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Thursday, 12 March 2015
Wednesday, 11 March 2015
Planned project would nearly double Michigan's solar capacity
This former GM plant site in Lansing, shown here in 2006, is among the locations being considered for a 20 MW solar array by the city’s utility. (Photo by Keith Kris via Creative Commons)
Developers and Michigan’s largest municipally owned utility could nearly double the state’s solar energy portfolio by partnering in what would decidedly be the largest single solar project here.
An official with the Lansing Board of Water and Light confirmed with Midwest Energy News Wednesday that the utility has selected a developer for a 20 MW solar project.
The original request for proposals, which was under development are less than 1.5 MW, while roughly 23 MW of commercial-scale solar statewide is tracked by the Michigan Public Service Commission.
Solar currently makes up roughly 1 percent of Michigan’s 2,300 MW renewable energy portfolio, according to the PSC.
One of the sites in the running is a vacant industrial property formerly owned by General Motors less than two miles from the state Capitol building.
A power purchase agreement is yet to be finalized and the original proposed location — GM’s former Verlinden plant that was demolished nearly 10 years ago — still needs to be secured, but the BWL is intent on increasing the scale of its original proposal.
“We got a whole lot of bids, there was a lot of interest,” said George Stojic, the BWL’s executive director of planning and development. “It just made sense to scale this thing up.”
The utility selected Vermont-based groSolar to develop a 20 MW project. Stojic said it’s up to the developer to ultimately secure a location.
Steve Remen, groSolar’s executive vice president of business development, said the former GM site is one of several the company is considering in the Lansing area and the project could need more than one property.
“Oftentimes, those sites make very good sites for solar projects,” Remen said, referring to vacant industrial parcels that likely have legacy contamination. “It’s an excellent re-use of the property.”
Stojic said the cost of solar would be roughly $60 per MWh at the former GM site, but that could vary depending on the location.
The property is owned by RACER Trust, which was created to manage, clean up and market former GM properties after the company’s bankruptcy in 2009. RACER oversees more than 250 acres of vacant industrial land in the Lansing area. The proposed site is on 57 acres west of downtown Lansing where Pontiacs, Oldsmobiles and Chevrolets used to be assembled.
Stojic said it made sense economically to scale up the project based on data taken from the BWL’s smaller, 150 kW solar array. Also, the BWL has limited, point-to-point transmission, he said.
“We are a summer-peaking utility. Solar fits well into that very well for two reasons: It’s there in the summertime if we need it and it helps offset transmission costs,” he said.
Stojic said he hopes details will be finalized and made public within the next couple of months.
“I wanted a fairly significantly sized project,” Stojic said. “I’m very excited about it.”
Planned project would nearly double Michigan"s solar capacity
Tuesday, 10 March 2015
Will India Budget for Clean Energy Development, Green Job Creation?
As India’s ambitious clean energy targets continue to capture headlines, the central government has released its 2015 Union Budget. This budget includes the doubling of tax on coal to Rs. 200 ($3.25) per metric ton (which goes to the National Clean Energy Fund to potentially fund clean energy projects) and the development of the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF). However, some domestic solar and environmental groups expected to see more broad support in the budget for the country’s environmental causes and clean energy goals of developing 100 gigawatts (GW) of solar energy by 2022, and a 60 GW Wind Mission. With this new budget announced on the heels of RE-Invest 2015, India’s first renewable energy financing summit, the hope is that momentum between industry and government will build to actualize a clean energy future for India, ultimately increasing energy access across the population and creating climate-friendly jobs – over a million of them according to a recent analysis conducted by NRDC and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW).
Huge Employment Opportunities
This interim report analysis illustrates that 1,000,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs would be created if India reaches its solar energy goal of 100 GW by 2022, and another 183,500 FTE jobs would be generated by the wind sector if it reached its 60 GW target. According to NRDC-CEEW estimates, the majority of these clean energy jobs would be in non-technical (semi-skilled and unskilled) roles, providing training opportunities for a growing climate-conscious population and aligning with one of Prime Minister Modi’s government priorities to facilitate job creation. As momentum grows for the solar and wind markets, the message is simple: clean energy production creates jobs.
