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Energy Literacy Advocates Newsroom

Energy Literacy Advocates (ELA) is a non-partisan, non-profit, public education and advocacy group dedicated to improving the energy literacy of all sectors of our democracy in order to empower a comprehensive national energy policy that is responsible and sustainable. Stay tuned for updated energy news!

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Saudi Minister Touts $75 As Optimal Price for Oil


As oil prices continue their market fluctuations, Saudi oil-minister Ali al-Naimi highlighted $75 as the best price for oil. According to al-Naimi, $75 earns oil producers enough profits to keep up supply, while being just high enough to encourage continued alternative fuel development and investment.


Whether $75 represents the perfect median price is debatable, but the 1970s demonstrate that once pain at the pump dissipates, consumers return back to the norm. While the price Americans pay for gasoline has returned once again to "acceptable" levels, the question for us is whether or not we've learned our lesson. Will inexpensive fuel derail continued investment in alternatives, or have we put the blinders back on? If the blinders are back on, history warns that our inflexible demand for oil will be tested again.


For more on al-Naimi in the New York Times, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 12:11 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

US Government Releases Additional $550 Million in Energy Grants


The US Energy and Treasury Departments awarded $550 million in grants today. Funds will go toward developing renewable energy production. In total, the US government has released $1 billion in grants aimed at clean energy.


The Obama administration has pledged to double domestic renewable energy production over the next few years, and these new grants will help push the administration's goal toward completion.


For more, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 11:56 AM 0 comments

Monday, September 21, 2009

White House Appoints Head of New DOE Agency


The White House appointed Arun Majumdar, of the College of Engineering at the University of California Berkeley, to head its new Department of Energy (DOE) agency. The new agency, Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) will support high risk alternative energy technologies.


ARPA-E projects consider technologies which can lower foreign oil dependency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency. 3,500 companies applied for funds from ARPA-E this year.


ARPA-E is funded by federal stimulus dollars.


For more, click here.


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posted by Amanda Voss at 1:01 PM 0 comments

Thursday, September 17, 2009

New Renewables Project to Evaluate More Viable Biofuel


Researchers in Oklahoma's panhandle are keeping watch over 1,000 acres of switchgrass - a crop they hope will yield commercially viable biofuel.


The $2.2 million project, managed by Oklahoma Bioenergy Center and the Noble Foundation, is unique in its scope. While switchgrass-based fuels have given promising results, until this research, no real evaluation had been conducted on its viability.


Gasoline made from switchgrass offers several benefits over corn ethanol. Switchgrass does not require annual replantings, nor does it need heavy amounts of fertilizer or water. The crop can be grown on marginal soil. Most importantly, researchers cite that switchgrass is not a food crop, and will not drive up food prices or cause shortages.


The current US federal renewable fuels standard insures demand for biofuels. A recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) analysis projected that switchgrass alone may produce 900 million gallons of ethanol by 2022.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 10:16 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Executive Order Alters CA Renewables Policy Debate

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's executive order brought the state's current renewable energy standard debate to a close. Schwarzenegger mandated that 33 percent of California's electricity be from renewable sources by 2020, but lifted measures forcing most of that generation to come from within the state's bounds.

The new mandate means California has the most strict state renewables policy.

Schwarzenegger's stance to lift protectionist measures contrasts that of other states, which have promoted protection of renewable industries within their territory.

For more coverage on this issue, click here.

What do you think - should states protect their renewable energy industries? Or should they broadly encourage renewable protection, regardless of where it comes from?

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posted by Amanda Voss at 2:34 PM 0 comments

Friday, September 11, 2009

Renewable Energy Debate Offers Insights


If trends in California predict national policy trends, then the renewable energy policy debate heating up in that state warrants national attention.


State Democrats are pushing two bills which would mandate that the state have at least thirty percent of its energy supply from renewable resources. Which resources those would be, and how that renewable structure would be built, is the subject of intense debate among the energy industry and environmentalists.


The bills limit the amount of renewable energy that can be source from out of state, limiting state electricity suppliers. Environmentalists have opposed proposed Californian wind and solar farms, limiting renewable development locally. Additionally, an estimated $115 billion in transmission lines and investment may be necessary to allow access to renewable power.


While California legislators continue the debate, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger supports an increase in renewable standards.


For more on this debate, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 12:23 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

China Plans Largest Solar Field in the World


China announced approval today for a joint venture with Arizona-based First Solar Inc to develop what may become the largest solar field in the world.

First Solar is the largest manufacturer of solar cells, and will partner with China to install the cells in a 25 square mile blanket in Inner Mongolia.

The Chinese government has designated this area within Inner Mongolia as its renewable energy development zone, and hopes to eventually generate 12 gigawatts of renewable energy from solar, wind, biomass and other renewable sources.

The first production from this field, rated to be 30 megawatts, will begin in June 2010.

For more, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 11:17 AM 0 comments

Thursday, September 3, 2009

New Geothermal Project Hits Major Snag

AltaRock Energy, a $17 million geothermal project in California, has ground to a halt after hitting capstone. The project, attempting to reach 2 miles deep to harness geothermal heat and power, has barely reached 4,000 feet.

The project represents the first major initiative by the Obama administration to harness geothermal power. AltaRock was awarded $6.25 million in federal funding.

While geothermal energy can yield great results for energy, the process can hit snags like capstone, and geological anomalies. Additionally, studies are often conducted to determine if drilling in areas will increase earthquake risks.

