RMIT's Design Hub To Go Solar

The façade of RMIT’s Design Hub building in Melbourne is about to get a major solar facelift.

Officially opened in 2012, Design Hub’s current façade consists of 17,000 semi-translucent, sandblasted glass cells; which contribute to energy efficiency and a high quality indoor atmosphere. The cells not replaced with Building Integrated PV (BIPV) will also be upgraded.

The upgrade is part of realising the original concept for the building to have “smart-skin” façade.

“The entire façade will be fitted with high performance interlayer toughened laminated glass, an initiative that will also improve the façade’s performance in terms of health and safety by addressing the issue of a small number of discs breaking since the building’s completion,” said Pro Vice-Chancellor Design and Social Context, Professor Paul Gough.

“As well as generating power for the building, the BIPV will act as an applied learning and teaching showcase and a research test bed, advancing practical solar research.”

The Bendigo Advertiser reports RMIT hopes the solar façade may eventually generate enough electricity to power the entire building, and surplus could be stored on-site using battery systems.

According to Energy Matters, the Melbourne city area receives solar irradiation levels of around 4.12 kilowatt hours per square metre daily.

“The Design Hub was always intended to be beacon of what is possible in design and sustainability,” Professor Gough said.

“This latest initiative will enhance the building’s already strong ESD credentials as well as taking advantage of breakthrough innovations in BIPV – the futuristic cousin of traditional rooftop solar panels – and in power storage.”

The Design Hub façade project is expected to be finished by February next year.

Formed primarily out of glass, concrete, steel and black rubber, Design Hub is also designed for rainwater and storm water harvesting. The building also incorporates a grey water treatment facility and a computer-based control system monitoring the building’s mechanical and electrical equipment.

The upgrade is part of RMIT’s $98 million plan to slash energy and water use and greenhouse gas emissions across the institution.

The Sustainable Urban Precincts Program (SUPP) has a goal of cutting electricity use over eight years by an estimated 239 million kilowatts, resulting a 30,000-tonne reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Water use will be reduced by an estimated 68 million litres; enough to fill 27 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Last year, RMIT joined the Melbourne Renewable Energy Project; an initiative involving 16 organisations across the city using their collective buying power to purchase renewable energy from sources such as wind and solar power at competitive pricing.

RMIT"s Design Hub To Go Solar

France prepared to extend life of nuclear reactors: energy minister

PARIS (Reuters) – The French government is willing to support a 10-year extension to the life of the country’s nuclear reactors, operated by utility EDF, Energy Minister Segolene Royal told France 3 television on Sunday.

Nuclear power provides about 75 percent of France’s electricity, but the industry has come under the spotlight since the 2011 Fukushima disaster in Japan and France has pledged to reduce its reliance on nuclear to 50 percent by increasing renewable energy.

Asked if she was ready to raise the limit on existing reactors to 50 years from 40 years, Royal said: “Yes, I am ready to give this the green light, depending obviously on the opinion of the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) …. the French people have for years invested a lot in the nuclear reactors.”

The ASN watchdog has the power to halt nuclear installations at any time if it sees a risk and is the only authority which can allow an extension to the life of the reactors beyond 40 years.

State-owned EDF operates 58 nuclear reactors in France.

(Reporting by James Regan; Editing by David Goodman)

France prepared to extend life of nuclear reactors: energy minister

Wind power industry leaders to gather at Boston conference

BOSTON (AP) – Offshore wind power will be the focus of a gathering of business leaders and lawmakers in Boston this coming week.

The U.S. Offshore Wind Leadership Conference kicks off February 29 and runs through March 1 at the InterContinental Hotel in Boston.

U.S. Sen. Edward Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat, is the event’s keynote speaker.

Topics will include Europe’s experience with wind energy and the U.S.’s emerging industry in states like New Jersey, Maryland, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

Deepwater Wind CEO Jeff Grybowski will talk about his company’s aim to build the nation’s first offshore wind farm.

The Providence-based company began work last July on a five-turbine farm off Block Island in Rhode Island. It also plans to build a farm of at least 200 turbines between Block Island and Martha’s Vineyard.

Wind power industry leaders to gather at Boston conference

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Revolutionary new solar power plant generates energy all day and all night

A new solar plant has opened in Southern Nevada that can generate energy both during the day and at night, overcoming what has traditionally been one of the biggest drawbacks to solar power. The Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Plant located about 225 miles northwest of Las Vegas is capable of generating 110 megawatts of power. That’s enough to reach about 75,000 homes.

While it’s not running at full capacity quite yet, stored heat is then used to convert water to steam and drive electricity-producing generators.

This system allows the plant to deliver power on demand, not just when the sun is shining. The salt can retain heat for months at a time, so the occasional cloudy day shouldn’t interrupt the availability of electricity. Best of all? There are zero emissions, the water use is minimal, and of course, there’s no hazardous waste created as a byproduct of the process.

So far, SolarReserve CEO says the molten salt receiver is working even better than initially expected. If this technology continues to perform well, it could be the answer to more stable solar power, perhaps finally overcoming the advantages of coal or gas. (One more added bonus? SolarReserve claims that unlike other similar arrays, their plant has managed to avoid frying birds.)

Related: Morocco switches on phase one of the world’s largest solar plant

Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Plant was constructed over a period of about four years, at a cost of almost $1 billion. About $737 million of that money came from federal loan guarantees. While that may sound like a hefty price tag, the project brought more than 1,000 people to the nearby town of Tonopah and provided a boost to local businesses during construction. It’s also going to serve as the second-largest individual source of tax revenue for Nye County, contributing nearly $3 million in property taxes every year.

+ Solar Reserve

Via Las Vegas Review Journal

Revolutionary new solar power plant generates energy all day and all night

Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:GPRE) Updated Price Targets

Recently analysts working for a veriety of stock market brokerages have changed their consensus ratings and price targets on shares of Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:GPRE).

The most recent broker reports which have been released note that 2 analysts have a rating of “buy”, 3 analysts “outperform”, 3 analysts “hold”, 0 analysts “underperform” and 0 analysts “sell”.

Recent analyst ratings and price targets:

02/16/2016 – Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. had its “buy” rating reiterated by analysts at Goldman Sachs. They now have a USD 28 price target on the stock.

02/12/2016 – Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. had its “neutral” rating reiterated by analysts at Piper Jaffray. They now have a USD 14 price target on the stock.

12/01/2015 – Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. had its “buy” rating reiterated by analysts at Roth Capital. They now have a USD 35 price target on the stock.

11/19/2015 – BB&T Capital Markets began new coverage on Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. giving the company a “buy” rating. They now have a USD 27 price target on the stock.

11/18/2015 – Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. had its “outperform” rating reiterated by analysts at Credit Suisse. They now have a USD 27 price target on the stock.

