prove true, and the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicles reach commercial showrooms
by 2015, it would take at least another quarter-century before they have a major
impact on the market, the panel concluded. Study says
coal-wind system feasible (posted 2/27/04) A study released by Platts Research & Consulting finds that an integrated
coal/wind generation system, while not yet commercially demonstrated, "is
expected to be both operationally and environmentally feasible." Strategic Energy tangles with
Detroit Ed at PSC (posted 2/27/04) Detroit Edison has valiantly tried to hold onto customers but financials show
the damage it's sustained. It told investors last summer that choice
is the culprit. The utility wants the state to put in a 1 mw threshold before a
customer becomes eligible to pick a supplier -- a proposal opposed by other
suppliers. SMA America Practices What
They Preach (posted 2/27/04) Demonstrating their commitment to solar energy, and
practicing what they preach, solar inverter company SMA America recently
completed the installation of a 21.6 kW photovoltaic (PV) system on their
headquarters in Grass Valley, California. The grid-tied solar system produces
approximately the same amount of power as SMA America uses, making the firm a
zero energy business or energy neutral. Renewables picking up the slack
(posted 2/27/04) Renewables picking up the slack U.S. Energy consumption is expected to grow
1.5 percent a year over the next two decades, using more renewable energy
sources than previously thought. Renewable Energy Boom in San
Francisco (posted 2/27/04) "Energy Independence offers San Franciscans permanent protection
against future energy crises." Safety for North American LNG
projects at top of public concerns (posted 2/27/04) A deadly explosion at an Algerian LNG
complex earlier suddenly thrust safety to the top of public concerns about the
growing number of LNG projects proposed for North America US looking at LNG to supply
energy needs (posted 2/27/04) With remarkably little public debate in
Congress or in the current political campaigns, the United States is drifting
toward a future where up to 25 % of natural gas supplies will come from foreign
sources. US natural gas trade still
struggling after Enron (posted 2/27/04) Fewer players and volatile prices have dominated natural gas
trading over the past two years, as new players struggled to fill a void after
Enron and other big energy marketers pulled out Regulators and Utilities
Struggle with prospect of natural gas shortages (posted 2/27/04) With the prospect of the nation facing future natural gas
shortages, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) late yesterday asked the
California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to adopt policies and rules to
provide California consumers with increased access to new and diverse sources of
natural gas. Protesters decry Great Plains
plans for new plants (posted 2/27/04) About 45 people gathered outside Great Plains Energy Inc.'s downtown offices
Wednesday to protest the company's plans to build two coal-fired power plants
along the Missouri River near Weston Micro Fuel Cell Regulations
(posted 2/27/04) Micro Fuel Cell Regulations, Standards and
Compliance (Meeting and Implementing Present & Future Rulings) Law Requires More Renewable
Power (posted 2/27/04) New Mexico legislators have given their stamp of approval to the state's
commitment to renewable energy. Uranium Enrichment Plant in
New Mexico (posted 2/27/04) The company that wants to open a uranium-enrichment plant in Southern New
Mexico says it anticipates no change in its development plans despite Gov. Bill
Richardson's warning this week that he's considering withdrawing support for the
project. High Gas Prices and Bad Debt
Versus Public Policy and Supply Obligation (posted 2/27/04) "The combination of much higher gas prices and a colder winter in most
of the eastern half of the country are expected to provide a rude shock for most
homes and businesses that use natural gas for space heating. Groups gather to buck LNG
(posted 2/27/04) The coalition cites a long list of concerns, including health, safety,
economics, recreation and the environment which the proposal could affect. Greenpeace Says Green Power
Can Save Glaciers (posted 2/27/04) Dramatic new photos of Patagonian glaciers taken by
the research team on board the Greenpeace vessel Arctic Sunrise show the extent
to which climate change has caused the ice to melt this century Europe Galvanizes its
Renewable Energy Ambitions by Michael T (posted 2/27/04) "...the meeting - not announced in the US - might have been one of
the most significant meetings in the history of renewable energy development in
Europe." Activists start legal
proceedings over oil leakage along Newtown Creek (posted 2/27/04) Theresa Perrino has lived on Apollo St
in Greenpoint for 60 years -- almost as long as a massive oil spill has lurked
beneath her house. So when she found out that an environmental group wanted to
sue the oil companies accused of leaking the oil to make them clean it up
faster, Perrino was relieved. Arizona MSR Partnership
Produces (posted 2/27/04) ‘Sunrise,’ a fascinating look at the long,
colorful history of solar electricity and a compelling argument as to why solar
power matters-now more than ever, is a recent documentary produced by the Arizona
MSR partnership. Conservation groups speak out
against new leases (posted 2/27/04) Conservation groups, already upset with
the Bush administration for opening up the West to oil drilling, say the
upcoming lease of more than 126,000 acres of federal land in Utah and Colorado,
including some near Dinosaur National Monument, is further proof the
administration values oil and gas over all other resources. New Energy Bill Emerges (posted
2/27/04) Budget problems plagued last year’s
legislation, a $31 billion package
that included many pet projects and incentives to win
the vote of undecided members of Congress. Trimmed to $14
billion, the new bill pushes back the budget obligations of many
tax incentives until the next fiscal year. Energy debate keeps going
(posted 2/27/04) The current energy legislative environment fails to promote real
infrastructure investment, which is critically needed, as we have seen in the
electrical system failures of the past several years. The previous incarnation of the current energy bill, which failed in the last
Congress, had loan guarantees to speed the construction of the next generation
of nuclear plants. Without new power plants, we will have inadequate power
supplies and be forced to keep old, polluting coal-burning plants limping along
for decades more and also be dependent on high-cost gas-fired plants. A very good chance (posted
2/27/04) U.S. Senate Republican Leader Bill Frist said Tuesday there is a "very
good chance" the Senate will approve a slimmed-down energy bill in March.
"I think there's a very good chance it will pass it on the floor of the
United States Senate in the next three weeks Energy bill is flawed (posted
2/24/04) THERE ARE ... reasons to reject this bill. Though scaled down from last
fall's version, it still contains too many negative provisions - or leaves out
good ones - to merit acceptance. Holy Cross lobbies state for
wind power measure (posted 2/24/04) The Colorado Legislature is debating whether to prod
power companies to use more alternative energy. The company that serves 50,000
customers in the Roaring Fork Valley area doesn’t need more prodding. Power plants need tax credit
subsidy to boost clean power (posted 2/24/04) Congress should create a new federal tax credit to step up the United States'
production of carbon-free nuclear power to help reduce global greenhouse gas
emissions over the next 50 years, a new report from the Massachusetts Institute
of Technology recommends Biomass Plant Helps Satisfy
State RPS (posted 2/24/04) The Eagar Biomass Project, which came on line last
week, will help improve the health of the nearby Apache-Sitgreaves forest by
thinning Ponderosa Pine growth, while generating electricity using renewable
biomass, according to APS, Arizona's largest utility. Shareholder activists have
success (posted 2/24/04) A group of shareholder activists has been pressuring American
Electric Power and other companies to report what they've been doing to reduce
greenhouse gas and other emissions. Fuel Cell Technologies Awarded
Electricity Generation Licence (posted 2/24/04) FCT is pleased to announce that it has been issued a license
to generate 250 kW of electricity to the year 2024. A Proposed Solar Retrofit
Architecture Contest (posted 2/24/04) A Solar Retrofit-Architecture Design Competition could become an
effective and interesting encouragement of such design activity, compelling the
attention of architects and the public alike. Has Electricity Deregulation
Been Successful (posted 2/24/04) For the past two years, deregulation of the electric industry has challenged
industry leaders as the market experienced periods of boom and bust. A
culmination of unfortunate circumstances brought industry uncertainty and
instability to investors and consumers. El Paso to take$1-bil charge for
reserve revision (posted 2/24/04) Houston-based El Paso Tuesday announced that it expects to take a Nuclear is Back in Business
(posted 2/24/04) From the viewpoint of electrical energy production, the bust in gas-fired
generation has met the formal definition of a "bubble" - economic
activity driven by "momentum" rather than fundamental supply and
demand. The participants have been playing their dreams rather than listening to
their customers and suppliers. The Top Ten Reasons Why We
Need a Renewed Commitment to Energy Efficiency (posted 2/24/04) Looking back on the energy events of 2003 and recent years, with an eye
toward the future, the energy policy experts at ACEEE offer their top ten
reasons for renewing America’s commitment to energy efficiency. Uni-Solar
Order for 1 MW of Solar PV Panels (posted 2/23/04) Our robust and flexible thin-film solar cells are
ideally suited for building integrated photovoltaics. The company's thin-film
amorphous solar products for both commercial and residential applications differ
from the traditional crystalline technology, which typically utilizes heavy,
glass-mounted panels, because the Uni-Solar products are flexible, durable,
lightweight and easy to install. Not enough precipitation
(posted 2/23/04) Forecasts suggest there will be ample water to spin turbines
at hydroelectric dams to meet power needs this year, especially with electric
demands suppressed by a lagging economy. But more water would mean more
surplus power for utilities to sell to the Southwest this summer to improve
their financial conditions. Introduction
to Electricity Markets Course (posted 2/23/04) This in-depth introductory course is designed
for those with a limited knowledge of the electric power system and restructured
markets. It provides an overview of the industry focusing on the linkages
between power system engineering, markets, and business strategies Finding the Silver Lining in
AstroPower (posted 2/23/04) AstroPower's core team is still together and the
plant is up and running. Without knowing too many details, AstroPower's
emergency team has done a fantastic job. Corn Growers Cheer U.S.
