14.08.2002 | WednesdayCountry's First Solar Wastewater Treatment Plant To Be Unveiled In Northern California
The Sewerage Commission-Oroville Region (SCOR) announced today that its wastewater treatment plant, now powered entirely by the public utility grid, will be converted to 80% solar energy, making it the first predominately solar wastewater treatment pla
: The plant serves 15,000 families and numerous industries daily in the greater Oroville area north of Sacramento. The SCOR treatment plant treats approximately 1.2 billion gallons of wastewater annually. The power generated from the solar array will provide enough electricity to treat 80% of the wastewater. The plant's pioneering solar array will save the district hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in electrical costs and help avoid large rate hikes in the future. The 520 kW system, which will go on line in November, is also the largest dual-tilt solar photovoltaic (PV) array in the world and the fifth largest solar energy system in the U.S. SCOR will be the only wastewater treatment plant in the U.S. to be powered primarily by the sun, and will become a model for similar public utility projects across the country. The PV array will produce enough electricity to supply the equivalent of 200 average homes. (Philadelphia Times)
12.08.2002 | MondayEthanol Production Increases
The U.S. ethanol industry continues to boom, with record production in June-up 13 percent from June 2001-and lots of new capacity coming online.
: In the last week of July and the first week of August, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) announced the completion of two major ethanol plant expansions and one new plant, totaling 67 million gallons per year in new production capacity. The new farmer-owned Adkins Energy plant in Illinois has the capacity to produce 40 million gallons of ethanol per year and includes a co-generation facility to produce steam and electricity for the plant. Meanwhile, Philips Petroleum Company has stopped blending MTBE in the gasoline it sells through its 1,500 stations under the 76 brand in California, with the exception of some racing gasoline sold in limited locations. The company continues to provide a small amount of MTBE-blended gasoline to independent gasoline stations. The move makes the 76 brand the first large gasoline retailer selling only ethanol-blended gasoline in the stat. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) also has good news for the ethanol industry: a new USDA study found that ethanol produces 34 percent more energy than is used in growing and harvesting the corn and distilling it into ethanol. Going against claims that ethanol production consumes more energy than it produces, the report concludes that the net energy value of corn ethanol has become positive in recent years due to technological advances in ethanol conversion and increased efficiency in farm production. (EREN)
06.08.2002 | TuesdayEnergy Globe Award 2003 - Call for submissions
The Energy Globe Award honours outstanding initiatives in the fields of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources from all over the world.
: In the year 2002, more than 1,300 entries from 98 countries competed in 4 categories for the Energy Globe Award, an 18 kg trophy and a prize money of 10,000 Euro per category. The Energy Globe Award 2003 will be presented for the fourth time at an international TV gala ceremony early in March next year. A prominent selection committee, the Energy Academy, will be formed by international experts from relevant organisations. The winning projects will also be presented at the WORLD SUSTAINABLE ENERGY DAY 2003 and during the Energiesparmesse, one of Europes largest sustainable energy exhibitions, which will take place from 6-9 March 2003 in Wels/Austria. Last year, both events met with very high interest: 550 delegates from 60 countries attended the WORLD SUSTAINABLE ENERGY DAY, and the Energiesparmesse attracted over 200,000 visitors. The Energy Globe Award is open to companies, private and public institutions and individuals from all over the world. The project or initiative should either involve energy efficiency or renewable energy sources or a combination of both. The following categories are planned: housing; companies; transport; municipalities, public institutions. (CADDET)
29.07.2002 | MondayShell establishes green growth study center
Shell Oil Co., in a bid to bolster its environmental credentials, said it would establish a center at Rice University to study sustainable development.
: The company, a unit of Royal Dutch/Shell Group , gave the school the first 00,000 of what will become a .5 million endowment for what it envisions as a hub for thought on what is also called green growth. Society faces tremendous challenges due to population growth, the growing chasm between the poor and wealthy, damage to the environment, climate change and loss of biodiversity, unsustainable levels of consumption and issues related to health and education, said Philip Watts, Royal Dutch/Shell group chairman. We at Shell feel it our responsibility to contribute to finding solutions to these problems. Watts told reporters that Shell was developing non-hydrocarbon forms of energy - solar, wind, hydrogen and biomass - and is also completing this year a program undertaken in 1998 to reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent. If we had carried on business as usual, our emissions would have gone up 30 percent, Watts said. When asked about the possible conflict between Shells need to sell oil and its advocacy of green growth, Watts said, The reality is that there is no development without energy, so I dont feel at all badly about being in the energy business. But, he said, I think there is an issue for all developed countries about the intensity of energy use, eco-efficiency and how we get the most out of the energy we use. The new study center will be called the Shell Center for Sustainability. (Planet Ark)
26.07.2002 | FridayPartnership Expand Solar Energy Use
In early May, EcoEnergies, Inc. of Sunnyvale, California entered into a strategic distribution agreement with PowerLight Corporation to market the companys solar electric roof tiles for flat and low sloping roofs. Its an ideal partnership because
: EcoEnergies is a renewable power systems company that designs and installs photovoltaic and wind systems in the San Francisco Bay area, with over 100 systems installed and about half a megawatt of clean energy capacity in place. In another example of partnering, Lunardis Supermarket chain in northern California and Powerlight teamed up with Nextek Power Systems and Princeton Energy Systems to create an integrated on-site solar electric power and lighting system. The system was recently installed at the Lunardis in Burlingame, California, making it one of the nations first grocery chains to introduce solar energy as its primary lighting source. A 33kW solar electric system will power the markets fluorescent lighting. The system is comprised of tiles that are electrically interconnected to Nextek power modules, which feed power to the stores newly retrofitted lighting system. (POWER REPORT)
25.07.2002 | ThursdayHonda to Lease Hydrogen-Powered Car
Honda will begin leasing a four-passenger, hydrogen-powered car in California and Japan this fall, making it available to government and institutional users.
: The FCX will likely become the first zero-emissions car available in California that is not powered by batteries that need recharging. There are no immediate plans to mass-market it to consumers. The FCX -- short for fuel cell experimental -- is modeled on the EV Plus, a battery-powered car that the American Honda Motor Co. Inc. began leasing to consumers in 1997. It carries 41 gallons of hydrogen, has a range of 220 miles and a top speed of 96 mph. Honda spokesman Art Garner said Wednesday the car needs federal safety certification, which the company expects to obtain in time to begin leasing 30 of the cars by the end of the year. It has already been certified as zero emissions, meaning it meets strict anti-pollution requirements that take effect next year in California. In California, the car will likely be leased only in the Southern California and Sacramento areas, where a limited number of hydrogen refueling stations exist. Likewise in Japan, the cars will be available only in Tokyo. (Newsday)
18.07.2002 | ThursdayDOE to Award 2.6 Million for 138 Energy-Saving Projects
DOE announced on July that it will award 2,608,524 in competitive grants for 138 energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The funds are being awarded through DOEs State Energy Program as Special Projects grants and go toward projects througho
: The Special Projects grants are funded by and awarded to specific technology areas within the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. For example, 26 grant awardees are part of the Rebuild America program, which has formed more than 450 voluntary community partnerships nationwide to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings. Five grants are directed to projects for the Building America program, which is developing the techniques needed to construct high-quality energy-efficient homes, and six grants are supporting the Federal Energy Management Program, which aims to reduce energy use in federal buildings. Twenty-five grants will advance energy efficiency in industry as part of the Industries of the Future program. The remaining 76 projects involve a wide variety of technologies that relate to power generation or ways to reduce electrical use. These technologies include biopower (7 projects), geothermal energy (4 projects), and wind power (13 projects), as well as two types of projects relating to solar energy: 12 projects for the Million Solar Roofs Initiative and 5 solar school demonstrations. Nine projects will advance hydrogen and fuel cells. Sixteen projects will aim to accelerate the installation of distributed generation systems, including some projects that support utility restructuring activities, and one project will help teach people how to connect those systems to the utility power grid. Five projects will aim to help out the U.S. power grid by examining the benefits of energy storage to supplement transmission systems and installing technologies that use high-temperature superconductors. The final four projects will combine many of these technologies to design and build zero energy homes that are energy self-sufficient. (EREN)
16.07.2002 | TuesdayGM to mass-produce fuel-cell cars in 2008
General Motors Corp. plans to test an eco-friendly fuel cell car in Japan by the end of this year and mass-produce such cars starting in 2008, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) said.
: The worlds largest automaker, which sees Japan as a major market for next-generation vehicles, will be the second foreign automaker to carry out such tests in Japan following Germanys DaimlerChrysler AG, the papers Friday online edition said. GM officials were not immediately available to comment. The giant automaker, which has been heavily investing in the technology, has said the first fuel cell-powered GM car for the retail market will not arrive until 2010. GM expects, however, to have market-ready fuel cells by mid-decade, with first applications outside the automotive industry, the paper said. Fuel cells use an electrochemical process to create electricity by mixing hydrogen and oxygen, with distilled water as the only byproduct. Japanese automakers like Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. are set to release such vehicles by the end of this year, and Mazda Motor Corp. has already carried out testing. GM plans to use the Zafira minivan of its German unit Adam Opel for the fuel-cell tests, the paper said. (Planet Ark)
15.07.2002 | MondayToyota to introduce fuel cell hybrid car
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), of Japan, plans to start limited marketing of a fuel cell hybrid passenger vehicle model in Japan and the United States from the end of this year, earlier than originally planned.