10/13/2015 – Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. had its “buy” rating reiterated by analysts at Cantor Fitzgerald.

10/06/2015 – Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. had its “neutral” rating reiterated by analysts at Wedbush. They now have a USD 25 price target on the stock.

07/23/2015 – Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. was downgraded to “equal-weight” by analysts at Stephens.

07/07/2015 – Vertical Research began new coverage on Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. giving the company a “buy” rating.

03/17/2015 – Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. was downgraded to “underperform” by analysts at Zacks. They now have a USD 25.5 price target on the stock.

02/03/2015 – Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. had its “outperform” rating reiterated by analysts at Imperial Capital. They now have a USD 30 price target on the stock.

01/15/2015 – Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. had its “buy” rating reiterated by analysts at Jefferies. They now have a USD 36 price target on the stock.

08/01/2014 – Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. was upgraded to “buy” by analysts at Feltl & Co..

01/17/2014 – Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. was downgraded to “hold” by analysts at TheStreet.

Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. has a 50 day moving average of 16.62 and a 200 day moving average of 19.86. The stock’s market capitalization is 562.49M, it has a 52-week low of 12.39 and a 52-week high of 34.05.

The share price of the company (NASDAQ:GPRE) was up +2.02%, with a high of 14.63 during the day and the volume of Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. shares traded was 758921.

Green Plains Inc. is a producer, marketer and distributor of ethanol. The Company operates in four segments: Ethanol Production segment, which is engaged in the production of ethanol and related distillers grain; Corn Oil Production segment, which is engaged in corn oil extraction systems; Agribusiness segment, which is engaged in grain handling and storage and cattle feedlot operations, and Marketing and Distribution segment, which is engaged in marketing and providing logistical services for ethanol and other commodities for a third-party ethanol producer. It owns an ethanol production facility, which includes approximately 100 million gallons per year of production capacity, a corn oil extraction system and other related assets. It processes approximately 12 million tons of corn annually, producing over 1.2 billion gallons of ethanol, approximately 3.4 million tons of livestock feed and approximately 275 million pounds of industrial grade corn oil at full capacity.

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Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:GPRE) Updated Price Targets

Design of Hopewell Precision fix nears completion

Funding for $27.5 million system remains uncertain

This map shows the layout of the proposed Hopewell North Water District proposed for the Hopewell Precision Superfund site. The district extends primarily southwest from the site of the contamination on Ryan Drive, with Route 82 running along its eastern edge.(Photo: EPA)

HOPEWELL JUNCTION – Design of a water system for the Hopewell Precision Superfund site is nearly complete.

But the long-sought remedy is taking longer than expected and will cost nearly $9 million more than originally estimated.

Nearly 13 years after the contamination of groundwater in one area of Hopewell Junction became widely apparent, Hopewell Precision remains the last Superfund site in Dutchess County without a permanent fix.

EPA officials said design of a system that would pipe clean water from a well field across the street from East Fishkill town hall is 95-percent complete. The design is being reviewed by state, county and federal agencies.

THE POUGHKEEPSIE JOURNAL

East Fishkill approves Hopewell Precision water district

“We do anticipate all comments (from those agencies) to be adequately addressed so as to enable the design to be 100-percent complete and approved by this summer,” Lorenzo Thantu, project manager for the EPA, said in a statement.

Once the design has received all of its approvals, the EPA will need to find money to pay for construction costs. In 2008, the agency estimated construction would cost $18.9 million, a figure that was based on water sources that would have been closer than the well field across from town hall.

Last year, it lowered the estimate to $14 million.

The tab now is $27.5 million.

Thantu said last year’s estimate was “a very, very rough estimate.” It was lower than 2008, he said, partly because the EPA believed some of the components, including a storage tank, would be provided by the town.

He said the current estimate factors in all the necessary components and accounts for inflation since the 2008 estimate.

In 2012, the Town of East Fishkill bought about 150 acres across the street from town hall for the purpose of developing a freshwater well field. The water will serve as a source for the Hopewell Precision site, once federal funding is in place. In this 2013 file photo, Stacy Stieber, a senior hydrologist at Leggette, Brashears & Graham, takes a backup reading of the water level at a test well. (Photo: Darryl Bautista/Poughkeepsie Journal file)

The 2008 estimate was based on three potential water sources. Each was rejected.

• The town passed on one site because it would have been too expensive to acquire.


• Hopewell Precision customers expressed concerns over water quality from another source, the pipeline that delivers treated Hudson River water from Poughkeepsie.


• And customers within a third source made it clear they would have voted against a measure required to allow the EPA to tap into their water. 

Some 291 residential and 28 commercial properties lie within the Hopewell Precision site where groundwater is contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE) and trichloroethane (TCA).

The contamination occurred when workers at Hopewell Precision Inc., a privately-owned fabricator of sheet-metal products, dumped waste solvents on the ground decades ago when the plant was located across the street from its current site at 19 Ryan Dr.

Buy Photo

The Environmental Protection Agency said it has begun an effort to seek payment from Hopewell Precision Inc., and the company’s former owner, as responsible parties for the contamination that led to the Hopewell Precision Superfund site. The company’s is located on Ryan Drive in Hopewell Junction. (Photo: Alex Wagner/Poughkeepsie Journal)

Residents first became aware of the problem in 2003. It was named a Superfund site in 2005. The EPA has paid for air and water filters in homes with unhealthy levels of the chemicals, as well as regular testing.

Hopewell Junction resident Nancy Foster, 66, lives within the site and has both water and air filters in her home.

“If it happens,” she said of the fix, “it will be a surprise to us because it has been so many years.”

THE POUGHKEEPSIE JOURNAL

EPA renews effort to make Hopewell Precision pay

Last year, the EPA and the Justice Department renewed efforts to collect some of the costs from Hopewell Precision and John B. Budd, the company’s former owner. That effort is continuing, Thantu said.

Rick Skeen, president of Hopewell Precision, said the company is continuing to negotiate with the DOJ.

“It basically comes down to what we can afford to pay,” Skeen said. “We’re a small company with 25 employees.”

Skeen said those negotiations could be resolved within the next few weeks.

Regardless of how much the responsible parties contribute, taxpayers likely will pay the majority of costs. Once the design is finalized, Hopewell Precision will be weighed against other Superfund sites that are shovel-ready.

And that is where the cost becomes a concern, since the pot of federal dollars is limited.

A year ago, Walter Mugdan, head of the EPA’s regional Superfund program, said he was cautiously optimistic the funding would be approved by the end of 2015.

Thantu said the EPA hopes “to have some certainty” about funding by the fourth quarter of the current federal fiscal year, which ends on Sept. 30.

“But,” Thantu said, “(we) cannot be certain.”

