Zotos makes professional hair care products.  They also are going green and have major initiatives under way for wind power, carbon offsetting and greener packaging.

“ … we must change the way we see our world. … Zotos is … implementing one of the largest private industrial sustainability programs in the nation.”

They have been recognized by the US-EPA as one of the Top 20 On-site Wind Generators.  Two turbines at their Geneva NY plant that “ … generate approximately 6.5 million kWh of electricity … annually … provide more than 60 percent of Zotos’ energy requirements … expected to reduce overall CO₂ emissions by 50 percent in 2011.”

 Via: Zotos Internatinal LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Arista designs and makes renewable energy systems and has partnered with GE to use their Durathon™Battery for their “Power on Demand” offering.

Power on Demand system uses renewable energy (wind, solar, …) and storage devices to keep that energy available for peak use.  Power on Demand can reduce energy costs by smoothing the demand for grid power and using stored power at peak times when energy charges are highest.

"“ … a custom-designed battery storage system and proprietary real-time demand monitoring technology. … releasing stored power only during peak demand periods, thereby reducing peak demand charges, … and lowering commercial electricity costs.”

GE’s Durathon Batteries are both smaller and lighter than traditional batteries, can last up to 20 years and are recyclable.

For more info on GE’s Durathon Batteries see geenergystorage.com.

Via:  Arista  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 08:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Makani has an energy solution that harnesses the power of winds at elevations far beyond that available to ground based turbines.  Their “tethered” wind turbine system uses far less material to construct that a typical turbine.  The long term goal would be a system, that can autonomously launch when the wind conditions are right and land when the wind dies down.

“ …. autonomous wing fitted with onboard turbines … Flying at 1,000 ft, … mimics the motion, and speed, of a conventional turbine’s aerodynamically effective blade tips.”

Via:  Makani LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Panasonic along with Mitsui O.S.K Lines, Ltd. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are working on technologies to reduce CO2 emissions from ocean going ships.

The test platform is the “EMERALD ACE”.  The ship will be fitted with “ … solar panels (160kW planned) and lithium-ion rechargeable batteries (approximately 2.2MWh planned) … “

The solar panels charge batteries that provide power when in the harbor – in place of diesel generators reducing CO2 emissions.  The batteries are used as ballast and do not impact the carrying capacity of the ship.

Via: Panasonic  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 10:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Nectar – in Berwyn, PA – has 238 solar panels in the back of the parking lot that “ … will produce enough energy to run the entire restaurant. “ The expense was $300,000 and “ … the government will subsidize 30 percent … pay for itself in roughly seven years.”

They are also trying to be sustainable by “ … building a restaurant garden, complete with fresh herbs and veggies …”

Via:  Main Line Today LINK 

and  Nectar  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 02:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Exelon generates peak power from a number of plants that run on landfill gas.  One plant in PA burns methane from landfill gas.

Peak power is used as demand exceeds some base level … and are used to quickly match demand.  Peak plants can be the most expensive to operate and the most polluting. 

Their plant in Fairless Hills, Pa (outside of Philadelphia) is the “second largest landfill gas power plant in the United States. “ It gets landfill gas (methane) from the nearby Grows landfill.  As long as the landfill grows (likely) there should be a renewable source of methane energy.

The plant receive “ … the Pennsylvania Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence.” in 1997.

The plant 2 units have a capacity of 60 MW.

Via:  Exelon  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 09:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Exelon is repurposing a brownfield site in the Chicago area into a solar farm.  The 41 acre site have 32,292 solar panels and generates 14,000 mWatt-hrs yearly.

“ … uses SunPower® solar tracking systems that tilt the panels toward the sun as it moves across the sky, increasing energy production by up to 25%.”

The energy generated by the solar panels offsets “ … more than 30 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year …”

Exelon also remediated the site which had been vacant for more than 30 years.

Via:  Excelon  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Some Home Depot stores in Texas and the western US will carry Southwest Windpower’s Skystream 3.7 home sized wind turbines.  This makes wind power – 100 % renewable energy – readily available to consumers. 

The Skystream 3.7 is connected to the local power grid and ” … has a built in inverter, and produces up to 400 kWh of clean electricity per month …  (assuming a 12 mph average annual wind speed). …”

Click here to see the Skystream turbine features.

This video gives more details ….

Via:  Southwest Windpower  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 10:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cornell professor Francis Moon (photo) has done some research on generating wind power without turbine blades.

The research looks at “ … vibro-wind power: harvesting energy from the wind as it flows around commercial and residential buildings.  …”

If scalable this would might be a source of power in many large cities bringing the generation source close to the point of use. Large citie4s with multi story buildings may have more power potential with vibro-wind than solar as the roof-print dwarfs the outside surface area.

Via:  Cornell University  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 12:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Creating solar panels takes lots of energy and time in a furnace.  A new “Optical Cavity” furnace developed by the NREL can create more efficient solar cells.

“ … Optical Cavity Furnace … uses optics to heat and purify solar cells at unmatched precision while sharply boosting the cells' efficiency.”

“ … can … maximize efficiency while minimizing heating and cooling costs.”

The end result is more efficient solar panels.

Via:  National Renewable Energy Laboratory  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

GE recently received federal funding (from US-DOE) to find more cost effective ways to bring solar to homes.

One part of solar PV (photovoltaic) system that they are looking to improve is the inverters that convert DC to AC. Current inverters have drawbacks including “… higher cost, less than ideal efficiency.  Research will focus on integrated inverters that are lower in cost and more efficient to help get the cost closer to retail electric prices. 

Another opportunity is to reduce the weight of systems.  Systems today are 2 – 3 lbs / sq-ft with external (to the panels) wiring.   GE is looking to develop systems in then range of 1 lb / sq-ft. with connected wiring.  These could unfold at the installation site and be ready to install – without the need for heavy racking systems.

Via:  GE Global Research LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 10:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

needs storage to balance generation and demand requirements effectively.  The US DOE research agenda is beginning to focus grants exploring enablers for renewable energy storage.  …

…   “Without good ways of storing peak output for later release, alternative-energy plants become the most erratic parts …”   …

Via Bloomberg: Alternative Energy Storage.

Renewable energy storage awards.

California’s energy commission is supporting the research into energy storage, such as battery systems integrated with solar photovoltaics.

Novel approaches to energy storage include compressed gas, such as the technology offered by SustainX to store potential energy.

Posted by Green Tech at 12:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Peninsula Packaging uses recycled materials and green energy.  I recently saw some apples packed in one of their clamshells that noted the plastic was 70 % recycled and made with 50% solar energy.

They own and operate “ … one of the largest privately funded renewable energy solar "farm" in North America.”

Over the past 3 years their use of recycled plastics and green energy have resulted in some impressive results …

“ … 2.9 billion drink bottles recycled … ..enough electricity saved to power 20,600 homes … over 84,000 tons of green house gas … was NOT emitted in the atmosphere … “

Via: Peninsula Packaging Company Link

Posted by Green Dude at 06:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

With Suntrica’s SolarStrap™ you never have to worry about runnning out of batteries for your small electronic devices. 

Suntrica’s SolarStrap™ combines a solar panel with an integrated battery pack to store power for charging small electronics such as cell phones, mp3 players and is “ … compatible with most … devices utilizing 5 V charging voltage”

“SolarStrap™ is… designed specifically for harsh outdoor use. … responce to the … charging challenge in developing markets having limited access to electricity. “

Via:  Suntrica Ltd.  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 08:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

DuPont has bought innovaLight.

“Innovalight has developed … patented technologies and materials that allow crystalline silicon cell manufacturers to produce solar cells with higher conversion efficiencies. “

innovaLights goal was to help manufacturers of solar cells improve  the performance(higher conversion rates) of the solar cells and reduce the manufactured cost.

Via:  innovaLight  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 09:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

UCLA hosts energy conference to address its clean energy targets.  The Governor sees solar power as a strong contributor towards the goal.  …

…   “Brown focused heavily on solar power as the most likely and abundant source for the bulk of those 12,000 megawatts.”   …

Via UCLA: Governor Conference.

The Governor’s Conference on Renewable Energy.

Posted by Green Tech at 10:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Free Flow Power sees energy harnessed from the Mississippi.  …

…   “their idea is to put turbines on the bottoms of rivers or mount them on barges to spin generators.”   …

Via Yahoo: Water for renewable power.

Free Flow Power’s Mississippi River projects.

Posted by Green Tech at 12:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

China entrepreneur supports the UC Riverside engineering college with endowment that will foster energy research, initially in storage systems.  …

…   “The Winston Chung Global Energy Center will focus initially on research in energy storage, but in collaboration with solar and wind power generating companies, the City of Riverside, and local power consumers, it will be at the forefront of creating a new smart energy grid. Integrating energy production with new storage and distribution technologies, the Global Energy Center will allow Riverside to be a world-wide leader in renewable energy.”   …

Via University of California Riverside: Inaugural Fellow.

Posted by Green Tech at 09:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Airbus along with major European Airlines and producers are crating an initive called the ‘Biofuel Flightpath’.

The goal is to bring 2 million tonnes of biofuels to the European market by the year 2020.

Via:  European Commission SETIS  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 09:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Leaders in the use of renewable energy are Whole Foods, Intel, and Kohl's, according to a new index that benchmarks corporate performance in energy procurement.  …

…   “The index also includes how corporations procure renewable energy, such as through Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), green pricing, carbon offsets, and direct investments. The renewable energy technology breakdown covers geothermal, solar, wind, hydro, waste energy, and a national blend of different technologies. 

Corporations can evaluate their performance on renewable energy procurement compared with their competitors. They can also see how industry leaders in sustainability use renewable energy to make their operations and value chains climate friendly.”   …

Via Bloomberg New Energy Finance: Clean Energy Index.

Whole Foods renewable energy program funds wind farm construction.

Renewable energy purchase placed Intel at the top of EPA's latest Green Power Partners Top 25 list, and also at the No. 1 spot on EPA's Fortune 500 Green Power Partners list in 2008.

Kohl’s is ranked No. 2 on EPA's list of top retail purchasers of renewable energy.

Posted by Green Tech at 11:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Dow Chemical Company announced it has completed construction of a plant that makes epoxy for wind turbine blades.

The facility is in Roberta, Ga and is expected to be fully on line July 1, 2011.  Material is for both the US and  export markets.

 "“Epoxy adhesives play a critical role in the fabrication, performance and durability of wind turbine blades ... toughness and durability to withstand the extreme loads a wind turbine blade is subjected to throughout its service life.” "

Via:  Plastic News Link

Posted by Green Dude at 05:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Equinix agrees to purchase 45,000 Certificats Equilibre from EDF Entreprises to shift its use of renewable energy at three data centers in Paris.  …

…   “Equinix will ensure that EDF will inject 45GWh of power from renewable sources into its network.