To read more, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 4:02 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

US Commerce Secretary Lays Gauntlet in Energy Race

During a conference in Detroit, Michigan, US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke challenged America to assume leadership in the alternative energy industry, and to win the race to develop new renewable and alternative energy businesses.

Locke, along with other Obama administration officials and state governors, warned that China could win the race, taking jobs and business opportunities with it.

Michigan and Wisconsin, states suffering from loss of manufacturing jobs, have received large portions of federal grant money to stimulate new energy industries. Locke encouraged continued investment and business growth in that sector, despite economic uncertainty linked to proposed climate legislation, like the cap and trade measures.

To read more, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 2:00 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Funding Released for Renewable Energy Projects

The US Energy and Treasury departments announced the release of $503 million in funds to renewable energy projects. The funds are the first round in a $3 billion cash grant program that has supplanted corporate tax credits.

Cash grants are awarded to companies pursuing funding for renewable energy projects, particularly in the fields of solar, wind and biomass. The grants are also part of the Obama administration's goal to double renewable energy production in the US over the next three years.

To read more, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 11:28 AM 0 comments

Monday, August 31, 2009

Wyoming to Get New Wind Farm


The Wall Street Journal reports that Duke Energy will build its ninth wind farm in Wyoming, on 17,000 acres of public and private lands. This move is the latest in a string of alternative energy projects taken on by Duke.


The farm will be operational by 2011 and will generate enough power to supply 50,000 to 60,000 homes.


For more details, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 10:01 AM 0 comments

Monday, August 24, 2009

International Energy News: Power Europe via the Sahara?

Desertec, the most ambitious solar energy project to date, is gaining support for its plans to supply European energy needs from solar energy collected in the Sahara. The project is estimated to cost $400 billion at completion.

The technology behind Desertec involves collecting energy from solar rays gathered in the Sahara desert and transmitting it via undersea cables to Europe. Supporters are promoting the project's non-carbon footprint and economic benefits for Northern Africa.

The project does face some opposition. Detractors are wary of investment in new technology in an unstable political region, and doubtful that intercontinental transmission of solar energy is more effective and efficient than local photovoltaic production.

To read more, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 4:41 PM 0 comments

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Energy News from Around the World: Australia OKs Renewable Target


Australia's Parliament passed a 20 percent renewable energy target today, mandating that at least 20 percent of the country's electricity come from renewable energy sources. Currently, 8 percent of Australia's electricity is sourced from renewables.


This new target matches the target set by the European Union in 2007.


Supporters heralded the legislation as the first major piece of climate initiative for the country. Opponents maintained that the target should have been set higher, and should have mandated cuts in carbon emissions.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 1:40 PM 0 comments

Thursday, July 30, 2009

New Federal Loans Released for Renewable Energy


To continue bolstering renewable energy and modernization of America's electrical grid, the Department of Energy has opened $36 billion for loan guarantees.


Of the $36 billion, $2 billion is specifically aimed at biofuels and $6 billion at revamping the electrical grid. The rest is aimed at promoting general renewable energy projects.


Recepients of federal loan guarantees are insured against the failure of the project, and are helped with some initial subsidy costs.
For more information, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 11:51 AM 0 comments

Monday, July 27, 2009

Developments in Alternative Energy: Harnessing the Power of the Sea


With demand quickly outpacing capacity in Florida, researchers are turning to the ocean for potential energy generation.


Scientists are evaluating sea turbines and their ability to harness the Gulf current. Some predictions for the efficacy of turbines foresee the ocean supplying one-third of Florida's power needs.


The concept is similar to electricity generation via wind turbines on land.


To read more, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 10:40 AM 0 comments

Friday, July 24, 2009

Hydrogen Cars May See Renewed Funding


A vote by the House of Representatives and the Senate Appropriations Committee may overrule Energy Secretary Steven Chu's decision to cut $100 million in funding for hydrogen car research.


Approving $153 million and $190 million, respectively for the research, Congress indicated confidence in the technology. In May, Energy Secretary Chu cut funding for the program citing that the technology may not reach the market within 15 years.


Japan and Germany continue to fund their hydrogen cell vehicle programs. Japan's investment bore results this week, with Toyota's announcement of an affordable mass production hydrogen vehicle available by 2015.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 9:26 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Some Big Oil Companies to Experiment with Biofuels


While Exxon-Mobil's announcement last week of a $600 million investment in biofuels may be the most dramatic, many "big oil" companies are starting to turn toward alternative fuels.


U.S. based Valero Energy began the year by purchasing seven ethanol plants. Shell is partnering with Prometheus Energy to convert waste methane into natural gas. Conoco opened an ethanol blending plant in Kansas this year, and is reportedly planning on opening a biofuels plant.


The recession and falling prices have meant good deals are up for grabs on purchasing renewable energy assets, and have driven much of the big oil investment in alternative energy. Oil companies are also investing now to meet future renewable energy requirements.


Going against the trend is oil giant British Petroleum (BP), which shut down a majority of its alternative energy budget in June.


To read more, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 10:26 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Government Funding Structure Hobbles Investment in Renewables

While federal stimulus dollars were earmarked towards sparking growth in the renewable energy industry, the ban on tax-exempt investors has actually hobbled a large segment of the industry. The exclusion of private equity funded energy projects from receiving government money is slowing the growth of investment in renewables.

The ban has the effect of discouraging investment in renewable energy by private equity firms, according to the industry. Up to $10 billion could be at risk.

The grants issued by the federal stimulus bill offered up to 30% of the cost of renewable energy projects.

