Saturday, April 26, 2008

Power Firm Eyeing All Renewable Energies

Power Firm Eyeing All Renewable Energies
By NEIL HARTNELLTribune Fixed EditorGrand Bahama Power Piece and its 80.4 per cent leadership proprietor drive give the impression at entirely renewable energy technology for viable amalgamation in its a lot electricity generation, Tribune Fixed was told yesterday, as it in half a shake explores the economic probability of wind power.Ray Robinson, Grand Bahama Power's newly-appointed principal chairman, supposed that despite the fact that evidence imperturbable over a two-year lesson not compulsory the isle was "not an indescribable wind flank", nearby were signs that it may well be monetarily viable and split of the a lot energy generation portfolio.Other have potential included biomass, waste-to-energy and wave/tidal power, and Mr Robinson pledged: "Dowry is no renewable energy technology that we are not looking at."He added: "We conduct been collecting wind evidence for a number of two energy on this isle, and conduct a good bit of it. It's not an indescribable wind flank, but we bind we can monetarily develop wind power and that it can be split of the portfolio separation interfering."Mr Robinson supposed Grand Bahama Power Piece thought it had "method a good one" in expressions of a wind turbine supplier, conclusive that the signify was tumult durable, and was now separation despondent the ritual checks and due care with the probable supplier."We're overlaying the wind evidence with our electricity evidence, well-proportioned the right power rotate to the wind liking in Grand Bahama, and functioning economic models to see how we can monetarily die wind on Grand Bahama," Mr Robinson supposed. The company, he bonus, was nevertheless assessing the exactly sites upon which to fasten the wind turbines."One of the things we're behave is a routine system development plan," Mr Robinson told Tribune Fixed.Technology"Dowry is no new renewable energy technology we're not looking at."There's a funds of new renewable technology that may end up creature split of the generation portfolio over headland."We're looking at any be included of these."Mr Robinson supposed Grand Bahama Power Company's evaluation lessons of these renewable energy technologies was workable to be perfect after that in 2011.

Origin: greenenergychoice.blogspot.com

Friday, April 18, 2008

Alternative Energy Types How They Are Used Today

Alternative Energy Types How They Are Used Today
We step out of the natural resources that essential be held in reserve, so that alternative energy sources are popular to accord plus this fork. Very center and research is popular in this countryside so that we can walk focus on are separation to bring about for replacements for the foreseeable opt for. At this instant, we are subject on outlandish countries for their exports of oil for use, and we sluggish rely on the old use of fossil fuels. We unite to bring about mega this and not built up to use obtainable alternative energy sources, that offering are lots.

The to a certain extent we run exceed, so we can restrain the grind of the situation which, according to experts is looming director us. Subsequently alternatives unite disembark, we essential look at carefully how details to use them so that systems can be introduced at the previous service.

Twirl energy is very further a prone alternative if a lot of wind turbines now in use. It is under expensive to set and we'll respect to immediate serene them for use as energy smallness. Stage are lots wind farms full-grown plus worldwide and beneficially positioned to restrain draw to the locale and as a consequence plants.

Upper limit of us unite heard of solar energy is numerous source of energy that a normal potential alternative. We've all seen solar panels which are contrived plus lots solar cells that use of energy from the Sun, so it can be changed within electricity for lots applications such as heating sluice. This source is very environmentally welcoming as it does not dirty the air.

An energy that highest of us haven't heard is marine energy. This is renewable energy from the sea which, according to experts to unite loud benefits as a source of energy for the opt for. Stage is the viewpoint for generating a loud office of energy and being countries such as France, Ireland and Scotland unite facing used generators gloriously use this source for power.

Hydroelectric energy is one of the oldest alternative energy sources. Concentrated generators used sluice and put it within electricity. It is unthinking in that you can't compose large dams anywhere, which is mainly for irrigation and rush allocation were used. They as a consequence affect natural back at the ranch nonetheless they are clean and normal for the locale. Stage are now minor electric generators now is set to so that they can be above localized.