Looking Ahead
In order to support the enormous job creation potential of India’s 2022 renewable energy development goals, NRDC and CEEW’s report released at RE-Invest last month has three key recommendations:
- Currently, the full range of economic benefits of employment generated by India’s clean energy industries are largely unknown due to a lack of reporting by solar and wind companies. Solar and wind energy companies in India can match international business practices by reporting a project’s job creation numbers.
- Availability of job creation numbers can guide policy decisions as the framework is developed for how India will achieve targets through its Solar and Wind Missions. Along with solar parks and large-scale projects, targeted policies could aim to promote distributed generation technologies such as rooftop solar projects which are more labor-intensive and can create more jobs. Government agencies and local companies could also collaborate on skills development to train this growing workforce.
- Indian government and business leaders can support the enormous job creation potential of its 2022 renewable goals by prioritizing the availability of affordable capital through innovative financing interventions such as green banks and green bonds.
India is primed to scale up the renewable energy sector and reap the benefits of a stronger economy, energy access, and cleaner air, all while helping combat global climate change. With clean energy companies coming forward with commitments totaling 266 GW at RE-Invest, a Union Budget that potentially offers some clean energy support for clean energy through the increased coal cess and infrastructure fund, needed momentum for the solar and wind markets can continue to grow.
Will India Budget for Clean Energy Development, Green Job Creation?
Monday, 9 March 2015
Local power company warns consumers about higher electric bills
HAMPTON S.C. (WJCL) — As a result of a cold February, Palmetto Electric is alerting consumers to the effects of the cooler weather on energy consumption. Palmetto Electric services Hampton, Beaufort and Jasper counties. “With the cold temperatures comes increased usage and higher electric bills,” said Berl Davis, president and CEO of the utility.
Palmetto Electric saw a significant increase in both peak demand and energy usage in February 2015 compared to February 2014. “Peak demand increased by over 23 percent and energy sales were up by 22 percent,” according to Davis. February 2015 was 57 percent colder than February 2014 and 52 percent colder than normal for the month based on local weather data.
To help offset the increases caused by cold weather Palmetto Electric recommends a thermostat setting of 68 degrees in the winter. For every degree above this setting consumers will add approximately 4-8 percent to their heating cost. “Consumers should be especially cautious about not switching their thermostat to the ‘Emergency Heat’ setting as this will cause usage to skyrocket,” emphasized Davis. Each winter we determine that many high bills result from consumers mistakenly switching from the “Heat” setting to “Emergency Heat.”
Other energy saving tips include:
- Set thermostats at 55 degrees in a home that is vacant for a week or longer.
- Caulk around all doors and windows. Loose or cracked caulking should be removed or replaced.
- Weather-stripping is a real key to preventing heat loss. Doors and windows should be sealed to prevent drafts. Door bottoms are also culprits; install inexpensive “sweeps” on doors to keep out the cold. Don’t forget to weather-strip your attic access.
- Central heating systems should be given an annual cleaning and tune-up by a qualified technician.
- Keep air filters clean. The air filter of a central heating system should be replaced once a month during the heating season if a disposable filter is used.
- Have your chimney checked by a qualified chimney sweep and check your fireplace damper to be sure it opens and closes properly.
Consumers can view more information on ways to help keep electric bills down during cold weather by visiting Palmetto Electric’s website at www.palmetto.coop and click Together We Save.
Local power company warns consumers about higher electric bills
Sunday, 8 March 2015
Pilots set for first round-the-world solar flight
The takeoff of Solar Impulse 2 will cap 13 years of research and testing by Swiss pilots
TAKE FLIGHT. Solar-powered plane Solar Impulse 2 takes off during a test flight in Abu Dhabi on March 2, 2015. Photo by Agence France-Presse
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – The first attempt to fly around the world in a plane using solar energy will be launched Monday, March 9, in Abu Dhabi, its pilots said, in a landmark journey aimed at promoting green energy.
The takeoff of Solar Impulse 2, which was delayed on Saturday due to high winds, would cap 13 years of research and testing by Swiss pilots Andre Borschberg and Bertrand Piccard.
“This project is a human project, it is a human challenge,” Borschberg, co-founder and chief executive of Solar Impulse who will fly the plane on the first leg, told reporters on Sunday.
The wingspan of the one-seater plane, known as the Si2, is slightly bigger than that of a jumbo jet, but its weight is around that of a family car.