John Ferro: 845-437-4816; jferro@poughkeepsiejournal.com; Twitter: @PoJoEnviro

Read or Share this story: http://pojonews.co/1TE9pus

Design of Hopewell Precision fix nears completion

ScottishPower Renewables gives green light to 'best value offshore wind farm in the world'

Energy giant announces final investment decision for giant £2.5bn East Anglia ONE offshore wind farm, which will deliver power at £119/MWh

ScottishPower Renewables has today confirmed it is to start work on the 714MW East Anglia ONE offshore wind farm, hailing it as the “best value offshore windfarm in the world”.

The company said it had reached a final investment decision for the £2.5bn project, which is now expected to create up to 3,000 jobs during construction before coming fully online in 2020.

The project is expected to deliver enough clean power for 500,000 homes and has secured a price support contract of £119/MWh through the UK’s first renewable energy auction process.

ScottishPower Renewables said the contract meant the project would deliver clean power at a price that is 15 per cent lower than any other offshore wind farm project currently under construction in UK waters.

The projects is also regarded as the latest step towards the industry’s goal of delivering offshore wind power at a price of below £100/MWh from 2020, a benchmark that ministers have said developers will have to meet if the industry is to continue to expand post-2020.

However, critics of offshore wind development, including supporters of some rival clean technologies, argue costs remain at more than double current wholesale power prices and have called for greater competition between all clean energy sources for price support contracts.

“East Anglia ONE will deliver substantial environmental benefits for the UK, it will stimulate considerable UK investment, and it will support thousands of jobs,” said Charlie Jordan, ScottishPower Renewables East Anglia ONE project director, in a statement. “Offshore wind has proven itself as a technology that works, and the more offshore wind capacity we have in the UK, the more secure our energy supplies will be.”

He added that the project would provide a boost to the wider East Anglia region, with the company inking a £25m deal with the Port of Lowestoft and vowing to spend at least half of the total £2.5bn investment in the UK.

“East Anglia has some of the best conditions anywhere in the world for the development of offshore wind, and we are fully committed to the region, with future developments already in the pipeline,” Jordan said. “ScottishPower Renewables is leading the way with its approach of actively working towards a target of at least 50 per cent UK supply chain content over the lifetime of the East Anglia ONE project. We have already worked with a wide range of companies across East Anglia and we look forward to working with many more.”

The announcement is the latest boost to an offshore wind sector that has been tipped by Ministers to play a major role in the UK’s future clean energy mix, as long as it continues to deliver cost reductions.

The news follows confirmation from rival developer DONG Energy that it is to build the giant 1.2GW Hornsea Project One wind farm, touted as the world’s largest wind farm, off the Yorkshire coast, delivering clean power to over one million homes from 2020.

Further reading

ScottishPower Renewables gives green light to "best value offshore wind farm in the world"

Alan Northcutt, guest columnist: Clearing up myths about clean energy, today's renewables

In his Feb. 10 column in the Tribune-Herald, Bill Hammond of the Texas Association of Business disparaged President Obama’s Clean Power Plan and opposed current actions to combat anthropogenic climate change. Since accurate information is mandatory during this planetary emergency of climate change, it is important to point out the myths which riddle Mr. Hammond’s column.

Myth 1: “The science of climate change is anything but settled.” This dangerous, ubiquitous meme promotes delay in addressing the problem. The truth: 97 percent of peer-reviewed climatology research, every legitimate scientific association on Earth, the pope and the 195 nations that signed the Paris Agreement in December accept the concept of manmade climate change. Even the U.S. Department of Defense observes that “climate change poses immediate risks to the U.S. national security and has potential to exacerbate terrorism.”

Myth 2: The U.S. Clean Power Plan results are so small they “cannot be measured.” In reality, the plan is designed to reduce greenhouse gases from electricity generation by 32 percent. This reduction is one-fourth of the requirement of the Paris Agreement and thus a strong beginning toward that goal. And the announcement of the plan convinced other nations that the United States is serious about combatting climate change.

Myth 3: “We truthfully don’t know whether all nations acting together can have a measurable impact on the climate.” When the 195 nation signatories of the Paris Agreement reach their commitments for emission reductions, global temperature will increase from 2.7 to 4.0 degree C. This is an enormous improvement over uncontrolled emissions, which would result in greater than 6.0 degree temp increase, a level incompatible with human civilization. Each five years the nations will ratchet up emission limits with an ultimate goal of 1.5 degree temperature increase — a level which will prevent the worst ravages of climate change.

Myth 4: The United States will suffer economically, while developing nations like China and India continue to pollute. Using China and India as an excuse for the United States’ inaction is now utterly fraudulent. The 195 countries of the Paris Agreement signed a legally binding commitment to reach their Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC). Essentially every country on Earth has published a verifiable carbon emission limit and operates under similar timetables. China has begun a very ambitious plan to reach its emission limits by 2030, not beginning in 2030 as Mr. Hammond states. And China is a leader in renewable energy technology, with more installed wind and solar power than any country on Earth.

Myth 5: “Americans will face lost jobs, lost income and huge utility bills.” The Paris Agreement committed the world to a low-carbon economy, with jobs needed in energy efficiency retrofit, mass-transit services, smart-grid construction and wind, solar and biomass industries. A study by Robert Pollin of the University of Massachusetts reported that a $1 million investment in the green economy yields 17 jobs, while a $1 million investment in fossil fuels yields only five jobs.

Workers losing jobs in fossil-fuel industries will find new jobs in the green economy as we transition to renewables. The purchase cost of renewable energy is a complex issue, but in some markets renewable generation is now cheaper than coal or natural gas. For example, Austin Energy recently contracted with a solar farm at less than five cents per kilowatt-hour.

Myth 6: Solar and wind power will only become relevant when new battery technology is developed. The truth: Renewable energy is enormous and growing faster than fossil fuels. The following jurisdictions are powered by 100 percent renewable energy: Iceland; Bonaire; Lesotho; Aspen, Colorado; Burlington, Vermont; Greensburg, Kansas; Beaverton, Oregon; and Kodiak Island, Alaska. And solar thermal facilities exist which store electricity as heat for 24-hour power. There are more than 60 units around the world, including the 392-megawatt Ivanpah System in the Mojave Desert. And battery storage is actually available now, including the Powerwall system from Tesla for residential use.

Myth 7: “We must be patient and let science and technology work at a careful reasonable pace to find energy solutions instead of crippling our economy…” In other words, Mr. Hammond wishes to delay implementation of our conversion to renewables so that oil companies can maximize profits. Unfortunately, we cannot delay since the planet’s carbon budget will be exceeded in about 16 years and we will experience crop failure, worsening starvation, migration, inter-nation conflict, submerging cities; and devastating storms.