: The moved-up launch reflects the successful outcome of a full year of Japan/U.S. public-road testing of the FCHV-4 - fuel cell hybrid vehicle (FCHV) prototype - and TMCs response to societys expectations for cleaner mobility solutions. The coming model will be a newly developed FCHV featuring conventional-vehicle-like performance based on improvements to the FCHV-4s reliability, cruising distance, functionality and other aspects. Lowering costs, improving performance at freezing-and-below temperatures and other issues remain, however, meaning that units of the vehicle, to be available by lease, will only be offered to such entities as government bodies, research institutions and energy-related companies. Although terms have yet to be determined, TMC plans to lease about 20 units (10 each in Japan and the U.S.) over the course of a year in limited areas in which TMC has confirmed the availability of hydrogen supply and after-sales service. The FCHV-4 will be introduced in the Tokyo-Yokohama areas, in Japan, and in California, in the U.S. There are no immediate plans to market such vehicles in Europe. (Hydrogen Guide)
12.07.2002 | FridayNew Power Emergency Shows California Still Facing Energy Peril
--This summers first bout with searing temperatures has Californias energy managers sweating, and not just from the heat outside. The declaration of a Stage 2 Electrical Emergency shows that the State is still not prepared to meet its energy needs. Mor
: So where can the power come from? The answer is simple: Distributed generation. Distributed generation, or DG, is the name given to locating power systems directly at a large business users premise or near office parks and other clustered areas. Systems are available in many forms and technologies and are highly customizable to specific applications demands. In general, DG allows businesses to create their own power directly at the point-of-use, independently of the grid. By enabling businesses to produce their own power, more grid-based electricity is left available for other users - without the need to build additional transmission and distribution lines. Additional benefits of DG systems include compliance with local zoning and existing state and federal air emission regulations, as well as quick installation - either inside an existing facility or as a stand-alone structure, fitted to blend into its surroundings with virtually any exterior facade. DG expert Whit Allen, vice president of Sure Power Corporation, is available to discuss the technology, economics and implementation of distributed generation, as well as the policies and issues discussed in the California Energy Commissions recently issued Distributed Generation Strategic Plan. (Renewable Energy)
11.07.2002 | ThursdayIncreased investments in energy technology
For years, the low profiled Norwegian Mallin Venture has invested in energy- and environmental technology projects which have turned out quite profitable.
: . For instance, in 1999 Mallin invested NOK 10 mill (USD 1,2 mill) in Windcast, a producer of wind turbine components (hubs). In 2001, Windcast had a global market share of around 25% and a turn-over of NOK 400 mill. Today, Mallin Venture is seeking new investors to Windcast, aiming at an introduction of the company on the stock exchange. Now Mallin experiences increased competition in this market, generated by investors who have so far mainly been interested in information technology projects. As many IT / dot.com companies recently have disappointed their owners, venture capital now tends to seek other areas for new investments. The energy branch, especially technology tied to energy efficiency and renewables, seems to be among the most favourable candidates. In Norway, a handful of new venture capital companies have been formed the last couple of years. Behind the new companies we find large corporations like Norsk Hydro and utilities as well as private individuals like Mallin. (GREENTIE)
27.06.2002 | ThursdayNew Technology for Troll Means Big Environmental Gains
Big environmental gains are promised from the use of innovative technology to supply electricity generated on land to compressors being installed on Troll A in the North Sea. This solution eliminates emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides from
: High voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission technology means that electricity can be supplied to Troll A from Kollsnes, where a transformer and DC rectifier are to be installed. Sent to the platform along specially developed DC cables, this power will pass to an alternating current rectifier and special motors. The solution has been used before, explains compression project manager Atle Grung Eide. But this represents its first application to an electrical drive system for compressors. ABB has developed the system in cooperation with Statoil, he adds. The underlying technology development is a good example of the way industrial collaboration yields results. A contract to supply and install the submarine power cables and to build the electrical compressor drives has been awarded to ABB by the Troll licensees. Worth roughly NOK 600 million in all, this delivery also covers construction of the transformer and rectifier station at Kollsnes. The new compressors, estimated at approximately NOK 3 billion, are required to offset declining reservoir pressure in Troll as gas production proceeds and to help drive output through the pipelines to land. (RIGZONE)
17.06.2002 | MondayBP Brings Renewable Education, Solar Power, and
BP announced on Monday that it plans to invest 25,000 in
: BP announced on Monday that it plans to invest 25,000 in a partnership with DOEs National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to develop education and public awareness programs in Colorado that focus on renewable energy and energy efficiency. The company has already constructed 16 of its BP Connect gas stations in the state. The new gas stations incorporate thin-film solar power modules in their canopies, allowing the stations to draw on solar energy for a portion of their power needs. BP also announced that it is starting to deliver low-sulfur gasoline to cities along Colorados Front Range as part of the companys global Clean Cities Initiative. The companys lower-sulfur Amoco Ultimate blend contains 85 percent less sulfur than previous Ultimate blends. BP has introduced cleaner fuels in more than 110 cities worldwide, including lower-sulfur premium gasoline in more than 40 U.S. cities. Within the next three years, 50 percent of BPs global fuel sales will be cleaner fuels, including new zero-sulfur fuels. See the BP press release at:
07.06.2002 | FridayFuel-cell car goes cross-country
DaimlerChrysler engineer Wolfgang Weiss was driving a new car that cost more than million to build, but he was still worried it would break down on his cross-country drive.
: The NECAR 5 runs on a hydrogen-powered fuel cell, a developing technology designed to replace traditional gasoline engines. DaimlerChrysler says the car had never before been driven so far. On Tuesday, Weiss and his team of 15 other engineers completed the 3262-mile trip from San Francisco to Washington, which they say proves the technology is practical for real-world driving conditions. Even under optimistic predictions, fuel cell vehicles wont be mass-produced until 2010. It runs much, much better than we believed, Ferdinand Panik, head of DaimlerChryslers fuel cell group, said after the car pulled up at the Capitol at the end of its journey. Its a big, big step for a new idea, trying to look beyond the capability of fossil fuels. Fuel cells can run on hydrogen or other fuels that can be converted into hydrogen, such as ethanol, methanol and gasoline. Hydrogen is combined with oxygen from the air in a chemical reaction that produces electricity that powers the vehicle. Pure hydrogen-fed fuel cells produce only water as a byproduct -- no harmful emissions -- but hydrogen is a flammable gas that poses safety questions, especially when crashes occur, and engineers continue work on safe onboard storage systems. Cells using other fuels pollute less than gasoline engines, but they have some emissions and produce less power than pure hydrogen. The NECAR 5 -- New Electric Car, Fifth Generation -- is a subcompact Mercedes-Benz A-Class that ran on methanol converted to hydrogen. Since methanol is not available at the corner gas station, it had to be delivered to points along the route for refueling every 300 miles. Traveling time was 85 hours over a span of 16 days, an average of about 38 mph, but DaimlerChrysler says the car reached speeds of more than 90 mph. (CNN)
04.06.2002 | TuesdayEnergy and Commerce Oversight Hearing on Freedom Car
DOE's Freedom Car program will be scrutinized at a hearing on June 6, 2002. The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation's hearing will review the new DOE R&D hydrogen fuel cell-powered car initiative's success benchmarks a
: Freedom Car was launched as a substitute for the Clinton Administration's Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles program that aimed to put 80mpg vehicles by 2010. The former Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles program came with a big price tag-billions of dollars over the seven years. In contrast, the proposed Freedom Car budget for FY'03 (requested) would be about 50 million, with minimal amounts going to large automakers. At issue for the upcoming hearing is Freedom Car's goals. The subcommittee is apparently concerned about the reported lack of a hard deadline for market or research success. DOE has portrayed the program as a long-range vision. The hearing is to be webcast on June 6, 2002, at the subcommittee's. (NASEO)
01.06.2002 | SaturdayDaimlerChrysler Adds Three New Flex-Fuel Vehicles to 2003 Line-Up
DaimlerChrysler recently announced that its adding three new flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs) to its 2003 product line. FFVs can be fueled with E85 (a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline), gasoline, or any combination of the two fuels.
: The new E85 models will include: o Dodge Stratus Sedans with 2.7-liter 16-valve V-6 DOHC engines o Chrysler Sebring Sedans and Convertibles with 2.7-liter 16-valve V-6 DOHC engines o Dodge Cargo Minivans with 3.3-liter 16-valve V-6 SOHC engines. These new vehicles will complement DaimlerChryslers flexible-fuel product line and give fleets covered by Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) alternative fuel vehicle acquisition requirements more choices when selecting vehicles. Dodge Stratus was specifically targeted to these EPAct-mandated fleets, because buyers for this market are often interested in purchasing mid-sized vehicles. DaimlerChrysler hopes that the Stratus, a mid-compact, will fill an existing void in the FFV market.(Clean Cities)
31.05.2002 | FridayCalifornia Renews its 20/20 Energy Conservation Program
California Governor Gray Davis signed an executive order
: California Governor Gray Davis signed an executive order last week that renewed the states 20/20 energy conservation program, which offers an additional 20 percent discount on electric bills for California consumers that manage to reduce their electricity use by 20 percent. A similar program last year is credited with helping to achieve a peak demand reduction of 2,600 megawatts during the critical summer months. This years program is somewhat revised: it applies only to residential customers and is in effect one month later, from July 1st to October 31st. To avoid penalizing those households that saved energy last summer, this years program is again based on a comparison with electricity use in 2000. (EREN)
07.05.2002 | TuesdayHouston Group to Plan Ways to Fight Heat Island Effect
The power of solar energy is all too apparent in todays
: The power of solar energy is all too apparent in todays cities, where dark roofs, asphalt, concrete, and other materials inadvertently work together to make the cities function as giant solar collectors. The resulting heat island effect can boost urban temperatures by 5 to 9 degrees Fahrenheit, driving up the use of air conditioners, increasing ozone levels, and exacerbating health problems. In Houston -- a city that has more than its share of both heat and ozone -- a non-profit group is now developing a plan to reduce the citys heat island effect. The Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) has received a grant to develop a Cooler Houston Implementation Plan, which is likely to include tree planting projects as well as incentives for roofers and pavers to use heat-reflecting materials. (EREN)
06.05.2002 | MondayUK Scientists develop process to turn paper-mill and sewage waste into hydrogen for fuel cells
Researchers at the University of Warwicks Warwick Process Technology Group have devised a process that turns wet waste from sewage farms and paper mills into a source of power.