Senate Ethanol Action (posted 2/23/04) "The ethanol provision alone will do more to bring new life to rural
America than anything that has passed through Congress in the last two
decades." Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Chairman Pete Domenici (R- New Mexico) introduced a revised US$14 billion energy
bill, S. 2095, which includes a 5-billion-gallon Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS)
and Small Producer Tax Credit A dozen energy companies may
soon be involved in a federal investigation of natural gas price manipulation
(posted 2/23/04) The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has already reached
13 settlements with companies PUHCA Law and Its Effect on US
Utilities (posted 2/23/04) Many investors and acquisition-minded companies are anxiously crossing their
fingers in hopes for a potential repeal by the US Congress of the Public Utility
Holding Company Act of 1935 (PUHCA) Senator
Criticizes Tennessee Valley Authority for Coal Plant
Pollution (posted 2/23/04) "Clean air seems to be an afterthought at TVA," .
"TVA is only willing to do as much as it is required to do by law." Midwest ISO to launch new
power market in December (posted 2/20/04) The Midwest ISO, which operates the electric grid in all or parts of 15
states and one Canadian province, said it will start testing the new Midwest
energy market on about March 8. Juab County power plant bid
defended PacifiCorp denies that it had a conflict of interest
(posted 2/20/04) PacifiCorp, catching heat for picking
itself from among dozens of bidders to build a proposed power generation plant Gas Group BG pumps up profits
(posted 2/20/04) US gas imports are rising at 20% a year. Rivals are scrambling for
import terminals but BG got in early. Nuclear Expert Tells AP Yucca
Mt (posted 2/20/04) The nation's nuclear waste dump proposed for Nevada is poorly designed and
could leak highly radioactive waste Plethora of distressed plants
on market puts industry (posted 2/20/04) The "merchant generating model" in the U.S. has been so ravaged
financially that it may not be salvageable...The Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission, which warned Duke in recent days against selling its merchant
facilities in the Southeast to any load-serving entity, is hoping to
reinvigorate wholesale electricity competition and has been reluctant to approve
requests by utilities to either buy merchant plants in their service territories
or sign power-purchase agreements with affiliated companies. Regional reliability group
seeks retraction from NERC (posted 2/20/04) "It appears you are trying to punish the innocent again without a
hearing or even the courtesy of a phone call to discuss your concerns. Your
public backhanded slaps at SERC, which ignore its members' long history of
placing reliability first, are inappropriate, uncalled for and clearly do not
'advance the ball' on improving overall grid reliability FERC chair refutes Southeast
states (posted 2/20/04) FERC in 2001 proposed a "standard market design" which would have
required utilities to combine their grids into super-regional networks with
independent operators. Southeast lawmakers, led by Republican Sens. Richard
Shelby of Alabama and Trent Lott of Mississippi, inserted language in a
comprehensive energy bill that would bar FERC from pursuing such plans before
2007. UniSource Energy Corp Posts $28.1
Million in Income (posted 2/20/04) The company attributed much of the year-over-year earnings
increase to a $6 million after-tax gain on fees subsidiary UniSource Energy
Services collected for development of a third power plant at the Springerville
Generating Station, along with a $15 million tax benefit for subsidiary Tucson
Electric Power Co El Paso shares drop by 18%
(posted 2/20/04) Investors respond to the $1 billion charge the company must take after
slashing its estimated proven reserves of natural gas by nearly 35%. Tax Credits Restored
(posted 2/19/04) The revised energy bill introduced in the Senate last week may
be leaner than the previous version, but details released yesterday show it
would reinstate a provision that would make renewable- energy production tax
credits available to public power utilities and allow them to sell the credits
to a private entity for cash. APPA supports mandatory
reliability in energy bill (posted 2/19/04) American Public Power Assn. members voted last Monday to support mandatory
reliability standards as currently drafted in the stalled comprehensive energy
bill and legislation to enact President Bush's Clear Skies proposal Discovery Could Lead to an
Energy Revolution (posted 2/19/04) Scientists have created a new form of matter called
"fermionic condensate" that might lead to a new generation of
superconductors and in turn, a revolution in electricity generation. El Paso trims proven reserves
41 pct (posted 2/19/04) The company, which is the largest U.S. natural gas pipeline operator, also
warned investors it expected more write-down charges in 2004 as natural gas
prices weakened. Ely area tapped as site to
develop electric power plant (posted 2/19/04) A private St. Louis company plans to develop the White Pine Energy Station, a
coal-fired power generation plant near Ely that could sell electricity to
Northern Nevada and Utah utilities, cities and cooperatives. Grid
reliability FERC's budget priorities (posted 2/19/04) Bolstering the reliability of the U.S. power transmission system and handling
applications for new liquefied natural gas facilities are among the priorities
outlined by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in its fiscal year 2005
budget request submitted to Congress last Monday Hydrogen Economy Breakthrough
on the Horizon (posted 2/19/04) "By revealing the structure of the water splitting centre we can
begin to unravel how to perform this task in an energy efficient way too." Hydrogen from Renewable Fuels
Breakthrough (posted 2/19/04) "We can potentially capture 50 percent of the energy stored in sugar
[in corn], whereas converting the sugar to ethanol and burning the ethanol in a
car would harvest only 20 percent of the energy in sugar." Spire Solar Provides Critical
Back (posted 2/19/04) A solar electric system provides battery back-up
power for Chicago's Office of Emergency Management and Communications office. Wisdom Beyond Their Years
(posted 2/17/04) The young people honored offered a moving and inspiring portrait of a new
generation of environmental leaders. Three Studies Point to an
Improving Market for Wind Power Source (posted 2/17/04) It’s a good time to be in the business of turning the breeze into
kilowatts. Costs are down, political support is rising and technology has
improved. At the same time, a trio of recent studies forecast a bright future
for this age-old energy generation technology. THE GREEN BUSINESS
REVOLUTION (posted 2/17/04) businesspeople have finally discovered the existence
of a green market. And it is growing, in some sectors phenomenally. Sales of
organic foods are increasing 20% a year; the federal government's General
Services Administration is requiring all new buildings it authorizes to be
energy-efficient; the sale of hybrid cars has cruised from zero to 36,000 in
just a few years; and the share of venture capital going to green-energy
technologies has tripled since 1999. Taking the Green Exterior
Beyond Energy Source (posted 2/17/04) energy efficiency is not the whole story. Increasingly, designers who strive
to build green facilities take into account, along with energy efficiency, the
envelope’s impacts on building occupants and on the surrounding environment --
be it rural or urban -- and the overall life-cycle impacts of the materials
involved, including their manufacture, processing and transportation SeTrans' death (posted
2/17/04) SeTrans had been
expected to run the grid in eight states from South Carolina to
Louisiana. Without uniformity and federal rulemaking, each state has gone
off in a disjointed, piecemeal, sometimes even contradictory way, he added. Law or no law FERC can aid
reliability (posted 2/17/04) Federal
legislation setting electric reliability requirements is the best fix for grid
problems but FERC can act to boost reliability if Congress fails to pass a bill,
Commission members were told. Industrials claim gas industry
ripped off America (posted 2/17/04) US consumers
overpaid by $111 billion for gas used in the past 41 months, said the Industrial
Energy Consumers of America in December Going
Green, Building a New Economy from the Grassroots Up (posted
2/17/04) Determined to flow with the momentum of the Green Festival, Global Exchange
and other organizations are coming together to create a green-architecture
building that will house offices of social-change organizations, ground-floor
“GreenMart” stores, plus an organic, vegetarian food court, activity space,
and other components Corporate Report Cards Green
Audits Help Evaluate Investments Quickly and Confidently
(posted 2/17/04) you may want to refer to the goldmine of information contained in green
audits Biodiesel,
A Cleaner, Greener Fuel for the 21st Century (posted 2/17/04) Diesel fuel and heating oil emit high levels of sulfur oxides, carbon
monoxide, nitrous oxides, hydrocarbons, particulates, and -- like all fossil
fuels -- carbon dioxide. We can do better -- with biodiesel. Agitating for a Change
(posted 2/17/04) Corporations and regulators respond to the growing army of shareholders
concerned with sloppy governance and hazardous conduct Possible web access on
electrical lines (posted 2/17/04) Homes could start being connected to the Internet through
electrical outlets, and consumers and businesses may find it easier to make
cheaper telephone calls online under new rules the Federal Communications
Commission began preparing on Thursday Who’s in charge here
(posted 2/16/04) The utility industry’s reliability rules are about to be changed, that much
is clear. But that is about all that’s clear following a week in which
industry officials met with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the
North American Electric Reliability Council. The Tao of Prius
(posted 2/16/04) The 2004 Prius is now so popular that
it’s back-ordered by months in the United States, even as Toyota has boosted
target production for the U.S. market by more than 30%. The
'Almost' Energy Bill and the Economy (posted 2/16/04) The White House wants the Energy Bill for many reasons, but one of them is
that it promotes renewable energy. Renewable energy has always been a Democratic
issue and the Republicans want to split the environmental vote by getting the
Energy Bill passed Senate
passes $318 billion transportation bill (posted 2/16/04) The Senate passed a $318 billion transportation bill Thursday, defying
President Bush, who has threatened to veto the spending package because of its
large price tag and funding strategies. Republicans unveil slimmer
(posted 2/16/04) Senate Republicans on Friday formally unveiled a slimmed-down, $14 billion
energy bill after cutting a deal with Democrats for a swift vote on the stalled
package when lawmakers return from a week-long holiday later this month. Edison Looks to Shut Mohave
(posted 2/16/04) Southern California Edison says it will need to shut down the 1,580 MW
coal-fired Mohave Generating Station in 2005, at least temporarily. The Development of the
Hydrogen Economy and National Energy Policy (posted 2/16/04) The hydrogen economy is a futuristic utopia of zero emission hydrogen fuel
cell vehicles, greenhouse gas-free power generation and energy independence to
many people in the general public. Unfortunately, our policy makers and most of
the general public understand very little of the prophetic hydrogen economy; its
unprecedented technical challenges or its real benefits Consumers would pay more to
avoid blackouts (posted 2/16/04) Most consumers hit by the massive blackout that swept across the United
States and Canada last year said they would be willing to pay higher utility
bills to safeguard their electricity supplies, a study released on Thursday
showed The Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (posted 2/16/04) Until about 10 years ago, the electricity transmission network in the United
States was largely built by and for regulated electric utilities, which
produced, transmitted and sold power in precisely defined areas. Most utilities
operated in one or two states, and their transmission facilities were regulated
by state agencies. Today, transmission lines transport local power and
move wholesale electricity from one region to another, as part of the new
competitive energy environment that emerged during the 1990s. 2003 nuclear generation no
record (posted 2/13/04) World average capacity factor dropped more than two points Chugoku Elec (posted 2/13/04) Chugoku Electric Power Co. said Tuesday it has launched a feasibility study
of its fuel cell-based electricity generation system, with an eye toward
commercializing it as early as 2020. EERC Technology Greatly
Improves Power Plant Efficiency
(posted 2/13/04) Researchers at the University of North Dakota (UND) Energy &
Environmental Research Center (EERC) have made major strides to improve the
efficiency and dramatically reduce emissions of coal-fired power plants by
burning a combination of pure oxygen and coal to generate electricity in an
advanced power system. In a huff over energy bill
(posted 2/13/04) make the case for renewable energy on a project-by-project basis. But don't
endorse the equivalent of a 15-year centralized state diktat mandating
subsidies for energy production in Colorado Utilities Face Scrutiny After
Blackout (posted 2/13/04) A national electricity council promised Wednesday to do more to make sure
utilities obey rules designed to prevent blackouts like the one that cut power
to 50 million people last year California could see power
shortfall (posted 2/13/04) California could face new electricity shortages because confusion over the
state's energy policies has kept energy companies from investing in desperately
needed new power plants U.S.