To read more, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 7:58 AM 0 comments

Friday, July 17, 2009

New Study Evaluates Most Sustainable Renewables


Geothermal and wind energy rank first and second in efficiency among renewable energy sources, according to a report by New York University's Stern School of Business.


The report measured various energy sources, government research and development investment and technological improvement. Both geothermal and wind energy returned high gains per dollar invested in development, and outpaced the potential of solar power.


The report also found that fossil fuels have likely reached their performance limits, and are no longer improving in terms of effiency.


In evaluating trajectory performance, the NYU report concluded that geothermal energy can outperform and cost less than fossil fuels.


To access the full report, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 12:00 PM 0 comments

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Investment Announcement Signals Shift for "Big Oil"


Over the past month, Exxon Mobil Corporation has made massive investments in electric cars, algae-based biofuels and unconventional natural gas. This abrupt shift in strategy signals to some a pervasive shift in viewpoint among oil companies.


Exxon has put an initial $5oo,ooo into electric car development, as well as $600 million into generating biofuels from algae.


While Exxon's recent investments were classified as studied moves by the company, industry experts view this as giving alternative energy a much-needed boost.


For the full article, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 10:55 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Plans for World's Largest Wind Farm Halted


According to the New York Times, oilman and energy developer T. Boone Pickens is stopping plans to develop the world's largest wind farm, located in the Texas Panhandle. Pickens drew national attention to alternative energy by popularizing his "Pickens Plan."


Pickens cited lack of necessary transmission lines as the primary cause in halting the project. Other factors include the falling price of natural gas and the lack of available investment funds due to economic turmoil.


Pickens has substituted the Panhandle farm with plans to build three or four smaller wind farms in the near term, at a cost of $2 billion.


To read the full article, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 8:32 AM 0 comments

Friday, June 26, 2009

American Clean Energy and Security Act Gets Boost from President


President Barack Obama urged the House to pass the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES). A vote is expected today.


ACES packages renewable energy standards together with climate legislation, including the introduction of a cap and trade system for greenhouse gas emissions. Obama urged support for the bill not only to amend climate change, but also to promote jobs in the renewable energy sector.


To listen to the President's comments, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 8:30 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

New Energy Horizons: Biodiesel Update

Biodiesel fuels continue to garner a lot of interest as alternative sources of energy, since their manufacture can be adapted to regional resources, and the fuel itself can be generated from various types of waste.

MSN serves up a quick synopsis of biodiesel. To learn more, click here!

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posted by Amanda Voss at 9:03 AM 0 comments

Friday, June 5, 2009

Renewable Projects Receive Boost from USDA

As many renewable and alternative energy projects falter due to the constrained economy and cuts in federal funding, a new US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development program may aid green energy sector growth.

The USDA announced it is accepting applications for grants and loan guarantees for farmers and rural small businesses. These grants are to install renewable energy systems, make energy efficiency developments and conduct feasibility studies. The funds are directed through Rural Development's Rural Energy for American Program. The maximum grant for renewable energy systems is 25% of eligible project costs.

Expected project enrollments include large and small wind turbines, grain dryers, geothermal systems, energy efficient refrigerators or freezers and methane digesters.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 9:34 AM 0 comments

Friday, May 29, 2009

New Federal Funding for Alternative Energy Released

The Denver Post - New funding will be released from the Department of Energy's Office of Science to further the exploration of viable alternative energy.

"These centers will mobilize the enormous talents and skills of our nation's scientific workforce in pursuit of the breakthroughs that are essential to make alternative and renewable energy truly viable as large-scale replacements for fossil fuels," said Secretary of Energy Steven Chu.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado will receive part of that funding, and will be home to a new multimillion-dollar Energy Frontier Research Center, the U.S. Department of Energy announced Wednesday. NREL's center is expected to receive $4 million annually for five years.

NREL officials will also participate in research conducted by six other Energy Frontier Research Centers.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 9:14 AM 0 comments

Friday, May 15, 2009

American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 Takes Another Step

The American Energy and Security Act of 2009, a sweeping climate change and energy bill, is predicted to pass its committee vote next week.

“We will have the votes for passage of this bill next week,” predicted Henry Waxman, Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Several compromises have helped the bill reach this point. Revisions in the bill call for a 17 percent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels by 2020 - down from the original 20 percent reduction, but still higher than Obama’s initial target of some 15 percent.

Renewable energy targets have dropped from 17.5 percent by 2020 to 15 percent. The 15 percent target will be combined with a requirement to boost energy efficiency by 5 percent, for a total of 20 percent.

For more coverage on this bill, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 8:47 AM 0 comments

Thursday, May 14, 2009

U.S. Funding Pulled from Hydrogen Car

Signalling a change in energy and policy forecasts, the Obama administration has pulled government funding from hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The Department of Energy removed $100 million from its hydrogen fuel cell program for 2010 and has rededicated the funds toward research initiatives to “fuel cell technologies” for buildings and other applications.

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles became a cornerstone of alternative energy funding research during the Bush administration. Obama's administration has embraced a different transportation view, turning instead to hybrid and electric vehicles.

To read more coverage and discussion of this issue in Reuters, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 9:48 AM 0 comments

Monday, May 4, 2009

Oil Executives Doubtful About Energy Independence

Bloomberg - An April survey of 382 U.S. financial executives in the oil and gas business reveals only 16 percent believe that by 2030 the U.S. will be able to depend solely on its own energy supplies.