: University of Warwick researcher Dr Ashok Bhattacharya and his team are part of a Europe wide consortium that have cracked the problem of how to extract very pure levels of hydrogen from wet bio-matter, such as sewage or paper mill waste. This very pure hydrogen can then be used in fuel cells to power homes, factories and cars. The research consortium have now received GBP2.5million in European funding to work up their lab based solution into larger prototypes. Eventually the research teams plated membrane reactors could be built as small industrial units, no bigger than a large room in some cases, and added directly to the sites of sewage plants or paper mills. Previous attempts to extract pure hydrogen from bio-matter to power fuel cells have only met with limited success, even with dry material. The new process extracts very pure hydrogen from the more difficult but exceedingly abundant wet bio-matter and even makes a virtue of the water content of the material to generate even more pure hydrogen. First the waste biomass is gasified breaking it down into its Methane CH4, water H2O, Carbonmonoxide CO, and carbondioxide CO2 and some hydrogen. All these gases are then fed into a reactor which uses them in a chemical reaction which extracts the hydrogen from both the methane and the water. In normal circumstances this reaction would reach an equilibrium and simply stop once a certain amount of hydrogen had been generated. However the research team uses a palladium coated ceramic semi permeable membrane as part of the reactor which only lets hydrogen pass through. This allows the researchers to both harvest very pure hydrogen from the system (it can be over 95% pure) and to keep the reaction going as long as it is fed with the waste biomass as the hydrogen never builds up to the point where a chemical equilibrium would be reached thus stopping the reaction. The hydrogen produced by this very energy efficient method can then be used to power hydrogen fuel cells. This process is also much cleaner than traditional production of H2 as it does not use up fossil fuels, thus it produces no more CO2 than would be produced naturally from the material biodegrading and it produces no other emissions such as nitrous oxides. Other novel engineering in the process includes the use of a coated nanocrystaline catalyst to accelerate the reaction, and particular methods to manage heat transfer and pressure. The research project brings together the University of Warwicks Warwick Process Technology Group team with Dutch, German and UK firms. In particular the Dutch firm BTG and the University of Twente have contributed to the gasification process and the Sheffield firm Dytech have contributed to the highly engineered porous ceramics used in the reactor.(CADDET)
24.04.2002 | WednesdayNo electric bill? Its possible
The next generation of energy-efficient homes could have your electricity costs going from a low bill to no bill.
: The Department of Energy and the National Association of Home Builders have selected Tucson as one of three U.S. cities where experimental homes will be built that generate as much power as they use. Local builder John Wesley Miller expects to break ground on Tucsons net-zero home within 90 days at Armory Park Del Sol near South Third Avenue and East 16th Street. Miller has already built six energy-efficient homes in the development, which use an average of less than a dollar a days worth of heating and cooling, through a collaboration with Tucson Electric Power Co. and Global Solar Energy. The homes have energy-saving appliances, double-glazed windows and masonry walls that use a process called thermal mass storage, and also feature solar water heaters and solar panels that generate more than one-fourth of the homes energy load. The two- to three- bedroom Del Sol homes range from 45,000 to 00,000. What were literally doing here is building a small power plant one house at a time, Miller said. The project home will incorporate most of the features Miller is already using, but will have solar panels that generate more than three kilowatts of electricity, said Tim Merrigan, senior program manager for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. That should be enough power to get the house through a peak usage day in the summer. The average Tucson house needs about four kilowatts at the hottest part of a summer day. The program has the goal of building zero-energy homes with the aesthetic qualities that will appeal to home buyers, Merrigan said. The easiest zero-energy home would be a very small house with no windows, but nobody is going to want to live in a house like that, said Jeannie Sikora, a research engineer with the National Association of Home Builders. Aesthetics is a major consideration, as is affordability. Tucson was an easy choice for the program because of Millers years of experience building energy-saving homes here, and because Tucson Electric Power has meters that will run backward and credit homeowners when they put power back into the grid, Merrigan said. Some locations dont have metering where you can send power back, and other locations have it but theyre not set up to credit you for the power you put back, he said. What well be doing here is using the power grid as storage, so sometimes youll be pulling from it and sometimes youll be putting back, but over the course of a year, youll come out even. If the project home works, Miller will embark on building more of the zero-energy homes at Armory Park Del Sol, he said. Its one thing to have it work on paper, he said. What well need to do is go in and monitor it for about three years with a family in it to see if its really working. Energy-efficient homes do more than just save people money, Miller said. It lets the homeowner realize that they can be part of the solution for improving the environmental health of the planet. (Yahoo! News)
16.04.2002 | TuesdayNew Ford Focus Concept Vehicle Combines Hybrid and Fuel Cell Technology
Ford Motor Company has developed a new four-passenger Focus concept vehicle that uses both hybrid electric and fuel cell technology.
: This revolutionary new zero emission vehicle was unveiled at the New York International Auto Show this week and has sparked public interest because its one of the first to combine both types of advanced vehicle technologies. Developed by Fords environmental TH!NK group, the Focus fuel cell vehicle (FCV) is a mild hybrid, meaning the 300-volt Sanyo battery pack augments the main power source, in this case the fuel cell, providing improved performance and added power when climbing hills or passing. A regenerative braking system recaptures energy normally lost during braking and recharges the hybrid battery system. Hybrid electric technology was first introduced in the United States by Japanese auto manufacturers Toyota and Honda with their compact Prius and Insight models. Ford will release the hybrid Escape sport utility vehicle in 2003, which employs much of the same hybrid technology featured in their Focus fuel cell vehicle. At the heart of the Focus FCV is a Ballard Mark 902 fuel cell stack, which uses hydrogen gas to produce electricity to power the vehicles main motor. Fuel cells produce energy from a chemical reaction that occurs when hydrogen is combined with oxygen. This process of electrical generation occurs without combustion, so the only by-products of the reaction are heat and water. A vehicle powered by a fuel cell can be highly efficient and can reduce emissions significantly. The Focus FCV also features an improved hydrogen storage tank, which can be filled to 5,000 pounds per square inch (psi), a significant improvement over the 3,600 psi of a previous version. Together the improvement of the fuel cell and hybrid electric systems will give the four-passenger Focus FCV a range of approximately 200 miles. A fleet of five Focus FCVs have been developed for testing and evaluation by the California Fuel Cell Partnership. Ford hopes to make the Focus FCV available to customers by 2004.(Clean Cities)
12.04.2002 | FridayFactory Starts Full-Scale Production of Plastics from Corn
Cargill Dow LLC announced last week the grand opening of
: Cargill Dow LLC announced last week the grand opening of the worlds first global-scale manufacturing facility to make commercial-grade plastic from a renewable resource. Cargill Dows new facility in Blair, Nebraska, will use up to 40,000 bushels of corn each day and is capable of producing more than 300 million pounds of polylactide (PLA) each year. Sold under the NatureWorks trade name, the PLA will be used as a fiber for clothing and bedding and as a plastic for food packaging and other uses. In fact, the properties of the PLA fiber are exceptional enough to earn a designation from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission as a new generic fiber, joining the ranks of polyester and natural fibers such as cotton. According to Cargill Dow, the production cycle of PLA consumes up to 50 percent less fossil fuels than traditional petroleum-based plastics, and PLA production will produce from 15 to 60 percent less greenhouse gas than the materials it will replace. The company intends to invest 50 million over the next several years for commercial development and product technology development, as well as for research into ways to produce PLA from other plants and even agricultural wastes.(Cargill)
10.04.2002 | WednesdayEfficient Cars Not A Pipe Dream
Who can argue with the Bush administrations goal of developing hydrogen fuel cells to replace internal combustion engines in vehicles?