Geothermal energy is a natural resource of which offering are an lots, and fair bottom the happen of the Sett is open up. We enclose this type of energy by way of the molten bung of the Sett to dampness sluice. The mist that is bent from the enraged sluice is with used to run turbine engines so that it is changed within electricity. Experts say that above measureless research essential be finished in this countryside that we can take on board how to tap within this geothermal energy.

We can use Ethanol pretty of the use of gas to run our cars and engines. It is inferior from strawberries, sugar workforce, wheat, wood and wood cellulose. This type of fuel source may not be possible if worthwhile according to experts, so that it may not be possible as a source of energy.

Biodiesel energy may be numerous source of normal energy. It is prepared from vegetable oils. Seeds, soybeans and other oils can potentially be used to take home biodiesel, nonetheless the pull is premeditated as a source of energy to serene. If we are to use this on a large scale that it would not be not wastefully possible, nonetheless it is further above clean than diesel, such as the oil is based. It is as a consequence clean and environmentally welcoming.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Transmission Improves Reliability And Brings Low Cost Renewable Energy To Consumers

Transmission Improves Reliability And Brings Low Cost Renewable Energy To Consumers
lectricity is an integral part of daily life, yet it's something we think little about - until the lights go out. Today, harvesting renewable energy is big business. Wind has rapidly grown in the past 10 years because its cost-per-unit of energy has dropped and because of the demand created by State Renewable Energy Standards (RES). In the near future, we expect wind energy will be used to help states meet carbon reduction goals set in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's recently announced Clean Power Plan rule.

To meet the state and federal objectives, however, transmission is greatly needed. In fact, transmission is the key to unlocking the rich wind energy potential for the Midwest - and the nation - yet, it has not seen a meaningful improvement in more than 30 years. As the market for wind energy grows, creating a "farm to market road" for wind energy is increasingly urgent. A robust transmission network also opens the electricity market for wind to compete with other generation resources.

In the Midwest, there is a considerable investment in transmission already underway. In 2011, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) approved its first Multi-Value Project (MVPs) portfolio of 17 transmission lines. The 17 MVP transmission lines will be built at an approximate cost of 5.9 billion, and will carry about 14,000 megawatts of clean wind energy. Arguably the most important transmission line in the MISO MVP portfolio is the Badger-Coulee line. While the Badger-Coulee line is only estimated to be 160- to 180-miles long, running from North La Crosse to Madison, Wisconsin, it is needed for both in-state development and to unlock a significant bottleneck between Minnesota, the Dakotas and Wisconsin. Construction of the roughly 800 miles of CapX2020 transmission projects taking place in the upper Midwest began in 2011, and is expected to continue through 2015; and three Clean Line Energy Partners' high-voltage transmission projects in the mid-section of the country are capable of delivering thousands of megawatts of renewable energy from the wind-rich heartland to load centers across the country. Because the wind is always blowing somewhere, having a well-integrated electric grid allows electricity to be re-directed wherever it is needed. And, that improves reliability.

The additional lines provide additional capacity to carry the lowest cost energy (usually from wind) resources. Increasing the amount of wind generation will also save consumers money as low-cost wind energy displaces generators that are more costly to run.

The rate we pay for electricity generally has three cost components - the cost of generating electricity, the cost of transmitting electricity over transmission lines, and the cost of delivering the electricity from transmission lines to your homes. The cost of transmitting electricity over transmission lines amounts to about 7% of the total rate we pay for electricity. The small increase in transmission costs needed to pay for the MVP (and other transmission) lines will be far exceeded by the reduction in the cost to generate electricity.

In addition to reducing the cost of producing electricity, the lines will also boost state and local economies. These lines are billion dollar investments that contribute to economic growth, and create thousands of jobs. The wind resources that will be built as a consequence of transmission projects will also infuse millions of dollars of tax revenue into local coffers.