Senate may debate energy bill at end of month (posted
2/12/04) Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist aims to call a swift vote on a slimmed-down
$15 billion energy bill after lawmakers return from a week-long holiday later
this month National Academy Questions
Hydrogen Promise (posted 2/12/04) "...while the most cost-effective source of hydrogen for the long run
is probably natural gas, its long-term use as a source of hydrogen would not
increase U.S. energy independence." Boost for Northwest Renewable
Energy Demand (posted 2/12/04) "Building a diverse, low-cost and low-risk energy portfolio that
includes large amounts of renewables will allow us to meet demand and provide
the best value for customers." Breakthrough in Biomass
(posted 2/12/04) "...the progress Novozymes has made in this area is a major step
toward making the technology cost-competitive and a basis for bio-refinery
industries." DOE Hydrogen Gospel Spreads to
the Classroom by Jesse Broehl (posted 2/12/04) "No gasoline means no imported oil and no problems with pollution or
greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles." One of solars
greatest contributions is in remote power applications
(posted 2/12/04) While designing the solar systems for these remote
locations was no easy feat, simply getting all the equipment to the sites was
the greatest challenge Utilities
in U.S., Canada take new look at coal (posted 2/12/04) Coal is back in style after more than a decade on the
sidelines as utilities in the western United States and Canada make plans for
meeting future load growth Bill touts home-grown
energy (posted 2/12/04) Every home and business could become its own little
electric utility while staying connected to the electric power grid EPRI puts grid enhancement
price tag at $220 billion (posted 2/12/04) Transforming the existing transmission and distribution infrastructure into a
fully functional delivery system that incorporates modern technology could cost
as much as $220-billion Natural
Gas Production & Use by Arizona (posted 2/12/04) Please see that our production of natural gas requires an incredible amount
be imported!!! What
percentage of proposed generation uses natural gas
(posted 2/11/04) 95% of all
currently proposed power projects will use Natural Gas as their primary fuel
source Funds in 12 States Create New
Joint Effort to Promote Clean Energy On January 29
(posted 2/11/04) On January 29, 2004, 17 public benefits funds from 12 states announced they
will collaborate to promote clean energy projects and companies. The funds have
agreed to support a new non-profit organization -- the Clean
Energy States Alliance (CESA) CESA Members (posted 2/11/04) Description of programs with the 12 states of the new coalition. US approves plan for drilling
in Alaska (posted 2/11/04) It is located just west of the Arctic
National Wildlife Refuge, where President Bush wants to open a 1.5 mm-acre
coastal plain to drilling as one of his top energy priorities. The Senate, in
debating a massive energy bill, has rejected drilling there. US begins work on CO2 storage
project (posted 2/11/04) In hopes of developing a process that
could slow global warming, the Energy Department wants to inject the greenhouse
gas underground into depleted oil reservoirs after converting it into a liquid
form. Who needs big oil in Iraq
(posted 2/11/04) During the period immediately preceding
the recent conflict in Iraq, the Saddam Hussein regime accused the Unites States
of going after their petroleum resources. This accusation resonated throughout
the world, especially (and surprisingly) in Europe. The US Government took the
public position that the Iraqi oil belonged to the Iraqi people and that the
government of the US meant for it to remain in Iraqi possession. In the final analysis, the oil
exploration and production business is a risky undertaking, and the generally
high rates of return reflect that risk. Partner or even successor to
OPEC on the cards by 2020
(posted 2/11/04) The worldwide shift toward LNG will
bring in its wake profound political and economic changes in many parts of the
world, providing a lifeline for the economies of some Gulf states whose oil
production is sliding into decline as fields are exhausted. “Sheik
Force” new protection force in Iraq (posted 2/11/04) An hour south of this Sunni
Muslim-dominated city in northern Iraq, an unusual new crime-fighting tool
called the Sheik Force protects a massive ammunition dump, two oil pipelines and
soon, if more recruits can be found, an electrical grid. Iraq reappears among top five
crude suppliers to US (posted 2/11/04) Iraq reappeared among the top five
crude suppliers to the United States in November for the first time since the
US-led invasion in March. Danger's in the
Air in New Mexico (posted 2/11/04) There is general agreement on the need to reduce the mercury emissions from
coal and oil-burning power plants.
There is less agreement on the best way to accomplish that goal and what the
target dates should be.
FERC gives initial OK to
Southwest power grid plan (posted 2/11/04) The FERC said Southwest Power Pool Inc.'s plan to form a regional grid group
of eight states "will facilitate the exchange of electric power and enhance
reliability". Proposed Rhode Island Bill
Would Increase Use of Renewable Energy (posted 2/11/04) The measure would gradually step up the amount of "green power"
supplied to the state until it reaches 20 percent of all electricity consumed at
the end of 2020. Nevada adds
transportation expert to anti-Yucca team
(posted 2/10/04) Nevada has added a transportation expert to its legal team challenging the
Yucca Mountain Project. YUCCA MOUNTAIN:
Backer in line to flex muscle
(posted 2/10/04) One of Congress's most ardent supporters of nuclear waste burial in Nevada is
in line to become chairman of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee,
lawmakers and lobbyists said Wednesday. Rural communities see new
opportunities in wind power
(posted 2/10/04) "Wind power has been a great benefit to rural
communities and the rural economy. Never mind that it's helping to provide
energy production and clean air, CAC applauds State
Representative efforts on renewable energy (posted 2/10/04) HB 1212 directs the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to adopt net
metering rules for solar, wind and fuel cell facilities up to 2 megawatts. Colorado House passes
renewable energy bill (posted 2/10/04) The bill moves to the Senate for consideration. Similar bills have died in
the last two legislative sessions. Last year's bill passed the House and lost by
a single vote in the Senate. Ontario determined to be
coal-free (posted 2/10/04) The government of Ontario declared a few months ago that
it intends to phase out all coal-fired electricity generation by 2007 provided a
substitute is available...What replaces coal is the key question. Hydrogen Economy Hazy
(posted 2/10/04) the findings of a newreport by the National Academy of
Sciences, which says that clean-burning hydrogen fuel cells may be decades away The missing link in the
U.S. electricity value chain (posted 2/10/04) Two years ago, energy storage was not even mentioned in President Bush’s
energy plan. Today, energy storage figures prominently in several sections of
the current comprehensive energy bill making its way through Congress Uneasy lies the fuel that
wears a crown (posted 2/9/04) Will liquefied natural gas (LNG) depose oil as the worldwide king of power
plant fuels? Timing
seen wrong for enactment of ‘Clear Skies’ measure this year
(posted 2/9/04) Shanahan said expectations of congressional action in 2005 might be
optimistic, as it would come after EPA expects to finalize the proposed rules
— one for NOx and SO2, the other for mercury. FERC's FY '05 budget
(posted 2/9/04) The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission this week proposed a $210 million
performance budget for 2005 that is long on goals that electric utilities and
members of Congress are fighting, including continued development of regional
wholesale power markets and electric reliability rules. Curbing coal generation key to
UK CO2 target (posted 2/9/04) The electricity sector produced 55.3 million tonnes of emissions in 1990. Blackout Protection
(posted 2/9/04) The key to avoiding future blackouts is distributed
generation rather than a distribution grid. Will LNG meet skyrocketing
expectations (posted 2/8/04) Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan blithely told America to rely on
abundant gas supplies from around the world last year but is that realistic? Commercial Biogas Facility for
Idaho (posted 2/06/04) "Anaerobic digestion also removes methane from uncontrolled
release to the atmosphere, eliminating a greenhouse gas that is 21 times more
detrimental than carbon dioxide." California Home Builders
