Research into innovative solutions to our renewable energy needs is one of the strategies advocated by Bill Gates. …
… “Our renewable portfolio, as it exists now, is not good enough to get us where we need to be.
Without R&D investments, we are not going to be able to address climate problems in time. ” …
Via New York Times: Bill Gates Perspective on Climate Change.
The 15 megawatt PV plant will be located at Luke AFB in Glendale, Arizona. Comprised of 52,000 SunPower PV panels it will be the " ... largest solar installation on U.S. government property."
"Arizona Public Service Co. will own and operate ... hired SunPower Corp. to design and construct the solar plant ..."
" ... will ... follow the sun ... 25 percent more energy than if the panels were stationary. ..."
Via: Arizona Public Service LINK
The oceans and the power of the waves and tides waves might be the source of your electricity someday. Systems that can convert the constant undulation of the waves into energy can harness what seems like an unlimited renewable energy source.
"... potential to be one of the most environmentally benign forms of electricity generation ... wave energy around the British Isles ... estimated to be equivalent to three times current UK electricity demand, ..."
Pelamis are minimally impactful ... their visual impact is small as they are half submerged so are not nearly as visibly on the horizon as wind trubines. They appear to have minimal impact on marine life as well and can be removed much easier than a wind turbine.
They currently have installations undergoing tests in Portugal and Scotland.
Pelamis has their HQ in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Via: Pelamis Wave Power LINK
" .. goal ... to be the premier research facility in the world focused on the economic, technical, and public policy issues associated with the development and deployment of solar energy to meet global energy needs and environmental challenges."
" ... through independent research, soliciting and funding internal and external research proposals on defined topics and responding to outside requests for proposals that fit the Solar Institute's objectives.
VIA: The GW Solar Institute LINK
Ever wonder how solar cells work? Sun light hits a photovoltaic panel and somehow electrons start flowing.
Check out this neat graphic that shows how suns rays are converted to power that flows from your home's outlets.
" ... Follow the path ... from the sun, through the pv panels, its conversion to AC electricity ... into the utility grid. ..."
ailed explanation of solar energy.
For a full size of the image CLICK
Via: CoolerPlanet LINK
The map at the right - link to full size below - shows " LINK ... the current state of renewable energy in America ... a large portion of the country is still dragging their feet in adopting more environmentally friendly means of generating electricity. ..."
Pennsylvania ranks 15th
New Jersey ranks 43 rd.
Check out the stats for your state.
Click for full size map ... LINK
Via: CoolerPlanet
Wallenius Lines, a Swedish owned car carrier vessel is testing a fuel cell for auxiliary power. Fuel cells are clean power sources - in this case fueled by methanol (alcohol). Wallenius Lines has a major commitment to being green (using non toxic paint to reduce barnacle drag, handling bilge water carefully, reducing impact overall, etc.) and this is the next step in the journey.
"Wärtsilä’s WFC20 fuel cell ... onboard the ’Undine’, ... is the first of its kind in the world ... during the test period provide auxiliary power to the vessel while producing close to zero emissions...."
Methanol can be made from biomass so can be a renewable fuel ... in addition to providing clean power. The trails started in May 2010 and extend until November 2010.
Via: Wallenius Lines LINK
In June of 2009 Dell announced that they source over 1/4 of their global energy needs from renewable sources.
" ... powers nine ... facilities in the United States and Europe with 100 percent renewable energy. ... Round Rock, Texas; Twin Falls, Idaho and Oklahoma City, Okla. ..."
In addition to using a significant amount of renewable energy sources they " ... plan to reduce ... greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2015. ... "
Dell follows a simple 3-step model where they work efficiently (energy-wise), use renewable energyand offset with carbon credits from verified sources.
" ... only company in the computer industry to achieve operational carbon neutrality in August 2008 ..."
Via: DELL LINK
Agricultural Resource and Learning Center will demonstrate the capabilities and benefits of wind and solar power to rural residents of Wyoming. The systems will power the facility and provide excess energy back to the grid. …
… “The 2.4-kilowatt wind turbine and 24-panel, 4.2-kilowatt solar array with two different types of solar panels will provide a hands-on demonstration of the technology, says Tom Heald, extension service educator who spearheaded the project.” …
Via University of Wyoming: Demonstration Project (Link).
Rocky Mountain Power supports this renewable energy project, through its Blue Sky initiative.
Kudzu is a very aggressive fast growing vine that is invasive ... if it could be turned into a source of ethanol ... it might kill 2 birds with 1 stone. And it does not compete with food crops as a route to ethanol.
"... invasive weed called kudzu. ... grows all over the southern states at a rate of about one foot per day. ... literally covers ... anything in its path ... Agro*Gas Industries, LLC can use this undesirable plant to make clean burning, renewable fuel."
" ... otherwise useless pest can be kept in check and turned into a useful "renewable" environmentally friendly and cost effective fuel!"
" ... utilizing unwanted or currently useless plant and waste products we can produce a "Bio-Fuel" (ethanol) that can compete favorably with fossil fuels (petroleum). We do not use commodity crops, such as corn, currently grown for human or animal consumption! "
Via: Agro*Gas Industries, LLC LINK
The US Army is getting greener. They are beginning " ... development of a 500-megawatt solar power plant at Fort Irwin, Calif."
" ... allow ... commercial developers to use land at Fort Irwin to construct a solar power plant there between 2013 and 2022. ... will provide power to both the civilian power grid in California, and to Fort Irwin, home of the Army's National Training Center."
" ... the Army will provide to the developers, for as many as 50 years, up to 14,000 acres of land. .. Army receives rent for the land through cash or in-kind services."
" ... facility with both concentrated solar thermal and photovoltaic technology. ... will be built in phases, with a project end date expected around 2022. But Phase 1A of the project, with a completion of around 2014, is expected to provide enough power to sustain Fort Irwin."
Via: US Army LINK
Data Centers are moving to rural areas where land and labor are less expensive. There are often farms and lots of cows ... and therefore lots of cow manure.
A significant cost of operating data centers is the electric bill.
" ... data centers ... building them in rural areas, which happen to have an excess of animal waste. The heat from a data center could be used to improve the process by which the waste turns it into methane, which can be used in place of natural gas or diesel, HP's researchers maintain. "
"... average dairy cow, ... produces approximately 120 pounds of waste a day. It would take 10,000 cows to produce enough energy for a data center big enough to support a bank. "
Via: Fierce CIO LINK
" ... Philly plant in Lowville, NY ... making to reduce our carbon footprint. ... almost ¼ of the Lowville’s total energy use now comes from alternative sources."
" ... converting the waste stream from Cream Cheese production (whey) into methane gas. ... replaces about 1/3 of the natural gas usage and prevents virtually 100% of whey land-spreading. Annual energy savings are approximately 87,000 mm BTUs, or enough energy to heat around 1,100 average sized households for 1 year. ... In early 2008, ... Lowville ... replaced its interior lights with energy efficient T-8 lighting fixtures. ... saves 1,350,068 KWH of usage per year. That’s enough electricity to light 2,164 homes for a year."
" ... In 2008, ... cut its total water use by 9%. ... [and] sent 33% less garbage to the landfill. ..."
Via: Kraft LINK
Springside School - Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia has the largest solar installation in the city of Philadelphia. You can see the solar progress with the monitoring station ... the system has the capacity of 92.4 k
W DC.
As of May 15th, 2010 the system has generated 21,201 kWH - equivalent to powering 2 homes for a year.
See the current operation / historical data at LINK
Via: Springside School LINK
Ecotech Institute offers a "green education" ... the first of its kind in the U.S. Ecotech is based in Aurora Colorado.
Ecotech Institute -- the first and only college entirely focused on preparing graduates for careers in the "rapidly growing fields of renewable energy, sustainable design, and energy efficiency -- with practical, hands-on training designed to meet the demands of employers in the green economy."
" ... the college for renewable energy and sustainable design, prepares students for environment careers with practical, hands-on training. ... Instructors typically work in the energy management and green design fields. "
" ... nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools ... a nationally recognized accrediting agency by the United States Department of Eduction."
Via: Ecotech Institute LINK
FiberCell technology uses a honeycomb shape that allows for greater light absorption ... by catching light from multiple angles having more periods of "peak" efficiency. The cells are fiber based and use dye from the pokeberry to increase efficiency. FiberCell is based in Winston-Salem NC.
"FiberCell ... strong IP position comes from a portfolio of patents covering its unique light gathering design, absorber compositions, and manufacturing approach.... "
" ... FiberCell absorbers are fully integrated into the light collection system, making it a solar cell and solar concentrator in one. ... "
Enhanced operational lifetimes" ... depends only in part on organic absorbers. This allows for better overall sealant performance. ... During a day, FiberCell can generate up to twice the power of a traditional flat panel device of the same effeciency rating ... Internal resistances are very low for the cells. ... Rugged performance with continued module funtion even when individual cells are lost due to damage ..."
Via: Fibercell LINK and SmartPlanet
Stanford University develops portfolio of research projects to advance the understanding and capabilities of renewable energy challenges through its Precourt Institute for Energy. …
… “The six projects address a spectrum of issues, including how to convert carbon dioxide to fuel, how to handle the fluctuations in electricity generated from intermittent renewable resources such as wind and how to improve the efficiency of solar cells while reducing costs. ” …
Via Stanford Univ: Energy institute first round of research.
Google has made its first DIRECT investment in a production scale wind farm ...
" ... wind farms that generate 169.5 megawatts of power, enough to power more than 55,000 homes. ... developed by NextEra Energy Resources, ... use existing transmission capacity to deliver clean energy to the region ... $38.8 million investment, we’re aiming to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy ..."
" ... been looking at investments in renewable energy projects, ... that can accelerate the deployment of the latest clean energy technology ... providing attractive returns to Google and more capital for developers to build additional projects."
