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February 28, 2006
Brooklyn Refineries are Long Gone, but the Oil Isn't
Big Oil left most of the Brooklyn waterfront decades ago, but
the industry's legacy still bubbles to the surface.
Beneath the industrial yards and townhouses of Brooklyn's Greenpoint
section lies a vast underground oil slick that, at one time, covered an
area as big as 41 football fields and contained more petroleum than the
Exxon Valdez spilled off the Alaskan coast.
California puts its muscle behind hydrogen fuel for cars
California, long one of America's most car-obsessed states, is emerging as the cradle of what could be the next stage of automotive development -- the hydrogen-powered car.
China announces plans to build 32 nuclear power plants in next 15 years
China will build 32 nuclear plants over the next 15 years in an effort to meet the country's burgeoning energy needs - more than doubling its reliance on the controversial source, the government said Monday.
Colo. mining firm to pay $30 million to settle Indonesia pollution case
Newmont Mining Corp., a U.S.-based gold mining company, has agreed to pay $30 million to settle a highly publicized pollution case in Indonesia.
Indonesia´s government accused Newmont´s subsidiary, PT Newmont Minahasa Raya, of polluting the bay. Newmont is holding its position that its operations did not pollute the bay or adversely affect the health of area residents.
Construction of big power plant in Vietnam starts
Construction of a 600-mw thermoelectric plant began in
Vietnam's southern Can Tho City on Sunday, Vietnam News Agency
reported.
Crisis Preparation in a Nuclear Age
What may not be known is that the emergency plans are not evaluated as part of the license extension efforts. This is because the emergency plans are looked at almost continually by the state and federal agencies and the evaluated exercises are monitored by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). What the average individual may not know is that the company that operates the plant does not control the emergency plan of the local or state government.
WASHINGTON STATE: If all the organic waste generated in the state each year were converted to energy, it would meet 50 percent of the state's energy needs, according to a report released by the state Department of Ecology.
Included in the inventory of biomass is wood waste from mills, livestock manure, kitchen waste, food processing waste, crop residue and other byproducts.
EU, Japan Sign Pact on Peaceful Nuclear Energy Use
The European Union and Japan signed a cooperation pact for the peaceful use of nuclear energy on Monday, paving the way for trade deals estimated to be worth tens of billions of euros over 30 years.
FuelCell Energy, Inc., a leading manufacturer of ultra-clean and efficient electric power generation plants for commercial and industrial customers, today announced it has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as a prime contractor of a third project team to develop a coal-based multi-megawatt solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system.
So this is what science is turning into: a pawn in a ruthless game of political chess. Maybe it's naive to think there was ever a time when scientific findings could be accepted as universal axioms on which important policy decisions could be based. But our nation's war on science seems to be cruising straight toward a critical face-off. And the politicians seem to think they hold the upper hand, but I'm not sure they do.
Industry's legislative wish list seeks Yucca Mt. revamping
Italy says French merger is act of war
ITALIAN leaders from across the political spectrum slammed moves by Paris to merge the utilities Suez and Gaz de France, calling it a naked attempt to exclude Italy's Enel from the French energy sector.
Nuclear Fallout Report Leaves Government's Course up in Air
Scientists could further study the public health consequences of nuclear weapons testing, but questions remain about how worthwhile such a project would be, a new federal report says. The study's results proved discouraging to "downwinders," people who lived downwind of above-ground nuclear testing in Nevada. They believe the government is dragging its feet on such research.
Ocean Scientists Enlist Cruise Ships to Collect Data
Hoping to collect decades of data, ocean scientist are enlisting cargo and cruise ships to measure water temperatures, ocean currents and even the height of clouds as the vessels ply their regular routes. To begin to address questions of large ocean patterns, such as the changing path of the Gulf Stream, scientists need more than the few years of data most scientific missions can provide, he said.
OPEC president says cartel must be cautious on output Mar 8
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 022806
Solar activity has been very low. A new region was numbered today as Region 856 (S08E69). This region has been the source of several low level B-class flares in the past 24 hours. The geomagnetic field is expected to be mostly quiet. Periods of unsettled conditions on 28 February are possible due to coronal hole affects.
Report-- People living near transport corridors face greater cancer risk
Americans living along some transportation corridors have a greater than 50-in-a-million chance of developing cancer from air toxics during their lifetime, according to recent Environmental Protection Agency estimates.
Schwarzenegger Says Chertoff Will Look into Helping California Levees
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff will tour the Sacramento, Calif., area to see if federal help is needed to prevent a Katrina-style disaster there, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Monday. Schwarzenegger said Chertoff made the commitment during a meeting in which Schwarzenegger pressed him to support a federal disaster declaration for Sacramento's fragile river and delta levee system. On Friday, Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency for the levees to try to get quick funding to repair them.
Searching for Alternatives-- The Drive for Energy Efficiency Gains Momentum in Madison, Washington
More wind turbines and new nuclear reactors are high on the agenda in Washington and Madison, as politicians grapple with how to tell voters that they're responding to high energy prices.
The rising price of coal and natural gas, on the heels of skyrocketing crude oil and gasoline prices, has spawned a search for alternative ways of generating electricity.
Ship Spills Heavy Fuel In Suez Canal
A vessel spilled 3,000 tonnes of heavy fuel into the Suez Canal on Monday after running aground and hitting the western bank of the waterway, the Suez Canal Authority said.
Taiwan Finds Profit in Alternative Energy
The government of Taiwan is espousing a new doctrine of conservation and green energy in an effort to turn the island into a "Green Silicon Island." At the crux of this initiative is the Challenge 2008: National Development Plan, an expansive government project devised to shift Taiwan into the next phase of economic development, as it becomes a "knowledge-based economy."
U.S. Chamber of Commerce asks court to order feds to share cleanup cost
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is calling on the federal government to pay "its fair share" to clean up sites contaminated with toxic waste. In the case, the Environmental Protection Agency issued an administrative order requiring Raytheon to clean up toxic pollutants at a Kansas airport owned and operated by the U.S. military during World War II.
US congressman raises questions about National Grid-Keyspan deal
What will be the full impact of the additional debt that Grid is taking on in this deal? What happens if this transaction is followed by other utility acquisitions--as is rumored. Will money be siphoned away from transmission upgrades, maintenance of local distribution lines...?"
US Greenhouse Gases Rose 1.7 Percent in 2004 – EPA
US emissions of gases blamed for global warming rose 1.7 percent in 2004, as the country burned more fossil fuel for transportation and electricity, according to federal environment regulators. The United States, the world's leading emitter of greenhouse gases, released about 7.075 billion metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent last year.
US regular retail gasoline prices rise 1.4 cts
Water and Power in North America
Water and power have been synonymous with each other since the early days of the industrial revolution. The energy of water drove waterwheels that provided the power used by mills and by factories. When the steam age dawned, water was boiled to drive steam engines that powered the economy. At the present day, water and power are still synonymous with each other in modern hydroelectric dams and in coal-fired and in nuclear power stations.
The recent debate over the possibility of installing wind turbines at DeHart Dam, as played out in The Patriot-News over the last few weeks, has become totally ridiculous. One side grossly exaggerates the problems associated with wind turbines. The other side exaggerates the benefits of wind turbines. Neither side seems to understand the facts of the matter.
February 27, 2006
A Discussion of Water Vapor Feedback in Climate Change
The overall goal of the paper is to understand, from a physical standpoint, why European temperatures have been increasing three times faster than the Northern Hemisphere average. It focuses on the changes between 1995 and 2002, over which time good surface radiation budget observations are available. The paper reports some results on the role of large scale circulation changes (which they conclude are minor) but I'll concentrate on the results relating to water vapor.
Al-Qaeda threatens more strikes on Saudi oil facilities
Benzene Resurfaces in Soft Drinks
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is investigating claims that many soft drinks continue to contain benzene, a known carcinogen, some 15 years after the soft drink industry promised to police itself on this matter.
Bush asked by US states to restore oil, gas research funds
California bill would expand electronics hazardous material phaseout
A California legislator is calling on the electronics industry to phase out hazardous materials from their products by 2008.
Canada, Australia cool toward lifting Indian uranium embargo
Change to our climate unstoppable, warns expert
There is only a small chance of climate change being kept below "dangerous" levels, a Government report said yesterday following figures showing Britain's emissions are rising and plans to reduce them are off course.
Council wants the Whole Truth on Whole Grains
New Food and Drug Administration guidelines determining how whole grain products can be labeled "don't meet the acid test of being consumer- and user-friendly," said a spokeswoman for the Whole Grains Council
DOE, Bodman 'closely monitoring' Saudi oil situation
Drought-Hit Britain May Face Water Rationing
Britons must use less water or face rationing as the country suffers its worst drought in a century, the head of the country's Environment Agency said on Friday.
Duke Power has signed a multi-year deal for higher-sulfur,
Appalachian coal from CONSOL Energy Inc. to burn in its power
plants.
Energy Study Sees Gold Mine in Cow Pies
Washington could supply half its appetite for residential electricity with things found in the trash and the barnyard, according to a new report. It just needs to figure out how to use the 41,039 dry tons of apples that don't make it to market each year. Or the 7,932 tons of poultry feathers. Or the 699,436 tons that drop from hind ends of cows.
Enron's ascent was astonishing. Its fall was even more shocking. The trading giant didn't just strip its employees of pensions and jobs but the company also cheated its shareholders. Its former top two execs now stand trial.
Entergy rounding out restoration efforts; now comes the bill
About 95 percent of Entergy New Orleans' pre-Hurricane Katrina customers are able to receive electricity, but just over a third of that number is now hooked up, the company said Friday.
Exelon reports minor problem at Byron plant-- 4th problem in week at a nuclear reactor
Another problem struck an Exelon Corp. nuclear plant when electrical equipment Friday unexpectedly began giving off smoke at the Byron Generating Station, located about 90 miles west of Chicago.
Greenland warming speeds rise in sea level
Sea levels are rising quicker than previously thought because the amount of water Greenland's glaciers are dumping into the Atlantic Ocean has almost doubled in five years, according to research to be published today.
Indonesia says oil prices still high, OPEC should maintain output
Interface Purchases More than 33,000 Tons of Carbon Offsets with NativeEnergy
Interface, Inc. announced today that it is furthering its sustainability mission by adding an estimated 33,000 tons of emission reduction credits (ERCs) to its existing portfolio of projects to offset the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with its Cool Carpet products.
L.A. man heads to jail for mishandling dry-cleaning waste
A federal court has sentenced a Los Angeles man to 37 months in jail and is requiring him to pay $1.3 million in cleanup costs for mishandling carcinogenic dry-cleaning waste.
LADWP Holds Workshop to Reaffirm Commitment to Solar Incentive Program
The Department of Water and Power (LADWP) in a special workshop, outlined a strategy and revisions for its Solar Photovoltaic Incentive Program, reaffirming the LADWP's commitment to the environment, renewable energy and the Los Angeles economy.
Low Level Radioactive Transport Leaks in Utah - NRC
Low level radioactive water from a Southern California nuclear power plant leaked from a transport truck this week on its way to a waste site in Utah, the US Nuclear Regulatory Agency reported.
Man connected with radical environmental group faces bomb charges
Federal prosecutors in southern California have announced the unsealing of a felony indictment charging a man allegedly affiliated with a radical environmental group with teaching others how to build and use explosive devices.
Methane From Decaying Trash Becomes Electricity for San Antonio Users
The brown hills of a sprawling San Antonio landfill are now a source of green power. Since the first of the year, 46 wells have tapped gas from the landfill, and methane that's culled from the landfill gas is combusted in a brand-new power plant. The plant produces electricity that CPS Energy buys.
Mexican Industry Takes Voluntary Action Against Climate Change
Mexico's environment ministry (SEMARNAT) has recognized 15 major companies for publicly reporting their greenhouse gas emissions through a voluntary public-private initiative known as the Mexico Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Program.
Midwest's Windmills Generate Buzz
Windmills are sprouting on hillsides across the Midwest, but this city is encouraging the use of electricity-producing wind turbines everywhere -- even in homeowners' backyards.
NewGen Technologies constructing biodiesel plant in Iowa
NewGen Technologies Inc. plans to build a biodiesel plant with a capacity to annually produce an estimated 60 million gallons in Fairfield, Iowa.
Pacific islands record sea level rise
Latest figures show that the sea level around the Pacific island of Tonga appears to have risen by about 10 centimetres in the past 13 years. The sea level is rising at every station but there are wide variations.
Pennsylvania Gov. Directs DEP to Enhance Water Contamination Alerts
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 022706
Solar activity has been very low. Several low level B-class events were observed from a region rotating onto the SE limb. The geomagnetic field was primarily quiet with one period of unsettled conditions observed at mid latitudes.
Report Says Industry Study Withheld Data on Carcinogen
Workplace watchdogs and industry advocates agree: too much hexavalent chromium -- the same chemical at the heart of the movie "Erin Brockovich" -- puts people at risk for lung cancer. But how much is too much?
Saudi attack had 'no impact' on oil output-- Saudi oil official
If present trends continue, including an increase in global temperatures caused by increased greenhouse-gas emissions, many of the world's mountain glaciers will disappear. For example, at the current rate of melting, all glaciers will be gone from Glacier National Park, Montana, by the middle of the next century (fig. 1). In Iceland, about 11 percent of the island is covered by glaciers (mostly ice caps). If warming continues, Iceland's glaciers will decrease by 40 percent by 2100 and virtually disappear by 2200.
Sea level rise 'is accelerating'
Global sea levels could rise by about 30cm during this century if current trends continue, a study warns. Australian researchers found that sea levels rose by 19.5cm between 1870 and 2004, with accelerated rates in the final 50 years of that period.U.N. Environment Program Launches Green Building Initiative
A new international effort to "green" the multi-billion dollar building and construction sector has been launched with some of the biggest names in the business.
U.S. Drops Objections to Chemical Weapon Wastewater Plan
Officials feared that traces of VX nerve agent, other toxic byproducts and basic pollutants would reach the river even after treatment at a DuPont plant in New Jersey, across the river from Wilmington. A pinhead-size droplet of VX can quickly kill an adult.
UPS Expands 'Green Fleet' with 50 Hybrid-Electric Vehicles
UPS has placed an order for 50 new-generation hybrid electric delivery trucks, saying it will acquire a total of 4,100 low-emission conventional vehicles during 2006.
Utilities Will Reveal Cost of Being Clean
Great Plains Energy Inc. is one of a handful of U.S. electric utilities that have agreed to disclose what it could cost to meet environmental regulations in the future.
The agreement comes after shareholder resolutions were filed with the companies seeking the disclosures, which are being pushed by the Investor Network on Climate Risk, an alliance of about 50 institutional investor groups organized by Ceres, a coalition of investment funds and public interest groups that pursue environmental and social issues.
Welsh renewables 'key to UK target' --energy minister
A Lynn waste-water treatment plant could soon get half its power from wind energy. The Massachusetts Maritime Academy is erecting a wind turbine to try to cut its electric bill nearly in half. Hull hopes to save another $500,000 on electric costs, having already powered its streetlights and stoplights for free.
World Lawmakers Set Up Global Warming Monitor Group
Lawmakers and business leaders from around the world launched a campaign on Friday to push recalcitrant governments to take action on climate change. Accusing rich and poor alike of talking a good fight against but doing little, the parliamentarians from the Group of Eight rich nations and five major developing countries said their three-year goal was to force the pace.
February 24, 2006
Aid for Drought-Hit East Africa Two-Thirds Short - Oxfam
Donors have only pledged a third of the aid that drought-stricken East Africa needs to halt a famine that threatens 11 million people, aid agency Oxfam said on Thursday.
Alaskan Senator Threatens to Halt Cape Wind Project
As renewable energy enjoyed a bright moment in the limelight this week with President George W. Bush visiting a solar facility and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a darker item is lurking in the background as yet another Congressional attempt to block offshore wind power projects has been put forward.
Anglo American Joins FutureGen Industrial Alliance
The FutureGen Industrial Alliance today announced that Anglo American has joined the non-profit consortium of global electric utilities and coal companies working with the U.S. Department of Energy to site and develop FutureGen, the world's cleanest coal-fueled power plant.
Attackers attempt takeover of Ukrainian energy company
Real battles involving truncheons and gas sprays have flared up again over Ukrainian regional energy distribution companies. Unidentified individuals today seized the office of the Chernihivoblenerho regional energy distribution company. Another four distribution companies are also under siege - in Poltava, Lviv, Sumy and Ivano-Frankivsk. Attempts to capture all of them were made exactly a year ago at the same time.
Better Electric Grid is in the Works for Florida
British Nuclear Scientists Say Waste not a Problem
Nuclear waste, the spectre haunting the industry, will not pose a problem if Britain decides later this year to build a new generation of nuclear power plants, scientists said on Thursday. With a lethal life measured in thousands of years, waste from nuclear power stations has a powerful grip on public imagination who fear theft or attack by terrorists or simply that it is an unwanted legacy for generations to come. "From a technical point of view we can deal with any waste that comes from nuclear plants. "And in any case, a new reactor system would produce just 10 percent of the waste volume from the old Magnox reactors.
Brussels Must Shut Down Runaway Growth of Energy-Market Megaliths
Having earlier walked away from a takeover approach to ScottishPower, E.ON now has its sights set on becoming the global number one, in one vaulting step.
The two events are inextricably linked. One of Kroes's five main concerns is market concentration, the delivery of more and more of Europe's power generation and supply into fewer and fewer corporate hands.
Building A Waterway Baseline in Florida
To strengthen the scientific basis of its upcoming discussion of nutrient and DO levels statewide, DEP has embarked on a comprehensive, year-long study of those parameters in hundreds of Florida’s diverse waterways, which range from natural to manmade water bodies and from crystalline to tea-colored black water systems.
Bush nominates William Wehrum to senior air quality post at EPA
California eyes Northeast efforts to cut GHG emissions
California PUC to Set Cap on Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The commission will create a load-based cap that encompasses all of the GHG emissions produced in the course of generating electricity to serve utility customers. Imported energy and power produced within California will be treated equally under this system.
Drought Traps African Farmers in Vicious Circle
Village elder Thomas Mulinge sees the drought that ruined his people's crops and left them begging for food as a punishment from God for man's sins. "There is nothing you can do but wait for death," the greying 60-year-old said, seeking shelter from the sweltering midday heat under a dusty tree. "It is God's will."
Energy expert downplays coal technology proposed for American Falls
Coal-gasification plants, such as the one being considered near Pocatello, might not fare so well in Idaho, an energy expert told a legislative committee on Wednesday.
Families Warned Local Landfill Site Will Be Tested for Waste From Nuclear Plant
The former flagstone quarry is known to contain more than 10 years' worth of waste - including a dead whale, cattle carcasses and domestic rubbish from the Dounreay nuclear plant, for which there is no surviving documentation.
France still looking for damaged tube at Cruas-4 nuclear plant
European Generators prepare for long sulfur year
Global Energy's New Wall Map Shows Renewable Energy Increases
A new wall map released this week by Global Energy shows installed renewable energy capacity jumped over 25 percent (19,188 megawatts to 24,020 megawatts) from January 2005 to January 2006.
Global oil at sea nears late winter peak-- Oil Movements
Green groups sue US BLM over oil, gas lease sales in Colorado
In Chile, Going for Gold Means Digging under Glaciers
As the world's largest gold mining company, Barrick Gold Corp. of Canada is used to thinking big. So perhaps it wasn't all that shocking that the company planned to relocate three huge ice fields -- Barrick hates to call them glaciers -- to dig for gold high up on the spine of the Andes mountains. Oceana, Greenpeace and other environmental groups have raised an outcry over the proposed open pit mine.
India Bird Flu Tests Clear 11, Fears Rise in EU
Indian authorities on Thursday cleared 11 out of 12 people quarantined following an H5N1 outbreak in chickens, while EU states tested farm birds as the virus threatened to hit their domestic fowl for the first time.
India Caught Unready for Bird Flu
India's first confirmed cases of the highly pathogenic avian influenza or 'bird flu' surfaced in western Maharashtra state, over the weekend, catching authorities unprepared and threatening the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of poultry workers, in this populous, farming country.
Israeli Government Backs Village Solar Electrification
"This is just the beginning. Darijat Village is an
example of our capability to provide solar systems to generate electricity for
entire remote communities. The mission of this village is to be a sustainable
model that can be replicated to help the development of remote villages around
the world."
-- Gil Nezer
Japanese Ministry Shuts off Heating in Race to Meet Kyoto Target
Japan's Environment Ministry turned off its heating this week, leaving staff unable to even make a cup of tea, in an effort to spur the country to meet its target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, an official said Thursday.
Mega-Pipeline - Costly and Controversial
A proposed South American mega-pipeline that would carry natural gas southwards from the Caribbean Sea across the Amazon jungle to Brazil and Argentina is still just a dream. But it has already given rise to doubts regarding economic, political and environmental questions.
Peru presidential candidate would tighten control over energy
"For us, the issue of hydrocarbons is strategic, first, because the world is more hungry for energy all the time and international prices cannot be calculated in the short term," Humala, a retired army officer who is candidate of Union por el Peru, told foreign journalists.
The Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, has been in power for 10 years. He said that he has no qualms about using nuclear energy to supply power and none about exporting uranium either. He wants to see national progress on water-supply issues in Australia. Howard also predicted that the Australian unemployment figure, hovering around 5%, could fall further in coming years. Howard does believe that greenhouse gases are a problem, but he wants to see the fossil fuel industries find cleaner ways to keep going.
Power Firm in Drought-Hit Tanzania Seeks New Plants
Tanzania's power company on Thursday invited bids for two gas-powered plants to boost electricity production following a drought that has reduced hydro power. East Africa's worst drought in years is threatening 11 million people with famine, and the power cuts are one of the first signs of what many say will be its widespread cost to the region's economy.
Publicly-owned utilities are providing a sea of calm during tumultuous times. That's the view of Fitch Ratings, which says those entities generally have a "stable" outlook despite fuel price volatility and rising interest rates. But, such a prognosis could be threatened if those utilities are unable to respond to higher fuel prices.
Roof of Russian Market Caves in, 56 Killed
A Moscow market roof collapsed on Thursday, possibly under the weight of snow, killing at least 56 people and trapping many in the rubble, emergency services said.
The building in Bauman district in eastern Moscow caved in at 5:45 a.m. (0245 GMT) after an overnight snowfall in the city which is undergoing one of its harshest winters in a generation.