(posted 2/06/04) "We feel so lucky. My experience with moaning about PG&E bills and
trying to hold down costs, that's gone Avian Issues Resurface at
Altamont Wind Farm (posted 2/06/04) With as many as 7000 wind turbines turning at a time,
Altamont pass, one of the oldest and largest wind farms in the world, also
happens to be one of the most controversial. While a rare issue for modern wind
farms, bird mortality at the 20 year-old Altamont pass has been a particularly
visible and unfortunate subject, putting what many say is an unfair blemish on
the wind power industry. Arizona Corporation Commission
Recommends APS Reduce Its Electricity Rates (posted 2/06/04) The staff of the Arizona Corporation Commission is recommending that Arizona
Public Service reduce its electricity rates by about 8 percent. 05' Budget
Cuts Renewable Energy Funding (posted 2/06/04) "These budget cuts not only run counter to the preferences of the
great majority of the American people, but also betray their future in the
world's energy, environment and business communities." SOLAR AND
RADIANT FLOOR HEATING WORKSHOP (posted 2/06/04) This event starts on: 2/27/2004
and lasts 3 days Renewable Standard Introduced
in Colorado (posted 2/06/04) "Renewable energy is smart for Colorado consumers and it's smart
for our rural communities and families that are being faced with skyrocketing
electricity bills while cheap sources of renewable energy go untapped." Renewable Energy in the
Classroom by Jesse Broehl (posted 2/06/04) "At long last, a crucial issue for the survival of our society -
electricity from renewable energy - has received comprehensive and clear
treatment." Large jump in US crude imports
helps replenish stocks (posted 2/06/04) A 7.9-mil bbl jump in US crude stocks last week was due in large part to a
significant increase in imports, which recorded their fourth-largest weekly
average in about 14 years Konarka Technologies
Demonstrates New Levels of Efficiency in Flexible Photovoltaic Cells by
Joe Romano (posted 2/06/04) Konarka's chemistry-based cells represent a new breed of coatable,
plastic, flexible photovoltaics that can be used in many applications where
traditional photovoltaics can't compete Uncle Sam's New
Year's Resolution (posted 2/06/04) "Is it possible for a group of like-minded individuals to overhaul
the well-oiled and well-funded machine that makes up the energy industrial
complex?" Surprising Setback (posted 2/04/04) a Dane County judge has rejected the state Public Service Commission's
approval of two natural gas-fired power plants in Port Washington. SRP Plans Rate Increases
(posted 2/04/04) Salt River Project managers are proposing a rate increase of nearly 3 percent
for residential electric customers beginning Nov. 1. Arizona Public Service also
is planning to raise rates and is seeking approval from the Arizona Corporation
Commission for a 9.8 percent hike Southeast states say FERC
trying to revive grid plan (posted 2/04/04) Nine Southeast governors on Tuesday told the Bush administration that they
are worried that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is making a
"backdoor" attempt to enact controversial power grid rules even though
legislation stalled in the Senate would bar them. Some residents see red over
(posted 2/04/04) The proposed construction of a 120-foot-tall wind turbine on the grounds of
the new Whitman-Hanson Regional High School remains controversial for several
area residents Senator to offer leaner U
(posted 2/04/04) Republican Sen. Pete Domenici, the chairman of the U.S. Senate Energy
Committee, on Tuesday said he plans to offer a pared-down energy bill later this
month that will drop legal liability protection for makers of a controversial
fuel additive. Renewables Get Into the Mix
(posted 2/04/04) The years of hard work are finally paying off for renewable energy advocates.
After toiling in near-obscurity for decades, persevering in the face of
significant technical and economic challenges, and enduring occasional ridicule
from conventional energy supporters, renewable energy is hitting its stride and
entering the energy mainstream on a global basis. Power plant acquisitions worry
regulators (posted 2/04/04) A growing number of electric power utilities are buying up unaffiliated power
plants and so-called merchant generators to provide additional generation to
their rate-base customers, a move that industry insiders fear could undermine
progress toward further wholesale power market competition. Peering Into The Future Of
Energy (posted 2/04/04) Scratching one into fire, the former Boeing engineer took the first step in a
demonstration that one day could spark a revolution in the way we heat and light
our homes. Overview of the New Mercury
Regulations and the Interstate Air Quality Rule and Implications for Coal
(posted 2/04/04) Under newly proposed regulations, electric power plant operators in the
United States will soon face new requirements to reduce emissions of sulfur
dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and mercury beyond the levels required by current
regulations. NWRFC sees near normal
Northwest U (posted 2/04/04) in its fifth forecast for the 2003-2004 water year, said on Friday the
volume of water flowing through the region's dams will be near normal. NJ OKs voluntary route to 20
(posted 2/04/04) Utility customers
can donate money to support the state's clean energy program at schools and
community facilities trying to meet the state's 20% green power goal by 2020. Nevada Power plan challenged
(posted 2/04/04) The state consumer advocate and staff of the Public Utilities
Commission on Friday filed written testimony recommendisng the commission make
big reductions in the $93 million that Nevada Power Co. wants to collect from
customers for past fuel and power expenses. N.J.
starts auction for utility electric supplies (posted 2/04/04) New Jersey started its third Internet auction to supply electricity to
customers who have not selected an alternative supplier Industry,
Hill reveal hydrogen-economy expectations (posted 2/04/04) The transition to
a hydrogen-based economy is an exciting prospect but won't come without a big
investment and a lot of work FuelCell Energy Sells Direct
FuelCell (posted 2/04/04) The
DFC300A power plant will be owned and operated by SRP and will be located at the
Arizona State University East Campus in Mesa, Ariz Customers should drive H economy
(posted 2/04/04) doesn't see
government subsidy as the road to success in managing the huge costs of building
the hydrogen infrastructure. Court Finds
ACC Restructuring Rules Unconstitutional (posted 2/04/04) The Arizona Court of Appeals has ruled that the state's
electric energy restructuring rules are unconstitutional, upholding a
lower-court decision. Bankruptcy risk lingers at US
power producers (posted 2/04/04) Some U.S. power producers that avoided bankruptcy in 2003 by refinancing debt
could still struggle to survive over the next decade as $65 billion of loans
come due A Fresh Look at Utilities Regulation
(posted 2/04/04) Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services has been tracking the ups and downs
of utility regulation for years, and in the past year or so has noted the recent
upswing in the amount of attention that regulators and their activities are
attracting 3rd Wind Energy (posted 2/04/04) More than 2000 MW of wind generation has been
installed in the United States in the past two years alone! Gain insights on the
progress and remaining challenges for wind energy at this invaluable conference. Utah and neighbours to
forefront as natural gas suppliers to US (posted
2/01/04) changing dynamics in the natural gas
industry are pushing Utah and its neighbours to the forefront as natural gas
suppliers to the nation US airlines blame Bush
administration for high oil prices
(posted 2/01/04) The US airline industry accused the
Bush administration of recklessly driving up the cost of oil by purchasing
unnecessarily large amounts of petroleum for the nation's strategic reserves at
a time when prices are already high. US will become more reliant on
Saudi Arabian oil (posted 2/01/04) The United States is set to
become more reliant on Saudi oil although it will try to diversify its crude
imports from the volatile Middle East region US must increase oil imports
(posted 2/01/04) The US Energy Ministry reported that
the amount of imported oil amounted to 62,9 % of all oil processed at the US oil
processing plants in 2003 Annual Energy Outlook 2004
(posted 2/01/04) U.S. energy consumption is expected to increase more rapidly than domestic
energy supply Apache Tribe's 'Erin Brockovich' Has Facts on Oil
Firms, Oklahoma (posted 2/01/04) the duplicity and behind the door dealings of the oil companies and the
government of Oklahoma and how they took the federal government out of the loop
to maintain their hold on the rich gas and oil leases on Indian land. Calif.