: After all, fuel cells could go a long way toward curbing Americas voracious appetite for foreign oil. They also would help slash air pollution from vehicle exhaust. However, the goal lacks specifics. There are no timetables - just an expression of hope that hydrogen-powered vehicles will be available some time in the next two decades. The hydrogen plan, dubbed Freedom CAR, replaces Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles, which in 1994 set a goal of developing affordable family sedans that would get 80 mpg within a decade. Ford, General Motors and DaimlerChrysler each built prototypes that got 70 mpg, but did not come close to bringing them to market. Detroit is ecstatic about the new emphasis on hydrogen because it means the pressure is off to increase fuel efficiency. For several years, America has been driving in reverse on fuel efficiency, as auto companies have steadily increased production of sport utility vehicles and trucks. This years vehicle fleet gets the worst mileage in 21 years, meaning the air is dirtier. The government is correct in asserting that, long term, it makes sense to develop hydrogen cells to replace gasoline engines. General Motors has even developed such a car, but says it may take 20 years to bring it to market. Meanwhile, in just the next decade, another 150 million gasoline-powered vehicles will be sold in America. Washington should enforce strict goals and timetables for fuel efficiency. Foreign car companies have made far more progress than their U.S. cousins in developing and marketing fuel-efficient vehicles. So we know it can be done. Congress should insist that the administration not abandon the goal of requiring steady increases in gas mileage, even as research continues on the hydrogen alternative. (CT Now)
29.03.2002 | FridayLong Island Faces Power Shortage, Promotes Solar Energy
New York Governor George Pataki and the Long Island
: New York Governor George Pataki and the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) kicked off a new and improved program to encourage solar energy use in late February. The second phase of LIPAs Solar Pioneer Program now offers rebates of per watt for solar power systems up to 10 kilowatts in capacity, thus doubling both the rebate and the size limitation for the program. The rebates are available to both commercial and residential customers of LIPA and are good for systems installed and operating by July 31, 2002. After that, new systems can still earn a rebate of per watt. To launch the program, 30 lucky families were selected to receive the free installation of a 300-watt solar power system on their homes. LIPA also awarded a 00,000 rebate check to Scotto Brothers Enterprises for their use of a geothermal heat pump system for heating and cooling a new 145-room hotel in Woodbury. The system uses variable-frequency motors for maximum efficiency, and is controlled by a building energy management system. These combined technologies will save 425,000 kilowatt-hours each year while cutting the hotels peak energy demand by 86 kilowatts. They will also avoid about 350 tons per year of greenhouse gas emissions.(LIPA)
28.03.2002 | ThursdayCalifornia Offers 30 Million for Clean Energy in Industry
The California Power Authority, a new state agency created
: The California Power Authority, a new state agency created during last summers electricity crisis, announced last week the availability of 0 million for low-interest financing for manufacturing companies using or producing clean energy products. The power authority defines clean energy as renewable energy, energy efficiency, or clean distributed generation. The low-cost loans will go either to manufacturers that purchase and install such technologies, or to manufacturers who want to establish or expand facilities to produce such technologies. The announcement marks the first substantive program announced by the authority. (EREN)
20.03.2002 | WednesdayNew Biodiesel Plant to Produce 30 Million Gallons Annually
Southern States Power Company Inc. announced plans last
: Southern States Power Company Inc. announced plans last week to build a biodiesel production factory in Riverside, California, capable of producing 30 million gallons per year of biodiesel fuel. If built as planned, the biodiesel plant will be the largest in the United States. The company signed a memorandum of understanding with Lurgi PSI, Inc. to develop the facility. The company currently has a 10-million- gallon-per-year facility in Coachella, California, about 50 miles east of Riverside. (EREN)
20.02.2002 | WednesdayCalifornia Sets Tough Air-Conditioner Efficiency Standard
The California Energy Commission (CEC) announced last
: The California Energy Commission (CEC) announced last week that it has adopted the nations toughest energy efficiency standard for central air conditioners. The new standard is 30 percent better than the existing federal standard. It is also 10 percent better than the proposed new federal standard, so it will require a waiver from the federal government to be enacted into law. In addition, the CEC adopted new state standards for commercial refrigerators, beverage vending machines, exit signs, traffic signals, torchiere lighting fixtures, coin-operated clothes washers, and electrical transformers. (CEC)
18.02.2002 | MondayMassachusetts Moves Ahead on Renewable Energy Requirement
The Massachusetts Division of Energy Resources (DOER)
: The Massachusetts Division of Energy Resources (DOER) released last week its final renewable energy portfolio regulation, which sets a minimum requirement for generating electricity from new renewable energy sources. The regulation requires all retail electricity providers in the state to draw on new renewable energy sources for at least one percent of their power supply in 2003, increasing to four percent by 2009. The state mandated the renewable energy regulation in its Electric Utility Industry Restructuring Act, enacted in 1997. The DOER regulation allows the use of solar, wind, and ocean energy, as well as landfill methane gas, anaerobic digester gas, and low-emission biomass power (but not from municipal waste), to meet the requirement. In general, only facilities that started commercial operation in 1998 or later will qualify. Biomass can also be co-fired with other fuels for partial credit if the facility meets certain criteria. Electricity providers that fall short of the requirements can opt to pay 5 cents per kilowatt-hour to the Massachusetts Technology Park Corporation (MTPC), which administers the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust. The MTPC, in turn, will use the funds to maximize the commercial development of new renewable generation facilities in the state.(EREN)
16.01.2002 | WednesdayNorth Carolina Utilities to Pursue Green Power
A Green Power Program Advisory Committee formed last year in North Carolina has led the electric utility companies throughout the state to pursue a green power program.
: A Green Power Program Advisory Committee formed last year in North Carolina has led the electric utility companies throughout the state to pursue a green power program. According to Advanced Energy, which helped form the advisory committee, the three investor-owned utilities in North Carolina have publicly declared their intentions to file for a green power program with the states utility commission. The states municipal utilities and electric cooperatives have also agreed to participate. A statewide program should be in place by mid-year. Advanced Energy is a non-profit energy consultancy founded by the North Carolina Utilities Commission in 1980.
14.01.2002 | MondayFreedomCAR Program to Advance Fuel-Cell Vehicles
DOE announced last week a new government-industryprogram for the advancement of high-efficiency cars:freedomCAR.
: DOE announced last week a new government-industry program for the advancement of high-efficiency cars: freedomCAR. The new program will focus on fuel cells and hydrogen production from renewable energy sources. DOE will carry out the freedomCAR program in partnership with the U.S. Council of Automotive Research -- a cooperative research organization formed by Ford Motor Company, General Motors Corporation, and DaimlerChrysler Corporation. In fact, the CAR in freedomCAR stands for Cooperative Automotive Research. FreedomCAR replaces the Clinton-era Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV), which aimed to produce an affordable sedan that achieves 80 miles per gallon by 2004. In contrast, the long-term goal for freedomCAR is to develop technologies for hydrogen- powered fuel cell vehicles that will require no foreign oil and emit no harmful pollutants or greenhouse gases. An interesting aspect of freedomCAR is its emphasis on developing a hydrogen supply infrastructure: many automotive companies are currently developing cars that would be fueled with low-sulfur gasoline, methanol, or natural gas fuels, which would be converted to hydrogen using onboard fuel processors. FreedomCAR looks farther ahead to an energy economy that is built around hydrogen as the energy carrier. (EREN)
09.01.2002 | WednesdayFuture U.S. Energy Use Depends on Efficiency, Renewables
U.S. energy demand is expected to increase 32 percent from 2000 to 2020, according to DOEs Energy Information Administration (EIA), but the forecast could change with faster or slower penetration of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologi
: Energy efficiency is measured at the national level by energy intensity, that is, the amount of energy used per dollar of gross domestic product (GDP). The EIA reference case -- often referred to as the business as usual case -- already projects a steady decline in energy intensity of 1.5 percent per year through 2020 due to energy efficiency technologies. But a more rapid development and market penetration of these technologies could lower the U.S. energy demand in 2020 by 6 percent compared to the EIA reference case. The EIA report also examined the effect of extending the production tax credit to the end of 2006. The tax credit expired last month (see first story above). The report also assumed the tax credit eligibility would be expanded -- it currently applies only to wind power and biomass facilities that draw on dedicated energy crops, but the EIA assumed it would be expanded to include all biomass and landfill gas facilities. That change would boost the production of electricity from renewable energy by nearly 50 percent by 2020 -- increasing from the reference case projection of 15,000 megawatts to a total of about 22,000 megawatts. (EREN)
08.01.2002 | TuesdayNew Large U.S. Wind Power Plants Go Online at Year End
A flurry of wind power plants went online in December throughout the United States, significantly boosting the total U.S. wind power capacity.
: A flurry of wind power plants went online in December throughout the United States, significantly boosting the total U.S. wind power capacity. The new wind power plants include the 30-megawatt Fenner Windpower Project near Syracuse, New York; the 80-megawatt Top of Iowa Wind Farm in Worth County, Iowa; the 263-megawatt Stateline Clean Energy Center near Walla Walla, Washington; and the 278-megawatt King Mountain Clean Energy Center near Odessa, Texas. (EREN)
04.01.2002 | FridayRussia-EU Energy Collaboration A Model for Closer Ties: EC Official
Collaboration between Russia and the European Union in the energy sector can provide the momentum for closer relations in other area.
: As relations between the European Union and Russia deepen further, the commitments assumed in the energy dialogue will eventually become a model for the development of relations in other spheres, Francois Lamoureux, head of the EC Energy and Transport Directorate-General told Europe magazine. The research phase of the dialogue was launched in February 2001, with expert groups established in four areas: energy strategies, technological exchange and infrastructure, investment, and efficiency and environmental protection, Lamoureux told the magazine which is published by the Interfax news agency. The first phase largely owes its success to Russias and the European Unions active interest and the industrialists strong support, the official said.(gence France Presse)
28.12.2001 | FridaySurvey Finds Consumers are Looking for Energy Efficiency
Could energy efficiency finally be on the minds of U.S. consumers? Yes, it is, according to a new survey by Primen, an independent energy market analysis company.
: Could energy efficiency finally be on the minds of U.S. consumers? Yes, it is, according to a new survey by Primen, an independent energy market analysis company. The survey found that three-fourths of U.S. consumers claim energy efficiency was a very important factor in their purchase of appliances during the past year. More important, 84 percent said they anticipate that energy efficiency will be a very important consideration in making future purchasing decisions. If true, that represents a shift for U.S. consumers, who have traditionally been more focused on price, appearance, and convenience features. (Primen press release )
24.12.2001 | MondayElectric Vehicles to be Sold in California, Rented in Atlanta
oyota Motor Corporation will begin selling its all-electric RAV4-EV to retail customers in California starting in February 2000, the company announced last week.
: Toyota Motor Corporation will begin selling its all-electric RAV4-EV to retail customers in California starting in February 2000, the company announced last week. In 1997, Toyota began making the RAV4-EV available nationally through a special fleet lease program to major corporations and utilities, but this is the first opportunity for people to buy the car. Toyota is making the car available to meet the Zero Emissions Vehicle requirements of the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Orders will be accepted online for the RAV4-EV, which features a 50-kilowatt motor (equivalent to a 67-horsepower engine) with a top speed of 78 miles per hour and a range of 80 to 100 miles per charge. It will have a manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) of 2,000, but a ,000 incentive from CARB and a ,000 federal tax credit will bring the price down to 0,000 -- and that includes an in-home charging device. Toyota will also offer three special introductory lease options.(Eren)
21.12.2001 | FridayKansas Adds Large Wind Plant, Plans Announced for Montana
Kansas became a major wind power producer late last month with the completion of a 110-megawatt wind power facility near Montezuma.
: Kansas became a major wind power producer late last month with the completion of a 110-megawatt wind power facility near Montezuma. FPL Energy dedicated its Gray County Wind Farm on Monday in a ceremony attended by Kansas Governor Bill Graves. The wind plant -- the first major wind facility in Kansas -- will produce enough electricity each year to power 33,000 homes. UtiliCorp United will buy the entire output from the wind plant and provide it to UtiliCorps customers in Kansas and Missouri.(FPL Energy)
20.12.2001 | ThursdayCalifornia PUC Opens Efficiency Programs to Non-Utilities
The California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) announced new rules for its energy efficiency programs in late November.
