News 2006:

•Brokers remained convinced that any dip in the market was there to be bought and expected a revival once the NYMEX opened later in the day. The uncertainty about Nigerian oil supplies, the ongoing crisis in Iran and a fresh row over royalty payments in Chad, which threatened oil output, have all helped push up prices beyond the $70/barrel level and to hit fresh all-time highs.

Why should Canadians meet the energy appetite of 300 mm Americans?

Lurking just beyond public perception is the 800-pound gorilla of peak oil issues... who gets to import how much after worldwide depletion sets in?
Currently, distribution of the world's oil production is relatively simple. Whoever wants oil, and has the money to pay for it, can buy as much as they want. No questions. No limits.

Why we need to worry about global warming, now!!

April 17, 2006

A FAMILY'S INVENTION-- Engine could advance hybrids

It's the model for the Scuderi air-hybrid engine, an invention the Scuderis say breaks long-standing barriers to generating more power with less fuel. By their reckoning, a Scuderi engine could power a hybrid vehicle that doubles the fuel economy of a typical vehicle for a fraction of the cost of today's gasoline-electric systems.

Activists March against France's Plans to Build New Generation of Nuclear Reactors

More than 10,000 French activists marched in silence to honor victims of the Chernobyl disaster 20 years ago, part of a larger protest denouncing France's plans to build more nuclear reactors.

Aerospace component maker to pay $8M to clean up Arizona

Federal authorities will require the owners of a former manufacturing facility for defense and aerospace component systems to pay more than $8 million to clean up contamination at the Phoenix-area site.

Black & Veatch Awarded for Singapore-Tuas Seawater Desalination Project

The new 36 mgd seawater reverse-osmosis (SWRO) plant is the largest of its kind in Asia and one of the largest in the world, accommodating 10% of Singapore’s national water demand.

BP Becomes Climate Action Leader

BP has successfully certified its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory with the California Climate Action Registry (Registry), becoming the first in the global energy industry to earn the distinction of Climate Action Leader(TM). BP is publicly and voluntarily reporting its GHG emissions from the refining, distribution and sales of gasoline in California under this rigorous registry program.

Clean up Western coal

If Wyoming doesn't develop a cleaner design for coal-based power plants, it will begin to lose coal customers and an estimated $60 million per year in taxes and royalty revenues, according to a new study released this week.

Crude Oil May Fall on US Inventory Increase

Deadline looms for utilities

Advocates of renewable energy are concerned that federal tax credits for solar and wind projects may expire before independent power producers can complete "green" power projects for Nevada Power Co. of Las Vegas and Sierra Power Co. of Reno.

DOE Seeks Industry Proposals for Producing Greenhouse Gas-Free Hydrogen at Existing Nuclear Power Plants

In support of President Bush's Advanced Energy Initiative (AEI), Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman today announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will allocate up to $1.6 million this year to fund industry studies on the best ways to utilize energy from existing commercial nuclear reactors for production of hydrogen in a safe and environmentally-sound manner.

Dollar May Resume Slide As Foreign Oil Producers Invest in Other Markets

The value of the U.S. dollar has big implications for the global economy. It's also profoundly hard to predict. Still, some intrepid economists believe they have an insight: Follow the oil money.

Eight-step plan would increase coal production

The National Coal Council's eight-point plan exploring how domestic coal resources can meet the nation's future energy needs could increase coal demand 1.3 billion short tons.

The US has 27% of the world's coal reserve and it can be used to ensure US energy security, Gregory Boyce, Peabody Energy President and CEO and study chair, told members of the Industrial Energy Consumers of America in Washington on Wednesday. "The US has more energy in coal than any nation in the world and we know where the coal is, it is within our shores."

Energy plant may close-- Constellation says new pollution rules too costly

Constellation, which is planning to merge with a Florida-based power company, announced this year that it would raise residential electricity rates by 72 percent this summer because of soaring energy costs and the expiration of six years of rate caps adopted as part of Maryland's deregulation of the electric utility industry.

EU Regulators Warned of Financial Crises

Global Warming Is A Moral Issue

SYNOPSIS: 43 years after Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring", "The Weather Makers" author Tim Flannery argues that we may well be closer to her prediction than anyone in 1963 could have ever imagined.

Green Mountain Power Asks for 11.95 Percent Increase in Rates; Increasing Power Costs Principal Factor

The Company said 88 percent of the increase is due to rising power costs in a post-Katrina wholesale market, while the remaining 12 percent is due to increasing state and regional transmission costs.

Green TV Channel Hits the Airwaves

The world's first environmental broadband TV channel is now on air -- and online -- with films and programs on everything from NO2 emissions around airports and offshore wind farms to "carbon speed dating."

Hawaii power plant cited for air violations

Hamakua Energy Partners faces sanctions for allegedly failing to meet state and federal Clean Air Act permit limits at its power plant in Haina, Hawaii.

Hybrid sales growth slowing

Consumers want their green cars to be very green. High-mileage hybrids such as Toyota's Prius and Honda's Civic are winners, but just being a hybrid isn't enough.

Increase in smog-producing emissions sought

San Diego Gas & Electric, which operates the county's second largest power plant here, is seeking permission to release more than three times the previously approved amount of smog-producing nitrogen oxide when the plant is starting up.

Indonesia to recommend OPEC output increase at Caracas meeting

Indonesia will recommend that OPEC increase its production at the upcoming meeting in Caracas if international oil prices remain high, Indonesia's OPEC governor, Maizar Rahman, said Monday.

Japan protests Chinese ban on shipping near disputed gas field

Japan has formally protested China's move to ban shipping in a disputed area of the East China Sea close to the median line between the two countries.  News reports said the ban had been imposed while Chinese workers lay pipelines and cables in the area. Japan and China have been at loggerheads over Chinese companies developing gas fields that Tokyo claims might tap resources in its waters. China does not recognize the median line.

Latin America Poised to Lead Global Development of Biofuels

Latin America is well positioned to become a global leader in biofuels and renewable energy, and the United States and other countries are keen to explore partnerships in the region to develop them.

Life in the Green Lane

For the owner who does the majority of her driving on the highway, the Prius's potential for fuel economy will never be realized and its price premium never recovered, writes Jamie Lincoln Kitman.

Little Red Work Boat Restores River Health

A small but sturdy looking work boat, negotiating the foul waters of the Miami River, has the ambitious goal of reversing the growth of pollution in this heavily used waterway and thereby enhancing the quality of life along its shores.

Nation's Energy Needs Open New, Old Opportunities

Coal mining was once king in the state's Appalachian foothills. But the industry went into a nosedive in the 1980s because of falling foreign demand and increased production of cheaper coal from Western states. Mines closed, and a generation of potential miners left their tiny towns to make their livings elsewhere, dealing a hard blow to a region already lagging behind the state economically.

Offshore Wind Farms Blown Off Schedule By Two Years

More than half of the first phase of the UK's offshore wind farms will be built two years late, at the earliest. Developers are also warning that the second phase of much larger projects is unlikely to go ahead without government support, threatening Tony Blair's target for producing more energy from renewable sources.

Plug Power To Get $217 M Cash Investment

Plug Power Inc. on Tuesday said a Russian joint venture agreed to make a $217 million cash investment in the company, sending the fuel cell maker's shares up more than 30 percent in morning trade.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 041506

The geomagnetic field ranged from quiet to major storm levels. An interval of major to severe storm conditions was observed.  Solar wind speeds ranged from approximately 480 km/s to 570 km/s. The unusual solar wind conditions appear to be consistent with a corotating interaction region that may have been complicated by the presence of transient flow.  Isolated periods of minor to major storm conditions are possible on 15-16 April due to a coronal hole high speed stream.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 041706

Solar activity is expected to be very low to low.  The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet to unsettled. Isolated active periods are possible early on 17 April.

Reprocessing Plans Tied to Yucca Delays, Scientist Tells Panel

The Bush administration's ambitious plans to reprocess nuclear waste may be tied in part to dissatisfaction over the lagging repository project at Yucca Mountain, a leading scientist and former Energy Department executive said Wednesday.  Moniz, who was an energy undersecretary during the Clinton administration, said DOE risks getting locked into a course and GNEP could prove to be a wasteful "white elephant."

Scientists Say Red Tide Encore Not Certain

The red tide of algae that choked the Massachusetts coast last year may not, as scientists had feared, come back year after year for a recurring summer encore.

The toxic algae blooms drop microscopic cysts on the ocean floor which act like seeds for future red tide outbreaks. Despite the intensity of last year's bloom, the cysts are far less widespread than expected

ScottishPower calls for new nuclear plant programme

South Korean refiners, oil companies meet on Iran supply fears

South Korea's energy minister Chung Sye-Kyun convened a meeting Monday with chief executives of local refiners and energy-related companies to discuss ways to shield the oil import-dependent economy from the impact of rising crude prices.

Taking a turn for the 'green'

The Enduring Battle to Climb Yucca Mountain

It will be a long climb before Yucca Mountain is used as a permanent nuclear waste site. Questions abound over the quality of scientific and engineering work performed there, adding to a hostile atmosphere that could long delay any opening.

UK Government Close to Approving Nuclear Stations

The Government has hinted that it will approve a new generation of nuclear power stations on the grounds that the move would combat climate change.

As the Government's review of Britain's energy needs closed yesterday, Malcolm Wicks, the Energy minister, suggested there was little common ground among the 2,000 responses and 500 energy and environment experts consulted.

US Long-Term Mortgage Rates Highest In Nearly Four Years

Freddie Mac last week released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.49 percent, with an average 0.6 point, for the week ending April 13, 2006, up from last week’s average of 6.43 percent.  Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 5.91 percent.  The 30-year FRM has not been higher since the week ending July 12, 2002, when it averaged 6.54 percent.

Vinyl Chloride Contamination Found in Illinois Wells

Several months ago, a DuPage County Health Department well-testing program detected vinyl chloride in 21 of 33 wells in Wayne Township, Ill, the Daily Herald reported. The highest levels were 4.59 ppb; the federal safe-drinking standard is 2 ppb. Expanded testing found nine out of 11 additional wells polluted with vinyl chloride. The highest level was 10.6 ppb.

Wells Fargo Invests $5 Million in Renewable Energy Fund

The investment is part of the Company’s pledge to provide $1 billion in lending, investments and other financial commitments by 2010 to environmentally beneficial business opportunities, including renewable energy.

Western governors gather to tout Frontier transmission line

Four governors from Western states are expected to unveil Monday efforts to develop a feasibility analysis and conceptual plan to advance the ambitious Frontier transmission line, which is designed to transmit power from clean coal and renewable energy projects.

Wind power'll be blowin' in, group predicts

B.C. Sustainable Energy Association president Guy Dauncey said six new proposals to build to build wind farms in northern B.C. suggest that one of the world's greenest energy sources will finally arrive in this province.

April 14, 2006

Additional $30M committed for cleanup of PCBs in Wisconsin river

Ambitious goal set for state-- 20% renewable power by 2020

New Jersey - The Board of Public Utilities on Wednesday adopted a long- discussed standard requiring that by 2020 at least 20 percent of power used in the state come from a renewable source, such as the sun, the wind or the waves.

Citrus Peels-- A Cheaper Way to Fill Up the Gas Tank

Thanks to recent hikes in gasoline prices, there is a renewed interest in finding a cheaper way to fill up the gas tank. Researchers at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Citrus and Subtropical Products Laboratory in Winter Haven, Fla. have been working on a potential substitute: citrus peels.

Cornell Capital Commits $150 Million to Renewable Energy

Cornell provides funding to cleantech and renewable energy sector companies to assist with R&D, to commercialize new technologies, and to grow organically or by acquisition. Cornell is willing to commit funds to help businesses in the sector become more mature and price competitive.

WASHINGTON, April 13, 2006 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture designated counties in Colorado as primary natural disaster areas.  Huerfano, Kiowa, Las Animas and Sedgwick Counties were designated as primary disaster areas due to losses caused by ongoing drought, crop diseases and insect infestations that occurred from Feb. 1, 2005, and continuing.

Democrats Call for Bipartisan Solution for Energy Independence

Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), along with 50 Democratic Senators and Representatives, sent a letter to President Bush and Vice President Cheney urging an emergency bipartisan national energy summit for lawmakers and stakeholders to solve the problem of America's dependence on foreign sources of oil.

Electric deregulation is boon to Texas economy, study concludes

A new study by the Waco economic research firm The Perryman Group concludes that the Texas economy has benefited significantly from the deregulation of the retail electricity market that occurred four years ago.

Energy Laws Vary From State to State

The USA is a patchwork of alternative energy laws in which some states offer much more generous incentives than others for homeowners and businesses to install solar or wind systems. Renewable energy representatives say the inconsistency hampers mass adoption, keeping prices high.

Fuel Economy Standards Could Downsize U.S. Foreign Oil Dependency

According to a study developed by Professor Daniel M. Kammen and his colleagues at U.C. Berkeley's Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory (RAEL), America could end the need to import fossil fuels from the Persian Gulf region by 2020! "Towards Energy Independence in 2025"

Gov. Schwarzenegger Helps Launch Energy Efficiency Center

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger came to the University of California, Davis campus yesterday to celebrate a $1 million grant from the California Clean Energy Fund to establish a center of excellence in energy efficiency. The new center is dedicated to speeding the transfer of new energy-saving products and services.

Green Roof Industry Survey Notes 80 Percent Growth

Results indicate a 72 percent growth in green roof square footage across North America between 2004 and 2005, and more than 80 percent growth in the United States. North American green roof infrastructure implementation increased from 1.3 million square feet in 2004 to 2.5 million square feet in 2005.

Greenpeace Arctic Mission to Spotlight Polar Bears

Two U.S. explorers plan to start a four-month summer expedition to the North Pole next month to gather information on the habitat of an animal they believe could be the first victim of global warming -- the polar bear.