Equinix's commitment means that approximately half of the power supplied to its Paris IBX data centers will be emission-free.”   …

Via Seeking Alpha: Equinix data center.

Posted by Green Tech at 01:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

MIT scientists have found a novel way to use virus' to improve the efficiency of PV cells.   The virus' " ... perform detailed assembly work at the microscopic level ... based on findings that carbon nanotubes ... can enhance the efficiency of ... solar cell's surface."

The virus' are used to " ... control the arrangement of the nanotubes ... so they can’t short out the circuits ..."

Improvements in power conversion efficiency are close to 1/3.

Via:  MIT LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Oregon has a stretch of the Corridor of the Future - at  interchange of I-5 and I-205 in Oregon.  Ground mounted solar panels that provide power used at the interchange.

" ...  104 kilowatt ground-mounted solar array ... supplies about one-third of the energy needed for illumination at the site.
 
" ... energy ... feeds into the grid during the day ... At night ... energy flows back from the grid to light the interchange. ..."

Too see the current energy stats click the LINK

Via: Oregon.gov  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 03:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Street sgns and utility power poles are almost everywhere.  A project at The University of Nebraska is looking into ways to use wind power and solar panels on signs to power roadway lights and traffic signals.  Any excess power will go into the local energy grid.

The units combine solar and wind generators and feature batteries for storage.  " ... Each unit consists of a wind turbine generator and one or more PV panels mounted on the top of the pole for electric power generation."

" ... overall system involves power generation, storage, distribution, grid operation, and demand-side management.

Via:  University of Nebraska - Lincoln  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 02:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ecotricity is a green UK energy supplier. 

They have been bundling wind turbines and selling the electricity produced since 1996.  They are also educating and raising peoples awareness of the impact they can have on the environment by choosing a lower carbon generating supplier.

Click HERE to see the current stats on the UK electric grid ... power generated by (in order) fossil fuels, nuclear, and renewable energy sources as well as the Grams of Co2 / KWh.

On 4/28/2011 (Thu 28/04/11 @ 12:05 BST) the stats were:

Fossil:          72.4 %
Nuclear:       22.9 %
Renewable:    4.7 %

CO2 / KWh:   415 g CO2 / KWh

How other UK Energy Companies Compare LINK

Via: ecotricity LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

TD Bank recently opened a call center in Auburn, Maine that is 100% powered by green energy sources.  The center is designed for US LEED Gold certification. 

Among the green design elements / features are " ... plumbing fixtures that use 33 percent less water, drought tolerant plants ... a recycling system that will collect paper, glass, metal, plastic, cardboard, fluorescent lamps and batteries."

For more on the green features check out the link at the bottom of this post.

TD has also committed to going carbon neutral and is one of the largest US Banks to commit to being carbon neutral.

Via:  Environmental Leader  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dynamic Solar installs 250kW solar system for the Philadelphia Water Department at its local pollution control facility.  …

…   “Dynamic Solar teamed with CETCO Contracting Services and Nucero Electric to design, engineer and install the 250kW ground mounted system.

The array is located at the Southeast Water Pollution Control Plant and is expected to generate approximately 330,000 kilowatt hours of solar electricity per year.”   …

Via Dynamic Solar: Philadelphia's Largest Solar System.

Philadelphia wastewater treatment (Link).

Posted by Green Tech at 07:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Vestas announced their V164-7.0 - the rotor has a diameter of 164 meters and the turbine produces 7 MW of power.  This huge turbine is " ... specifically designed for the roughest North Sea conditions ..." 

" ... designed ... to provide the highest energy capture and the highest reliability in this rough and challenging environment."

Veatas has an installed base of 580 offshore turbines - equal to 43 % of all offshore turbines worldwide.

For a perspective on this huge turbine check out this video …

Via: VESTAS  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 07:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The case is made for a broader, less-focused portfolio approach to energy policy, using transitional technologies to impact climate change, while renewable technology is further developed.  …

…   “He argues that we are pushing too hard on what is not ready, such as solar and wind power, and not hard enough on what is ready, such as natural gas …”   …

Via University of Texas at Dallas: Energy Policy.

Posted by Green Tech at 07:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Department of Energy launched its America’s Next Top Energy Innovator program as part of the Obama Administration's Startup America Initiative. The program will:

• Deliver streamlined template option agreement online for entrepreneurs to submit to Laboratories;
• Make 15,000 unlicensed patents and patent applications held by the National Laboratories available;
• Reduce the total upfront cost of licensing DOE patents;
• Delay royalty payments until the company grows and achieves commercial success;
• Establish a standard set of terms for licensing agreements;

Here are some DOE technology commercialization success stories (PDF).  …

…   “The program allows startups to license up to three National Laboratories patents for just $1,000 each, between May 2 and Dec. 15.

Normally those patents cost from $10,000 to $50,000 to obtain. The plan would also simplify the technology-licensing process …”   …

Via MIT News: Department of Energy Startup Licensing Program.

US Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu discusses the United States energy situation at the Energy Innovation Summit.

Secretary Steven Chu's slides on the clean energy innovation race (slides).

Posted by Green Tech at 11:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

85 acre Brooklyn Bridge Park was built with sustainability in mind ... from EV service vehicles to reused / recycled construction materials from prior buildings on the site.

" ...  Designed and built by BE, ... the first solar-powered charging station in New York City and one of only a few in the world. ..."

Over the projected 25 year life of the EV chargers will save "... more than $200,000 in gasoline costs ... More than 530 tons of CO2 ..."

The EV charging system has 24 PV panels with battery storage for 7 x 24 availability can produce 5.6 Kw. 

Via:  Beautiful Earth Group  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Portland, Maine has signed a deal with Ameresco to cut its carbon footprint.  The project covers approx. 15 years and is to cost $9.4 million.  The city expects to save $17 million over the life of the project.

What is unique about this engagement is that there is no upfront cost to Portland.  "Ameresco will guarantee ... cash flows ... will exceed the cash requirements for the project, offsetting the costs ..."

Per their website ... Ameresco "delivers ... solutions on both sides of the meter ... leverage renewable energy and achieve ... sustainability goals for our ...customers."

Part of the improvements will be a 2,000 watt solar array at one of the schools.

The agreement covers 45 city buildings and 15 schools.

Ameresco is based in Framingham, Mass. 

Via:  Ameresco  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"Joule's Helioculture™ platform combines ... sunlight and waste CO₂ directly into clean, fungible diesel fuel, bypassing the limitations of biofuel production...."

" ... SolarConverter^® ... scaling to desired output levels with no dependence on raw material feedstocks, agricultural land, fresh water or crops."

Joule's "platform" makes fuel from sun and CO2 w/o biomass or raw materials.  Basically they have engineered organisms that take in CO2, water and sunlight and spit out bio-fuel - basically unlimited fuel.

Joule has it HQ in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Via:  Joule Unlimited, Inc.  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

" ... producing clean power at a cost that is competitive with non-renewable resources."

" ... allow Altaeros to reduce the levelized cost of offshore wind energy by 60 percent."

Via:  Altaeros  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Sonoma Wine Company takes sustainability seriously and works to reduce the footprint of the winery operations.  A cogeneration facility is a natural next step.

In this process the heat that passes through the solar cells (PV) is captured to heat water … so electricity and heat are produced from the sun.

Sonoma Wine Company and Cogena Solar have partnered to build the “ … first commercial scale solar cogeneration system to supply renewable heat and electricity …”.

When at full capacity the facility will “ … displace approximately 64,000 kilowatt-hours and 12,500 therms of natural gas annually….”

Why Solar Cogeneration? from Stephen Harper on Vimeo.

Via:  Sonoma Wine Co  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 09:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jordache Enterprises - owner of Jordache Jeans - uses solar panels at a factory in Jordan. 

They are " ... among the first garment manufacturers worldwide to have installed and use solar panels to heat water ... "

A subsidiary owns the The Orchid hotel in Israel which was the first to install solar cells; these generate " ...  electricity in excess of the resort’s consumption. ... hooked to the regional electric grid, selling excess capacity to the Electric Company..."

Via:  Jordache  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

boosts efficiency and savings for Florida facility.  Port St. Lucie Civic Center implemented solar power installation to shift almost fifteen percent of its electricity consumption to renewable energy.  …

The original grant was for solar panels only, but CO2 sensors were included in the contract and added to the grant based on additional energy savings … The carbon dioxide sensors allow the civic center's air system to pipe in fresh air only when needed … “   …

Via Treasure Coast and Palm Beach News: Port St Lucie Civic Center Solar Project.

Posted by Green Tech at 09:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Here is a very interesting story from Sweden.  Engineers in Sweden have found a way to recover the excess heat generated by commuters in Stockholm’s main train station.

The technology is really not that different from any other heat exchange process but is certainly unique.  Certain factors help to make this application workable including the low winter temperatures in Sweden and their relatively high cost of energy. 

The energy created from businesses (like bakeries and restaurants that generate heat) and people is able to help a nearby office block reduce their heating costs by 20%.  For a large office block this can really add up … this waste heat from the Central Station is a valuable energy for an office block nearby.

Check out this video of more details … 

Posted by Green Dude at 07:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This year’s Superbowl achieves green status through renewable energy certificates.  …

…   “Just Energy, North America’s largest competitive green energy retailer, will offset all direct and indirect carbon emissions associated with power generation at major Super Bowl XLV venues.

This includes energy consumed at Cowboys Stadium for the entire month leading up to Super Bowl XLV, electricity used at NFL Super Bowl headquarters, the Super Bowl Media Center, the AFC and NFC team hotels, and the electricity used at the NFL Experience Football Theme Park – the largest public event at Super Bowl.”   …

Via Just Energy: Green energy at Super Bowl XLV (PDF).

Posted by Green Tech at 06:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Martifer Solar USA and North County Transit Distinct (NCTD) collaborating on 482 kW of solar arrays for the NCTD.  A combination of roof and ground mounted panels will generate 482.52 kW of power.

The solar panels are ” … anticipated to save … an estimated $86,000 dollars per year and … offset … approximately 1,141,488 pounds of CO2 annually….”  This is equivalent to the energy needs of “ … approximately 104 average California homes per year.”

Martifer has previously installed solar systems for “ … public transit operations including the Antelope Valley Transit Authority in Lancaster, CA and the Big Blue Bus maintenance facility in Santa Monica, CA.”

Via:  Martifer Solar  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 03:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Snyder's of Hanover (PA) announced construction of the largest solar energy system in PA in October 2010.  Covering 26 acres across from their corporate HQ (in Hanover, PA) the "farm" will have more than 15,000 panels.