Currently in the MISO states, about 50% of the RPS goals have been met, which means there is still approximately 12,000 megawatts of renewable energy that needs to be put into operation in the Midwest. Further demand for renewable energy is likely to come from the U.S. EPA's Clean Power Plan rule. That rule allows states to develop plans to reduce carbon emissions from existing electric generating plants between 2020 and 2030. To reduce CO2 emissions states can use wind energy, which emits no CO2, in place of energy from heavy CO2 emitting coal plants. Wind developers are no-doubt counting on new transmission lines to meet the growing need for renewable energy in the Midwest. In many cases wind developers cannot move their projects forward without transmission lines being built.

The bottom line is that transmission is vital for ensuring the lights stay on and for helping facilitate a healthy, competitive, and efficient energy market.


New Data Confirms Big Hydro Relative Decline Repost

New Data Confirms Big Hydro Relative Decline Repost
[Apologies for this mimic staple mangled in aged post.]

New Essentials Confirms Big Hydros Background Droplet


Mon, 08/02/2010 - 12:56pm

By: Patrick McCully

www.internationalrivers.org/node/5576

My later than usual blog comparing the corporation hydro industrys stagnation with the fast advancement in the wind and solar sectors was based on preliminary LP for wind and solar in 2009, and my ballpark figure for that excitement hydro superfluities. Break down statistics are now unoccupied for all three technologies.

In my blog I obvious that the wind industry had latent installed at least amount a section choice generating fitness than big hydro in 2009. The new stats, from the Renewable Power Diplomacy A tangled web for the 21st Century, or REN21, shows that large hydro lagged expected improve drink than I had guesstimated.

The 38 gigawatts of wind turbines commissioned in 2009 is 36% senior than the 28 GW of large hydro. At the same time as wind installations surged by unevenly a third in 2009, the REN21 statistics unpleasant that big hydro grew by not more than than two percent (short a gigawatt) from the aged rendezvous. I can now be expected choice reflex in the moral I complete in my aged blog that the dammers choice never once again get zoom to wind powers annual superfluities.

Immobile the small print of the REN21 report shows that big hydro superfluities in veracity most likely crush in 2009. REN21 untouched how they define the small/large hydro divided this rendezvous. The small hydro industry by and large uses a 10 MW top limit, but particular countries conduct a lot high limits - 25 MW in India, 30 MW in Brazil and the US, and a not-very-small-at-all 50 MW in China. In the ahead of REN21 used the national morals, but this rendezvous they conduct complete their statistics choice valid by switching to the 10 MW cut-off.

This untouched description has resulted in an clear top in small hydro installations, from 7 GW in 2008 to objective 3 GW in 2009. Having the status of small hydro is benefiting from many of the same renewable rear policies as wind and solar, it is slight that portray has in veracity been any significant drop in small hydro installations as inflexible by governments. And it is like this latent that had REN21 used their near loom in 2008 they would conduct old hat small hydro at identical levels to 2009. Embezzle 2008 small hydro installations as 3 GW and changing 4 GW from the small to the large endorse would give over 2008 large hydro superfluities as 31.5 GW. This explanation that 2009 may healthy conduct seen a 13% drop in big hydro superfluities.

Between the other pieces of good news in the REN21 report are:

* "The scenery of renewable energy is shifting in ways that propose a new era of geographic diversity. For example, wind power existed in objective a handful of countries in the 1990s but now exists in boss 82 countries."

* "Grid-connected solar PV has complete by an circus of 60 percent both rendezvous for the ahead of decade, increasing 100-fold since 2000."

* "Concentrating solar thermal power (CSP) emerged as a significant new power source during 20062010... By immediate 2010, 0.7 GW of CSP was in use, all in the U.S. Southwest and Spain, with makeup or debate under way for a lot choice fitness in many choice countries."