" .. uses some of the latest wind turbine technology and control systems ... turbines can continuously adjust the individual blade pitch angles to achieve optimal efficiency ... larger blades with 15 percent more swept area than earlier generations, ..."
Via: Google LINK
Check out this float-o-voltaic system at Far Niente Winery in Oakville, California. Since land is so expensive / valuable they using an irrigation pond to "host" their solar system. Via: Far Niente Winery LINK
Today is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day !!
To learn more about Earth Day 2010 and things ** YOU ** can do ... LINK
Via: Earth Day 2010 LINK
... "Utility companies like Hawaiian Electric will benefit from better informed consumers, educators and a future workforce trained in renewable energies. In addition to creating a pipeline to support the integration of new wind, solar, wave and smart grid technologies, the project aims to enhance the training of the existing workforce in these areas. " ...Via University of Hawaii: Clean energy program
China is looking to use off shore wind farms to help power the country ... with a significant part of the population on the eastern shore this may prove to better than bringing coal generated power in from the west of China.
China will " ... bring online ... its first offshore wind farm, a 102-megawatt array located in the Yangtze River delta ..."
"... latest in a series of moves ... to pad its lead as the world’s largest market for wind power. ..."
" ... Azure International predicts that China will install 514 megawatts of offshore wind over the next three to four years. By 2010, ... expected to invest $100 billion to install up to 30,000 megawatts ..."
Via: SmartPlanet LINK
Bio fuel is being looked at for cars and commercial jets ... now the USAF is looking to see if J8 jet fuel can be supplemented or even replaced by bio-jet fuel.
"... Air Force consumes 2.4 billion gallons of jet fuel each year ... 40th Flight Test Squadron is on a mission to change that. ... climbing into the cockpits of jets filled, in part, with alternative fuels."
" ... A-10C Thunderbolt II took off from Eglin Air Force Base in Florida powered by Hydrotreated Renewable Jet (HRJ) and JP-8 (Jet Propellant 8, the military standard and kerosene-based). ... mission is being considered a success: a fighter jet can fly on a synthetic fuel blend."
Via: SmartPlanet LINK
... "The magic soccer ball created by Harvard students Jessica Lin, Jessica Matthews, Julia Silverman, and Hemali Thakkar is beautiful in its simplicity. " ...Via TakePart: Young Women Changing the World
India has lots of gas and diesel powered rickshaws ... these emit significant quantities of pollution ... there is work to outfit rickshaws with batteries and an electric motor. These cost close to 3 x the cost of a traditional rickshaw but the government may offer loans to help offset the cost differential.
" ... Soleckshaw ... can either be pedaled or run off of a 36-volt battery that is charged every 45 miles from a solar charging station ... prototype ... seats three and has electric lights, an FM radio, four mobile phone chargers, and can travel at 12 and a half miles per hour. ..."
Via: cleanechnica LINK
"PlanetSolar ... topped by a large array of photovoltaic solar panels ... will be both silent and clean. The goal is to navigate around the world at an average speed of 8 knots ..."
" .. will be home to two sailors during the round-the-world attempt, and can accommodate up to fifty people during the promotional trips planned ..."
Via: PlanetSolar LINK
leaders in sustainability and will leverage this integration team to identify projects, measure reductions, engage its supply base, and drive proper procedures into each GHG reduction benefit. ...
... "Selection -- Walmart will focus on the product categories with the highest embedded carbon. This is defined as the amount of life cycle GHG emissions per unit multiplied by the amount the company sells. To find the embedded carbon, the ASC reviewed the GHG emissions associated with all Walmart product categories. This approach ensures the project team focuses on the categories that have the greatest opportunity for reductions. Reductions can come from any part of a product’s life cycle." ...Via Walmart Stores: http://bit.ly/aBy2pX
Walmart has received constructive feedback from its colaboraters, such as The Environmental Defense Fund. For example, EDF reviewed the WalMart’s Sustainability Report and made these comments: We’d also like to see Wal-Mart present more data that allows readers to verify the information presented. For example, the limited data presented on improvement to fuel efficiency in the truck fleet – an area where we know that WalMart has made progress – leave room for confusion. http://bit.ly/dfdj3s
Continue reading "Walmart green supply chain opportunity wiil target carbon intense products" »
... "Firstly, an understanding of how these complex processes work in Nature is crucial to future fundamental research in photosynthetic reaction centers, and this discovery may well be universal. Secondly, the use of two charge separation devices working cooperatively to maximize efficiency is a design theme that may well be applied in future efforts to create artificial photosynthetic devices. " ...Via ASU: http://bit.ly/aaCGQd
The UTS Tower in Sydney, Australia is may get a proposed upgrade - a solar skin. This PV "wrap" would turn the tower into a very green and energy efficient structure.
The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Tower "upgrade" is " ... Fueled by the university’s sustainability drive ... turn the building into a “landmark environmental tower” by wrapping it in a photovoltaic skin."
"The sustainable energy system, devised by postgraduate students in 2008, has been funded to allow students to build and test the project."
There are a number of propose upgrades including wind turbines and cogeneration ... the solar skin " ... stretches around walls and roof elements ... the building is covered in a lightweight composite mesh textile that can collect rain water, generate electricity and complement the plan’s passive ventilation system that uses natural convection."
Via: SmartPlanet LINK
Scientists from CalTech have developed technology that might lead efficient solar cells from silicon nanowires. This could lead to all sorts of configurations for solar cells including fabrics.
" ... CalTech scientists say they have the underlying technology. Silicon nanowires, arranged in arrays, have been engineered that ... grab power from visible light ..."
" ... a cell geometry that not only uses 1/100th the material of traditional wafer-based devices, but also may offer increased photovoltaic efficiency owing to an effective optical concentration of up to 20 times ...”
" ... CalTech’s cells have efficiency comparable to solar panels now being installed on roofs.""If nanowires can be woven into a viable matrix, combined with other material, it means fabrics can double as solar connectors, once they have a way to off-load the power they create."
Via: SmartPlanet LINK
Scientist have long suspected they could modify an existing microbe to produce biofuel from plant products. They may now be one step closer with a strain of e. coli.
"Scientists with the Department of Energy's Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) recently published a paper in the journal Nature explaining how they engineered the e. coli strain to spit out fatty esters (basically biodiesel) ... tweaked the e. coli so that it produces more fat than it normally would in a form it normally wouldn't, and they also made sure the bugs didn't eat their own fatty production. ..."
"Ideally ... would lead to a tiny, self-contained oil well: In comes plants, out comes fuels or chemicals. ..."
"... biofuels breakthroughs are published with some regularity. But no one has been able yet to turn these breakthroughs into industrial processes that can produce something useful on a large scale at reasonable cost. ..."
Via: Forbes LINK
The GSA is renovating the 18 story federal building in Portland, Oregon. Green features include a vertical green wall and reduced water usage with low flow fixtures and recycled roof water.
"... part of a $133 million renovation, the General Services Administration wants to grow “vegetated fins” on the western facade of the Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal Building ... save energy year-round using one of Mother Nature’s own tools."
" ... will use 60 to 65 percent less energy than comparable buildings. That translates to an energy cost savings of $280,000 per year."
"Solar panels could also provide up to 15 percent of the building’s power needs. Energy use for lighting will be halved."
"... building in question was already slated for an energy efficiency upgrade, but funds from last year’s federal stimulus package stressed projects that were environmentally friendly."
... "The resources will be used to implement the Greening of Oregon’s Workforce project to develop local networks that will deliver training in green occupations. The State’s Green Jobs Council will be responsible for implementing the green jobs strategy which is mandated by Oregon State law, and will link to other state efforts, such as the Networks of Excellence that are emerging around green industries. Training will prepare workers for occupations in energy efficiency and renewable energy industries, including occupations that have long-term demand, offer the potential for high wage, career pathway jobs, and support local sourcing and innovation. Program partners will develop new curricula, adapt existing curricula, and complete development of the Oregon Green Tech Certificate. " ...Via Oregon Institute of Technology: |Renewable Energy Internships
Continue reading "Oregon Green Tech Education and Certificate" »
Dow has products for many part of the green economy ... from solar cells to batteries for electric cars to materials for solar cells.
"Dow ... has embarked upon a multi-pronged strategy to capitalize on the demand for renewable energy and low-carbon alternatives to conventional products. ... "
" ... Dow's secret [is] ... Material science, i.e. membranes, coatings and other difficult-to-manufacture items that require a lot of chemical know-how. ... will have a huge impact on ... core green markets ..."
" ... Dow Corning ... brought a silicone sealant originally devised for outer space solar panels to the conventional solar panel market ... Dow signed a multimillion dollar, multi-year research alliance with Caltech to develop next generation solar technologies. ..."
" ... will sell copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) solar roofing tiles. Initial customers for the tiles, developed in conjunction with Global Solar, include mass market home builders Lennar and Pulte Homes."
" ... is sponsoring Electric Avenue, the electric car hall at the North American International Auto Show .... Dow Kokam, a joint venture, will also discuss batteries for electric cars at the show."
" ... wants a larger part of the water purification and desalination market, buying Rohm & Haas to help it expand ..."
Via: Greentechmedia LINK
... "The renewable heat incentive, which would be the first of its kind anywhere in the world, is to come into effect in April 2011 and guarantees payments for those who install technologies such as ground source heat pumps, biomass boilers and air source heat pumps. " ...Via Wall Street Journal: UK Green Power Incentives
" ... 2.5 gigawatts of renewable capacity ... triple renewable capacity in Ontario."
" ... Samsung hopes to translate its expertise in electronics, deep financial pocket, and manufacturing heft into a leading role in building management systems, energy efficient electronics and solar power ... "
"Samsung has already stated a public goal of becoming number one in solar in 2015 ... laid out an ambitious carbon reduction plan ... wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from both its operations and from the use of its products by 50 percent by 2013 on a normalized sales basis...."