: The California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) announced new rules for its energy efficiency programs in late November. Among the changes is a new provision that allows non-utility parties to make proposals directly to the PUC for a portion of the funding. For example, local governments, community- based organizations, non-governmental organizations, and for-profit energy service providers would all be eligible for funding. Statewide programs will be funded at 60 million in 2002, and local programs will be funded at 5 million; non- utility parties will be eligible for approximately 65 percent of the local program funding.(EREN)
17.12.2001 | MondaySeed Corn Production Plant Tests Waste Seed as Heat Source
Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. has a waste problem at its Toledo, Iowa, seed corn production plant: unsold seed that is returned and cannot be resold.
: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. has a waste problem at its Toledo, Iowa, seed corn production plant: unsold seed that is returned and cannot be resold. But Pioneer is turning that problem into an opportunity, as it is now investigating high- temperature gasification to convert the waste corn into a gas that can be burned as a heat source. Pioneer hopes to eventually reduce its use of natural gas -- it uses a lot of it to dry seed corn each fall -- and also hopes the process may be used on farms. The company is working on the project with Iowa State University and Carbon Energy Technology, Inc. See the December 5th press release on the Pioneer Web site at:
14.12.2001 | FridayIowa Project Tests Switchgrass for Power Production
John Deere announced last week its support of a groundbreaking project in central Iowa to generate electricity from switchgrass. Switchgrass is a common prairie grass grown on marginal farmland throughout many parts of North America. Its high energ
: John Deere announced last week its support of a groundbreaking project in central Iowa to generate electricity from switchgrass. Switchgrass is a common prairie grass grown on marginal farmland throughout many parts of North America. Its high energy output per acre of harvested crop makes it an attractive crop for energy production. The Chariton Valley Biomass Project involves more than 80 farmers managing 7,000 acres of switchgrass. The project is managed by Chariton Valley Resource Conservation & Development, Inc., a non-profit corporation helping southern Iowa farmers. John Deere provided equipment to harvest and bale the switchgrass, and the company provided expertise on when to harvest and how to store the crop. Iowa State University is testing the impact of harvests on the environment, including water runoff, wildlife, and soil stress. Alliant Energy is testing small portions of the switchgrass at its coal-fired Ottumwa Generating Station in Chillicothe, Iowa, which is co-owned with MidAmerican Energy. If the project reaches its goal, five percent of the fuel burned at the generating station will be switchgrass, eventually adding up to 200,000 tons burned annually at the site. A final report on the project is expected next year from DOEs National Renewable Energy Laboratory.(EREN)
30.11.2001 | FridayMIT, ENECO Develop New Heat-to-Electricity Device
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) announced yesterday the development of a new highly efficient device for converting heat into electricity.
: The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) announced yesterday the development of a new highly efficient device for converting heat into electricity. MIT claims the device is two times more efficient than its closest commercial competitor, opening up new possibilities for making use of waste heat from vehicles, industrial processes, and power plants. The device is based on thermionic technology, in which heat is used to drive electrons across a vacuum gap to another conductor, thus creating an electric current. Such devices typically require temperatures of about 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. The new device, developed by an MIT professor in collaboration with ENECO, Inc., replaces the vacuum gap with a multi-layer semiconductor to create thermal diodes that operate at temperatures as low as 390 degrees Fahrenheit. The research was presented yesterday to the fall meeting of the Materials Research Society. (EREN)
28.11.2001 | WednesdayGallup Poll Shows U.S. Support for Efficiency, Renewables
A poll released yesterday by the Gallup Organization shows a continuing support among the American public for energy efficiency standards and renewable energy sources.
: In polls conducted in May and again this month, a full 91 percent of Americans polled by the organization favored the development of new sources of energy, such as solar, wind, and fuel cells. The May poll also found that 85 percent of Americans supported mandates that future cars be more energy efficient. In the latest poll, the percentage dropped slightly, to 77 percent. Gallup attributed the drop to decreasing prices for gasoline. Gallup says the maximum error in the poll is plus or minus 5 percentage points. (Gallup)
13.11.2001 | TuesdayEnergy Star Program Marks Successes, Starts New Campaign
The Energy Star program, a joint DOE/EPA program, helped save U.S. businesses and consumers more than billion in 2000, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of the emissions from more than 10 million cars.
: The Energy Star program, a joint DOE/EPA program, helped save U.S. businesses and consumers more than billion in 2000, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of the emissions from more than 10 million cars. The programs successes were noted in the EPAs 2000 Annual Report, released last week. EPA noted that all of its voluntary greenhouse gas programs, which include Energy Star, saved a total of 74 billion kilowatt-hours in 2000, achieving greenhouse gas emissions reductions equal to removing almost 25 million cars from U.S. roads. EPA also announced a new Energy Star public awareness campaign called Change. The two-year campaign will include television, radio and print public service announcements that emphasize specific actions consumers and businesses can take to use energy more efficiently. (EREN)
12.11.2001 | MondayIntel, PC Industry, EPA Demonstrate Energy-Saving PCs
Intel Corporation and four personal computer (PC) manufacturers demonstrated energy-saving technology for personal computers on Monday at Comdex Fall 2001, a major exposition for the information technology industry.
: Intel Corporation and four personal computer (PC) manufacturers demonstrated energy-saving technology for personal computers on Monday at Comdex Fall 2001, a major exposition for the information technology industry. The PCs were built around Intel Pentium 4 processors that support the companys Instantly Available PC (IAPC) guidelines, which outline technologies that allow a PC to power down into a standby mode of five watts or less. Intel claims that IAPC technology has the potential to save consumers and businesses as much as .5 billion by 2010 if it is implemented on all computers worldwide. IAPC technology also meets the guidelines for the Energy Star program, an energy-saving initiative supported by DOE and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA Administrator Christie Whitman noted at the event that such energy management features could reduce energy use in the typical PC by as much as 70 percent. (EREN)
07.11.2001 | WednesdayNevada Utilities Request 1.3 Million Megawatt-Hours fromRenewable Energy for 2003, Nearly Doubling by 2006
Two Nevada utilities -- Nevada Power Company and SierraPacific Power Company -- issued requests for proposals inmid-October for a combined total of more than 1.3 millionmegawatt-hours of electricity from renewable energy for2003.
: To supply that much renewable electricity would require more than 150 megawatts of geothermal power or more than 450 megawatts of wind power, assuming the wind turbines operate about one third of the time. The utilities also intend to boost their purchase of renewable electricity to more than 2.5 million megawatt-hours by 2006 -- nearly double. The power purchases would cause a boom in renewable energy production in Nevada, which currently draws on 235 megawatts of geothermal power capacity but has no commercial wind power. The two requests for proposals also set aside a total of 136,400 megawatt-hours of electricity in 2003 to be generated from solar power only. That purchase would increase by more than 50 percent by 2006, to a total of 210,600 megawatt-hours. To meet those requests would require about 68 megawatts of solar generating capacity in 2003, increasing to about 105 megawatts in 2006 -- enough to make Nevada a leader in solar power. (EREN)
06.11.2001 | TuesdayFirst Green Power Plant in South Carolina Dedicated
Santee Cooper, the public utility serving South Carolina, dedicated a new 2.2-megawatt landfill methane power plant in late October.
: Santee Cooper, the public utility serving South Carolina, dedicated a new 2.2-megawatt landfill methane power plant in late October. The facility is the states first commercial renewable energy power plant that is being supported by customers who are willing to pay a premium for such green power. Santee Cooper is selling the power from the plant to its customers in Horry and Georgetown counties at a premium of 3 cents per kilowatt-hour. Horry Electric Cooperative and Santee Electric Cooperative are also offering the green power to their customers, and the states other 18 electric cooperatives may also participate in the program. At full capacity, the plant will produce enough electricity to provide blocks of 100-kilowatt-hours of green power per month to about 9,300 residential customers. (EREN)
31.10.2001 | WednesdayBallard Power Systems Unveils New High-Power Fuel Cell
Ballard Power Systems fired the latest round in the fuel-cellperformance war last week when it unveiled its new high-power fuel cell, the Mark 902.
: Ballard Power Systems fired the latest round in the fuel-cell performance war last week when it unveiled its new high- power fuel cell, the Mark 902. Ballards fourth-generation fuel cell can serve either transportation needs or stationary power applications and can be sized from 10 to 300 kilowatts in power capacity. Passenger vehicles typically need about 35 kilowatts of power; transit buses will require the 300-kilowatt model. The company has already shipped evaluation versions of the fuel cell and expects to deliver production versions by the end of this year.According to Ballard, the Mark 902 fuel cell can produce as much as 2.2 kilowatts of electricity per liter of fuel cell volume. This high power density is necessary for transportation applications, which need a compact and powerful energy source. The struggle to achieve high power densities is fueling a rivalry in the fuel cell industry: Just one month ago, General Motors (GM) was boasting about its 1.75-kilowatt-per-liter fuel cell, which at that time was the top performer. (EREN)
26.10.2001 | FridayWhite House, DOE Honor Federal Energy Savers
Vice President Dick Cheney presented awards last week to four federal-agency energy management teams whose projects will result in millions of dollars of energy cost savings. The ceremony followed similar awards presented by DOE earlier in the week
: Vice President Cheney presented the Presidential Awards for Federal Energy Management on Thursday to teams from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC), and the U.S. Department of the Navy. The NASA Energy Team negotiated six large energy-saving contracts while pursuing NASAs use of wind, solar, geothermal, and landfill-gas energy. The USPS Southeast Area instituted a Stamp Out Energy Waste program to encourage employees to save energy. The USMC Air Station at Iwakuni, Japan, cycled waste steam through buildings throughout the station, thereby reducing boiler loads and saving about 40,000 per year in energy costs. The Navys Regional Energy Program Office for the Southwest Region worked with the local utility, the state of California, and private sector companies to install a 21.6-kilowatt photovoltaic system.(Eren)
25.10.2001 | ThursdayConservation Helps Northwest Power Outlook, But at a Price
The Pacific Northwest has sufficient power supplies this winter, according to the Northwest Power Planning Council (NWPPC), and actions to reduce electrical demand are largely responsible.