" ...reduce greenhouse gas emissions in excess of 230 million pounds of carbon dioxide over a 25 year period. ...energy created ... equals more than 111 million miles not driven by a medium sized car ... 11 million trees would need to be planted to equal the same level of carbon dioxide reduction."

Hanover is not new to green efforts and already has initiatives that include compostable packaging.

View the Webcam image ... LINK

Via:  Snyders of Hanover  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 04:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I saw a trailer in a parking lot with the Sustainable Waste Solutions and knew there would be a blog post there.  SWS is a local company with a Souderton, Pa  address that turns waste to energy (W2E).

" ... a landfill-free alternative for recycling, waste transportation, and disposal to companies ... throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania, Lehigh Valley and Delaware. ... we generate enough electricity from waste to power tens of thousands of homes per day ..."

W2E burns waste material to generate electric and results in waste that is only 10% by volume compared to the starting amount.

Until we run out of trash this is a renewable energy solution!

See SWS website for more details ... 

Via:  Sustainable Waste Solutions  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 03:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

 Kristianstad Sweden uses no fossil fuels for heating.  Instead they uses biomass from farming leftovers.  80,000 homes heated by biomass and not fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas!  And this is an area of the world where it gets VERY COLD !

Since solar and wind would not be effective in Kristianstad they worked with biomass.  " ... remains from farming ... manure, potato peels, pig intestines, and even cookies, .... to create biogas  ... a certain type of  methane, ... heat of the entire city, and to provide electricity for the city as well."

The driving force for the move away from fossil fuels was to protect their environment and they did not want to import fossil fules from abroad.

Via:  Metrolic  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Philadelphia wants to get 20 % of its electricity from renewable sources by 2015.

" ... Solar City Partnership will develop a strategy through which 2.3 MW of solar electricity will be generated within the city of Philadelphia by 2011 and 57.8 MW by 2021... "

The Solar City Partnership is a JV between the U.S. Department of Energy and the City of Philadelphia.  

Two Systems under consideration are ...

- a 900,000 kWh solar system at the Naval Yard.

- installations at city owned water treatment facilities (Philadelphia Water Department).

Via: Phila.Gov LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 10:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Burt's Bees is known for their environmentally friendly products.  They are also an environmentally friendly company.

" ... goal is to be the "greenest personal care company on earth." ... by 2020 ... be carbon free and operating on 100 percent renewable energy ... [no] waste to be deposited in landfills ... manufacturing facilities will have LEED certification. ..."

They plan on having a Platinum LEED green building by 2020 ... and recycle recycle wood, shrink wrap, and even waste water.

In addition to the usual paper and aluminum they recycle wood, corrugated cardboard, shrink wrap chipboard and fiberboard. Break rooms are equipped with composting bins and reusable / compostable utensils.

Via:  Burt's Bees  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 10:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

E-A-G-L-E-S … Eagles.  S-O-L-A-R … Solar.  W-I-N-D … Wind.  Philadelphia Eagles launch an integrated renewable energy program at the Lincoln Financial Field stadium with the help of Solar Blue.  …

…   “Solar Blue, based in Florida, is going to invest close to $30 million over the next year to build, install, maintain and operate this new power system that will include approximately 80 spiral-shaped wind turbines, 2,500 solar panels and an onsite dual-fuel cogeneration plant.

The power system is targeted to be ready to go for September, 2011.

Solar Blue anticipates employing 200 local residents during the one-year design & installation period. Fifty of these jobs will be permanent operational positions.”   …

Via Philly Eagles: Environmental Initiative.

Posted by Green Tech at 03:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

UT Dallas professor Babak Fahimi develops smart grid interface device for renewable energy generation.  A research prototype electronic interface switches power intelligently from renewable sources to the grid or to electrical storage.  The unit is being readied for field testing in California and Texas.  …

…   “This converter utilizes an adaptive controller to optimally increase efficiency and reliability for each operational condition while performing energy management algorithms to ensure the best performance. 

Five years in development, the converter would be perfect for use by small to medium-size businesses, large residential buildings and shopping centers that decide to make an investment in renewable energy.”   …

Via University of Texas: Electric Interface Device.

Babak Fahimi Renewable Energy Lab.

Posted by Green Tech at 10:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

requires push through government incentives, mandates and subsidies.  The US trails other countries who have shifted their energy portfolios with renewable sources.  …

…   “In Germany, for example, government mandates and subsidies have pushed 17% of electric power generation to alternative energy sources such as wind, solar and biomass, compared with just 1% to 2% in the United States.”   …

Via Knowledge at Wharton: Infrastructure Investment.

Posted by Green Tech at 06:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Italy embraces renewable energy in the face of higher power costs.  Small towns are adapting and learning together.  …

…   “More than 800 small towns and villages in Italy are investing in green energy and making it work. Consider the mountain village of Tocco, population 2,700.”   …

Via Texas A+M: Italian Wind Power.

Posted by Green Tech at 10:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

through the USDA.  …

…   “Cal Poly Agribusiness Professor Lynn Hamilton will lead workshops on USDA renewable energy grant program REAP – Rural Energy for America Program in Bakersfield, Fresno and Tulare on Nov. 18, 19 and 30. “   …

Via Cal Poly: Workshops.

Rural Energy for America Program, or REAP, makes $70 million dollars available each year for 2011 and 2012, under the current Farm Bill. 

Posted by Green Tech at 08:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

One problem with alternative energy sources like solar and wind are that the peak consumption times are often not the same as the peak generation times.  This issue plagues both commercial and residential generators.  If the power cannot be stored it is wasted ...

Ice Energy provides one solution.

" ...  can offset the need for peak generation, relieve summer transmission congestion, ... enable the reliable integration of renewable energy resources by reshaping the load on the system ..."

This solution can be combined with a/c units to significantly less energy than standard systems.

Via:  Ice Energy  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

to enable biofuel deployment in Afghanistan, supporting military goals for renewable energy use.  …

…   “The Arden-Fox report - Producing and Using Biodiesel in Afghanistan - analyzed latest off-the-shelf solutions that could be implemented to produce biodiesel in Afghanistan that will reduce casualties as well as create new industry for building a stable nation.”   …

Via Syracuse University: Net Zero Energy.

Posted by Green Tech at 08:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Yusen Terminals, Inc has installed solar panels at a facility in the Port of Los Angeles.  The specifics:

96 panels
11,800 kWh/yr
emissions reductions = planting close to 6 acres of trees

Live stats of power generation are available at LINK 

Via:  NYK Line LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 08:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

There is a lot of wind energy off the northeast seaboard ... but no good way to move it to consumers.  Google is looking to change that with a new transmission line called the Atlantic Wind Connection (AWC).

" ... signed an agreement to invest in ... a backbone transmission project off the Mid-Atlantic coast  ...  helping to accelerate offshore wind development ..."

Expected to create thousands of jobs it will improve the reliability of the mid-Atlantic grid - so it’s both good business and good for the environment.

" ... will stretch 350 miles ... from New Jersey to Virginia ... able to connect 6,000MW of offshore wind turbines ..."

Via:  Google blog LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 03:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

BrightSourceEnergy builds, owns and operates cost effective large scale solar systems. 

Unlike PV panels that convert sunlight directly to electricity ... their LPT 550 uses thousands of mirrors to focus light rays on a boiler at the top of a tower ... producing steam that drives  a turbine to generate electricity.  The system is closed loop and is cost competitive with oil and gas.

Via:  BrightSourceEnergy LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

 Johnson & Johnson has installed a huge solar array at the Ortho Clinical Diagnostic facility in Raritan, NJ.  The solar panels are mounted close to the ground and the very large array is from northbound US-202 that borders the facility.

"The 1.69-megawatt array of over 7,300 ground-mounted panels ... about 2 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of power per year ... decrease green house gas emissions... equivalent to taking about 270 passenger vehicles off the road per year...."

Via:  Johnson & Johnson  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 08:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Today is the last day of the North American Offshore Wind Conference & Exhibition in Atlantic City, NJ.  It is an appropriate location as there are wind turbines in Atlantic City.

" ... only event of its kind that truly brings together the thought-leaders of the wind industry for a dialogue on offshore wind development ..."

" ... will identify development opportunities throughout the coastal regions of North America, financing options and challenges, plus project design and siting options."

Via:  Offshore Wind Conference and Exhibition  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 10:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dog waste is often picked up in plastic bags and dropped in the trash - to spend eternity in a landfill.  What a waste of waste ...

Here is a novel idea to turn dog waste into methane ...   "dog waste ... decomposes over time. The anaerobic conditions inside the digester create methane gas ... "  The methane gas lights a gas lamp.

If successful this could be deployed to larger dog parks across the country.

Funded by MIT and located in Cambridge, Mass the digester shows a creative use for waste .. a great "reuse" idea.

Via:  TerraPass Blog  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 09:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The White House is going SOLAR. 

Seeking to lead by example ... solar panels for electricity and a solar water heater for the White House residence will go on the roof of the White House. 

" ...  part of a Department of Energy demonstration project showing that American solar technologies are available, reliable, and ready for installation in homes throughout the country ..."

" ... reflects President Obama’s strong commitment to U.S. leadership in solar energy ..."

It was not reported if President Obama will get the federal tax credit for the solar system :-) 

Via:  WhiteHouse.Gov  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 07:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Home Power Magazine is full of ideas on renewable energy for home owners and professionals.

" ... information exchange has helped create an industry with ... a common goal: reducing the use of polluting fossil fuels and replacing ... with the infinite supplies of renewable energy that surround us. ..."

Issues have covered subjects including " ... solar, wind, and microhydro electricity, energy efficiency, solar hot water systems, space heating and cooling, energy-efficient building materials and home design, ..." and more.

Via: Home Power Magazine LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Duke Energy has leased part of the roof of a National Gypsum facility in Mt Holly NC to use for a solar array.  The output is 1.17 mW - equivalent to the power needs of 700 homes.

" ... 5096 panels ... Duke Energy will own, operate, and maintain all components of the system. The lease agreement is for 25 years."

" ... National Gypsum has contracts to purchase byproduct gypsum ... from four of the utility’s nearby coal-fired plants."

Posted by Green Dude at 03:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Supply and demand are always achieved on the grid.  One issue for renewable energy is how to store the power which may be generated during low demand for use during high demand rather than have it go to waste.

" ... hope is that bulk storage will allow solar and wind farm operators to provide electricity to the grid--regardless of wind and sun conditions--making the electricity they provide more valuable."

Storage devices include batteries, flywheels, ice, capacitors and water and vary in their storage capacity.

Check out this slide show of some novel grid energy storage devices.  SLIDE SHOW LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Britain is set to open the world's largest wind farm off Kent (UK) on the English Chanel.  This facility will comprise 100 wind turbines each 300 ft tall; enough to power 200,000 homes.