In 2008, Samsung and its products emitted 9.4 million tons of greenhouse gases with about 60 percent of the emissions coming indirectly through products. ..."
Via: Greentechmedia LINK
Norway's Statkraft is looking at osmosis as a possible energy source. Currently the output is minimal but it may be the way of the future.
" ... Norway's Statkraft says that its new, first-of-
its-kind osmotic power plant could be producing as much energy as a small wind farm by 2015, ... when the process of osmosis takes place ... the pressure is apparently enough to drive a power generating turbine ... enough of those you have a power plant. A bit of effort, to be sure, but the process doesn't emit any greenhouse gases, is completely renewable, and it doesn't depend on the wind or the sun being out."
Via: Engadget LINK
Continue reading "Osmosis - Possible Route to Power Generation" »
Green buildings and designs are being found all across the country ... the Housing Authority Administration building in Newport, Tennessee is green. Read about the many green features and technologies used.
" ... 8,585 square foot administration building ... Design included multiple "green" features: photovaltaic solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling, premium insulation package, Energy Star windows and lighting, low flow faucets and toilets and low impact site design. Project cost was $1,000,000.00."
Via: McGraw-Hill Construction Community LINK
There is a new Green building in NYC - at the southern tip of Manhattan in Battery Park City. Read about the Visionaire - it is one very green building - though a very expensive place to live with pricing startling at just under $700,000 and going to a little over $6 million.
" ... the Visionaire ... a testing ground for urban green architecture."
"... All building fixtures reduce use of potable water, and a blackwater treatment system means that all toilet water in the building is recycled, treated wastewater. Stormwater collection reserves irrigate the green roofs, which cover 70 percent of the roof surface ... a natural gas-powered microturbine on the structure’s roof harnesses its own waste energy to heat water."" ... saves an estimated 42 percent in energy costs against a base-line average. This is largely the result of efficient building systems and the building envelope ... goal was achieved through exhaustive attention to detail ... "
Via: Greensource LINK
" ... data center developer Verne Global ... announced it is constructing the first international data center in Iceland ... converting a former NATO command center into a data center."
" ... designed to take full advantage of Iceland's infrastructure and environment ... the data center, whose total footprint is about 430,600 square feet, will be designed around LEED Gold standards ... will deploy innovative practices of HVAC and adaptive reuse of the world-class facilities already in place."
" ... will benefit from the large amount of free cooling available in Iceland, as well as its renewable energy sources and constant power rates."
" ... Verne Global is breaking new ground in using Iceland's natural green resources to mitigate both increasing emissions and rising energy costs."
Via: Web Host Industry Review LINK
Fuel cells are making there way to a food store near you - if you live in Dedham, Mass.
" ... newest and largest Whole Foods Market in New England ... in Dedham, MA. ... the first store in Massachusetts to generate on-site power with fuel cell technology (one of the cleanest forms of energy)! 90% of our power will be generated by this fuel cell - this is somet
hing that we are very proud of."
In addition to being know for its green efforts (solar panels and highly efficient servers) Google is possibly entering ther power business by applying for a license to buy and sell wholesale power.
"... are other non-utilities already in the power business. Usually other firms with similar heavy power needs. ... Google Energy subsidiary was formed in late 2009 ... putting it into a stronger position to balance Google’s energy needs with its goal to promote the use of alternative energy for electricity generation ... it will shop for the best sources of renewable energy to run its operations ... stated goal is to become carbon-neutral."
Via: ZDNet LINK
" ... Prince Charles, the U.K.'s version of Al Gore, has taken another step in a green direction: his 1970 Aston Martin DB6 has been converted to run entirely on bioethanol ... fuel ... made from a white wine produced near the prince's Highgrove Estate, itself a showcase for organic farming ..."
" ... goal of reducing emissions from his planes, trains, and automobiles 25% by 2018 ... European Union limits annual wine production, so any leftovers from England's current vintage can be converted to bioethanol by Green Fuels Ltd.... company has previously provided bioethanol to power the royal train. The prince's other vehicles, which include a smattering of Jaguars, a Range Rover, and an Audi, have been converted to run on bioethanol made from cooking oil...."
Via: RiverWired LINK
Green Fuels Ltd makes it possible to produce your own biodiesel ... with one of their FuelPod products ...
They are the " ... world leading biodiesel equipment supplier, ... design and manufacture ... affordable biodiesel processing equipment ... for small-scale, domestic usage - right up to commercial production. ... currently more than 6,500 Green Fuels and Green Fuels America processors world wide. Between them they produce more than 350 million litres of biodiesel every year"
"If you want ... ‘green’ biodiesel, but don’t want to produce it yourself, you can buy high quality fuel from one of our Green Fuels approved dealers nationwide ...you will always save money compared with standard garage fuels ... "
"Biodiesel is a clean-burning biofuel produced from domestic renewable resources such as used cooking oil, oil seed crops such as rapeseed, or unused vegetable oil. It is biodegradeable, non-toxic and carbon neutral ... has 80% lower emissions than mineral diesel, it dramatically reduces pollution. It is inexpensive and easy to produce at home and is safe to use in any diesel vehicle without any modifications to your engine."
" ... two models in the Fuelpod range by Green Fuels - the safest way to produce high quality biodiesel at home. Both are supplied as complete systems and have minimal operating costs, with exceptionally low electricity consumption."
Via: Green Fuels Ltd. LINK
" ... inhabitants on the small Danish island of Samso have ... become one of the first industrialised places in the world to qualify as being totally energy self-sufficient ... Denmark ... can now boast a region that can be used by the rest of the planet as the blueprint for future green energy production ... started in 1997 when Samso won a competition ... to become Denmark's "Renewable Energy Island" by presenting a 10-year plan to convert its energy consumption from oil and gas to clean technology ... 21 wind turbines have been built on Samso ..."
" ... houses in Samso's 22 villages are heated by power plants that rely on furnaces fired by wood chips and straw and farms of man-sized solar panels inhabit the fields ... project also creates new jobs as ... island's plumbers and carpenters have now all become experts in energy-saving home conversion and insulation techniques, and even get the opportunity to carry out installations in mainland Europe and the US ..."
For more on this project check out this video ...
Via: Power and Energy News LINK
... "the university to consider a staged switch from one type of fuel to another over a few years. But he expects this shift to impact the university for decades to come. " ...Via Penn State Daily Collegian: Plant upgrade
On November 12, 2009 Dow and Caltech " ... announced ... a multi-year research collaboration ... in solar energy ... aimed at aligning Dow’s capabilities in CIGS based materials with Caltech’s research in next generati aterials."
" ... research ... will initially focus on direct band gap materials that incorporate elements that are less expensive and more commonly available than those used in today’s thin film PV semiconductors. ..."
"Photovoltaics provide carbon free electricity, however the cost and aesthetics of current PV systems has limited its adoption ... Dow recently announced its first building integrated photovoltaic product, the DowTM POWERHOUSETM Solar Shingle ..."
Via: The Dow Chemical Company LINK
Claren Power, a Arlington, Virginia company, " ... partners with sugar mills in Brazil to build modern, cogenerational (making heat and power simultaneously) facilities. The fuel comes from sugar cane waste—called bagasse... "
"Most plants consume about a third of the energy (steam and electricity) that we generate during the harvest, leaving the other two-thirds to export to the electrical grid. Our goal is to help make plants more efficient so that we have more excess energy. We’re using the same resources but providing three times more energy."
Via: SmartPlanet LINK
Samsung is well know for developing greener cell phones -- including the Reclaim ...
Now Samsung introduces the Blue Earth environmentally friendly green cell phone. Unlike other green cell phones this is a full featured phone. Among the green features are ... a solar cell for charging, low power use while in standby mode and fewer harmful materials.
" ... Samsung Blue Earth combines the latest multimedia features ... while achieving lower energy consumption and incorporating eco-friendly materials ... made from Post Consumer Material (PCM), ... extracted from water bottles, helping to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions during the manufacturing process. ... free from harmful substances such as Brominated Flame Retardants (BFR), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Phthalate."
" ... user interface ... designed to draw attention to preserving our fragile environment. With “Eco mode,” screen brightness, backlight duration and Bluetooth can be set to an energy-efficient mode with just one click. ... “Eco Walk” ... allows users to ... calculate the reduction in CO2 emission realized by walking as opposed to using a motor vehicle. ... allows users to see the value of walking by calculating the number of trees that have been saved."
"... the solar panel located on the back of the phone ... can generate enough power to use the device anytime and anywhere. ..."
Via: Samsung LINK
Solar Decathlon 2009 is in full swing on the Mall in Washington DC.
With the US Capital on one end and the Washington Memorial on the other it is an amazing site. Sponsored by the U.S. DOE there are 20 houses showing what is possible with green technologies - using current off the shelf products and some very creative thinking.
Most of the teams are from US colleges with several international entries ... including Spain and Germany.
Given parameters of 800 sq ft there are some very creative solutions. Some stress extreme insulation, all have some sort of garden area, all have solar PV and some have solar hot water. Most interesting is the creative use of 800 sq ft ...
As of this writing RICE is in the lead ... thought the difference between top and bottom on the ranking is not all that great. Yesterday was very sunny so anyone with LOTS of PV was sure to get extra points ...
Look for more posts and some GREENTECHNOLOG pictures ...
Via: Greentechnolog.com LINK
The Dow Chemical company is active in the green energy space with several innovative products. They recently announced their entry into the solar cell market with the " ... POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle, ... panels in the form of solar shingles that can be integrated into rooftops with standard asphalt shingle materials. ... expected to be available in limited quantities by mid-2010 and ... more widely available in 2011, ..."