Hawaii Crews Vacuum Up Invasive Algae

Marine researchers in Hawaii discovered a new way to clean ocean water from invasive algae -- sucking them up with an underwater vacuum. Alien algae is a serious threat for the islands' coral reefs. It dominates large regions on Oahu's south shore as well as on Maui and Molokai. The algae growing in the bay blocks sunlight and takes away habitat for fish, said biologist Cynthia Hunter.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells May Help U.S. Military Cut Gas Usage

Emerging automotive technology may eventually assist Americans -- and their military -- in reducing their dependence on hydrocarbon-based fuels for transportation needs. Government agencies such as the Defense and Energy departments are working to adapt new technologies like hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles that conserve finite, pollution-producing and increasingly expensive fossil fuels.

Nanogenerators convert motion into power

Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology say they have developed nanowires that generate electricity when they vibrate. Just as the quartz crystal in a watch, the zinc-oxide nanowires are piezoelectric, which means bending causes them to produce an electrical charge.

New Study Will Benchmark Home Water Usage

How much water do new homes consume?  No one knows for sure, so EPA and six water districts in the West and three in the South plan to find out.  The 10 agencies have announced a 33-month study to collect detailed information about how much water is consumed in "standard" new homes vs. "high-efficiency" new homes.

Off the Grid or on, Solar and Wind Power Gain

The Doucettes live off the power grid, but they're far from granola-crunching hippies eking out a bare-bones existence in the hinterlands. They live in a sleek $500,000 plaster-and-tile house a quarter mile from electric lines and could have hooked in for $10,000. Instead, they opted to pay about $41,000 for their own solar and wind energy systems.

Off-Shore Wind Debate Swirls

The wind is swirling around Cape Cod. That's where the country's first major off-shore wind project would be developed -- a controversy that has put some key interest groups on a collision course with one another. The critical question is not whether the project would diminish the use of fossil fuels and subsequently be a cleaner substitute. Rather, the hullabaloo centers on whether the 130 turbines that would generate 420 megawatts during peak winds would create such an eyesore that it would distort the pristine environment enjoyed by the Cape's residents.

Ontario's Largest Wind Farm Officially Opens

Ontario Energy Minister Donna Cansfield today joined the owner and developers of the $186 million Erie Shores Wind Farm for the Official Opening of Ontario's largest wind farm.

Options energize county-- Bay looking to make profit from waste-to- energy plant

At least five power companies are considering buying electricity from Bay County, which affords the county another opportunity to make its electricity-generating incinerator more profitable.  The waste-to-energy plant generates 73,000 megawatts of electricity yearly, which is enough to heat and cool about 4,000 homes, according to Hunt.

Pa. nuclear plant on 48-hour waiver

A nuclear plant near Pittsburgh has 48 hours to replace an air filtration system or shut down after a sprinkler system malfunction rendered it useless. The charcoal air filtration system is used during a nuclear accident to filter contaminated air before it is released into the environment. Last week the plant shut down because of a faulty electrical coil.

Paper execs urge Congress to address high natural gas prices

The CEOs of both the American Forest & Paper Association and Rock-Tenn Co. are both calling for congressional action to address high natural gas prices.

Peabody plan takes a step 'ahead'

Peabody Energy Corp.'s plans to build a $2 billion coal- fired power plant in western Kentucky advanced a step Wednesday when a state official upheld an air permit for the controversial project. "We think this is a setback for Kentucky," said Hank Graddy, an attorney for the Sierra Club and other groups that appealed the permit. "It's also a setback for those who claim to be championing clean coal technologies."

Power bills will drop, thanks to plentiful water in Idaho

Utility says rates could decrease by 16% on June 1.  The company asked the commission to approve a 19 percent drop to its PCA, a rate that changes each year depending on water and snowpack levels.

Preparing New York City for the Coming Energy Crisis

President Bush's belated admission that we are addicted to oil is correct in part, but does not go far enough. We will have to break the addiction, not just to Middle Eastern oil, but to all oil, and sooner than expected. If we deal with the other parts of the energy dilemma he didn't address, we can make the transition less difficult than it will be otherwise.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 041406

Solar activity was very low. Only a few B-class flares occurred. All sunspot regions were relatively small and simple.  The geomagnetic field is expected to be mostly unsettled to active with the possibility of isolated storm conditions as the high-speed stream induced activity continues.

Scottish Gas price adverts full of hot air, rules watchdog

Television adverts for the two firms, owned by Centrica, featured the stories of customers who were said to be untroubled by soaring bills, because other companies would be just as expensive.

Should coal be used to create ethanol?  Could ethanol itself be used instead?

"Late last year in Goldfield, Iowa, a refinery began pumping out a stream of ethanol, whose plant is burning 300 tons of coal a day to turn corn into ethanol - the first US plant of its kind to use coal instead of cleaner natural gas.At least three other such refineries are being built in Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota. The trend, which is expected to continue, has left even some ethanol boosters scratching their heads.

South of New Orleans, a People Fight to Keep Their Land

Federal officials announced Wednesday that they intend to protect all of hurricane-swamped southeastern Louisiana except, perhaps, a strip of land south of New Orleans known as lower Plaquemines Parish. The government's announcement has sent shock waves through the communities of fishermen, orange growers, sulfur miners and oil field workers. The fear is that if the government decides not to spend about $1.6 billion to strengthen and heighten the levees down here, it may be impossible for folks to get flood insurance.

Sweeping ethanol legislation breezes through Iowa House

Sweeping ethanol legislation that took months to craft cleared the Iowa House in just five minutes Wednesday and is now on its way to Gov. Tom Vilsack's desk. 

The irony wasn't lost on Rep. Steve Olson, R-DeWitt, who guided the bill to passage on a 97-1 vote. He was at the center of a session-long effort to bring together competing groups who grow, manufacture and sell renewable fuel.

U. Illinois fees fund turbines

Three wind turbines, to be built on the South Farms at the University of Illinois, have marked the beginning of a University-wide effort to promote alternative energy sources and energy conservation on campus.

U.S. Dairy Uses Renewable Energy from Manure

Green Valley Dairy in Krakow, Wisconsin, generates approximately four million kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy a year, using manure from 2,500 head of cattle. That is enough to power about 400 average Wisconsin homes for one year.

April 13, 2006

4th issue of this year of our Global Pipeline Monthly newsletter & journal

Table of Contents of Pipeline issues around the world.

2006 already a record year for Canada's wind energy industry

Canada's wind energy industry has already broken its annual growth record in 2006 and is set to shatter it before the year is out. As of April 2006, Canada had installed 260 MW of new wind energy capacity, breaking the existing record of 239 MW established in 2005.

Analysis published of capacity of green power facilities in California

Outage rates for geothermal facilities in California are lower than at a conventional natural gas generating unit, while solar values are 79% and wind is as low as 25%.

The Renewables Portfolio Standard in the state requires a ‘least-cost best-fit’ strategy for selecting new generation projects to fulfill its supply goals from renewables, explains a report prepared for the California Energy Commission by the California Wind Energy Collaborative.

China Villagers Attack Polluting Factories - Paper

About 200 Chinese villagers, angry over pollution of their water supply, attacked three factories and a sewage treatment plant, a Hong Kong newspaper said on Wednesday.

Chrysler to Launch First US Hybrid in 2008

DaimlerChrysler AG'S Chrysler unit, which has for years stayed away from hybrid vehicles and focused on diesel engines instead, will launch its first hybrid vehicle in 2008, the unit's chief of product development said on Wednesday.

Common Eco-Myth-- Wind Turbines Kill Birds

It's a given that anytime we post a story on wind power someone is going to comment that "turbines kill birds," suggesting that wind power may therefore be unacceptable. Compared to what? Hitting birds with automobiles (along with turtles, groundhogs, and deer)? Birds caught by feral cats? Birds colliding with buildings or phone towers? Quite possibly, a higher mortality will be attached to the transmission wires needed to get the wind power to market. Why, then, do many associate bird mortality only with wind turbines?

Companies to Spend $30 Million on PCB Cleanup at the Lower Fox River and Green Bay Superfund Site

As the latest in a series of partial settlements aimed at cleaning up and restoring the Lower Fox River and Green Bay Superfund Site in northeastern Wisconsin, NCR Corp. (NCR) and Sonoco-U.S. Mills Inc. (Sonoco) have agreed to complete an important initial phase of the cleanup, the Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency announced today.

Danube Rises to Record Levels, Flooding in Balkans

The Danube river rose to its highest level in decades on Wednesday, forcing people to flee their homes in Serbia and Romania and swamping cities along its banks in Bulgaria, officials said.

EC takes legal action against eight countries for failing to support renewables

A directive approved by the continental Parliament and Council in 2001 obligated all member states to take measures to transpose EU legislation into national law before October 2003.

EPA Report Shows Decrease in Toxic Chemicals Released

The amount of toxic chemicals released into the environment decreased four percent from 2003 to 2004 according to the Environmental Protections Agency's Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) released today.

Ethiopia's Largest Hydroelectric Power Project Goes Smoothly

The state-owned Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo) said Tuesday more than 35 percent of the work on the Gilgel Gibe-II Hydroelectric Power Generation Project, being carried out with 5.2 billion birr (about 600 million U.S. dollars), has been finalized. Project Coordinator Simegnew Bekele said the project would boost the electric power supply of the country by 52 percent.

EU CO2 Emission Prices Hit New Record High

Carbon dioxide prices have climbed about five fold since the launch last year of the European Union's emission trading scheme, the centrepiece of the bloc's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas pollution and curb global warming.

European ethanol prices fall as gasoline blenders choose MTBE

European blenders and refiners were choosing to blend MTBE, rather than ethanol.  European gasoline production has increased recently, bolstered by a wide naphtha-gasoline spread of around $100/mt, with producers churning out greater
volumes of low-octane naphtha-based gasoline. As a result, blenders were optimizing refining economics by utilizing cheap MTBE versus other components such as ethanol or alkylates.

FirstEnergy gets funds for cleanup-- $1.3 billion in state-issued bonds to help upgrade two coal plants

Akron's FirstEnergy Corp. will use state-issued bonds to fund nearly $1.3 billion in clean-air projects at two of its coal-burning power plants in Ohio.  That will include steps to remove the sulfur dioxide that creates acid rain from the emissions from the seven boilers at the Sammis plant, one of FirstEnergy's largest coal-fired plants and biggest polluters.

GAO-- Energy trails other agencies on small biz goals

The Energy Department has fallen short of its small business prime contracting goals in four of the last five years and should take prompt action to improve its small business program management, according to a report released this month by the Government Accountability Office.

How deal on energy died in last hours

Just two hours remained before one of the Maryland General Assembly's most frenetic finishes, and in the Senate lounge Sen. Thomas M. Middleton was pleading with his exhausted Finance Committee colleagues: Accept a plan to stagger a 72 percent rate increase for more than a million Marylanders or return home with nothing.

Inbox 041306

For those who missed the story last week about U.S. Interior Secretary Gale Norton´s expansive new definition for the term wetlands, here is what the Miami Herald had to say about it.

Iran to install 3,000 centrifuges in Natanz pilot plant

Iran plans to install 3,000 centrifuges at its pilot centrifuge plant in Natanz by late this year, then expand to 54,000 centrifuges, Deputy Nuclear Chief Mohammad Saeedi said today, according to news reports.

Japan Nuclear Plant Reports Leak, No Outside Impact

About 40 litres of water containing plutonium and uranium leaked inside a concrete-lined cell at the plant for reprocessing spent nuclear fuel in Rokkasho, northern Japan, on Tuesday when an employee made an error in a remote-controlled process, the spokesman said.

Palo Verde nuclear reactors shut down

All three reactors at the Palo Verde nuclear plant, which supplies energy to the Valley and four other states, were down Monday and Tuesday, each for a different cause, said Jim McDonald, spokesman for Arizona Public Service Co., which operates the plant.

Pre-Launch Tests Begin at Kola Nuclear Waste Processing Unit

The last phase of testing has begun at the liquid nuclear waste procession complex at the Kola peninsula nuclear power plant. "Previous individual tests indicated that there was an error in the equipment's software, the notes and complaints were passed to Germany so that they could eliminate the defect and the software was re-installed after the update," he said.

Quote of the Day 041306

"The situation is completely changed. We are a nuclear state."
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said as the President again rejected the United Nations' call that it freeze its nuclear work.

Record Set in 2005 Atlantic Hurricane Season

US hurricane forecasters have added yet another storm to the record-shattering 2005 Atlantic hurricane season, taking the total to 28. A routine post-season review of weather data revealed a previously undetected subtropical storm that occurred near Portugal's Azores Islands in early October.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 041306

Solar activity is expected to be very low.  The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet to unsettled on 13 April. Unsettled to active conditions with possible periods of minor storming are expected on 14 April, increasing to mostly active with possible minor to major storming on 15 April due to a recurrent coronal hole high speed stream.

Schwarzenegger Backs Steps to Cut Emissions

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger endorsed measures Tuesday to reduce industrial emissions of greenhouse gases but stopped short of calling for a hard cap on emissions, saying the state needs more time to decide if a cap should be imposed.

Senator unveils proposal to close environmental cleanup loopholes

Study reports non-nuclear energy research activity in Europe

Sweden and Italy are the two countries in Europe with the highest involvement in renewable energy activities with the International Energy Agency. The study found an enormous variety between countries in levels of funding, research priorities, and the way in which in each country’s research priorities for renewables have evolved over time.

Tritium Leaks at Nuclear Power Plants Contaminate Groundwater

The nuclear industry has recently come under fire for leaking tritium - a radioactive isotope of hydrogen - into the groundwater of areas surrounding nuclear plants. Leaks have been reported at the Braidwood, Byron, and Dresden reactors in Illinois, the Palo Verde reactors in Arizona, and the Indian Point nuclear plant near New York City.

Statement on Tritium

Tritium is a highly radioactive isotope of hydrogen, with a specific activity of almost 10,000 curies per gram. In gaseous form, it poses far fewer risks than in other chemical forms. Since tritium has the same chemical properties as hydrogen, it can combine with oxygen to form water. Such tritiated water is radioactive, and has become one of the problem pollutants at many nuclear facilities. In some places it has contaminated groundwater and surface water and continues to do so.