Fortunately, we do have the technology now to convert fully to clean energy, documented by the Stanford Engineering Department at TheSolutionsProject.org. We must use this technology, along with conservation, to protect our children’s future. As for Mr. Hammond’s concerns, there is no economy on a dead planet.

Alan Northcutt is a local physician and director of the Waco Friends of Peace/Climate.

Alan Northcutt, guest columnist: Clearing up myths about clean energy, today"s renewables

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Beothuk Energy holding wind farm information sessions

People interested in finding out more about a proposed offshore wind farm in western Newfoundland will have the opportunity next week.

Other news

Beothuk Energy Inc. is holding information sessions in Stephenville and Corner Brook. The informal sessions are being held to ensure transparency regarding Beothuk’s western offshore wind projects, including the proposed $466-million, 180-megawatt St. George’s Bay wind farm, which includes manufacturing and service facilities.

Sessions take place 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday in Stephenville at the Days Inn, and at the same times Thursday in Corner Brook at Glynmill Inn.

Executives of Beothuk and of some of its consortium partners and alliances will be available to answer questions from stakeholders and the public.

“Our plans have progressed to the point that they are generating excitement regarding the possible socioeconomic benefits our projects will bring to the region,” said Kirby Mercer, president and chief executive officer of Beothuk, in a prepared release.

Beothuk is an international green energy company, headquartered in St. John’s with a branch office in Corner Brook.

Beothuk Energy holding wind farm information sessions

City snags cheapest-ever solar-power contract

Palo Alto’s outlook for expanding its supply of cheap, green energy brightened this week, when a City Council committee enthusiastically approved a new contract that would allow the city to buy solar energy at a rate that Utilities Department officials believe to be lowest ever in state history.

The 25-year contract with Hecate Energy, a Nashville-based firm that develops renewable-energy projects, would allow the city to buy solar power at a price of 3.676 cents per kilowatt-hour, by far the lowest rate the city has ever paid for a renewable contract. James Stack, the contract administrator for the Utilities Department, called this rate an “exceptionally low price” — the lowest ever for a solar purchaser in California and, possibly in the U.S.

“For reference, it’s almost 50 percent lower than the cost of our other solar contracts, which we executed just a few years ago and that we thought were pretty well-priced,” Stack said.

Though the project won’t be up and running until 2021, once in place it would accommodate about 7.5 percent of the city’s electricity needs. The city will also have an option of extending the contract by up to three five-year terms. In addition, Hecate is required by the contract to post a $5.2 million development-assurance deposit to mitigate the risk that the development of the project would be delayed.

The timing of the cheap solar energy could hardly be more fortuitous. California’s drought, which is now heading into its fifth year, has dealt a blow to the city’s hydroelectric sources, which typically generate about half of the city’s total energy, forcing the Utilities Department to buy non-renewable energy in the interim. Largely as a result of the drought, the city expects to raise electricity rates by about 12 percent in July and by roughly 8 percent or more in 2017.

In addition to taking some of the pressure off the city’s stressed hydro supplies, the new contract will also help Palo Alto meet its goal of drawing at least 50 percent of its electricity from renewable sources (not including hydro). Currently, the city has nine renewable energy contracts in place and operating: five involving landfill gas, two relying on wind power and two on solar energy.

Now, it looks like solar energy is emerging as the most cost-effective option. In addition to the two solar projects already in place, the city has reached deals with three other solar projects that are expected to begin operating by the end of this year. Altogether, these existing contracts are expected to supply 57.5 percent of the city’s energies needs in 2017.

The new contract is also expected to help the city meet its goal of getting all of the city’s electricity from carbon-neutral sources, which includes hydroelectric plants. The policy, which was adopted in 2013, currently relies on a mix of hydro, wind, solar and landfill sources, along with purchases of “renewable energy certificates.” These certificates allow the city to offset the impacts of emissions from non-renewable energy that the Utilities Department purchases from the wholesale market.

Starting next year, the city plans to achieve carbon neutrality without these certificates, which will require investing in renewable energy contracts. The new contract, part of that effort, will also help the city offset the loss of one of its earliest wind contracts, which is set to expire in 2021.

The contract with Hecate was selected from a pool of 41 proposals that the city received in response to a recent request for renewable-energy proposals. Solar projects dominated the proposals, according to Stack, constituting 32 of the 41 projects, including the 10 with the lowest rates.

The Hecate project will be based in Palmdale, in Los Angeles County, and will provide 75,000 megawatt-hours of electricity per year at a total cost not to exceed $101 million over 40 years (which includes the initial 25-year period and three possible extensions).

The council’s Finance Committee happily recommended approval of the project, with Councilman Greg Schmid congratulating Utilities Department staff on obtaining such a good deal and Councilman Cory Wolbach saying that his main concern is that it is “may be too good to be true.” Their colleagues, Chair Eric Filseth and Councilwoman Karen Holman agreed, ensuring a unanimous vote of support.

The contract is now expected to be approved by the full City Council.

City snags cheapest-ever solar-power contract

At CERAWeek Fossil Fuel Leaders Should Make a Moral Case for Their Industry

2016 is the most significant energy election this century. … unfortunately, we won"t be able to replace with a green energy industry for many decades.

At CERAWeek Fossil Fuel Leaders Should Make a Moral Case for Their Industry

Erlab's GreenFumeHood Filtration Technology plays a major role in the Zero Net Energy equation ...

Erlab’s GreenFumeHood Technology plays a major role in the Zero Net Energy equation

Rowley, MA (PRWEB) February 18, 2016

To attain Zero Net Energy, Bristol Community College upgraded to new fume hood technology for (13) of the (22) fume hoods at the Sbrega Health and Science Building that will welcome students this spring.

What is this new fume hood technology? The Green Fume Hood, which is now installed in over 200 locations around the world. This category of fume hood integrates Erlab’s GreenFumeHood Filtration Technology above Air Master Systems superstructure. Because Bristol chose to use this technology, they are protected by Erlab’s superior Neutrodine(TM) filters that are ideal for multidisciplinary chemical handlings and are designed to address the ever-increasing requirements for safety and energy-efficiency. Additionally, best-in-class detection technology and real-time communication for security and monitoring via PC, tablet or smartphone.

Green Fume Hoods offer less, less, less:
•Less ductwork: the reduction of the lab exhaust system, including associated stainless steel ductwork.
•Less complexity: the simplicity of balancing labs with filtered hoods and decoupling ventilation air from cooling requirements.
•Less costs: the avoidance of expensive make-up air systems, oversized to compensate for fume hood exhaust, coupled with reduced annual operating expenses will provide first and annual savings to the school. The first cost savings by using FFH helped partially fund the alternative MEP equipment necessary to achieve Zero Net Energy.
•Less construction time: The reduction and simplification in MEP systems will shave construction labor hours.