Self-contained Solar-powered Lighting
SolarOne Solutions announces the first of several outdoor lights for neighborhoods, campuses and parks. The company's new line of SOLED lights get their power from an array of solar cells and produce their light from an array of white LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes).
Sempra balks at moratorium, water transfer bills
Vote down certain anti-coal-fired power plant bills or kiss the project proposed for Jerome County goodbye.
Silicon Shortage Drives Global Solar Mergers & Acquisitions
Acquisitions in the global solar industry are off to a strong start in 2006 following a major realignment in the solar industry. Global merger and acquisition activity in the renewable energy sector has been growing at just under 50 percent per annum for five years, reaching $14USD billion in 2005
Southern Co., Energy Dept. to build clean coal-fired plant in Florida
The U.S. Department of Energy is partnering with electric utility Southern Co. and others to develop what they hope will be one of the cleanest coal-fired power plants in the world. GCC technology produces a coal-derived synthesis gas for power generation and is considered an environmentally preferred means of generating electricity from coal.
Spent fuel removal is industry's top waste legislation priority
Empire initially intends to own 50 megawatts. It plans to control an additional 50 megawatts through a long-term purchased power agreement with an option to convert these 50 megawatts to an undivided ownership interest in 2015. The unit is scheduled to be completed in 2010.
The Spread of HIV in Africa-- An Epidemic of Epic Proportions
"There is no precedent for the number of lives affected by the HIV epidemic. To find anything similar to such a potentially devastating loss of life, we have to go back to the smallpox decimation of Native American communities in the sixteenth century or to the bubonic plague that took roughly a fourth of Europe's population during the fourteenth century.
Thinking of Giving a Goat? Consider the Butts
A recent press release issued by the World Land Trust (WLT) highlighted concerns relating to the hugely popular 'Give a Goat' initiatives being promoted by charities such as Oxfam, Christian Aid and Farm Africa. John Burton, Chief Executive of WLT, argues that over-grazing by goats in arid environments has disastrous effects on the fertility of the land and that charities promoting an increase in goat populations are "Achieving the exact opposite of what they initially attended."
US Plans to Send Missouri Water North Worry Canada
US plans to combat droughts by diverting Missouri River water north into Canada are pushing the two countries toward their second clash in a year over water use. At issue is a North Dakotan plan to divert water from the Missouri River into a system that would take it over the border to Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba, the world's 10th largest freshwater lake and home to a commercial fishery.
White House Katrina Report Proposes Future Fixes
The military should have a clearer role in dealing with disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, the White House said on Thursday in a review of the problem-plagued federal emergency response.
Wisconsin RPS Approved by State Senate
"Whether it's with wind power or energy resources grown right on Wisconsin
farms, we have the resources here to move toward energy independence. Doing so
will keep our energy dollars in our local economies instead of purchasing fuels
from outside the state. And investing in new renewable energy technologies will
create more good jobs right here in Wisconsin. I hope the Assembly will follow
the Senate's lead, and act quickly to get this legislation to my desk."
-- Jim Doyle, Governor of Wisconsin
Worried About Dam, Upstate New York Fears Floods
Robert Felter is preparing for catastrophe. Fearful that a nearby dam, which supplies water for New York City, might break due to years of poor maintenance, he has barricaded his basement windows with sandbags. And in case the Gilboa dam unexpectedly releases its 19 billion gallons (72 billion litres) of water, he has suitcases packed in his car so he can flee.
February 23, 2006
Another study warns of skilled worker shortage
In the U.S., nearly 1 of every 2 employers (44 percent) reported difficulty in filling positions due to a lack of suitable talent, the company said.
Biopolymers - A Bridge to Zero-Waste Communities
The introduction of biopolymers, (the first commercially available polymer made from a 100-percent annually renewable resource - field corn.) combined with a growing infrastructure for composting them, may reduce the estimated 94 percent* of all plastic consumer products that currently end up in local disposal facilities in the U.S.
Buckle Up-- The Hybrids are Coming - February 13, 2006
In spite of development euphoria, we need to be realistic about hybrids. As a benchmark, what is the fuel efficiency of developing engines? Electronic and computer technology enabled better conventional engine operation ever since the mid to late 70's. Direct fuel injection, variations of the diesel cycle, and lightweight engines offer higher miles per gallon.
Cash Crunch Looms for 'Noah's Ark' Seed Project
Scientists racing to save the world's plants as global warming
and human expansion threaten whole species fear a looming cash crunch may derail
the ambitious project.
Already the Millennium Seed Bank has squirreled away 750 million seeds
from 14,000 species of plants and trees, and the botanists are confident
they will hit their target of 30,000 species or 10 percent of the
world's flora by 2010.
Company to continue plans for power plant
Our view is that the load growth in Southern Nevada justifies both our plant and Nevada Power's plant," said Tom Johns, Sithe vice president of development. Sithe proposes to build the Toquop Energy Project, a 750-megawatt, coal-fired power plant in southwestern Lincoln County near Mesquite.
Global Initiative Aims To Boost Nuclear Energy, Nonproliferation
Called the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP), the United States has launched an international technology initiative that it hopes will expand the nuclear power industry around the world without raising the risk of nuclear proliferation.
Increased international cooperation is a key element of the initiative.
Because of its grand ambitions, the GNEP faces many political, security, financial and logistical challenges, he added.
GNEP is months away from program plan, DOE says
Group gives most lawmakers poor grades on environmental scorecard
"In a year when elected officials in Washington were given numerous opportunities to cast votes on issues vital to our energy future as well as clean air, clean water and key conservation initiatives, the 2005 National Environmental Scorecard offers a clear-eyed look at just where our members of Congress stand," LCV Legislative Director Tiernan Sittenfeld said.
Honda to Sell Low-Cost Hybrid Car in 2007-08 – Paper
Honda Motor Co. plans to sell a low-cost hybrid car, a version of its popular Fit subcompact, a Japanese daily reported, signalling the auto maker's long-term commitment to the fuel-sipping powertrain.
Woodwork squeaks and out come the geeks: All of a sudden, e-waste news is busting out all over.
Internal Hydro Completes Renewable Energy Unit Plans for European Production
The unit as being built by Cm2 will provide an always ready 30 kw of electricity for constant use by industrial and natural flow users.
Japan Biz Group Calls for More Nuclear Power Generation
The Japan Association of Corporate Executives announced a proposal Tuesday that calls for Japan to further promote nuclear power generation in order to improve the nation's energy self-sufficiency.
Though Quoddy Bay LLC originally proposed to build a project that could handle 500 million cubic feet of natural gas each day, by the time the company formally notified federal regulators of its intent, it had decided to construct a facility with a daily capacity four times as large.
Man dies at Mettiki mine in Md., 2006's 21st coal-mine fatality
Middle East LPG export could rise 67% to 41-mil mt by 2010
The increase will be driven by four countries in the Middle East, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Iran,
More LNG ships in harbor; Number of tankers rises dramatically
The number of LNG tankers steaming through Boston Harbor under heavy guard has dramatically increased since 2001 - with shipments of the dangerous cargo now averaging more than one a week, according to data reviewed by the Herald.
NASA Outreach Program Helps Fitzsimmons Systems Move Ahead With Biodiesel Technology
In the search for more efficient, affordable and environmentally conscious sources of fuel, biodiesel – a clean-burning, alternative fuel – is experiencing skyrocketing popularity, creating a growing demand for biodiesel process technologies. Fitzsimmons Systems is developing a patent-pending process technology for the production of biodiesel. The fuel is created through a chemical process called transesterification, which separates the glycerin from animal fats or vegetable oil.
Ohio Company Patents New Technology to Help Cure US Oil Addiction
In his recent state of the union speech, President Bush said, "America is addicted to oil, which is often imported from unstable parts of the world. The best way to break this addiction is through technology." Proe Power Systems is providing engine technology that can use that agricultural waste directly, without the need for an additional process to make the ethanol," said Proeschel.
Peak Oil-- Real or Not - February 10, 2006
I think this is a regional issue. In Northern Europe everybody is acutely aware that North Sea oil and gas are running out. The reality of more expensive and less secure imported supplies was driven home by Russia's spat with the Ukraine last month. So for this region, the concept of Peak Oil is a given and it is viewed in terms of price and supply instability.
Pebble-Bed Cracker to Begin Construction
Industry analysts said the plant's new technology, called the "pebble-bed technology," is a high-temperature, gas-cooled reactor technology that is supposedly safer.
Nuclear plants commonly use pressurized water or boiling water reactors.
Nine out of the 11 nuclear reactors running in China are designed with pressurized water technology imported from France and Russia, and the remaining two use Canada's pressurized heavy-water technology.
Radiocarbon Review Rewrites European Pre-History
Rather than taking some 7,000 years to colonise Europe from Africa, the reinterpreted data shows the process may only have taken 5,000 years, scientist Paul Mellars from Cambridge University said in the science journal Nature on Wednesday.
Reactor crisis, leaks lead U.S. to inspect Illinois nuclear plants
Federal regulators have ordered inspections of all Illinois nuclear power plants after an emergency at one reactor and a series of leaks of radioactive tritium at plants owned by Exelon Corp. of Chicago. The inspection of the LaSalle plant is related to the emergency there, while the other inspections were ordered because of the tritium leaks, said NRC spokesman Jan Strasma.
Renewable Energy Taking off in Power Markets
The rapid growth in renewable energy is being driven by improving economics, technology advances and increasingly favorable government policies according to Global Energy Decisions (Global Energy). Planned projects on the drawing boards increased nearly 35% as well, going from 35,818 megawatts to 48,202 megawatts.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 022306
The visible solar disk remains spotless. The geomagnetic field was quiet to active. Unsettled to active periods were due to the continued influence of a coronal hole high speed stream. Solar wind speed at ACE has decreased from approximately 700 km/s to 580 km/s.
Residents protest Santee Cooper license-- Owners of flooded land await payback
No efforts have been made to change the method of diverting flood water down the Santee River, even after the property owners won a judgement against the company in 1997, Marsh said. The residents say water that has flooded the North Santee in the past is coming from the St. Stephen Hydroplant and the Santee Dam, which is where the flood gates are located.
Russia to build two nuke electricity generators each year before 2030
Russia plans to build two sets of nuclear electricity generators each year to bring its nuclear electricity production capacity to 25 percent of the country's total electricity output by 2030, head of Russia's Atomic Energy Agency Sergei Kiriyenko said on Tuesday.
Senator wants PSC regulations to stop wind farm in Greenbrier
Spire to Develop Advanced Thermophotovoltaic Cells
Spire Corp. today has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant to develop a new type of thermophotovoltaic (TPV) power cell that produces electricity from heat. The cells are similar to solar cells that convert visible photons to electricity, but the semiconductor material is adjusted to convert long-wavelength or thermal photons to electricity.
Urban Land Trusts -- A Guest Commentary
Millions of dollars are spent internationally each year to buy and protect wilderness areas. Large swaths of old-growth redwood forests in the Pacific Northwest, rain forests in South America, even swamp lands in the southern United States have been purchased by government agencies and private trusts. Yet hardly a dime is tossed towards systematically reclaiming urban eco-systems. With a majority of the world’s population soon to live in cities, it’s time to focus on recreating sustainable wilderness areas in our own backyards.
US DOE to provide $160-mil for biorefinery construction
US FERC chief applauds agreement on Alaska gas pipeline
In a statement Kelliher called the announcement "a highly encouraging step toward building a pipeline to bring Alaska gas to the lower 48 states. Building this pipeline is a key part of our national effort to secure abundant and affordable supplies of this environmentally friendly fuel."
US NRC approves plan for spent nuclear fuel storage in Utah
Wal-Mart first to offer laptop that meets European hazwaste directive
The retail giant worked with Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. to develop the Satellite A55-S1064 laptop, which meets the European Union´s Restriction on Hazardous Substance directive. The directive restricts the use of hazardous substances, such as lead, chromium and mercury, in electronics sold in European markets effective July 1.
Wastewater industry expected to grow to $3.3B in revenue by 2010
The U.S. wastewater recycling and reuse industry is projected to grow annually by 8.8 percent, reaching $3.3 billion in total revenue by 2010. Landscape and agricultural irrigation make up the largest share of water reuse. The amount of water reused in the United States will grow annually by 11.1 percent through 2010,
February 22, 2006
Air Products Fueling Station is Filling Cars for Five City Demonstration Programs
Air Products' newest hydrogen fueling station in Riverside, Calif. was busy filling hydrogen converted vehicles as the City of Riverside held a dedication ceremony officially declaring the station open. It is the second hydrogen fueling station Air Products has opened within a week as a station in Santa Ana, Calif. was dedicated on Jan. 26.
As President Bush Seeks More Wind Energy, Backroom Deal in Washington Threatens to Kill Cape Wind
After four years of favorable regulatory review showing the project would lower energy costs, reduce air pollution and help wean the New England region off its dependence on imported oil and natural gas, Cape Wind's future is now threatened because of Alaska Congressman Don Young's backdoor attempt to kill America's first offshore wind farm.
Bomb Threat at Nuclear Power Plant Proves False
An anonymous caller who said a bomb was planted at the
Beloyarsk nuclear power plant is now being sought by police in
Zarechny, Sverdlovsk region.
Brazil to cut ethanol mix in gasoline by 20% due to prices
Bush Pushes Wind, Solar Power, Cutback on Oil Use
President George W. Bush called on Tuesday for tapping renewable energy sources like wind and solar power to contend with surging energy costs but environmental groups questioned his commitment to easing US oil dependence.
Bush-- U.S. on Verge of Energy Breakthrough
Saying the nation is on the verge of technological breakthroughs that would "startle" most Americans, President Bush on Monday outlined his energy proposals to help wean the country off foreign oil.
China Faces Uphill Battle to Turn its Growth Green
There are days in Beijing the smog is so thick residents can stare straight at the sun.
China Warns Officials against Covering up Pollution
China has warned local environmental protection officials that
they will be punished if they allow or cover up damage to the environment in favour of economic
growth, state media said on Tuesday.
China has been struck by a steady string of environmental crises,
including a river pollution case that left millions in northeast China
without drinking water for days, and degradation of the environment has
become an issue threatening growth, social stability and public health.
China's Natural Gas Shortage May See Power Plant Closures
The shortage of natural gas has put the bulk of China's gas-fired power plants on the verge of closure, and industry leaders are calling for the government to trim its gas power development plans.
Coal needs to go green - Wicks
Coal power needs to become more environmentally friendly if it is to form a major role in the UK’s energy supply long-term, Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks has claimed. Speaking at the Coal UK conference in London this week, Mr. Wicks outlined the importance of the fossil fuel at the moment – meeting 50% of average weekday demand – but called for an increase in carbon abatement technology take-up to limit coal’s green impact.
CUB endorses proposed bill to freeze state electric rates
The Citizens Utility Board is backing proposed legislation to freeze electric rates in Illinois through 2009 to head off a big increase expected next year, but Commonwealth Edison hints that could wreck the company.
Dept of Energy agrees to hear complaints over Mirant plant order
DOE Report-- China Outpacing U.S. In Global Energy Market
"China won't hesitate to march right over us in the upcoming decades if
America does not improve its energy policy. We must take similar and aggressive
steps to increase American supplies of renewable, alternative and conventional
energy to grow our economy."
-- House Resources Committee Chairman Richard W. Pombo (R-CA)
Emissions still rising despite Kyoto
Governments around the world are failing to take control of their greenhouse gas emissions despite the Kyoto Protocol being in force for a full year, environmental group Friends of the Earth has claimed. Italy, Canada and Austria’s emissions have risen since the baseline year of 1990, and the UK has experiencing rising levels in recent years, putting Kyoto commitments at risk.
EPA doles out $7 million in grants to help cut school bus exhaust
The federal government has announced $7 million in grants to 37 school districts to help reduce children´s exposure to harmful exhaust from school buses.
EU aims for urban sustainability
More than 250 projects on urban sustainability will be financed by the initiative, with results beginning to become available as soon as mid-2006. “There is strong potential for research to help resolve urban challenges.
EU formally rejects UK's amended CO2 emissions plan
"The amended plan outlined an increase in the number of CO2 emission allowances by about 20-mil mt compared to the UK's original allocation plan. The UK originally sought, and was given, a total allocation of 736-mil mt to cover the first three years of the EU ETS (2005-2007).
Europe to draft directive on Green Heat
It has endorsed a resolution drafted by German socialist MEP Mechtild Rothe which calls for a new directive which will require member countries to meet thermal heating and cooling applications from geothermal heat pumps, biomass and solar thermal technologies.
Evergreen Solar signs $100 mln contract in Germany
Under the agreement, Evergreen Solar will ship about $100 million of photovoltaic modules to S.A.G. over the next four years that will be manufactured at its plant in Massachusetts and its new 30-megawatt facility in Thalheim, Germany.
Expect 'very volatile oil prices' over next year or two-- Bodman
"We are facing a situation where the suppliers have been having increased difficulty keeping pace with demand," which has led to "very volatile oil prices," Bodman said in a live television interview with Bloomberg TV. "I think that's something over the next year or two that we are going to have to deal with."
Feds Order Review of Ill. Nuclear Plants
Federal regulators have ordered inspections of all Illinois nuclear power plants following a brief emergency and a series of radioactive leaks at Exelon Corp. plants.
Gas-bill panic comes and goes-- Mild winter fools some Oklahoma customers
January was the warmest on record for the state and nation, and cold snaps have been few and far between. Despite those climatological facts, gas bills have been quite a surprise to some, although the monthly statements could've been a lot worse.
Governments must redouble their R&D support for renewables
Renewable energy technologies have received an average of 7.6% of government energy research during the past 30 years, and have “stagnated,” according to the International Energy Agency.
How to Beat the High Cost of Gasoline. Forever!
Stop dreaming about hydrogen. Ethanol is the answer to the energy dilemma. It's clean and green and runs in today's cars. And in a generation, it could replace gas.
Exploding at the seams with building, investment and trade, India can hardly keep up with itself. City streets originally built for two lanes of traffic are teeming with four and sometimes five lanes of cars, auto-rickshaws, mopeds, buses and trucks. This energy- guzzling congestion will only become worse as India continues producing fairly high-quality goods and services at lower and lower prices from automobiles that cost only $2,500 to low-budget airline flights for $50
IRAN-- Last Chance for Diplomacy
A meeting between the Iranian and Russian governments in Moscow on Monday may be the last chance for diplomacy before international sanctions and other punitive measures against Tehran become inevitable, according to most observers.
IRAQ-- Gas Pumps Buried in Mountain of Unpaid Debts
Citing a mountain of unpaid bills, the governments of Turkey and Saudi Arabia have shut off gasoline exports to Iraq. With its options dwindling and beleaguered Iraqis demanding fuel, Baghdad has begun to negotiate with its former arch-rival, Iran.
Iraqi oil exports average 1.5-mil bd Feb 1-21
Jobs Cut at Energy Lab Restored Before Bush Visit
The Energy Department said it has come up with $5 million to immediately restore jobs cut at a renewable energy laboratory President Bush will visit Tuesday, avoiding a potentially embarrassing moment as the president promotes his energy plan.
In the 1990s, everyone was predicting that natural gas would reign supreme. But, Sempra Energy studied it and concluded that eventual short supplies and high prices would necessitate new thinking. It then decided to invest in liquefied natural gas terminals, or LNG. The United States now has four LNG import terminals on land and one more off-shore in the Gulf of Mexico. About 40 more facilities have been proposed or gotten permission to be built from federal regulators.
New Report Links Renewable Energy to Climate Change Solutions
Renewable energy must play a major role in the global energy supply to meet the increasingly serious environmental and economic threats of climate change, according to a new report from the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21).
The UK Government has launched a major new consultation on waste this week, in a bid to develop a more effective strategy. The consultation marks a change of emphasis from the current strategy by outlining a broader approach.
Pennsylvania Would Demand Big Mercury Cuts from Power Plants under New Proposal
Pennsylvania's coal-fired power plants would have to cut mercury emissions by 90 percent within a decade under a plan that would make the state the first major coal producer with stricter mercury regulations than the federal government.
Pepco Energy Services Supplies 100% Renewable Energy to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Pepco Energy Services, a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POM) and a leader in supplying renewable electricity in the mid-Atlantic region, announced today that it has been awarded a contract by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) to supply renewable power to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, operated by the National Park Service, and several other GSA owned and operated federal facilities in northern New Jersey.
Renewables to increase growth curve in U.S. market next year
The growth in demand for renewable energy in the United States will be more than double next year, than it will be this year. All renewables will grow 3.9% from 2006 to 2007
"Back in Washington, perhaps the president can begin drafting new federal clean energy policies modeled on Aspen's climate mitigation strategy, as well as on Colorado's own renewable energy standard."
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 022206
Solar activity remains at very low levels. Activity was limited to a small disappearing solar filament which occurred in the southwest quadrant. The visible solar disk remains spotless. The geomagnetic field was at quiet to active levels. The elevated conditions are due to a favorably positioned transequatorial coronal hole.
Research facility and manufacturer to halve the cost of solar power
The Palo Alto Research Center has signed a partnership with SolFocus, a manufacturer of solar energy systems, to reduce the cost of solar power by half. The venture will use the original SolFocus design for concentrator photovoltaic technology which generates electricity by using precision optical components to concentrate sunlight onto high-efficiency solar cells.
Russia Seeks Greater Private Investment in Nuclear Energy
"We are ready to conclude new, long-term contracts with private investors," Kiriyenko said, stressing that nuclear power stations must belong to the state.
Record-high salinities have been observed over the past decade in the region where water from the Atlantic flows into the northern oceans; as a whole the northern North Atlantic has become significantly fresher (less salty) in recent decades. The amount of freshwater added in recent decades was much larger than previously assumed. It is reasonable to assume that the freshwater input will continue to increase in the future because the earth is warming, causing increasing ice melt and increased precipitation (both over ocean and over land, which yields larger river runoff to the ocean). On the other hand, the subtropical waters can be expected to become saltier in the future, for the same reason.
San Francisco to Test Turning Dog Waste into Power
San Francisco, a leader in urban recycling, is preparing to enlist its canine population for a first in the United States: converting dog poop into energy.
Senate Democrats Doubt Bush can cut US Oil Imports
Senate Democrats on Tuesday asked the Bush administration to explain how it can slash Middle East oil imports by 75 percent by 2025 when the government's top energy forecaster predicts that won't happen.