Since tritiated water is processed by plants, animals and humans like ordinary water, the tritium in it can become transformed into other chemicals, such as proteins, needed by the body. It can become part of the DNA. It can affect developing fetuses.

Feds Probe Water Tritium Levels at Nuclear Power Plants

Federal monitors have formed a task force to investigate discharges of radioactive tritium-laced water at several power plants across the nation, including one at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station west of Phoenix, Ariz.

Tritium, a byproduct of nuclear power generation, is a relatively weak source of radiation.

However, authorities say long-term exposure to tritium can increase the risks of cancer, miscarriages and birth defects. It can be ingested or absorbed in human tissue.

Turkish premier chooses Black Sea port for country's first nuclear power plant

Turkey's prime minister chose a port city on the Black Sea for the construction of the country's first nuclear power plant, the head of the national atomic energy institute said Wednesday.

US ethanol industry paints rosy picture for future

Federal support for ethanol in the United States will reduce crude oil imports by 2 billion barrels and reduce the financial outflow to foreign oil producers by US$64 billion, according to the industry lobby group.

US Government publishes its assumptions for energy forecasting

The cost to install a 2 kW residential solar PV system in the United States will drop from US$8,363 in 2005 to $3,744 in 2030, while system efficiency increases from 0.16 to 0.25, according to the Department of Energy.

Water pollution action begins

Eleven European Union member states have been formally warned over the state of their bathing waters, as the Commission attempts to bring Governments into line over environmental directives.

Waterloo, Iowa, residents oppose proposed power plant

The City Council Monday night received a petition with more than 600 signatures opposing a proposed power plant in northeast Waterloo. Petitioners expressed concerns that the proposed power plant will increase flooding in the unincorporated community of Dewar; create air pollution from burning coal; and increase of traffic on Newell Street.

Wind use generates interest in region-- Port Clinton is latest to mull energy option

Port Clinton and Ottawa County are joining area communities in exploring the use of wind to generate electricity, which has picked up momentum with the success of Bowling Green's wind farm. Mayor Tom Brown said the city is looking into alternative energy, with a particular focus on wind power, calling Bowling Green the state's pioneer in wind power. "We wanted to find out more about it."

April 12, 2006

California energy markets stable and competitive four years in a row

The short-term electricity markets run by the California Independent System Operator Corporation (California ISO) were stable and competitive for the fourth full year in a row, according to the ISO's state-of-the market report filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) April 11.

Downed Arizona nuclear units boost Southwest spot gas prices

Southwest spot gas prices climbed as much a quarter from Monday's averages Tuesday, as some traders turned to the market for storage buying.  Three of Arizona Public Service's Palo Verde units are offline, all of which supply power to portions of California.

Drive an EV And Never Buy Gas Again

Electric vehicles -- powered entirely by batteries rather than a gas engine -- have been around ever since Henry Ford's wife drove one in 1914. Today, they offer greener and much more affordable transportation than conventional cars and trucks.

Effects of Climate Change on Arctic Observed

It's becoming harder to find the right snow to build an igloo, and melting permafrost is turning land into mud. With climate change the nature of the Arctic is changing, too, in ways that worry the people who live there.

EU ministers to debate measures against Iran

European foreign ministers will debate on Monday options for possible restrictive measures against Iran, including eventual financial sanctions, if Tehran continues to defy calls to halt sensitive nuclear activity.

Exploded coal plant to undergo repairs

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska — A coal power plant at Fort Wainwright that exploded in February is scheduled to receive more than $5 million in repairs, base officials said Monday.

"We have to repair this because it's not as safe as we want it to be," said public works director Mike Meeks. "It's to correct the situation and make sure it never happens again."

French opinion split between deep, shallow nuclear waste storage

Forty-six percent of those polled opted for near-surface disposal, while 42% preferred a deep repository, the "IRSN Barometer 2006" revealed. Among those with a higher education level, a majority (57%) favored a shallow repository allowing easier retrieval of waste for further treatment or if the waste packages degenerate too quickly,

Gold clearing statistics in March rise on month, on year-- LBMA

Clearing statistics for gold in March were higher for the second consecutive month, the London Bullion Market Association said Wednesday. Ounces transferred in gold rose 4.6% to 20.6 million oz--the highest level since June 2002.

Iran to build thermal power plants for Iraq

The energy minister has said: Iran is planning to build two thermal turn key power plants for Iraq near the border areas. The power plans will have a capacity of 500 MW each.

Kuwait says OPEC aims to make up for lost Nigerian output

OPEC could decide to raise the group's official crude output ceiling of 28 million b/d to try to stabilize world oil markets as international crude prices push higher on concerns about Iranian and Nigerian supply, Kuwait's oil minister, Sheikh Ahmed Fahed al-Sabah, told Platts Wednesday.

New Yorkers Seek 'Local Solutions to the Energy Dilemma'

"Local Solutions to the Energy Dilemma" is intended to increase public awareness and to encourage strategic planning to adapt to permanently increasing energy prices. Panels at the conference will address transportation, energy efficient buildings, onsite small wind and solar, the potential of renewable energy and expansion of regional agriculture.

Oglala president takes center stage on women's clinic

The nearly total ban on abortion by the state of South Dakota has vaulted a tribal president to national prominence with her plan to build a clinic for women on a reservation that will offer reproductive choices for all women.

Cecilia Fire Thunder, president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, surprisingly became a national figure in the fight to provide women with reproductive choices and rights.

Olympics - US Urges China to Clean Up Environment

The United States urged China on Tuesday to clean up its environment ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, as China's top environmental agency warned Beijing citizens to stay home to avoid serious air pollution.

Oregon Governor Pursues Ocean 'Wave Energy'

In voicing his support for a federal earmark of $3 million to establish a national Wave Energy Research, Development and Demonstration Center in Oregon, Governor Ted Kulongoski is bringing his state closer to a leadership role in renewable energy.

Quote of the Day 041206

"It's all coming together today with the US stats, IPE Brent and IPE gasoil expiry all happening.

"I think the geo-political tensions are leading the prices. Whenever there is tension, increasing the supply will never be effective in helping the prices."

"OPEC has done what it can do. We have pumped our maximum capacity and current high oil prices are out of OPEC's control. We can do nothing."

Rate Cases Top Agendas

A firestorm now in the Maryland legislature will burn utilities and their customers alike. Artificial rate caps have suppressed energy prices there. But, now those limits are about to expire and the state’s biggest player, Constellation Energy, wants to begin phasing in a 72 percent rate hike this July that equates to an annual increase of $743 per customer. State legislators say that increase is too steep but can’t agree on how to remedy the matter.

Renewable Energy Bill Introduced in U.S. Senate

Senator Conrad introduces bill to extend solar, wind tax credits, other renewable energy provisions   With energy independence and renewable energy development a legislative priority for Congressional leaders, the introduction of another renewable energy legislative proposal made its way to the Senate floor last week.

Restoring Wetlands Key to Curbing Bird Flu - Report

Restoring wetlands and clearing poultry farms from migratory flyways could help curb the spread of bird flu by stopping wild birds from mixing with domestic fowl, a UN-commissioned report said on Tuesday.

Russia's Gazprom acts as middleman in its first UK LNG delivery

The liquefied natural gas tanker that docked at the UK import facility at National Grid's Isle of Grain Monday was bought by Russia's Gazprom from Gaz de France "on the water" and sold to BP at the jetty, Gazprom and BP said Wednesday.

RWE plans to build UK's first clean coal, 1 GW plant at Tilbury

RWE npower plans to build the UK's first "clean coal" power plant at Tilbury, the UK generator said Wednesday.
The 1,000MW plant would use "carbon capture and storage" technology that could reduce CO2 emissions by 90% per year.

Saudi Arabia to Stabilize Oil Markets

Saudi Arabia, the world's top crude exporter, will continue its role of stabilizing the oil market, Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz said yesterday at a public lecture organized by the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. 

Scientists Breed Rice to Defy Climate Change

Scientists are developing new flood and drought-prone rice varieties to combat the threat of global warming to Asia's food staple but more work is needed, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) said.

Sewage Scares Off Tourists in 'Green' Costa Rica

Tourists once flocked to the surf and wildlife of this tropical town on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, but the filth of a sewage-rich river that oozes through Tarcoles has driven them away.

Southwest Windpower Raises $8 Million in Growth Capital

"The growing awareness of wind power and its benefits is a clear indication that we are moving toward energy security one household at a time."  -- Frank Greco, Southwest Windpower, CEO

Survey sees utility merger, acquisition activity picking up

The gas and electric utility industry will have fewer, but larger, companies 10 years from now, and they will address challenges such as environmental concerns and finding new fuel sources if political and regulatory factors are addressed, according to a report released Tuesday.

The end of organic crops?

What you sow isn't always what you reap.  Spanish farmers burn organic crops contaminated with genetically engineered maize.  "This year I will again sow maize. But if it is again contaminated [with genetically engineered maize] I will abandon the growing of organic maize. It is obvious that I cannot carry on my shoulders the episodes of contamination like these, year after year."

The H2opi run into the land of Quetzalcoatl

Hopi runners in green shirts came in through Chapultepec Park and came to a stop in front of the statue of Tlaloc - the ancient spirit of water and rain.

There, they were received by traditional leaders and elders, marking the end of their two-week, 2,000-mile historic water run into Mexico-Anahuac. During the ceremony, they were also greeted by a descending eagle.

The West can't let Iran have the bomb

With each week that passes, Iran's ayatollahs move closer to their goal of building an atom bomb. This is not misinformed propaganda pumped out by trigger-happy yahoos on the wilder fringes of America's Republican Party. This is the opinion of the dedicated teams of nuclear experts attached to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna,

US shift to ethanol to add 'few pennies' to gasoline price-- Caruso

The expected 25 cent/gal increase in average summer gasoline prices in the US from last year to this year, while mostly the result of stronger crude oil prices, is also the result of the shift away from gasoline additive MTBE to ethanol and to higher refinery margins, Guy Caruso, head of the US Energy Information Administration, told reporters Tuesday.

Utility Stocks Struggle for Staying Power

Is this "the big one Elizabeth"? Utility fundholders are staggering around, near-dying to know. Like good old Fred, utility stocks have also set a pattern of crying wolf when things get tough, only to quickly snap back to health. These cardiac episodes, however, rarely amuse shareholders.

What's Moving the Market 041206

• IPE Brent futures remained supported by ongoing concerns about threats to Nigerian crude oil production and Iran nuclear tensions ahead of US stock data out later Wednesday, traders said.

• The market is keeping an eye on stock data from the US energy department's Energy Information Administration and the American Petroleum Institute.

• The International Energy Agency Wednesday raised its estimate of the amount of oil OPEC needs to pump to balance supply and demand this year by 400,000 b/d to 29.4 million b/d as a result of upwards revisions to oil demand data from non-OECD countries.

April 11, 2006

$1.1B in Electric Lines Proposed-- Planned Routes Slated for Valley Area and into California

A total of $1.1 billion in new high-voltage electric lines are in the advanced planning stages in Arizona and adjacent states as utilities attempt to keep up with population and economic growth and increase the reliability of the Western transmission grid.

Authorities Close Major Logging Operation in Brazil

Environmental authorities shut down an illegal logging operation in the Amazon on Monday, confiscating dozens of felled tropical hardwood trees in an area that only recently was pristine rain forest.

Belgrade Prepares for Floods as Danube Swells

Belgrade is setting up sandbags and earth barriers along the rivers Danube and Sava to prevent flooding in the Serbian capital when water levels peak later this week, authorities said on Monday.

Brazil rules out rationing gas to distributors until Thursday

Brazil won't ration natural gas supplies to the country's gas distributors until at least Thursday as Bolivian gas exports to Brazil remain ample despite damaged pipelines, Brazil's energy ministry said late Monday.

Caribbean Reefs Ailing From Bleaching, Disease

Deadly diseases are attacking coral reefs across the Caribbean Sea after a massive surge of coral bleaching last summer, a two-pronged assault that scientists say is one of the worst threats to the region's fragile undersea gardens.

Credit Risk - US Loan Market Sees Fewer Covenant Protections as Volumes Soar

Accompanying and fueling the dramatic growth of the US syndicated loan market over the past several years has been a steady loosening of lending standards among banks on commercial and industrial loans.  This trend has been most acute among non-investment grade loans despite a steady decline in the credit quality of newly originated deals.

DaimlerChrysler unveils fuel cell powered cop car

Energy Risk - Oil Prices Rise on Iran Tensions

Oil prices increased on Monday, as tension ratcheted up between the West and Iran over its nuclear program and militants threatened further violence against oil workers in Nigeria.  U.S. crude oil futures climbed 24 cents or 0.4 percent to $67.63 and London Brent crude was up 16 cents or 0.2 percent at $67.45.

EPA Releases Top 10 List of Retail Green Power Partners

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the most recent national Top 10 Retail Partners list highlighting the largest retail purchases of renewable energy by members of the Green Power Partnership.

European Utilities Leverage Renewable Energy to Gain Competitive Edge-- Europe's top-20 utilities to double renewable energy investments over next 5 years

With natural gas prices spiking to new heights, nuclear power policy in flux, and Kyoto restrictions and high prices impacting coal-fired generation, Europe's top-20 utilities now see renewable generation portfolios as key elements of their business plans, according to EER's new study, Renewable Generation Strategies of Europe's Utilities, 2006–2011.

Global Warming Threatens Extinctions - Report

Global warming will become a top cause of extinction from the tropical Andes to South Africa with thousands of species of plants and animals likely to be wiped out in coming decades, a study said on Tuesday.

Gold rattles through $600oz, may be hit by profit taking

Bullion fixed at its highest level for 25 years in London on Tuesday morning having broken though $600/oz overnight, a key psychological level, on the back of further investment from speculators and fund managers.  Gold was fixed at $599.50/oz Tuesday morning.