: The Pacific Northwest has sufficient power supplies this winter, according to the Northwest Power Planning Council (NWPPC), and actions to reduce electrical demand are largely responsible. However, some of those actions came at a high price. Although the region reduced electricity demand by roughly 20 percent -- about 4,000 megawatts -- since last year, the council estimates that 60 percent of that reduction is due to the idling of the Northwest aluminum industry, resulting in layoffs. The council also credits consumer energy efficiency for contributing to the reduced energy demand, although the extent of that contribution is not known. On the supply side, more than 900 megawatts of new generating capacity have been added, and hydroelectric storage reservoirs have been filled to normal levels. But that reservoir filling came at the cost of lost water for irrigation and reduced water spills for fish migration. Temporary power generators also helped boost the energy supply over the summer, but most of them burned diesel fuel and contributed to air pollution in the region. Yet because of these combined efforts, the NWPPC predicts less than a 1 percent probability of power deficits this winter. (EREN)
24.10.2001 | WednesdayAlliance to Save Energy Hosts Energy Summit Tomorrow
Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham will be the keynote speaker at tomorrows Summit on Energy Efficiency.
: Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham will be the keynote speaker at tomorrows Summit on Energy Efficiency, sponsored by the Alliance to Save Energy (ASE) and held in Washington, D.C. Secretary Abraham will be joined by several prominent policymakers and energy experts during the summit, which will examine energy security, the national energy policy debate, current trends in energy markets, the impact of the energy situation in California, and new challenges in energy supply. The summit will follow tonights Alliance Evening with the Stars of Energy Efficiency Awards Dinner, which will honor New York Governor George E. Pataki, the energy service company industry, and Howard S. Geller, former Executive Director of the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. (ASE)
23.10.2001 | TuesdayNew Solar Power Sites Installed in Chicago, Coming to Texas
Spire Corporation announced early this month the installation of three 50-kilowatt solar power systems in Chicago.
: Spire Corporation announced early this month the installation of three 50-kilowatt solar power systems in Chicago. Spire installed the systems on the roofs of three major Chicago museums -- the Art Institute of Chicago, the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum, and the Chicago Historical Society -- as part of a commitment by a number of organizations to produce clean energy in Chicago. According to Spire, each system can produce enough electricity to power up to 30 homes. (EREN)
22.10.2001 | MondayNike to Use Energy Efficiency, Green Power to Cut Emissions
Nike Inc. has committed to work with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Center for Energy and Climate Solutions to reduce its worldwide emissions of greenhouse gas emissions.
: Nike Inc. has committed to work with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Center for Energy and Climate Solutions to reduce its worldwide emissions of greenhouse gas emissions. As announced by WWF early this month, Nike plans to use energy efficiency and green power purchases to reduce greenhouse emissions from Nike-owned facilities and services. The company aims to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions caused by its owned facilities and services and from its business travel to 13 percent below 1998 levels by 2005. (EREN)
16.10.2001 | TuesdayIBM Unveils Innovative Low-Power Computer Chip
International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) unveiled last week a new low-power computer chip called the IBM PowerPC 405LP.
: International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) unveiled last week a new low-power computer chip called the IBM PowerPC 405LP. According to IBM, the energy-saving technology used in the chip has the potential to cut computer energy use by a factor of ten. The company claims the chip can shut off parts of its processor when they are not needed, saving energy while the chip is in use, and is able to reduce standby power use to virtually zero while still maintaining the capability to turn on instantly.(EREN)
27.09.2001 | ThursdaySeattle City Council Approves 50-Megawatt Wind Purchase
The Seattle City Council last week approved a purchase of 50 megawatts of wind power -- enough to power about 16,500 homes -- which will be the nations largest purchase of wind power by a public utility to date.
: The Seattle City Council last week approved a purchase of 50 megawatts of wind power -- enough to power about 16,500 homes -- which will be the nations largest purchase of wind power by a public utility to date. The citys municipal utility, Seattle City Light, will purchase the power from the Stateline Wind Project, now under construction on the Oregon-Washington border. The utility will buy the output from 50 megawatts of installed wind capacity starting on January 1st of next year. The utility will double its purchase to 100 megawatts in August 2002, and may increase it to 175 megawatts in August 2004.(EREN)
25.09.2001 | WednesdayEPA seeks emissions cuts
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced plans to impose pollution control restrictions on engines used in power boats, snowmobiles, off-road vehicles and the like.
: hough the federal government has long applied pollution controls to automobile engines, the non-auto engines have escaped restrictions so far. According to the EPA, they account for 13 percent of the hydrocarbon emissions, 6 percent of carbon monoxide emissions and 3 percent of the nitrogen oxide emissions from mobile sources spewed into the nations atmosphere every year. If left unregulated, pollution from these sources will continue to increase, becoming a larger part of the overall mobile-source pollution, EPA Administrator Christie Whitman said last week. When fully implemented, this action will not only protect public health, but will help to restore the view of our nations treasured scenic parks and wilderness areas. The Clinton administration took broad actions to reduce or eliminate snowmobile and off-road vehicle use in national parks because of the inordinate pollution generated by the two-cycle engines that power many of these recreational vehicles. A large portion of the exhaust of such engines is unburned fuel. Bush administration Interior Secretary Gale Norton has suspended many of the Clinton-era limitations until they can be reviewed for possible changes. Whitman said the restrictions pending under her new plan would reduce carbon monoxide emissions from non-auto vehicles by up to 56 percent and hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide pollution by as much as 80 percent. Engine types to be affected by the new rules would include: - Non-road engines used by industry to power heavy machinery. If adopted as proposed, Whitmans rules would impose nationwide limits on these emissions by 2004 that are similar to those already adopted by California. Even stricter requirements would be in place by 2007, she said. - Recreational diesel marine engines used in yachts and smaller pleasure craft. They would be subject to the same strict controls applied to commercial vessels within two years. - Off-road motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles. The rules would seek to make manufacturers switch from two-cycle to four-cycle engines, starting in 2006. More stringent restrictions on emissions would be applied in 2009. Off-road motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles used only for sanctioned sport competition would be exempt. - Snowmobiles. They would be required to reduce hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions by 30 percent in 2006 and 50 percent in 2010, with an emphasis on switching engine types to accomplish that. A spokeswoman for the EPA said the restrictions were ordered in response to a lawsuit filed by the Sierra Club and other environmental groups during the Clinton administration. She said imposition of the rules must await a 60-day public comment period and public hearings Oct. 24 in Washington and Oct. 30 in Denver. A spokesman for the Sierra Club said his organization would have no official comment on the EPA action because it is temporarily withholding comment on Bush administration environmental policies in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The EPA is to propose new restrictions on highway motorcycles, gasoline-powered boats and personal watercraft within the next few months.
21.09.2001 | FridayCalifornia Power Authority Pursues 1000 MW of Renewables
The new California Power and Conservation FinancingAuthority, which has the mission of ensuring a reliable powersupply for the state, has announced its intentions to acquire1000 megawatts (MW) of new renewable energy capacity bynext summer.
: The new California Power and Conservation Financing Authority, which has the mission of ensuring a reliable power supply for the state, has announced its intentions to acquire 1000 megawatts (MW) of new renewable energy capacity by next summer. The Power Authority is currently negotiating with 14 parties, representing mainly wind and biomass projects, to supply the needed capacity. (EREN)
18.09.2001 | TuesdayPromising future for fuel cell technology
The development of fuel cell technology to produce electricity may be clouded by poor short-term financial performance but investors still see a promising future for the nascent industry.