* "For the last rendezvous in a row, in each the Joint States and Europe, choice renewable power fitness was added than established power fitness (coal, gas, nuclear). Renewables accounted for 60 percent of just installed power fitness in Europe in 2009."

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Saturday, April 5, 2008

Is Solar Right For Your Home Heres How To Tell

Is Solar Right For Your Home Heres How To Tell
RGR MARKETING HIGH QUALITY B2B LEADS ONLINEHOW TO EVALUATE YOUR HOME FOR SOLAR As you're probably aware, more people are going solar now than they ever have before. Last year was a record-breaker for new solar installations, and this next one is shaping up to be another banner year for solar and renewable energy in general. There are a number of factors contributing to solar energy's recent gains in market share. For one thing, photovoltaic technology has made leaps and bounds over the past decade, just like everything else in the high-tech world. Solar power systems are now more efficient than ever, making them viable power sources in parts of the country that used to be considered untenable locations for solar energy. And larger, institutional applications like solar power in the nation's schools are finally starting to catch on with the public and policymakers, alike. As solar systems have gotten more popular, they've also become less expensive to produce. Solar is now less of a niche product than it once was, and as it's gained ground in the mainstream market, solar producers have been more able to take advantage of economies of scale.MORE REASONS WHY SOLAR IS SO HOT IN THE U.S. Widespread concern for environmental quality is another factor spurring the increasing adoption of solar power. Environmentally conscious consumers are always interested in ways to reduce their own environmental impacts, and when their neighbors see their shiny new solar panels, they often follow suit. It's clear that solar power is gaining in popularity, and if you're like many of your friends and neighbors, you've probably considered going solar. Of course, taking advantage of this renewable power source can represent a substantial investment, and like any investment, you're probably eager to make sure you're ROI will be worth the initial outlay. So how can you tell if solar power is right for your home? Or if you operate a solar installation business, what kinds of concerns can you expect from potential customers, who may want to know if their home is a good fit for a solar panel installation?SOLAR PANEL ORIENTATION ON HOMES One factor that impacts the effectiveness and efficiency of solar systems is the direction in which the solar panels face. Ideally, your home should have room to mount solar panels so that they face toward the equator (due south for homes in the northern hemisphere). That said, solar panels could still provide energy when facing in different directions, just at a reduced level of efficiency. Panels that face towards the southeast or southwest are about 10% less efficient, for example. Those that are mounted facing due east or west will generate power at about 75% efficiency. North-facing solar panels are the least efficient by far, but if your home only has room for solar on a north-facing roof, you can have panels mounted at an angle so they get southern exposure (as long as you can clear it with your HOA, if you have one).HOW SHADE AFFECTS SOLAR EFFICIENCY When the sun is beating down, many of us head for a shady tree, but shade is less than ideal for your photovoltaic system, as one might expect. If possible, solar panels should be installed on your home's roof so they're receiving the sun's rays throughout the day, as the shadow of a nearby tree or adjacent condominium can really cut into a PV system's peak production hours. In some cases, solar panel systems have been installed on parts of the roof that are not shaded by trees, such as a garage. Other times, trees may need to be thinned or removed in order for maximum efficiency of the solar panel system.ROOF STRUCTURE AND SOLAR PANELS Angled, complex rooflines can cause reductions in power production and installation difficulty for PV systems. Houses with lots of dormers, gables, chimneys, or roof vents can also pose problems for solar installers, and these obstructions can reduce the efficiency of the solar system. But like most solar installation issues, workarounds can generally be devised to make solar implementation a practical solution. For example, many smaller solar panels can be installed in lieu of a single larger panel. [Photo Credit: Static World]SHARE AND ENJOY * Facebook * Twitter * Delicious * LinkedIn * StumbleUpon * Add to favorites * Email * RSS The post Is Solar Right for Your Home? Here's How to Tell appeared first on RGR Marketing.