IPE Brent surges towards $70/bbl on Iran, Nigeria supply concerns

IPE Brent crude futures in London surged higher extending the gains from Monday as concerns persisted about US media reports citing the White House plans for the possible use of military force against Iran.  Unplanned US refinery outages and the ongoing shut in of Nigerian barrels were also providing a bullish impetus.

Iran says has enriched uranium

The head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization confirmed on Tuesday that Iran had enriched uranium to a level used in nuclear power plants. White House spokesman Scott McClellan said Iran was "moving in the wrong direction" with its nuclear program and if it persisted, the United States would discuss possible next steps with the U.N. Security Council.

Market Risk - Europe Simulates Financial Meltdown

Europe's financial regulators have held a "war game" exercise, simulating a continent-wide financial crisis, amid fears they are ill- prepared to stop a problem in one country spreading across borders.

Navy Helps Advance Green Energy

Developers have often been reluctant to hunt for new geothermal energy because of the cost and risk associated with drilling down deep below the Earths surface.  So the Navy is increasingly doing the drilling for them, scouting for untapped reserves of heat beneath the surface of military facilities

New Jersey to Tap Swamps Near NYC for Solar Power

New Jersey hopes to convert the Meadowlands, gritty wetlands near New York City that are emerging from decades of heavy industry and dumping, into one of the nation's leading areas for generating solar power.

NWE Gas, Electricity Charges to Decline

For the third month in a row, NorthWestern Energy is reducing its electricity and natural gas rates in Montana, responding to a continuing decline in market prices.

As of April 1, natural gas rates will have declined 22 percent and electricity rates 9 percent from their January highs for residential customers in Montana.

OPEC puts cost of demand uncertainty to 2020 at $240 billion

OPEC's oil producers are committed to spending $100 billion to expand production capacity to 38 million b/d by 2010 but are reluctant to commit funds beyond that date because demand uncertainty

Pa. communities urged by governor to join wind power projects

Pennsylvania Gov. Edward Rendell is urging municipalities to participate in small-scale wind-energy projects throughout the state to reduce the state´s dependence on imported energy.

Philadelphia Residents Discover it Pays to Recycle

When you can't get people to recycle rubbish by appealing to their environmental consciences, there's a simple solution that seems to work: pay them.

Quote of the Day 041106

"Investment funds accelerated fresh buying amid growing concern in the market that the NYMEX light sweet crude futures will likely surpass $70/barrel Tuesday."

Refiner group pans US Senate oil industry antitrust bill

NPRA President Bob Slaughter, in a statement, said the organiztion disagrees with the underlying premise behind the bill -- that concentration in the oil industry has had an adverse impact on consumer protection.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 041106

Solar activity was very low.  Newly numbered Region 870 (S08E21) produced a B8 flare.  A CME observed.The geomagnetic field ranged from quiet to minor storm levels. The high speed solar wind stream that began late on 08 April remains in effect. Solar wind speed is at 600 km/s, but is in decline.

Silicon Valley Venture Capitalist Sees Big Opportunity in Green Technology

Doerr and his firm, Kleiner Perkins Caulfield & Byers, are placing big bets on an emerging sector he calls "green technology," one he believes could become as lucrative as information technology and biotechnology.

Solar Power Dims-- Cost of Systems Jumps and Installation Rate Starts to Slow Down

The problem: There isn't enough polysilicon being manufactured for both the global semiconductor industry that has traditionally been its biggest user and an upstart solar cell industry that's experiencing unprecedented demand. The result is a supply shortage that's unexpectedly driving up prices for an already expensive home addition.

South Korea Chokes on Yellow Dust, More Storms Seen

South Korea suffered its worst yellow dust storm in four years at the weekend, a choking pall of sand mixed with toxic chemicals, and meteorologists warned on Monday of more to come.

Spending cut likely in Senate

Two key Senate appropriators made it clear last month that they plan to cut DOE's $544 million request for the repository program in fiscal 2007, which begins October 1.

Thai Biodiesel Plan Seen at Standstill

Thailand's plan to promote palm-based biodiesel as a fuel source to offset high energy costs appears to have been unsuccessful so far, a leading industry executive said on Monday.

The Prospect for Tidal Power Generation in Central America

The West Coast of Latin America, Central America and North America is both an earthquake as well as a volcanic zone. Despite the presence of these natural hazards, potential exists whereby electric power may be generated from ocean tides at several locations in this region. There have been numerous proposals to install ocean tidal power conversion technology at several sites along the Alaskan coast as well as along the coast of British Columbia, Canada. As demand for electric power increases in these regions, ocean tidal power generation technology would likely begin to appear.

U.K. Companies Talk Energy With N.M.

New Mexico has a reputation as a leader in renewable energy both inside and outside the United States.

That recognition helped bring representatives of seven alternative energy companies from the United Kingdom to Albuquerque this week as part of a three-city tour seeking to promote products, exchange ideas and form business partnerships.

US attorney investigating Massey mine accident in criminal probe

US Attorney Charles T. Miller "has accepted a criminal referral" from the Mine Safety and Health Administration to investigate the fatal January 19 fire at Massey Energy subsidiary Aracoma Coal's Alma No. 1 mine in Logan County, West
Virginia.  Two miners died in the accident.

US likely to pass India nuclear deal-- senator

The U.S. Congress was likely to pass a landmark nuclear energy deal with India, but the vote might be delayed until January after the American midterm elections, a leading senator said on Monday.

What's Moving the Market 041106

• IPE Brent crude futures in London surged higher extending the gains from Monday as concerns persisted about US media reports citing the White House plans for the possible use of military force against Iran.
• Unplanned US refinery outages and the ongoing shut in of Nigerian barrels were also providing a bullish impetus.

Wind farm issue put to test on Nantucket

To Mao Rojas, building 130 windmills in the middle of Nantucket Sound would be like paving over the old-fashioned cobblestone streets on Nantucket with concrete.

Work starts on Vietnam's biggest gas power station

Construction of the country's largest-ever gas-fuelled electric plant in the southernmost province of Ca Mau began on 9 April. It is scheduled to supply 10bn kWh annually, or 18 per cent of the country's power output by 2008.

The Ca Mau gas-power-fertilizer complex, which will fire natural gas to generate power, will have a combined capacity of 1,500 MW.

April 10, 2006

Animal ID System to Be in Place by 2009

Authorities trying to limit disease outbreaks will be able to trace livestock movements from birth to slaughter by 2009, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said Thursday. Many livestock producers have been wary of a tracking system.

Brazil, Chile, Argentina face gas shortage on Bolivia supply snag

Brazil Friday began to sharply reduce gas consumption, in a government-ordered rationing expected to last several weeks, after Bolivian pipeline ruptures slashed gas shipments to Brazil from its top supplier.  Brazil, Argentina and Chile all face cuts in natural gas supply as Bolivia's output is seen falling, as of Monday, to as little as 25 million cubic meters/day

Brownfields Collaborative Cleanups II

Announcing an upcoming conference being organized by the EPA Office of Water and Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. Collaborative Cleanups II: Revitalizing and Protecting America's Watersheds will convene in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire on May 4-5, 2006.

Canada Troops Mount Big Arctic Sovereignty Patrol

Canadian forces Sunday wrapped up a two-week exercise designed to assert sovereignty over the Arctic at a time when climate change is fueling international interest in the desolate, mineral-rich region.

Center for the Commercialization of Electric Technologies Approves First Smart Grid Project

The Center for the Commercialization of Electric Technologies (CCET), a high-tech, electricity and university consortium, approved the first of what is expected to be a series of new commercialization projects that will put Texas on the road to reinventing the electric system of the 21st Century.

China Punishes Officials for Lake Pollution

China has punished eight officials for polluting a chain of once thriving lakes near Beijing, pushing a drive for greener growth, state media said on Friday.

City of Honolulu Working to Remedy Sewage Dump in Canal

Last week, crews patched the cracked 42-in. force main that has released more than 10 million gal of raw sewage into Hawaii’s Ala Wai Canal by filling cracks with lead wool, wrapping the main with a resin fiberglass material and covering it with a reinforced concrete jacket, according to city of Honolulu spokesman Bill Brennan.

Congress near blocking Mass. offshore wind farm

Opponents of a plan to build the first offshore U.S. wind farm in Nantucket Sound off Massachusetts were a step closer on Friday to blocking the $900 million project.

Economic Outlook for Utility Contractors

The economic outlook for utility contractors is mixed. Power related segments will see dramatic increases in construction spending; telecommunications spending will experience modest growth across the country with selected geographies experiencing strong growth; and water/wastewater and sewer will exhibit more modest growth due to constraints in available funding.

Energy Risk - Oil Analysts Predict Record Prices

EPA Probes BP's Actions in Prudhoe Bay Oil Spill

The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that the EPA has launched a criminal investigation into BP's management of the pipeline corrosion blamed for the spill of an estimated 200,000 gallons of crude oil in the western part of the largest US oil field.

Ethanol prices surge in Brazil, raise prospect of limited exports

Pump prices for ethanol in Brazil surged 14.2% in March, their biggest one-month leap in more than three years, as supply concerns in the months between sugarcane harvests and rising demand from flex-fuel vehicles boosted prices, according to Brazil's monthly FGV inflation survey, released Friday.

Expert Says It Was Hotter 247 Million Years Ago

The graphite line is graphic evidence of dramatic global warming that consumed so much oxygen that it nearly wiped out all life on the planet 247 million years ago, said the natural resources specialist for the Oregon Caves National Monument.

Five N.Y. schools join national Go Green Initiative

Five Syracuse, N.Y., schools have joined a national effort to take a comprehensive approach to reducing their environmental footprint.

FP&L offering reward for identity of pipe damage perpetrator

Florida Power & Light is offering a $100,000 reward for information that leads to identification of the person or persons involved in drilling a small hole into a pressurizer pipe during Turkey Point-3's current refueling outage.

FPL Should Help Bear Storm Recovery Costs, Official Says

For the first time in a Florida utility case, a state regulator has proposed that Florida Power & Light Co. bear some hurricane recovery costs rather than pass them all on to customers through higher electric bills.

French PM Chirac backs down, scraps CPE workers contract

French President Jacques Chirac scrapped Monday the proposed CPE workers contract law that brought millions to the streets in protest on March 28 and April 4 as well as strikes by energy and transport workers.

Hewlett-Packard receives recycling design award

Idaho governor mum on his intentions of signing plant moratorium

The Idaho legislation to impose a two-year moratorium on constructing merchant pulverized-coal power plants in the state is on Governor Dirk Kempthorne's desk, but he is being quiet about whether he will sign or veto the legislation.

Japan's Onagawa nuclear plant may restart No. 1 unit in July

"We hope to restart the No.1 unit as early as July as we will likely be submitting our impact assessment report on the automatic shutdown due to the August 16 earthquake to the government in mid-May," the source said.

LAKE ELSINORE -- Many decry power plant

Citing concerns about fire hazards, property values and the loss of scenic mountain views, hundreds of people packed the Lake Elsinore cultural center Wednesday to speak against a proposed hydroelectric power plant that would be built in the hills above Lake Elsinore.

Maryland Joins States Breaking With Bush on CO2

Maryland has become the eighth state to join a pact seeking mandatory limits on carbon dioxide emissions, the governor's office said on Friday.

New tritium leak at Exelon-- Tainted steam escapes at Braidwood plant

Steam laced with radioactive tritium escaped Thursday from a valve at an Exelon Nuclear power plant in Will County as the company was holding an information night to tell residents how it planned to start cleaning up tritium from previous spills.

New Ways to Power N.C.-- As Utilities Plan Nuclear Reactors, the State Takes a Fresh Look at Alternative Sources of Energy

North Carolina's cheap electricity comes with a hidden cost. Abundant supplies of cheap power mean there is little incentive to develop alternative energy to the extent seen in other states.

Nuclear hostility is thawing

To put the current debate in context, the UK government is committed to the idea put out by the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution, that the world's governments should take action to limit global average temperature rises to 2C by 2050.  The fact is that global temperatures are rising and carbon emissions are playing a significant part in that rise. To slow or halt rising global temperatures, we have to cut carbon emissions and targets have to be set.

Oman to spend $10 billion to raise oil output to 900,000 b/d

Oman plans to raise its crude oil production to 900,000 b/d by 2010 or 2011 from 780,000 b/d currently and plans to spend $10 billion over the next five years to achieve that target, Omani oil minister Mohammed Rumhi said Sunday. Oman, which is not an OPEC producer, has seen its production decline in recent years after peaking at just under 1 million b/d in 2000.

Oslo's Sewage Heats its Homes

Large blue machines at the end of a 300-metre long tunnel in a hillside in central Oslo use fridge technology to suck heat from the sewer and transfer it to a network of hot water pipes feeding thousands of radiators and taps around the city.

Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Making Small Wind Energy Systems Available to Local Governments

The Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority is looking for a few good municipalities, public authorities and school districts to generate a buzz about alternative energy.

Pennsylvania Seeks to Lead in Recycling Mine Water

Pennsylvania is trying to find a solution to a multibillion-dollar problem left over from its days as a coal production leader: What to do with the billions of gallons of orange, acidic water pouring out endlessly from its abandoned underground mines.

PG&E Completes Potrero-Hunters Point Transmission Line in San Francisco

Pacific Gas and Electric Company has released into service a new underground transmission line in San Francisco, bringing the utility closer to its goal of closing its last San Francisco power plant.

Pipe Break Spews Sewage into U.S. Virgin Islands Harbor

A pipe break has spilled millions of liters (gallons) of raw sewage near a residential area in the U.S. Virgin Islands, officials said Friday.

Plants Helped Ants Evolve, Harvard Study Finds

Ants evolved far earlier than previously believed, as far back as 140 million to 168 million years ago -- and they have plants to thank for their diversity, US researchers reported on Thursday.