State of New Jersey presses nuclear concern
The state has "serious concerns" about safety at Oyster Creek, the nation's oldest operating nuclear power plant. Jackson's demand falls short of expressing outright opposition to relicensing -- New Jersey officials have no say in the NRC's final decision -- but it nevertheless puts the state in the same corner as a coalition of environmental and citizen groups.
The Good and Bad about Organics
A Consumer Reports survey recently found that organic produce can cost as much as double the price of traditionally grown products. Is it worth the extra money to keep clear of pesticides? Not always, the magazine concludes,
The U.S. Biodiesel Industry Matures
"There's no one silver bullet to our energy needs but biodiesel is absolutely one of our best tools to make a difference in energy supply and works with what we already have.
Recently there have been a number of media reports about a 'tipping point' having been reached in the Arctic as permafrost thaws, lakes disappear into the permafrost, and more bare ground is exposed to the sun. There is a recent press release from model runs in Hamburg predicting an ice-free Arctic summer. So, all of the Artic feedbacks look positive? The phrase, "point of no return" has been used.
Top U.S. retailers buy green power for 82,000 homes
Ten retail companies in the United States purchase 878,000 MWh a year of green power, equivalent to the power consumed by 82,000 homes.
The latest ‘top ten’ list of the Green Power Partnership shows the top partner is Whole Foods Market, which buys 463,128 MWh of biomass, geothermal, hydro, solar and wind power to supply 100% of its corporate needs.
U.S. business calls for more support to renewables
A two-year study by the energy and manufacturing sectors in the United States has recommended that renewable energies significantly “ramp up” its role in energy supply.
The Pew Center on Global Climate Change has released its first comprehensive plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., which concludes that there is no single technology fix, no single policy instrument and no single sector that can solve the problem of climate change on its own.
U.S. to increase consumption of renewables by 60% within 20 years
The United States will be consuming 9.6 quadrillion Btu of renewable energies by 2025, an increase of 60% from 2004, according to the latest government prediction.
The increase from 6.0 quads in 2004 will result from programs at the state level, including renewable portfolio standards, mandates and goals for green power, technological advances, higher prices for oil and natural gas, and the effects of federal tax credits, explains the latest ‘Annual Energy Outlook’ released by the Energy Information Administration.
Utility executives believe 2006 is year of mergers
Why Wall Street is Greener than the White House
"It is telling that the first major call for
regulation to address the rapidly escalating impacts of climate change is coming
from the finance sector."
- Ross Gelbspan
February 21, 2006
Alaska Governor seen proposing new oil production tax Tuesday
Legislators are anxious to make the change, arguing that the current tax structure does not allow the state to capture much of the benefit from the high crude oil prices that have prevailed in recent months.
Arctic could be ice-free in summer in 15 years
Recent melting of sea ice in the Arctic may lead to the lowest level yet of ocean ice cover in the Arctic this summer, resulting in drastic changes to the northern ecosystem, according to scientists meeting at a conference in Winnipeg this week.
More than 120 scientists from nearly a dozen nations are attending the meeting of the Canadian Arctic Shelf Exchange Study.Bush-- US Must Not Be 'Hostage' To Foreign Oil
"Some of the nations we rely on for oil have unstable governments or fundamental differences with the United States," Bush said in a speech at the start a two-day swing through Wisconsin, Michigan and Colorado.
Bush Visit to Heat Up Debates on Energy-- Critics Say Plans Don't Give Enough Immediate Relief
President George W. Bush plans to tour an Auburn Hills plant today as part of a campaign touting his energy proposals he says will lessen American dependence on foreign oil in the future. But critics say the plans will do little to reduce energy costs anytime soon. Although the president's 2007 budget proposal includes increases for research on solar, nuclear, hydrogen and wind power, it also includes cuts for research in other areas, such as improving the fuel efficiency of cars and trucks.
China faces huge bill to raise energy efficiency
China needs to spend 2.6 trillion yuan to cut the amount of energy wasted while heating and cooling buildings and to help ease fuel shortages, Qiu Baoxing, deputy minister for construction, said Thursday.
Climate Change More Rapid than Ever
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology presented their first model calculations for the future of the climate. According to the calculations, in the next 100 years, the climate will change more than ever. Given particular conditions, it is expected that the sea ice in the North Pole region will completely melt in the summer. Extreme weather events in Europe will increase in frequency and strength.
El Nino May Affect Africa's Food Supply
Climate change that strengthens the El Nino weather patterns could endanger food supplies for more than 20 million people in Africa, a new study warns. In the past, El Ninos have occurred every four to seven years, but many climate experts worry that continuing global warming will lead to stronger and more frequent events.
Eleven Million at Risk in East Africa Drought - UN
As many as 11 million people are threatened with starvation across east Africa because of a combination of drought and conflict, a UN special investigator warned on Monday.
Kazakhstan set to develop nuclear power industry
In a 12-2 vote yesterday, City Council members declared their intention to never ever allow the Philadelphia Gas Works to build a liquefied-natural-gas importation facility along the Delaware River in Philadelphia's Port Richmond section. But although the nonbinding resolution declared Council's "unqualified opposition to any project that would create an LNG shipping terminal within the City of Philadelphia," several of those who supported the measure moved quickly to add qualifications.
The presentation demonstrated that targeted efforts in energy efficiency can result in lasting energy reduction. Some of the efforts outlined include supporting energy efficient lighting systems, air conditioning, as well as efficient appliances.
NEI Effort Aims to Build Support, Nuclear Plants
The nuclear energy industry is launching its largest national PR campaign in years next month in an effort to build support for nuclear power as a clean energy. The push follows the Bush administration's January announcement of plans to launch a $250 million initiative to develop a new technology for reprocessing spent nuclear fuel and the President's State of the Union Address trumpeting nuclear power.
Norway Firm Plans World's Biggest Wind Park
A Norwegian firm has applied for a concession for the world's biggest wind power development off western Norway with total capacity of 1,500 megawatts produced by hundreds of turbines, it said on Monday.
Operators Declare, Exit Site Area Emergency at LaSalle Station
Operators at the LaSalle Generating Station declared a "site area emergency" at 12:28 a.m. (CST) Monday during shutdown of the Unit 1 reactor for a scheduled refueling outage and exited the emergency condition at 4:27 a.m. Monday.
Panel will answer questions on Iowa coal-fired power plant
People with questions about the proposed coal-fired power plant near Waterloo may get answers during an upcoming panel at the University of Northern Iowa. Pat Higby, energy educator for the Center for Energy and Environmental Education, is trying to gather a wide array of panelists to cover most questions people have.
Public Hearings to Outline Plans for Second Wake County, N.C., Nuclear Reactor
The prospect of Progress Energy building another nuclear reactor in Wake County will be aired in a variety of public forums over the next several years, offering ample opportunity for public comment.
All sides are keenly aware that public opposition will play a role in whether more plants are built.
"We think the Russian proposal is the best solution for solving the problem because there is mutual trust between the countries that is a good basis for finding a common formula."
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 022106
No significant activity was noted again today. The visible disk remains spotless.The geomagnetic field ranged from quiet to major storm levels. An enhancement of the solar wind speed occurred near 20/1000Z (400 km/sec to 550/ km/sec) due to a geoeffective coronal hole.
Rising Energy Costs Illuminate Surging Fluorescent Bulb Market
The lighting industry has created a brighter, cheaper compact fluorescent lamps, or CFLs, that seem to be catching on among homeowners determined to trim high energy expenses. CFL use has climbed from 2.3 percent of the bulb market in 1999 to 5.6 percent this year.
Scientists sound alarm on Arctic ice cap
Satellite data for the month of June show Arctic sea ice has shrunk to a record low, raising concerns about climate change, coastal erosion, and changes to wildlife patterns. The National Snow and Ice Data Centre in the United States uses remote sensing imagery to survey ice cover at both poles. The centre says 2002 was a record low year for sea ice cover in the Arctic, since satellite observations began in 1979.Shell extends force majeure on Nigerian crude oil exports
Shell declared force majeure on liftings in January after a wave of militants attacks but extended it Tuesday after another string of attacks on its facilities at the weekend. The company, which pumps over 40% of Nigeria's oil, has shut in a total of 455,000 b/d as a precaution after militants at the weekend bombed the Forcados terminal, sabotaged two pipelines and kidnapped nine foreign oil workers.
California regulators overrode objections from utilities and voted Thursday to cap power plant emissions of carbon dioxide, a key contributor to global warming. The Public Utilities Commission acted in order to "do our part in meeting the ... greenhouse gas reduction goals articulated" last year by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, said Mike Peevey, the PUC president.
Technical Report Confirms Reliability of Yucca Mountain Technical Work
"We are committed to opening Yucca Mountain based only on sound science. The work that we do must be without question or qualification, and this report confirms that we are on the right path forward."
Tucson, Ariz., residents' natural-gas bills rise for second consecutive month
For the second time in two months, natural-gas bills are going up for Tucson residents. State regulators on Wednesday approved a rate increase for residential customers of Southwest Gas Corp.
What's moving the oil markets 022106
Iranian and Russian officials ended talks Monday on a Russian plan to resolve Iran's nuclear standoff without agreement, but promised to keep negotiating in a bid to defuse the growing international crisis. Russia has offered to set up a joint enterprise with Iran to enrich uranium on Russian territory, giving Iran the material it needs for a nuclear energy program but denying it the technology for a nuclear bomb.
Women power their way to the top at Con Edison
In 1979, things were quite different for women in America: Only about 50 percent were in the workforce, they earned 40 percent less than men and the corporate "glass ceiling" seemed unbreakable. "There are a lot more opportunities, and there are a lot more women in the company," Yieh said. "Women are moving into managerial ranks more quickly."
February 20, 2006
1,400-Year-Old Moccasin Found in Canadian Glacier
Archeologists studying melting alpine ice for clues on early life in Canada's North have uncovered a 1,400-year-old moccasin, officials said on Thursday.
A Year on, Kyoto Climate Backers Urge US Action
Backers of the UN's Kyoto Protocol renewed their pleas to the United States on Thursday to do more to fight global warming, even though their own records are patchy in the year since the pact went into force.
Accident at Thermoelectric Power Plant in Kyzyl
Authorities in Tuva are trying to get to the bottom of a major accident that occurred at a thermoelectric power plant in Kyzyl.
ACEEE Rates Cleanest Vehicles of 2006
Amid dramatic changes in the U.S. vehicle market and continued concerns about U.S. oil dependence, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has announced the year's "greenest" and "meanest" vehicles, along with the environmental scorings of all model year 2006 cars and passenger trucks.
Albertsons Nets 1 Billion Kilowatt Hours
Boise-based grocery chain Albertsons says it has saved about 1 billion kilowatt hours of electricity since 2000 by continually improving new store designs and aggressively retrofitting old ones.
America's Bald Eagles Soar to Success
Regarding U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announcement of its proposal to declare the bald eagle "recovered" in the lower-48 states and to remove it from the list of threatened species protected by the Endangered Species Act.
Anthrax Spores May Survive Water Treatment
Bermudan Company Announces Underwater Power Plant
Support has poured in for innovative plans to sink an underwater power generator in the sea off Bermuda.
The Bermuda Electric Light Company (Belco), the island's sole power supplier, unveiled the pioneering green scheme this week, revealing how it would capture ocean currents to initially provide nearly 10 per cent of the island's electricity needs
Breakthrough Development in On-Demand Hydrogen Generation Announced by AirGen Corporation
AirGen Corporation announces a breakthrough development in on-demand hydrogen generation technology. The company has recently demonstrated ambient temperature on-demand hydrogen generation from an aqueous solution.
British Industry Fears Blackouts, Urges Action
The British government must act quickly and resolutely to plug the yawning energy gap or face blackouts within six years, industry leaders said on Monday.
Bush Presses for Nuclear Energy Expansion
President Bush on Saturday renewed his push for expansion of nuclear energy and sought support for plans to revive nuclear fuel reprocessing to deal with radioactive waste from commercial power plants.
Bush's Advanced Energy Initiatives
Americans are hot-under-the collar over today's energy costs. The fear among policymakers and economists alike is that the high energy prices tied to oil and natural gas could burden the forward momentum the economy is now experiencing. The most effective way to combat those high prices is through new technologies that will bring cleaner burning fuels to the fore.
California PUC Adopts Plan to Cap Power Plant Emissions
The California Public Utilities Commission on Thursday approved a plan to set a cap on greenhouse gas emissions produced by the state's power plants.
Central states, EPA announce joint plan to reduce air pollution
Federal environmental officials have announced a plan with nine central states to reduce emissions and improve air quality. Participating states include Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas. Private partners from Canada and Mexico also are participating.
China Launches Effort to Provide Safe Drinking Water to Rural Communities
Coal Fumes Kill 15 in China, Put 200 in Hospital
Toxic fumes from coal-burning stoves killed 15 people this week in freezing northeast China and put more than 200 in hospital, state media said on Friday.
Conagra Looks to Organics for Sales Growth
Packaged food company ConAgra Foods Inc, looking for ways to jump-start sales, is moving into the fast-growing organic market with canned tomatoes, microwave popcorn and, eventually, other products.
Congress weighs authorizing $50M for perchlorate cleanup in Calif.
Perchlorate, an ingredient in a propellant used in rockets and other military munitions, has been migrating into drinking water supplies, particularly in California. Perchlorate can disrupt thyroid functions in adults and physical, behavioral and mental development in children.
Conservation Groups File Suit to Reverse Harm to Grand Canyon's Aquatic Habitat
For more than a decade the Bureau of Reclamation has been required to modify the operations of Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River to reverse the dam's downstream impacts on Grand Canyon's priceless river ecosystem. These efforts have failed to produce results.
Decrease in Atlantic circulation
Since what goes north must eventually go south (after taking into account the very small amounts of atmospheric transport and the amount of flow through the Bering Strait), all of the other changes will balance. They show that the amount of deep return flow seems to have gone down about 8 Sv (out of 25 Sv), and the amount of mid-ocean to surface transport has gone up by about the same amount. This seems like it's going to keep tropical waters hotter and thus promote more hurricanes --the subtropical gyre, that delivers more warm water to the tropics.
Deutsche Bank Expands Energy Investment Banking Practice
"The energy sector is a critical part of the economy and an area where we expect to see continued financial activity," said James DeNaut, Co-Head of Corporate Finance Coverage in the Americas. "The ongoing expansion of our Energy team further demonstrates our commitment to being a leading player in this important industry."
Development May Spread Old Pesticides
Development of former farmland can disturb pesticides spread nearly a century ago and contaminate nearby water sources, according to a study by researchers at Dartmouth College.
Drought Forces Somalis to Drink Own Urine - Oxfam
Drought in Somalia is putting hundreds of thousands of people at risk, with some forced to drink their own urine or walk the equivalent of two marathon races to find water, a relief agency said on Thursday.
European refiners see ample supply despite Nigerian disruption
Frost & Sullivan sees greater demand for plastics
Fund Return Fears Cloud Clean Energy Investment
As the EU considers a united approach to boost domestic energy supply, investors are still shy of new clean energy technologies because of uncertainty over returns, funds and analysts say.
FY 2007 Budget Emphasizes Security and Sustainability
German Utilities Amass Empires in Eastern EU
GOP action kills New Mexico grid finance bill
Governor pushes mercury reduction-- He wants bill aimed at coal-fired plants
Conceding that Minnesota's efforts to cut mercury pollution have become bogged down, Gov. Tim Pawlenty said Thursday he supports legislation in the upcoming session that would force coal-fired power plants to cut mercury emissions by 90 percent, well ahead of federal requirements.
HITACHI DEVELOPS COMPRESSOR FOR HYDROGEN FILLING STATIONS
The compressor works to transfer hydrogen from the delivery truck to the on-site storage tank. Compared to other compressors, the new machine from Hitachi Industries is more efficient at removing hydrogen from the truck tank, and it then compresses the gas to 100 megapascals before transferring the hydrogen to the storage tank.
International demand slows Palo Alto's solar program
"The problem is that photovoltaic panels are in such short supply," said public works engineer Karen Bengard. "Germany and Japan are sucking it all up."
Iran planning to construct 20 nuclear power plants
Iran intends to design and construct 20 nuclear power plants therefore we need nuclear technology to achieve our objective. He stressed: Following 1,400 person-day of inspections of Iran's nuclear installations, it has been proved that our objective is to pursue peaceful nuclear energy. We need this energy and technology for medical, agricultural and similar purposes.
Minister to visit Hydrogen Village
The Minister will also visit the Hydrogen Village project in Toronto, a private-public partnership, developed to accelerate and sustain the application and commercialisation of hydrogen and fuel cell products and services. The Hydrogen Village has a number of demonstration projects, which deploy various hydrogen production, storage and delivery techniques.
New Kuwait cabinet says oil development is high priority
delayed plan to bring in foreign oil companies to help develop its northern fiels as part of plans to boost the OPEC producer's production capacity to 4-mil b/d by 2020.
New technology to generate hydrogen
This new technology, developed by the Centre for Energy Research, Spic Science Foundation, is said to be more sophisticated and safe than the conventional chemical method, which is relatively crude and hazardous. The Polymer Electrolyte Membrane-based hydrogen generator breaks down water into hydrogen and oxygen, and hydrogen is separated by a polymer membrane.
Oil industry enters ‘hydrogen economy’ of future
Alberta’s oil industry has entered the “hydrogen economy” of the future.As the magic ingredient for turning molasses-like bitumen from the oil sands into premium light crude, “hydrogen is critical for Alberta,” Ian Potter of the Alberta Research Council said today at a conference in Calgary.
Ontario Government Criticizes U.S. Plans to Ease Air Pollution Rules
The Ontario government filed a complaint with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Friday, criticizing proposals they believe will lead to more pollution on the Canadian side of the border from coal-burning power plants in Midwestern U.S. states.
Philippine Mudslide Village Buries Hope with Dead
Hunting for bodies and burying the dead resumes in the central Philippines on Monday, with rescuers holding out little hope for survivors in a village of 1,800 entombed by a collapsed mountainside.
Power plant issue moves to Capitol-- Republicans join fray over proposed coal-fired facility
Growing opposition to a coal-fired power plant in the Magic Valley has moved the debate from the Jerome County Courthouse to the Statehouse.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 022006
Solar activity was at very low levels. No significant activity was noted today. The visible disk remains spotless. The geomagnetic field is expected to be at quiet to unsettled levels. Active to isolated minor storm conditions are possible on 22 February due to a favorably positioned coronal hole high speed solar wind stream.
Sandia Labs Researcher Rich Diver Invents New Way to Make Hydrogen for Fuel
Borrowing from two different research areas that he’s pursued over his career, Sandia researcher Rich Diver (6218) has invented a whole new way to make hydrogen to power automobiles and homes. His invention, the Counter Rotating Ring Receiver Reactor Recuperator (CR5, for short), splits water into hydrogen and oxygen, using a simple, two-step thermochemical process.
Scrubber scheduled to be installed in October-- Paradise plant could buy more local coal
Owensboro, Ky--The Paradise Fossil Plant will soon be taking bids from local coal companies to supply a generator that uses about 450 tons of coal an hour.
South African coal booked at $63mt
A utility source suggested that South African coal was beginning to lose market share to cheaper Australian, Colombian and Russian coals. "South African coal is no longer the marginal tonnage to Europe at this point," he stated. Energy users have also been unnerved by the threat of guerilla attacks on oil installations in Nigeria's oil producing region, which could lead to further rises in oil and gas prices.
St Louis, Sacramento Face Flood Danger - Experts
St Louis and Sacramento, California, may be the next two US flooding disasters waiting to happen, with rivers prone to overflow and insufficient levees protecting developments that never should have been allowed, experts said on Saturday.
The Senate Hydrogen Energy Caucus - Briefing
EVENT: The Senate Hydrogen Energy Caucus holds a briefing on "A Means to the Hydrogen Age: The U.S. Power Industry."
DATE: February 22, 2006
US Lawmakers Seek Information from Lawyers in Silica Cases
US lawmakers Friday expanded a probe into thousands of suspect lawsuits that blame silica for lung disease and demanded information about the conduct of 13 law firms in Texas and Mississippi that filed many of the cases.
What do you get when you blend the technological aspects of fuel cells and batteries?
Power and endurance...And that’s a combination a local high-tech company is hoping will be a winner in the power supply industry. VRB Power Systems Inc. is developing a technology called flow batteries that has been around in concept since the late 1800s.
February 17, 2006
A Buoyant Climate for Renewable Energy in Eastern Europe
"According to the International Energy Agency the breathtaking figure
of $16 trillion will be invested in the energy sector until 2030. Due to
skyrocketing oil prices, the need to reducing the dependence on foreign fossil
fuel imports and national security considerations, investments will have to go
more and more into smart renewable energy technologies."
-- Christian Unger, Head of Energy at Bank of Austria
Baja California Governor Sees Dangers in U.S. Stance on Canal Dispute
Baja California Gov. Eugenio Elorduy accused the U.S. government Thursday of inaction on a controversial border canal project, warning of a political backlash in Mexico if this country fails to act.
"We are astonished as to why the Department of Interior does not look into this situation and set up a working group to solve this situation," he said. "This must not be underestimated. When you get farmers in Mexico against their water it makes any farmer very mad."
Calif. environmental managers say tobacco smoke is toxic pollutant
A majority of environmental managers responding to a recent poll said that California´s decision to list environmental tobacco smoke as a toxic air contaminant under state law was correct.
A two-year moratorium on building coal-fired power plants in Idaho was approved for further discussion by a legislative committee. The ban on permitting, licensing or building coal- fired generating stations until April 1, 2008, had been rejected by the House Environment, Energy and Technology Committee last week.
Consumers Back Calls for FDA Definition of 'Natural'
Calls from the Sugar Association for the FDA to officially define foods that can be labelled as ‘natural’ appear to be supported by the majority of consumers. In a survey conducted by Harris Interactive, 83% of respondents said they supported the introduction of regulations to govern the labelling of products as natural.
DESERT ROCK-- Change would provide for Navajo power lines
Money would be set aside to provide Navajo people near a proposed coal-fired plant with electricity under a last-minute amendment added Wednesday to an already hefty omnibus House tax bill.