" ... generate more energy from offshore wind than the rest of the planet put together ..."’s biggest ocean wind farm off Kent"

" ...  energy generated from offshore wind in the UK ... to 1,314MW, compared to 1,100MW in the whole of the rest of the world."

The farm was built by Swedish energy giant Vattenfall.

WOW !!

Via:  Telegraph  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Solar power for consumers has lots going for it ... renewable energy, clean power, being green ... and one near term stumbling block --- cost.  Most systems are EXPENSIVE for the initial capiital outlay.

Clarian Power Inc may be able to help lower the price with both affordable and easy to install (DIY type install) products.  Payback can be 3 - 4 years after factoring in rebates and credits.

"Sunfish™ is a plug-in solar power module that’s affordable and easy to install ... SmartBox™ technology allows homeowners to plug solar power into an existing outlet ..."

Via:  Clarian Power Inc.  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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.

Posted by Green Tech at 10:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 05:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 06:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

" .. 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

Posted by Green Dude at 06:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 06:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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 

Posted by Green Dude at 06:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

 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

Posted by Green Dude at 05:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 07:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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.

Posted by Green Tech at 10:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 07:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 08:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 06:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

" ... 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

Posted by Green Dude at 05:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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 kW 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

Posted by Green Dude at 05:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 04:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

 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. ...  "

" ...  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

Posted by Green Dude at 06:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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.

Posted by Green Tech at 02:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 04:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 05:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Happy Earth Day !!

 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

Posted by Green Dude at 05:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "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. " ...

Posted by Green Tech at 09:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 02:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 07:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "The magic soccer ball created by Harvard students Jessica Lin, Jessica Matthews, Julia Silverman, and Hemali Thakkar is beautiful in its simplicity. " ...

Posted by Green Tech at 05:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 06:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"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

Posted by Green Dude at 05:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "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." ...

Continue reading "Walmart green supply chain opportunity wiil target carbon intense products" »

Posted by Green Tech at 02:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "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. " ...

Posted by Green Tech at 08:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 06:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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 ...”

"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

Posted by Green Dude at 06:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 08:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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."

Posted by Green Dude at 06:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "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. " ...

Continue reading "Oregon Green Tech Education and Certificate" »

Posted by Green Tech at 05:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 05:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "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. " ...

Continue reading "UK Renewable Energy Incentives" »

Posted by Green Tech at 10:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"Samsung and Korea Electric Power Corp. will invest $6.6 billion into wind and solar projects in Ontario ... will build and maintain power plants as well as erect four new factories in North America for making the equipment for the power plants ... plants will employ 1,440 and building and maintaining the power plant will keep 16,000 busy ..."

" ... 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

Posted by Green Dude at 04:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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" »

Posted by Green Dude at 09:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 05:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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."

" ... 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

Posted by Green Dude at 03:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

" ... 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

Posted by Green Dude at 06:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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 something that we are very proud of."

Via:  Whole Foods LINK  and United Technologies LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 04:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

" ... 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

Posted by Green Dude at 09:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"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

Posted by Green Dude at 03:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

" ... 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

Posted by Green Dude at 08:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "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. " ...

Posted by Green Tech at 10:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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 Dow^TM POWERHOUSE^TM Solar Shingle ..."

Via:  The Dow Chemical Company LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:39 PM | Permalink

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

Posted by Green Dude at 09:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 07:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 06:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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. "

Posted by Green Dude at 03:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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"

Via: GoodEnergy LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 08:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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 important 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. ..."

Posted by Green Dude at 04:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 07:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "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. " ...

Continue reading "Renewable Energy Park for Ford Wixom Plant" »

Posted by Green Tech at 11:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

 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

Posted by Green Dude at 05:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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."

Via: GRU.com  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 12:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Posted by Green Dude at 07:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Posted by Green Dude at 06:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 06:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 03:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 06:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 05:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

 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 ..."

Posted by Green Dude at 01:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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 ..."

Posted by Green Dude at 05:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "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. " ...

Continue reading "Green Product Selection through Biorenewable Carbon Index" »

Posted by Green Tech at 08:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 08:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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 company ... 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

Posted by Green Dude at 05:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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 ...

Windbelt Video

" ... 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

Posted by Green Dude at 06:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

 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

Posted by Green Dude at 05:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 08:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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.

" ... 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

Posted by Green Dude at 06:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 05:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 05:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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" »

Posted by Green Dude at 04:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 05:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 06:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 06:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 05:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 05:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 06:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 06:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 06:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Posted by Green Dude at 05:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "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. " ...

Posted by Green Tech at 06:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"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

Posted by Green Dude at 06:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 07:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will invest nearly $79 billion in renewable energy, energy efficiency and green transportation ... " ...

Posted by Green Tech at 09:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

" ... 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

Posted by Green Dude at 06:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Posted by Green Tech at 07:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "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. " ...

Posted by Green Tech at 09:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "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. " ...

Continue reading "Green Power Express Transmission Grid" »

Posted by Green Tech at 08:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 10:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 10:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 06:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 05:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... 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

Posted by Green Dude at 12:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Posted by Green Dude at 07:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

" ...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

Posted by Green Dude at 06:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

" ... 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

Posted by Green Dude at 05:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

AMERIgreen provides biofuels in the western suburbs of Philadelphia.

"... Biofuels are alternative fuels as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy. ... burn cleaner 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

Posted by Green Dude at 05:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"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

Posted by Green Dude at 05:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

" ... 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

Posted by Green Dude at 05:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Posted by Green Dude at 05:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"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

Posted by Green Dude at 06:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 05:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"... Eco-Sol provides a unique integrated approach to renewable 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

Posted by Green Dude at 05:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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" »

Posted by Green Dude at 05:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Continue reading "fryOdiesel" »

Posted by Green Dude at 06:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"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

Posted by Green Dude at 05:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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:

"... Martin Next Generation Solar Energy Center. ... at FPL’s existing Martin Plant site, ... will provide up to 75 megawatts of solar thermal capacity in an innovative “hybrid” design that will connect to an existing combined-cycle power plant ... "

Continue reading "FPL to Build New Solar Facilities" »

Posted by Green Dude at 05:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"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

Continue reading "Sanyo's Solar Ark" »

Posted by Green Dude at 06:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 04:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "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. " ...

Posted by Green Tech at 05:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 06:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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" »

Posted by Green Dude at 05:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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. ..."

Continue reading "Mackie's - Scotland's Wind Powered Ice Cream Company" »

Posted by Green Dude at 06:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 06:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 05:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 05:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "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. " ...

Posted by Green Tech at 10:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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 aability 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" »

Posted by Green Dude at 05:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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."

"... 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. ..."

Posted by Green Dude at 05:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "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. " ...

Posted by Green Tech at 05:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Green Dude at 06:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Posted by Green Dude at 05:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Iqua has created and marketed the first Solar powered Bluetooth Headset.

" ... first solar-powered Bluetooth headset in the world. ... has got a photovoltaic cell that uses any available light - outdoors and indoors - to charge itself and extend the operation times of the headset ..."

" ... Iqua SUN to be selected as an “Innovations 2008 Design and Engineering Award” honoree in the Wireless Handsets Accessories product category. ..."

Via:  Iqua.com   Link 

Posted by Green Dude at 05:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "The University now buys 10 percent of its electrical power from renewable sources - mostly wind and biogas energy - through the Wisconsin Public Service Corporation's NatureWise program. Mary Ann Cofrin Hall on campus also uses solar power to generate electricity for the building and incorporates other energy-saving technologies. Special roofing materials and a thin film of photovoltaic material in the glass of the Wintergarden Atrium produce the electricity. " ...

Posted by Green Tech at 05:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Radnor Township (Delaware Country, Pa) recently opened their new Middle School.  It was designed from the ground up to be environmentally friendly as well as to provide a healthy environment for the students and staff.

Some of the energy saving features include: " ... Geothermal heating and cooling, ...'green roof' with plants that absorb storm-water, keep the building cool, and give off oxygen, Waterless urinals and motion-activated sinks, Motion sensors that adjust / turn off classroom lights reducing electrical load..."

" ... is the only green-roof school in Delaware County [PA]  ... . is eligible to receive LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council ..."

Via:  PhiladelphiaSustainabilityAwards.com   Link

Continue reading "Radnor (Delaware County, PA) Schools Go Green" »

Posted by Green Dude at 05:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Happy Earth Day from Greentechnolog!

Earth Day stared in 1970  (did you know that?). 

There is no one official Earth Day as it is a movement without an official HQ.  For more on the origins of Earth Day ... Link

Please do something GREEN today ... For ideas LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Friends Select, an independent Quaker school in center city Philadelphia, Pa, is constructing a thermal energy system,.

Drilling holes " ... 1,500 feet below the sidewalk ... in search of energy savings."

" ... will use the ambient temperature of the ground, about 50 degrees, to heat and cool the Quaker-run office complex."

" ... costing $1.3 million, ... will help eliminate the center's emissions of greenhouse gases and cut its energy costs by an estimated 46 percent. The payback period: six to eight years."

Via:  www.philly.com   Link

Posted by Green Dude at 06:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Farm-Way of Bradford, Vermont is a family business - family owned and operated. 

They have also decided to make an investment in solar panels.  "Farm-Way and Vermont Gear have pledged over $400,000 in solar panels to “ Gro Solar” company in White River Jct Vermont. We will be generating approximately 60 KW of power, which is equivalent to 43% of our electrical power consumption. ..."

" ... our system will allow our local electrical service to avoid 76,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year ,  ... reductions from the utility power annually of NOX @ 84 pounds  and sulfur dioxide @200 pounds."

" ... will ... monitor at our entryway and also linking our web site to the data and output information in real time,  ... continually updated views of the systems output and easily understood information on the benefits of solar."
 

Via:  EcoWorks - Vermont Gear Link

Continue reading "Vermont's Farm-Way goes "Solar"" »

Posted by Green Dude at 07:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

There seems to be a lot of energy in waves.  Anyone who has body surfed them in from the sea to the beach knows that.  So how do you get electric from this potential?

EMEC, in Orkney, Scotland is hoping to answer this question.

"... established to help the evolution of marine energy devices from the prototype stage into the commercial market place.... by harnessing the power of waves and tidal streams."

" ...  first centre of its kind ... anywhere in the world, ... opportunity to test full scale prototype devices in unrivalled wave and tidal conditions. ... connected to the National Grid via seabed cables running from open-water test berths. ..."

Via: EMEC (European Marine Energy Centre)  Link

Continue reading "Scotland Prototypes Electric from Waves" »

Posted by Green Dude at 05:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

March 11, 2008 - FAIRLESS HILLS, Pa. -Presidential Candidate Obama spoke at the US site of Spanish Wind Turbine Company Gamesa.