Erlab and its OEM Partners understand the challenges of constructing a new lab, renovating an old lab, or adding on to an existing lab, and offer a solution that is ideal for the majority of environments. This made the Green Solution Hood by Air Master Systems (featuring Erlab’s GFH Filtration Technology) a key factor in the design of Bristol Community College’s newest science building and the capability of achieving ZNE.

Visit http://www.erlab.com to learn more how Erlab’s GreenFumeHood Filtration Technology brings the filtered fume hood to life.

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Erlab’s passion is innovation and invention. We focus on research & development, design, and manufacturing of cutting-edge air filtration solutions for the lab environment. As an innovator, Erlab is committed to safety, performance, energy efficiency and sustainability and has remained number one in the world for ductless and filtering fume hoods since 1968.

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Erlab"s GreenFumeHood Filtration Technology plays a major role in the Zero Net Energy equation ...

Tata Power orders 100 MW of Inox wind turbines

Wind farm in India. Author: Yahoo. License: Creative Commons, Attribution 2.0 Generic

February 16 (SeeNews) – Indian wind turbine maker Inox Wind Ltd (BOM:539083) said Tuesday it will deliver 100 MW of its machines for a project in Gujarat state under a repeat order from Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL).

The project at Rojmal is TPREL’s fourth one with Inox Wind. Before it, the wholly-owned unit of Tata Power Co Ltd (BOM:500400) had ordered over 300 MW of wind turbines from the firm.

As part of the new turnkey contract, Inox Wind will provide services ranging from development and construction to commissioning of the plant. In addition, it will also provide operations and maintenance services over the long term.

The company will supply and erect 50 pieces of its 2MW DFIG 100 rotor dia wind turbine. The machines will be used for the expansion of a 400-MW wind complex, 140 MW of which are already operational, according to the press release.  

Tata Power has over 600 MW of commissioned wind and solar power capacity. The value of the current contract was not disclosed.

Tata Power orders 100 MW of Inox wind turbines

Govt planning huge thrust to revive biofuel, hydro power: Piyush Goyal

Piyush Goyal, Minister or state with independent charge for power, coal, new and renewable energy, admitted at the Make in India, Mumbai edition that biofuel and hydro power had taken a bit of a backseat recently, but added that there would be a big thrust to get them going again.

“We ask ourselves: can we do away with petroleum products for biofuel?” said Goyal. He said solar and wind had matured “to a level in India” and the focus of his ministry will now be on biofuel. “Now, we want an end-to-end solar manufacturing base in India,” added Goyal.

Responding to a question on whether the manufacture of polysilicon filaments was power-intensive and raised production costs, Goyal said his ministry had been working with states to give sops to companies making the product. “Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh have some amazing incentives for such companies,” Goyal added.

The minister also said that he would try to woo international companies to invest in India and left the door open to both debt or equity inflows.

Funding, however, he said would not be issue — a statement that was echoed by Rana Kapoor of Yes Bank as well, in a later address.

“I expect manufacturing costs to get cheaper in the next 18 months,” said Goyal. The costs, however, would only drop if Indian banks stepped forward especially when it came to working capital, said Tulsi Tanti, MD, Suzlon Energy.

Tanti explained that capital was difficult to come by and urged Karnam Sekar, deputy managing director, SBI and Kapoor of Yes Bank to be proactive. “The government should take care of the hedging… you could hedge power cost for 25 years and make back some of the investments,” said Tanti.

He also asked the minister to relax the norms on energy export. “We need more research and development facilities in India or… five per cent rebate,” Tanti added. He said that if some of these were made available, solar energy manufacturers could drop the price by Re 1. The solar power rate currently is Rs 4.34 a unit, a record low. Goyal said he was hoping that solar power would break the Rs 4 threshold soon.

The minister also asked entrepreneurs to take on the challenge put forth by wind energy.

Currently, India produces 5,000 Mw of solar energy and 18,000 Mw of wind energy. According to the Workd Bank, the country plans to reach 100,000 Mw production of solar energy and 60,000 Mw of wind energy by 2020.

Govt planning huge thrust to revive biofuel, hydro power: Piyush Goyal

Parker & Sons Encourages Homeowners to Prepare for Summer Early

PHOENIX, Feb. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — If things don’t change, Phoenix could be in for another very warm summer. Parker & Sons advises Phoenix residents that it may be wise to prepare for summer early this year.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160202/328907LOGO

In preparing for what may well be a brutal summer, Phoenix residents should start by scheduling a tune-up for their air conditioning unit. That last thing homeowners want, is to turn on their air conditioning when temperature go above 100 degrees, only to find out that it no longer works. Parker & Sons offers emergency air conditioning repair 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but even a few hours without air conditioning would be punishing.

Parker & Sons offers a full 40-point tune-up for air conditioning units which will ensure they are working at peak power and efficiency come summer. Capacitors, motors, and contractors all wear down over time. Eventually, they may break entirely. Parker & Sons tune-up service is designed to keep this from even happening. It catches potential problems before that can turn into major disasters. Not only does this save homeowners from headaches and discomfort, it can also save them from massive repairs bills following a catastrophic failure.

“There are a lot of others things people can do to make sure they are ready for the summer. Best of all, many of these things can be done at little to no cost. It is always good to start the summer off with clean air filters. Homeowners can change these on their own, or they can hire an HVAC professional if they don’t feel comfortable. Another thing they can do is clean their vents, both indoors and on the a/c unit itself,” said Josh Kelly of Parker & Sons.

An ounce of preparation is worth a pound of cure. By attending to air conditioning maintenance early, homeowners can avoid a world of heartache down the line.

About Parker & Sons
Keeping You Comfortable With Expert Heating, Cooling & Plumbing Service Since 1974. Parker & Sons has been serving homeowners and businesses in Arizona for over 40 years and is recognized nationally.

Contact Information
Josh Kelly
602.273.7247
jkelly@parkerandsons.com
http://parkerandsons.com

Parker & Sons Encourages Homeowners to Prepare for Summer Early

Pension funds put activism before investment returns

The divestment of various “undesirable” companies and industries held by government investment portfolios has been all the rage in recent years, but politicizing investment decisions is bad news for taxpayers.

The California State Teachers’ Retirement System voted this month to get rid of all of its stocks in U.S. coal companies, and the University of California system acceded in December to students’ demands to sell off about $30 million of its investments in companies that operate prisons.

Despite the latest divestment fads, such investment activism is hardly new. The California Public Employees’ Retirement System has prohibited investments in gun manufacturers, tobacco companies and any company that might compete with state or local employees for contracts. After CalPERS lost 9.7 percent on its environmentally-sensitive “green” energy and “clean” technology portfolio from 2007-13, its chief investment officer quipped that it was “a noble way to lose money.” After all, it wasn’t his money.