Power-plant approvals could get easier-- The laws would reduce public input and allow the state to overrule local decisions

In response to rising electric bills, state lawmakers are working on several proposed laws that would make it faster and easier for power companies to build new electric plants in Florida, including nuclear power plants.

Quote of the Day 041006

"We are poised to be distributing ethanol in the US at a rate in excess of 200 million gallons per year as early as January 2007."
Noble group said after signing a $2 million stake in a Kansas Ethanol plant.

Rains End Kenya Drought but Damage Remains

It would take months before the effects of the drought were alleviated. Heavy rains have been pounding most parts of the country, including the northeast and coastal regions that were hardest hit by the lack of rains.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 041006

Solar activity is expected to be very low.  The geomagnetic field was at quiet to minor storm levels, with major
storming at high latitudes.  The geomagnetic field is expected to be unsettled to active with a chance for minor storm
conditions on 10 April.  Quiet to unsettled conditions are expected on 11 - 12 April.

Rice finds support in Congress for India nuclear deal

Facing tough questions about the Bush administration's proposed deal to aid India's civilian nuclear program, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told Congress that she would press New Delhi to back up its stated commitment to stop the spread of nuclear arms.

Salvos Fired at Nuclear Industry

Just as the nuclear industry is getting its new wings, a salvo fired from a congressional government oversight agency is threatening to shoot it down. The Government Accountability Office says that nearly five years after 9/11, nuclear plants have beefed up security but that the measures would fall short of protecting against an all-out attack.

Signs of a Comeback for Nuclear Power-- Rising Fuel Costs, Global Warming Renew Interest in Building Plants

The last time an American electric utility won a license to operate a nuclear power plant, Earl Weaver was managing the Orioles, cellular telephones were in the prototype phase and a Web site was a place a spider caught insects.

The year was 1978, one year before the near-disaster at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant.

Some power-plant emissions have declined, but CO2 is on the rise

Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from power plants have fallen significantly in recent years while carbon dioxide emissions have increased, according to an annual report on the nation´s largest electricity generators.

State OKs Power Line Through Kentucky Forest

A state agency has approved an electric cooperative's plan to cut a 100-foot-wide swath across nearly 5 miles of the Daniel Boone National Forest, a project that environmentalists fear could open the woodlands to unwelcome species that would wage war on migratory songbirds.

Suit's dismissal may clear way for wind farms

West Virginia--A Grant County Circuit judge this week dismissed a lawsuit that tried to block the construction of a 200-turbine wind project near Mount Storm, a decision wind energy proponents predict will pave the way for the approval of proposed wind farms across the state.

'Swimming' in coal next year

A European coal trader said buyers in Europe and Asia will be "swimming in coal" next year, even as he acknowledged the current supply tightness that keeps Richards Bay and Newcastle prices at high levels.

There's Gold in Them Thar Waste Hills - Part 2

For the last 100 years the combustion of coal for electricity and steel making has resulted in large financial rewards for all of its private and governmental stakeholders. One cannot hope for or expect the waste piles to go away very fast notwithstanding the continuing and increasing environmental damage. A single solution for all the waste piles consists of their encapsulation in concrete wall panels for use in the building industry. Concrete encapsulation permanently captures every one of the waste piles nasty constituents forever preventing their release and damage to the environment. This result could be realized if...

Utility watches for radiation entering water

FirstEnergy's Perry plant has small tritium leak   A routine test of water in drains underneath the plant on March 28 revealed small amounts of tritium. A small leak of reactor water was found in a flange in the reactor building. From there, it is believed that water with the tritium leaked through the concrete floor and into drains beneath the plant.

What's Moving the Market 041006

IPE brent futures in London gained more than half a dollar in early Monday trade as the stand-off between the US and Iran over Tehran's nuclear enrichment program intensived with reports suggesting Washington has drawn up contingency plans to strike at Iran's nuclear sites if diplomacy fails.

World Risk - Oil's New Range in the Economy

The price of benchmark US sweet crude oil has averaged US$63/barrel so far this year, reaching peaks of US$68/b in late January and early April, and with mid-February marking the lowest point, at US$57/b. The build-up of stocks over this period, with supply comfortably exceeding demand, would provide good cause to expect the price to fall, were it not for a host of other factors working in the opposite direction.

World's Forests Continue To Shrink

"A healthy planet needs healthy forests. Thriving forests regulate the water cycle and stabilize soils. Forests also help moderate climate by soaking up and storing carbon dioxide. In addition to these ecosystem services, forests provide habitat for diverse flora and fauna, offer cultural, spiritual, and recreational opportunities, and provide a variety of food, medicines, and wood," says Elizabeth Mygatt of Earth Policy Institute.

April 7, 2006

Bolivian energy crisis continues, protests add to problems

Bolivia's energy crisis continued Friday to threaten supplies to neighboring Brazil and Argentina, with shipments of natural gas reduced by more than a quarter from normal levels of 32 million cubic meters a day, as rain-damage to pipelines and political unrest in Bolivia's Tarija region shut in Petrobras and Repsol-operated fields.

China Orders Cleanup of 20 Chemical Plants

China's environment ministry has ordered cleanups at 20 chemical and petrochemical enterprises, including CNPC and units of Sinopec, after they were found to pose serious safety threats, domestic media reported on Thursday.

Clean Edge Report Covers BioFuels, Solar, Wind, Fuel Cell Markets

Markets for biofuels, photovoltaics, wind energy and fuel cells are poised to expand four-fold in the next decade, growing from $40 billion in global revenues in 2005 to $167 billion by 2015, according to a report report released by Clean Edge, Inc.

Cree Wind Power Project

Yudinn Energy Inc., a wind energy company formed by the Cree Nation of Chisasibi and Ventus Energy Inc., is developing new wind generation facilities along the La Grande River corridor within the traditional lands of Chisasibi.

Dell outlines new computer recycling plans

Dell Inc. plans to triple the amount of computers it recovers and recycles by the end of 2009.

In fiscal year 2006, which ended Feb. 3, the computer firm reused and recycled nearly 40,000 tons of electronics from its customers and company operations

Democrats Call For Bipartisan Summit on Energy Independence

Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, along with 50 Democratic Senators and Representatives, today sent a letter to President Bush and Vice-President Cheney, urging them to immediately convene an emergency bipartisan national energy summit to bring together lawmakers and stakeholders and solve the problem of America's dependence on foreign and unstable sources of oil.

Doe Announces $52.5 Million Solicitation For Basic Hydrogen Research

Secretary Bodman announced a three-year, $52.5 million solicitation to support new innovations in hydrogen technology. The solicitation, to be released later this month, supports President Bush's Advanced Energy Initiative - which seeks to reduce dependence on foreign oil - and will support research to assist in overcoming the scientific challenges associated with the production, use and storage of hydrogen.

Electricity producers launch transparency initiative-- power plant data available online

EnBW, E.ON Energy, RWE Power and Vattenfall Europe, power plant generators in Germany, will play a pioneering role by publishing production data from their German power plants on the web site of the European Energy Exchange (www.eex.de ), which is based in Leipzig. In doing so, the companies will launch another innovation which will make market activities even more transparent.

Electricity-hungry Africa urged to use hydropower, increase capacity

Africa, in urgent need of electricity to lighten millions of households and fuel economic development, should make a better use of its enormous hydropower potential, energy experts and officials heard here on Thursday.

Energy Department Examines Hydrogen-Production Benefits of Coal

Washington ' Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Sandia National Laboratories in California are studying the burning characteristics of coal to prepare the way for a hydrogen economy.

There are many long-term options for providing hydrogen as a fuel of the future, but coal is the leading contender to provide a hydrogen source in the near term.

Energy Risk - Indian Discusses Energy Security With EU

Energy Systems Group Breaks Ground on Landfill Gas Recovery Plant

The project will provide a new source of revenue for the city, help alleviate pressure on community taxes, make available a local and alternative energy supply for several Johnson City companies and reduce air emissions for the area over the next two decades.

EON's Case for Renewable Energy

Gas, coal and nuclear must live alongside biomass and renewable energy if the UK is to reduce carbon emissions and secure power supplies, EON has claimed. In its submission, EON said that a range of technologies should be adopted if the UK wanted to ensure security of supply.

EPCOR's Kingsbridge I Wind Power Project officially opens with Energy Minister Donna Cansfield in attendance

EPCOR today welcomed Ontario Minister of Energy Donna Cansfield to celebrate the start-up of operations at its Kingsbridge I Wind Power Project. The project is now complete, ahead of its June 30 deadline, with all 22 turbines in the 40 megawatt project generating electricity to Ontario's electrical grid.

Ethanol Production Peaked in January 2006

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) announced that the U.S. ethanol industry set a new monthly production record of 288,000 barrels per day (b/d) in January, according to data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

EU Member States Stalling on Renewable Energy Progress

EU member states such as Spain and Germany have set an example for what government can do to promote clean energy. Other EU states have stood in contrast to these efforts.

Ford Offering Interest-Free Loans on Hybrid SUVs

Ford Motor Co. said on Thursday it is offering interest-free loans to consumers nationwide on its Escape hybrid and Mariner hybrid sport utility vehicles.

Four states join together to lure 'zero emissions' power plant

Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and West Virginia are negotiating a "cooperative agreement" in their bid to attract the $1 billion FutureGen "zero emissions" coal-fired power plant, officials said Wednesday.

Governor, Legislature at odds over status of MD's Healthy Air Act

The status of Maryland's Healthy Air Act, which would cut mercury and sulfur dioxide emissions 80% by 2010, nitrogen oxide emissions 69% by 2009 and carbon emissions 10% by 2018, is a bit unclear.

Heavy Rains in Kenya Force 3,000 From Homes

Heavy rains in northeastern Kenya have forced more than 3,000 people from their homes and aid workers are having trouble accessing them after a nearby riverbank burst, an official said on Thursday. The rains come after a severe months-long drought ravaged Kenya, particularly the northeastern region.

Hundreds Flee Floodwaters in Outback Australia

Hundreds of Australians fled their homes in the remote outback town of Katherine on Thursday as floodwaters from days of rain swamped it and other nearby towns and the Katherine River threatened to burst its banks.

India in Process of Drafting Integrated Energy Policy

India is in the process of drafting an integrated energy policy to provide a roadmap for meeting its growing energy needs in an environmentally sustainable manner. Stating this, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Murli Deora pointed out that the entire need of India in the realm of commercial energy has been met by fossil fules.

Indonesia to switch to 0.35% sulfur gasoil in March 2007

Indonesia plans to switch to the more environmentally friendly 3,500 ppm (0.35%) sulfur gasoil from 5,000 ppm in March 2007, an official at the energy and mines ministry said Friday.

Japan to Test Fuel Cell Powered Train

East Japan Railway Co., the world’s largest passenger railway company, will shortly complete a prototype fuel-cell train for test runs, the Jiji Press news agency said. After two years of research and development, the company developed the "NE Train" (New Energy Train), which has been on test runs since May 2003.

Market Risk – Strong Economic Growth Keeps Upward Pressure on Mortgage Rates

Freddie Mac yesterday released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey(PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.43 percent, with an average 0.6 point, for the week ending April 6, 2006, up from last week’s average of 6.35 percent.  Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 5.93 percent. 

New Jersey Makes the Choice for Clean Energy

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) was joined by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and dozens of community and business leaders today in announcing the statewide roll out of the Clean Power Choice program, a voluntary initiative that allows customers to invest in clean energy.

New Study Shows How the U.S. Can Reduce Foreign Oil Dependency

America could end the need to import fossil fuels from the Persian Gulf region by 2020, according to a study developed by Professor Daniel M. Kammen and his colleagues at U.C. Berkeley's Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory (RAEL).

No environmental issues seen with new Mississippi nuclear unit

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff said there are no environmental issues that would prevent the agency from issuing an early site permit to an Entergy Nuclear subsidiary that is considering building a nuclear power plant at the Grand Gulf site near Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Nurse shortage likely to continue

It has been almost a year since the Arizona Legislature approved an ambitious plan to double the number of nursing school graduates to 2,000 a year by 2010, but limited clinical training opportunities may thwart efforts to meet that goal.   Arizona currently has a health care crisis.

Offsetting Carbon Emissions

California is one of the world's biggest emitters of greenhouse gas emissions. That reality prompted Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to sign an executive order calling for a reduction of those emissions by 2010 to 2000 levels as well as a further cut in 2050 to 1990 levels -- an effort drawing the support of at least 50 companies.

Ohio steelmaker settles air, water dispute for $11 million

AK Steel Corp. will spend more than $11 million to end a bitter legal battle over alleged clean air and water violations at the company´s Middletown, Ohio, steel plant. Under the agreement, AK does not admit fault in any of the violations.  The complaint, filed June 29, 2000, alleged AK Steel discharged polychlorinated biphenyl into Dicks Creek and failed to control air emissions. It also asserted that the firm spilled chemicals into the creek and exceeded permit limits for heavy metals, nitrogen, ammonia and cyanide on several occasions.

OPEC will not cut output at next meeting at current prices

OPEC will not cut production when minister meet in Caracas June 1 while prices remain at current levels, Qatar's oil minister Abdullah al-Attiyah said Friday.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 040706

Solar activity increased to moderate levels.  Region 865 (S11W60) produced two M-class flares today, an impulsive M1
event occurring at 06/0533Z and a second impulsive M1 event.  The geomagnetic field ranged from quiet to active levels.  A sustained period of southward Bz was followed by active conditions.  The geomagnetic field is expected to be at predominantly unsettled levels on 07 and 08 April.  Isolated active to minor storm conditions are expected on 09 April.

Russia weighing up measures to prevent uranium deficit

Russia may face a uranium deficit starting 2035 unless it begins to replenish its uranium resource base, Deputy General Director of Techsnabexport Vladimir Servetnik told a fuel and energy conference in Moscow today. To prevent the deficit, the official proposed to develop Russia's own resource base, facilitate access to global resources of raw materials, and optimize the ratio of uranium production to imports.