"... integrates low-cost, thin-film CIGS photovoltaic cells into a proprietary roofing shingle design, ... design reduces installation costs because the conventional roofing shingles and solar generating shingles are installed simultaneously by roofing contractors ..."
"... addresses two of the biggest challenges associated with solar power – cost and acceptance. "
Good Energy is a British " ... independent renewable energy company based in Wiltshire. ... started by a group
of people ... committed to addressing climate change."
" ... Mission ... is to fight climate change by EMPOWERING INDIVIDUALS to make a difference, ... giving them practical ways to make positive changes in their attitude towards energy, and the way they use it ... switching to pure 100% renewable electricity ... improving their energy efficiency ... generating their own renewable energy, and ... playing a part in the campaign for
renewable energy in the UK"
" ... have over 500 indepe ndent renewable electricity generators on our books. This is almost 15% of all microgenerators in the UK ... Most of the electricity we buy comes from wind power. ... s and farmers getting into wind power ... water ... gives us about 13% of our clean green energy ..."
Via: GoodEnergy LINK
As both wind and solar power are intermittent - unlike gas, coal, oil or nuclear fired power plants - there is a need for an effective way to store these energy sources until they are needed. The ability to smooth the supply with the demand is becoming more impor
tant as solar and wind start to power the grid.
Compressed Air Energy Storage - CAES " ... stores off-peak energy, in the form of compressed air in an underground reservoir, and releases this energy during peak hours. ... used for load management of intermittent renewable energy resources or as a stand-alone intermediate generation source for capturing energy arbitrage, capacity payments and ancillary services. ..."
"Renewable power sources are critical to addressing climate change. CAES greatly enhances the value of renewable power sources by (1) storing energy produced by renewables when demand is low and releasing it when it is needed, and by (2) rapidly providing power in the event of a sudden loss of renewables generation. ..."
Via: Energy Storage and Power LINK
Lawrence Township joins other communities that want to promote green aspects of their community and are working toward that end ...
"Sustainable Lawrence is... dedicated to creating a sustainable community in Lawrence Township, NJ. ... community in which the present needs of all of its citizens are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs ... "
" ... policies and practices that ultimately ... Reduce ... fossil fuel dependence and wasteful use of scarce metals and minerals ... Reduce ... dependence on harmful chemicals and wasteful use of synthetic substances ... Minimize ... encroachment upon nature (e.g., land, water, wildlife, forests, soil, ecosystems) ..."
Via: Sustainable Lawrence LINK
... "Clairvoyant Energy is working with Oerlikon to bring the Swiss company's solar manufacturing technology to the United States. Clairvoyant plans to make utility-size solar panels at the site. Xtreme Power builds large-scale battery systems for storing renewable power. " ...Via Clairvoyant Energy: Wixom plant
Continue reading "Renewable Energy Park for Ford Wixom Plant" »
Prairie Bunkers LLC is repurposing WWII ammunition depots into secure energy efficient data centers. These structures are built to withstand force 5 tornadoes.
In addition to the green aspect of repurposing an existing building ... there are others green features.
"Saves approximately 5000 cubic tons of carbon emission which would be produced by construction of a similar structure ... electrical provider .... has a high percentage of renewable energy, including hydro, wind and nuclear ... On-site solar and wind energy systems in planning stages ... Air Economizers to use “free cooling” from average annual temperature of 54 degrees ... Optional active geothermal ... heat pump system ... Passive Geothermal, provided by the bermed earth covering on three sides and top of bunkers ..."
" .... Native vegetation landscaping minimizes irrigation ... Fire suppression agent has zero carbon foot print ... UPS Options including flywheel technology ... Recycled building products including flooring tiles and cable trays ..."
Via: Prairie Bunkers, LLC LINK
Gainesville Regional Utilities, Gainesville, Florida's utility pormots solar and offers assistance to businesses and residences that will install solar.
" ... energy-producing solar panels in Gainesville has skyrocketed since the city implemented its new solar incentive program ... waiting list for the program - which is the first solar feed-in tariff in the United States and offers above-market-rate prices for electricity produced by privately owned and installed solar panels - now stretches until 2016."
Between the price GRU offers for the electricity and state rebates for solar panel installation, the feed-in tariff should prove lucrative for those installing solar photovoltaics in the program.
However, the program is limited on a first-come, first-served basis to 4 new megawatts of electricity a year from solar power - more than double the megawatts produced locally a year ago.
The first change proposed Thursday would allow those people waiting in line to install solar panels in 2010 to install the panels now and be paid market rate for the energy the panels produce until the contract they've signed up for kicks in and they are able to receive the higher rate.
"We don't have anything in the program that allows us to pay them for electricity," said Ed Regan, assistant general manager of strategic planning at GRU. "If they're in the queue for 2010, a year for which we know the price, then we would let them build it early."
Another part of that is that GRU is proposing to reinstate the commercial net-metering system that was discontinued when the feed-in tariff was adopted.
Net metering allows people with solar panels to use their own electricity, and if there is any excess energy produced, GRU credits the bill.
The other changes are largely administrative in nature.
"There was a fair amount of gaming or jockeying for position that made us institute additional rules," Regan said of the somewhat unexpected rush that filled up all 4 megawatts of solar panels for the first year in a matter of days.
At least one person has challenged technical terms in the ordinance, arguing the language in the ordinance allows more solar energy to be installed every year, or that the ordinance has fixed prices out to the year 2030.
Regan recommended the commission approve language for the ordinance specifying that only 4 megawatts will be permitted in the program every year and that the ordinance should be changed so that the payout rate after the year 2010 says "to be determined."
"I think Gainesville can be proud to be on the forefront," Hunzinger said. "We have heard some criticism saying 'do not use Gainesville as a model.' To me that's personally, professionally disturbing to hear. However, I do understand there will be criticism. No good deed goes unpunished. The primary reason for implementing the (feed-in tariff) was to encourage solar PV installations in our service area."
Via: GRU.com LINK
Old WW II Ammunition bunkers in Nebraaka may have a 2nd life as secure data centers. Their location and construction make them ideal facilities for secure data centers ... and goethermal cooling allows them to be less energy intensive compared to the normal data center.
" Prairie Bunkers LLC said this week that it has completed a test well for a geothermal cooling system at its 760-acre Prairie Bunkers Data Center Park near Hastings, Nebraska. ... paves the way for the company to offer geothermal cooling for its innovative project."
"... hopes to convert dozens of World War II ammunition bunkers into data centers, hoping to capitalize on interest in ultra-secure data storage ... plans for geothermal power will help tenants achieve Platinum status ... (LEED) ... for energy-efficient builfings."
" ... pioneering the use of geothermal cooling to reduce electricity usage in one of the most power intensive industries in the nation, ... ”
" ... will convert the average ground temperature of 55 degrees at the site into ‘free cooling’ that will reduce ... costs for a typical data center ... by 30 percent ... start with very low electrical rates, so a 30 percent reduction ... translates into one of the lowest operating costs for any data center site in the U.S.”
Via: Datacenterknowldege LINK
The small German town of Dardesheim (fewer than 1,000) and neighbors in Halberstadt in what was East Germany "... want to become 100% renewable using solar, wind, and biomass."
" ... Four pioneering wind turbines were installed in the mid-1990s, collectively producing one million kWh per year ..." 
"In 2006 they developed a 62 MW wind project comprising 28 Enercon E70s and one E112, a giant 6 MW turbine ... wind turbines will generate from 120 to 130 million kWh annually, enough to meet the needs of nearly all the 80,000 residents of the county."
" ... also installed nine different solar PV plants ... During their first year of operation the combined 380 kW of solar PV generated nearly 250,000 kWh, about one-third of the Dardesheim's domestic electricity consumption."
Via: Wind-Works LINK
Animal manure is a natural by-product of raising animals ... and needs to be disposed of properly. Improperly disposed of it can pollute water and make a smelly mess.
Here is a way to reduce waste and re-use the manure to make enerty.
... world’s largest biomass power plant running exclusively on chicken manure has opened in the Netherlands .... will deliver renewable electricity to 90,000 households ... capacity of 36.5 megawatts, and will generate more than 270 million kWh of electricity per year."
" ... more than merely “carbon neutral” ... If ... spread out over farm land, it would release not only CO2, but also methane, a very potent greenhouse gas. ..."
" ... will utilize approximately 440,000 tons of chicken manure, roughly one third of the total amount produced each year in the Netherlands. ... European countries ... suffer under an excess of different types of animal manure that pollute the environment."
Via: Meatefficient LINK
Gainesville Florida has been active in alternative energy since 1997 offering rebates for solar water heating and now for solar PV. They are now looking to increase the amount of PV electricity generated by offering more incentives.
" ...offered solar water heating rebates since 1997 and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems rebates since 2007 ... now ... created a solar feed-in-tariff (FIT) program to increase the number of solar PV systems in Gainesville."
" ... May 2009, ... approved a 30-year contract between GRU and Gainesville Renewable Energy Center ... build, own and operate a 100-megawatt biomass power plant ... fueled by forestry-waste material generated by ... paper pulp, chip and saw timber – as well as urban wood waste. "
" ... using biomass ... will promote our energy independence, add diversity to our fuel supply and shield customers from anticipated increasing fossil-fuel prices. ... allow Gainesville to achieve its carbon-reduction goals, which are based on the Kyoto Protocol."
" ... plan to purchase energy that G2 Energy, ... generate from methane gas collected at the Marion County Baseline Landfill ... "
Via: Gainesville Regional Utilities LINK
Imaging a ZERO energy home. Sound realistic? GE thinks so !
GE's “Net Zero Energy Home” ..." ... combines GE’s most efficient appliances and lighting, GE’s new energy management systems, and GE power generating and storing technologies. ... together, the system will enable a homeowner to achieve net zero energy costs by 2015."