Developers going to Nevada to build coal plants
Equity firms and utilities are betting on coal-fired power plants in Nevada, where 5,500 MW of generation are being proposed. The potential return of Southern California Edison's 1,580-MW Mohave in the southern part of the state could boost the total amount of new or revived coal-fired generation in Nevada alone to over 7,000 MW in the next two to eight years.
DOE unsure when Yucca nuclear dump ready
The U.S. Energy Department says it doesn't know when it can open the nuclear waste depository at Yucca Mountain near Las Vegas.
Does Solar PV Still Make Sense for the Developing World?
The shortage of solar modules, coupled with increasing costs, places a burden on the very communities who stand to benefit the most.
"The solution needs to be addressed by the whole solar industry -- because the divide between the served and the underserved cannot keep increasing."
Eight of the World's Leading Jewelry Retailers Urge Mining Industry To Clean Up 'Dirty' Gold
For the first time ever, eight of the world’s top jewelry retailers have pledged to move away from “dirty” gold sales and are calling on mining corporations to ensure that gold is produced in more socially and environmentally responsible ways.
Energy Renewables' Use Gains Support in Wisconsin
EPA Board Says Teflon Chemical a Likely Carcinogen
A group of scientific advisers to the Environmental Protection Agency voted unanimously Wednesday to approve a recommendation that a chemical used in the manufacture of Teflon and other nonstick and stain-resistant products should be considered a likely carcinogen.
EPA Launches Effort to Reduce Emissions
The Environmental Protection Agency launched an effort Thursday to reduce emissions in a string of central states, in part through voluntary corporate changes.
EPA recognizes nine landfill methane projects for cutting emissions
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized the latest accomplishments of landfill methane partners that have reduced emissions of methane and created renewable energy sources.
EPA to lift rules requiring ethanol, MTBE in gasoline
Federal environmental regulators are telling states with air quality problems that soon they will no longer be required to sell gasoline containing ethanol or MTBE.
Farmers, Others Sue USDA over Monsanto GMO Alfalfa
A coalition of farmers, consumers and environmental activists Thursday sued the U.S. government over its approval of a biotech alfalfa that critics say will spell havoc for farmers and the environment." The lawsuit contends that the U.S. Department of Agriculture improperly is allowing Monsanto Co. to sell an herbicide-resistant alfalfa seed while failing to analyze the public health, environmental, and economic consequences of that action.
Pipeline maps indicate that natural gas comes out of the Rockies and into the Midwest. Gas also comes out of the Gulf Coast and into the Midwest and Northeast. But natural gas doesn't move from the Rockies to the east. Simply put, the capital and endurance to do so have been overbearing - until now.
Greenland Glaciers Disappearing More Quickly, Study Says
Greenland's glaciers are dumping more than twice as much ice
into the Atlantic Ocean now as 10 years ago because glaciers are sliding off the
land more quickly, researchers said Thursday.
This could mean oceans will rise even faster than forecast, and rising
surface air temperatures appear to be to blame, the researchers report
in Friday's issue of the journal Science.
Today, 12 conservation organizations from the United States and Canada petitioned the World Heritage Committee to add Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park to the List of World Heritage Sites in Danger due to impacts from climate change. Climate change is causing rapid disappearance of the park's glaciers and significant damage to the park's vegetation and wildlife.
Groups Sue Feds Over Colorado River Fish
Five environmental groups filed a lawsuit against the federal government Thursday, saying it has failed to protect endangered fish in the Colorado River. The dam straddles the Arizona-Utah border, backing up the Colorado River to form Lake Powell. The suit contends the dam releases water at unnatural temperatures, quantity, quality and frequency, and deprives the Grand Canyon of sediment and needed nutrients.
Higher energy prices may reopen debate on waste incineration in Delaware
The burning issue of escalating electric rates
might fuel a debate on revisiting a 2000 state law that
effectively bans waste incineration in Delaware.
If cooling towers are required, plant might close
Can the Oyster Creek nuclear power plant afford to install costly cooling towers, or would the plant close to avoid the expense? State environmental officials want towers to be built to preserve aquatic life from Barnegat Bay, but the plant's operator, AmerGen Energy Co., said they are costly and unneeded.
Maine Governor Proposes 10 Percent RPS
Last week at the Maine State House, Governor Baldacci unveiled the actions that will be taken to address energy issues. The Governor's first proposal is to increase the amount of cost-competitive renewable energy from by 10 percent by 2017.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company's 10/20 Winter Gas Savings Program is at the half- way mark and early results show that more than 60 percent of eligible residential and small business customers have reduced natural gas usage by at least 10 percent during the month of January.
Plug Pulled on Renewable Energy Gurus
The day Carol Tombari got fired plays in her head like a scene from a cheesy espionage thriller. She arrived at work and was told to appear at a mandatory meeting in 20 minutes. It was there that she learned she was being laid off and that she had five hours to pack and vacate the premises. She was among the disappeared from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden.
Power pact extension to save local groups money
The Colorado River Commission voted Tuesday to approve a 20-year extension of a contract for hydroelectric power from the Parker and Davis dams that will save Southern Nevada organizations an estimated $250 million over 20 years. The price of less than 1 cent for hydroelectric power compares to 6.5 cents per kilowatt hour that utilities are paying for wholesale electricity at the Palo Verde Hub in Arizona.
Price rises mean pounds 1,000 home energy bills 'will be the norm'
LONDON--Five million people will pay almost 15 per cent more for their gas because soaring wholesale prices have prompted one of the country's big suppliers, EDF Energy, to increase its charges.
"Crude stocks are the highest since June 2005.
The US does not need oil."
A trader commenting on the bearish set of US crude
inventory figures.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 021706
Developing Region 854 (S07E10) appears to have stabilized as a small D-type sunspot group with very little flare potential. A prominence erupted early in the period off the southwest limb near S38, but no geomagnetic response is expected. The geomagnetic field was quiet to unsettled with isolated active conditions during the first half of the period. Solar wind speed was elevated to near 600 km/s, but declined to near 450 km/s by the end of the period.
Russian gas shortfall to Italy to reach 8-mil cu m Friday
The shortfall of 10.8% is equivalent to 2.4% of national demand, the company said. The shortfall on Thursday was recorded as 7-mil cu m, or 2.0% of national demand.
Sen. Clinton questions DOE's GNEP program
The 35th birthday of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) passed last December 2 with little fanfare. It's safe to say that no government agency has played a more pivotal role in our collective health and welfare—and that of our children—than the EPA, so credit is due. We are all better off for it. That's not to say the progress hasn't been slowed by controversy—some deserved, but most the natural consequence of balancing emerging science with politics.
Tiger Woods Dedicates Solar-powered Learning Center
Although Tiger Woods won 10 major championships in his first decade on the PGA Tour, he says his most important legacy carries his name and sits on a plot of land in Anaheim, California, not far from where he grew up. It is the solar-powered Learning Center that he helped create.
Warmer than a Hot Tub-- Atlantic Ocean Temperatures Much Higher in the Past
Scientists have found evidence that tropical Atlantic Ocean temperatures may have once reached 107°F (42°C)-about 25°F (14°C) higher than ocean temperatures today and warmer than a hot tub. The surprisingly high ocean temperatures, the warmest estimates to date for any place on Earth, occurred millions of year ago when carbon dioxide levels in Earth's atmosphere were also high, but researchers say they may be an indication that greenhouse gases could heat the oceans in the future much more than currently anticipated. The study suggests that climate models underestimate future warming.
What's moving the oil markets 021706
Concern of supply disruptions in Nigeria was renewed this week after the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, or Mend, issued another threat to shut down Africa's largest oil industry in revenge for a military attack on several barges being used by illegal oil bunkerers in Delta State.
February 16, 2006
Arizona county receives funds to clean up illegal immigrants´ waste
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is granting $40,000 to the county to be primarily used to identify and locate waste sites and clean them up. The county also will purchase trash containers with the grant money.
Bernanke - High Energy Prices to Push Alternatives
High energy prices should spur investment in alternative energy sources and induce conservation over the long term, but they make the economy vulnerable in the near term, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Wednesday.
Bush meets with Republican, Democratic senators on energy
"The purpose of the late-afternoon meeting was to allow the president to lead a bipartisan discussion on energy issues, with no specific agenda by the White House beyond identifying areas where there may be a desire to work in a bi-partisan manner, and then to work to achieve progress,"
Chile Authorizes Gold Mining Project but Bans Relocation of Glaciers
Ambitious plans for an open-pit mine high in the Andes mountains were unanimously approved Wednesday by a Chilean environmental agency, but the project's future remained unclear because the agency rejected its most controversial aspect -- relocating three glaciers to reach the gold underneath.
China Issues Guidelines to Tackle Pollution
China published a wide-ranging plan to tackle environmental degradation on Wednesday, addressing an issue that has become a threat to the country's breakneck economic growth, its social stability and its citizens' health.
EU Gets Fed Up With France, Germany on Biotech Law
After years of warnings to both countries to comply with EU law and integrate an EU directive on the environmental release of GMO’s into their national statute books, Brussels has started to lose patience at the lack of action in Paris and Berlin.
Fired scientist says boss overruled reactor operators
Did a mid-level manager at the Oyster Creek nuclear plant overrule reactor operators and shut down two key water pumps?
Half of Dutch population backs more nuclear energy
According to an Internet-based poll carried out by the Maurice de Hond organization on Monday, 49 percent of the respondents were in favor of more nuclear power while 37 percent were against.
In Public's Eyes, Iran Biggest Foreign Menace
The escalating crisis over Iran's nuclear programme appears to have persuaded the U.S. public that Tehran now poses a greater threat to the United States than any other country, or even al Qaeda, according to recent surveys.
The Michigan-Ontario waste import dispute gets lots of attention, but it isn´t the only border trash tiff brewing, not even in its own region. A number of Wisconsinites have been grumbling about the growing amount of waste being trucked into their state, mostly from Minnesota and Illinois.
Iran-Pakistan-India Gas Pipeline in Trouble
Along with the possibility of international sanctions hanging over Iran, the future of a 2,600 km pipeline to transport natural gas from Iran to India through Pakistan, that is actively opposed by Washington, has fallen into jeopardy.
Iraqi insurgents attack oil infrastructure to sow chaos-- report
As insurgents see it, a core US objective is to install a government which can both rule and establish a sense of normalcy. "Attacks against national infrastructure ... are justified as necessary to pre-empt that outcome," the report said.
Manila Says La Nina is Boon to Rice, Bane to Corn
The Philippines could cut its rice import target of 1.2 million tonnes this year because the La Nina wet weather pattern might lift local production of its top crop, but corn output could be hit by the deluge.
Mazda to Lease Gasoline-Hydrogen Car in Japan
Japan's Mazda Motor Corp said on Wednesday it will begin leasing a dual-fuel car that can run on both hydrogen and gasoline in the auto industry's latest effort to reduce oil consumption in vehicles.
McWane, former VP plead guilty to environmental crimes in Utah
McWane Inc. and a former vice president pleaded guilty in federal court to environmental crimes and will pay the largest criminal environmental fine in Utah.
Mystery Disease Blinds Amazon Children in Brazil
Three of the 365 children identified by the Disease Control Agency of Tocantins with similar lesions on their eyes are totally blind. Two others were blinded in one eye and have undergone surgery. "We can say that it is only affecting children in Araguatins and not in the surrounding areas and there appears to be a link with something in the Araguaia River."
New York Sues US Agency, Seeks Air Quality Files
New York state has sued the US Environmental Protection Agency for failing to divulge information about the levels of toxins that paint manufacturers are allowed to release into the air. The law allows paint manufacturers to exceed limits if they pay a fee to the EPA. The "pay to spray" fees range from hundreds of dollars a year to more than $5 million paid by Sherwin-Williams Co, the statement said.
GENERAL GEOLOGY, STRATIGRAPHY, AND HYDROLOGY
Water-bearing areas of the Ogallala Formation are hydraulically connected except where the Canadian River has partially or totally eroded through the formation to separate the North and South Plains.
The Ogallala Aquifer within the boundaries of the North Plains Groundwater Conservation District is declining at an average of 1.74 feet per year (1,082,631 acre ft).
Playa lakes and the Ogallala Aquifer - What's the Connection?
Although current dry land farming techniques have resulted in reduced pumping, the amount of groundwater being withdrawn still greatly surpasses the aquifer's nature rate of recharge. Scientists have gathered substantial evidence pointing to playa wetlands as the primary, and some say the exclusive, source of recharge for the Ogallala Aquifer.
The rates of decline in the water levels in the aquifer continue to be somewhat stable with noted annual decreases in decline resulting when annual precipitation is above average and less ground water needs to be pumped. Researchers continue to work on methods to increase natural recharge to the aquifer and to improve water-use efficiency. The prospects for the future of the Ogallala aquifer ultimately depend upon its management by each of its water users. The Ogallala aquifer (pronounced OH-GA-LA-LA) is one of the largest aquifer systems in the world. It stretches across all or portions of eight states generally from north to south to include South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas and underlies about 174,000 square miles.
OPEC concerned by oil drop, but no calls to cut output-- delegates
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, which has the fourth largest alternative-fuel truck fleet in the nation, today expanded its leadership role in the research, development and utilization of clean fuel technology as DaimlerChrysler handed over the keys to three hydrogen fuel cell (F-Cell) vehicles.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 021606
Solar activity was very low. New Region 854 was numbered today. The geomagnetic field was quiet to active. Active periods were due to the onset of a coronal hole high speed stream. The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet to unsettled with the possibility of an isolated active period on 16 February.
System for Recycling Radioactive Waste to Be Created in Russia By 2015
Russia's Federal Atomic Energy Agency (Rosatom) plans to set up a uniform state system for recycling radioactive wastes and spent nuclear fuel by 2015.
US' Bodman weighs in on royalty dispute, backs producers
"My understanding was that [the Clinton administration] passed a law that would relieve the oil companies from paying royalties in order to stimulate more oil and gas," Bodman said at a House Science Committee hearing." A deal was made and a contract was drawn; if the deal were to be changed that would be an error."
US Jury Awards Damages for Bomb Plant Contamination
DENVER - A federal jury Tuesday awarded $554 million in damages to 12,000 Denver property owners near a former nuclear bomb plant who said their land had been contaminated by plutonium.
February 15, 2006
500 MW Hydrogen Power Plant Will Test Carbon Sequestration
"Wide-scale deployment of technology such as hydrogen power can make a significant contribution towards the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions needed worldwide." The first-of-its-kind plant would test the theories surrounding carbon-sequestration as a solution to the emissions currently escaping fossil fuel-based power plants all across the U.S. and countries beyond.
A New Chapter Begins for Concentrated Solar Power
Construction began this weekend on Nevada Solar One, a 64 MW solar trough-style Concentrated Solar Power project. Called Nevada Solar One, the 64 MW commercial-scale solar energy plant will encompass 350 square acres, a nearly endless sea of mirrored troughs that will concentrate the strong desert sunlight and convert it into 750-degree F thermal energy, which can then be used to create steam for electrical power generation.
Agribusiness to Build Three Ethanol Plants in Midwest
Challenger Capital Group, Ltd., has secured $148 million in equity and subordinate debt for Dallas-based ASAlliances Biofuels LLC to help fund the company's construction of three large-scale ethanol production plants in Nebraska, Indiana and Ohio. This funding is said to represent one of the largest ethanol transactions to date.
Coal supplies 50% of UK peak winter power demand-- energy minister
Drought Seen Lasting across Horn of Africa until April
Drought conditions across the Horn of Africa are likely to persist until at least early April, threatening further loss of life and livestock, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said on Tuesday.
Environmental industry association urges Ontario to reconsider energy mix ideas
"We believe that by emphasizing traditional means of generation and not sufficiently promoting renewable energy, conservation and alternative energy, we are missing a golden opportunity to make Ontario a world leader in these areas."
Floods Leave Ten of Thousands Homeless in Algeria
Tens of thousands of people need urgent help after torrential rains flooded their refugee camps in southwest Algeria, leaving them without shelter and short of food, officials said on Tuesday.
Funding Increase for Connecticut PV Rebate Program
The Connecticut Clean Energy Investment Committee approved additional funding of $3 million for the Residential/Small Solar PV Rebate Program to support residential installations under 5 kW and small commercial, industrial and institutional installations under 10 kW.
Global warming is a spiritual crisis, say U.S. evangelical leaders
A coalition of evangelical leaders has called on the U.S. government to pass national legislation that will reduce CO2 emissions that are contributing to climate change.
A statement from the Evangelical Climate Initiative says there is a “biblically-driven commitment to curb global warming.”
Green Energy Resources Moves to Boost Profitability
According to European Union white paper estimates, the total volume of biomass requirements are in excess of 110 million tons by 2010. The Green Energy Resources plan includes a sharp rise in profitability generated through value-added sales of certified carbon emissions reductions for carbon credits.
GREENLAND ICE SHEET FLOWS FASTER DURING SUMMER MELTING
New measurements show that the flow of ice in the Greenland ice sheet has been accelerating since 1996 during the summer melt season. The results suggest that the ice sheet may be responding more quickly to the warming climate than previously thought.
Greenland ice-melt 'speeding up'
First you hear a savage cracking sound, next the rolling crash of thunder.Then as the icebergs rip away from the margin of the ice-sheet they plunge into the grey waters of the Atlantic with a roar that echoes around the mountains.
Hong Kong Athlete Dies after Running Marathon in Haze
A 53-year-old runner who collapsed during the weekend Hong Kong marathon has died, a government spokeswoman said on Tuesday.
Hydrogen Research Center opens near SRS
As the pressure mounts to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil, South Carolina has strengthened its foothold on possibly becoming a key player in the nation's future energy needs by opening a new hydrogen research hub.
Judge blasts utility over coal plant
A state judge criticized a Green Bay utility for withholding information that regulators could have used to reduce pollution from a new coal-fired power plant under construction near Wausau.
King Soloman and the Baby or Practical Politics?
"The White House embrace of the biofuels, hydrogen, solar and wind options weren't so much an ideological conversion, as more of an realignment of the political system with the will of the American public."
So what does this federal budget represent? The good news is that the Bush Administration, originally led by Vice President Cheney's vision of reliance on traditional energy sources, has taken a step towards a portfolio approach not overwhelmingly tilted towards renewable energy, but clearly more balanced in its perspective and execution. On the negative side, the King Solomon approach to "divide the baby" is just bad public policy.
Kyoto 2012 Greenhouse Gas Goals Still in Reach - UN
Industrialised nations can reach 2012 United Nations goals for reining in gases blamed for global warming but many will have to take tougher measures, the UN climate change bureau said on Tuesday.
Louisiana says 62.8%of oil, 73.1% of gas production restored
They have restored 127,521 b/d of oil production, or 62.8% of the region's pre-storm output of 203,189 b/d. The agency put restored natural gas production at 1.633.5 Bcf/d, or 73.1% of the region's normal output of 2.235 Bcf/d.
More support for solar than for home entertainment
A community survey in Australia indicates that more people would purchase solar panels than a new home entertainment system. “With the increase in temperatures through climate change and the inevitable growth of air conditioner demand on the electricity grid, the federal government should be moving from just setting up demonstration projects to looking at encouraging an Australian-based solar energy industry,”
Most of Arctic's Near-Surface Permafrost to Thaw by 2100
Global warming may decimate the top 10 feet (3 meters) or more of perennially frozen soil across the Northern Hemisphere, altering ecosystems as well as damaging buildings and roads across Canada, Alaska, and Russia. New simulations from the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) show that over half of the area covered by this topmost layer of permafrost could thaw by 2050 and as much as 90 percent by 2100. Scientists expect the thawing to increase runoff to the Arctic Ocean and release vast amounts of carbon into the atmosphere.
New York Announces New Funding for Renewables
NYSERDA seeks proposals from companies located in or wishing to locate in New York that will result in new or expanded business in the state to assemble, install, distribute, manufacture, sell and/or service electric renewable energy technologies.
NewGen, Cummins Terminals to jointly provide biofuel
A NewGen Technologies Inc. subsidiary has struck a deal with Cummins Terminals Inc. to upgrade, operate and maintain three fuel terminals to add biofuel to their offerings.Oil Sands Could Sink Oil Imports
Scarcity may be the mother of invention. When the demand begins to outstrip a finite supply, prices invariably rise and the free market comes up with alternatives. Such is the thinking when it involves coping with the current oil situation that now forces consumers to pay $2.50 at the gas pump. What to do?
Enter oil sands: The idea is that the abundant resource could supplant our dependence on foreign oil imports within a decade, or two.
OPEC trims 2006 non-OPEC supply growth forecast to 1.38-mil b/d
Demand for OPEC crude, known as the call on OPEC, in 2006 will average 28.5-mil b/d, 200,000 b/d less than expected a month ago, economists at OPEC's Vienna headquarters said in a monthly report. World oil demand in 2006 will increase by 1.57-mil b/d, 50,000 b/d less than expected in January.
Oxford Seeks PC Users to Help Map Climate Change
Scientists set out on Tuesday to harness the power of home computers to predict climate change more accurately than ever before.
PA Governor Rendell Announces $3.7 Million Investment in Alternative Fuel Technologies
Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced the investment of $3.7 million in Alternative Fuel Incentive Grants to help reduce Pennsylvania's dependence on imported oil, improve environmental quality and foster economic development by encouraging the deployment of innovative energy technologies.
"...when the King (Abdullah) met with the president last April, they agreed on a joint energy policy, whereby Saudi Arabia would increase oil production and with investment amounting to nearly $50-bil over the next few years, to increase that production, and also increase the refining capacity for oil products, plus joint energy research into making fossil fuels and oil more ecologically friendly and thereby less dangerous to use than it might be now," Riyadh's ambassador to Washington, Prince Turki al-Faisal, has been quoted as saying. Over the next three years the kingdom is aiming to increase production from 11-mil/bbl to 12.5-mil/bbl.
Renewables could save billions for consumers in Florida
The state of Florida could produce US$420 million in tradable renewable energy credits by 2014, by increasing the use of renewables and energy efficiency, both of which are eligible for new federal tax credits.
Renewables have 'everything to play for' - Wicks
LONDON--Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks has reiterated the Government’s support for renewable technologies, saying that the green energy sources ‘have nothing to fear’ from the Energy Review. Speaking at the BWEA Wave and Tidal Conference in Gateshead yesterday, the Minister described the climate change issue as a defining reason for the ongoing backing of clean power technologies.