San Onofre 3 nuke seen online this weekend (posted 2/01/04) The 1,080 megawatt Unit 3 at the San Onofre nuclear power plant in Southern
California should be back at full power over the weekend after repairs on a
piping system are complete Demand for US oil field
chemicals expected to grow (posted 2/01/04) The Cleveland-based analyst found this
demand would be driven by a recovery in the number of drilling rigs and
continued drilling of more difficult wells. The Energy Bill Returns
by Jesse Broehl (posted 2/01/04) "...there's an amazing amount of pent-up productive energy to move
renewables forward in this country." Environmentalists slam plan
for drilling on New Mexico (posted 2/01/04) New Mexico environmentalists are
slamming the Bureau of Land Management's proposed plan to allow drilling on the
Otero Mesa, calling it "confusing by design" and based "on a
blatant lie." FERC,
industry head for court clash on reliability (posted 2/01/04) Utilities will sue the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission if it tries to
enact reliability rules to prevent a repeat of August's massive blackout Oklahoma's
oil and gas drilling activity highest in 15 years (posted 2/01/04) The Oklahoma Corporation Commission
issued 5,119 drilling permits to oil and gas producers last year, the most in a
year since 1988 Senator Johnson Joins Ethanol
Across America (posted 2/01/04) "Ethanol can be produced from a nearly unlimited number of
sources, all of which can reduce dependence on foreign oil, improve air quality,
and create economic development." Wood sets reliability rules
goal by summer (posted 1/28/04) The grid needs
reliability standards — hopefully by summer 2004 — whether or not Congress
passes a bill including them, FERC Chairman Pat Wood told a workshop on the
interim blackout report US EPA probes Xcel plant for
possible air emissions violations (posted 1/28/04) EPA also has stepped up its request for information from Salt River
Project's 822-MW, two-unit Coronado Generating Station. Reliability,
Market Power, RTO Action (posted 1/28/04) Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Pat Wood last week set out an
aggressive agenda to tackle reliability and market-power issues in 2004, and
repeated his assertion that, unless Congress changes current law, FERC can
require utilities to join regional transmission organizations if it deems it
necessary. North America braces for 'tsunami' of
LNG imports: analyst (posted 1/28/04) According to some estimates, LNG and arctic gas combined will account for
20-25% of the US gas market by 2020 NERC, Not FERC (posted 1/28/04) The resolution, approved at an EEI board meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz.,
supports prompt action by NERC to enhance its review of industry's compliance
with reliability standards, perform audits of grid control areas and operators,
and keep track of tree trimming near power lines Natural Gas Crisis Fuels
Debate Across US (posted 1/28/04) The price escalations and what to do about them have resulted in action,
concern and debate from every corner of society – Fixing grid gets cheaper via
super cable (posted 1/28/04) high-temperature
superconductor (HTS) wire can carry three to five-times more power than copper
wire Entergy Proposes Independent
Entity Oversee (posted 1/28/04) proposed using an "independent entity," which would
"oversee," but not functionally control, the transmission system in
the Entergy service area as an alternative to a regional transmission
organization. Electric Power Supply OK
Through 2007 (posted 1/28/04) North America will likely have sufficient generating capacity to meet demand
through 2007, if proposed capacity additions are built Edward Norton Backs BP Solar
Energy Program (posted 1/28/04) Celebrities are soaking up the sun with BP Solar
panels - making pollution free electricity for their homes and at the same time
helping low income families in California - all as part of the new BP Solar
Neighbors Program. America's Energy Future by Senator
John F. Kerry (posted 1/28/04) "I support a national goal of producing 20 percent of our
electricity from renewable sources by 2020." 2004 Energy Agenda Looks A Lot
Like Last Year (posted 1/28/04) In fact, many of the big energy problems hanging around today - growing
dependence on foreign imports, the lack of consensus on how to balance energy
production and conservation, and to some extent, high prices and aging
infrastructure - have gone unresolved for a decade or more. Cinergy nixes clean air
settlement (posted 1/26/04) according to Cinergy spokesman Steve Brash. He said
in an interview this week that the parent company of Cincinnati Gas &
Electric and PSI Energy already has spent $1-bil on equipment to reduce
emissions of nitrogen oxide and other pollutants and to repower its aging 99-MW
Noblesville coal-fired plant to natural gas, and in the process, boosting the
plant's output to 300 MW FirstEnergy says NERC document
proves its point on blackout (posted 1/26/04) The document, which will be voted on at NERC's board
meeting next month, backs up "what we've been saying for a while, that the
transmission system is being used in ways that are far different than how it was
used five or 10 years ago, Buffett's
MidAmerican unit takes step to build Alaskan gasline (posted
1/26/04) Billionaire Warren Buffett is backing a new effort to
construct a $6.3-bil pipeline to move stranded natural gas from Alaska's North
Slope to the Yukon border ExxonMobil,
BP, ConocoPhillips plan pipeline for ANS gas (posted 1/26/04) Alaska's three major gas producers have filed a plan
for a pipeline project to bring to market the North Slope's vast gas reserves Shell faces US lawsuit over
reserves downgrade (posted 1/26/04) Shell Monday faced a US class action lawsuit Monday
that said it "deliberately violated accounting rules" by overbooking
its proven reserves. Expiration of Tax Credit
Cripples Wind Energy (posted 1/26/04) "Our members tell us that 2004 could have been an even better year
than 2003 had the PTC extension in the energy bill gone into effect." Major European Progress in
Sight for Renewables (posted 1/26/04) "Energy investments are long-term, and planning for the future
needs to begin well in advance." National Hydrogen Expo Triples
Size for 2004 (posted 1/26/04) "We are seeing increased participation from European and Japanese
companies that will enhance dialog and information flow and give attendees
further insight into non-U.S. markets and technologies." World Trade Center (posted
1/23/04) plans to incorporate wind-harvesting turbines that will provide 20 percent of
the building's energy. UK to cut CO2 emissions by 20%
(posted 1/23/04) The UK government committed itself to cutting carbon
dioxide emissions by 20% by 2012 compared with 1990 levels when it published its
draft National Allocation Plan (NAP) Monday U.S. Proposal
Could Spur Biobased Boom (posted 1/23/04) "This program will improve environmental health by using renewable
resources from our farms and forests to produce products that have been
previously derived from fossil energy sources." Remote
Monitoring, Control & Automation 2004 (posted 1/23/04) these unique conferences that bring
together the technology innovators and users from multiple industries, including
utilities, power, oil & gas, telecom, industrial, water & public
utilities, agriculture and facilities management LNG needed in US?
(posted 1/23/04) The US needs a significant amount of
liquefied natural gas as a "cushion" against higher gas prices in the
short-term, and the Bush administration believes LNG can be imported for less
than $4/MMBtu L.A.
Solar Installations Obtain Only 45 Percent of Expected Wattage
(posted 1/23/04) The report on DWP's "green" power program also
revealed that costs per kilowatt hour on the sampled solar installations were
roughly twice the market average of 40 cents Green Car Journal Wins Prize
(posted 1/23/04) "When armed with the right information, drivers can, and
increasingly will, choose vehicles offering the function and features they
desire that also happen to have a lesser environmental impact." Commentary on President's
State of the Union Speech (posted 1/23/04) "...energy policy is perhaps one of the most critical public
policy positions a nation must face, and yet President Bush gave it short shrift
in his State of the Union address." Breakthrough Poised for
Organic Solar Energy (posted 1/23/04) "Organic photovoltaics has the potential of causing a revolution
in the solar industry." A Community Divided by
Joel Stronberg (posted 1/23/04) "In the past, the differences between the various sustainable
energy organizations and interests have not stood in the way of
cooperation." Utah judge revives lawsuit
over Clinton action against coal (posted 1/21/04) U.S. District Judge Dee Benson has given new life to
a protest over the 1996 creation by President Clinton of the Grand Staircase
Escalante National Monument. UK renewable industry to see
job boom (posted 1/21/04) By 2020, the number of employees working within the
UK's renewable energy sector could double or even rise fourfold, according to a
new government report. SO2 market very active
(posted 1/21/04) While the Vintage NOx markets were silent during the week of Jan 12, the SO2
market showed increasing activity throughout the week. The SO2 market saw lots of activity during the week The Georgia Sierra Club filed suit in US District Court in Atlanta to force
the EPA to issue a nitrogen oxide reduction rule in Georgia Senate energy bill leader says
legislation could be split apart (posted 1/21/04) Sen. Pete Domenici (Republican-New Mexico), who is
short of the 60 votes needed to end debate on the $31-bil measure, told
reporters he has until March to come up with additional support. Prince
William Sound reopens to outbound tankers (posted 1/21/04) A stretch of Alaska's Prince William Sound, which
links the Valdez oil loading terminal with the Gulf of Alaska and points beyond,
has been reopened to outbound tankers after high seas caused its closure for
several hours late Monday into Tuesday Japanese nuclear hits new
problem (posted 1/21/04) Plans for a nuclear power plant at Maki in Niigata
prefecture have been abandoned by the Tohoku Electric Power Company. The move
came less than a month after three of the country's other electric power
companies said that they were postponing a separate nuclear project. The ins and outs of energy
subsidies (posted 1/21/04) It has largely gone unnoticed that the outgoing and
much-criticized Italian Presidency of the European Union tried unsuccessfully to
amend the Draft EU Constitution in two spheres of influence where it contended
that the European Commission would become too powerful at the expense of Member
States: energy and state aid. IEA 2004 world oil demand
forecast up (posted 1/21/04) Demand this year is expected to grow by a healthy
1.22-mil b/d from 2003's average, down from last year's year-on-year increase of
1.45-mil b/d German producers highlight
power supply concerns after blackouts (posted 1/21/04) "The extreme heat wave (in Europe) of last
summer and the blackouts (have shown) that security of supply cannot be taken
for granted and doesn't come free El Paso reaches deal to sell
25 US plants for over (posted 1/21/04) to sell 25 power plants in the US. The plants
are located in seven states across the US and have a total generation capacity
of 1,850 MW DR can be outsourced (posted
1/21/04) The more successful a
utility’s demand response program is, the more difficult it is to find
additional targets for it. Electric City will
guarantee the delivery of peak power reduction through what it calls its
EnergySaver/GlobalCommander system and will dispatch load at the direction of
ComEd. In exchange for hosting the system and allowing remote control over peak
demand, customers will receive the technology for free and will receive free
steady-state energy saving Domenici
Bitter cold shows need for energy bill (posted 1/21/04) The energy crisis gripping the Northeast underscores
why the Senate should stop "pointless politicking and filibustering"
and pass a comprehensive energy bill next month Commodity Report (posted 1/21/04) Power prices across the U.S. continent generally rose on the order of 50% or
more in 2003. The increase is mainly attributable to an increase in gas prices Beijing moves on power
shortages (posted 1/21/04) The central government has announced a series of
measures and initiatives intended to help mitigate the impact of the nationwide
power shortages forecast for 2004 and beyond US reliance on foreign oil to
grow to 70 (posted 1/19/04) US dependence on foreign oil producers
will grow to 70 % of US petroleum demand by 2025, a larger increase than
previously forecast, the federal Energy Information Administration said. Gas hydrate lies under seabed
in Gulf of Mexico (posted 1/19/04) A US government report suggests humans
consume 4 bn tons of coal and 2.5 bn tpy of oil, and the amount continues to
increase at 3 % per annum. At such a rate, the proved coal deposits may only
sustain humans for another 200 years Thousands of bird kills stir
opposition to wind turbines (posted 1/19/04) Since the giant windmills began
churning the air above the Altamont Pass east of San Francisco Bay, an estimated
22,000 birds have died -- including hundreds of golden eagles, red-tailed hawks,
kestrels and other raptors -- after flying into the spinning blades. Scientists conclude Exxon
Valdez spill more serious than estimated (posted 1/19/04) The spill, almost 15 years ago,
deposited around 40,000 tons of crude oil into Prince William Sound,
Alaska. It finds that significant amounts of crude oil remain trapped in
sediment on the sea bed, where it is still poisoning creatures such as mussels
and clams. Concentrations of toxic chemicals from the oil remain high
enough to damagefish eggs. The researchers conclude that assumptions about oil
damage have to be challenged. Damage to birds and fish persists over long
periods, they say, and oil does not automatically dissipate in the sea over
time. Saskatchewan's
oil and gas sector breaks drilling record (posted 1/19/04) The activity marks a 19 % increase over
last year Coal to play larger role in US
energy picture (posted 1/19/04) The Energy Information Administration
said in its projections of the nation's long-term energy future that the
percentage of the electricity in the United States produced by coal will
increase from 50 % in 2002 to 52 % by 2025 as it becomes more economically
competitive with gas. US natural gas markets undergo
turbulent transition (posted 1/19/04) The US natural gas industry is in the
midst of a turbulent transformation as petroleum giants such as ChevronTexaco
and ExxonMobil increasingly hunt fuel overseas, leaving smaller players
scrambling to pick up the slack domestically. The shift exacerbates an already
constrained market in which supplies have been tight and prices high amid
rapidly declining productivity in the nation's aging natural-gas fields,
analysts and industry officials said. Why is the US so friendly with
Azerbaijan (posted 1/19/04) Azerbaijan was the only Muslim nation
to send troops to Iraq, and the country is crucial to US interests, with its big
oil-pipeline project and its ability to offer fly-over rights and refuelling for
US aircraft bound for the Middle East and Afghanistan. Pennsylvania power plants
third dirtiest in USA (posted 1/19/04) Reliant Energy's Keystone power plant
in Armstrong County emitted more mercury than any power plant in the nation. Inuit people concerned with
threat of global warming (posted 1/19/04) Spokeswoman Sheila Watt-Cloutier said
the problems faced by her people should be a warning to the rest of the world.