CalSTRS also has a history of politically-motivated divestments, and the results have not been good for taxpayers, who have to make up the difference when pension funds underperform in order to cover employees’ retirement benefits. The pension fund lost between $600 million and $750 million after a 1987 law required divestment of companies doing business with apartheid South Africa, and it lost another $1 billion after divesting from tobacco companies in 2000.

“I’ve been involved in five divestments for our fund,” CalSTRS chief investment officer Chris Ailman told the CalSTRS board last year as the board was considering the divestment of its coal company holdings. “[On] all five of them we’ve lost money, and all five of them have not brought about social change.”

Once the Pandora’s box of politicizing state public investments has been opened, where does it stop? “If you start going down the list of Fortune 500 companies, I’m sure we can come up with reasons we should divest from each one,” Ivo Welch, a finance professor at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, told the Los Angeles Times when asked about the UC private prison divestment. “I’m almost left speechless by how we pamper student whims.”

The same could be said of other environmental and social justice warriors who want to play politics with government workers’ retirement funds. Of course, this could all be avoided by switching public employees to 401(k)-style defined-contribution retirement systems. Activists would be able to put their money where their mouths are by investing their own retirement funds in “green” energy, or avoiding gun manufacturers and private prison companies, and others would be free to try to maximize their nest eggs.

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Pension funds put activism before investment returns

Yingli Green Energy Hold. Co. Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:YGE) Shares Close -5.09% for the Session

Shares of Yingli Green Energy Hold. Co. Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:YGE) closed today’s session -5.09% on steady volume. The stock moved in the range of $3.65 – 4.15. In taking a deeper look at the stock and where it might be headed, brokerage firms on Wall Street currently have a consensus one year price target of $5.87 on the shares. This is according to analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters First Call. The sell-side analysts are projecting earnings per share of $-1.12 for the next fiscal quarter. For the current year, analysts are predicting earnings of $-31.30 per share according to First Call.

In looking at where the stock is trading on a technical level, the stock is trading -10.36% away from its 50 day moving average of 4.16. Based on the most recent available data, the equity is -84.90% off of its 52-week high of $24.70 and +27.30% away from its 52-week low which is $2.93.

Yingli Green Energy Holding Com has a market cap of $67.80M and has seen an average daily volume of 129566 over the past three months.

The closing stock price is significant for several reasons. Investors, traders, financial institutions, regulators and other stakeholders use it as a reference point for determining performance over a specific time such as one year, a week and over a shorter time frame such as one minute or less. In fact, investors and other stakeholders base their decisions on closing stock prices. Institutional investors monitor a stock’s closing price to make decisions regarding their investment portfolios.

Yingli Green Energy Hold. Co. Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:YGE) Shares Close -5.09% for the Session

Wind

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Wind

Insight Equity to sell Flanders to Daikin for $430 mln

Daikin Industries Ltd has agreed to acquire Flanders Holdings, a U.S. air filter maker. The seller is Insight Equity. The price of the acquisition is $430 million. Baird advised Flanders on the transaction.

PRESS RELEASE

Daikin Industries Ltd. (Head Office: Osaka; Representative Director, President and CEO: Masanori Togawa) (“Daikin”), through its subsidiary American Air Filter Company Inc. (Headquarters: Louisville, Kentucky; Representative: Philip Whitaker) (“AAF”), has decided to acquire U.S. air filter manufacturer Flanders Holdings LLC (Headquarters: Washington, North Carolina; Representative and CEO: Peter Jones) (“Flanders”). The acquisition price is 430 million dollars (approximately 50.7 billion yen at an exchange rate of 1 USD=118 JPY).

Daikin is to acquire all shares of Flanders from Insight Equity Holdings LLC (Corporate Headquarters: Southlake, Texas, United States; Representative: Ted W. Beneski) (“Insight Equity”), an investor in the company. The acquisition is expected to be concluded in April 2016 after completion of the necessary procedures.

As the leading air filter manufacturer in the United States, Flanders is particularly adept in products with high functionality and high value-added that are used in industrial cleanrooms such as those in the fields of pharmaceuticals and food processing. The company boasts a broad lineup ranging from commercial to residential use and a nationwide sales network. Flanders has manufacturing bases near most major U.S. cities, including Chicago and New York, and excels in short lead times and low logistics costs to deliver products that are cost competitive.

Having established manufacturing bases in the regions of Japan, North America, Europe, China, and Southeast Asia, Daikin has expanded its filter business until now through its subsidiaries AAF and Nippon Muki Co., Ltd. Products have focused on commercial-use air conditioning filters used in buildings and factories and engineering fields, including dust collection systems for production facilities. AAF has closely embedded itself in each region of the world and performs development, production, sales, and services for products satisfying the needs of an extensive market.

With this acquisition, the Flanders business will be integrated into AAF and enable AAF to leverage its global sales network to market the cleanroom equipment and high-end air filter products that are the strengths of Flanders. In addition to making AAF the leading manufacturer in the United States, which is reportedly the largest air filter market in the world, this merger will also position AAF as a leading company in the global market.

As a result of the merger, the filter business of the Daikin Group will become a business with sales exceeding 100 billion yen annually. Future synergies with the air conditioning business are anticipated as the filter business transforms into a core Daikin business as a third pillar behind air conditioning and chemicals. The merger will also serve to improve air environments in homes, buildings, and factories; better address global environmental issues, including mitigation of air pollution; and meet the need that is increasing worldwide for creation of comfortable air environments.

*About Air Filters
Air filters are used to remove objects, particles, dust, and pollutants from the air and clean it. Not only do filters clean the air in living spaces, but they also perform the important task of preserving human safety by preventing the release of hazardous substances in factories. Air filters maintain the air environments in places such as factory cleanrooms used for metalworking and semiconductors that require a high quality of purity, and they reduce the possibility of contamination from the introduction of impurities.

1.Acquisition Significance
Acquiring Flanders will enable AAF to develop high value-added products including products used for cleanrooms in the pharmaceutical field and in food processing, which are specialty areas for Flanders, and provide a complete product lineup ranging from commercial to residential use. Synergy is also anticipated from the utilization of AAF’s expanding global sales network and proposals that combine products of both companies. From the aspect of manufacturing, Daikin intends to capitalize on the proximity of Flanders’ manufacturing bases to major markets and its superiority in logistical costs and lead time. Improvement is also expected in cost competitiveness, such as in procurement savings.

As concerns around indoor air quality (IAQ) and improving the quality of indoor air environments have increased, air filters have become an increasingly important business given their ability to improve environments by providing mildew prevention, deodorization, and solutions to the PM 2.5 problem. The filter business strongly complements the air conditioning business, a mainstay business of the Daikin Group, and is expected to become an important business in the future as an inroad to environmental fields and expansion of the solution business.