Renewables have largest potential to reduce GHG
Renewables have the largest technical potential to avoid greenhouse gas emissions by the end of this century, according to a report released by the UK government.
The overall conclusion of the report, ‘Avoiding Dangerous Climate Change,’ is that rising concentrations of GHG may have more serious impacts than previously believed.
Saudis working 'very hard' hard to bring down oil price-- envoy
State, federal agencies work to contain oil spill at Chevron plant in N.J.
Chevron Products Co. and state and federal agencies are responding to a 31,000-gallon New Jersey crude oil spill that occurred Feb. 13. Chevron is working with the regulatory agencies to determine the cause of the spill. No injuries have been reported.
Supreme Court to Hear Landmark Clean Water Act Cases
The Supreme Court of the United States is poised to hear a series of cases on February 21, 2006 that could radically reshape the reach of the Clean Water Act, experienced litigators and scholars today told reporters. Rapanos and Carabell could have a major impact upon the federal government's ability to set minimum protections for the vast majority of our nation's streams, wetlands, ponds and other waters.
The Big Thaw-- Global Disaster Will Follow If the Ice Cap on Greenland Melts
Greenland's glaciers have begun to race towards the ocean, leading scientists to predict that the vast island's ice cap is approaching irreversible meltdown, The Independent on Sunday can reveal. Research to be published in a few days' time shows how glaciers that have been stable for centuries have started to shrink dramatically as temperatures in the Arctic have soared with global warming. On top of this, record amounts of the ice cap's surface turned to water this summer.
Turkey to Build First Nuclear Plant on Black Sea
"The prime minister's office and the energy ministry have decided to build the nuclear plant at Sinop, taking into account such factors as geological faultlines and cooling water," an energy official told Reuters. Turkey straddles seismic faultlines and is highly prone to earthquakes.US to continue support for near-term new nuclear build-- Bodman
that the department would continue to support industry efforts to build new nuclear plants in the US in the nearer term.
WA House Gives Boost to Biomass Anaerobic Digesters
Under Morris's proposal, state agencies would purchase all available power produced by anaerobic digesters, small power plants, usually located on a dairy farm or cattle ranch that converts methane gas from animal waste into electricity.
Wind and solar must expand installed capacity to impact global energy
Wind must install 200 times its current capacity and solar PV must increase its capacity by 1,300 times, says the head of the International Energy Agency.
World demand for energy will increase 52% by 2030 under the IEA’s reference scenario, executive director Claude Mandil told a sustainable development summit, but the growth for coal, oil and natural gas is not sustainable.
February 14, 2006
Did the influx of freshwater 8,200 years ago from large lakes in what is now northern Canada help trigger the coldest climate event in the Earth's climate system in the past 10,000 years? That such a cold event occurred is well documented
Border Energy Lawsuit Can Stand
A federal judge has issued a ruling favorable to environmental groups that want to force developers of power plants along the U.S.-Mexico border to adhere to U.S. pollution standards if emissions affect both countries.
Calpine geothermal plans are drawing some heat
After years of controversy, the San Jose-based Calpine energy company is gearing up to draw geothermal power from a quiet corner of Northern California -- and opponents fear the result will change the character of a remote volcanic area where American Indians have conducted vision quests and prayer ceremonies for centuries.
Climate, Supply Fears Boost UK Nuclear Case - Minister
Growing concern about climate change and the security of international energy supplies are boosting the case for a new generation of nuclear power stations in the UK, the energy minister said on Monday.
Consolidation is coming to Texas, David Roberts predicts
The market's seen a number of high-profile defaults in the past two months -- for him a sign M&A is on the way, Roberts told us. Buyers are putting a much bigger emphasis on the credit worthiness of marketers, he's found. Today he's seeing more customers coming back to long-term deals. Customers have stopped trying to guess where fuel prices are going, Roberts observed.
Draft Fact-sheet Thermohaline Circulation
Fire breaks out at Japanese nuclear facility, no danger of leak
A fire blazed for two and a half hours during an experiment at a nuclear energy facility in central Japan, but there was no danger of radiation leakage, a spokesman said.
G8 tells Russia-- Break gas monopoly
Finance ministers from the world's richest countries issued a public rebuke to Russia after a "stormy" weekend meeting in Moscow. They warned Russia to implement new rules crucial to tackle soaring energy prices. Members of the Group of Seven (G7) nations, who were hit by shortages last month when Russia blocked supplies through its export pipeline because of a dispute with Ukraine, urged Russia to ratify a legal charter that would break the export monopoly held by the state- owned giant Gazprom.
Gas prices drop, and forecast is for further decline
Natural gas prices, down 54 percent from their December peak, could drop more as one of the warmest winters on record in the United States cuts demand. Predictions of shortages after the hurricanes Katrina and Rita shut U.S. Gulf Coast gas output have given way to forecasts of record inventories and lower prices.
IEA's Mandil welcomes Bush talk of reducing US oil 'addiction'
President Bush "said his country is 'addicted to oil,' which is true, everyone knows that," the IEA's executive director, Claude Mandil, said at a news conference. "He thinks that should be decreased. We think that it very helpful--we applaud that."
The volume of New York City trash-plan chatter is starting to pick back up after months of quiet. Speaking of pain distribution, I´ve been sampling the barrage of Olympics coverage from Turin, Italy, and I keep coming across stories that describe how spartan the athletes´ living quarters are, and how much trouble they´re having getting a good night´s sleep.
India to have 1 million hydrogen fuel-run vehicles by 2020
IPE Brent futures drifted down on US gasoline weakness
At 1225 GMT, the March IPE Brent futures contract last changed hands at $60.55/bbl, down 7 cts from the overnight settle. "Weak gasoline prices as a result of higher than normal gasoline stocks in the United states has been driving crude values downwards, though overall is not much going on at the moment," one London-based broker said.
Millennium Cell and Jadoo Form Strategic Alliance
Millennium Cell Inc. has entered into a strategic development and licensing agreement with Jadoo Power Systems Inc. The agreement will allow Jadoo to license Millennium Cell’s Hydrogen on Demand® technology for development and commercialization within Jadoo’s current line of product offerings.
National Plug-In Hybrid Coalition Launched
Declaring the country’s economy, environmental health and national security at risk, Plug-In Partners, a grassroots coalition of cities including Austin, Baltimore, Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle as well as electric utilities and national policy organizations, has kicked off a nationwide campaign to urge automakers to accelerate development of plug-in hybrid vehicles.
NEI wants nuclear waste fee to remain at current level
Northeast Digs out after Record Snowfall
Snowplows cleared thousands of miles of roads and commuters braved long delays on Monday as the northeastern United States dug its way out of thigh-high record snowfall after the first big storm of the season.
Pew Center suggests 6-pronged approach to fight global warming
There is no single technology fix to address global warming, according to a report from the Pew Center on Global Climate Change.
The center has released a comprehensive plan to cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions that calls for a combination of technology and market development.
Pollution Leaves Two Runners Critically Ill after Hong Kong Marathon
Twenty-two people were taken to hospital and two of them were in critical condition after taking part in Hong Kong's biggest marathon amid the worst air pollution levels in months, the government said on Monday.
Public-private regional e-waste recycling program launches in St. Louis
E-Cycle St. Louis, a partnership between local government and electronics recyclers, is encouraging residents to drop off old electronics at 10 locations scattered throughout St. Louis. A mixture of nonprofit groups, privately owned companies and government entities operate the sites.
Shell Faces Protests, Delays at Irish Gas Project
A small horse trailer acts as the unassuming headquarters for a campaign that has delayed a billion-dollar gas project by at least four years and threatened oil giant Royal Dutch Shell's reputation.
Starved for energy Billions spent on reconstruction can't keep Iraq's lights on
For many Iraqis, chronic power problems have become a litmus test of American promises of a better life without Saddam. Iraqis often ask why a nation that can send an army to fight a war half a world away cannot guarantee that the lights work.
Starving Cattle Put Kenya Wildlife at Risk
Desperate Maasai herdsmen are driving cattle into one of Kenya's largest national parks in search of scarce water and pasture, threatening its famous wild animals and the habitat that brings the state much-needed tourist revenue.
State Aims to Become Nation's Alternative Energy Hub
The State of Michigan is racing to become the nation's first alternative energy research hub, as Americans grapple with President George W. Bush's recent statement that the United States is addicted to foreign oil. The initiative calls for investing up to $2 billion in research, development and business incubation and could create thousands of jobs for engineers and other technically skilled Michigan residents if it's successful.
The 2006 Economic Forecast-- Oil Remains a Wildcard
GDP, Inflation and Unemployment. Here is a comparison of the data from an article I published at the beginning of 2005 with the actual results: ... Given my concern about oil depletion, missing the oil and gasoline price points is a little embarrassing. And ironic. Most of the people who have read my book "Oil, Jihad and Destiny" believe my oil depletion scenarios are much too pessimistic. As it turns out, however, the events of 2005 have proven me to be overly optimistic.
Driven by the sun's heat absorbed by tropical oceans and impacted by variations in salt content in the water, the Thermohaline Circulation or THC is a powerful force on the world's climate system. As heat from the tropics is carried by the Gulf Stream into the North Atlantic where it is vented into the atmosphere, a deep convection of ocean waters is caused by surface cooling, with the flow of water then sinking to depths and then upwelling back to the surface at lower latitudes.
Tories could drop nuclear energy option and go green
THE Conservatives could be prepared to drop their commitment to nuclear power to underline their new green credentials under David Cameron, it emerged last night.
Trash companies´ use of alternative-fuel trucks is growing fast
The new report states there are now almost 1,500 trash trucks using natural gas as fuel.
"Inform has estimated that if every conventional diesel-burning garbage truck in use in the U.S. today is replaced with a new natural gas model, one ton of nitrogen oxide -- a key component of health-threatening smog -- is eliminated," report author James Cannon said.
US nabs man who sought al-Qaeda cash to hit energy sites-- report
US NRC issues draft license for nuke waste storage site in Utah
US says Recycling Nuke Fuel may Thwart Terrorism
The Bush administration's plan to recycle spent nuclear fuel could thwart recruitment efforts by terrorist groups in poor countries by providing impoverished nations with affordable electricity supplies that would improve their economies and the lives of their citizens, US Energy Secretary Sam Bodman said on Monday.
Virginia senate panel moves to consider renewable bill in 2007
their overall needs from wind farms, biomass-fired plants and other renewable sources over the next several years and to secure 15% of their needs from renewables within 10 years of the measure's enactment.
Hydrogen Battery Technology for Portable Devices
Unlike a conventional primary battery, where the entire battery is replaced once discharged, in a hydrogen battery only the compact, inexpensive energy module needs to be replaced.
Unlike a conventional secondary battery, which must be plugged into the grid for recharge for hours at a time, a hydrogen battery provides instant recharge.
February 13, 2006
As Underground Water Vanishes, Plains Towns Brace for Costly Future
In recent weeks, this oil-and-gas town of 6,000 has been looking into buying water -- perhaps $190,000 worth of the stuff. The Ogallala aquifer, the vast underground pool that feeds faucets across the Great Plains, is running low, forcing farmers and towns to find other sources of water and pay dearly for it, too.
BP, Edison Mission to launch a 500-MW alternative fuel plant
Finding the Bush Administration's FY 2007 federal budget request out of sync with its rhetoric about weaning the nation off its oil addiction -- and with the urgent need to address record energy costs and related security and environmental concerns -- the Alliance to Save Energy has joined a broad-based effort to restore funds for key energy-efficiency programs at the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency.
Buckle Up-- The Hybrids are Coming
Buckle up. Hybrid vehicles that run on both a gas engine and electric motor are on a fast-track. While fuel cell-powered cars that use hydrogen as a fuel source may be two decades away, hybrids continue to gain traction as more efficient production and longer battery times are improving performance and bringing down costs.
Bush Administration Details Billion-Dollar Plan for Public Land Sales
The Bush administration on Friday detailed its proposal to sell
more than 300,000 acres of national forests and other public land to help pay
for rural schools in 41 states.
The land sales, ranging from less than an acre to more than 1,000 acres,
could total more than $1 billion and would be the largest sale of forest
land in decades.
California PUC approves $2.9B solar program
Pacific Gas & Electric applauded the California Public Utilities Commission's adoption of the California Solar Initiative, which will provide close to $2.9 billion in incentives to develop 3,000 MW of solar energy for residential, commercial and other customers over the next decade.
Canada's wind energy industry shatters growth records in 2005
Canada's wind energy industry installed 239 MW of new wind energy capacity in 2005, shattering the previous annual installation record of 122 MW established in 2004. As a result, Canada's total installed wind energy capacity grew by 54% in 2005 and now stands at 683 MW.
Canadian Companies See Clear Benefit to Disclosing Climate Risk
Canadian companies surveyed by The Conference Board of Canada are taking action to reduce carbon emissions not just to protect the environment, but for economic advantages, according to a new report.
Climate-Conscious Investor Coalition Widens Net
A group of 211 institutional investors with assets of $31 trillion under management has written to 1,800 of the largest quoted companies in the world by market capitalization, asking for the disclosure of investment-relevant information concerning their greenhouse gas emissions.
Companies in Maine Back Grid Pullout
Reeling from record-high energy costs and convinced that southern New England is conspiring against Maine, several manufacturers say that Maine should pull out of the New England power grid and plug into Canada's.
Complex factors holding back new power plants
The number of new power plants planned for the United States in the next 10 years won't increase capacity enough to meet demand, experts at a Cambridge Energy Research Associates conference said Thursday. And in Texas, capacity will become uncomfortably tight by 2009, some experts predicted.
DOE sets FutureGen selection criteria Odessa one of 9 sites in Texas vying for plant
A site selection process to determine the host site for the world's first coal-fueled "zero emissions" power plant has been announced by the FutureGen Industrial Alliance. The DOE announcement stated the host site will be selected through an open, competitive process.
East Africa People and Wildlife Struggle to Share Precious Land and Water
Elephants, buffaloes and other wild animals drink water on one side of a swamp. On the other, Maasai warriors watch hundreds of cattle graze as the tropical sun sears the parched land of this wildlife sanctuary. Balancing the needs of both sides is becoming more complex, and environmentalists fear the wildlife are gradually losing out.
Energy geopolitics make nuclear option sensible for UK-- minister
Environmental Activism's Missed Opportunity
Wal-Mart has begun to take its first
tentative steps toward sustainability: In a recent shareholder meeting, CEO Lee
Scott discussed plans for increasing organic food sales, experimenting with
renewable energy and recycled building materials, enforcing ethical sourcing
policies, and further refining their already hyper-efficient operations.
What stuns me is not this remarkable move by the world's largest corporation,
but the reaction from the activist community. Rather than celebrate important
victories on the long road to a sustainable society, environmental and social
activists typically denigrate these first hesitant steps as greenwashing.
EPA Eying New Particulate Emission Regulations
Many articles about pollution control focus on pollutants such as ozone (smog), carbon monoxide, lead, nitrous oxides, and sulfur dioxide. All these pollutants are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) but there is one other pollutant of concern—particulates. Just prior to the Christmas break, the EPA announced proposed revisions to its national air quality standards for fine particle pollution and for certain coarse particles. Under the proposal, states would need to be in compliance with the new standards as soon as April 2015 for new limits on fine particles, and 2018 for coarse particles. Particulate Emission
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced that it is opening the formal process to list polar bears as officially "threatened" due to the unprecedented meltdown of their sea-ice habitat caused by global warming. The finding comes in response to a December lawsuit filed under the federal Endangered Species Act by three conservation groups.
Federal Partners Commit to Sustainable Buildings
GM Launches Public Campaign to Promote E85 'Flex-Fuel' Vehicle
At this week's Chicago Auto Show, General Motors is launching a major consumer awareness program to promote and encourage the use of E85 "flex-fuel" vehicles. The company also announced additional E85 refueling pumps to stations in greater Chicago through collaborative partnerships with Shell Oil Products US and VeraSun Energy Corp.
Group says state may face power shortage by 2009
Texas and parts of the rest of the United States face
blackout-causing power shortages before the end of the decade if
more electricity-generating plants are not built, an energy
consulting group said Thursday.
IEA cuts 2006 world demand growth forecast 50,000 bd to 1.78-mil
IPE Brent futures edge higher on Iran, heavy US snow storm
Japan, China talks make little headway on East China Sea dispute
Middle Eastern oil is the world's 'safety valve'-- Saudi official
National Water Directors Tour Urban Runoff Recycling Facility
“This state-of-the-art facility sends a strong message to beach lovers and communities across America: even runoff can be a resource if you get creative and stay committed,” said Assistant Administrator Grumbles. “The SMURFF reduces, recycles and reuses urban runoff to protect coasts and swimmers and conserve clean water. EPA thinks that should be the clean wave of the future.”
Nation's power demands point to profitable year for coal industry
Northern China Wetlands Drying Up – Xinhua
The wetlands along northern China's biggest river system are drying up because of the thirst of an expanding population and a fast-growing economy, Xinhua news agency reported on Sunday.
NSF Standard Accepts New Stainless Steel Materials in Drinking Water Applications
Jeffery Merrifield's job is so much different today than when he first became a federal nuclear regulator in 1998.
Then, the government was thinking 40 percent of the country's nuclear plants would be shut down by 2010. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission, based in suburban Maryland, was cutting its work force to keep even with the declining industry it was regulating.
Ontario Government Announces Balanced Energy Plan For Toronto
Russian gas imports to Italy running 16.2% short-- Eni
Solar Tax Credit Brightens Future for Healthier Water Treatment and Storage
The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is hoping the fourth time’s a charm with its most recent letter urging the world’s largest companies to disclose their climate-management data. The coalition of institutional investors representing $31 trillion in assets had already sent three such letters to the Fortune 500.
Tanzania to Boost Power Cuts as Drought Worsens
Tanzania's power company said drought was forcing new power cuts after the water level at one of its main hydroelectric dams fell to its lowest level ever.
The Photovoltaic Power Generation Market Will Expand by 30 to 40% Every Year in Japan
The photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules market in Japan, estimated to be 640 Megawatts (MW) in capacity or 209 billion yen in value of shipment, will rapidly grow to 2,350 MW or 665 billion yen in value in fiscal 2008 by recording an average growth of 30 to 40% every year. The report revealed that Japanese PV cells and modules manufacturers are dominating the world market by exporting more than half of their production.
Ukraine to invite oil majors to build new gas pipelines-- report
The plan is apparently aimed at winning support from the EU towards building new pipelines in Ukraine rather than building an expensive gas supply route under the Baltic Sea that had been pushed by Russia, analysts said.
University of Montana takes on global warming
Is Earth getting hotter? Gov. Brian Schweitzer thinks so, and he wants the University of Montana to help the state of Montana cool it down. "We are seeing states taking the leadership sorely lacking from the federal government."
US Lawmakers Slam Bush Cut in 'Weatherisation' Funds
Democratic lawmakers on Thursday slammed the Bush administration's proposal to cut funds for a government program that helps poor people “weatherize” their homes, even though the White House's energy task force recommended increasing money for the program.
US MMS to publish oil royalties valuation rule Monday
Weather as Big as Politics in Oil Rally - IEA
Extreme cold and violent storms have played as big a part in strong oil prices as political fear, the IEA said on Friday, though strife in Iran will stalk the markets for months to come. "The fundamentals, rather than political developments provide a very clear indication of why prices rose in early January and then dipped in the second half of the month."
What's moving the oil markets 021306
Iran said Monday it intends to resume industrial scale uranium enrichment before the next meeting of the UN's nuclear watchdog next month.
WHERE THE BUFFALO ROAM... Canada's wild west is experiencing an oil boom
The province of Alberta in the country's west is sitting on the world's second largest oil reserves. Its vast fields cover 149,000 square kilometres, an area larger than England, and experts estimate it holds 1.7 trillion barrels of oil.
The sands' open-pit mines could be cut from a science fiction movie. Craters 100 metres deep have been gouged into the boreal forest to create a barren moonscape, where spidery draglines furiously haul chunks of tar sands, and huge 400-ton Caterpillar 797 trucks, the largest in the world, rumble the earth with tires larger than a double-decker bus.
World’s Largest Desalination Plant Running with FILMTEC Membranes
World's nuclear performance in 2005 close to 2004's
February 11, 2006
A Dam Good Idea, or a Bad One?
With just months to go before construction of a hydroelectric dam gets underway along Cameroon's Lom river, environmentalists are raising concerns about the initiative. "While laudable, the Lom project in its present form could accelerate the decline in living standards of local populations," Dieudonné Thang, executive secretary of Global Village Cameroon.
Alternative Approaches to Water Management
Neither private nor public, the grassroots water management schemes currently being implemented in some parts of Bolivia are based on the concept of water as a public good, to which everyone has a right, as taught by the country's indigenous people, said activist Tania Quiroz.
AWEA Reports Most Productive Year for Wind Industry
The U.S. wind energy industry easily broke earlier annual installed capacity records in 2005, installing nearly 2,500 megawatts (MW) or over $3 billion worth of new generating equipment in 22 states
Country singer Willie Nelson has brought his new fuel made from soybeans to California. The clean-burning fuel known as "Bio-Willie" went on sale Wednseday at an alternative fuel station in San Diego.
Budget Cuts Force Layoffs at DOE's NREL
Just a week after President George W. Bush proclaimed his support for renewable energy technologies, the nation's premier renewable energy laboratory has been forced to announce layoffs because the Bush Administration's proposed budget doesn't adequately fund the laboratory's current staff.
An unfettered market rather than President Bush's call for
energy independence is the best solution to America's energy
crisis, according to NCPA Senior Fellow H. Sterling Burnett.
California Debuts ''Green California'' Web Site
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's administration unveiled this week a sweeping new "Green California" Web site, based on his vision of an energy efficient and environmentally friendly California. The new Web site is filled with ideas, guidelines, reference materials, engineering data and environmentally friendly purchasing information to assist state and local government agencies and California businesses with the shift toward environmental sustainability, energy conservation and the reduction of landfill waste.
California mail centers to be powered by hybrid plant
Two of the largest U.S. Postal Service centers in California will be powered by what is being called a "hybrid alternative power plant" developed by Chevon Energy Solutions.
The new system will allow postal service centers in San Francisco and Embarcadero to cut by half their power purchases, heating needs and air emissions.
Colorado House Forms Renewable Energy Committee
"We owe it to the hard-working people of Colorado to do everything we can do to promote affordable and dependable sources of renewable energy. It is good for the pocketbook, the economy and the planet; I call that a win-win-win."