She said at a UN climate change meeting the issues were "of life and
death". China and US lead in demand
for oil (posted 1/19/04) Demand has surged this autumn in the
United States and several other industrialized nations, while Chinese demand
appears to be advancing "at a breakneck pace...cushion of excess production
has helped somewhat to moderate crude prices ahead of the peak winter demand for
heating oil in the northern hemisphere. Kyrgyzstan and US state of
Washington to cooperate in energy sector (posted 1/19/04) The Kyrgyz embassy in the USA and
Canada says that the cooperation programme in the organization of the energy
sector is meant to last two years and envisages an exchange of experience and
consultations, and the holding of bilateral seminars on the issues of regulating
energy consumption in the sphere of municipal services and transport. Pipe corrosion is a recipe for
disaster in Alaska (posted 1/19/04) In late May a North Slope oil field
worker made an alarming discovery: an oily sheen in melting snow alongside large
pipelines moving a mix of crude oil, natural gas and water. The sighting set off
a massive and expensive operation to stop the flow and investigate how the
24-inch carbon steel pipe had sprung a leak. America's disastrous
energy plan (posted 1/19/04) Of the many factors that went into the
Bush administration's decision to attack and occupy Iraq, one of the most
important was the long-held view of Richard Cheney, the vice-president, that
America's power was threatened by the potential loss of control over Middle East
oil. US to introduce tougher fuel
standards (posted 1/19/04) The US rules that govern fuel
economy may be in for the most sweeping changes in nearly 30 years as regulators
propose closing loopholes to force automakers to raise the gas mileage on
sport/utility vehicles and trucks New England spot power hits
(posted 1/16/04) A large amount of gas-fired generation has been
forced off-line in the region because of soaring gas prices. Sempra Energy Set to Emerge as
Major LNG Player (posted 1/16/04) Sempra Energy (BBB+/Stable/A-2), with two LNG projects in the pipeline
totaling more than 2 billion cubic feet (bcf) per day of capacity, appears set
to emerge as a major player in the U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) market
following the expected completion of these projects in 2007. utilities propose
600-MW coal plant (posted 1/16/04) Five Upper Great Plains utilities are exploring five
sites in North Dakota, South Dakota and Iowa for a 600-MW coal-fired power
project that could come on line between 2012 and 2014 Majors jostle for place in US
(posted 1/16/04) Anglo-Dutch Shell and US Sempra have teamed up in
Mexico, US major ConocoPhillips has given a major boost to a Texas project, and
UK based BG, already leading LNG importer to the US, has snapped up more
capacity. Fellow UK major BP, meantime, earlier lined up a deal to supply Sempra
with LNG from Indonesia's Tangguh project. LNG sales talk high on agenda
as US energy chief visits Australia (posted 1/16/04) The prospect of Australian LNG sales to the US is
high on the agenda IEA Summary (posted 1/16/04) International Energy Agency renewed Friday a call for
caution over falling OECD oil stock levels, warning of potential price
volatility should unforeseen supply disruptions occur Group claims security failed
(posted 1/16/04) Security guards could not protect high-enriched
uranium (HEU) stockpiles from terrorist attack during a test at DOE's Y-12
facility in Oak Ridge, Tenn. in Dec. 2003 Greenpeace condemns plans for
new nuclear construction (posted 1/16/04) The idea that our energy policy for the 21st century
should involve building more nuclear power stations and using taxpayers' money
to fund their liabilities and waste is obscene DOE asks NRC to extend license
to ship uranium to Argentina (posted 1/16/04) DOE is asking NRC to extend an export license to ship
uranium to Argentina to support testing and demonstration of low-enriched
uranium targets Appeals court hears oral
arguments in Yucca Mt (posted 1/16/04) Nevada can do nothing about the President's Yucca
Mountain recommendation to make it the country's waste repository site; that was
signed into law in 2002, appeals court Judge Harry Edwards told the state Jan.
14. Ten US companies pledge to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions (posted 1/14/04) Ten major US corporations Tuesday voluntarily set
targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the Environmental Protection
Agency's Climate Leaders program Some South Dakota towns may
buy parts of bankrupt utility (posted 1/14/04) Several South Dakota municipalities, concerned about
the financial condition of the bankrupt Sioux Falls-based NorthWestern utility,
are openly contemplating the possibility of entering the utility business Nord Pool to start green
certificates trading by end (posted 1/14/04) Sweden introduced its green certificates scheme in
May 2003 to support the production of renewable energy. No Change to OPEC (posted
1/14/04) "There are no plans to change the price band to
make up for the losses resulting from the steep decline in the value of the
dollar Jersey Electricity to bid for
water company (posted 1/14/04) The water industry in Jersey, as elsewhere, is facing
substantial investment costs to tackle the threats of water shortages caused by
increasing demand and changing rainfall patterns, legislation on water purity,
ageing water distribution infrastructure, and environmental constraints on the
development of new water sources Japanese Green Power Sheds
Global Light (posted 1/14/04) A new study purportedly proves that the vision of a
clean, green, energy-rich future is not only possible, but also globally
feasible. Green Power Vehicles Surround
Statehouse (posted 1/14/04) Scores of Maryland residents driving dozens of
energy-efficient cars and trucks encircled the Maryland Statehouse on Saturday
to demand passage of an energy-efficiency bill vetoed by Governor Bob Ehrlich
last spring. Former nuke owners sue US
government over failure take spent fuel (posted 1/14/04) Nine former owners of nuclear power plants sued the
federal government Tuesday, claiming that the Dept of Energy's failure to begin
disposing of utility spent fuel in 1998 drastically reduced sale prices they
received for their reactors. Democratic Candidates Reveal
Energy (posted 1/14/04) While they may turn out to be little more than empty
campaign promises, crafted from non-intrusive buzzwords no American can object
to, these views are important to the renewable energy industries and those
Americans concerned with a cleaner, safer, more sustainable future. At the very
least however, these comments are a step in the right direction and undeniably
more ambitious and sustainably-oriented than current U.S. energy policy. Car Giant Partners Up for
Biodiesel Future (posted 1/14/04) Volkswagen AG and Archer Daniels Midland Company
announced the creation of a joint research agreement aimed at further developing
and utilizing biodiesel fuels for the automotive industry. Wesley Clark Seeks Renewable
Energy Standard (posted 1/13/04) "We need to move towards energy independence with natural
renewable fuel sources like wind and solar power." Weirton Steel cutting back
operations due to coke shortage (posted 1/13/04) On Jan. 2, U.S. Steel said it was cutting output at
its Clairton coke works in Pennsylvania because it couldn’t find enough
metallurgical coal. That coke is used by U.S. Steel and also sold to outside
customers like Weirton. U.S. Steel is the primary source for Weirton’s 1.2
million tons/year of coke supply. USJapan
to work on hydrogen and fuel cell research (posted 1/13/04) Both countries intend to bring together specialists
in workshops and seminars, as well as to exchange experts and information on
technological programs and developments in the areas of fuel cells and hydrogen
production, storage, and transport technologies Shell scares investors with 20%
cut in proven reserves (posted 1/13/04) the cut in proved reserves followed a reassessment of
which reserves the company had "reasonable confidence" in as being
proven. Schwarzenegger proposes
abolishing California Power Authority (posted 1/13/04) CPA failed to achieve "financial
self-sufficiency, nor does it appear that it will in the future. Other state
energy agencies and private entities already perform similar activities." OPEC output decision should be
driven by market forces (posted 1/13/04) Abraham said he was "surprised" when some
OPEC officials said Monday that the current crude prices are much lower than
they appear to be due to the recent depreciation of the dollar, on which the oil
is priced High waters shut down coal
docks on Big Sandy (posted 1/13/04) “There is coal on the docks, but we can’t
get to it. It looks like we won’t load anything until Sunday. The river still
needs to fall quite a bit.” Coalition Seeks Renewable
Energy Initiatives (posted 1/13/04) "Renewable energy businesses throughout New England have much to
gain from initiatives that will reduce global warming." CALIFORNIA
EMPIRE UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT (posted 1/13/04) first district in the state to receive a Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) rebate for a photovoltaic (PV) power generation system A load warrior’s
view of markets (posted 1/13/04) adequate reserves are on
the generation side. On the delivery side, there’s congestion HydrogenFuelSysUnitedNuclear
(posted 1/11/04) ANY claim of fueling a
car with water, and having the water converted to Hydrogen quickly enough to
power a passenger vehicle is pure B.S. The bottom line is simple physics. It
takes electrical energy to break the Hydrogen-Oxygen bond in water and release
the free gases. The 2004 Southwest
Sustainability Expo will be held on the Northern Arizona University Campus in
Flagstaff (posted 1/11/04) The
2004 Southwest Sustainability Expo Hydrogenics to Develop Fuel
Cell Powered Forklifts (posted 1/9/04) to lead a consortium of technology and end-user partners to develop,
demonstrate and pre-commercialize fuel cell-powered forklifts Final blackout report to be
done by mid-February (posted 1/9/04) The task force released its interim report in
November, which pointed to actions by FirstEnergy and the Midwest Independent