" ... spoke in a cavernous facility that ... is home to an arm of the Spanish company Gamesa, which makes giant turbines that generate electricity ... "

"Obama repeated his call to spend $150 billion over 10 years to create "a green energy sector." He said it would "create up to 5 million new jobs, including jobs in Pennsylvania.""

"We should be building windmills all across the country,... " 

Via:  news.yahoo.com  Link

Continue reading "Obama Speaks in PA About Green Energy @ Wind Turbine Plant" »

Posted by Green Dude at 05:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Green House Data is " ... one of the only 100% Wind powered GREEN data centers in the nation. ... our green data center design is 60% more energy efficient than the average data center in the U.S."

"... perfect combination -- an environmentally responsible data center, lower than average prices, and above average professional service ... first facility will be located in Cheyenne, Wyoming .. Wyoming's first enterprise class computing center."

Via: Green Housde Data Center  Link

Continue reading "Green House Data - Green Data Center" »

Posted by Green Dude at 06:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Seeking to show that they can be both innovative and integrate traditional practices ... Abu Dhabi is planning aGREEN city in the desert.

" ... six square kilometres plans to achieve zero carbon dioxide emissions and zero waste ..."

" ... completion by late 2009, ... part of a series of projects adopted by the emirate recently to curb the greenhouse gas effect on the climate."

Abu Dhabi also plans a 100-megawatt solar power plant. ... expandable to 500 mega-watts, with a target to generate enough power for 500,000 households ..."

Via:  Gulf News   Link

Posted by Green Dude at 08:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

 Solar panels are becoming more common; almost mainstream.

  What is now needed is a way to boost the efficiency or redue the manufacturing cost.

"Nanosolar is a global leader in solar power innovation. ...  setting the standard for affordable green power with solar cell technology of distinctly superior cost efficiency, versatility, and availability."

"Leveraging ... nanostructured materials, we have developed a critical mass of engineering advances that profoundly change the cost efficiency and production scalability of solar electricity cells and panels."

Via:  Nanosolar.com   Link

Continue reading "Nanosolar" »

Posted by Green Dude at 01:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "The bottom line is that Linvill thinks Nevada could meet its growing energy demand without new coal-fired plants. " ...

Posted by Green Tech at 06:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Wind powered sailing ships are not new - the first effective ships to cross the oceans were wind powered vessels.  Now with crude oil reaching and passing the $US100 / bbl mark they are getting closer attention as a viable "assist" to modern freight vessels.

"... SkySails represents the only suitable model: no bothersome masts on deck, no restriction of stowage space, no hindrances to loading and discharging, no risk to the crew, cargo or ship as well as reliable overall performance. ... wind energy ... makes it possible to provide relief to the main engine ... when the sail is scaled up to 320 square metres ... potential savings of 20 to 30 percent are definitely feasible and realistic. ..."

An interesting observation is that in the picture to the left the vessel is carrying wind turbine equipment!

Via:  SkySails   Link 

Via:  The Beluga Group  Link

Posted by Green Dude at 05:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

 
Green Fuel for airplanes! 

Green Flight International has made history buy having "... completed the world's first Jet aircraft flight powered by 100% biofuel ..."

They are planning an around the world approx. 22,000 nautical mile flight to further demonstrate their capabilities.  The date has not yet been set but he flight will "... set an example to the International community that it is possible to implement Alternative energy into mainstream transportation sources."

Green Flight International is based in Apopka, Florida.

Via:  Green Flight International Link

Continue reading "Bio-Diesel Flight Around the World" »

Posted by Green Dude at 07:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

" ... Carolina Plantation Rice ... is the first and only business in South Carolina to be recognized nationally as being Green-e certified as an environmentally friendly user of renewable energy."

" ... purchases renewable energy from Pee Dee Electric Cooperative in the form of “Green Power” to irrigate and process its crops ... Green Power is electricity generated from landfill gas."

“"Our customer base is a very aware group of people who are environmentally concerned,” ...  All our packaging is biodegradable. It’s natural.” "

Via:  Electric Cooperative of South Carolina   Link

Posted by Green Dude at 06:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

New York City is hosting the Greener Gadget Conference on Feb 1, 2008.  The one day event details:
 

10am - 6pm
McGraw-Hill Conference Center
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York City, NY

"... industry leaders, entrepreneurs, [and others] ... will gather to discuss the business case for the greening of the consumer electronics industry. ... featuring ...  consumer electronics companies ..., innovators from academic thinktanks, members of startups ... and some of the leading minds in the word of sustainable design and business. Topics to be addressed include: design for sustainability, product life cycle management, take-back and recycling programs, energy efficiency, greener materials, and green lifestyle and product marketing. An attached gallery space will feature a green prototype office display and technology exhibits from companies on the cutting edge of green tech."

" ... will showcase revolutionary design and tech innovations that will shape the future of the consumer electronics and change your world... for the better."

• "Environmental initiatives from leading consumer electronics companies, such as take-back and recycling programs"
• "New environmentally sensitive materials, product lifecycle and design for sustainability"
• "Innovations in renewable energy technologies, such as fuel cells, kinetic energy, wind and solar power"

Via:  GreenerGadgets.com  Link

Continue reading "Greener Gadgets Conference in N.Y.C. Feb 1, 2008" »

Posted by Green Dude at 07:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Students at Maine's Unity College have taken on the high cost of diesel and are reusing waste cooking oil.  They fill up their diesel cars with used cooking oil from the school cafeteria.  The care are set up with one tank for diesel and one for used cooking oil.

Read on for more >>>>

Typically "... starts ... on diesel a... until ... waste vegetable oil (WVO) tank has reached 160 degrees. ...then ... switches over to the “grease” tank."

" ... students formed the Grease Car Club and work together to pick up, filter and store the grease."

" ... students say they get up to 45 miles per gallon from the waste vegetable oil and the engine runs smoother on it. They say the reduction in carbon and particulate emissions more than offsets the higher nitrogen oxide emissions."

Continue reading "School Car Club "Runs on Cooking Oil"" »

Posted by Green Dude at 06:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"The Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn has just installed a 76,000-sq-ft solar roof, ... touted to be “one of the most sustainable mass transportation sites ever built in the U.S.,”..."

" ... 2,730 building integrated photovoltaic panels that create a shelter  ... panels are each 5′ by 20′, made of silicon thin-film, which is less costly to install than other solar panels because it requires minimal framing.  

"... providing 250,000 kilo-watt hours of power to the station each year, ... and ... the transparent roof of panels that lets in plenty of natural light."

Via:  Inhabitat  Link

Continue reading "Solar Subway Stop in Coney Island, NY" »

Posted by Green Dude at 07:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

 
Antarctica is probably one of the last pure pristine place on earth.  It is also home to the Belgian research station Princess Elizabeth, in Utsteinen, Antarctica. 

Can the two exist in harmony?  Can a research station be GREEN?

Read on for more >>>

"... will use only 20% of the energy used by a comparable station. Heating will be done via a mixture of passive and active systems, including a heat recovery system ..."

Via: Inhabitat  Link

Continue reading "Zero Emision Research Station" »

Posted by Green Dude at 06:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Here is an interesting idea ... harness the body heat from commuters to warm a building.  instead of radiating into the air ... an interesting idea in Sweden uses that heat to heat a new nearby office building.  

>>> Read on for more.

" ... heat from hundreds of thousands ...  will be used to heat a new office building..."

Continue reading "Sweden's "People Powered Heating" System for Buildings" »

Posted by Green Dude at 08:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"GE Energy Financial Services, PowerLight Corporation and Catavento Lda ... will build the world's largest solar photovoltaic power project. The 11-megawatt solar power plant, comprising 52,000 photovoltaic modules, ... in Serpa, Portugal, ... one of Europe's sunniest areas."

"... will produce electricity sufficient to power 8,000 homes and save more than 30,000 tons a year in greenhouse gas emissions compared with equivalent fossil fuel generation."

"... PowerLight's PowerTracker(R) ...patented tracking technology follows the sun ... generating more electricity than conventional fixed-mount systems. " 

Via:  RenewableEnergyAccess   Link

Continue reading "Portugal to Build World's Largest Solar Powr Plant" »

Posted by Green Dude at 11:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The normal process is to burn a hydrocarbon and get CO2.  A possible novel new process would turn the CO back into a Hydrocarbon. 

CO2 ==> CO ==> Hydrocarbon ... just add concentrated sunlight!  Pretty neat!  

"... research team from Sandia National Laboratories is building a prototype ... to chemically “reenergize” carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide ... carbon monoxide could then be used to make hydrogen or ... combustible fuel, such as methanol or even gasoline, diesel and jet fuel."

"... Counter Rotating Ring Receiver Reactor Recuperator (CR5, for short), ..."

"... “Sunshine to Petrol” (S2P). “Liquid Solar Fuel” is the end product — the methanol, gasoline, or other liquid fuel made from water and the carbon monoxide produced using solar energy."

Continue reading "Possible Route to Hydrocarbon Fuel from Air" »

Posted by Green Dude at 06:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "The 130,000-square-foot, highly automated manufacturing and distribution center will produce the reflectors, towers, absorber tubes, and other key components of the company's solar thermal power plants. Solar thermal power plants use fields of mirrors to capture the sun's power to produce electricity without pollution. " ...

Continue reading "Solar Thermal Manufacturing Capacity to Come Onstream in 2008" »

Posted by Green Tech at 01:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "Development of a new paradigm for controlling the microstructure of thin-film silicon, which will improve stability and efficiency and lower the cost of nanocrystal silicon photovoltaic cells. Led by professor Uwe Kortshagen, department of mechanical engineering, Institute of Technology. Amount awarded: $732,032. " ...

Continue reading "Renewable Energy Research Projects Funded" »

Posted by Green Tech at 10:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The New Belgium Brewery has many green aspects to their business ... In addition to their own waste water treatment plant ... they product their own methane!

"...  installation of its own process water treatment facility. ...  allows us to clean our process waters ...  without burdening the municipal system.... "

" ... byproduct of this process is the production of methane. ... capture this methane and pipe it back into ... a combined heat and power engine that produces both electrical and thermal energy. ... power about 10% of the brewery with this byproduct ..."

Via:  New Belgium Beer   Link

Posted by Green Dude at 05:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The citizens of Seattle, Washington have several green power options.  Seattle has a long history of grren power ... in 1905 they built their first hydroelectric plant.

• "Buy green power for a portion of your electricity through City Light's Green Up Program"
  

  >>> This allows customers to pay an additional amount to get up to 100% of their power from renewable sources.

  
  
• "Pay a little more on your bill to support renewable energy demonstrations, including local solar electricity projects, through City Light's Green Power Program".
  