2.Filter Market
The scale of the global air filter market is reported to be 450 billion yen overall. Of that, the U.S. market is the largest market, accounting for approximately 190 billion yen. The lineup comprises a wide range of products, including pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, where control is sought for air conditioning and maintaining strict air environments. Furthermore, recent improvements in the high tech industry have raised expectations for clean air, and there is also a need for high functionality in air filters that corresponds to a greater awareness for energy savings and the environment that has driven stricter environmental regulations.

3.Post-Acquisition Organization
In this acquisition, Flanders will be integrated into AAF, the subsidiary of Daikin Industries. While operation management will rest with AAF, the policy will be to fundamentally maintain the manufacturing and sales systems that have made Flanders a leading supplier in the United States.

Insight Equity to sell Flanders to Daikin for $430 mln

Ikea stops selling solar panels in UK as government signals cut in solar subsidies

UK householders seeking solar panels now need to look beyond Ikea, as the Swedish furniture-maker has stopped selling them after the government announced a cut in solar subsidies. The move comes two years after Ikea had a media-friendly national launch of the product.

Post a successful test run at its Lakeside store in Essex, Ikea decided to sell solar panels across all of its 17 stores in the UK in 2013-14, to tap growth in the then heavily-subsidised green energy market. At the time, its UK head of sustainability had said, “We know that our customers want to live more sustainably and we hope working with Hanergy [Ikea’s technology partner] to make solar panels affordable and easily available helps them do just that.”

However in November 2015, the furniture maker did not renew its contract with Hanergy – its Hong Kong-headquartered solar panel supplier. While the world’s largest furniture-maker did not cite any particular reason for the move – that came two months after the UK government announced it would reduce solar subsidies dramatically – an Ikea spokeswoman said that it would resume selling these panels by the end of 2016.

She stated, “Based on the successful roll-out [of solar] and to ensure Ikea Group has a growth plan in place for the future, we have evaluated our business model, starting in the UK. A new business model has been decided upon, which included the decision not to renew the contract with Hanergy Solar UK when their current contract ended on 1 November 2015.”

According to Solar Power Portal, UK’s leading news portal that covers the solar industry, many Chinese companies had expressed interest in supplying solar panels to Ikea. Some of the Swedish company’s initiatives to promote green energy include selling only energy-saving LED bulbs at its stores, its foundation pledging €1bn (£777m, $1.12bn) towards climate change and renewable energy, apart from installing sizeable solar systems in some of its UK stores.

As part of the government’s move to reduce subsidy, the incentive scheme for household solar power, the feed-in tariff, was closed to new applicants for the past three weeks. The scheme, however, reopened on 8 February, with 65% lower rates and a new cap on installations.

Despite the lower incentives, which has resulted in the payback period extending by another six years, the industry maintains that solar is still a good option for householders, according to The Guardian.

Ikea stops selling solar panels in UK as government signals cut in solar subsidies

Bernie Sanders Signs Global Warming Pledge -- Created By A Billionaire Hedge Fund Manager

Sanders have even specifically targeted hedge fund managers’ salaries to highlight U.S. income inequality. During his presidential run, Sanders proposed paying for jobs program for young people by “ending the carried interest loophole that allows billionaire hedge fund managers to pay a lower tax rate than nurses and truck drivers.”

Steyer, however, is no longer managing his hedge fund, and is now spending his money on environmental activism. During 2012, he gained notoriety by bankrolling opposition to the Keystone XL oil pipeline — despite potential conflicts of interests surrounding the issue.

Even though Sanders could argue Steyer is no long in finance, the liberal billionaire has spent more than $75 million of his own money promoting Democrats and backing liberal initiatives in the 2014 midterm elections.

Sanders opposes the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision for allowing wealthy individuals to “purchase the U.S. Government.” Sanders has said “billions of dollars from the wealthiest people in this country are already flooding the political process,” referring to the current election cycle.

What’s interesting is that Steyer alone outspent both the Koch brothers, Charles and David, in the 2014 elections by nearly 10 to 1. Steyer spent more than $75 million that election cycle, while the Kochs together spent more than $7.8 million. In fact, Steyer was the largest single donor in the 2014 election cycle, according to data from the Center For Responsive Politics.

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Bernie Sanders Signs Global Warming Pledge -- Created By A Billionaire Hedge Fund Manager

City to install solar panels at Carmel Valley Recreation Center

The Carmel Valley Recreation Center will soon play a part in helping the city reach its renewable energy goals as outlined in San Diego’s recently-approved Climate Action Plan as the facility on Townsgate Drive has been tapped for the installation of rooftop and parking lot solar panels.The project has been approved by the Carmel Valley Recreation Council and came before the Carmel Valley Community Planning Board as an informational item on Jan. 28.San Diego City Council adopted its Climate Action Plan in December, which mandates reducing greenhouse gases 50 percent by 2035, more ambitious than Governor Jerry Brown’s goal of 40 percent by 2030.The plan includes five main strategies to reach the reduction of greenhouse gas targets: energy and water efficient buildings, clean and renewable energy, bicycling, walking and transit, zero waste and climate resiliency.James Chen, from San Diego’s environmental services department, said in 2014, the city completed a solar assessment of over 200 city facilities and identified the top 25 sites where solar could be installed to generate approximately 6.6 megawatts. Among the top sites was the Carmel Valley Recreation Center.Chen said the systems will be developed, financed, installed and maintained through a third party power purchase agreement. The city will sign a 20-year agreement with the third party to provide energy at a price lower than SDG&E.The Carmel Valley project includes carport canopies ranging in size from 70 to 100 feet in width over parking lot spaces, as well as 13.2 square feet of roof-mounted panels atop the recreation center building. The system’s 280 kilowatts of solar energy generated will be used to offset 75 percent of the recreation center and pool’s energy usage, Chen said, noting the city will also be looking for ways to be more energy efficient with lighting and heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades.“The project will cut down on greenhouse gases and help the city achieve its Climate Action Plan goals to reach 100 percent renewable energy by 2035,” Chen said.The proposed project is anticipated to start in spring 2016 and be completed by fall.

City to install solar panels at Carmel Valley Recreation Center

Niagara Sustainability Initiative Energy Summit Talks Solutions

Niagara Sustainability Initiative Energy Summit Talks Solutions

February 5, 2016– Living roofs and walls can help save environment, cut energy costs, summit told.

Not only do “green” of living roofs and walls have economic benefits that can help businesses and municipalities save money, they look pretty darned nice, too.

So said Nate Smelle, executive director of Greening Niagara, a non-profit organization based in St. Catharines that promotes environmental stewardship and education among other activities.