" ... the Home Energy Manager, the central nervous system for the Net Zero Energy Home. ... smart thermostats will also be introduced ... to work in tandem with the energy manager. ... plans to develop residential power generation products like solar PV and residential wind products that will also contribute to the net zero concept."
" ... respondents in the U.S. and ... in the U.K. say they are willing to pay an increased monthly rate for smart grid technology if there is a corresponding reduction in overall energy costs by 15 percent."
Via: GE LINK
PSE&G, a New Jersey based utility, will double its current solar capacity with a program called "Solar 4 All."
Components of the program are (1) utility pole mounted solar cells and (2) roof top solar installations.
"... invest $515 million in 80 megawatts of solar projects ... creating green jobs ... expects to complete the installations by the end of 2013."
" ... installing a solar unit ... on 200,000 utility poles in PSE&G’s service territory ... the largest pole-attached solar installation in the world ... power ... sold into the PJM wholesale grid."
" ... effectively double the size of New Jersey’s installed solar capacity ... more solar capacity than ... any state other than California ..."
New Belgium Brewing is a green brewer ... read about some of their efforts and innovations in green brewing ... there are many many more on their web site.
Green building ... " ... using UV blocking windows, sun-tubes, and light shelves. .. evaporative coolers, we can condition our 55,000 square foot packaging hall with no compressors, using much less energy ... "
Green energy ... " ... methane produced by process water treatment is used to fuel a ... co-gen—which creates electricity and heat for the brewery. ... co-gen ... full-time, it can supply 15% of our electrical needs ... In 1999, New Belgium became the first wind-powered brewery ..."
Walk the Talk ... " .... members of 1% For The Planet ... through donations and fund-raisers, 1% of our revenue goes to environmental non-profits ... encourage sustainable transportation, every employee gets a custom cruiser bike after one-year of employment."
... "The BCI is a single value based on the percent carbon from a biorenewable resource. Biorenewable is defined by Stepan as originating from animal, plant or marine materials. The BCI value is based on the number of biorenewable carbons divided by the total number of carbons in an idealized molecule (as described on Stepan's product bulletins). All of products in the guide are made from biorenewable resources. " ...Via Stepan Company: BCI
Continue reading "Green Product Selection through Biorenewable Carbon Index" »
Berkeley, California is into solar and wants to help residents and businesses make the move to solar. To help they offer two tools ...
> One tool is a solar portal that allows property owners to look at their roof and determine both the solar potential and the cost.
>A second tool provides financing paid by by taxes
" ... Solar Mapping ... estimate the solar potential of their rooftops and view existing solar installations. ... get an estimated size of a photovoltaic (PV) system that would fit ... obtain detailed information on tax rebates and choose from a listing of available installers ... map reflects elements such as rooftop structures, the slant of the roof, shading ... and ... azimuth of the sun for PV panel placement."
" ... Berkeley FIRST program, a solar finance program ... provides property owners an opportunity to borrow money ... and repay the financing through property tax bills."
Via: MatterNetwork LINK
Most of the bio fuel processes are require significant amounts of petroleum energy (i.e. to grow the basic crop like corn) or to power the process. Algenol is totally different ... it does not compete in a food vs/ biofuel stock like corn.
"...introducing its DIRECT TO ETHANOL™ technology ... an innovative algae to ethanol compa
ny ... advanced 3rd generation biofuels technology producing ethanol from algae through a process powered by the sun ... industrial-scale, low-cost ethanol using algae, sunlight, CO2, and seawater.... does not use food, farmland, or fresh water."
Some of the advantages of the Algenol process are" ... [can] use desert land and marginal land ... make fresh water from seawater during the process. ... an energy balance over 8 : 1 (energy output : fossil fuel input) ...".
Via: Algenol Biofuels Link
Here is an interesting non turbine wind power generator. I saw the idea for this in the TerraPass Blog; another one of the Blogs I follow.
See the link below for a video with the details ... basically the vibrating film causes a magnet to move between coils ... which is effective in light breezes ...
" ... Shawn Frayne, a 28-year-old inventor ... saw the need for small-scale wind power to juice LED lamps and radios in the homes of the poor. ...took a new tack, ... Frayne's device, ... is a taut membrane fitted with a pair of magnets that oscillate between metal coils. Prototypes have generated 40 milliwatts in 10-mph slivers of wind, making his device 10 to 30 times as efficient as the best microturbines. ..."
Via: Popular Mechanics LINK
Zwahlen's is a local (Audubon PA) ice cream and chocolate establishment that just so happens to have the first commercial use of SRS Energy's Sole Power Tile Roof.
I was driving past the store last evening when my son told me about the sign on the front that said --- something along the lines "the best ice cream under the sun is now powered by the sun". I needed to check this out ...
" SRS Energy, ...installed ... the first building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) roofing product designed for curved roofing systems, ... the first commercial installation of the Sole Power Tile(TM) system ..."
"T...a great example of how time-tested traditions and cutting-edge technology can meet to create something beautiful," said Marty Low, CEO of SRS Energy and owner of Zwahlen's. "
" ... designed to blend seamlessly with several styles of US Tile's clay tiles, providing energy without the use of traditional solar panels that can compromise a building's roofline and curb appeal. ... preserves Zwahlen's charming Swiss chalet look."
"SRS Energy recently introduced the Sole Power Tile(TM) system to the greater Philadelphia region at the PV America show, held at the Pennsylvania Convention center during the week of June 7, 2009."
SRS Energy's Sole Power Tile can generate 500 Watts per sq ft.
Via: EarthTimes LINK
Via: SRS Energy LINK
John O'Hurley ... of Seinfield fame as J. Peterman ... has co-founded Energy-Inc. The Las Vegas, Nevada company has a variety of services and technologies for producing power from waste ...
>>> Their tagline is ... a profitable solution to a zero carbon footprint.
>>> Their message is Waste to Energy rather than waste to landfills.
They design, build and manage waste to power systems. Rather than paying to dispose of waste you can turn it into power ... Listen to the video for more ... and see how they plan to make landfills obsolete. They guarantee performance and up to 100% financing ...
Via:: Energy-Inc. Link
There are multiple approaches to using solar to create power ... one option is PV (photovoltaic) where panels convert sunlight directly to DC current ... another is CSP (concentrated solar power).
CSP is a form of solar power that uses mirrors to focus the suns rays on panels ... these panels have a heat transfer fluid in them that then is used to generate steam which drives a trubine to produce electricity.
>>> Basically a nuclear type approach with solar replacing the nuclear energy source.
" ... mirrors to reflect and concentrate sunlight onto receivers ... DOWTHERM™ ... heat transfer fluids collect the heat ... converts water to steam, which in turn drives turbines to make electricity. ... DOWTHERM™ A, has the high temperature stability required to collect, transport, and store that solar generated heat."
" ... Dow ... commitment and leadership in energy efficiency ... Over the last 14 years, Dow's efforts to conserve power globally have resulted in saving more than 1,600 trillion BTU's of energy and prevented the release of about 86 million metric tons of carbon dioxide."
Via: Dow Chemical Company LINK
Green living options are increasing in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia. Manayunk is accessible to the R6 regional rail line to center city and is a very walkable village ...
Sheldon Crossing is a new Platinum LEED (to be certified) development ...
" ...16-unit carriage home development in Manayunk, PA, ... to meet and surpass green standards, which will earn us a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Platinum level of certification. As we are redefining eco-conscious living, we have not lost sight of the importance of design. ..."
" ... less energy and resources consumed ... will result in significant savings for the homeowner as utility bills dwindle. ... Sheldon Crossing homes will use less energy, water, and natural resources. They create less waste, have less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. ... features to highlight are PV solar panels, green roofs, Icynene insulation, high efficiency heaters, WaterSense plumbing fixtures, water purification, heat recovery ventilators, smart home technology, Energy Star appliances, windows and doors and much more. ..."
Via: SheldonCrossing LINK
Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson has introduced legislation to produce energy from bio-waste. Nebraska has the potential to make great use of this given the large number of cattle in the state ...using what is today a waste products to generate power serves to reduce waste disposal costs, help keep water sources clean and reduce consumption of oil ... as animal waste is likely to be a renewable fuel source for t he near if not long term.
"... already have the technology to break down these wastes to create biogas but it needs encouragement from the federal government to become a commercially-viable alternative to natural gas. ... would benefit rural communities and the environment while lessening our dependence on fossil fuels ...We shouldn't waste the waste; we should promote biogas development."
" ... produced through technologies such as anaerobic digestion (AD) that can convert animal wastes and other agricultural or organic wastes into at least 50% methane (the principal ingredient of natural gas). Biogas can be used as is on the farm or co-located with another facility such as an ethanol plant, or as a renewable substitute for natural gas, propane or other fossil fuels. "
"... would encourage greater production of biogas for energy purposes by providing ... a tax credit of $4.27 for every million British thermal units (mmBtu) of biogas produced. This could mean more jobs and a boon for rural communities. ... offers environmental benefits such as a reduction in the greenhouse gas emissions of both carbon dioxide and methane and improved water quality through better manure management."
Via: BenNelson.senate.gov LINK
.jpg "POTUS Oboma at Nellis with Solar Panels")
May 27th, 2009 - Nellis AFB - Nevada.
U.S. president Obama went to Nellis AFB to see " ... the nation's largest photovoltaic array and speak ... about the importance of alternative energy initiatives. ... highlighted Nellis' 14-megawatt solar project as a stellar example of environmental stewardship and innovative energy technology."
Facts about the Nellis system:
" ... completed in December of 2007, is America's largest solar photovoltaic array. ... will generate more than 30 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity annually and supply approximately 25% of the total power used at the base, ... covers 140 acres ... 33 acres of which are a capped landfill which has been reused for this "green" energy project. ... over 72,000 solar panels which track the sun to maximize the solar renewable energy we can receive. ... will reduce carbon emissions by 24,000 tons annually."