The survey, run by KPMG LLP’s Global Energy Institute, also revealed that a majority believed the U.S. will not be able to mass-produce viable alternative energy until 2015.

“The executives’ perceptions of energy independence mirror their views on the viability of alternatives in the near-term,” Bill Kemble, executive director of the institute, said in a statement.

While these statements may reflect industry bias, they also appear to reflect reality. Net imports of petroleum into the U.S. were about 57 percent of the total consumed last year. If the U.S. remains on projected oil consumption levels, that percentage will only fall to about 40 percent by 2030, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

To read the full article, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 8:33 AM 0 comments

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Expansion of Government Funding for Renewables Research

The Associated Press - In an address from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced $193 million in funding for energy research. NREL, the primary U.S. lab for renewable energy will receive $110 million in federal stimulus funds and another $83 million will go toward wind energy and other alternative power and efficiency projects.

Obama's goal with these funds, Chu said, is to prepare the country to compete economically decades down the road, as well as meet the immediate challenges of climate change and energy demand.

In total, the stimulus package gave $39 billion to the Energy Department. The money is split between in grants, tax breaks and loan guarantees, with much of it going to renewable energy and conservation programs.

To read the full article, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 9:00 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

The Next Big Energy Exporter: Kansas?

The Associated Press - Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson and members of the American Council on Renewable Energy presented a national study slating Kansas with the potential to become a major exporter of renewable energy.

The study, run by Joint Coordinated Systems, calculated the state's maximum wind potential at 19 gigawatts by 2030 and projected 1 megawatt of power annually each from solar and bio-energy.

The study found tremendous potential to market Kansas energy to places such as Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana and Georgia. This alternative energy exportation could create $23 billion in cumulative economic impact and 12,000 jobs from now through 2030.

To read the full article, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 9:13 AM 0 comments

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Obama heralds "new era of energy exploration in America" on Earth Day

The Associated Press - Speaking from Newton, Iowa, the President set an Earth Day goal for wind to generate as much as 20 percent of the U.S. electricity demand by 2030. In his speech, delivered at a wind turbine factory, Obama declared that a "new era of energy exploration in America" would be a crucial to leading the nation out of an economic crisis.

"The nation that leads the world in creating new energy sources will be the nation that leads the 21st century global economy," Obama said.

To read the full article, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 8:26 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

New "Idea" for Transportation Future

A car that makes 100 miles per gallon? Bright Automotive, based in Indiana, is bringing this concept into reality.

Based upon the Rocky Mountain Institute's lightweight hyper-efficient vehicle concept, IDEA will be the name of the plug-in hybrid concept vehicle, due to be unveiled today in Washington, D.C.

The IDEA vehicle will get 100 mpge using a battery pack that is 40 percent smaller than other packs with similar range, with an EV-only range of 30 miles.

According to AutoBlog Green, the Bright Automotive group plans high-volume production of 50,000 units a year for the IDEA, beginning in late 2012.

To visit the Bright Automotive website, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 7:17 AM 0 comments

Friday, April 17, 2009

Government Releases New Report on Biofuels

The National Commission on Energy Policy released a new report today, urging that better infrastructure and more aggressive policies necessary if the nation is to meet its mandates for ethanol and other alternative fuels.

The renewable fuel standard calls for Americans to use 36 billion gallons of biofuel by 2022, up from the current 9 billion today.

The biofuels report argues that the nation needs to increase the amount of ethanol blended into gasoline, as well as make it easier for biofuels plants and pipelines to get government permits and make it easier to transport ethanol.

To read the full article in the New York Times, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 8:08 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

The New Frontier in Alternative Energy...From Outer Space?

Solaren is hoping to partner with California-based Pacific Gas & Electric to create solar energy collectors based in space. The project is anticipated to begin generating electricity for California homes as soon as 2016.

In the few details revealed from the project, satellites in space will collect and store solar energy. Solar energy will later be beamed to Earth, where it will be collected by a station in Fresno, California. There it will be converted to electricity and distributed out on the power grid.

More details about the project are expected this summer.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 11:52 AM 0 comments

Friday, April 10, 2009

Corn-Ethanol May Not Be the Root Cause Behind Food Price Woes

The Associated Press - The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report on 2007 and 2008 nutritional programs cited multiple factors fueling the rise in food prices.

While corn-based ethanol may have contributed 10 to 15 percent in the rise of food costs, the CBO said other factors, such as skyrocketing energy costs, had an even greater impact than ethanol on food prices during that period.

Roughly one quarter of corn grown in the United States is now used to produce ethanol, and overall consumption of ethanol in the country hit a record high last year, exceeding 9 billion gallons, according to the CBO. Nearly 3 billion bushels of corn were used to produce ethanol in the United States last year — an increase of almost a billion bushels over 2007.

Yet ethanol's impact on future food prices is uncertain, the report says, because an increased supply of corn has the potential to eventually lower food prices.

To read the full article, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 7:32 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Ethanol Producer Files for Bankruptcy

In another unfortunate sign of current economic woes, corn ethanol producer Aventine Renewable Energy Holdings Inc. stated today that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Chief Executive Ron Miller said in a statement that the company is challenged by a difficult market environment for an industry that suffers from poor operating margins.

To read an analysis done by The Wall Street Journal, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 11:33 AM 0 comments

Friday, April 3, 2009

Largest Public Utility Group Buys Into Renewables

Facing looming legislative pressures for cleaner energy, the nation's largest public utility agreed Thursday to buy a substantial portion of electricity from renewable energy sources.