Cost of Global Nuclear Energy Partnership may hit $62-bil-- Bodman
Court Faces Key Decision on 'Aboriginal Title'
The Xeni Gwet'in First Nations in the western interior region of British Columbia are taking ancient myths into the courtroom as part of a nearly two decades-long battle with the Canadian government over the title to their land. Canadian law has confirmed that aboriginal title is based in both law and history, and is a unique property right -- although it can be infringed on if the government offers a compelling rationale.
DOE Releases President's Solar America Initiative Details
The Department of Energy has released details of the "President's Solar America Initiative," proposing the largest funding increase for solar energy research in U.S. budget history. The proposed FY 2007 budget for the initiative is $148 million, a 78 percent budget increase, which includes $139 million for PV and $9 million for concentrating solar power.
EPA says air rules aren't a major driver of gas prices
Germany Warns of More Heavy Snow, Flooding
Parts of Germany issued weather catastrophe warnings on Thursday as heavy snowfall was forecast before the weekend in the south and rivers began flooding in the east due to rising temperatures.
How did the silicon shortage situation catch so many by surprise?
For years, all I read was how PV module prices were getting better (which the prices stayed relatively the same, it was the technologies in production that produced better quality PV modules and longer warranties that got better) now in the course of one year, 2005, there is a "shortage" of raw materials and PV module prices are going through the roof.
Hybrid School Bus Minimizes Emissions and Costs
"We feel that this technology could provide significantly improved fuel economy. In addition, even though current International diesel engines produce no visible smoke and low emissions, the hybrid program will reduce engine emissions even further."
India, China Will Lead Green Tech Demand - UK Report
Capturing carbon from burning fossil fuels can be a quick fix to the problem of global warming and Britain can take a world lead in the technology, a parliamentary committee said on Thursday.
Indigenous Demonstrators Protest Coal Mining
Indigenous protesters from northwestern Venezuela marched
Friday through the streets of Caracas, which is hosting the sixth World Social
Forum (WSF), to protest plans for mining coal on their land.
The bows and arrows, traditional indigenous dress, drums and ritual dances were
similar to those seen in past demonstrations by Wayúu, Añú, Yukpa and Barí
Indians. But this time the roughly 150 indigenous protesters were accompanied by
some 2,000 representatives of Venezuelan environmental and leftist groups, and
activists from Brazil, Canada and Colombia.
Indonesia prioritizes domestic gas consumption over export
The regulation was issued after a Cabinet meeting and was aimed at emphasizing the country's new policy of reducing its dependence on oil-based fuels, The Jakarta Post quoted a minister as saying.
Maine plant switches to all green power
The nation´s largest natural personal-care product maker has moved to 100 percent renewable energy at its manufacturing facility.
Native Group Takes Land Dispute to UN
Feeling cheated and betrayed by Washington for nearly 150 years, a Native American tribe is now looking to the United Nations for help in protecting its ancestral lands.
New Energy Capital Closes Bank Financing of Maine Biomass Power Plant
New Energy Capital Corp. today announced the completion of a $6.9 million project financing of its 16 MW biomass-fired operating power generation facility in Greenville, Maine.
Norway oil safety body says can't rule out more field shutdowns
When oil giant Chevron runs ads asking if people ought to be concerned that the world consumes two barrels of oil for every one that is discovered, it evokes passions. The so-called Peak Oil movement warns that producers will have extracted more than half of the available oil within the next 10-15 years. Other experts say such views are hyperbolic, saying that any peak would occur a few decades from now.
Precious metals prices plunge again
"Political instability may have a greater effect on supply in months to come, but for now the impact has been minimal," the International Energy Agency, an adviser to 26 industrialized nations, Friday trimmed its global oil demand forecast, and said unrest in Nigeria and Iran's nuclear dispute with the West have so far done little to cut supply. "Strategic stocks remain another option, if necessary, for covering potential future supply disruptions."
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 021106
The geomagnetic field was quiet to unsettled due to a recurrent coronal hole. A CME on the SE limb beginning at about 10/2330Z which does not appear to be Earth directed. One spot remains visible in Region 853.
Science Panel Concludes Nuclear Waste Transport Generally Safe
Thousands of shipments of highly radioactive nuclear waste can be conducted safely, a panel of scientists concluded Thursday, although they warned that significant radiation might be released if a shipment becomes engulfed in a lengthy and intense fire.
Sen. Carper trying again for clean air bill
Sen. Tom Carper, R-Del., plans to reintroduce legislation to limit air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants despite criticism from health and environmental groups that such a bill would undercut current law. Carper's bill, S. 843 - offered as an alternative to the Bush administration's "Clear Skies" proposal - called for national caps on coal-fired generating emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury and carbon dioxide and allowed generating units to trade emission credits to comply.
Senate Passes 'Good Neighbor' Bill-- House Committee Rejects Power Plant Moratorium
BOISE-- Sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose. So found out Magic Valley legislators working on bills that potentially impact the coal-fired power plant proposed for Jerome County.
Senators concerned that DOE budget doesn't fund Energy Policy Act
'Significant' fuel increases on way, warns Scottish Power
One of the UK's biggest energy providers has braced households for another "significant" rise in fuel bills. Scottish Power, which has 5.2 million customers in the UK, warned that the percentage increase in tariffs would be in the double digits, although it declined to discuss the timing of any move.
Solar Energy Is Gaining Powerful Friends
It is still a niche concept, providing less than 1 percent of the electricity on the grid. ... But the list of leading solar supporters now includes President Bush, a former oil man living in a partly solar-powered White House who is suddenly endorsing solar energy as an affordable source of power in the future.
Solar Thermal Starts to Shine in World's Deserts
People will soon cool their homes with power from the searing desert sun, according to companies investing in a little-used solar technology.
Deserts are becoming hot spots for solar thermal power in which futuristic troughs concentrate the sun's rays and create steam to run power-producing turbines at power plants. It is a different technology than rooftop solar panels.Third Kyoto Pollution Scheme Close to Launch
Backers of the international Kyoto Protocol on climate change aim to launch another major scheme to curb pollution as early as May after reaching quick agreement on draft regulations, a senior official told Reuters on Thursday.
The launch of Joint Implementation (JI) - one of three key measures outlined under Kyoto - is expected to pave the way for investment in hundreds of projects in Russia and eastern Europe where there is vast scope to curb industry's emissions of greenhouse gases.UK Finds Third Blood-Linked Human Mad Cow Case
Doctors have discovered Britain's third suspected case of transmission of the human form of mad cow disease through blood transfusion, the Health Protection Agency said on Thursday.
UK Seen Split on Key Climate Change Proposal
The proposed scheme was to curb carbon emissions from 14,000 British companies and public sector bodies by fixing a limit on their total carbon emissions and then allowing them to trade rights to pollute among themselves. "This was the leading, the most cost-effective option to deliver carbon savings in an area where there is general agreement that something needs to be done," Grubb said.
Union-Pacific orders low-emission locomotives
Union-Pacific Railroad has a new deal with National Railway Equipment Co. to build 60 low-emission diesel locomotives for use in rail yards in the Los Angeles area.The new locomotives will reduce nitrous oxides and particulate matter by up to 80 percent and use as much as 40 percent less fuel.
United States Proposes Global Plan To Encourage Nuclear Energy
The U.S. Energy Department has proposed a broad global energy partnership to promote nuclear energy as a clean and safe source of electricity and develop advanced nuclear technologies to prevent spent nuclear fuel from being used to produce nuclear weapons.
US drillers' response to gas prices called 'amazing' by report
US Power Providers Say They Expect Carbon Regime
US power company executives said Thursday that they expect a series of rules and taxes will be imposed, possibly within five years, on carbon pollution, a contributor to greenhouse gas accumulation and climate change.
WB offers loan to renewable energy project in China
The World Bank has approved an 86.33 million US dollar loan to scale up China's use of renewable energy as the country's demand for power increases, the bank said Wednesday.
What's moving the oil markets 021006
Workers union says report finds fault with nuclear security firm
World has 200 Years of Uranium Reserves - Germany
"An objective view shows that global uranium resources will allow it to be used to generate nuclear power gloabally for the next 200 years at least," the ministry said in a statement.
World's Largest Solar PV Project to Power Nevada Military Base
Getting solar photovoltaic modules in the U.S. can be a major challenge, says Jigar Shah, Managing Partner of Maryland-based SunEdison. He should know, too. His company, in partnership with a Nevada-based project integrator, announced construction will soon begin on an 18 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) project that would provide power to a U.S. military base in the Nevada Desert.
Wyo. wind at forefront of renewable energy push
To help Wyoming farmers, ranchers and rural small business owners understand the developing market sector, the state Department of Agriculture along with local conservation districts have scheduled a series of meetings across the state. Wind energy was the main focus; farmers in the Midwest have been leasing some of their land for wind development as a hedge against uncertain commodity markets.
February 9, 2006
Bird Flu Spreads to Africa, New Human Case in China
The deadly H5N1 bird flu virus has spread to poultry in northern Nigeria, the first time it has been detected in Africa, while China said on Wednesday it was treating another human victim of the disease.
Today's release of the Administration's fiscal 2007 budget request demonstrates a strong, continued commitment to clean coal research and development (R&D) and FutureGen. The proposed budget includes $285 million for basic coal R&D and $54 million for FutureGen.
Bush Budget Cuts Back on Energy Programs
As gasoline and winter heating costs soar, the Bush administration's short-term answer has been conservation, even unveiling a cartoon mascot dubbed "Energy Hog" to bring home the case for lowering thermostats.
But consumer and energy efficiency advocates are complaining that the president's budget, sent to Congress this week, goes the other direction, cutting energy conservation programs - including two the administration has touted repeatedly.
Delaware considers deregulating electricity industry
The impending jump in electric rates has sparked Lt. Gov. John C. Carney Jr. to ask the state Public Service Commission to consider phasing in Delmarva Power's proposed 59-percent rate hike over several years.
Did you hear the one about-- How many EPA administrators does it take fix the environment
A recent get-together of former EPA bosses to commemorate the agency´s 35th birthday. The event, as you may have heard, turned into something different than its planners had envisioned.
More than one of the participants made the strong point that we can´t wait until 100 percent of the scientists in the world agree that global warming is a problem, or how much of a problem it is. Even if that happened, by then it´d be too late.
Elle magazine to publish ´Green Issue´ in April
The fashion magazine will be printed entirely on recycled paper and focus on green issues in what the magazine is calling its "Green Issue." "Since our first interview with Laurie David in April 2004, we´ve seen how concern for the environment is influencing everything we cover at Elle, be it fashion, beauty, lifestyle, politics, or culture,"
Energy firm plans $1.3 billion power plant near Waterloo, Iowa
The largest economic development proposal in Cedar Valley history is getting bigger, while a local legislator is raising environmental questions about it. "I have some concerns about it. There's some questions that need to be answered regarding the economic benefit and what it will do to the area of Waterloo, and the destruction of county roads, and what it's going to be like to have these big coal trains going through downtown Waterloo and just what the advantages are," Shoultz said.
EU to Discuss Mandatory Biofuel Targets this Year
The European Commission will discuss later this year the possibility of raising biofuels targets in the 25-nation bloc and making them mandatory, the EU's farm chief said on Wednesday. Biofuels, which are made from biomass - organic matter such as wood, crops and animal waste - are used to power vehicles and seen in the EU as a way to limit the growing role of the transport sector in emitting gases that heat the earth.
Federal Support May Not Offset Nuclear Risks
You could mention the Coal Fired unit in southern Illinois that the Sierra Club successfully stopped from going operational. I believe that was a $400+ million dollar unit. A couple of 600 MW coal plants that are being constructed in Wisconsin are looking at an overnight rate of about $900 megawatt, fully expensed at $1200 (with the cost of capital). A clean coal plant in PA is looking at $1100 and $1500, which are in line with nuclear costs.
Fossil energy program funding disappointing, say legislators
allocated in FY 2006.
The FutureGen Industrial Alliance today announced a site selection process to determine the host site for the world's first coal-fueled "zero emissions" power plant. A draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for public review will be issued in the latter part of February 2006, with a final RFP targeted for release in March 2006. Proposals for the host site will be due by May 2006.
Gazprom Dispute Flares February 3, 2006
As self-employed advisor for sustainable energy, living in the north of Netherlands (right above the Slochteren natural gas field), I recognize a very positive side effect of this gas crisis in Ukraine. I can say that this political incident has caused an huge shock-effect in whole Europe, realizing once again European dependency on fossil fuels in combination with our small and soon ending fossil reserves.
Global Warming a Major Health Risk – Scientists
Global warming is already causing death and disease across the world through flooding, environmental destruction, heatwaves and other extreme weather events, scientists said on Thursday. And it is likely to get worse.
Global Warming Offers Wales Big Opportunities in Green Energy
Energy is in growing demand, and there is always the possibility of conflict as resources diminish. US policy has long recognised that 'security of supply' is a strong driver for change in energy policy - security may now be higher up the priority list for our politicians and planners, too.
Impact of Krakatoa Eruptions Lasted Decades - Study
Sea levels would have risen higher and ocean temperatures would have been warmer in the 20th century if the Krakatoa volcano in Indonesia had not erupted in 1883, scientists said on Wednesday. "It appears as though with a very large eruption the effect can last for many decades and possibly as long as a century," said Peter Gleckler, a climatologist at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California.
Less Snow in Rockies Slows Release of CO2 Emissions
Rising temperatures and a decline in the amount of snow in the Rocky Mountains have slowed the release of carbon dioxide, the main gas blamed for global warming, from forest soil, researchers said on Wednesday.
NHA Applauds President’s Hydrogen Budget and Increases in Companion Clean Energy Programs
Announced February 6, the President’s 2007 fiscal year budget request demonstrates continued and growing support for developing the hydrogen economy. This is shown both by increases in the hydrogen program budget and by increases for the Solar America, Biofuels, Wind Energy, FutureGen and Nuclear Hydrogen Initiatives.
Norway may shut more gas fields to avoid leak risks-- regulator
Pa. DEP orders township to fix sewer system after spills
Pennsylvania is ordering Paint Township, Pa., to do something about its malfunctioning sewer system, which has spilled untreated sewage into a Clarion River tributary for several years.
Pa. revokes sewage processing company´s permit
A lack of markets for the product manufactured from the recycled sludge led to waste storage and disposal problems, according to the DEP. The agency is pursuing action against Krystal Point Ventures to clean up about 5,000 tons of sludge left behind at the site. The company has abandoned the facility and creditors seized some of the equipment from the site, according to the DEP.
Pennsylvania wind industry 'like a gold rush now'
When developers switched on Pennsylvania's first industrial windmills in Garrett nearly six years ago, spectators celebrated with hot dogs and balloons.
Rubbish-Pickers See Red as Mexico Goes Green
When Mexico City residents began separating kitchen leftovers from non-organic trash to protect the environment, Juan Santos was devastated. Every day on the eastern edge of this city of 18 million, hundreds of poor families rake what they can sell to recyclers from household waste dumped at their feet by a legion of freelance dustmen in battered horse-drawn carts.
Soaring energy cost puts UK plastics industry, jobs at risk-- BPF
Spent-Fuel Fee Would Not Be 1st of Its Kind
Charging nuclear power plants for on-site storage of spent fuel may be unusual, but it is not unprecedented. State Sen. Therese Murray and state Reps. Vinny deMacedo and Thomas O'Brien have filed a bill that would allow Plymouth to charge Entergy Corp. a special assessment for storage of spent fuel rods at the plant. They say the waste is a public safety hazard, particularly in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Sweden sets out ambitious plans for an oil-free future
Sweden is to take the biggest energy step of any advanced Western economy by trying to wean itself off oil completely within 15 years without building a new generation of nuclear power stations.
Swedish nuke phase-out timetable 'beside the point'-- minister
Sahlin told local journalists in Oskarshamn, where the facility is located, that nuclear would be phased out at the same pace that alternate generation is available.
Swiss Glaciers Retreat Again in 2005, Study Shows
Glaciers in Switzerland again retreated last year, a study showed on Wednesday, in a sign global warming is taking its toll on one of the country's scenic features. The Trift glacier in the canton of Berne had receded 216 metres in one year alone, being hardest hit by rising temperatures. Out of 91 glaciers being observed, 84 had retreated. Only seven had remained unchanged.
Think Tank Urges US Action Now on Global Warming
The United States must take steps now to fight global warming, including working with other nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a major US think tank said on Wednesday. The Pew Center for Global Climate Change said in a report that America has waited too long to seriously tackle the climate change problem and spelled out 15 steps the United States could take to reduce emissions it spews as the world's biggest energy consumer and producer of greenhouse gases.
UK Lobby Group Proposes Green Taxes to Save Planet
Britain must bring in a new tax structure penalising waste and rewarding efficiency to help combat global warming, a green lobby group said on Wednesday.
Ukraine ready to denounce natural gas deal with Russia
"We told the Russian party: we are ready to denounce the agreement or certain clauses in the agreement if it doesn't satisfy the Russian party, and to prepare the new one," Yekhanurov said in remarks aired by television Thursday.
US Evangelicals Urge Action on Global Warming
A group of 85 evangelical Christian leaders on Wednesday backed legislation opposed by the White House to cut carbon dioxide emissions, kicking off a campaign to mobilize religious conservatives to combat global warming.
US Mulls Protecting Polar Bears as Arctic Melts
The US government said on Wednesday it will study whether polar bears should be protected under the Endangered Species Act because climate change has melted so much of the arctic ice sheet.
World Ethanol Demand to Test Brazil Cane Industry
Brazilian sugar cane mills, the world's top producers, have visions of motorists from New York to Tokyo filling their tanks with ethanol, making the biofuel a full-fledged world commodity and making local producers as rich as Saudi sheiks. But many observers doubt Brazil's ability to become a reliable international ethanol supplier.
February 8, 2006
25% Biggest Power Bill Rise Ever to Hit 11 Million Homes Within Weeks
LONDON--
Biomass potential in U.S. assessed at 423 million tonnes
The United States could produce 423 million tonnes a year of biomass, according to a report prepared for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Of that national total, 157 m-tonnes is crop residues and 77 m-tonnes from primary mill, with the balance coming from switchgrass, forest, landfill methane, methane from manure, urban wood and methane from domestic wastewater
Environmental group Friends of the Earth has responded to this week’s State of the Union address from President Bush by claiming that the green initiatives outlined are unclear, and that the Administration lacks the ‘political will’ to follow up the statements with action.
Bush Wants New Fuels, but Cuts Energy-Saving Program
While President George W Bush kept his promise to put more money in his proposed 2007 budget for research to develop alternative energy sources, the administration also wants to cut a government program proven to save energy.
China Gets Tougher on Pollution after River Spill
China's top pollution watchdog will demand officials report toxic spills within an hour, the official People's Daily said on Tuesday, as it named and shamed 11 companies for pollution.
China jails Tibetans for railing at Olympics -group
A Chinese court has jailed five Tibetan monks and nuns for protesting against China's control of Tibet and demanding the 2008 Beijing Olympics be called off, a rights group reported. The Tibetans, from China's western Gansu province, were arrested in May 2005 for passing out letters calling for independence for Tibet.China prepares energy law to encourage conservation
The office of the State Council Energy Leading Group, which heads the draft work, said the law will focus on basic principles of energy saving, cleaner utilization, security and energy trade with overseas partners.
Deal Reached to Protect Canada's Coast Rainforest
Environmentalists, aboriginal leaders and Canada's timber industry said on Tuesday they had put an end to their long-running battle over a region of Pacific Coast wilderness often referred to as the Great Bear Rainforest. The deal, which will take until 2009 to fully implement, also gives the small native Indian nations in the area a greater say over what land should be protected or open to logging and resource development.
DOE Seeking Distributed Generation Success Stories
DOE invites interested parties to relate experiences, convey data, communicate results of case studies or analyses, or provide other information pertaining to the planning, installation, commissioning and operation of distributed energy systems.
Dutch Company to Make Diesel from Plastics Waste
A Dutch environmental technology company plans to build 15 plants that will produce diesel fuel from plastics waste in 14 European Union countries, the firm said on Tuesday.
EPA, other agencies agree to green building guidelines
The Environmental Protection Agency and several other federal agencies have agreed to a set of guiding principles for designing, building and operating federal facilities to save energy and protect the nation’s environment.
Exxon-- America Will Always Rely on Foreign Oil
The United States will always rely on foreign imports of oil to feed its energy needs and should stop trying to become energy independent, a top Exxon Mobil Corp. executive said on Tuesday.
Florida Governor Proposes Energy Initiatives
Just days after President George W. Bush delivered the State of the Union Address, the President's brother, Florida Governor Jeb Bush announced a statewide proposal of his own that would provide a variety of grants, rebates and tax incentives for hydrogen and renewable energy technologies for the Sunshine State.
Gas users paying higher prices for changing market Consumers facing a 25% increase in fuel
LONDON--ENERGY shocks are certain to continue. The era of cheap energy has disappeared and Britain's golden years of self-sufficiency have gone.
Grass Pellets Make Their Vermont Debut
Grass energy, he said, could conceivably replace the 20,000 gallons of propane and 24,000 gallons of fuel oil currently used annually for heating, as well as a significant portion of approximately 675,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity.
Hybrid Car Forecast for Early 2006
Comments from the Union of Concerned Scientists and HybridCenter.org on Latest Automaker Developments
The new American-built 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid is the first midsize hybrid sedan to be built in the U.S., while the revamped and substantially improved 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid has already been well received since its unveiling this past fall. Both of these vehicles are delivering what hybrid consumers are asking for -- solid performance along with better gas mileage, lower smog-forming and fewer global warming emissions.
Hydrogen Enables Storage of Excess Wind Power in Spain
"One of the biggest challenges with wind power is that unused energy cannot be stored for later use when the wind isn't blowing. Hydrogen solves this problem. As we will prove at this location, excess electricity from wind can produce hydrogen to fuel an internal combustion engine, essentially turning that excess wind power back into electricity that people can use."
India wants solar to provide 42 percent of total energy
Solar could provide 42% of India’s total energy supply by 2100, according to a scenario in the country’s draft policy on renewables that was circulated for public consultation.
MY TURN-- We need wind power now
Even as the recent ORC Macro poll shows increasing public support for commercial wind farm development in Vermont (81 percent would find wind farms “beautiful or acceptable,” up from 74 percent in the 2004 poll).