SDG&E to Submit Revised Power Line Proposal

San Diego Gas & Electric is turning away from a controversial approach it had taken in its bid for regulatory approval of the Sunrise Powerlink, a 120-mile electric transmission line it proposes to build across Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and the region's backcountry.

Senators denounce bid to block wind farm

The US Senate's leading voices on energy yesterday blasted their colleagues' attempt to block a wind farm off Cape Cod, saying the effort would contradict the commitment to expanding renewable energy that Congress built into last year's Energy Policy Act.

The 11th annual national brownfields conference

The 11th annual national brownfields conference heads to Boston, November 13-15, 2006.  Brownfields 2006: Revolution in Redevelopment and Revitalization promises exceptional educational sessions and workshops, networking opportunities, 200 plus exhibitors...

Thin Film and Organic PV Market To Reach $2.3 Billion in 2011, Report Says

According to a newly released report from NanoMarkets, an industry analyst firm, the market for thin film and organic photovoltaics (PV) will be worth over $2.3 billion in the year 2011. Information about the report titled, "Thin Film and Organic PV: New Applications for Solar Energy" is available on the firm's Web site.

Trash dumping on national forest escalates

 Illegal trash dumping on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests is on the rise. These illegal dump sites are more than just unsightly. They harm forest plants and wildlife, and can pose a threat to forest visitors as well.

U.S. and China to Partner for a Better Global Environment

Marking a new era of global environmental cooperation, U.S. EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson departs today on the first trip to China in seven years by an EPA administrator.  Johnson will meet with top Chinese environmental officials to discuss opportunities for increased cooperation and to observe progress on existing collaborative initiatives

US Senate panel members introduce antitrust bill targeting OPEC

A bipartisan group of US Senate Judiciary Committee members Thursday introduced legislation that would allow OPEC members to be sued in US courts, strengthen oil and gas antitrust laws and define and prohibit energy price gouging.

US to Grant US$50 Million For Fuel Cell Research

The US government plans to award US$50 million over the next three years in research grants to advance hydrogen fuel cell technology, US Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman said Thursday.

Utilities face financial squeeze, agencies warn

Wall Street credit-rating agencies are warning that Washington-area power companies could sink into financial trouble if lawmakers bar them from recouping their soaring fuel costs through rate increases.

Weather Risk - US Rough Around the Edges

We are beginning to see the early hints of our Summer outlook pattern, which we visually have described as an "Omega" or "Horseshoe" shape of warmth overlaid on the contiguous U.S.  As a preview to the Summer Season, warmth/heat continues to emanate out of the Central U.S. propelled by ridging, subsidence and drought, contrasted by the much cooler/raw weather for the Pacific Northwest and New England (which will be a large reversal from their Summer 2005 results).

What's Moving the Market 040706

• IPE Brent futures in London took a downturn Friday as the market reacted to news that Nigerian shut-in production may resume within one month, traders said.
• Nigerian oil minister Edmund Daukoru said Friday that most of the 550,000 b/d currently shut-in should be back onstream within a month. The minister was speaking on the sidelines of a Petrostategies oil and gas conference in Paris.

April 6, 2006

Abbott Labs to pay $475,000 to resolve air violations at Illinois plant

The U.S. Environmental Protection agency said the company failed to comply with leak detection and repair requirements for hazardous air pollutants.

April will be critical month for US gasoline market-- EIA

April will be a critical month in determining the direction of US gasoline prices going into the summer driving season as the market copes with refinery maintenance and prepares for the phase-out of the gasoline additive MTBE, the US Energy Information Administration said Wednesday.
 

Business group forms alliance to promote net-zero energy

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development is forming an alliance to promote the construction of buildings that are energy self-sufficient.

The initiative is led by United Technologies, the world's largest supplier of heating and cooling units and on-site power systems, and Lafarge Group, a leader in building materials. Discussions are underway with other companies to join the project.

China vows to further energy cooperation with Turkmenistan

"The departments concerned will quicken their steps to study and implement China-Turkmenistan gas pipeline project," says the joint statement signed after talks between Chinese President Hu Jintao and Niyazov on Monday.

Energy answer may be blowing in the wind-- Meeting explores lake turbine viability

A year ago, the idea of putting wind turbines out in the open waters of Lake Erie to generate electricity seemed like just another item on a renewable energy buff's wish list.  Today, there are signs of momentum building.

EU issues warning to Italy, others over energy market

The European Commission (EC) has sent Italy and 16 other European Union members a formal complaint over their failure to open up their respective energy markets, Italian News Agency ANSA reported Tuesday.

Force majeure on Bolivia gas, liquids output after leak-- source

Force majeure has been declared on Bolivian natural gas and liquids output "throughout the production chain" after ruptured pipelines in the southern Tarija region shut in gas and liquids output there, a well-placed Bolivian gas industry source told Platts early Thursday.  An 8-inch rupture in a Petrobras pipeline carrying about 20,000 b/d of liquids from the gas fields of San Antonio and Margarita has entirely stopped flow through the pipeline,

Global partnership funds 32 renewable energy projects

The funding is the fourth round from REEEP and the largest value of funds in the organization’s three-year history. Ten of the 32 projects are sited in Africa and the majority focus on identifying business models for solar water heating, small hydro, biofuels and other technologies.

Global warming poses real threat to Earth

"No one can say exactly what it looks like when a planet takes ill, but it probably looks a lot like Earth." This statement, recently printed in TIME Magazine, is sadly accurate. For years, scientists and enviromentalists have warned us that global warming is a real threat. But for years, they were ignored. And now that the problem is no longer approaching, but actually upon us, the United States government really needs to take action.

Illinois State House OKs bill on reporting of spills

In the wake of disclosures of tritium spills at Exelon Nuclear-owned plants, the Illinois House on Tuesday approved a bill requiring any radioactive leak at a nuclear power plant to be reported to state oversight authorities within 24 hours.

The Senate already passed the bill.

IN BRIEF-- UK's electricity

THE offshore wind industry could generate six per cent of the UK's electricity needs by 2015 if it gets more Government support, a study claims.

Inbox 040606

Steee-rike: Ah, April. Daylight saving time has kicked in. The days are getting warmer (trying to, anyway). Crocuses are peeking out here and there. And the boys of summer have started doing their spring fling thing.

IPE Brent extends climb on US gasoline stock draw, regional fears

IPE Brent futures extended gains Thursday on the back of a draw in US gasoline stocks reported Wednesday and on ongoing concerns about developments with Nigeria and Iran , traders said.

It may already be too late to reverse global warming damage

As idyllic as it sounds, I found our snow-free Michigan winter unsettling. Regular readers know the Week in Revue has railed about global warming for years to no avail. I'm John Quixote. I tilt at windmills.  Our politicians have been in denial so long the end game started without them, from polar bears drowning as they try to tiptoe from one melting ice floe to another, to the amount of the earth's surface afflicted by drought more than doubling since the 1970s.

Kolbert speaks about the impact of global warming

The lecture took issue with the argument that, although global warming is actually occurring, there is no causal association between global warming and increased greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.

"This argument ignores more than 100 years of science," said Kolbert, who started her speech with a chronological history of the discovery and study of greenhouse gases and global warming. "This argument is championed by the Bush administration," she added.

Letters from readers of Energy Biz

EU whose generation growth currently lies in the hands of Russian natural gas imports (on the order of 25%.) If my presumptions are correct France would be the leading political lobby in the liberalization of the EU energy markets because of a natural market advantage and cheap nuclear energy.  My problem with this is that in the US this would constitute market power, which is illegal. Where and when will the EU draw anti-trust regs?

Massey may continue valley fill work at Republic mine in W.Va.

Plaintiffs and Massey agreed on a plan under which the coal company could continue valley fill work at Republic pending a full trial in about 60 days.

Mexico bases 2007 budget on $37.50 per barrel oil

Mexico's 2007 federal budget is based on an average export price of $37.50/barrel for the nation's crude, according to a proposal sent to Congress Tuesday night by President Vicente Fox.  Oil currently accounts for 35% of the federal government's income.  The current average export price for Mexican crude is about $54/barrel, but past bitter experience has taught Mexico's financial authorities to err on the side of caution in preparing the nation's budget.

Mine safety may get an extra $35 million

Money would go toward inspectors, new technology.  "We need quick action to improve mine safety, and that requires quick cash," Byrd said.

More Than a Third Of ComEd's SUV Fleet Now Hybrid

ComEd is continuing its commitment to promoting environmentally friendly technology with the purchase this month of 35 new Ford Escape Hybrids for the utility's vehicle fleet. This brings ComEd's total number of Ford Escape Hybrids to 49, which is roughly 30 percent of its overall SUV fleet.

NASA Helps Monitor Bleaching of Great Barrier Reef

NASA satellites that monitor ocean color and temperature have joined a global effort to study the worrisome bleaching of coral in Australia's Great Barrier Reef, the US space agency said on Wednesday.

New Report on Air Emissions From Top 100 Power Companies Shows Increase in Global Warming Emissions, Drop in Other Pollutants

A new report evaluating air pollution trends at the nation's 100 largest electric power producers shows that emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) have fallen markedly in recent years, but carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions increased and will likely spike in coming years.

Nuclear Industry Views Legislation as 'Very Positive Step' to Advance Yucca Mountain Project

The following is a statement by the Nuclear Energy Institute's president and chief executive officer, Frank L. "Skip" Bowman, regarding the U.S. Department of Energy's submission to Congress today of legislation entitled the "Nuclear Fuel Management and Disposal Act." The legislation is designed "to enhance the management and disposal" of used nuclear fuel from commercial nuclear power plants and high-level radioactive waste from U.S. defense programs at a geologic repository planned for Yucca Mountain, Nev.

On a Mission to Make the Air Cleaner

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

A teenager from Utah is showing major corporations that energy efficient and environmentally friendly cars are an option.  A bike magazine is doing its part to promote clean transportation by giving away bikes in 20 cities.  And, a citizens' advisory council is working with an oil refinery to solve clean air issues.  These three are part of 16 projects.

PNM's Luna Plant Online

PSC staff says gas pipelines overcharged area utilities

The staff of the Missouri Public Service Commission says rates charged by two natural-gas pipelines in the central and eastern parts of the state are excessive and should be reduced by $3.8 million a year

Quote of the Day 040606

A broker said as the arbitrage for shipping non-oxygenated gasoline from Northwest Europe to the US is open, with the US proving a strong draw of barrels since production capacity in the US is severely impacted by a heavy schedule of refinery maintenance.

Renewables projects face 30% failure rate, suggests U.S. study

“Contract failure rates vary considerably among utilities, across situations and by technology,” says a report, “Failure rates much higher than these levels are supported by historical experience.”  The report presents the experiences of electric utilities in contracting for green power projects

Renewables provided 13.3% of global energy in 2003, says IEA

Renewables provided 13.3% of the world’s total primary energy supply in 2003, with non-hydro and non-combustible renewables providing 0.5% of both commercial and non-commercial energy.

Oil provided 34% of global TPES and coal was 24%, followed by gas at 21% and nuclear at 6.5%, according to ‘Renewables in Global Energy Supply,’ a fact sheet produced by the International Energy Agency.

Scientists in Dispute Over Carbon Curbs - Magazine

A row has broken out between scientists seeking a way to bring more nations into the carbon curbing fold after the first phase of the Kyoto Treaty expires in 2012, New Scientist magazine said on Wednesday.

U.S. federal lab explores value of tax credits for PV systems

The economic value of new U.S. tax credits for solar photovoltaic systems is not straightforward and depends on a variety of factors, according to an analysis by a federal laboratory. Since the start of 2006, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 has implemented a new 30% residential tax credit for solar PV and has increased the existing 10% tax credit for commercial PV installations to 30%.

UK government explains rules to connect offshore windfarms

Offshore windfarms will be governed by the same rules as onshore facilities, for connection to the electrical grid. The decision follows a joint consultation with the energy regulator, Ofgem, as part of government efforts to increase offshore wind capacity.

US FERC to raise profile of enforcement activities

The reorganization shows "how enforcement is a more important part of what we do," said Chairman Joseph Kelliher, and "will demonstrate we are strengthening our enforcement capability. Our oversight will focus more sharply on identifying market manipulation and the exercise of market power."

Utilities Turning to Green Power

Energy Northwest is planning to expand its Nine Canyon Wind Project south of the Tri-Cities for a second time and appears to have enough interest to build a second project near Reardan.

Utility scenario predicts rosy future for renewables

Wind has the potential to grow from 11 billion kWh in 2003 to 35 b-kWh by 2025, while solar can increase from 1 to 6 b-kWh, under a scenario developed by the U.S. utility industry.

Wave energy facility receives £5 million funding

KP Renewables and Wave Dragon are developing the first stage of deployment for the £12 million project off the coast of Pembrokeshire, near Milford Haven, that will generate electricity for 6,000 homes. The second phase of development will involve construction and operation of another 70 MW of wave energy projects, also in Wales.

What Scotland must do to help save planet in peril

White House Renews Call for Nevada Nuke Waste Site

The proposed Yucca Mountain nuclear waste storage site in the Nevada desert would be authorized to hold twice as much nuclear waste as currently planned under legislation the Bush administration said it will send to Congress on Wednesday.

Wonders of wind-- As natural gas prices increase, turbines gain popularity in Michigan

Green power is not just another environmentally lofty goal for the Rev. Charles Morris. It's a religious imperative. "I saw this as a spiritual issue because I believe renewable power is a visible sign of God's grace in the form of sacrament," he said. "If we wanted to make a statement, then we had to walk the talk."

April 5, 2006

Agriculture Interests Push Ambitious Renewable-Energy Goal

A few more strange bedfellows have recently been coaxed into the sack with the enviros, hawks, and labor advocates pushing for a smarter U.S. energy strategy. The newbies include growers of corn, soy, wheat, trees, and even dairy cows, all of which could play a role in cultivating homegrown energy sources.