Transmission System Operator as reasons why the blackout spread so quickly EPA failed to fund many
recommended waste cleanups (posted 1/9/04) The Environmental Protection Agency's
inspector general said Thursday that the EPA did not provide enough money last
year for hazardous waste cleanups recommended by the agency's own
administrators. DOE's CSP Program (posted
1/9/04) Concentrating
Solar Power (CSP) can be a major contributor to solving our nation’s energy
problems now and in the future. Enron bankruptcy claims top $900
Billion (posted 1/9/04) Failed energy giant Enron has filed another amendment
to its overdue Chapter 11 reorganization plan, disclosing that 24,000 creditor
claims filed against the company and its myriad of subsidiaries have topped a
mind-boggling $900-bil. Judge clears Enron Chap 11
plan for vote (posted 1/9/04) After revising its long overdue Chapter 11
reorganization plan four times since its first filing last July, failed energy
giant Enron won Bankruptcy Court approval Tuesday to begin collecting votes from
creditors, who the company says would get about 20 cts on the dollar. Kyocera Introduces SAMURAI
Photovoltaic Modules (posted 1/9/04) Kyocera has introduced the SAMURAI photovoltaic system designed to enhance
the appearance of solar arrays mounted on residential buildings. Midwest utilities seek more
discussion of through of through-and-out
rates (posted 1/9/04) customers have not had ample opportunity to comment Solar Power Towers (posted
1/9/04) These systems
produce electricity on a large scale. They are unique among solar
technologies because
they can store energy efficiently and cost effectively. They can
operate whenever the customer needs power, even after dark or during cloudy
weather. Uranium conversion service
costs rises in US (posted 1/9/04) Honeywell's plant at Metropolis, Ill. remains shut Palcan Fuel Cells Announces
(posted 1/7/04) When fully
operational, the manufacturing facility will manufacture 20,000 PEM Fuel Cell
Stacks units per year. New wind farm puffed as model
for future of electricity generation
(posted 1/7/04) Environmentalists say dozens of turbines that
rise 100 metres over wheat fields and herds of sheep represent the future of
wind energy - and a model for overcoming the shortcomings that have kept wind
from threatening the dominance of fossil fuels. NEW
YORK’S HYDROGEN “HI WAY” INITIATIVE
(posted 1/7/04) $2 million in federal support has been awarded to establish
the Hydrogen “HI WAY” Initiative in New York State. Mini-turbine
inventor promises cheaper power
(posted 1/7/04) An Iraqi engineer has developed a mini wind turbine that
could revolutionise the world's energy market. Howard Dean Campaigns for More
Green Power (posted 1/7/04) "The first thing I would do would be to reverse every single
Executive Order the President has written about the environment." Future trends
(posted 1/7/04) The
industry will refocus away from commercial ENOVA ACHIEVES GREAT SUCCESS (posted
1/7/04) has successfully integrated a fuel cell system into the U.S. Air Force's
first hybrid fuel cell bus at Enova's facilities in Honolulu Hawaii. ASTRIS
ENERGI TO BEGIN PILOT PRODUCTION OF ALKALINE FUEL CELL POWERSTACK the world's leading alkaline fuel cell (AFC) technology company, announced
that it has completed in-house testing of the prototype fuel cell power module,
clearing it for pilot production. Power grid needs
web-like format
(posted 1/7/04) How to
prevent a repeat of the Aug. 14 blackout — one of the biggest news stories of
2003 — is the challenge now facing the U.S.-Canada Power System Outage Task
Force. Presidential Candidates and
their positions on the environment
(posted 1/7/04) Links to respective candidates' sites. Proton Energy Systems Launches
HOGEN (posted
1/7/04) The
latest and most advanced of Proton's generators, the H Series provides customers
with a safe, pure and reliable hydrogen supply. Uncertainty clouds
energy's future
(posted 1/7/04) OPINION: Our position is: The worst thing for both energy
reliability and the environment is uncertainty over regulation of power plants. US EPA chief enforcement
officer resigns
(posted 1/7/04) The US Environmental Protection Agency's chief
enforcement officer, charged with, among other things, pursuing litigation and
settlements for Clean Air Act violations by electric utilities, will leave the
agency at the end of the month While Lowered
(posted 1/7/04) "Everybody agrees that it was oversubscribed. They needed to slow
it down, extending the limited pool of funds." Christmas
came a little early this year for the California renewable energy industry.
Although it was decreased, one of the state's most generous, and popular
renewable energy incentive programs was recently exempted from the recent state
spending freeze. Conferences and Venues for 2004
(posted 1/7/04) Cutting edge technology
advancements and innovative product development in the fields of energy, power,
motor & drives, communications, electronics, automation & monitoring,
industrial equipment, materials and software, are the focus of Webcom
Communications' 2004 conference series. Army Awards
Contract for Portable Power
(posted 1/7/04) InnovaTek has been awarded a $780,000 contract from the U.S. Army for the
development of a novel fuel processor
rather than the cost of supply
driven demand but "the underlying, non-weather fundamentals for natural gas
remain extremely bullish."
"I don't think we're there yet," he said.
The current world oil market, which has seen prices fall more than $7 in
two weeks after nearly hitting $50/bbl, "more accurately reflects supply
and demand" fundamentals compared to the recent price run-up".
See more industry/OPEC viewpoints. http://www.platts.com/Oil/Resources/Quote of
the Day/
Environmental
group Greenpeace has voiced concern over a planned shipment of plutonium from
the US to France, adding to worries already expressed in Congress this week.
A new federal report that identifies greenhouse gas emissions as the likeliest
cause of global warming - endorsed by the secretaries of Energy and Commerce,
along with the President’s chief science advisor – could represent a shift
in climate change policy for the Bush Administration, environmental groups
claimed this week.
The
fleet of Th!nk electric vehicles scheduled to be destroyed by Ford in the US, as
reported last week, has won a reprieve
Scotland’s
most powerful wind farm opened this week, to a rallying call from
environmentalists for continued backing for the renewable technology.
emissions and plans to issue a final rule by March.
Prices remain high with fresh news of sabotage to oil pipelines in Southern
Iraq, despite some weakening in the bullish factors that have supported record
highs in the past weeks. There has been a stabilization in Venezuelan politics
after president Chavez won the Referendum on August 15th, the Russian government
has made it clear via its Energy minister that Russian oil production will not
be affected by internal corporate crisis, and the standoff in the holy city of
Najaf in Iraq seems to have come to an end. Read more...
http://www.platts.com/Oil/Resources/Whats%20Moving%20the%20Market/
"US inflation levels are at historic lows, unlike in the early
1980s, when oil prices peaked, then receded. We expect the rise in oil
prices...to reduce consumer spending by about $50-bil, but consumer spending has
not shown signs of cooling off."
(Standard & Poor's economist Beth Ann Bovino).
You can do something about it.
settlements totalling over $150-mil with Shell for its overstatement of
reserves which has rocked investor confidence in Europe's second-biggest oil
company.
pressures" if gas in storage approaches the 3.2 Tcf mark
hydroelectric plant in Boise, Idaho, that has been idle for more than 20
years.
"Of course it's vulnerable,"
candidates more than any other energy-related issue
Dr. Ludwig Boelkow
(posted 8/17/04)
But imagine roofs that cut energy costs, cleanse the air, reduce flooding and
last a long time.
reduced the risk of future power outages, the need for Congress to enact
legislation that would establish mandatory electric reliability rules "has
in
no way diminished
increase in August after Kansai Electric Power Co restarted three thermal
power units and shut all nuclear power units for inspection following an
accident at the No 3 reactor
resulted in any significant concentration of crude production and reserves
worldwide
Independence
Day T@P Galvanizing public support for a real energy plan.
(posted 8/14/04)
T@P Galvanizing public support for a real energy plan. By
Issue Date: 08.01.04If I had 15 minutes with the future President Kerry, I
would not have to educate him about my ideas for energy security. That s
because he already has a deep understanding of them. Making America energy
independent, strengthening our national security, and protecting the
environment are causes that John Kerry has ...
Aug
12, 2004 The American Prospect Online
supervisors are the target of a grand jury probe into gas price manipulation
and wire fraud for reporting false prices to index publishers, including
Platts. The paper said the 10 were notified of their status in letters from
Shelby's office.
potential electoral problems in Venezuela are all contributing to recent
record-high prices. "This is totally separate from the supply and demand
picture, which we believe is not only in balance, but slightly
oversupplied,"
he told CNBC.
units built in the 1970's
against "gangs" that had forced one crude oil pipeline to shut down in
southern Iraq and cut exports by half.
continuing to fuel world crude prices, the crude market supply is running
ahead of demand and a supply buffer remains, the International Energy Agency
said Wednesday.
the week ended Aug 9, the Energy Information Administration said Monday. The
price is still 30.6 cts/gal higher than the same week a year ago
months
liberalized market would lead to higher prices, according to a French energy
users association.
transmission system operators in several states to see a clearer picture of
grid operations in a short period of time
would pump 350,000 b/d of Basra Light to Iran's Abadan oil refinery
$1.905/gal for the week ended July 26, the US Energy Information
Administration said Monday.
conjunction with anti-terrorism measures, the independent commission examining
the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks said in its report, which was released
today.