The Tennessee Valley Authority board gave President and CEO Tom Kilgore authority to sign contracts totaling up to 2,000 megawatts of renewable and clean energy by 2011, with some of the power entering TVA's seven-state system as early as 2010.

To read the full article released in the Associated Press, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 8:30 AM 0 comments

Thursday, April 2, 2009

New Google Tool Maps Out Renewable Energy Conflict

Grants from Google, and collaboration with the National Audubon Society and Natural Resources Defense Council, have created a new mapping tool that aims to smooth conflicts over renewable energy site development.

The tool, available on Google Earth, shows renewable-power developers areas which are amenable or not recommended by pulling together maps of endangered species habitats, national parks and other forms of protected land. Areas not recommended for development are highlighted.

Find the new ecological Google Earth mapping tool at www.nrdc.org/PathtoGreenEnergy.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 8:31 AM 0 comments

Friday, March 27, 2009

Tesla Motors Unveils Plans for All-Electric Passenger Car

Tesla Motors unveiled a prototype of its new Model S passenger sedan. What makes this car so unique? The Model S, slated to begin production in 2011, will be the first mass-produced all-electric car. Prices for the Model S will start at $50,000.

Tesla also plans to open a dealership in Chicago soon, the first of a seven this year. The Windy City showroom will be Tesla’s third and the first outside of the company’s home state of California.

Tesla burst onto the alternative vehicle scene and became famous for its high-performance, all-electric sports car, the Roadster.

To read the full article in Scientific American, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 8:26 AM 0 comments

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Largest Independent Oil Refiner Buys Up Ethanol Plants

Valero Energy, the nation's largest independent oil refiner, announced the purchase of seven ethanol plants from VeraSun, the nation's second largest ethanol producer.

The purchase comes as a boost for the ethanol market. VeraSun filed for Chaper 11 bankruptcy in the fall of 2008, amidst economic woes. Valero plans for the plants include using the ethanol produced there to blend with traditional gasoline, satisfying the 10 percent blend requirement.

The Valero purchase of an ethanol plant is the first in the U.S. by a traditional refiner, pumping cash into the industry at a time of tight credit. It also signals a new alignment of traditional and renewable energy industries.

Given the economic travails facing renewable energy industries, the ethanol industry is additionally pressing the Obama administration to raise the 10 percent blend limit in most gasoline blends to as high as 15 percent to bolster demand for biofuels.

To read the full article, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 7:34 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Offshore Energy Regulation Settled

The Washington Post reports today that the Interior Department and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) divvied up rights to regulate offshore energy sources, settling a debate over bureaucratic controls.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar expressed relief at the settlement, which had threatened to entangle prospective renewable energy projects.

The FERC will have the primary responsibility to manage the licensing of wind, tidal and ocean current projects.

To read the full article in the Washington Post, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 10:10 AM 0 comments

Monday, March 16, 2009

Saudi Oil Minister Advocates the Critical State of Fossil Fuels

Monday, March 16 - Saudi Arabian Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi emphasized today, that "Given their massive scale, non-renewables will remain the world's energy workhorse for many decades to come."

These comments came after the latest OPEC meeting, where members agreed to hold production steady, given the tenuous state of the world economy.

In extolling the continued need for, and reliance upon, fossil fuels, Naimi additionally accentuated the issue of lagging technology in alternative fuels. "... there is no excuse to pin our hopes only on alternatives which today are just supplemental energies," he said. "Our immediate focus, then, must be to make fossil fuels cleaner and more efficient."

To read the full article in Reuters, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 8:31 AM 0 comments

Monday, March 9, 2009

"New" Energy Faces Recession

As the Wall Street Journal hosted its annual ECO:nomics conference, focusing on the business of the environment, alternative energy developers discussed a common theme - that the recession and the resulting drop in energy prices have hobbled their plans.

Despite the $94.1 billion contained in the U.S. stimulus plan for "new" energy sources, industry consensus is that the infusion of public money will work only if alternative energy groups can also get private investment.

While measures like a cap-and-trade program on emissions, or a gas tax, would help spur on the renewable energy industries, the resultant increase in energy costs to the public might be untenable given the current economic environment.

To read the full Wall Street Journal report, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 7:18 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

EPA Issues Most Energy Efficient City Rankings

Los Angeles has topped the Environmental Protection Agency's list of most energy-efficient cities for 2008, based upon its number of Energy Star buildings.

Los Angeles currently has 262 Energy Star ranked buildings. To be awarded the Energy Star designation, buildings must use at least 35% less energy than average buildings and emit 35% less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

San Francisco came in second in the country. Rounding out the top 10 in 2008 were Houston; Washington; Dallas-Fort Worth; Chicago; Denver; Minneapolis-St. Paul; Atlanta; and Seattle.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 8:36 AM 0 comments

Monday, March 2, 2009

USDA Signals Support for Domestic Biofuels

Today, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will issue loan guarantees to promote domestic biofuel development, specifically ethanol.

Vilsack also highlighted the cooperation between the USDA and the Department of Energy to forward research efforts and identify new feedstocks for biofuels. The two agencies are parterning in hopes to identify valuable fuel stocks which can alleviate the pressue on foodstocks. Last year, corn-based ethanol received heightened scrutiny, as it drove up food prices and presented ethical debates on food versus fuel production.

“My view is that we have the capacity and the ability to do both and need to do both. If we’re to meet the President’s instruction that he wants more energy production out of our farm fields and ranches, and if we are going to turn this economy around and become less reliant on fossil fuels, we’ve got to create more biofuel,” Vilsack remarked.