  >>> This funds demonstrations of renewable energy methods not curently bieung used in Seattle.

  
  

Via:  City Light Power  Link
 

Posted by Green Dude at 05:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "Promising technologies already exist that could be developed to deliver renewable energy cheaper than coal. We think the time is ripe to build rapidly on the tremendous work on renewable energy. For example, I believe that solar thermal technology provides a very plausible path to generating cheaper electricity. By combining talented technologists, great partners and large investments, we have an opportunity to quickly push this technology forward. Our goal is to build 1 gigawatt of renewable energy capacity that is cheaper than coal. " ...

Continue reading "Google Renewable Energy Initiative Requires Talent to Accelerate Existing Technologies" »

Posted by Green Tech at 07:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"Silda Wall Spitzer, ... wants to turn the governor's mansion ... into a modern model of energy efficiency ... “Greening the Mansion” will cut its electrical energy consumption by 50% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by half.

Highlights include:

* solar panels
* a fuel cell to  replace back up dielsel powered generator
* energy efficient appliances

Via:  TreeHugger.com   Link

Continue reading "New York Governor's Mansion Goes Green" »

Posted by Green Dude at 05:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Al Gore has joined the Silocn Valley venture capital firs Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers.  He joins "... as a partner focused on alternative energy investments.

 Furthering his green bent Gore indicated that "...100 percent of his salary as a partner at Kleiner Perkins will be donated directly to the Alliance for Climate Protection ..."

Via:  Rueters   Link

Continue reading "Al Gore Joins KPC&B to Focus on Alternative Energy" »

Posted by Green Dude at 05:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Carry your laptop and other electronics in a cool looking bag and have a handy source of never ending power at the same time.  

"Eclipse Solar Gear is a leading source of innovative solar charging cases  ...patented line of solar backpacks ... designed to charge the batteries of common handheld electronics ..."

"... a solar backpack or any solar charger can extend the use of your personal electronics and contribute to the protection of the environment.  ..."

Via:  eclipsesolargear.com   Link 

Posted by Green Dude at 05:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

MARK YOUR CALENDARS for Oct 7th, 2007!

The ASES (American Solar Energy Society) National Solar Tour is Saturday Otc. 7, 2007 all across the USA.

As the green dude is from PA and the green tech is from NJ let's see what is planned for those states ...

"... ASES National Solar Tour is the largest tour of sustainable energy features for buildings in the U.S.  Now in its 12^th year, some 100,000 people ... see how neighbors are using clean sources of energy to save on energy bills and protect the environment. Through a series of open-houses and informative tours participants learn about renewable energy options, energy efficient design, real-world costs, current rebates available, and other valuable insights."

Look for a report later in the month ...  

PA ASES Solar Tour   Link

NJ ASES Solar Tour  Link

Via:  ASES  Link

Posted by Green Dude at 05:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

BP is committed to alternative power solutions.  In addition to manufacturng Solar panels they have partnered with several groups to make it easier to buy (with Home Depo).

>>>  Read on for more.

In 2005, "... expanded state-of-the-art facility in Frederick, Md. to more than double our production of solar panels. ... contains all of the elements of solar product manufacturing processes. These are vertically integrated to ensure the overall quality of the finished products. ... In fact, BP already is one of the world's largest producers of solar panels." 

See photo at right.

"Residential customers in southern California can visit one of many of The Home Depot® centers and purchase a complete home solar system via the BP Solar Home Solution program. ... [also] available in New Jersey, California and New York."

Posted by Green Dude at 04:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

One way to make your home green is with Solar Lighting.  In new houses this can be designed in - but what about an older house?

Sunlight Direct technology uses the sun to bring sunlight into home.  How ?

Read on for more information ...

"... Hybrid Solar Lighting (HSL) technology uses a solar concentrator to collect and distribute sunlight ... via plastic optical fibers.  Sunlight Direct is proud to be the exclusive provider of Hybrid Solar Lighting systems in the United States and abroad."

"How much light can one system deliver? - .  ... HSL3010 system can deliver 50,0000 lumens ... equivalent to approximately 17 fluorescent lamps or 45 PAR38 60W halogen lamps."

"Why not just use a skylight? -  Skylights ... function as a simple means of bringing natural light into a building.  ... skylights have a number of drawbacks that can limit their application, ... These can include:

- Significant source of heat loss or heat gain

- Can constrain design of building shape and orientation

- Susceptible to water leakage

- Not appropriate for low ceilings

- A source of light pollution at night

- Cannot be easily turned off

- Security concerns

 

To see locations of Beta Sites ... Link
 

Via:  SunlightDirect.com  Link

Posted by Green Dude at 05:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

What can be accomplished in a Green Building?? 

Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio,  takes a careful look ...

>>> Their Adam Joseph Lewis Center for Environmental Studies is detailed below ...

"... was conceived as a demonstration project, ... designed to be a building that would teach. Lessons embodied in its technology and design choices are intended to reinforce those taught in its classrooms. ... "

"...Efforts to research the AJLC's evolution are well underway, providing ongoing opportunities to educate a variety of audiences, including Oberlin College students, regional kindergarten through high school students, other university students and faculty, architecture and design professionals, and lay audiences."

"With over 150 environmental sensors installed throughout the building and landscape, the AJLC's data monitoring and display system provides a unique opportunity to visualize in real-time the flows of energy and cycling of matter that are necessary to support the built environment. ... premise of this work is that real-time feedback on ecological performance increases awareness, ... feedback of this type may be a necessary prerequisite for facilitating a more sustainable relationship among humans, technology and the natural world."

 
Some building details ...

"Energy - Photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof ... meet a substantial fraction of the building's energy needs. Solar energy production is coupled with energy efficient lighting, heating, and appliances to minimize negative environmental impact."

"Heating, Cooling & Air Quality - ... both active and passive systems, ...provides a comfortable working environment ... Active systems use mechanical equipment to extract and move heat, while passive systems do so with a minimum of mechanical devices."

"Landscape - ... landscape features a variety of constructed ecosystems that simulate native Northern Ohio ecosystems and incorporate cultigens that produce food for humans."

"Living Machine & Water Use - ... is an ecologically engineered system that combines elements of conventional wastewater technology with the purification processes of wetland ecosystems to treat and recycle the building's wastewater for reuse in the toilets and landscape."

"Weather Conditions - A weather station ... monitoring real-time conditions and trends for a variety of environmental variables."

"

Materials - Materials ... elected to enhance its sustainability and were evaluated based on criteria that required less energy inputs, encouraged local production and distribution, and supported creative economic structures."

Via:  Oberlin.edu   Link

Posted by Green Dude at 05:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

New Jersey's Clean Energy Conference,on September 27 - 28, 2007 will honor nominees that are saving energy and advancing the state of clean energy in New Jersey.  The winner will be named at the conference. 

Nominees include Home Builders, Colleges and Universities, and Vendors. 

The annual conference is in it's 3rd year.  " ...brings together ... leading energy professionals and businesses to learn, network, and discuss the issues shaping the energy market and the New Jersey energy market in particular."

" ... provides an excellent forum ... to learn more about the economics of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies and how to hedge against rising energy costs, to leverage the financial and environmental benefits of clean energy."

" .. Conference ... has been expanded to 2 days. New workshops and programs are being added ... A special Municipal track and evening networking session will be the focus of day 1. Day 2 will have new workshops and sessions and the luncheon presentation of the Clean Energy Leadership Awards. ... "

"... Special workshops include:"

• "New Jersey's Energy Master Plan"
• "Energy Project Financing"
• "Combined Heat and Power"
• "Renewable Energy Certificate Markets"
• "Green Building Design"
• "Clean Energy Strategies to Reduce your Carbon Footprint"
• "Energy Programs for Municipalities"
  

Via:   NewJerseyCleanEnergy.com   Link

Posted by Green Dude at 05:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Aug 30, 2007 -
"... Governor Edward G. Rendell today unveiled plans for ...
a new solar energy power station that will be the fourth-largest facility of its kind in the country and the largest east of Arizona when operations begin next April."

"... announcement shows that affordable, secure and alternative sources of power are available
now and will result in a cleaner environment, competitive energy prices and the reduction of our
dependence on foreign fuel," said Governor Rendell. ... "

"... Rendell announced that Exelon Generation Company LLC has signed a 20-year power purchase
agreement for the energy ... with EPURON LLC, a subsidiary the
world's largest solar integration company Conergy AG. ... plans for more than 16,500 solar panels to be built on 16.5-acres, ... capturing the sun's rays and converting them into electricity."

"... will produce approximately 3,700 megawatt hours of power, enough to meet the annual energy requirements of 300-350 homes ... emission levels of carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide
... reduced by the equivalent benefit of planting 33 acres of trees every year."


For more info on EPURON GmbH, Link

For more info on Excelon Link

For more information on Governor Rendell's Energy Independence
Strategy, visit http://www.depweb.state.pa.us.

Via:  PR News Wire   Link 

Posted by Green Dude at 05:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Green companies want to be "green" throughout their supply chain ... including their ISP.

>>> Read on to lean more and see the profile of one Green ISP ....

"AISO.Net is a ... green web hosting company. We have made a strong commitment to help fight pollution and preserving our natural resources. Solar panels run our data center and office, not energy credits."

"Solar tubes bring in natural light ... during the day. AMD Opteron powered servers use sixty percent less energy and generate fifty percent less heat. These are just some of the ways AISO.Net is becoming the world's most responsible green web hosting company."

"... data center is environmentally friendly in design. It is completely steel framed with no wood at all except for the door frames on the interior of the building. Our walls are over 12 inches thick and filled with insulation that has recycled content. We built our data center, network and servers from the start to use the lowest amount of energy possible using the latest green design techniques, no other hosting company can do what we do without starting from scratch. We use solar tubes to bring in natural sunlight which eliminates the use for conventional lighting during the day. Our cooling systems are water cooled which reduces the amount of electricity because of the unique setup."

" We are in the process of designing a green roof for our data center. The green roof is a layer of dirt 3 to 4 inches thick with drought resistant plants. The new green roof will reduce our cooling and heating requirements by over 50%."

 Via:  AISO.com  Link

Posted by Green Dude at 05:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ethanol ... Alcohol made from ... Corn!

Ethanol ... Alcohol made from ... Milk?

Read on to learn more ...

"Fonterra, a New Zealand dairy cooperative, has started producing 30,000 liters of ethanol a day, which are being sold in Gull petrol stations around the country."

"New Zealand has had quite a few successful eco-initiatives in the past, ... plan to be the first carbon-neutral country ...".

"They also set a national target of 3.4% biofuel content for gas and diesel by 2012."