An Inside Look at Federal Solar Tax Credits

Since the start of this year, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) has provided a financial boost to photovoltaic (PV) system purchasers by implementing a new 30% residential tax credit, and increasing the existing 10% commercial tax credit to 30%. The economic value of these new and expanded federal credits to system purchasers, however, is not at all straightforward, and depends on a variety of factors, according to a new report released by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, in conjunction with the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA).

Behind the Chilly Air-- Impacts of China's New Wind Pricing Regulation

It came as a great shock to nearly everyone in the wind industry. In January, China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) issued a regulation reversing its earlier intention to price wind power through a "feed-in tariff," a pricing policy that analysts and industry insiders had hoped would provide a big boost to Chinese wind energy development. Instead, according to the January 4 regulation, wind power prices will be determined through a competitive bidding process.

Better Forest Management Has Key Role in Combating Climate Change, Says U.N.

Not only do forests absorb the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, thereby mitigating the effects of climate change, but using wood from a sustainably managed forest as fuel instead of oil, coal, and natural gas, can also reduce global warming, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

California Solar Incentive Payments Reduced

In January of this year, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) voted to approve a new, well-funded, long-term solar rebate plan for California. Since then, the applications for funding have been flooding in. Interest has been so strong that special rebate cut-off triggers kicked in this week, thereby dropping the payments down.

China to Expand Investment Channels for Renewable Energy Sector

China will establish special funds for the development of the renewable energy industry in line with the country's renewable energy law which went into effect on January 1 this year.

Fuel-- Consider the Alternatives

Are hydrogen, ethanol or electricity on track to replace fossil fuels? Major challenges remain. By Jim Motavalli

Environmentalists such as Amory Lovins, head of the Rocky Mountain Institute, have long predicted that the world will eventually have a hydrogen energy economy, but in recent years the chorus has grown to include many people at high levels of government and industry.

GAO questions US NRC plan for protecting nuclear power plants

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission's process to boost nuclear power plant security after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York and Washington "created the appearance" that changes were made based on what
industry "considered reasonable...rather than on an assessment of the terrorist threat itself," the Government Accountability Office told Congress Tuesday.

Highlights Leading Utility Green Power Programs

Using information provided by utilities, NREL develops "Top 10" rankings of utility programs in the following categories: total sales of renewable energy to program participants, total number of customer participants, customer participation rate, and the lowest price premium charged for a green pricing service using new renewable resources.

Hungary Orders Thousands of Troops to Battle Floods

Hungary said on Tuesday it would deploy 6,000 troops to battle record water levels on the Danube and had shut the river to shipping, while fears grew in the Czech Republic of more floods there.

India Needs US$100 BLN Investment in Power Sector

India is searching for investments in its power sector from the UK with a senior official saying the country would need US$100 billion to add another 62,000 MW to its capacity.  "This will include 44,000 MW thermal, 15,000 hydro and 3,000 MW nuclear."

Inspiring Energy Savings

The writing is on the wall. Or, more to the point, it's on the meter -- the one that indicates to utilities how much power its customers are using at a given time. Advanced meters can collect energy data on a real time basis, enabling power companies to better understand consumption patterns and to work with customers to cut energy usage.

Insurance Commissioners Set up Task Force on Climate Change

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) voted unanimously at its recent quarterly meeting in Orlando, Fla., to establish a task force to examine the impact of climate change on the U.S. insurance industry and on insurance consumers.

Lawmakers Should Learn from Mistakes of European Union

Higher energy costs, reduced GDP and significant job loss are the serious economic byproduct of any emissions trading system (ETS), the chief economist for the American Council for Capital Formation (ACCF) told a special climate conference of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources today. Dr. Margo Thorning provided economic research and detailed evidence of the negative consequences resulting from the current ETS in the European Union (EU).

Montreal 2005-- What Happened and What It Means

The 2005 United Nations climate change conference in Montreal signaled both the start of full legal implementation of the Kyoto Protocol and the launch of negotiations on industrialized country commitments post-2012, when the current protocol expires. This paper, released in February 2006 by the nonprofit Oxford Institute for Energy, summarizes the outcomes of the meeting and discusses likely implications.

National Coal increases sales 241% in '05, but reports net loss

The company attributed the increase in revenue to the increase in production, the addition of three new utility customers for its Central Appalachian coal and a 15% increase in average sales prices. The company changed its depreciation life of its mining equipment "from seven years to approximately three years, increasing both the 2005 operating loss and the 2005 net loss by $3.6 million."
 

Oil market 'on tight side'; US gasoline a worry-- OPEC delegate

OPEC does not need to take action on supply when ministers meet in Caracas June 1 because the oil market is still tight due to continued  production shut-ins in Nigeria, anticipated problems with US gasoline supply in the summer and oil prices which are expected to hold at current levels, an OPEC delegate said Wednesday.

Ontario's Commercial-scale Wind Project Well Under Way

Ontario is increasing its use of clean, renewable energy with the startup on March 4, 2006, of the 67.5 MW Melancthon I Wind Farm. The $126 million project is one of the first in a number of new wind farms in Ontario that will supply clean renewable energy to the electricity grid.

Quote of the Day 040506

"There is no need to do anything as things stand right now. Even though it is too early to think about a final decision, as things stand, we don't need to do anything at the Caracas meeting. The market is still on the tight side. The crude is okay on stocks but the gasoline season is coming and maybe it will create a big problem." .
An OPEC delegate discussing the upcoming meeting in Caracas, June 1.

Summer Electric Bills Won't Rise Much

Finally, some good news for consumers about energy prices.

With electricity costs expected to be up only slightly this summer from last, air conditioning bills likely will not be a shock to the wallet this year, according to data from the Energy Department.

U.S. and Mexico Collaborate on Capture and Reuse of Methane

In an agreement to develop clean energy projects in Mexico as well as improve energy security, economic benefits, and public health, the U.S. and Mexican governments will collaborate on the capture and beneficial use of methane gas. U.S. Agency International Development (USAID) Acting Administrator Frederick Schieck announced that the agency will be providing more than $800,000 for such initiatives in Mexico.

UK research says intermittent renewables supply no big obstacle

Intermittency of supply is not as significant an obstacle to the development of renewable sources of energy as previously thought, according to a report released by the UK Energy Research Centre Wednesday.

US Senate Panel Takes Baby Steps on Climate Change

Some utilities told the Senate Energy Committee they are eager for Congress to pass mandatory caps on emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses so they can plan how to meet those goals. Others, especially those that rely heavily on coal, oppose mandatory caps on greenhouse gas emissions.

US Team Sees Busy Hurricane Season, No Record

The 2006 hurricane season will not be as ferocious as last year when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and other storms slammed Florida and Texas, but will still be unusually busy, a noted US forecasting team said on Tuesday.

Yucca Mt bill excludes interim storage language-- DOE

The Department of Energy left interim storage language out of a draft bill on a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, it plans to send to Congress early Wednesday, Bush administration officials confirmed Tuesday.

April 4, 2006

ANALYSIS-- Ground rules set out in Germany's long-term energy plan

After months of political discussions, papers and statements on the many aspects of Germany's current and future energy supply, last night's energy summit with Chancellor Angela Merkel, federal ministers, the big utilities and manufacturers as well as consumer representatives could hardly live up to expectations.

Bird Flu's Rapid March Around the Globe

Brownfields Nuts and Bolts of Brownfield Redevelopment for Local Government Training

Many areas have been left with vacant contaminated land that blights local neighborhoods and undermines the local tax base. The /*Nuts and Bolts of Brownfield Redevelopment for Local Government*/ training course addresses the issues and obstacles to redeveloping brownfield sites for productive reuse.

California Aims to Limit Emissions of Gases

California on Monday stepped up efforts to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases linked to global warming. State assembly members introduced a bill that would make California the first state to set a limit on emissions of heat-trapping gases.

Calpine to sell 20 plants, cut workforce by 775 to trim costs

Calpine Tuesday said it will sell about 20 nonstrategic power plants, close three of its offices and trim its workforce by 775 employees to cut costs and make progress to emerge from its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding a profitable, competitive company.

Canada Blanches as Michigan Mulls Curbs on Trash

New rules, extra inspections and the threat of a 3,500-percent fee hike hang like an axe over the shipment of tons of Canadian waste to dumping grounds in Michigan, raising fears of a ban or a possible trade war.

Cape Wind project faces new threat

Washington legislators are considering a measure that could give Massachusetts veto power over the proposed Nantucket Sound wind farm, a move that may be the most significant threat yet to the 130-turbine project.

'Civil war' in Iraq heightens fear of the emergence of an oil-rich Shi'ite Petrolistan

Much to Washington's discomfort, Iran's influence may prove the key to avoiding the sectarian disintegration of Iraq. However, this will be hard to square with Tehran's nuclear program and Israel's counter threat of unilateral military action, while a US military strike could stir up Shi'ite passions across the region. Kate Dourian investigates.

Coral Die-Off Spreads to Caribbean

The alarming scenario has spread to waters of Caribbean: Large coral colonies bleaching white, and then dying.  "It's an unprecedented die-off," said National Park Service fisheries biologist Jeff Miller, who last week checked 40 stations in the Virgin Islands.

Duke Energy, Cinergy Complete Merger

Duke Energy and Cinergy announced today the completion of their planned merger, effective April 3, 2006. The combination creates one of North America's largest energy companies with approximately $36 billion in market capitalization, assets totaling more than $70 billion, and 5.5 million retail electric and gas customers in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Ontario, Canada. The company will be known as Duke Energy.

Energy bill impact on coal industry yielding results

Since President Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005 into law last August, the bill seems to be yielding results for the coal industry.  Under EPAct, there's a 20% tax credit for industrial gasification and integrated gasification combined-cycle projects and a 15% tax credit for other advanced coal-based projects.

EPA Plan Could Let Many Plants Skirt Strictest Cuts in Air Pollutants

The Environmental Protection Agency is considering ways to allow many industrial facilities that emit at least one of 188 hazardous air pollutants to avoid having to comply with the most stringent technology controls to limit pollution.

Four More Farms Plan CVPS Cow Power(TM) Generators, Receive Grants

Four Vermont farms received CVPS Renewable Development Fund grant offers totaling $666,000 to defray the cost of building new farm-based electric generating systems to support the state's largest renewable energy program, Central Vermont Public Service announced today.

Greens, Industry Clash Again on EU Biotech Policy

Environmental group Friends of the Earth on Monday accused the European Commission of favouring the biotech industry in its vision of how GMO crops could be grown alongside organic and traditional types.

Inbox 040406

Michigan lawmakers and environmental activists appear to be making incremental headway in their quest to stop Ontario from exporting and disposing of trash in Michigan landfills

Ireland needs to develop strategy to cut oil dependence

Ireland needs a strategy spanning the energy, transport, enterprise, environmental and other sectors to prepare for the challenge of peak oil, a new report from the influential state-sponsored body Forfas said Tuesday.

Nuclear Energy Industry Maintains Near-Record Levels of Safety and Operating Performance

U.S. nuclear power plants continued to operate at high levels of safety and efficiency in 2005, according to plant performance indicators compiled by the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO).

Offshore Wind at Crossroads, New Research Shows

The UK’s leading renewable energy body BWEA, together with Renewables East, the renewable energy agency for the East of England, today releases new research which shows that the offshore wind industry is at a critical crossroads.

Oil and Money Again

Five energy experts – to include Adam Sieminski of Deutsche Bank – were recently asked for their opinion of the future of oil prices. Four of them – of which one was anonymous – were not particularly optimistic, while the fifth, Dr Leo Drollas of the Centre for Energy Studies (UK), took a position similar to that of Steve Forbes (editor and publisher of one of the best business magazines in the world), who basically feels that the fundamentals are working in favour of a fall in the oil price.

PACCAR Accelerates Hybrid Vehicle Programs

PACCAR has targeted the goal of 30 percent improvement in vehicle fuel efficiency for selected medium-duty trucks under the Kenworth and Peterbilt nameplates over the next seven years utilizing hybrid technology as a key contributor to achieving this objective.

Physical demand, funds to dictate Q2-3 gold price-- Virtual Metals

Should the gold price remain at current levels, Virtual Metals predicts that the international gold market will swing to a surplus of 422 mt in 2006 from a deficit of 310 mt in 2005.

Quote of the Day 040406

"The Islamic republic started its peaceful activities to obtain its rights under the NPT (nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) and these activities will go on under the supervision of the (International Atomic Energy) Agency."
Manouchehr Mottaki Iran's foreign minister, told a press conference Tuesday and vowed that Tehran would press on with its controversial nuclear program despite a call by the UN Security Council to suspend its activities.

Recent snows not enough to end drought

WHITE MOUNTAINS - Recent snow and rain in the White Mountains has given residents some relief from the long-term drought, but has not stopped its progress.  George Howard of the National Weather Service in Flagstaff said Friday, "Don't be fooled by localized heavy snowfall. Once we get away from the Mogollon Rim in either direction, the snowfall amounts reduce."

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 040406

Solar activity was low. Region 867 (S16E03) produced two C1 flares.  Solar activity is expected to be low to moderate. Isolated M-class flares are possible.  The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet to unsettled on 04 April. On 05 and 06 April, quiet to unsettled conditions are expected with active periods possible due to a coronal hole high speed stream.

Russia to Have Key Kyoto Trade Rules Ready by July

Russia will have key rules ready by July that will allow foreign firms to invest in the country under the terms of the Kyoto Protocol, a top Russian official promised on Monday, reassuring potential investors.

Russia's Gazprom seeking Bolivian gas ventures

A senior official from Russia's Gazprom told Bolivian officials that the company was keen to participate in several Bolivian energy projects, ranging from exploration and production to refining and distribution, state oil company YPFB said in a statement late Monday.

Senate confirms Spurgeon to restored DOE nuclear position

Energy legislation enacted last year re-created the assistant secretary position. The post was downgraded in 1993, putting nuclear within the Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology under the leadership of an office director.