To read the entire article, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 11:12 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Energy Crops Up in Obama's Speech

The New York Times - President Barack Obama spoke out about investing in renewable energy during his primetime address before Congress last night.

Obama touted "renewable energy investment as part of the 'foundation of lasting prosperity' and blasted past energy policy as an underlying factor behind the nation's economic woes."

"We have known for decades that our survival depends on finding new sources of energy," Obama said. "Yet we import more oil today than ever before."

The emphasis placed on developing alternative and renewable energy signals that, despite economic woes, Obama's team plans to move on the energy policy front.

To read the full article in The New York Times, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 10:57 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

T Boone Pickens in the Chicago Tribune

Texan T. Boone Pickens, who has dominated many discussions of American alternative energy, offered his opinions in today's Chicago Tribune on President Obama's renewable energy policies, and on where the U.S. needs to allocate attention to reap success.

Pickens issued three imperatives:
•Build a more reliable and efficient electrical transmission grid to meet the demand for clean, renewable electricity.
•Develop "smart-grid" technologies that will save consumers money.
•Reduce our foreign-oil dependency and develop a clean, alternative transportation fuel infrastructure.

To read the full article in the Tribune, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 10:40 AM 0 comments

Monday, February 23, 2009

Partnerships in Renewable Energy: Israel & U.S.

The US-Israel Energy Cooperation Act, a partnership announced last week, aims to develop renewable energy storage to lessen dependence on oil. The agreement, supported by new Energy Secretary Dr. Steven Chu, is similar to other collaborations among European nations and Japan.

Unique projects in the Israel agreement include cooperation with the first company in the world utilizing flue gas from coal burning power stations for algae cultivation, to produce biofuels. Israel is a leader on several renewable fronts, with the country projecting 20% of its energy will be solar generated by 2010.

To read the full article, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 8:06 AM 0 comments

Friday, February 20, 2009

Framing the Peak Energy Debate

Nature Reports Climate Change - Kurt Kleiner of Nature Reports examines the climate and energy impacts of peak oil.

"Will we continue to use fossil fuels to the detriment of our planet and the human population? Or can we clean up our act in time to avoid calamitous change? That's the dilemma the world currently faces, yet in spite of efforts to transition to alterative energy sources, projections show that annual fossil fuel demand is likely to increase 45 per cent by 2030."

While focusing on the relationship between fossil fuel consumption and the climate, Kleiner also highlights the lack of information in the public domain, leading - in some experts' opionions - to the deepening of the energy crisis.

To read the full article, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 12:54 PM 0 comments

Monday, February 16, 2009

Renewable Energy Developments to Expand in UK

Reuters - Taking another step to reach its 2020 goal of meeting 15% of energy needs through renewables, Britain approved several bids to expand the number of offshore wind farms.

Britain generates about three gigawatts of energy from wind farms, enough to power more than 1.5 million homes. The government estimates the UK will need to generate about 28 gigawatts in this way to hit the 2020 target.

To read the full article, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 10:35 AM 0 comments

Friday, February 13, 2009

Stimulus Compromise Bill Contains Renewable Measures

Details of the latest version of the economic stimulus bill reveal some renewable energy provisions remain intact. The bill still contains $11 billion for modernizing the U.S. electricity grid and developing so-called smart grids, which utilize technology to create more efficient and less costly methods of moving electricity.

Additionally, the bill slates $6 billion in loan guarantees for renewable energy projects such as wind or solar energy development.

This compromise version is under final debate in both the House and Senate.

To read a more in-depth report about renewable provisions within the bill, and some projected outcomes of the bill's impact, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 10:06 AM 0 comments

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Advancements in Our Energy Future: California Nears Deal on Solar Thermal Power

The Los Angeles Times reports that Southern California Edison will sign the largest-ever U.S. solar energy deal with BrightSource Energy Inc. of Oakland. The 20-year contract will supply enough solar energy from remote desert generating plants to power 845,000 homes.

The deal represents a bright spot for the renewable energy industry, which has been pinched due to the economic downturn and the drop in the cost of oil.

Solar-thermal power uses heat from the sun to create steam to spin electric turbines, thus generating electricity for consumers.

To read the full article, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 1:17 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

L A Times: "Promise and Peril" of Energy Transition

As President Barack Obama campaigns for support for his stimulus package, the green cornerstone of his plans is under high scrutiny. The Los Angeles Times released an article acknowledging the tensions in shifting to a new energy paradigm.

"The stakes are high. If Obama succeeds, he could spark a domestic jobs boom and lead an international fight against climate change. If he fails, he could cripple existing industries and squeeze cash-strapped Americans with higher energy prices."

Comparing the efforts to transition America away from imported oil to the Manhattan Project and moon shot combined, the article offers an interesting comparison of the policy efforts to fast-track alternative energy in the U.S.

To read the article, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 12:14 PM 0 comments

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Wind Power Gained in 2008; US Surpasses Germany

According to an MSNBC news release, the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), cited that 2008 has been a record year for the worldwide wind energy industry.

New wind farms have generated over 27,000 MW of electricity. Global wind energy capacity grew by 28.8% last year, even higher than the average over the past decade, to reach total global installations of more than 120.8 GW at the end of 2008. Over 27 GW of new wind power generation capacity came online in 2008, 36% more than in 2007.