That's the way Idaho Power Co. expects to meet Idaho's growing electricity needs
over the next 10 years.
- County and Western Singer Willie Nelson
With just 16 % of those pipelines examined so far under a new inspection
program, more than 20,000 potential problems -- 1,200 of which required
immediate repair -- already have been uncovered
No, not at ANWR -- the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge -- the focus of
prolonged, impassioned debate about the compatibility of oil drilling,
wilderness, wildlife and Alaska's indigenous people. This wildlife haven is
Teshekpuk Lake in Alaska.
The United States will depend more heavily on gas imports
Since 1980, US oil policy has centred almost entirely on enlarging our supply of
oil -- either by drilling more oil wells at home or by cosying up to foreign
producers such as Nigeria or Saudi Arabia. But as a means to energy security,
this plan is dangerously obsolete.
The domestic significance of these attacks, however, is increasing. The
symbolism of Iraq’s main source of revenue being reduced to zero just days
before the transfer of some authority to Iraqis cannot be underestimated.
according to a House of Commons spokesman.
monopoly Gazprom to build LNG production capacities and to sell LNG to the US
market.
gas-gathering affiliate in the US Gulf of Mexico, the US Court of Appeals for
the District of Columbia Circuit said Tuesday.
demand in 2004 to 81.41-mil b/d, up 330,000 b/d from its previous
expectations.
demand in 2004 to 81.41-mil b/d, up 330,000 b/d from its previous
expectations.
$1.917/gal in the seven-day period ended July 12, the Energy Information
Administration reported Monday
ambitious environmental policy," Barroso said. "We have to put more
money and effort into the environment...An advanced environmental policy is a
source of competitiveness for the EU
past 12 months, and is likely to hold steady over the next year
certification, saying DOE is not "even close" to satisfying LSN
certification
requirements.
further attempt to reduce high world oil prices
risk-inform the agency's special treatment requirements, which help ensure the
quality of components procured for nuclear plants. The 361-page final rule
package was sent to the commission by the staff late last week.
as a future source of energy.
law for its national allocation plan for emissions to be accepted
Mountain repository project in Nevada, Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said
yesterday.
Compare that with 65,000 today. They see
wind as the dominant (65%) generator in DG while small gas turbines get 22% and
fuel cells 6%.
accuracy of any ultrasonic flow meters (UFM) that are installed in their
nuclear units.
proposed liquefied natural gas terminal be moved to a more remote location if
necessary
developing a database to track the implementation of 46 recommendations
contained in a final report released earlier this year by the US-Canada task
force investigating the causes of the August 2003 blackout.
and some investors fear the companies will re-enter risky businesses as soon
as their balance sheets improve
come down following a smooth handover of power by the US-led Coalition
Provisional Authority to the government in Iraq.
license application to NRC if it does not certify tomorrow that all relevant
supporting documents have been posted on NRC's licensing support network (LSN)
and are publicly accessible.
What's wrong with this picture?
Tomorrow Is Too Late!
Vote Scheduled for Wednesday, June 30, 9:30 AM
the state, the company said.
coal origins
energy funding bill today, but "the train hasn't left the station,"
according
to one nuclear industry lobbyist.
to issue a tougher version of new rules designed to cut mercury from coal-fired
power plants.
March 1997
information can be put to use by the end of the year in a way that will bring
greater long-term stability to petroleum markets and a greater degree of
certainty to American consumers,"
summer with essentially the same transmission system--and problems--that it had
last year, according to a new grid assessment by the East Central Area
Reliability Council (ECAR).
fines -- $27,500/d since Apr 1, when a Silt, Colorado, woman walking on her
ranch discovered natural gas seeping into the creek running through her
property.
"But we will never have to fight wars for access to the sun."
Here's how.
It's worth less than nothing if you have to spend
money to pump it back into the reservoir as the oil comes out.
Enron
Tapes Inflame Californians (UtiliPoint - June 7) (posted
6/08/04)
UtiliPoint - June 7 - The antipathy toward Enron and the
scams it perpetrated burns even brighter today than when the news first
surfaced that the power and gas trading organization was deceitful and
going under. New tapes that show how crooked the organization had been
have come to the fore and will no doubt prompt a slew of efforts to recoup
the ill-gotten gains.
06
07, 2004 PowerMarketers Industry Publications
enhanced energy efficiency, can significantly contribute to sustainable
development, to providing access to energy, especially for the poor, to
mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, reducing harmful air pollutants, thereby
creating new economic opportunities and enhancing energy security through
cooperation and collaboration."
Dominion to construct enough on-site dry storage to maintain the spent fuel
pool's full-core reserve through 2025
risk-assessment report, in which the Boston Fire Dept. suggested that as many as
10,000 casualties would result from a "worst-case" tanker accident or
attack.
transmission-owning parents may force utilities to dramatically alter business
operations
"While the current level of prices represents a demand-led spike, a
loss of production from Iraq (or any other producer of a similar size) could
turn the situation into a fully-fledged crisis...."but raising the official
output quota by 1.5-mil b/d will do little to help unless physical production
also rises."
(A major disruption to Iraqi supplies could leave the rest of OPEC struggling to
fill the gap and turn the current price spike into a crisis, London-based
think-tank the Centre for Global Energy Studies said Monday).
See more industry/OPEC viewpoints.
a special-forces security unit
Standard & Poor's said Monday after comparing details of first-quarter 2004
financial results with the same quarter in 2003 and the last two years. S&P
said the number of rating changes on holding companies and operating
subsidiaries dropped to 17 downgrades and two upgrades in the first-quarter ,
from 50 downgrades and three upgrades in Q1 2003.
letter of intent to form a new entity, Public Gas Partners (PGP), to help them
secure a significant portion of the gas they will need for their power plants
and to serve retail gas customers.
Solar
energy bill advancing (posted 5/05/04)
Solar energy bill advancing Assemblywoman Lois Wolk,
D-Davis, announced the passage of legislation for which provides for the
installation of solar energy systems. AB 2473 passed the Assembly
Committee on Local Government unanimously. It protects homeowners wishing
to install solar energy systems from unreasonable restrictions placed on
them by local governments.
May
2, 2004 Woodland Daily Democrat, California - News
stocks have driven up world crude oil and product prices to an extent that the
global economic recovery is being threatened, the International Energy Agency
(IEA) said in a report Monday.
and gas reserves has found certain employees "used aggressive and, at
times,
unsupportable methods" to book reserves from 1999-2003
(OPEC President Purnomo Yusgiantoro said Thursday.)
actions against foreign states--such as members of OPEC--for collusive practices
in setting the price or production of oil or oil products. The bi-partisan
Senate bill, S 2270
He sees the product as a way to locate solutions
to problems that stick out and he hoped that the staff would find "some
low-hanging fruit" to get important market improvements with little effort.
Friday filed a request for rehearing of the US Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission's Mar 24 order asserting exclusive jurisdiction over Sound Energy
Solutions' plan to build a liquefied natural gas terminal in Long Beach,
California.
Commercial airplanes run on petroleum fuel, thereby releasing high levels of
carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Gasoline prices have reached their highest mark ever in the United States --
just as oil giant Shell has slashed its petroleum reserve estimates by 20 %,
after a monumental accounting scandal. While soaring prices at the pump have the
public worried about another 1970s-style oil crisis, waiting in line might
ultimately be the least of our concerns. An increasing number of prominent
petroleum geologists -- including many former oil company employees -- have
warned that official estimates of available global oil reserves are dangerously
exaggerated.
friendly fuel and lower its expensive oil imports bill.
central-southern US briefly forced heat rates for power scheduled for
delivery Into Entergy for July and August to dip below the 9,000/MWh/MMBtu
for the first time ever earlier this week
(OPEC said Friday.)
Regulatory Group, filed multiple challenges to EPA's capacity growth-rate
methodology, arguing, among other things, that EPA's calculations were too
conservative and failed to take into account higher growth forecasts compiled by
the North American Electric Reliability Council.
But food is an essential too, we noted. Should we
control food prices?
An ecologist sees a unique ecosystem that is home to hundreds of species of
animals and plants, and he wants it to stay that way.
Yet despite the difficulties to date, survey
respondents favored staying the course on deregulation by about a 2-1 majority.
The governor said his state "has reason to believe" that the US
federal government does not have authority over offshore ANWR and will not prove
an obstacle in offering the leases.
coal-fired generation
reduce greenhouse gas emissions to Year 2000 levels by 2010, was slated to be
introduced in the House Tuesday.
uranium conversion plant.
Southern California, to conserve energy.
- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson
- Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham
fourth-quarter pre-tax ceiling test charge of some $1-bil as a result of
downward revisions to its estimated reserve base.
Goodman forecast that the problem of making a
market that works will persist until leadership is found at the top starting
with Congress.
- Sustainable Energy Coalition
EIA's early release of its 2004 Annual Energy Outlook projects US dependence on
oil imports will be 2 % greater over the forecast period than EIA's previous
annual outlook.
"We go out to hunt on the sea ice to put food on the table. You go to the
supermarket".
will be held on the
Northern Arizona University Campus
in Flagstaff, Arizona August 5, 6 and 7
services and towards using the technology as a
customer relationship tool.