Via: WhiteHouse.gov Link
Via: Nellis Air Force Base Link
Continue reading "Nellis AFB Solar Array - 30 million kWh System" »
Taiwan has built a solar powered stadium that can generate 100% of it's powder needs and can send power to the grid when the stadium is not hosting an event.
" ... solar-powered stadium that can generate 100% of its electricity from the sun. ... can hold 50,000 spectators and is made with over 8,000 solar panels."
"...will officially open in July for the 2009 World Games. ... ntegrates many other sustainable features such as permeable paving and maximum use of domestic materials and local labor."
" .... [when] not being used, the government plans to feed surplus energy into the local grid, where it will meet approximately 80% of the neighboring area's demand. This equates to approximately 660 tons of carbon dioxide per year! "
Via: WholeTravel blog LINK
The U.S. Geothermal Energy Technology, Finance and Development Workshop will be held June 3rd, 2009 in Seattle, Washington.
Geothermal is becoming more popular as a renewable source of clean energy ... LINK
" ... U.S. Geothermal Energy Association is a trade association composed of U.S. companies who support the expanded use of geothermal energy and are developing geothermal Resources worldwide for electrical power generation and direct-heat uses."
" ... GEA advocates for public policies that will promote the development and utilization of geothermal Resources, provides a forum for the industry to discuss issues and problems, encourages research and development to improve geothermal technologies, presents industry views to governmental organizations, provides assistance for the export of geothermal goods and services, compiles "
Via: U.S. Geothermal Energy Association LINK
The western part of the US has a large geothermal potential ... as ween from the map below ... the red areas have temperatures of over 100 C. Nevada Geothermal Power is making the most of this potential ...basically energy free energy ... 
Read on for more >>>
" ... Nevada has over 16 power plants, with ...approximately 333 MW of geothermal power. ...Geothermal is not the future; geothermal is NOW!" 
Geothermall is / has " ... Clean, renewable electricity, Low or no emissions. Proven technology, No fuel required; energy cost not an issue, Low operating costs ..."
Via: Nevada Geothermal Power LINK
China is full of business opportunities and is also looking to become / embrace the green movement. The China Green Business Summit - 2009 is being held May 13 - 15th in Beijing, China.
Via: China Green Business Summit 2009 LINK
Many crops have been considered / experimented with as a source of bio fuel or bio diesel. Some carry risks of causing unintended consequences as land is cleared for farming -- Now the mushroom is looming large!
" ... biofuels from corn and soy ... destructive to the planet in certain ways as farmers in developing nations slash and burn forests to grow new crops. ... alternative: a ... genetically-modified mushroom that yields a large biomass which can be converted into a first-rate biofuel."
" ... genetically-engineered them to be ... more sustainable in culture during fermentation, and have both enhanced growth rate and spore production...."
Via: TreeHugger LINK
eBay has many green aspects to its business model ... including the basic eBay design - helping people sell unneeded / unused stuff ...
They are also greening their campus by making the most of available sunlight, using a smart irrigation system, recycling / using recycled materials, using SOLAR and designing for and achieving LEED ... ...
" ... newest building, in San Jose, California, was designed and built to the ... (LEED) Gold standard."
" ... automatic dimming system detects the amount of natural light ... and adjusts the electric light accordingly, resulting in an estimated 39% energy savings.... Recycled materials are used throughout, including 95% recycled structural steel, 38% recycled carpet tiles and 100% recycled workstation fabric. ... smart irrigation system ... monitors weather conditions, including forecasts, dewpoint and relative humidity levels to determine the optimal and most efficient irrigation pattern."
" ... a 650 kW solar installation at our San Jose North location ... 3,248 panels cover more than a football field of roof space and will take up to 18% of our energy demand at that campus off the grid completely."
Via: ebay Link
I was in Washington DC this past weekend and saw some small buses with the Smithsonian log on the side - promoting them as green hybrids. This prompted me to see what else our nations museum is up too in the green space.
Turns out quite a bit ... Read on for more >>>
" ... in 2008, 3.7 percent of our electricity came from renewable energy sources. ... reducing our carbon footprint [by]... 4.2 metric tons of greenhouse gases..."
" ... Smithsonian manages a fleet of over 700 vehicles ... As we finished 2008, over 76 percent of that fleet is now either hybrid electric or capable of working off of alternative fuels."
" ... have several people on staff who are LEED accredited professionals, ... design managers, architects and some engineers and are there to assist Smithsonian in seeking these LEED certifications."
Via: Smithsonianmag.com LINK
Go Green Expo for NYC (April 17 - 19) and Atlanta (June 26 - 28) are on the way. Go Green Expo has already been to LA and Philadelphia ...
The Green Dude and Green Tech both visited the Phila show and came away impressed by the information available. Among the neat things I saw were ... 
- solar powered garbage can ... when the trash level crosses a light beam it is crushed down ... it can be equipped with a wireless devise to alert you when full ...
- paper made from elephant dung ... used for business cards and fine writing paper ... 
- several manufacturers of dry cleaner garment bags ... you take your dry cleaning to the cleaners in these bags and they are returned in the same bag -- eliminating the need for plastic bags. There were several models available ... from organic cotton to bags made with recycled plastic bags (though a much heavier fabric).
>>> QUESTION to our readers ... I am considering getting one of the dry cleaner bags (permanent end to plastic bags) ... have any of you tried these and how hove your cleaners responded?
Via: Go Green Expo LINK
... "The national survey showed that 67 percent of respondents were interested in learning more about renewable biofuels. On the positive side, a majority of respondents perceive some clear benefits of biofuels, with 66 percent agreeing that using them can help the United States reduce reliance on foreign oil. " ...Via University of Wisconsin-Madison: Interest in Biofuels
"Royal Dutch Shell plc and Codexis, Inc. today [10-March-09] announced an expanded agreement to develop better enzymes that could accelerate commercialisation of next generation biofuels. ...Shell also increased its equity stake in Codexis ..."
" ... enhance the efficiency of enzymes used in the Iogen cellulosic ethanol production process. The world-leading Iogen demonstration plant in Ottawa, Canada currently produces hundreds of thousands of litres of cellulosic ethanol from agricultural residue, such as wheat straw. "
" ... aims to enhance the Iogen process and shorten the timeline to its full-scale commercial deployment. ..."
Via: Shell Link
Solar panels are a promising alternative energy solution ... VerandaSolar takes the basic concept and brings ease of installation for the average person to install themselves.
Read on for more on this interesting idea >>>
"Veranda Solar makes affordable ... solar panels that hang out your window or clip to gutters and balconies. ... easy installation saves you half the cost of traditional panels. ... snap together. Now you can make the decision to go solar and hook up your house, all in a single afternoon."
" ... was launched at Stanford University in spring of 2008 ... are currently in a start-up phase and hope to offer panels and flexible inverters on the market in spring of 2009. "
Via: Veranda Solar LINK
... "The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will invest nearly $79 billion in renewable energy, energy efficiency and green transportation ... " ...Via Los Angeles Times: Stimulus package
" ... SolFocus ... has signed an agreement in Greece to produce electricity from its concentrated solar arrays ... will produce 1.6 megawatts, enough to power 
about a town of about 2,500 residents at any given moment. ..."
" ... SolFocus, ... one of the leading companies in a race to validate concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) technology for utility use. ... the most common design uses mirrors to focus sunlight onto expensive, high-performance solar cells. Typically, they have mounting systems that track the sun over the course of the day.
" ... these arrays squeeze more electricity out of solar cells. SolFocus' 1100S ... concentrates the light 500 times, allowing it to convert 25 percent of sunlight into electricity."
Via: CNet News LINK
Here's interesting situation ... Solar photovoltaics rely on the element indium, which has a supply constraint. Can we sustainably grow the production of solar panels to satisfy demand, given this constraint? ...
... "For high-power solar cells the issue boils down to a single element used in their manufacture: indium. While PV cells are manufactured a little like any other semiconductor device on a silicon frame, the power efficiency of silicon-only cells is pretty limited. " ...Via Fast Company: Renewable Energy Solar
ITC Holdings has developed a power transmission network, dubbed the Green Power Express, which will support the movement of 12,000 megawatts of renewable energy from wind power in the Dakotas, Minnesota and Iowa. ...
... "This project will be an integral component to ITC's efforts to create a high-voltage backbone that can meet America's renewable energy goals and eliminate costly inefficiencies in the grid. The Green Power Express transmission project will traverse portions of North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana and will ultimately include approximately 3,000 miles of extra high-voltage (765kV) transmission. The entire project is currently estimated to cost approximately $10 to 12 billion. Portions of the Green Power Express fall within the service territory of ITC Midwest, an ITC subsidiary. ITC has been working with many of the Upper Midwest wind developers over the last year in assembling a realistic accounting of their wind development plans and sites, which resulted in the design of the Green Power Express. As ITC continues to work with wind developers and other local utilities in the region to identify their project needs, there may be additional lines and stations identified that would effectively accumulate the available wind generation within the region. " ...Via ITC Holdings: Project facilitates movement of 12,000 MW of energy from wind rich areas
The 6th Renewable Energy World Conference is March 10 - 12 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
" ... Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo North America (formerly POWER-GEN Renewable Energy & Fuels) ... now in its 6th year ... offers a worldwide audience who will hear papers, panel discussions and presentations during technical sessions related to technology, markets, business strategies and policy covering the wind, solar, biomass, hydro, geothermal, ocean/tidal/wave, bio-power, bio-fuels hydrogen and energy sectors. ... Connecting 5,000 renewable energy power professionals with 300 exhibitors for three days of networking, new business negotiation and the exchange of important ideas and information impacting the renewable energy industry today.