“They become tourist attractions,” Smelle said of walls covered in vegetation.

Smelle was speaking at Niagara Sustainability Initiative’s Energy Summit at Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort. The event brought together green industry stakeholders and business leaders who are looking for ways to cut down on energy costs and consumption. The event featured a wide array of vendors promoting green energy products, including a solar powered golf cart as well as a roster of speakers from across the sector.

It’s the same when green roof projects get underway.

“It’s amazing to watch as neighbours flock to the site and check out these structures.”

But despite all their decorative glory, green roofs and walls serve a purpose — they are good for the environment and can save businesses money on energy costs.

For example, installation of a green roof can reduce heat loss by 37 per cent in the winter and reduce heat gain in the summer by an astounding 87 per cent.

That is because of the layered approach taken when creating a green roof. Heat is absorbed by the layers, and air temperatures of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit are cooled to 72 degrees as air passes through.

Read the full article here.

Niagara Sustainability Initiative Energy Summit Talks Solutions

MidAmerican Energy completes wind farms

Brings total capacity to nearly 3,500 megawatts

Feb 3, 2016 at 2:01 pm | Print View

MidAmerican Energy on Wednesday said it has completed two major wind energy installations in Iowa, adding more than 1,200 megawatts of electric generation.

The Highland wind farm in O’Brien County, which began providing electricity on Dec. 3, 2015, is the fifth and final piece of MidAmerican Energy’s Wind VIII project — the Des Moines utility’s largest wind energy project to date.

On Jan. 30, MidAmerican completed its Wind IX project when the Adams wind farm in Adams County began providing electricity.

The two wind energy projects bring MidAmerican’s total generation from the renewable energy source to almost 3,500 megawatts, an amount that represents about 42 percent of the company’s installed generation capacity.

In a news release, Mike Gehringer, MidAmerican vice president, renewable energy, said completion of the two projects marks a major milestone for the company, which owns and operates more wind turbines than any utility in the nation.

“Slightly more than 10 years ago, MidAmerican Energy did not own any wind energy generation,” Gehringer said. “Today, wind makes up the largest share of our generation portfolio. We project that by 2017, we will generate an amount equal to 57 percent of our total retail load.”

MidAmerican plans to begin construction in the spring on the Ida Grove and O’Brien wind farms, which will add up to 552 megawatts of wind generation capacity to the existing fleet. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year.

Plans call for approximately 134 turbines and up to 301 megawatts of generation capacity at the Ida Grove wind farm, and approximately 104 turbines and 250 megawatts of additional generation capacity at the new O’Brien wind farm.

Over the next 30 years, MidAmerican estimates that the company’s wind projects will generate more than $1.5 billion in lease payments to landowners and property tax payments to schools, cities and counties.

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MidAmerican Energy completes wind farms

France is lining 600 miles of road with sticky solar panels

How can a European city create its own unique identity in the 21^st century? After all, there are so many places – London, Paris, Rome – which can distinguish themselves from the rest of the pack with an array of monuments and attractions. But what if you’re the capital city of a relatively new country?

Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is an excellent place to visit: a city with a pretty castle at its heart that’s been present in some form for almost 900 years. This year, it’s trying to make its mark on the map by flaunting its credentials as Europe’s Green Capital for 2016, a title awarded by the European Commission.

Of course, the place and the people who live in it have existed for centuries, but Slovenia itself is a relatively new feature of the international scene, first coming into existence when it broke away from Yugoslavia in 1991. In 2004, it became a member of the EU and NATO; in 2007 joined the Eurozone, the first ex-communist country to do so.

The capital has undergone numerous environmental changes in recent years to shape up its green credentials. It’s introduced underground car parking facilities, to get vehicles off the roads. It’s also limited the roads on which cars can travel within the city.  All this has helped the city to decrease traffic by 12 per cent since 2011.

Ljubljana’s bike scheme. Image: TAS/Flickr/creative commons.

It’s hoping to double the share of journeys taken by bike, too. The city’s own bike hire scheme, BicikeLJ, costs just €3 per year, with unlimited free rides if they last under an hour. Anything above that starts at €1, but you can simply swap bikes at the nearest station before the time’s up, making it an insanely cheap travel option.

If you’re running out of steam, the city centre hosts Kavalir electric cars, which look like golf carts and can accommodate up to five passengers and roam around the city all day with a simple hop-on, hop-off system for free. The system runs through major inner city routes which are free from other vehicles and personal cars.

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Ljubljana’s city authority has also set a range of goals to deal with energy and waste management for the next few years. The city wants renewables to provide a quarter of its energy supply by 2020; it’s aiming to cut CO₂ emissions by 20 per cent by the same date, too. And, thanks to separate waste bins throughout the city, the population was already recycling two-thirds of their waste by 2014.

Sure, the Slovenian capital is smaller than many of the large cities in the UK, home to just under 300,000 people. But its small size is what makes it a great place to experiment with new ideas of social renewal which can be a model for other larger cities. Here’s hoping Britain can follow many of these lessons.

France is lining 600 miles of road with sticky solar panels

Recycling Technologies awarded for plastics innovation

Recycling Technologies, Swindon, United Kingdom, has been named the winner of three awards at the Rushlight Awards 2015-16 ceremony in late January 2016 in London. The Rushlight Awards, organized by Eventure Media and several energy and waste associations, focus on technology and innovation achievements made by British and Irish organizations and companies involved in efforts pertaining to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.

Recycling Technologies was named winner of the Resource Recycling Award and the Resource Innovation Award in those two group categories as well as winning the broader Rushlight Award, presented to the overall winner of the night, deemed to have “demonstrated a substantial contribution to addressing environmental issues.”

“We are delighted to have won these awards and to have been recognized for our work transforming end of life plastic waste into a valuable hydrocarbon material,” says Adrian Griffiths, CEO of Recycling Technologies. “At Recycling Technologies, we are hugely proud of our process and genuinely believe that our work is a key innovation in the field of recycling plastic, creating a highly commercial, distributed solution for a global problem.”

Says Clive Hall of the Rushlight organization, “Innovation is a key driver for growth across our green economy and beyond, helping us find new ways to manage our environmental footprint, reduce costs and help put our businesses on a more sustainable footing. It’s great to see so many organizations stepping up to this challenge, and I would like to congratulate the winners of the Rushlight Awards on their exciting new ventures.”

Recycling Technologies was formed in 2011 to commercialize the development of a plastic scrap energy conversion technique established originally by the University of Warwick in the U.K. The company’s flagship machine, the RT7000, converts unsorted residual plastic waste into what it calls a valuable low-sulphur hydrocarbon fuel oil known as Plaxx.
 

Recycling Technologies awarded for plastics innovation