Northwest lawmakers slam Bush BPA idea-- Murray aide says plan will face a fight
President Bush wants some of the money that federal dams in the Northwest get for surplus electricity to be used to pay off the dams' long-term debt, much the way a family might pay down its mortgage when it gets extra cash. it's a bad idea that amounts to a raid on the Bonneville Power Administration, said Northwest members of Congress. It might reduce BPA debt payments in the future, but it could raise electric rates to customers of public utilities by 10 percent right now.
OPEC January output falls 555,000 bd to 29.605-mil bd-- EIA
Utilities used to provide reliable services at reasonable prices. Now, they want to optimize output at reduced costs, all while keeping customers happy. The pressures are constant. With rising energy prices, utilities are challenged to keep a lid on price increases. And with credit rating agencies more vigilante than ever, they are trying to squeeze every dollar out of operations.
"Everybody is predicting yet more stored gasoline in the US today and that's why we've seen prices come off like they did yesterday," a broker said.
Remote Alaska Volcano Erupts, Spews Ash
A volcano on an uninhabited island in Alaska erupted on Monday, sending a cloud of ash 22,000 feet into the air and triggering an elevation of the mountain's threat level. Scientists detected the morning eruption at Cleveland Volcano, a 5,676-foot peak, on satellite imagery, officials at the Alaska Volcano Observatory said.
Renewable energy lab lists its accomplishments for 2005
Solar energy technologies received 35% of research funding from the U.S. government last year, with wind and hydropower technologies receiving a combined 16%, biomass 13% and geothermal technologies receiving 2% of the funds.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 020806
Solar activity is expected to remain very low. The geomagnetic field is expected to be mostly quiet for the next three days (08-10 February).
Saudi Nervous US Doesn't Want Its Oil
Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil exporter, will continue to bolster its output capacity to quell global shortages, but has "concerns" about the Bush administration's call to cut its addiction to Middle East oil, the kingdom's petroleum minister said on Tuesday.
Saudi retains oil power as Bush tries to break free
U.S. President George W. Bush should be careful about wishing to kick America's addiction to Middle East oil because he might just lose a trusted supplier.
Oil superpower Saudi Arabia could be very happy to redirect barrels unwelcome in the United States into energy-hungry Asia, where Riyadh has made no secret of its drive to expand.
Scientists Warn of Melting Ice in Arctic
Scientists on Monday painted a gloomy picture of the effects of global warming on the Arctic, warning of melting ocean ice, rising oceans, thawed permafrost and forests susceptible to bugs and fire. Alaska is Ground Zero for observing the effects of global warming because so many natural phenomena are tied to ice and the repercussions of it melting. "We are the Paul Revere of global warming," she said.
Sempra debate boils-- Sempra meets hostility over power plant
Winning the hearts and minds of Magic Valley residents may be
the toughest challenge facing representatives of a proposed
coal-fired plant.
South East warned over water use
ENGLAND--Environment Minister Elliot Morley has urged consumers, businesses and water companies in the South East to do their best to conserve water resources in order to prevent shortages this summer, following earlier speculation over impending ‘drought’ conditions.
Sunker tanker poses pollution threat
A tanker involved in a collision in the English Channel earlier this week has sunk, prompting concerns from conservation groups over the potential impact on marine life. The ship has now sunk, the oil contained in it poses a more long term and damaging threat.
U.S. analysis supports benefits of ethanol as green fuel
Ethanol yields more energy than it takes to produce, according to a synthesis of conflicting reports on the energy balance of ethanol made from corn. “While this report is not news to those who are familiar with the ethanol industry, it is significant in that it provides a comprehensive review of all the ethanol energy studies out there and concludes that ethanol is a net energy positive,” says Bob Dinneen of the Renewable Fuels Association.
U.S. to increase funding for clean energies by 22 percent
U.S. president George Bush will propose US$148 million to support solar energy and $44 million for wind energy in his next federal budget.
US Congressmen Push at UN for New Climate Talks
A key US senator called on the Bush administration on Monday to open global climate talks, warning that the dangers of global warming were not only a threat to the United States but India and China as well.
Sen. Richard Lugar, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told the 15-nation UN Security Council that the world's dependence on oil and other fossil fuels damaged the environment and many nations' economies."With this in mind, I have urged the Bush administration and my colleagues in Congress to return to a leadership role on the issue of climate change," Lugar said.
WestConnect to focus on improving wholesale market
WestConnect, a group of 11 Southwest utilities, is focused on improving the wholesale market in the region, but will not likely form a regional transmission organization, Charles Reinhold, the group's project manager, said recently in an interview.
What's moving the oil markets 020806
Analysts polled by Platts are expecting a build of 1.8-mil bbl in gasoline inventories in the US Energy Information Administration's report. The projection pushed the NYMEX unleaded contract down 6cts/gal Tuesday which the crude futures then followed, sources said.
World Has Seven Years for Key Climate Decisions –Blair
The world has seven years to take vital decisions and implement measures to curb greenhouse gas emissions or it could be too late, British Prime Minister Tony Blair said on Tuesday. Blair said the battle against global warming would only be won if the United States, India and China were part of a framework that included targets and that succeeded the 1992 Kyoto Protocol climate pact.
Xcel reactor shut down-- Backup generator needs more extensive repairs than first thought
One of two reactors at Xcel Energy's Prairie Island nuclear power plant was shut down Sunday because planned repairs to a backup generator are more extensive than expected, the plant's operator said Monday.
February 7, 2006
$3B, 550-mile power line proposed
In an ambitious $3 billion plan, the nation's largest power generator has proposed building a 550-mile power line stretched atop 13-story towers to bring surplus electricity from coal-fired plants in Appalachia and the Midwest to the power-hungry Eastern Seaboard.
Over eight years ago, I wrote a PowerLines column about the “mindless frenzy” of mergers taking place in the power supply world. These “smaller” communications power supply manufacturers were buying up even smaller companies as a way of competing with the larger communications power supply makers. Would these newly merged companies now have the economies of scale to pose a serious threat to the larger, more established communications power supply manufacturers?
American Water Pioneers Alternative Energy Sources for Nation's Water Services
Annan Urges Oil Producers to Champion Clean Energy
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan called on Monday for an end to pollution of the environment and urged oil producing nations to spearhead efforts to develop clean energy. "Protecting the environment has been considered an afterthought, or even a luxury ... Prosperity built on destruction is not prosperity at all, but rather only a temporary reprieve from tragedy. There will be little peace, and much greater poverty, if this assault continues," he said.
Christchurch's biosolid waste could become a future energy source, according to a new report. The Christchurch City Council is debating how best to deal with an estimated 80 tonnes a day of biosolid waste produced by city residents. Nearly 75 per cent of participants supported using biosolids as an energy source, so long as emissions to the air were controlled and monitored, the report by Joanna Goven and Lisa Langer said.
BP expects oil, gas output to rise at around 4 percent per year until 2010
Bush Budget Seeks to Recycle Spent Nuclear Fuel
President George W. Bush on Monday asked the US Congress for $250 million in research funds to restart a controversial program that would reprocess spent nuclear fuel. The United States abandoned the technology in the 1970s because it was too expensive and there was fear terrorist groups or rogue nations could get access to the plutonium and make nuclear bombs.
Bush Budget Triples Money from Alaska Oil Drilling
The Bush administration Monday again asked Congress to allow oil drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), but almost tripled its estimate for the amount of money that would be collected in leasing fees from energy companies. The administration did not explain what was behind its higher estimate for leasing fees, but it presumably reflects the jump in oil prices.
Bush penciling in Russia as atomic energy partner
The Bush administration will propose in its budget on Monday the creation of an atomic energy partnership with Russia, offering other countries, such as Iran, a supply of fuel for their reactors under restrictions intended to prevent them from developing nuclear weapons, according to administration officials.
Bush seeks to trim SPR budget despite mandate to expand reserve
Deadly Fungus Threatens Beloved Panamanian Frog
A deadly fungus is creeping through Panama, killing hundreds of thousands of amphibians and putting the country's national symbol, the golden frog, at risk of extinction, scientists say.
Dutch Farmers, Feed Makers Angry at Dioxin Incident
Dutch farmers and feed makers expressed anger on Monday over contamination of feed with the carcinogen dioxin, saying measures should be taken to prevent such problems that damage the industry's image.
ERO should study feasibility of grid monitoring system-- FERC-DOE
Estonia Oil Slick Could Kill up to 35,000 Birds
A thick oil slick off the shore of northwest Estonia could kill as many as 35,000 birds, far more than previously feared, as freezing seas hamper rescue and recovery efforts, bird experts said on Monday.
With all the low-key modesty and small-scale unostentatiousness on display at that little football contest they staged in Detroit a couple days ago [he typed sarcastically], perhaps the last thing you´d expect to find written about the game would be anything having to do with environmental responsibility. This year´s game constituted the second consecutive "carbon-neutral" Super Bowl, meaning basically that the NFL helped plant a whole buncha trees in the host city -- 2,400 this year in Motown.
Heat is turning up on energy policy
Neena Gill, MEP for the West Midlands, looks at the growing need
Energy is something we all take for granted, yet this winter real concerns were expressed about whether we had enough supplies to get through a particularly cold snap.
Then, in January, Russia took the political decision to cut off gas supplies to the Ukraine and Europe's vulnerability to gas shortages was in the headlines around the world.
European Union countries currently import 40 per cent of their gas from Russia, and almost 80 per cent of that gas is transported through the Ukraine.
Industry fears it will be hit by fresh drive to cut emissions
Electricity generators have warned that placing an even greater burden on the sector to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, under a forthcoming official plan, will threaten Britain's already struggling power network. Power stations and other heavy users of energy fear that they will again be seen as a "soft touch" for a government desperate to meet its ambitious target of a 20 per cent cut in UK carbon dioxide emissions by 2010.
IPE Brent moves lower on bearish gasoline stock data estimates
IPE Brent futures in London moved lower Tuesday on bearish gasoline stock data expectations on the US Department of Energy's weekly report, offsetting concerns over Iranian threats to security in the Persian Gulf, through which 40% of the world's tradable crude is shipped.
Iran brandishes 'shipping card' as nuclear row escalates
'Lost World' Found in Indonesian Jungle
Scientists said on Tuesday they had found a "Lost World" in an
Indonesian mountain jungle, home to dozens of exotic new species of birds,
butterflies, frogs and plants.
"It's as close to the Garden of Eden as you're going to find on Earth,"
said Bruce Beehler, co-leader of the U.S., Indonesian, and Australian
expedition to part of the cloud-shrouded Foja mountains in the west of
New Guinea.
Mergers, fears of oil renationalization spark Russian market instabilities
Russia remained in the worldwide energy spotlight this year despite a notable slowdown in the growth of its oil production from the heady rates of 2004. A year dominated by corporate deals and failures has resulted in a big shakeup, with the government taking a central role in the drive to find new markets for the country's abundant energy reserves.
'Must-run' contracts alarm utilities
Utilities continue to sound the alarm about the proliferation of must-run contracts in New England, this time focusing on a recent application by the 160-MW Pittsfield Generating plant. The debate over must-run contracts stems from a confluence of problems plaguing the industry in New England. Aging plants say it is no longer profitable to stay in business, but few new power plants are in development and load pocket constraints leave the grid vulnerable to reliability problems.
Private power plant for silicon valley
Silicon Valley's energy-hungry tech industries are studying the feasibility of building their own $850 million, 600-megawatt power plant to guarantee a reliable source of low-cost power. While municipal power companies have long banded together to build power plants that supply its customers power, private companies building large-scale power plants for their private use is without precedent in the United States.
'Rain Gardens' Could Solve Pollution Problems, Researchers Say
Return to electricity deregulation would be chaotic
It's a pet idea of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and his new chief of staff, Susan Kennedy: Return electricity deregulation to California, and this time do it right.But the continuing fallout from the energy crisis of 2000-2001 provides a spate of evidence that any return to deregulation would be an invitation to a future disaster of at least similar scope to the one of five and six years ago, when rolling blackouts became regular occurrences.
Russian gas imports to Italy fall to 8.5-mil cu m short Tuesday
The shortfall coincides with another snap of cold weather which is hitting the country following a respite last week which coincided with full delivery quotas.
Russian specialists probe shutdown of power set at nuclear plant
Power set No 1 at the Kalinin nuclear power station was shut down at 1715 Moscow time [1415 gmt] by the automatic protection system, the activation of which is being investigated
SolarWorld Acquires Shell's Solar Business
SolarWorld announced it would acquire Royal Dutch Shell’s solar crystalline operations. Approximately 80 megawatts of solar photovoltaic module production will be shifted over to SolarWorld, a move the company says will make it the largest producer of PV modules in the United States.
The Time to Use Demand Response
High energy prices are forcing some consumers to seek new ways to cut their overhead. One of the primary beneficiaries of such thinking is demand response programs -- a system whereby customers benefit if they curtail their power usage during peak periods, or when the price of electricity is most expensive.
UK Power Industry Seeks Clarity on Emissions
Britain's power industry on Monday called for swift clarification of the government's plans to curb utilities' greenhouse gas emissions under the Kyoto Protocol. Tensions are running high among power generators as they wait to hear about the level of emissions caps to be imposed on utilities and other industrial firms in the period 2008-2012 - phase two of the European Union's emissions trading scheme.
We don't need LNG in California
It was the largest oil spill our nation had seen up until that point – a catastrophic blowout from an oil platform off of Santa Barbara in southern California that spread an 800 square-mile oil slick along a thirty mile coastline. Although the players and stage have changed since 1969, the overall story has not. We are faced with the same fundamental problem now as we were then: our dependence on fossil fuels and the risks associated with that dependence. Comments from readers included.
World's Largest Solar Photovoltaic Project to Be Built in Nevada
Powered by Renewables (PBR) of Nevada, announced today it will partner with SunEdison of Maryland to develop the world's largest solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Nevada. The 18 megawatt (MW) project almost doubles what is currently the world's largest PV project (10MW) located in Germany.
February 6, 2006
Bush Administration's proposed FY 2007 budget seeks ANWR opening
EPA releases study of major air proposal
The Environmental Protection Agency has
released a cost analysis of its proposal to modestly strengthen its standard
for fine-particle pollution from power plants, motor vehicles other sources.
EPA's proposal is highly controversial: environmental and public health
groups say it is too weak, while the power and other industries claim it is
unjustifiably rigorous and will cost tens of billions of dollars to
implement.
European banks, businesses cast wary eye amid Iran nuclear row
John Stewart looks at the environmental impact of aviation and assesses the alternatives. Aircraft eat up oil little else on earth. A family of four flying to the USA would cause more emissions than their entire domestic energy use in a year, and about twice the emissions from a car travelling 12,000 miles.
Gas Re-regulation Gaining Steam
Consumers’ well-noted struggle to pay soaring natural gas bills has reached the state Legislature and now, Georgia lawmakers are asking for help. A bill designed to re-regulate the gas business in Georgia.
Global Warming Boosting Greenland Glacier Flow
Two major glaciers in Greenland have recently begun to flow and break up more quickly under the onslaught of global warming, a new study said on Friday, raising the spectre of millions drowning from rising sea levels. The report from the University of Swansea's School of the Environment and Society said the Kangerdlugssuaq and Helheim glaciers had doubled their rate of flow to the ocean over the past two years after steady movement during the 1990s.
Global Warming Threatens Tibet Rail Link
Wu Ziwang, a frozen soil specialist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, told the official Xinhua news agency his research over three decades revealed large areas of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau showed signs of shrinking, as they were frozen less of the time.
Hundreds of Seal Pups Drown in Canada Storm Surge
Around 1,500 seal pups were swept out to sea and drowned by a tidal surge off Canada's east coast this week after a lack of ice cover meant their mothers were forced to give birth on a small island, environment officials said on Friday. A resident on the island described how the mother seals had frantically tried to push their tiny pups back on to land as they floundered in the storm-tossed water.
The aim of the Eco marathon is to travel the greatest possible distance on as little fuel as possible. The competition regularly attracts over 200 entries from across Europe.
La Nina's back — with a colder, wetter winter in tow for Australia
VICTORIA faces a wetter, colder winter due to the return of the La Nina weather system in the western Pacific Ocean.In the US, La Nina brings warmer and drier conditions in southern California as temperatures in the eastern Pacific cool, and an intensified hurricane season in south-eastern states.
In the U.S., winter temperatures are warmer than normal in the Southeast, and cooler than normal in the Northwest. Graph of US Wide January Weather Anomaly. Graphs of EL Nino and La Nina. More.
The European Union has committed to using 20% alternative fuels by 2020 to address two goals: to reduce its member States’ dependence on fossil fuels (petroleum, natural gas, coal) and to limit emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants, responsible for climate change and some respiratory illnesses. The HYCHAIN-MINITRANS Project will allow users in four regions of the European Union to test 150 full size electrically-powered vehicles fuelled by hydrogen fuel cells
MSHA orders 'stand down' at all US coal mines Monday for reviews
On Wednesday, Manchin ordered all West Virginia mines to cease operation immediately, then to hold safety reviews with each shift thereafter until all shifts had the review.
Native plant among entries in race for alternative energy sources
A native grass growing throughout central Oklahoma caught the country's attention this week when President Bush cited the plant as part of his solution to reducing the country's dependence on foreign oil.
New EPA Soot Limits Faulted by Scientists
The Environmental Protection Agency's proposed regulations on soot were criticized Friday as too weak by scientists advising the agency and as too politicized by health advocates and Democrats. Other air pollution experts and advocates complained of last-minute tinkering by the White House Office of Management and Budget.
Pregnancy Test May Lie Behind Deadly Frog Fungus
What do an old pregnancy test for women and a mysterious fungus killing frogs have in common? Plenty, according to researchers at North-West University in South Africa
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 020606
Solar activity is expected to remain very low. The geomagnetic field is expected to be mostly quiet with a chance for some unsettled intervals for 06 February. Quiet levels should predominate for 07-08 February.
South Carolina has head start in move to hydrogen economy
Imagine you had a bunch of yellowish rocks in your yard that kept turning up anytime you were planting tomatoes or new bushes. For years, you thought they were of little use, just some yellow rocks. Then one day, a geologist stopped by your house, saw the rocks and said, "Eureka! Gold!" What once was of little value to you suddenly would be worth a lot. The state of South Carolina is in the midst of a "eureka" moment.Strong Quake Hits India's Andaman Islands, no Damage
A strong earthquake measuring 6.0 hit India's Andaman islands early on Saturday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said, but a senior official said there was no damage.
They did a study and found that "8% coverage of existing rooftops with extensive green roofs, would generate over $300 million in initial cost savings in areas such as stormwater management, combined sewer overflow reduction, building energy savings, and the urban heat island reductions." They committed to "install green roofs on new and existing buildings owned by the City, whenever practical to do so." Up to 75% for new buildings.
US Senators Debate Climate Change; Bill Months Away
The Republican chairman and the top Democrat on the Senate Energy Committee released on Thursday a "white paper" on climate change issues that must be resolved before they can introduce global warming legislation.
Utility firms pay $1 million in long overdue county fees
Argue all you want with your local utility company about a bill, but when a shut-off notice comes, most folks quickly pay up. Last week, a handful of utility companies got their own version of a shut-off notice and responded largely the same way.
What's moving the oil markets? 020606
Iran said it would resume enrichment and stop spot United Nations checks on its atomic sites in response to the IAEA referral. "You can pass as many resolutions as you like and be happy about it, but you cannot stop the progress of the Iranian people. We thank God that our enemies are idiots," president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying by Iranian news agencies.
It would have a dual use - making fuel grade liquid hydrogen during the night and supplying electricity to the National Grid during the day. A spokesman for the company told the Gazette that North Devon District Council had been told about the plan. He said the proposal would involve the siting of three 120-metre wind turbines on 100 acres of land close to the Link Road.
February 3, 2006
14 groups urge federal government to increase environmental funding
Fourteen environmental groups are calling on President Bush and Congress to adequately fund environmental and health programs.
"The core safeguards protecting our health and our communities have been cut to the bone in recent years, and we can´t afford to keep slashing away," said Heather Taylor, deputy legislative director for the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Alaska revenue department proposes new oil and gas production tax
Argentina oil protest hits production in south for 12th day
Austin, Texas, to Hold Drawing for Green Power Program
Austin, Texas, is now one of four cities in the United States where customers enrolled in Austin Energy’s green power program are now paying less for electricity than nonsubscribers. As a result, and because the current supply of green power, Austin will hold a drawing in March to enroll additional electric customers into Austin Energy’s GreenChoice program.
Commission Leaders Say Government Must Act Fast to Save Oceans
Leaders of two expert commissions that spent years examining the nation's ocean policies give the Congress, Bush administration and governors a near-failing grade for not moving quickly enough to address hundreds of their recommendations. "The crisis now is to prevent an irreversible situation five to seven years from now, that will grow exponentially if we don't get on these things."
Gas consumption will climb 50 percent faster than oil use in the next 25 years, predicts the international Energy agency. natural gas is on track to become the second most important energy source, passing coal by 2020. Oil, however, will remain king. The predictions were reported in the Wall Street Journal, which also said the oil companies are aware of this important shift.
When Russia's state-owned enterprise Gazprom cut off natural gas supplies to Ukraine, it reverberated throughout Europe. Since that draconian action in the dead of winter, Russia and Ukraine have met to iron out some of the differences. But the dispute has caused concern over Russia's reliability.
Gazprom eyeing UK energy assets but denies interest in Centrica
GHG cuts could improve plant economics vs. pulverized coal plants
Iraq halts Kirkuk crude output after storage depot attack-- source
Pumping from the 700,000 b/d capacity Kirkuk oil fields to the NOC's storage facility came to a halt after the attack, the source said, adding that the attack was likely to reduce already constrained refining output and power generation.
Japan's Mitsui sees world aluminum shortfall of 156,000mt in 2006
Kewaunee nuclear employee accused of falsifying Ohio reports
He is one of three people who worked for the Davis-Besse nuclear plant who have been indicted on charges of filing reports that concealed problems at the plant outside Toledo.
Key Facts on Biodiesel, Ethanol
Americans may drive cars in two decades that operate on pollution-free hydrogen or fuel made from grass and wood chips, but it will not be enough to reduce significantly US oil imports from the Middle East.