Posted by Green Dude at 05:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "The panels on the roof of Walters Hall will supply 15.4 kw of energy, or about 1.5 percent of the college’s total energy needs. That translates to about one-eighth of the annual energy consumption in Walters Hall, home to ESF’s Department of Paper and Bioprocess Engineering. More photovoltaic panels will be installed on the newly renovated Baker Laboratory this fall. When energy from the PV system is added to energy provided by ESF’s carbonate fuel cell, which is capable of providing about 17 percent of the college’s electricity needs, alternative, renewable energy sources will provide at least 20 percent of the college’s needs. " ...

Via State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry: Photovoltaic panels to supply over 15 kilowatts

Posted by Green Tech at 08:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

What can an individual do to generate clean power?  Not everyone is in a position financially or other) to put up solar panels or a wind turbine or a hydro power facility.

>>BUT:   If you live in New Jersey (and other states including Pennsylvania) you can choose to have part of your electricity generated from these sources.

Sound appealing?  Read on ...

"... CleanPower Choice Program ... is a statewide program that allows you to choose clean, renewable sources of energy. ... you're choosing to support ... renewable energy sources that diversify our energy supply ... Solar power. Wind power. Low-impact or small hydro power. Landfill gas power. Clean power, that's good for the environment, good for the climate, and good for New Jersey."

Via:  NJCleanPower.com   Link

Posted by Green Dude at 06:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Some Pensylvania municipalities are making a go of becoming more green.  Most townships over a certain population must recycle - that is the law.  Others are taking it to the next level.

Read on about Tredyffrin Township in Penmnsylvania. 

"In December, 2006, the ... Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution committing to the Pennsylvania Clean Energy Communities Campaign. ... a partnership between the Pennsylvania Sustainable Development Fund and SmartPower, ... whose purpose is to assist communities in the support and purchase of clean, renewable energy. Their goal is to help Tredyffrin Township qualify as Clean Energy Community. Once we have qualified, we will receive a free 1 kW solar energy system worth $10,000 to put on any building of our choice. Tredyffrin Township has already taken the first step towards becoming a Pennsylvania Clean Energy Community by passing a resolution committing to use 20% clean energy for all municipal buildings and facilities by 2010.

For more details on the PEnnsylvania Clean Energy Comunities Campaign follow this Link 

Via:  Tredyffrin Township (PA) Tredyffrin Times Newletter - Spring 2007   Link 

Posted by Green Dude at 06:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "Our plan to neutralize Google's carbon footprint includes three basic strategies: reduce energy consumption by maximizing efficiency; invest in and use renewable energy sources; and purchase carbon offsets for the emissions that we can't reduce directly. " ...

Via Official Google Blog: Google Plans Carbon Neutrality by end of 2007

Posted by Green Tech at 07:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Steve Glenn (founder of PeopleLink Inc.) has built the first LEED Platinum certified residential house in the US.  It offers many unique features - though the house was not inexpensive. 

"... house is the prototype for LivingHomes.  ... sells prefabricated houses with this design by architect Ray Kappe, for about $250 per square foot (not including land, site development, or transportation).  ...  green features add about 20% to the base cost of the home and generate about $1,500 in savings per year.  (disclaimer: these are all estimates, but if you take these figures seriously, there is no breakeven on a 30 year mortgage...but this calculation comes with a load of assumptions.)"

Among the features and approx costs:

• "Recycled Water System:  $20,000
  

• Ventilation (whole house ceiling fan from Tamarack Technologies):  $1,200
• Fireplace (EcoSmart fireplace from Fire Co. is flue-less):  $?
• Hot Water (radiant heating system by Apricus Solar):  $33,000
• Living Roof (garden & deer grass roof by Great Outdoors Landscaping):  $8,000
• Electricity (Scott Corp. photovoltaic panels for up to 80% of house needs):  $12,000 (after $13,000 in state rebates & federal tax credits). 
• Lighting (bright bars of light diodes from American Permalight):  $95 per bar
• Windows (double-pane glass from Pilkington Group & sliding doors from Fleetwood Windows and Doors):  $33,000 for entire house.

  

To see a slide show follow the Link to a BusinessWeek site. 

To see a video of the the home being build follow the Link to www.livinghomes.us

Via:  BusinessWeek   Sept. 11, 2006   Link 

Posted by Green Dude at 06:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"Paramount Farms, ... tomorrow (May 23, 2007) will start up a $7.5 million 1.1-megawatt solar farm spread across eight acres.  ... the largest solar farm on an agricultural site in the United States .... Over the next year, ... will generate about 15 percent of the electricity used by the ... nut processing plant."

"The panels will be amorphous silicon, not the photovoltaic panels popular on house roofs and also many other solar power farms in the United States.

Posted by Green Dude at 06:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "Illinois State University’s Board of Trustees approved a new bachelor’s degree in renewable energy, which will include a technical sequence and an economics and public policy sequence. The degree is a multi-disciplinary undergraduate major that provides a broad overview of renewable energy industries. Renewable energy is a fast-growing industry that will call for many new workers in the future. The degree will be administered by the Department of Technology ... " ...

Via Illinois State University: New Renewable Energy Degree

Posted by Green Tech at 06:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Electricity users in New Jersey (that means JUST ABOUT EVERYONE) can choose to use "clean power".  It's easy to do and good for the environment.

"... is a statewide program that allows you to choose clean, renewable sources of energy. ... Solar power. Wind power. Low-impact or small hydro power. Landfill gas power. Clean power, that's good for the environment, good for the climate, and good for New Jersey. ... Importantly, the ... Office of Clean Energy verifies that renewable energy is delivered into the Mid Atlantic power pool that serves your needs. ... Also, each household that participates in the CleanPower Choice Program can reduce CO2 emissions by over 10,000 lbs. per year, which is equivalent to planting 1.35 acres of trees!*"

"*This is an estimate that varies by product selection and household energy usage."

For more information see the programs FAQs Link

Some of the Clean Power Providers are:

Via:  New Jersey Clean Power Choice Program   Link 

Posted by Green Dude at 05:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It's that time of year when stockholders are getting deluged with annual reports and related materials.  That means lots of paper.  

Many companies are allowing stockholders to receive all shareholder / proxy materials in electronic form ....

 But suppose you feel the need to feel the paper ... Can an annual report be "green"?
>>> GE might be getting close ...

From GE's 2006 Annual Report:  " ... This document was printed on paper that contains from 10% to 100% post-consumer material. The majority of the power utilized was renewable energy, produced with GE’s wind and biogas technologies, and powered by GE steam engines and turbine engines. The paper was supplied by participants of the Sustainable Initiative Programs. GE employed a printer that produces all of its own electricity and is a verified totally enclosed facility that produces virtually no volatile organic compound emissions."

"Visit our interactive online annual report at www.ge.com/annual06 "

So - here's the big question:

Do you chose paper or electronic?  Sort of a twist on the old paper or plastic question they ask at the supermarket! 

Via:  GE.com    Link

Posted by Green Dude at 06:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Premieres April 17th, 2007 @ 9 pm EST. 

Presenting  "the GREEN: big ideas for a SMALL PLANET (TM)".

Robert Redford, has announced the launch of Sundance Channel Green. ... will "present original series and documentary premieres about the earth’s ecology and concepts of 'green' living that balance human needs with responsible environmental stewardship."

"Programming ... will include:"

"1. Original Series: Change Agents: a high energy, story and character-driven documentary series about the people and projects that are on the front lines of environmental sustainability and innovation."

"2. Interstitial Series: Sundance Channel will launch several interstitial series that will highlight a range of environmental issues and offer viewers innovative suggestions to effect change in their own lives."

"3. Documentaries: The block will feature compelling feature length documentary premieres and news specials on environmental subjects."

Tune in to Episode 1:  A Crude Awakening.

The Sundance Channel   Link
 

Via:  Treehugger.com   Link 

Posted by Green Dude at 05:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "Over the last year, the companies have been collaborating on ways to leverage Tyson's advanced knowledge in protein chemistry and production with ConocoPhillips' processing and marketing expertise to introduce a renewable diesel to the United States. Tyson will make capital improvements this summer in order to begin pre-processing animal fat from some of its North American rendering facilities later in the year. ConocoPhillips also will begin the necessary capital expenditures to enable it to produce the fuel in several of its refineries. The finished product will be renewable diesel fuel mixtures that meet all federal standards for ultra-low-sulfur diesel. Production is expected to ramp up over time to as much as 175 million gallons per year of renewable diesel. " ...

Via Conoco-Phillips: Strategic Alliance To Produce Next Generation Renewable Diesel Fuel

Posted by Green Tech at 06:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

A Given:  Wind Power is one solution to our energy needs.
 
Good:  Off Shore Windmills
Better:  FAR off shore Windmills where the winds are stronger and the windmills are not visible?

A Problem:  NIMBY (who can blame them?)

The Solution:  Part windmill.  Part floating platform. 

"Offshore wind turbines are an excellent source of power that could potentially serve hundreds of thousands of consumers ... (using) floating platforms hundreds of miles out to sea, where the winds are even stronger? That is where Paul D. Sclavounos comes in. The MIT professor of mechanical engineering and naval architecture spent decades designing and analyzing large floating structures for deep-sea oil and gas exploration."

"... could work in water depths ranging from 30 to 200 meters, Sclavounos said. In the Northeast, they could be 50 to 150 kilometers from shore. And the turbine atop each platform could be big, which is an economic advantage in the wind-farm business. The MIT-NREL design assumes a 5.0 megawatt (MW) experimental turbine now being developed by industry. (Onshore units are 1.5 MW; conventional offshore units are 3.6 MW.)"

"  ... Computer simulations show in hurricane conditions the ... bottom of the turbine blades would remain well above the peak of even the highest wave."

"... Because of the strong offshore winds, the floating turbines should produce up to twice as much electricity per year (per installed megawatt) as wind turbines now in operation. And because the wind turbines do not permanently attach to the ocean floor, they are a movable asset. If a company with 400 wind turbines serving the Boston area needs more power for New York, it can unhook some of the floating turbines and tow them south."

Via:   ISA     Link  and
         MIT    Link

Posted by Green Dude at 07:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

 In addition to using Solar Power (see GreenTechnolog Blog) Whole Foods Market is big on Wind Power. 

"In January, 2006, we made a landmark purchase of renewable energy credits from wind farms to offset 100% of the electricity used in all of our stores, facilities, bakehouses, distribution centers, regional offices and national headquarters in the United States and Canada. This is the largest wind energy credit purchase in the history of North America and makes Whole Foods Market the only Fortune 500 Company purchasing wind energy credits to offset 100% of its electricity use."

Via:  WholeFoodsMarket.com   Link

Posted by Green Dude at 07:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

New York Town Goes Solar!  