: We believe theres a huge growth potential for the technology. The fuel cell car will progressively replace the internal combustion engine, Robin Bachelor, senior fund manager at Merrill Lynch Investment Managers in London, said at a fuel cell conference held in London this week. The fuel cell technology, which converts hydrogen into electricity through an electro-chemical process, has wide-ranging applications from electric car engine to stationary power generation units. In contrast to combustion, it has zero greenhouse gases emissions. Strong environmental pressures to cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, liberalisation of energy markets and recent technological advances from companies are said to be the main factors behind the industrys growth potential. There is not one market and one fuel cell technology, said John Dean, global coordinator for energy technology research at UBS Warburg. There are many different markets and product applications that can benefit if the technology delivers its promises. Many observers believe stationary power generation, whereby a fuel cell power generator can be installed on-site, will be the first sector to take off commercially. German utility, RWE, has plans to launch small-scale Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems for residential and commercial use by the end of 2004. Such system would use natural gas as primary fuel, converted into hydrogen through a reformer. Other fuel cell manufacturers, such as Canadian fuel cell maker Ballard Power Systems, are working on stationary and portable power generation units. LONG-TERM FINANCIAL PROSPECTS The investment community has started to get involved in the sector in the past year and although stock market confidence is poor at the moment, the confidence in the technology is still there, investors say. Its no longer a question of if the technology will work, its a question of when it will work, because of what it has to offer, said UBS Warburgs Dean. In the short term however, the market has not reacted favourably to the energy technology sector. Since its October launch, the Merrill Lynch New Energy Technology Fund has seen its net asset value drop by 46.9 percent, and its share price decline by 45.5 percent (as measured on August 31). The fund, which has 00 million invested mainly in listed company and companies planning a public offering, is made up 46 percent of renewables, 26 percent of so-called auto and on-site generation which include fuel cell companies, 20 percent of other energy technologies and six percent of energy storage. We want to be a long-term investor, said Merrill Lynchs Bachelor. TECHNOLOGIES STILL MAKING ADVANCES In spite of the market gloom, companies continue to make progress in new fuel cell technologies. Car manufacturer, General Motors announced on Thursday the launch of a new fuel cell stack for electric car engines, claiming that it packs 60 percent more power than any of its competitors. GM said it expected to start mass-producing a fuel cell car by the end of the decade. Its competitor Ballard, one of the first companies to have developed fuel cell systems, is working on its third generation fuel cell system for cars, the Mk 900, which is used in the NeCar 5 fuel cell car developed by Daimler Chrysler. UK privately-owned fuel cell company, Zetek, which has developed a different type of fuel cell system, has already built a prototype London taxi and a prototype fuel cell van for the City of Westminster municipal council. Unlike other fuel cell cars, they run directly on hydrogen and do not need a reformer on-board. But no wider commercialisation is seen yet. At EU level, the European Commission has also launched it own programme to support fuel cell projects with a 90 million euros budget in the 1998-2002 programme. (REUTERS)
12.09.2001 | WednesdayRWE hopes to launch fuel cell CHP systems by 2004
German utility RWE has plans to launch small-scale Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems for residential and commercial use by the end of 2004, using the newly developing clean fuel cell
: The new systems would enable groups of homes and commercial premises to become more energy efficient and reduce greenhouse gases emissions by running their own clean power and heat generating units. Were planning to have a commercially available product by the end of 2004, said Heinz Bergmann, project manager for fuel cells at RWE Plus AG, at a fuel cell symposium in London yesterday. The fuel cell technology, which can transform gas into electricity through an electrochemical reaction without combustion, is seen as one of the clean alternatives to produce power because of its very low emissions. In Germany alone, we believe fuel cell CHP technology could save up to 70 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) per annum, said Bergmann. RWE estimates that power production based on fuel cell could represents 10 percent of the wholesale market in Germany by 2015. RWE is developing the fuel cell CHP system for residential use in cooperation with Italian-American fuel cell technology company Nuvera. The technology is expected to generate between 70 and 80 percent of electricity and between 25 and 30 percent of heat. It would cover most needs for electricity, but conventional heating would be needed as well, said Bergmann. The cost to the customer is estimated at between 2,500 marks and 3,000 marks per kilowatt of electricity (kWe), the measure used for CHP production, in addition to the cost of conventional systems. The fuel cell CHP system for commercial use is being developed together with MTU, a subsidiary of car manufacturer DaimlerChrysler AG . It is expected to generate around 55 percent of electricity and 45 percent of heat, said Bergmann. Bergmann added that the technology, which still had to prove itself on the end-consumer market, needed financial support and government funding during the initial stage. Subsidies are necessary until 2007 to compensate for the costs, he told the conference. He added that the German government had made 90 million euros available for research and development and initial production of the fuel cell technology, of which 15 million would go to CHP projects. The fuel cell technology is also being developed in car manufacturing to replace the combustion engine and lower emissions. (REUTERS)
12.09.2001 | WednesdayPhilippine National Power Corp Reduces Power Rate
The Philippine National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) recently reduced its power rate by 30 centavos per kilowatt-hour (kwh) pursuant to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.
: Antonio Licup, department manager of NAPOCOR sent a letter to the Albay Electric Cooperative (ALECO) informing them of the mandatory rate reduction. Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara said that this is good news to the Albayanos, particularly to the small electric consumers. Under Section 72 of the aforementioned legislation, NAPOCOR must reduce its rates for the residential enduser. ALECO sources said that they will implement the reduction in due course, and it will be reflected in the succeeding monthly power bills. The Energy Regulatory Board (ERB) also approved resolution no. 2001-04 directing NAPOCOR to reduce its regular rates for electric distribution utilities sourcing their power supply entirely from NPC by 30 centavos per kwh. (PNA)
07.09.2001 | FridayFinal approval for EU renewable energy law
EU governments today formally approved the blocs new directive on renewable energy, opening the way for entry into force upon publication in the official journal. The law will require member states to ensure that 12%
: EU governments today formally approved the blocs new directive on renewable energy, opening the way for entry into force upon publication in the official journal. The law will require member states to ensure that 12% of gross internal energy consumption and 22.1% of electricity consumption comes from renewable energies by 2010. Proposed by the European Commission in 2000 after much controversy, the renewables directive forms a major plank in the EUs efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions. Its provisions were finalised before the summer break in a political deal between EU governments and the European parliament (ED 04/07/01). With Belgium now holding the EUs rotating presidency, it was down to the countrys energy and sustainable development minister Olivier Deleuze to welcome governments formal adoption of the directive today. In Bonn, Europe saved the Kyoto protocol, he said. Now it has to give itself the means to achieve it. Based on the summer compromise deal, the directive will introduce a legal framework to encourage promotion of renewable electricity while setting limits to preserve the EUs internal market. A hotly contested harmonised support regime will not take effect for 12 years, though the Commission will be able to make further proposals on this issue four years after entry into force. Each EU country will be set targets for increasing the share of renewably generated electricity, with levels varying widely depending on national starting points and development potential. Within one year of entry into force and every five years thereafter governments will be required to set their own targets, taking into account those in the directive. Within two years of the laws entry into force, governments will have to introduce systems to enable certification of renewable electricity, a development which is expected to do much to support growth in a pan-European market for green power. The directive will also require non-discriminatory conditions for new renewable producers to connect to electricity grids, and enjoin governments to reduce regulatory or other barriers to greater renewable electricity production. The deadline for transposition into national law is two years after entry into force. (ENDS)
07.09.2001 | FridayIreland makes progress on renewables target
Ireland is making good progress towards its target of boosting renewable electricity generation capacity by 500 megawatts by 2005 (ED 18/07/00), energy minister Joe Jacob said on Wednesday at the opening of a new win
: Ireland is making good progress towards its target of boosting renewable electricity generation capacity by 500 megawatts by 2005 (ED 18/07/00), energy minister Joe Jacob said on Wednesday at the opening of a new wind farm. He revealed that contracts for projects aimed at fulfilling over half of the target had now been put out for tender. He added that Ireland needed more renewables both on environmental grounds and to reduce reliance on energy imports, which currently account for over 80% of consumption. (ENDS)
06.09.2001 | ThursdayGreen Mountain Energy Offers Solar Energy to Californians
California residents can use solar energy to reduce theirelectrical needs, and as of a couple weeks ago, they have anew place to turn to for solar energy systems.
: California residents can use solar energy to reduce their electrical needs, and as of a couple weeks ago, they have a new place to turn to for solar energy systems. Green Mountain Energy Company (GMEC) announced last month that it is now offering solar electric systems with capacities ranging from 1 to 4 kilowatts. The company will handle all aspects of the system installation and will provide annual checkups for the first five years of operation.(Eren)
06.09.2001 | ThursdaySunWize Installs Solar Water Pumping System at National Park
SunWize Technologies announced last week the installation of a 7.2-kilowatt solar-powered water pumping system at Joshua Tree National Park in southern California
: SunWize Installs Solar Water Pumping System at National Park SunWize Technologies announced last week the installation of a 7.2-kilowatt solar-powered water pumping system at Joshua Tree National Park in southern California. The system can pump 10,000 gallons of water per day from the parks well. An additional 300-watt system operates two small water treatment pumps and a light in the pumphouse. The system replaces a diesel generator that had been powering the pumping system.(Eren)
28.08.2001 | TuesdayTexas Electric Restructuring Plan Ranked Among Best in Nation
Independent Think Tank Considers Texas Plan a Model for Other States
: AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 28, 2001--Texas ranks second only to Pennsylvania in its approach to electric restructuring, according to the Center for the Advancement of Energy Markets (CAEM) biannual industry report card. CAEMs Retail Energy Deregulation (RED) Index objectively ranks states by 22 attributes on how they plan to restructure their power markets. Texas is primed for a successful transition to a competitive electric retail market, said CEO Ken Malloy of CAEM. Its now clearly the state to watch. Malloy also praised Texas dress rehearsal to work out any market-changeover issues, as well as its unique policy for uniformly providing information to consumers through Electricity Facts Labels. Texas earned this leadership position in the nations electricity deregulation landscape, Malloy added. According to CAEM, Texas received a high ranking for several reasons: As of last June, Texas was the only state to have adopted the consensus uniform business practices and uniform electronic data information protocols. Because disparate rules are significant barriers to market entrants, uniform practices are integral to overcoming these disparities. Texas law requires fully separating utilities from their affiliated marketers with established codes of conduct. In addition, all suppliers are required to present certain information uniformly to consumers such as with the Electricity Facts Label. A significant number of users are eligible to participate in Texas pilot program before all customers in participating service territories are eligible for electric choice under the full rollout starting next January. The study also notes that Texas could set the standard for other states to follow as they prepare for a competitive electric retail market. Each state in the study is ranked on its potential for complete and effective implementation of certain measures necessary for effective customer choice. Texas is currently one of 24 states to implement electric restructuring and open its retail electric market to competition. Texas continues to receive recognition for establishing a path to a healthy competitive marketplace, said Commissioner Brett Perlman of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC). We are proud that Texas Electric Choice can serve as a model for other states, and that our Electricity Facts Label has been identified as unique and instrumental to a successful market opening. How it Works in Texas Texas electric restructuring law includes many provisions to ensure that electric customers and suppliers benefit from Texas Electric Choice. For instance, Texas is currently conducting a Pilot Program that serves as a test-run for Electric Choice to address any issues that arise before full-scale competition begins in January 2002. Electric Choice enables customers to choose a Retail Electric Provider (REP) based on what matters most to them - whether that is to save money, support environmentally friendly sources of generation, better customer service, or a brand name they know and trust. Over time, competition should lead to lower prices and help speed the development of new products and services as it has in other deregulated industries. Other benefits include the construction of new, cleaner power plants and increased development of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar energy. (CICERO)