The United States overtook Germany as the world's green superpower by installing 8,358 MW in 2008, a 50% increase over the previous year. 8,000 MW is enough wind energy to power two million homes in the US.

Additionally, renewables experts continue to watch China, as the nation doubled its green power output in 2008.

To read the full article on MSNBC, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 8:06 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Stimulus Plan Predicted to Bolster Green Energy

In details revealed by President Barack Obama, the approaching economic stimulus bill will also contain provisions to bolster energy efficiency and the green energy industry in America. The NPR reports that tens of billions of dollars out of the current $825 billion price tag are slated for electricity reforms and efficiency projects

Short term projects include funds to "weatherize" 2 million homes by improving things such as insulation and leaky windows, while also improving the efficiency of 75 percent of federal buildings. Another provision would pay for 3,000 miles of transmission lines to move electricity from wind farms and solar installations, many in the West and Southwest, to consumers in the rest of the country.

Finally, additional funds channeled to green energy industry are expected to put 460,000 Americans to work on energy projects and double the amount of alternative energy produced over the next three years.

To read the full NPR article, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 9:27 AM 0 comments

Friday, January 23, 2009

Energy Attachment to Stimulus Bill Clears House Panel

$54 billion in funds for environmental energy projets received its first approval from a U.S. House panel. The panel approved spending an estimated $54 billion in economic stimulus funds for projects, including improving the transmission of wind-generated electricity and expanding conservation projects.

Other measures, like spending for power lines, efficiency projects, and a program to insulate low-income homes, are also included. Additionally, the measure would provide $8.4 billion in renewable energy loan guarantees, renewing and extending some existing programs.

The energy provision is a portion of the $825 billion economic stimulus measure. The broader legislation includes $550 billion in new government spending and $275 billion in tax cuts.

To read the full article, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 8:25 AM 0 comments

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Mexico Inaugurates Renewable Energy Expansion

January 22, 2009 - Today, Mexico launches one of the largest wind farm projects in the world. As oil production continues to decline in Mexico, the country has gone overseas looking for investors to help develop a renewable energy portfolio.

According to the Associated Press release, the winds that blow across the chosen site, a narrow isthmus between the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean, run between 25 to 36 kph (15 to 22 mph), a near-ideal rate for turbines.

One of the project partners, Spanish energy company Acciona Energia says the 2,500-hectare (6,180-acre) farm should generate 250 megawatts of electricity with 167 turbines, 25 of which are already operating.

To read the full article, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 2:24 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Obama Reaffirms Commitment to Energy at Inaugural

January 20, 2009 - Washington, DC

President Barack Obama reaffirmed his commitment to revamping America's energy policy during his inaugural message. The newly elected president emphasized America's legacy of determination and responsibility in confronting a myriad of crises.

Obama cited energy as part of the current crisis, remarking that "each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet."

Citing the aggressive application of renewables in America's new energy portfolio, Obama said "We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories."

To access the full text of President Barack Obama's inaugural speech, courtesy of ABC News, please click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 11:43 AM 0 comments

Monday, January 19, 2009

Sign of the Times: UAE Takes a Green Stance

Despite oil falling to $35 a barrel on continued forecasts of a depressed world wide economy, oil rich states in the Middle East are investing in more green energy.

According to the Associate Press, the United Arab Emirates are making strong pledges toward renewable energy use. The head of a green-energy project in Abu Dhabi says the oil-rich emirate plans to generate 7 percent of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2020.

Sultan al-Jaber says the initiative will create a renewable energy market worth $6 billion to $8 billion in Abu Dhabi.

Most, if not all, of the energy will come from solar power, another official involved with the project says.

To read the Associated Press release, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 9:23 AM 0 comments

Friday, January 16, 2009

Nominee Salazar Touts Energy Agenda as Secretary of the Interior

Senator Ken Salazar (D-Colo.), nominated by President-elect Barack Obama to lead the Interior Department, appeared before a Senate committee yesterday for his confirmation hearing. Among his plans for the branch are a more intensive focus on energy issues.

Salazar emphasized the need for a balanced yet innovative approach to energy issues, promising to consider numerous options for energy independence, including offshore oil drilling and, under the right conditions, oil shale development on government lands.

While offering moderation on points like offshore drilling, Salazar emphasized his aggressive stance on energy independence for America. Renewable energy development -- a cause he championed as senator -- remains a main goal for Salazar, who also promised a balanced approach to energy and land-use policy.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 8:29 AM 0 comments

Plans for 'Green' Infrastructure Could Take a Backseat

The Los Angeles Times reports that an inclusion of investment in "green infrastructure", in the proposed economic stimulus package, could get derailed.

To reduce America's dependence on foreign oil, Obama has pledged to invest in green infrastructure, including a national electric grid and high-speed rail lines. According to the LA Times, at a Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday, Obama's Energy secretary nominee, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Steven Chu, said a nationwide grid would be "in the national interest" and said the country needed a "new way of doing business" to get it built quickly.

Besides economic road blocks, the infrastructure package also faces a lack of pre-planning and conflict over land rights. Still, proponents are hopeful that the plans will reappear in a bill later this year.

To read more about Obama's green infrastructure proposal, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 8:20 AM 0 comments

Monday, January 12, 2009

Analyzing Popular Consumption of Renewable Energy: New York Times and NREL Reports

Monday, January 12, 2009 - The New York Times reports this morning on highlights of a National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) report evaluating popular participation in voluntary renewable energy programs. The study, conducted in partnership with Applied Materials, offers analysis of these programs — why people sign up for them and how they are administered.