It will take off from Abu Dhabi on Monday at 6:30 am (0230 GMT), landing first in Muscat, Oman.
From there, it will make 12 stops on an epic journey spread over 5 months, with a total flight time of around 25 days.
It will cross the Arabian Sea to India before heading on to Myanmar, China, Hawaii and New York.
Landings are also earmarked for the midwestern United States and either southern Europe or North Africa, depending on weather conditions.
The longest single leg will see a lone pilot fly non-stop for 5 days across the Pacific Ocean between Nanjing, China and Hawaii, a distance of 8,500 kilometers (5,270 miles).
Borschberg and Piccard will alternate turns at the controls because the plane can hold only one person.
All this will happen without burning a drop of fuel.
“We want to share our vision of a clean future,” said Piccard, chairman of Solar Impulse.
“Climate change is a fantastic opportunity to bring in the market new green technologies that save energy, save natural resources of our planet, make profit, create jobs, and sustain growth.”
The pilots’ idea was ridiculed by the aviation industry when it was first unveiled.
But Piccard, who hails from a family of scientist-adventurers and was the first person, in 1999, to circumnavigate the globe in a hot air balloon, clung to his belief that clean technology and renewable energy “can achieve the impossible.”
The plane is powered by more than 17,000 solar cells built into wings that, at 72 metres (236 feet), are longer than a jumbo and approaching that of an Airbus A380 superjumbo.
Clean energy petition
Thanks to an innovative design, the lightweight carbon fiber aircraft weighs only 2.3 tonnes, about the same as a family 4X4 and less than one percent of the weight of the A380.
The Si2 is the first solar-powered aircraft able to stay aloft for several days and nights.
The propellor craft has 4 17.5 horsepower electric motors with rechargeable lithium batteries.
It will travel at 50-100 kilometers per hour, with the slower speeds at night to prevent the batteries from draining too quickly.
The Si2 is the successor to Solar Impulse, a smaller craft that notched up a 26-hour flight in 2010, proving its ability to store enough power in the batteries during the day to keep flying at night
It made its last successful test flight in the United Arab Emirates on March 2, and mission chiefs reported no problems.
It is scheduled to arrive back in Abu Dhabi in July, flown by Piccard.
For him, “the project should not finish in July, it should start in July.” A petition was launched on futureisclean.org to campaign in favor of clean energy.
The pilots will be linked to a control center in Monaco where 65 weathermen, air traffic controllers and engineers will be stationed. A team of 65 support staff will travel with the two pilots.
Its progress can be monitored via live video streaming at www.solarimpulse.com. – Wissam Keyrouz, AFP/Rappler.com
Pilots set for first round-the-world solar flight
Saturday, 7 March 2015
Tourists wanted to crack down on Greek tax dodgers
(AP Photo/Davide Bolzoni, Ansa). Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis arrives to attend a 2-day international conference on “Assessing Risk: Business in Global Disorder” in Venice, Italy, Saturday, March 7, 2015. A meeting of eurozone finance minist…
(AP Photo/Davide Bolzoni, Ansa). Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis arrives to attend a 2-day international conference on “Assessing Risk: Business in Global Disorder” in Venice, Italy, Saturday, March 7, 2015. A meeting of eurozone finance minist…
(AP Photo/Davide Bolzoni, Ansa). Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis arrives to attend a 2-day international conference on “Assessing Risk: Business in Global Disorder” in Venice, Italy, Saturday, March 7, 2015. A meeting of eurozone finance minist…Police: 19-year-old dies after shot by Wisconsin officer
Police: 19-year-old dies after shot by Wisconsin officer
Madison police say a 19-year-old man died Friday night after being shot by an officer.
Protesters carrying signs reading “Black Lives Matter” gathered Saturday, hours after an officer fatally shot a 19-year-old black man who authorities said assaulted the officer in the man’s apartment.