Listen to why YOU should attend ... .
Via: Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo North America Link
Cell phones that can convert the sound of your voice into energy to run the phone may be coming ... Research at Texas A&M by Tahir Cagin is getting closer to self powered devices like cell phones "... converts sound waves ... into the energy it needs to keep running. ...Utilizing ..."piezoelectrics," ... a certain type of piezoelectric material can covert energy at a 100 percent increase when manufactured at a very small size – in this case, around 21 nanometers in thickness.
" ... piezoelectrics are materials (usually crystals or ceramics) that generate voltage when a form of mechanical stress is applied. "
Via: Texas A&M Chemical Engineering LINK
There are several "limitations" to wind power --- one is that the source is concentrated far from the using population (issue with transmission). Another is that wind is available when demand for power is not; so there for the need to "store the wind energy".
Check out this possible solution from Iowa ...
" ... municipal utilities ...are planning to build a new energy park that would integrate a 75-150 megawatt wind farm with Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) technology."
" ... Iowa Stored Energy Park (ISEP), will use ... wind energy that is not being sold on the grid at that time -
- to store air in an underground geologic structure of porous rock. ... as demand for electricity rises, the stored air will be released, heated, and used to drive generators -- in turn producing electricity for residents in Iowa, Minnesota and the Dakotas."
"F ... hopes that construction on the park will commence in two years. ... expected to be fully operational and providing electricity to Iowa and surrounding states by May 2011."
Via: Renewable Energy World Link
Here is an idea that is slightly out of the ordinary ... and a bit "unique". A Beverly Hills surgeon is suspected of using the lipoosuctioned fat from patients to make biofuel to power his car. Since being investigated the practice has closed ..
Read on for more ...
" ... Beverly Hills doctor Craig Alan Bittner turned the fat he removed from patients into biodiesel that fueled his Ford SUV and his girlfriend's Lincoln Navigator ... Fat--whether animal or vegetable--contains triglycerides that can be extracted and turned into diesel. ... Bittner's lipodiesel Web site is no longer online."
" ... it's definitely illegal in California to use human medical waste to power vehicles, and Bittner is being investigated by the state's public health department."
Via: Forbes.Com LINK
... using innovative optics ... SolFocus systems dramatically reduce the amount of expensive and often supply-constrained solar material used in the system."
"SolFocus CPV solar panels are the only CPV technology listed by the California Energy Commission as qualified for California Solar Initiative (CSI) incentives. ... panels are constructed primarily of readily available and cost-effective materials such as aluminum and glass resulting in systems which are over 95-percent recyclable. ...has a very low carbon footprint in manufacturing and short energy payback period. "
Via: SolFocus Link
The California Academy of Sciences is an example of GREN design - from solar cells, to green roof, to skylights to reused literature ...
See the Video for more ...
Via: ZDNet LINK
" ...the first solar panels have been installed on the Paul VI auditorium at the Vatican. ... BBC News reports Pope Benedict has become the first pontiff to harness solar power to provide energy for the Vatican."
"Roof tiles on the Paul VI auditorium, ... are being replaced by 2,700 solar panels ... photovoltaic cells ... generating enough power to light, heat or cool the 6,000 seat hall ..."
" .... When ... not in use, the surplus energy produced will reportedly be fed into the Vatican's power network."
Via: CathNews.com Link
" ... Czech power group CEZ plans to build a 1.1 billion euro ($1.62 billion) wind park in Romania, the largest of its kind in Europe ... the two-stage, 600 megawatt project ... built 17 km (10 miles) from the Black Sea shore, ... twice the size of the next biggest onshore wind farm in Europe."
" ... half the wind park would come on line in 2009 and the rest a year later ..."
"Investment into renewables is one of the strategic measures we are taking to respond to the adopted energy-climactic package of the EU ..."
Via: Reuters LINK
AMERIgreen provides biofuels in the western suburbs of Philadelphia.
"... Biofuels are alternative fuels as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy. ... burn cleane
r than gasoline and standard home heating oil. ... completely renewable, domestic, environmentally friendly fuels that enhance the nation's economy and energy independence."
" ... is a national leader in distributing branded and unbranded Ethanol, Biodiesel, Bioheating Oil, and Biokerosene! ... provide Blended Biodiesel at our two blending terminals in Highspire and Sinking Springs. PA...."
View their 30 second commercial Link
Via: AMERIgreen Link
"Applied Materials ... announced completion of two SunPower solar power systems totaling 2.1 megawatts at Applied Materials' corporate facilities in Sunnyvale, Calif. ...the largest solar power deployment at a corporate facility in the United States."
" ... includes a 950 kilowatt SunPower PowerGuard(R) installation
and a 1.2 megawatt SunPower(R) Tracker installation atop an
elevated parking canopy. ... follows the sun as it moves across the
sky, increasing sunlight capture by up to 25 percent over
conventional fixed-tilt systems. Both systems use SunPower solar
panels, ... SunPower uses Applied Materials' Baccini technology in
its solar cell manufacturing process.
" ... reports that its solar installation has generated 1,413 megawatt hours of power. ... system is
expected to replace more than 2,700 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year, ... equivalent to
the annual carbon emissions from approximately 450 passenger cars."
Via: PRNewsWire Link
" ... world's first and only 100 percent solar-powered Web hosting company, has completed a massive data center consolidation initiative using IBM technology, resulting in a 60 percent reduction in overall power and cooling costs associated with the company's IT operations.
" ... AISO.Net worked ... to overhaul its data center and implement ... IBM's Cool Blue ... to increase their energy efficiency in the data center.
"
"For the past decade, AISO.Net has used solar power to power our data center and network, ... As a result of the tremendous growth in Web hosting ... were faced with the dilemma of how to remain true to our commitment to the environment and continue to see rapid, top-line growth. ... Data center consolidation through virtualization eased the strain on AISO.Net's solar panel system and helped ensure the company's 100 percent commitment to solar power. ... "
Via: IBM Link
"Czech power group CEZ plans to build a 1.1 billion euro ($1.62 billion) wind park in Romania, the largest of its kind in Europe ... the two-stage, 600 megawatt project ... north of the port of Constanta, and would be around twice the size of the next biggest onshore wind farm in Europe."
" ... half the wind park would come on line in 2009 and the rest a year later, ..."
" CEZ has some 80 wind farms in the Czech Republic at various stage of completion, with a total capacity of 150-220 MW, and the company plans to have 1,000 MW installed capacity in wind farms by 2020."
Via: Reuters Link
Ocean Power Technologies is testing a buoy that harnesses wave energy to make power ... unlike off shore turbines theses are close to the ground and are hardly visible ... eliminating the "not in my backyard problem" from shore communities.
" ... a leading renewable energy company specializing in cost-effective, advanced, and environmentally sound offshore wave power technology. ... PowerBuoy® system extracts the natural energy in ocean waves,... is a “smart” system capable of responding to differing wave conditions."
" ... ocean trials have been conducted off the coast of New Jersey to demonstrate the concept of using a floating buoy to capture wave energy and convert it into electricity. ..."
Via: Ocean Power Technologies Link
"... Eco-Sol provides a unique integrated approach to renew
able energy and sustainable agriculture while emphasizing solutions that are truly environmentally friendly when compared to current “Green” industry practices."
" ... eliminating unnecessary processing, transportation, and chemicals, but to minimize our environmental impact and carbon footprint as well. ... careful selection of oilseed feedstocks from area and climate suitable ecosystems, with an eye to reducing the water and energy used in all aspects of production. ... will provide a value added, locally grown, low maintenance/low input source of raw material for biodiesel production while driving agricultural economic development."
Via: Eco-Sol, LLC Link
The 23rd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition is taking place in Valencia Spain, Sept 1 - 5, 2008.
" ... will be the most important international Conference in the field of Photovoltaics. ...wlll provide an excellent platform for dialogue and information exchange across the World. The ‘who is who’ of the PV solar branch will meet at Valencia to discuss the latest developments in science and industry"
Topic areas include ...
"ADVANCED PHOTOVOLTAICS, WAFER-BASED SILICON SOLAR CELLS AND MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY, THIN FILMS, COMPONENTS FOR PV SYSTEMS, PV SYSTEMS, PV DEPLOYMENT"
Continue reading "Solar Energy Conference in Spain: Sept 1 - 5 2008" »
fryOdiesel takes a waste produict - one that restauratns and other inductries have to PAY TO get ride of and turns it in to a profitable fuels ... reducing wates and turning trash into cash.
"PFoD has developed patent-pending technology for the production of high quality diesel fuel from fats, oils, and greases. ... produce ASTM-grade biodiesel from sewer trap grease and other waste greases."
" ...fats, oils, and grease in the wastewater system is a costly problem ... causi
ng sewer backups and resulting in millions of dollars of fines and billions of dollars of forced infrastructure upgrades."
"PFoD solves the problem of grease in the sewers by providing a beneficial reuse of what is now a costly pollutant."
fryOdiesel is based in Philadelphia, Pa.
Via: fryOdiesel Link
"San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom believes tapping into tidal and wave power is a swell idea. But how feasible and realistic is this new renewable-energy technology? CNET News.com's Kara Tsuboi sits down with the mayor to find out."
Via: ZDNet Link
Florida is called the sunshine state and utility Florida Power and Light is making good use of the sunshine ... 
Read on for more >>>
June 25, 2008 - Miami, Florida "... today announced new solar energy projects that include the world’s largest photovoltaic solar plant and first “hybrid” energy center, coupling solar thermal technology with an existing combined-cycle generation unit."
“Pending regulatory approval, ... 110 megawatts of solar power ... making Florida No. 2 in the nation for solar energy... ,”
Including previously announced projects ... these are:
"The Solar Ark, a unique, ark-shaped, solar photovoltaic power generation facility, offers activities to cultivate a better appreciation of solar power generation, and thereby of both ecology and science. ... is located in Gifu Prefecture, ... of Japan ..." 