SMIC to Start Production of Solar Cells

Mainland China IC foundry Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. (SMIC) recently reported that it will start volume production of solar cells in April, with recycled wafers used as materials for the products.

State's wind farm frenzy picks up its pace

Think about this the next time you flip a light switch: Washington state now ranks seventh when it comes to the generation of wind power in the United States. And the green energy produced by the 300-foot-tall windmills is helping to hold down electricity prices.

Storms Kill at Least 27 in Central US

Tornadoes and violent spring thunderstorms in the central United States killed at least 27 people, exploding houses and tossing victims around like twigs, officials said on Monday.

There's Gold in Them Thar Waste Hills - Part 1

No - not real gold, and not fool’s gold either - but rather a whole lot of potential value. Them Thar Waste Hills consist of large piles of municipal solid wastes; culm, gob, and waste coal piles; phosphogypsum stacks; and overburden piles from oil sands strip and pit mining.

U.S. to Intervene in Energy Crisis

The Regional Director of the United States Trade and Development Agency for Sub-Saharan Africa, Ned Cabot, recently expressed optimism at the developments registered by Rwanda and pledged to support the country's outstanding power shortage problem.

US EPA Proposal Seeks to Ease Pollution Rules - Draft

The US Environmental Protection Agency wants to ease toxic air pollution standards to allow US oil refineries, chemical plants and other industries to boost emissions, according to a leaked draft circulated by an environmental group Monday.

April 3, 2006

Americans Willing to Fight Global Warming

An overwhelming majority of Americans think they can help reduce global warming and are willing to make the sacrifices that are needed, according to a new poll.

After years of controversy, now 71 percent of Americans believe global warming is real, according to a telephone survey of 1,200 people for the advocacy group Environmental Defense.

Australia and China Set to Sign Uranium Trade Deal

Australia and China are set to sign a nuclear safeguards deal to allow Beijing to import Australian uranium for power generation when Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao meets Australian Prime Minister John Howard on Monday morning. Australia, which has about 40 percent of the world's known uranium reserves, only allows uranium sales to members of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) who also agree to a separate bilateral safeguards deal.

BP Deal Gives Big Boost to Australian Biofuels

BP said on Friday it had signed contracts to provide more than 200 million litres a year of biofuels to Australian customers by 2008, taking the national government halfway to its modest biofuels target.

Brazil Cane Brings Sweet Smell of Ethanol Profits

Soiled workmen in orange construction helmets slapped fresh paint on narrow catwalks and noisy machinery as the Usina MB sugar and ethanol plant prepared to process the cane. Reuters toured the mill on Wednesday during final cleanup and mechanical testing before trailers piled with newly harvested nine-foot stalks start arriving on Monday.

China's Guangdong to build three nuclear power plants in 2006

Guangdong is expected to start construction of three nuclear power plants this year, including the biggest such energy project on the country's drawing board, the Yangjiang power station, a China Business News report said.

Cost of making nuclear sites safe soars to Pounds 70bn

THE cost to the taxpayer of making Britain's nuclear power stations safe has soared to nearly Pounds 70billion, it emerged last night. The figure could be higher still because officials admitted they will not know the 'full costs' until 2008.

Court Rejects Bush Administration Attempt to Delay Alternative Fuels Vehicles Purchase Plan for Federal and Private Fleets

Following an earlier ruling on March 6th finding the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in violation of its obligations under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 ("Act"), District Court Judge William Alsup on March 30th rejected further government delay and ordered the DOE to finally come into compliance with the Act within 2 years, by mandating a long-overdue plan for significant federal purchases of alternative fuels vehicles (AFVs).

Deal to restart Mohave power plant falls apart

A deal reached earlier this month to restart the Mohave Generating Station in Laughlin using coal from a mine on lands of the Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribes has collapsed.

DOE Awards $3 Million Contract to Oak Ridge Associated Universities for Expert Review of Yucca Mountain Work

The Department of Energy's Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management (OCRWM) today announced the selection of Oak Ridge Associated Universities/Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORAU/ORISE) to provide independent expert reviews of scientific and technical work on the Yucca Mountain Project.

Dow Chemical Powers Texas Facility with Hybrid Locomotives

The Dow Chemical Company has is applying hybrid technology to fuel locomotives at the company's Freeport, Texas, facility. Reducing fuel consumption from 30% to 50%, the "hybrid locomotives" were converted from traditional diesel locomotives.

Energy Risk - Iran Will Not Use Oil as Weapon

EPA, Corps of Engineers Propose Better Wetlands Protection

Swamps, bogs, fens, marshes and estuaries—in short, wetlands—are as vital to our environment as coral reefs and rain forests. With that in focus, the U.S EPA and U.S Army Corps of Engineers are proposing a new rule to ensure more effective wetlands restoration and preservation nationwide.

Executive in pledge to cut greenhouse gas output by 2.7m tonnes

Faster Circuit Boards Use Chicken Feathers

In a recent exhibit in London, a circuit board made from soybeans and chicken feathers drew a great deal of attention.

First Year Conservation Efforts Power Over 12,250 Ontario Homes

Collectively, in 2005 the powerWISE utilities invested $19.4 million in conservation and demand management initiatives and delivered over 110.6 million kilowatt hours of electricity savings through their CDM programs.

Gas reserves in 2005 reached highest level since 1984

Estimates of natural gas reserves in the US surpassed 197 Tcf at the end of 2005, marking their highest level in more than 20 years, the American Gas Association said in a new report Friday.

Germany's Dresden Braces as River Waters Rise

Rising waters in the main river through the German city of Dresden forced a first batch of evacuations on Friday while authorities said at least 1,000 more people might have to be evacuated over the weekend.

Global Warming Unstoppable, but Still Chance to Stop Major Disasters, Scientists Say

A man stands on a railroad track as a train rumbles closer.

"Global warming?" he says. "Some say irreversible consequences are 30 years away. Thirty years. That won't affect me."

He steps off the tracks -- just in time. But behind him is a little blonde-haired girl left in front of the roaring train.

The screen goes black. A message appears: "There's still time."

Indonesia Puts Six Power Plant Projects on Tender

Indonesia is offering six power plant projects with a combined capacity of 2,270 megawatts to foreign and domestic investors, a report said Friday. The six projects are estimated to cost 2.27 billion U.S. dollars, reported the Antara news agency.

Industry Risk - Banks Flocking to China, but Potential Losses are Imminent

As China gets ready to welcome foreign banks by the end of the year, there's a gold rush among global banks to claim their stake in China's financial services market.  But analysts warn that banks that they may find little more than fool's gold in China, given the country's regulatory environment, the high cost of entry and the potential for significant loan losses due to the country's often unstable lending environment.

Inflation Targeting, Is Bernanke Really An Expert On The Great Depression?

The new Fed chairman, Ben Bernanke, is known for (at least) two things – his desire for a formal Fed inflation target and his knowledge of the causes and consequences of the US Great Depression.

'It's been a long time'-- Power plant has revival hopes coursing through Rainelle

For five years, the people of western Greenbrier County have been hearing that a power plant was coming, bringing jobs to Rainelle.

Some say they didn't quite believe it -- a $215 million project that the U.S. Department of Energy declared would "create on the order of 6,000 direct, indirect and induced new jobs."

Kuwaiti oil minister says high oil price not due to supply-demand

Kuwaiti oil minister Sheikh Ahmed Fahed al-Sabah said Sunday that high oil prices were not a result of supply/demand fundamentals but geopolitical concerns. He also said in a statement to official news agency KUNA that while OPEC did not have a "preferred" oil price, crude prices should be at levels that did not harm the world economy but at the same time should meet the demands of upstream and downstream capacity expansion plans.

LOSS OF IMPORTANT SEC SERVICE

On April 3, 2006, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)issued a press release announcing a call for public comment on the value of continuing real-time solar wind data, and products derived from such data, provided by the Space Environment Center. This is your opportunity to comment on the value of this service.

Maryland Adopts Historic Global Warming Law Mandating Greenhouse Gas Reductions from Power Plants, Says Chesapeake Climate Action Network

In a major victory against global warming, the Maryland General Assembly gave final approval Friday to the strongest power-plant cleanup bill ever passed by a legislative body in America. In addition to dramatically reducing nitrogen, sulfur and mercury pollution, the Maryland Healthy Air Act requires that the state join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a consortium of eastern states committed to mandatory CO2 reductions from power plants.

More wind power on the horizon

Move over Nuclear

SolarCentury has designed the "Complete Solar Roof" that integrates solar electric and solar thermal technologies in a tile that is installed like a conventional roofing tile.   wind power is now cheaper than conventional sources in at least two areas of the US

New Duke boss sets tone

If all goes as anticipated, Duke Energy Corp. on Monday will finish its merger with Cinergy Corp., making Charlotte home to the country's biggest utility.

Nigeria's oil minister says 550,000 b/d remains shut in

Nigerian Oil Minister Edmund Daukoru Monday said 550,000 b/d of Nigeria's 2.5-mil b/d remains shut after militants carried out a spate of attacks on Shell's Forcados export terminal and sabotaged two pipelines last month.

Norway Shields Parts of Arctic From Oil Drilling

The Norwegian government proposed on Friday to keep wide tracts in Norway's Arctic region open to oil exploration, but set aside a 50-km (31 mile) zone along the coast in the interest of the environment and fisheries to 2010.

Nuke fusion project Iter partner ministers to sign accord May 24

Ministers from the seven partner countries in the next generation nuclear fusion project known as Iter are to initial the international agreement backing it on May 24 in Brussels, the European Commission said Saturday. The chief Iter negotiators from China, the European Union, India, Japan, Russia, South Korea and the US met in Tokyo Saturday to finalize the top management team and to endorse the international agreement

Organics Go Mainstream in the UK

British newspaper, the Observer, gave Patrick Holden, Director of the Soil Association their Hall of Fame award as part of its Annual Food Awards. This is in recognition of his tireless campaign "in support of organic food and farming, building public awareness and influencing government and industry alike."

PA Governor Rendell Says Coal Is a Significant Piece of PA's Clean Energy Future

"Mining has been a cornerstone of Pennsylvania's economy for 250 years, and I believe our best days are still to come," Governor Rendell said.

Progress Energy Florida Files Plan to Reduce Power Plant Emissions

Progress Energy Florida (PEF) today filed a plan with state regulators that will continue to improve air quality by reducing power plant emissions at its Anclote and Crystal River plants. The company's Integrated Clean Air Compliance Plan will meet federal environmental rules by adding emission controls to these plants.

Quote of the Day 040306

"There is no firm number for what constitutes a fair oil price because the factors that are affecting the price are outside the context of supply and demand fundamentals."
Kuwaiti oil minister Sheikh Ahmed Fahed al-Sabah said that the high cost of oil was not the result of supply/demand fundamentals but geopolitical concerns.

Russia's energy minister warns of refining crisis

Russia's energy minister Viktor Khristenko said Friday that existing refining capacity cannot meet future demand for products and warned the sector may face a crisis in the near future.
 

Sago survivor goes home; investigators hope he can shed light

Randal McCloy Jr., the lone survivor of the Sago mine accident, went home from the hospital Thursday, less than three months after he was injured.

Swift Action Needed to Protect Biodiversity - Critics

Dozens of countries tried to hammer out agreements on Friday on the last day of a UN conference to protect biodiversity but fell short, leaving critics to complain more action is needed to prevent widespread loss of plant and animal species.

The Last Straw

Bill McDonough Likes Green Sandwich Bio Panel, a building system, that uses a core made of biomass like rice straw, and can be covered in Earthskin- a mix of 80% earth and concrete. The Austrian Strawbale Network is a hot bed of strawbale design. Fascinating story about a Californian city, Visalia, who has approved plans to build 2 police stations from the strawbale.

The US Consumes Close to 4 Billion Megawatt-Hours (MWh) of Electricity per year

Over 6,000 companies in the US are involved in the wholesale trade and retail distribution of electricity, with combined annual revenue of more than $220 billion. These include owners of high voltage transmission lines and retail distribution systems, and intermediaries like energy dealers and brokers. The US consumes close to 4 billion megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity per year, about 50 percent of which is bought and sold on the wholesale market.

Top Global Companies Join Forces to Make 'Net-Zero' Buildings a Reality

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development is forming an alliance of leading global companies to determine how buildings can be designed and constructed so that they use no energy from external power grids, are carbon neutral, and can be built and operated at fair market values.

Two Philadelphia-Area Men Charged with Dumping Untreated Sewage into Delaware River

The first count alleges that from approximately August through September 2004, both men caused thousands of gallons of untreated sewage and sludge to be discharged into the Delaware River in violation of the plant's National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit. The second count states that from approximately 1997 to at least June 2005, both men allegedly allowed sewage treatment monitoring devices to remain disconnected and inoperable, and also allegedly allowed effluent samples to be tampered with.

U.N. Environmental Conference in Brazil Ends with Few Advances

A U.N.-sponsored environmental conference ended Friday with disappointment for environmentalists who saw the contentious issue over how to compensate indigenous communities for genetic resources shelved until 2010.

U.S. Invests Almost $53 Billion in Wastewater Infrastructure

New figures released today by the U.S. EPA reveal that the federal government and the states have invested almost $53 billion in the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program to rebuild and refurbish the nation's wastewater infrastructure over the last 18 years.

US senators urge EPA to allow California's tougher emissions rule

A tripartisan group of 21 US senators Friday asked the US Environmental Protection Agency to grant without delay California's request for a waiver from the Clean Air Act, which would allow the state to set its own vehicle emission standards to combat global warming.

US vote on CO2 trading seen as likely

While the US Senate is likely to vote on a greenhouse gas trading bill this year, legislation will probably not be approved by Congress because the White House does not support it, Jeff Bingaman, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said Friday.

Wyoming Government Protests Drilling in National Forest

While Wyoming is fast developing natural gas and oil sites, Gov. Dave Freudenthal is drawing a line against leases for drilling sites on 19,000 acres within the Bridger-Teton National Forest, a spokeswoman said Friday.

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