Among trends revealed in the report are that decisions to buy green power for homeowners are founded upon an “emotional” response or commitment, where corporate America opts for green power as a business decision. Additionally, green power may be more expensive than traditional utilities for now, but for businesses it offers a key advantage: the ability to predict the price of electricity.

To access the full NREL and Applied Materials report, click here.

To read the New York Times article and summary of these findings, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 8:35 AM 0 comments

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Practical Applications in Our New Energy Future: Continental Runs Biofuel-Powered Flight

Thursday, January 8, 2009 - (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

"HOUSTON (AP) - Continental Airlines is the first U.S. commercial carrier to conduct a demonstration flight powered in part by alternative fuels.

The Houston-based company, the nation's fourth-largest airline, made the flight Wednesday with a Boeing 737-800 that left from Bush Intercontinental Airport, its large hub. The flight was expected to last about two hours and return to the airport around 3 p.m. EST.

Continental chairman and chief executive Larry Kellner said the goal of Wednesday's flight was to analyze technical aspects of using biofuels, including effects on the plane's engines. But he and others acknowledged it's likely several years, a decade perhaps, before biofuels make up a significant percentage of the fuel used by Continental and other major carriers."

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posted by Amanda Voss at 8:41 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

New Creative Measures to Aid Energy Efficiency Projects

New York Times - Cities and municipalities across the nation are eyeing new ways to incentivize homeowners to make energy efficient and alternative energy choices.

New projects, like the Sustainable Energy Financing District run by Berkley, California, designate neighborhoods and offer low-interest loans to complete efficiency or renewable energy projects.

Utility companies are also getting into the game. Through an addition to their utility or property tax bills, borrowers can repay loans over 20 or 30 years — typically with the money earned through energy savings or sales back to the grid.

To read the full New York Times feature, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 8:38 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

The Lost Generation: Are the Big Three Automakers Failing to Capture New Audience Share?

In an article issued January 5, Morley Winograd and Michael D. Hais argue that Detroit has lost the confidence of the Millenial Generation, and therefore faces a stark future.

Attributing the bulk of that lost confidence to the failure of "The Big Three" to innovate and deliver alternative fuel and high efficiency products, the authors postulate that "To secure Millenials’ support, however, the domestic automobile industry needs to be seen as a contributor in ending America’s dependence on foreign oil and improving our environment. Not only would such an approach assure the industry’s future profitability, it would also remake its image in a way that will appeal to both their future customers and the politicians they support."

To access the article, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 10:10 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Year in Review: Bumpy Road to Market for Renewables

As 2008 closes, renewable energy companies are faced with a complex economic and political environment. While many federal and international incentives and credits have been extended for their products, the economic downturn and low price of oil have forced several large renewable companies into Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Fairing best in 2008, wind and solar companies will enjoy extended benefits in 2009, thanks to an extension package tied to the $700 billion Congressional financial bailout. The real economic squeeze has caught biofuel companies, particularly those with publicly traded stocks, which lost up to 95% of their value in 2008.

Despite a sober market forecast, renewable companies continue to enjoy set market shares for 2009, due to government mandates on renewable energy usage. Joseph Muscat, Ernst & Young's Americas director of cleantech and venture capital, predicts that clean energy and renewables will be the first economic segment to experience significant rebound.

To read the full Associated Press synopsis, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 8:12 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Radical Change in Energy Department Predicted

CNN reports that President-elect Barack Obama's pick to head the Department of Energy - whomever that may be - will likely initiate a new era of change in US energy policy and spending priorities.

Currently, the bulk of the $24 billion Deparment budget goes to mitigating issues surrounding nuclear weapons: maintaining the nation's nuclear weapons stockpiles, cleaning up sites used to produce those weapons, or dealing with non-proliferation issues. Only $4 billion is allocated for energy research and development, with only $650 million put towards renewable fuels.

While its role in supervising nuclear affairs will never be abandoned, the new agency is likely to reverse current spending trends, expanding the R&D budget, with particular focus on renewable fuels, while also focusing on greater conservation efforts. Additional agenda items will likely be laying out a role for the Department in curtailing greenhouse gas emissions.

To read the full article, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 9:44 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

A Green Remake for the Great Race

May 30, 2008 will witness green-tech cars embarking on an historic 22,000 mile race from New York to Paris to prove their engineering mettle. The race's predecessor, run in 1908 - and still the longest automobile race on record - showcased evolving automotive technology as cars battled from New York to Paris. These pioneering accomplishments went on to inspire the 1965 film, The Great Race.

This year, on its hundredth anniversary, the race highlights green technology vehicles powered by renewable energy or achieving hyper fuel efficiency. Early entries include a Ford prototype vehicle, a production hybrid-electric model, and a 1967 Aston Martin DB-6 Vantage, running on ethanol-85. For more on the race, entry guidelines and competitors, click here.

Find the full article on page 24 in the May 2008 edition of Automobile magazine (Vol. 23, No. 2).

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posted by Amanda Voss at 2:41 PM 0 comments

Thursday, February 7, 2008

What Washington Can Learn From Montana

The article below, from Time magazine, does a wonderful job of framing 1) how the mountain west region is more vulnerable to energy price spikes and climate change, 2) how the mountain west can play an integral (and profitable) role in a new energy future, and 3) how states might provide a "prototype" environment for new energy policies prior to their adoption by the federal government.

Read the article here.

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posted by Jamie Lang at 3:47 PM 0 comments

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