* Biodiesel, which works in any diesel engine, is a clean-burning fuel derived from any fat or vegetable oil.
* Ethanol, an alcohol most often made from grains and sugar cane.
Key US senators issue paper discussing GHG-reduction options
More than 75 farmers in New Jersey have found a way to save money on their electricity bills while also reducing pollution - solar power. They are members of Power Crop Initiative, a unique for-profit program that pays for the installation and maintenance of photovoltaic (PV) arrays on farms, using private funds and state 'rebates. In return for providing space for the installation, participating farmers get guaranteed discount prices for electricity.
North Dakota Hydrogen Refueling Station To Use Wind
In addition to the core electrolyzer module, Hydrogenics is supplying compression, storage and dispenser equipment as part of the contract. The station is one of the first United States-based hydrogen fueling stations to use electricity from a wind power resource to produce hydrogen from water, in this case using electricity generated by wind resources.
Nuclear energy to get more research funding, Bush says
Oil, gas interests, users disappointed by Bush's energy remarks
Pacific Gas and Electric Company Connects 10,000th Solar Customer
Pacific Gas and Electric Company today connected its 10,000th solar customer to the California grid as the utility continues to lead the nation in solar hook ups. Glissade Snowboards, a San Francisco snowboard manufacturing company, became PG&E's 10,000th solar customer when the utility connected the factory's 18 kilowatt solar electric system during a ceremony today celebrating the milestone.
Pew Center to unveil proposal for cutting U.S. greenhouse gas emissions
The Pew Center on Global Climate Change will unveil its first comprehensive plan Feb. 8 to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.
The "Agenda for Climate Action" will identify broad and specific policies and offer recommendations on mandatory emissions cuts, technology, research and energy supply. The plan took two years to put together and addresses actions in all areas of the economy.
Power demand to push US coal prices up
Prices paid by the electric power sector for US coal are projected to rise 5.5% in 2006 as generator demand for the fuel increases in response to high oil and natural gas prices, the Energy Information Administration said Jan. 10 n its Short-Term Energy Outlook for January.
President's Energy Initiative Falls Short
In his State of the Union Address this week, President Bush offered a declaration few expected; the U.S. is addicted to oil. He then went on to propose an outwardly broad energy initiative aimed at reducing our reliance on foreign sources of energy. His suggestions included an accelerated use of renewable energy, including solar, cellulosic and switchgrass-derived biofuels, wind power, and even increased research into plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles. The plan however, was widely received as long on rhetoric but short on substance.
"The one factor that could push Brent upwards significantly is what the IAEA decides and then what Iran does in response. This probably won't affect things today but next week we could see an upturn. However, if the news is not particularly significant I think on Monday we'll see a continuation of the sell-off from the past three days as funds continue to sell," - a trader said.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 020306
Solar activity was very low. The geomagnetic field is expected to remain quiet.
Russia to limit power supply in Moscow due to new wave of freeze
Russia's sweetheart deal for Iran Nuclear politics
Finally, we are told, there is a breakthrough in the Iranian nuclear crisis: The Bush administration and its European allies have persuaded Russia and China to vote, at the International Atomic Energy Agency meeting on Thursday, to send Iran's nuclear violations to the UN Security Council.
SEIA Releases Guide to New Federal Tax Credits for Solar Energy
Federal solar tax incentives enacted in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 allow homeowners a tax credit of 30 percent for qualifying solar electric (PV) or solar water heating expenditures, up to a maximum of $2,000 per technology. For businesses, the investment tax credit is increased from 10 percent to 30 percent of qualified solar property expenditures, with no cap on the credit amount. These incentives apply to equipment placed in service during 2006-07.
Senators, mad about gasoline prices, mull ban on oil mergers
State of the Union-- Funding is Key
Without funding, Energy Freedom is just another word for everything left to lose. U.S. energy security hinges on providing reliable, affordable, environmentally responsible energy resources. We maintain the balance between these three energy priorities by developing and protecting our resource diversity. If we are to "act boldly in Freedom's Cause" and "support essential priorities" our energy policy needs to encourage a diverse energy supply so we are never beholden to or "addicted" to another single fuel source.
Sweden puts money into energy production from waste and biomass
Sweden is a globally acknowledged world leader in the use of bioenergy, offering tax incentives and state funding to stimulate new technologies and systems.
Tanker Runs Aground in Alaska, Spills Oil Products
An oil tanker carrying nearly 5 million gallons of oil and gasoline was struck by an ice floe while loading at an Alaska refinery and ran aground on Thursday, causing a small spill, a state official and the refining company said.
The UNITED STATES is in a natural gas crisis
The UNITED STATES is in a natural gas crisis. The hurricanes have dramatically underscored this problem, but they did not cause it. Dow, the American Chemistry Council and others have spoken repeatedly of the supply/demand imbalance that is at the root of this crisis—since the year 2000.
UK prompt gas prices fall as next week forecast milder
US Senators Plan Climate Change Bill this Spring
The Republican chairman and the top Democrat on the Senate Energy Committee will introduce legislation this spring aimed at fighting global warming, but their staff see little chance of Congress passing the climate change bill this year.
Utilities Considering at Least 10 New Nuclear Reactors
Although energy policy warranted only a few words in the president's State of the Union speech Tuesday night, interest in nuclear energy is rising rapidly as utilities consider building new reactors for the first time in decades.
Westport and Ford Announce Hydrogen Engine Technology Development
Westport Innovations Inc. (TSX:WPT) and Ford Motor Company today announced a project to develop and demonstrate an advanced direct injection fuel system for vehicles powered by high-efficiency, high performance engines operating on pure hydrogen.
What's Raining On Solar's Parade
Almost all solar
panels are made with silicon -- and makers can't buy enough of it
Sometimes it's
possible to be a little too successful. The solar power industry has been on a
tear, growing at more than 30% per year for the last six years. It's poised to
reach a surprising milestone within two years, when it will gobble up more
silicon for its electricity-generating panels than semiconductor makers use in
all their chips and devices. The onetime "'tree-hugger' industry is not a niche
business anymore."
White House Announces Solar America Initiative
Building on President Bush's State of the Union address Tuesday night,
the White House has proposed the largest funding increase for solar
energy research in U.S. budget history.
The Solar America Initiative will add $65 million to the solar program
at the Department of Energy--a 78 percent budget increase--to foster research
and development for rapid commercialization of new technology.
February 2, 2006
In the first phase of a planning process for the development of low quality fossil fuels in the western United States which ended today, the Bush administration has entirely omitted consideration of global warming.
Bush Plan to Help Climate, but no Green Conversion
President George W. Bush's call to break a US addiction to oil is a step to curb global warming but does not herald conversion to a UN-led plan to slow climate change, experts said on Wednesday. "This is fairly positive ... the very mention of solar, wind and other clean energies is a huge step," said Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany which accuses Bush of doing too little to stop global warming.
Climate Change Has Unexpected Effects
On the surface, global warming may seem like a pretty simple process. Excess "greenhouse" gases trap heat in the atmosphere, making the world warmer. But that's not all that happens. Our climate is actually very complex and intimately connected to life on Earth.
Environmentalists Protest Russian Plans for Oil Pipeline Running along Lake Baikal
Several dozen ecologists protested outside a Russian environmental monitoring agency Wednesday, urging regulators not to back a proposed Siberian oil pipeline that would run close to Lake Baikal, the world's largest freshwater lake.
Estonian Oil Slick Could Kill up to 5,000 Water Birds
A thick oil slick which has landed on the shores of northwest Estonia could kill as many as 5,000 birds, including swans and a rare breed of duck, environmentalists in the Baltic state said on Wednesday. The oil spill of about 20 tonnes, whose source is being investigated, was first reported on the Estonian coast on Saturday, but was initially believed to have a limited impact.
EU Agrees to Cut Greenhouse Gases from Shoes, Cars
European Union lawmakers and governments have agreed on rules that would clamp down on environmentally harmful fluorinated gases that are found in a range of products including cars, appliances and shoes.
Governments Must Give Green Incentives, Says Economist
The leader of a major study into whether economic growth is compatible with green policies has called on governments to provide clear incentives to help the environment. "We need clear, long and credible incentives from government," he said. "We have to devise a framework for the private and public sectors to work together."
Green Car Journal-- Ethanol Fuel Growing in Importance
According to the editors of the Green Car Journal, ethanol motor fuel is picking up momentum and could be on its way to becoming a truly successful fuel alternative for millions of vehicles that otherwise run on gasoline. That's saying a lot considering the challenges that have always faced alternative fuels, including higher cost than gasoline, uncertain supplies, few fueling stations, and limited numbers of vehicles able to run on fuels other than those derived from petroleum.
Green Rules Could Shut up to 500 US Coal Plants - Study
New clean air rules could force up to 500 US coal plants to shut spurring billions of dollars in construction of cleaner plants to replace them, according to a study.
Hitachi Introduces ECOHEART New Era Permanent Magnet Motors and Drives
Hitachi America, Ltd., Power and Industrial Division, just introduced the new ECOHEART family of high efficiency permanent magnet motors and drives. Compared with conventional standard induction motors, ECOHEART permanent magnet technology achieves 10 percent higher efficiency because the internal power loss is reduced by 50 percent.
The hydrogen economy has yet to get its legs but if or when it does, it could put the country light-years ahead. The ultimate goal is the replacement of traditional fossil fuels, although the pathway to get there is full of potholes. The federal government wants to do its part to facilitate the hydrogen economy, a development that could affect the way electricity is generated as well as how cars are driven. It has allocated $1.7 billion over five years toward the effort.
Iran's oil threats are a blessing in disguise?
Iran is flexing its muscles and muscles it indeed has. It has the world's second-largest oil reserves at a time when in the short term, global oil supplies are tight and in the long, they will get ever tighter. If it wants to pick a fight with the West, and there is every indication that it inclines in that direction, then this is not a bad time to get going. So should we worry about the consequences and if so, what should we do about this?
Italy Urged to Rethink on Nuclear
Experts in Italy have urged the country's government to rethink its anti-nuclear stance in the wake of the country's recent supply security scare.
Key Points about Bush's Energy Plan
President George W. Bush has called for slashing oil imports from the Middle East by more than 75 percent by 2025, laying out a futuristic plan that would run America's cars on fuel cells and ethanol made from corn, sugar, wood chips and switch grass.
Magnetic Flames in Molecular Magnets Exhibit Properties Akin to Fire
In a groundbreaking experiment, researchers from The City College of New York (CCNY) and Lehman College have measured the speed of magnetic avalanches and discovered that the process is analogous to the flame front of a flammable substance. The discovery of a “magnetic flame” could make it easier for engineers to study the dynamics of fire.
Major energy advances are imminent for U.S., President Bush says
"Here we have a serious problem -- America is addicted to oil, which is often imported from unstable parts of the world," he said. "The best way to break this addiction is technology."
The Advanced Energy Initiative will invest more research and development into zero-emission coal-fired power plants, solar and wind power and nuclear energy.
Mexico to invest $800 million in nuclear energy
The energy secretary of oil-rich Mexico, Fernando Canales, said on Wednesday that the government will increase its production of nuclear energy and will invest $800 million in the country's only nuclear facility.
Minnesota aims to get biodiesel back in gear
After a couple of sputtering starts, Minnesota's biodiesel industry has another nine days to fix problems with the fuel that may have led to trucks breaking down on the road, hefty repair bills and a lot of angst. Biodiesel is diesel fuel made with a renewable energy source, such as soybeans. In Minnesota, it has been blamed for clogging truck fuel filters, perhaps because of high glycerin levels that gelled in cold weather.
February Natural Gas Bills Down 31% Over Last Month Conservation and Mild Winter Nationwide Reflect Sharp Downturn in Forecasted Natural Gas Costs
Normally a Big Chill, Canada Basks in Mild Winter
Warm and winter are two unlikely companion words that Canadians are using to describe record-breaking temperatures this year. Normally Canada's coldest large city each winter, Winnipeg enjoyed an average -7.4 Celsius (18.7 F) in January, the balmiest since the month's temperatures were first recorded in 1873.
PG&E-- Expect February gas prices 23 percent higher than last year
Homeowners will continue to feel the hurt of heating bills in February, with prices near record highs and the average bill topping $100.
PG&E announced today that average natural gas bills are expected to rise 23 percent this month compared to last year, a far cry from the 50 and 70 percent jumps the company had been reporting for previous months.
Rains Raise Hopes for Southern Africa Food Harvests
Rains have raised hopes for bigger harvests in southern Africa this season after scorching drought last year left millions in need of food aid, a top UN official said on Wednesday.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 020206
Solar activity is expected to be very low. The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet.
Report Suggests That a New Model is Needed for Renewable Energy Production
On any given day, the solar energy falling on a typical oilfield in the Middle East is far greater than the energy contained in the oil extracted from it. However, while oil provides a highly concentrated source of power, solar energy is distributed over a wide area. According to a report to be published later this week by Cambridge UK analysts CarbonFree, collecting energy from a wide area is an activity usually associated with farming, and an agricultural, as opposed to an industrial, model should be used for the harvesting of renewable energy.
River Conservationist Wins $100,000 Idea Contest
A river conservationist who proposed taxing fossil fuels and pollution to pay for renewable energy development and environmental restoration won a $100,000 contest of ideas sponsored by the Service Employees International Union.
I have a couple observations about the State of the Union hullabaloo. First -- I realize I´m not alone in this -- I wish our leaders would apply some serious innovative thinking to this ritual, to find a way to make it less predictable, less shallow and more meaningful. There have to be ways to strip away the empty theater and the grandstanding that the event is mired in.
S.C. senator likes message on energy
"The hydrogen economy of the future could ... well be developed in South Carolina," Graham said. "What Detroit was to the automotive industry, South Carolina can be to hydrogen."
Shareholders urge GE not to back climate-change regulation
A shareholder group is calling on General Electric Co. to stop advocating global warming regulation.
The group said it believes human activity is not measurably changing the global climate and that GE´s support of greenhouse gas regulation may harm the company´s shareholders.
State Of The Union-- The Advanced Energy Initiative
With America on the verge of breakthroughs in advanced energy technologies, the best way to break the addiction to foreign oil is through new technology. Since 2001, we have spent nearly $10 billion to develop cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable alternative energy sources. Tonight, the President announced the Advanced Energy Initiative, which provides for a 22% increase in clean-energy research at the Department of Energy (DOE). The Initiative will accelerate our breakthroughs in two vital areas; how we power our homes and businesses; and how we power our automobiles.
Statement from Mayor David Miller on provincial gas-fired power plant in Toronto
Mayor David Miller says the Ontario government should be innovative when addressing future electricity needs instead of planning for a traditional gas-fired mega-power plant in the City of Toronto.
February 1, 2006
Business opportunities of the booming Chinese PV industry
Do you want to experience the business opportunities of the booming Chinese PV industry?
From 9 to 15 April the “PV Business Tour China 2006” will provide all necessary contacts and information to ensure you can experience and explore this exciting market and industry. The focus of this international PV trade mission is to meet with the Chinese manufacturers of solar grade silicon, wafers, cells, modules and other PV components.
Bush pledge to cut oil imports meets with hope, skepticism
Bush Says US Addicted to Oil, Must Make Changes
President George W. Bush will say "America is addicted to oil" and must develop technologies to address soaring gasoline prices in a State of the Union speech on Tuesday night that argues against a US retreat from Iraq and the war on terrorism.
Canadian Inverter Co. Aims for Both On- and Off-grid
Solar photovoltaic inverter company, Sustainable Energy Technologies, said it has secured a funding arrangement with the National Research Council, Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP), in which the council will make loans of up to $245,000 toward development of an inverter platform that will serve both grid-parallel and off-grid applications for a variety of generation and storage technologies.
Carbon-Cutting for a Stable Climate
The energy transition is gaining momentum. When the Kyoto Protocol was negotiated in 1997, the proposed 5% reduction in carbon emissions from 1990 levels in industrial countries by 2012 seemed like an ambitious goal. Now it is widely seen as an outmoded, grossly inadequate goal. National governments, local governments, corporations, and environmental groups are coming up with plans to cut carbon emissions much further than was agreed to in Kyoto by turning to renewables and raising energy efficiency. Some individuals and groups are even beginning to think about how to cut carbon emissions by 70%, the amount that scientists say will be needed to stabilize climate.
Congress Attends to Unfinished Business
As Congress returns to the Capitol for its second session, cold winter weather is expected to turn up the political heat. Republican committee chairmen and top Democrat senior committee members have been feverishly readying legislation since last November to address expected spikes in electricity costs. Two categories of bills are in the offing. One attempts to mute the effect of high natural gas (and electricity) prices by dictating economic or efficient dispatch of power. A much broader solution aims to increase the supply of natural gas to utilities, industrials, farmers and everyone else, thereby deflating the price of natural gas.
State lawmakers are considering several bills aimed at boosting solar and wind energy.
Enron 'conned' California energy users
New evidence suggests the collapsed energy corporation Enron manipulated electricity prices to exploit the 2001 energy crisis in California.
EU wind capacity at 40,504MW in 2005, exceeds 2010 target-- EWEA
European committee adopts report calling for a Green Heat target
The energy committee of the European Parliament has adopted a report which recommends countries set ambitious targets to increase the share of green heat technologies by 2020.
A debate that has been quietly raging in the Bush administration over whether to accept other countries´ spent nuclear fuel for reprocessing appears to have been resolved in favor of going ahead with the proposal.
House advances loans for canola crushing plants
Washington state's nascent oilseed industry would get an immediate $9 million boost under a package of emergency loans approved by the state House on Monday.
You'd expect a
cover
story about "peak oil" from WorldWatch magazine -- but Barrons?!
Titled "Twilight for Oil?" in the Jan. 2 print edition, and
An Unapologetic Alarmist online (subscription required), Sandra Ward
interviews Matthew Simmons, head of energy investment banking firm
Simmons & Co. The headline on Barrons' cover -- "Preparing for (gulp!)
$200 oil" -- about sums it up.
Improving the Forward Curve for Green Power
The development of renewable energy resources in the U.S. is constrained by a difficulty in obtaining project financing. The growth of the markets for the green attributes of renewable energy (RECs) provides a built-in solution. But, the market must first develop a forward curve to give project developers and the financial community the certainty in cash flows necessary to get additional renewable power resources online.
Iraq needs oil policy before negotiating with majors-- Chalabi
IRS Withholds Hundreds of Thousands of EITC Refunds for Poor
The tax refunds sought by hundreds of thousands of low-income Americans were frozen and their returns labeled fraudulent by the Internal Revenue Service without any notification, according to a report by the IRS taxpayer advocate, Nina Olson. Affected taxpayers had an average income of $13,000. They were seeking the earned income tax credit, a benefit for the working poor, and their requests were assigned questionable status by an IRS criminal division’s computer program.
Mexico Signs Agreement to Drastically Cut Fuel Emissions, Improve Air Quality
Mexico has launched an ambitious plan to drastically cut fuel emissions and improve air quality, the environment secretary said Tuesday, to reduce sulfur emissions by 50 percent before 2020.
Processing Waste Rice Hulls into Ethanol
Colusa Biomass Energy Corp (CBMG) is gearing up its marketing effort to promote its patented process of converting rice straw (rice hulls) into the biofuel ethanol.
PSA Peugeot Citroen to Sell Diesel Hybrids in 2010
French carmaker PSA Peugeot Citroen on Tuesday unveiled two demonstration vehicles powered by diesel-hybrid engines and said it wanted to sell tens of thousands of them annually from 2010. PSA has long stayed out of the race to bring gasoline hybrids - combining a combustion engine and an electrical motor - to the market because it thinks clean diesel engines alone can provide performance on fuel consumption and emissions that is comparable to gasoline-hybrid engines.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 020106
Solar activity has been very low. No new regions were numbered today.The geomagnetic field has been quiet.
Report-- U.S., Canada hazardous waste market worth $3.5 billion
The hazardous waste market in the United States and Canada was valued at $3.5 billion in 2004, unchanged from 2003, a new study from Farkas Berkowitz & Co. reports.
Russia, Bulgaria discuss long-term cooperation in gas transit
Solar PV Cost Trends in California Detailed
Solar photovoltaic costs in California have declined significantly in recent years, according to a new report released by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Support for solar strongest in survey
Developing the use of solar power is the single most popular goal for residents of Europe, according to a survey of 50,000 people. When asked where national governments of the EU-25 should focus to reduce the current energy dependency, improvement of the use of renewables and more investments in research are seen as the main solutions. The average for the EU-25 was 48% for the development of solar, with another 31% calling for development of wind energy. Development of nuclear was supported by 12% while 23% supported regulations to reduce oil consumption.
U.S. nuclear lab to work on solar PV
Sandia National Laboratories has signed a research agreement to focus on portable power applications for fuel cells with Sharp Corporation, to develop the use of direct methanol fuel cells to power consumer electronics such as laptops, cell phones and PDAs. Sharp has asked Sandia to fabricate fuel cells using proprietary membranes and catalysts, and will fabricate fuel cells during the 18-month project.
UK prompt gas prices surge as Interconnector fails briefly
UN Set To Kick-Start Kyoto Emissions Scheme
A United Nations meeting in Germany this week is set to pave the way for hundreds of projects to curb greenhouse gas emissions in Russia and Eastern Europe, industry executives said on Tuesday.
US Companies Look to Skies as Weather Costs Bucks
"How's the weather?" That is no longer just a casual greeting for businesses leaders as they become more reliant on timely meteorological information for decisions ranging from restocking umbrellas to saving lives.
US to cut oil imports from the Middle East 75% by 2025-- Bush
by 22%. The Advanced Energy Initiative, which would be managed by the US Energy Department, would bush for breakthroughs in the ways Americans power their homes and offices, invest more in zero-emission coal-fired plants, solar
and wind technologies and nuclear energy.
A great question, one that we're hearing more and more people ask. Unfortunately, it's a question that can be frustratingly difficult to answer. What can happen is that as an internal proposal on climate change action works its way up the management chain,
What's moving the oil markets 020106
US crude oil inventory data due out later Wednesday from the Energy Information Administration and American Petroleum Institute is expected to show a 1.7-mil bbl build in commercial crude stocks, according to analysts surveyed by Platts Tuesday. Analysts polled by Platts are also projecting a build in gasoline inventories of 1.3-mil bbl and a 900,000 bbl increase in distillate stocks for the week ending Jan 27 .
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