Best known for the Woodstock Festival and Concert in 1969 is now on the leading edge of Green Towns.

Via:   Daily Freeman   Link 

Posted by Green Dude at 07:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

General Electric Energy Financial Services recently announced investments in Wind Farms in CA, IL, NM and PA.

"... announced today (19-Feb--07) that it has committed to invest in a 410-megawatt wind farm portfolio, among its single largest wind investments."  Details by State and MegaWatt  are below.

Wind Farm Details (State, MW Rated, Utility Served and Turbine):

"Aragonne Mesa (90 megawatts) in Guadalupe County, New Mexico. Built with Mitsubishi 1000A turbines, Arizona Public Services is the project’s off-taker."

"Allegheny Ridge I and II, (80 and 70 megawatts respectively), in Pennsylvania’s Cambria and Blair counties. FirstEnergy Solutions, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has contracted to purchase the output of the two wind farms, which use Gamesa G87 turbines."

"GSG (80 megawatts), in Illinois’ Lee and LaSalle counties. Using Gamesa G87 turbines, the output will be sold at market prices."

"Mendota Hills (52 megawatts), in Lee County, Illinois. The wind farm uses Gamesa G52 turbines and will sell output at market prices."

"Buena Vista (38 megawatts), in the Altamont Pass area of Northern California. The output is contracted to PG&E Corporation and uses Mitsubishi 1000A turbines."

"All the wind farms have either been completed or will be completed by the end of April, except Allegheny Ridge II, expected to be finished by December."

Via: huliq.com    Link 

Posted by Green Dude at 04:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

 
One of Toyota's newest concept cars is the FT-HS Hybrid.  This hybrid is both fast and relatively inexpensive ...

Read on.

"Pairing a potent hybrid powertrain with essential sports-car fundamentals, the FT-HS is a mid-priced sports car that integrates ecology and emotion in a concept that addresses the question, “What is a suitable sports car for the 21st century?”

"Boasting a powerful V6 3.5L engine, the FT-HS is coupled with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive® to produce a target power output of approximately 400 horsepower and a projected zero-to-60 acceleration in the four-second range. At a mid-priced market position, the FT-HS would be a true “attainable exotic” with 21st-century performance."

While no date is given for delivery to dealerships or even promise that it will go into production it is a very hot hybrid!

Via:  Toyota.Com     Link

Posted by Green Dude at 07:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "Through the 2006 Florida Energy Act, the Florida Legislature appropriated $15 million for renewable energy technologies grants to stimulate capital investment in the state and promote and enhance the statewide utilization of renewable energy technologies, including ethanol and bioenergy. The funding was awarded to eight organizations with at least $5 million to support bioenergy projects and $10 million for projects that generate or utilize other renewable energy resources, including hydrogen, biomass and solar energy. " ...

Via Florida Governor Charlie Crist: State Awards Grants for Renewable Energy Technologies

Posted by Green Tech at 06:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

President Bush views demonstration of plug-in hybrid automobile technology as he strives to confirm if his Twenty in Ten vision is achievable.  ...

... "I also met with people that are working to help us develop a fuel industry that will be able to have ethanol derived from produce other than corn. In other words, I'm talking with people on the leading edge of change. And the reason why I've asked them to come in to see me is because I want to make sure that the goal I set by reducing gasoline usage by 20 percent over a 10-year period is a realistic goal. I know it's a necessary goal: it's necessary for national security purposes; it's necessary for economic security purposes; and it's necessary in order to be good stewards of the environment. My question is, is a practical goal, can we achieve that goal. And the answer is, absolutely. Now, it's going to require continued federal research dollars, and I call upon the Congress to fully fund my request for alternative sources of energy. " ...

Via White House: President Bush Alternative Fuel Automobile Demonstration

Posted by Green Tech at 05:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "The carbon briquettes contain networks of pores and channels that can hold methane at a high density without the cost of extreme compression, ultimately storing the fuel at a pressure of only 500 pounds per square inch, the pressure found in natural gas pipelines.

In addition to efforts to commercialize the technology, the researchers are now focusing on the next generation briquette, one that will store more natural gas and cost less to produce. Pfeifer believes this next generation of briquette might even hold promise for storing hydrogen. " ...

Via US National Science Foundation, NSF: Farm Waste to Fuel Tanks

Posted by Green Tech at 05:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

There's energy in them rocks!  

Thermal (heat) energy in deep rock can be used to generate steam that in turn can be used to generate electricity. 

>>> And best of all it is virtually unlimited .... as long as the earth has a molten core.

Currently GEOTHERMAL is the 3rd largerst source of renewable energy in the United States 

"There are three geothermal power plant technologies being used to convert hydrothermal fluids to electricity. ...dry steam, flash and binary cycle. The type of conversion used depends on the state of the fluid (whether steam or water) and its temperature. "

"The Earth's magma and hot dry rock will provide cheap, clean, and almost unlimited energy as soon as we develop the technology to use them. In the meantime, because they're so abundant, moderate-temperature sites running binary-cycle power plants will be the most common electricity producers."

"Before geothermal electricity can be considered a key element of the U.S. energy infrastructure, it must become cost-competitive with traditional forms of energy. The U.S. Department of Energy is working with the geothermal industry to achieve $0.03 to $0.05 per kilowatt-hour. We believe the result will be about 15,000 megawatts of new capacity within the next decade."

Via:  US Department of Energy, Geothermal Technologies Program    Link 

Posted by Green Dude at 12:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Convert your car to use vegetable oil as fuel. Via Lovecraft Biofuels, see video ...

Posted by Green Tech at 09:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "To encourage renewable fuels, the White House also proposed to allow farmers to harvest biomass crops on 27 million acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program. " ...

Via Illinois Farm Bureau: Energy Crops

Posted by Green Tech at 08:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "In today's world, America faces major challenges, both politically and environmentally, about how we will meet our energy needs. Renewable energy is quickly becoming one of the most sensible solutions. Colorado State University is sponsoring a two-day conference that will educate Cooperative Extension agents and others about the various types of renewable energies that are currently being developed. " ...

Via Colorado State University: Renewable Energy Options Workshop

Posted by Green Tech at 07:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "As an example of this way of working, Scott also announced the company’s intention to introduce Global Innovation Projects - one of which is a challenge for WalMart associates and suppliers to start thinking about how to remove non-renewable energy from the products the company sells. " ...

Via Walmart: Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott Unveils Sustainability 360

Posted by Green Tech at 09:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

If you want to have a "GREEN" Web Hosting Company or use a "GREEN" data center you can!

AISO.Net - formerly Affordable Internet Services Online Inc., is one place to get it.  The are located in Romoland, California.

"AISO.Net is a reliable and responsible green web hosting company.  We have made a strong commitment to help fight pollution and preserving natural resources.  Solar panels run our data center and office, not energy credits."

"Solar tubes bring in natural light from th outside providing light during the day.  AMD Opteron powered servers use sixty percent less energy and generate fifty percent less heat.  These are jut some of the ways AISO.Net is becoming the world's most responsible green web hosting company." 

... "creation of the Governor’s Office on Energy Independence, which will coordinate the state’s efforts to grow Wisconsin’s bio and renewable economies and advise the Governor and cabinet agencies on ways to meet the goals of Wisconsin’s Declaration of Energy Independence. The office will be led by an Executive Director who will report directly to the Governor and include staff from the Departments of Administration Division of Energy (DOA-Energy), Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP), Natural Resources (DNR), and the Public Service Commission. " ...

Via Wisconsin Office of the Governor: Major Investment to Achieve Energy Independence and Fight Global Warming

Posted by Green Tech at 08:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced plans to propose $1.6 billion in new funding for renewable energy, with a focus on cellulosic energy research and production, as part of the Administration's 2007 farm bill proposals. This funding will support President Bush's goal of reducing gasoline usage by 20 percent in the next ten years and will compliment an array of renewable energy-related efforts underway at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. " ...

Via Dept of Agriculture: USDA ANNOUNCES PLAN FOR $1.6 BILLION INVESTMENT IN RENEWABLE FUELS

Posted by Green Tech at 12:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "America Will Reach The President's Twenty In Ten Goal By:

Increasing The Supply Of Renewable And Alternative Fuels By Setting A Mandatory Fuels Standard To Require 35 Billion Gallons Of Renewable And Alternative Fuels In 2017 – Nearly Five Times The 2012 Target Now In Law. In 2017, this will displace 15 percent of projected annual gasoline use.

Reforming And Modernizing Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards For Cars And Extending The Current Light Truck Rule. In 2017, this will reduce projected annual gasoline use by up to 8.5 billion gallons, a further 5 percent reduction that, in combination with increasing the supply of renewable and alternative fuels, will bring the total reduction in projected annual gasoline use to 20 percent. " ...

Via White House, State of Union Address: Twenty In Ten: Strengthening America's Energy Security

Posted by Green Tech at 10:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Columbia MO has accelerated achievement of its own goals for renewable energy as a percentage of the city's power supply portfolio.  Wind power and landfill gas make a significant contribution to the accomplishment.  Solar and biomass projects are on the horizon.  ...

...   "In 2008, Columbia will surpass the 2% level of renewable energy required by the renewable energy ordinance. Columbia Water and Light has agreements for energy produced from wind and landfill gas. With these three projects, the utility will accomplish the 2013 target of 5% by the end of 2008. Total costs of each project will be below the 3% threshold cost set by the ordinance. "   ... 

Via Columbia Water and Light: 2007 Renewable Energy Report (PDF) ...

Posted by Green Tech at 08:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "The grant will be used to renovate laboratories in Riley Robb Hall and to purchase fermenters, incubators and state-of-the-art analytical equipment. It also will improve researchers' abilities to overcome the physical, chemical and biological barriers to liberating sugars from such energy crops as switchgrass, miscanthus and other perennial grasses as well as woody biomass, and to biologically convert these sugars into such biofuels as ethanol, butanol or hydrogen. " ...

Via Cornell Univ: $10 million for biofuel research

Posted by Green Tech at 08:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "It will become a world leading demonstration project integrating well proven renewable energy technologies (solar, wind and geothermal source heat pumps) with hydrogen and fuel cell energy storage technologies. The project, joint funded by Scottish Enterprise, Alsherra Investments and the European Regional Development Fund from the East of Scotland Programme, will work towards meeting the Scottish Executive's targets which will see 18 percent of Scotland's electricity generated by renewables by 2010 rising to 40 percent by 2020. " ...

Via Scottish Enterprise: Scotland Renewable Energy Innovation

Posted by Green Tech at 10:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "Sixteen leaders from EAS will sign a declaration on energy security that is expected to encourage greater use of bio-fuels, reduce the cost of renewable energy and reduce dependence on expensive crude oil. " ...

Posted by Green Tech at 10:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)