" ... at the center of the Solar Ark is the Solar Lab, a museum of solar energy and one of the more unusual museums in the world. ..."
"Since the Solar Ark was created, we have accumulated data on the power-generating performance of the photovoltaic system. At the photovoltaic conference in Europe, the thesis we delivered analyzing that data received an excellent response ..."
Via: Solar Ark Link
Wyoming's first wind powered data center uses 100% renewable energy and was built built with efficiency in mind a
Green Datas House' data center " ... is 60% more energy efficient than the average."
"100% Renewable Energy ... powered by wind ... will own several wind turbines to the north of its facility and purchase the excess energy needs from the local power company's wind farm or through grid tied green-e tags"
" ... the largest wind powered public data center in the nation with over 10,000 square feet of high-density computing facilities. "
"Energy Efficiency Built In ...Water-Side Economizers: Free cooling from Cheyenne's average annual temperatures of 45.6 degrees. ...Ground Source Heat Pumps - provide up to 25% more energy efficient cooling than traditional HVAC cooling equipment.(Phase 2)."
Via: Green House Data Link
... "Forum to be held on the campus of University of South Carolina Upstate on Wednesday, June 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the Campus Life Center Ballroom. The forum is free and open to the public, and will include speakers from the South Carolina Energy Office, and the Departments of Geological Sciences and Mechanical Engineering at the University of South Carolina. " ...Via University of South Carolina: Forum on Renewable Forms of Energy
Here are some links for more information about Wind Energy. These came from Good Energy, a UK based 100% renewable energy provider.
Here is a wind energy fact from Good Energy (might only apply to a typical household in the UK but significant nonetheless ... "A typical 850KW turbine ... could provide the amount of power used by 500 homes or to boil 28 million pints of water or run a computer for 7 million hours - that's 810 years."
www.good-energy.co.uk
www.sec.eu.com
www.bwea.com
www.embracewind.com
www.yes2wind.com
www.westmill.coop
www.scottishrenewables.com
www.windpower.org
www.fi.edu
Via: Good Energy Link
Good Energy is a provider of various sources of GREEN energy from all over Britain They make it easy for the homeowner or business to lower their impact on the environment by cutting CO2 emissions from power generation.
All their energy " ... comes from wind, small scale hydro and solar power generators from all over Britain. ... either small or medium sized sites ... Home Generation scheme supports the smaller generator and home owner.
" ...we offer both our supply and purchasing products. We are always on the lookout for new ways we can help you reduce your impact on climate change."
Formed in 1999 they currently serve approx. 24,0000 customers.
Their current power mix is " ... generators in Cornwall, Devon, Cumbria, the Midlands, North Wales and Scotland.... approximately 92% wind power, 7% small hydro and 1% solar. We also own our own wind farm at Delabole in Cornwall."
Via: Good Energy Link
Continue reading "Good Energy - 100% Green Energy for Britian" »
Mackie's (of Scotland) makes all natural ice cream ... right down to the wind powered energy.
" ... have their own energy supply - three Vestas V52 wind turbines ... have a 45 metre turbine and three 25 metre blades ... capacity to produce 850KW of power - so a total capacity at the farm of 2.5 MW."
".... previously installed a smaller turbine which powered the business's former piggery unit until 1997. That was one of the first grid connected wind turbines in the UK but did not have a very large output."
" ... wind turbines makes good sense for our business because our consumers have told us that it is important for them to know that our ice cream is made with 100% renewable energy. ..."
Via: Mackie's LINK
Continue reading "Mackie's - Scotland's Wind Powered Ice Cream Company" »
Wind Farms are a clean source of renewable energy. Ever wonder Just what a wind farm is ... Read on for more >>>
WHAT: A wind farm is " ... a cluster of wind turbines. ... the blades collect the wind’s kinetic energy. Wind flows over the airfoil shaped blades causing ... causing them to turn. ... are connected to a drive shaft that turns an electric generator to produce electricity."
TIME TO BUILD: " ...actual construction time ... is much less than a conventional power plant. The Wege Wind Energy Farm ( Link ) see took less than six months to build." ... land at a wind farm still be used for farming ... Farming and cattle grazing can go on right up to the turbine footprint. ... "
NEGATIVES: "There used to be concern about wind turbines causing a lot of bird deaths, but studies show that’s not the case. The largest drawback seems to be their effect on the natural view of the landscape. To some, wind turbines are an eyesore; to others they’re majestic, a pleasant alternative to a conventional
power plant.
WHERE ARE THEY IN THE US: " ... 25 [states have wind turbines in operation] ... Most are in California, Texas, Iowa, Minnesota, and Oklahoma, where state policies encourage wind power development and wind speeds are high and consistent."
Via: Steelcase Link
Want to help dad learn move about fuel cells ... and give a neat father's day gift?
Then check this out >>>
" ... kit lets you build your own Fuel Cell car and then watch it travel across the room powered only by water. ..."
" ... also comes with experiments and demonstrations that you can do on your own, or with friends."
" ... can build your own experimental reversible fuel cell car to learn more about this energy source. ... learn how a reversible fuel cell works to perform electrolysis as well as to create energy. The electricity required to activate electrolysis is created with a large solar cell included with the kit. During electrolysis, water is separated into hydrogen and oxygen and the resulting energy is stored as a gas. When needed, the gas is fed into the fuel cell, which then serves as the power source."
Pretty Cool ... for the Green Dad in your family ...
Via: Terrapass.com Link
Steelcase manufactures furniture. They also sponsored a windfarm?!?
Read on for more >>>>
Operations are planned to start in the spring of 2008; the "farm" is near Panhandle, Texas, Steelcase is the "sole
sponsor of this farm, Steelcase will be the largest buyer of wind power in the furniture industry."
"Steelcase is making a tangible contribution to a wind farm before it’s operational and will support it after it’s up and running. ... a much closer relationship with this project than a typical renewable energy investor ...,”
The turbines " ... standing 243 feet high will produce enough power for nearly 3,000 homes in the Panhandle area without using any fuel and without producing any emissions or pollution.... plenty of room for wheat and grain sorghum to grow underneath the quietly turning blades. The stars will remain easy to see over Panhandle, Texas."
For Steelcase " ... the wind farm is a natural evolution of its commitment made nearly a century ago to be stewards of the environment. ... complements its on-going energy reduction efforts. In North America alone, the company has cut electricity usage by over 30% in the past 5 years."
Via: Steelcase Link
... "Holliday said DuPont's sales into photovoltaics within five years will be over $1 billion - up from about $300 million today. He noted that DuPont and Genencor, a division of Danisco A/S, announced an agreement earlier this month to form DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol LLC, a 50/50 global joint venture to develop and commercialize the leading, low-cost technology solution for the production of cellulosic ethanol to address a $75 billion global market opportunity. " ...Via DuPont: Long-Term Growth in Agricultural Productivity, Safety and Security, Renewable Energy
Solio offers a line of solar chargers for smaller electronics like cell phones, GPS, cameras, etc. The California based company has some cool looking designs that offer solar charging or the aa
bility to plug into the wall and when charged act as a battery (replaceable).
"Solio features a fan-blade design that allows it to achieve maximum solar area when in use. Just spread out the blades, expose them to direct sunlight either out of doors or affixed to a window, and get ready to take your power on the road."
Via: Solio Link
Continue reading "Solar Powered Charger Phones and other Small Electronics" »
Delaware based DuPont and Copenhagen based Danisco announced a 50/50 JV to produce ethanol from the non food parts of plants - IE corn cobs and not corn.
May 14, 2008 - " ... DuPont and Genencor, a division of Danisco A/S,... an agreement to form DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol LLC, ... to develop and commercialize the leading, low-cost technology solution for the production of cellulosic ethanol -...biofuel produced from non-food sources –..." 
" ... will initially target corn stover and sugar cane bagasse. Future targets include multiple ligno-cellulosic feedstocks including wheat straw, a variety of energy crops and other biomass sources."
" ... goal is to maximize efficiency and lower the overall system cost to produce a gallon of ethanol from cellulosic materials ...""... The global joint venture expects its first pilot plant to be operational in the United States in 2009, and its first commercial-scale demonstration facility to be operational within the next three years. ..."
... "The first product, a renewable diesel that works in today's engines, is targeted for commercialization in 2010. Scale-up and testing work to date indicate that this fuel scales more quickly and economically than currently available biofuels, and reduces emissions by 80 percent over petroleum diesel. Using Amyris' breakthrough technology platform, the new joint venture, Amyris-Crystalsev Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Biocombustiveis Ltda, will work with Brazilian sugarcane mills and fuel producers to quickly scale production of the Amyris renewable diesel fuel. Amyris will hold the majority stake in the Amyris-Crystalsev venture, and Crystalsev will hold the remaining stake and contribute commercialization expertise. " ...Via Amyris Biotechnologies: Innovative Renewable Diesel from Sugarcane by 2010
California based Bio Solar has a different slant on making solar cells ... rather than focusing on improving the efficiency they focus on reducing the cost and using non petroleum based materials.
Read on for more ... >>>
" ...developed a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that will reduce the cost per watt of solar cells. ... is the first company to introduce a new dimension of cost reduction by replacing petroleum-based plastic solar cell components with durable bio-based components."
"... BioSolar materials can be used directly in conventional manufacturing systems, such as injection molding and thin-film roll-to-roll, to create superstrate layer, substrate layer, backsheet as well as module and panel components."
" ... using crystalline silicon, amorphous silicon or other solar technologies, BioSolar can help reduce the cost per watt through the use of its lower cost bio-based materials."
"By removing petroleum from solar cells, BioSolar makes solar energy a true green source of energy."
Via: Bio Solar Link