Dollars can be a dirty word at banks on US-Mexico border
Dollars can be a dirty word at banks on US-Mexico border
The clamor to crack down on laundering drug money was loud in 2010 when Wachovia National Bank was found to have let $110 million from Mexico be sent through its accounts. It grew two years later when HSBC Holdings…
The clamor to crack down on laundering drug money was loud in 2010 when Wachovia National Bank was found to have let $110 million from Mexico be sent through its accounts. It grew two years later when HSBC Holdings PLC…
Iditarod show goes on despite lack of snow
Iditarod show goes on despite lack of snow
If there is one day when mushers in the Iditarod sled dog race don’t have to worry about trail conditions, it should be Saturday during the ceremonial start.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) – If there is one day when mushers in the Iditarod sled dog race don’t have to worry about trail conditions, it should be Saturday during the ceremonial start.
Thousands gather to commemorate Bloody Sunday anniversary
Thousands gather to commemorate Bloody Sunday anniversary
President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and about 100 members of Congress are converging on Selma, Alabama, on Saturday for the 50th anniversary of a landmark event of the civil rights movement.
Thousands of people gathered in Selma, Alabama on Saturday morning ahead of a speech by President Barack Obama at the 50th anniversary of a landmark event of the civil rights movement.
Senator Menendez, amid probe, says he’s honest, law-abiding
Senator Menendez, amid probe, says he’s honest, law-abiding
Amid a federal investigation, U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez insists he has always been honest in his more than 20 years in Congress and says he is “not going anywhere” even as a person familiar with the matter tells The…
Amid a federal investigation, U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez insists he has always been honest in his more than 20 years in Congress and says he is “not going anywhere” even as a person familiar with the matter says he’s…
Investigation of Harrison Ford’s plane crash begins
Investigation of Harrison Ford’s plane crash begins
Harrison Ford plane crash highlights record of real-life adventure, including mishaps, service
Harrison Ford plane crash highlights record of real-life adventure, including mishaps, service
Ringling Bros. eliminating elephant acts
Ringling Bros. eliminating elephant acts
APNewsBreak: Ringling Bros. Circus eliminating elephant acts by 2018 amid public concerns
APNewsBreak: Ringling Bros. Circus eliminating elephant acts by 2018 amid public concerns
Benghazi panel to issue subpoenas for more Clinton emails
Benghazi panel to issue subpoenas for more Clinton emails
House panel investigating Benghazi to issue subpoenas for Hillary Clinton’s personal emails
House panel investigating Benghazi to issue subpoenas for Hillary Clinton’s personal emails
Defense admits Tsarnaev carried out Boston Marathon bombing
Defense admits Tsarnaev carried out Boston Marathon bombing
‘It WAS him": Defense attorney admits Tsarnaev carried out Boston Marathon bombing
‘It WAS him": Defense attorney admits Tsarnaev carried out Boston Marathon bombing
Email issue revives old questions about Clintons
Email issue revives old questions about Clintons
Do the Clintons play by the rules? Email issue gives GOP new fuel for old criticism
Do the Clintons play by the rules? Email issue gives GOP new fuel for old criticism
Tourists wanted to crack down on Greek tax dodgers
Thursday, 5 March 2015
Sunny days: The world's biggest solar energy projects
Clean energy is hot.
A groundswell of support for rewnewable power has sprung up around the world over the past several years, with governments, utilities and corporations racing to deploy or purchase green electricity.
Solar power is among the technologies leading the energy market in new deployments. In the U.S. last year, 36% of all new electric capacity came from solar, and the cost to deploy it has dropped more than 63% since 2010. In many U.S. states and in nations around the world, it’s as cheap to use solar power as it is to buy electricity generated through coal-fired power plants.
Corporations are taking note. For example, Apple last month announced it would invest close to $1 billion in a solar power plant being built by First Solar in California; the move rocketed Apple past Walmart as the largest corporate user of solar power. Venture capitalists, too, are investing in renewables to the tune of $310 billion last year. Put simply, solar power is no longer just the bastion of crunchy granola types and companies hoping to improve their public image.
The global installed capacity of solar electricity has increased six-fold between 2010 and 2013, from 23 gigawatts (1GW is a billion watts) to 180GW.
Utility-scale solar power plants are still larger than private installations, which typically offer far less cpacity. As adoption increases, governments and utilities are in a race to see who can build the largest plants the fastest. India is planning a series of solar parks that will produce 10,000MW of solar power, and both India and China plan on deploying 100GW of new solar power between now and 2022.
Here are the world’s largest solar power plants, as well as a look at a few other projects that will top the list in coming years.
Sunny days: The world"s biggest solar energy projects
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