28.08.2001 | TuesdayUS agency suspends planned plutonium shipments
The US Department of Energy is suspending its plans to begin shipping weapons-grade plutonium to South Carolina to allow the agency and the state to work out an accord on the materials ultimate disposition. DOE
: The US Department of Energy is suspending its plans to begin shipping weapons-grade plutonium to South Carolina to allow the agency and the state to work out an accord on the materials ultimate disposition. DOE agreed to that arrangement Aug 24 when Under Secretary Robert Card met with two Republican South Carolina officials: Lieutenant Governor Bob Peeler and House Speaker David Wilkins. The agency had planned to make the first shipment of plutonium from its Rocky Flats site in Colorado to its Savannah River Site in South Carolina in mid-October. We agreed to hold that shipment in abeyance providing that good faith discussions would rapidly commence to gain agreement on a strategy for processing and shipping out the new material, Card said in a letter Monday to Peeler, Wilkins and South Carolina Gov. Jim Hodges. Meanwhile, Hodges, a Democrat, has suspended plans for an exercise Wednesday to rehearse setting up roadblocks to stop plutonium shipments into the state. (platts.com)
28.08.2001 | TuesdayReliant Energy Unit Awarded City of Houston Aviation Dept. O&M and Energy Services Contract
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 28, 2001--Reliant Energy Thermal Systems Inc., an unregulated affiliate of Reliant Energy, has been awarded the contract to provide a comprehensive package of operations and maintenance, as well as energy management ser
: HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 28, 2001--Reliant Energy Thermal Systems Inc., an unregulated affiliate of Reliant Energy, has been awarded the contract to provide a comprehensive package of operations and maintenance, as well as energy management services to the City of Houston Aviation Departments Bush Intercontinental Airport, Hobby Airport and Ellington Field. The five-year contract goes into effect on Sept. 1, 2001 to provide a broad range of operation, maintenance and engineering services of the central plants and terminal areas. These services are centered around HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning) and electrical systems and also include specialized maintenance/project management e-systems and system wide energy management services. We are pleased that the City of Houstons Aviation Department selected Reliant Energy to provide these critical infrastructure services to these airports, especially Bush Intercontinental, one of the busiest airports in the country, said David G. Barker, president of Reliant Energy Thermal Systems Inc. Our goal is to provide the Aviation Department with these services, which include analyzing their energy usage, billing, procurement and operations and maintenance practices, that will improve overall operational effectiveness at the lowest possible cost, said Barker. Thermal Systems is an innovative energy services company that provides project development, operation and maintenance, and energy management services to industrial and commercial customers. Reliant Energy (NYSE:REI - news), based in Houston, is an international energy services and energy delivery company with approximately 5 billion in annual revenue and total assets exceeding 3 billion. The company has nearly 25,000 megawatts of power generation in operation in the U.S. and is one of only three companies to rank among both the five largest power marketers and the five largest natural gas marketers in North America. The company also has wholesale trading and marketing operations and nearly 3,500 megawatts of power generation in Western Europe. Reliant Energys retail marketing and distribution operations serve nearly four million electricity and natural gas customers in the U.S., and its Internet infrastructure and communications company serves business customers in Texas. (EREN News)
27.08.2001 | MondayOnsite Energy Corporation Completes Project With National Food Processor
CARLSBAD, Calif., Aug. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Onsite Energy Corporation (Onsite) (OTC Bulletin Board: ONSE - news) announced today that it has completed several energy efficiency projects in California for a national food processor. Projects at the fac
: CARLSBAD, Calif., Aug. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Onsite Energy Corporation (Onsite) (OTC Bulletin Board: ONSE - news) announced today that it has completed several energy efficiency projects in California for a national food processor. Projects at the facility included improving both electricity and natural gas usage and efficiencies. Projects included improving condensate recovery systems to the plant and the boiler, thus reducing natural gas usage significantly, installing automatic controls, dryer replacement and providing incentive administration services for these projects and for improvements implemented directly by the customer. The parties signed the agreement in April and Onsite met a tight timeline to complete the project before the food-processing season started in early July. Total revenues to Onsite are approximately 25,000 plus a share of savings. Benefits to the Customer include a less than one-year payback for capital spent and state incentives of approximately 0,000 to offset capital expenditures. We are pleased to be working on this project and have already identified additional projects at other facilities owned by this customer that we plan to explore now that this project is completed, said Elizabeth Lowe, vice president of Onsite. Through this and other projects, we are continuing our commitment to improving the efficiency of the food processing industry in California and the West. Safe Harbor Statement Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: All statements, other than historical facts, included in the foregoing press release regarding Onsites financial position, business strategy and plans of management for future operations are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on managements beliefs and assumptions, and on information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements in which words such as expect, see, anticipate, intend, plan, believe, estimate, consider or similar expressions are used. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including risks set forth in Onsites annual report on Form 10-KSB, SEC File No. 1-12738. Onsites actual results and stockholder values may differ materially from those anticipated or expressed in these forward-looking statements. Many of the factors that will determine these results and values are beyond Onsites ability to control or predict. Readers of this press release are cautioned not to put undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. Onsite undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Onsite Energy Corporation is a comprehensive energy service company with primary emphasis in California. Onsite assists its customers in reducing electricity and fuel costs by developing, designing, constructing, owning and operating efficient, environmentally sound energy projects. Through its subsidiary, Energy Nexus Group, Inc., Onsite also offers a full range of professional consulting services, which include direct access planning, market assessments, business strategy and public policy analyses, utility deregulation and environmental impact/feasibility studies. It is Onsites mission to help customers save money through independent energy solutions. (CICERO)
24.08.2001 | FridayMerger of Electric Utilities GPU, FirstEnergy Would Cost 9 Percent of Combined Work Force
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- The merger of electric utilities GPU Inc. [NYSE:GPU - news] and FirstEnergy would eliminate 1,250 nonunion jobs, nearly 9 percent of the combined companys work force of about 14,000, according to terms of a settlement announced
: TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- The merger of electric utilities GPU Inc. [NYSE:GPU - news] and FirstEnergy would eliminate 1,250 nonunion jobs, nearly 9 percent of the combined companys work force of about 14,000, according to terms of a settlement announced Friday. The settlement reached by the companies, a consumer advocate and other parties must still be approved by a New Jersey judge and state and federal regulators before the .5 billion merger can take place. If approved, the combination would create one of the countrys largest investor-owned electric utilities, serving about 4.3 million customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The agreement was reached after New Jersey officials in May recommended blocking the deal over concerns that GPU customers could face a stiff rate hike in 2003. The settlement reduces any rate hike by 00 million -- most of the approximately 70 million GPU has lost since 1999, when New Jersey regulators allowed competition among electric companies. The state capped rates temporarily to protect consumers, but allowed utilities to later recover losses through higher rates. The companies anticipate saving more than 00 million through the elimination of duplicated jobs, use of new technology and improved operations. Most of the job cuts will be administrative, with the majority taking place in Pennsylvania, said FirstEnergy spokesman Ralph DiNicolo. The settlement was sent Friday to New Jersey Administrative Law Judge Louis G. McAlfoos III, who has several weeks to review it before sending a recommendation to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. DiNicolo said the companies hope to complete the merger by October. GPU is based in Morristown, N.J. FirstEnergy is based in Akron, Ohio. GPU shares rose 18 cents to 6.90 Friday on the New York Stock Exchange, while FirstEnergy shares were up 14 cents to 0.74. (Wind energy weekly)
24.08.2001 | FridayKensington Energy Ltd.: Interim Report, Six Months Ended June 30, 2001
CALGARY, ALBERTA--Kensington Energy Ltd. is pleased to present its results for the six months ended June 30, 2001.
: CALGARY, ALBERTA--Kensington Energy Ltd. is pleased to present its results for the six months ended June 30, 2001. HIGHLIGHTS Six Months Ended Three Months Ended June 30 June 30 Financial (1) 2001 2000 2001 2000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Petroleum and natural gas sales ,113,292 ,042,365 17,587 07,870 Cash flow from operations 21,623 14,201 71,780 44,806 per Class A share (fully-diluted) sh.058 sh.046 sh.025 sh.022 Net income 53,343 3,291 4,390 0,409 per Class A share (fully-diluted) sh.014 sh.002 sh.005 sh.001 Prices Oil and NGLs (per bbl) 0.90 4.86 0.27 5.32 Natural gas (per mcf) .74 .76 .61 .29 Barrels of oil equivalent (per BOE) (2) 2.74 5.16 0.15 6.03 Operating netbacks (per BOE) (2) 9.91 3.16 7.60 2.86 Capital expenditures (net of dispositions) 92,595 24,264 70,346 Debt (net of working capital) ,137,543 ,489,858 ,137,543 ,489,858 Class A shares outstanding (end of period) (fully-diluted) 10,650,776 11,179,776 10,650,776 11,179,776 Operating (1) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Production Oil & NGLs (bbl/d) 121 145 116 140 Natural gas (mcf/d) 138 181 154 145 Barrels of oil equivalent (BOE/d) (2) 144 175 142 164 Wells drilled Gross - 1.0 - 1.0 Net - 0.4 - 0.4 (1) The Company sold approximately 25 BOE/d of production effective May 1, 2000. (2) Natural gas is equated to oil on the basis of: 6,000 cubic feet or 6 mcf equals 1 barrel of oil equivalent. MESSAGE TO SHAREHOLDERS Kensington undertook a thorough review of its strategic alternatives during the first six months of 2001. As a result, the Corporation chose to reduce capital spending on its drilling and exploration program during this period. The conclusion to the strategic review occurred subsequent to the end of the second quarter of 2001, and resulted in the private placement of 65,200 capital into the Corporation and in certain changes and additions to the senior management of the Corporation, as announced on July 12, 2001 and finalized on August 10, 2001. The following appointments to management of the Corporation occurred on August 10, 2001: Mr. P. Gren Schoch - Chairman of the Board Mr. Donald S. Wood - President and Chief Executive Officer, and Director Mr. Dean G. Anderson - Vice President, Operations Mr. Barry R. Larson - Vice President, Exploration Mr. John M. Gareau and Mr. Ronald G. Quillian continued as directors of the Corporation. Mr. Kevin B. McLachlan and Mr. Ian S. Collar remained with the Corporation in full time, senior technical and exploration positions and resigned as Officers of the Corporation and from the Board of Directors in order to facilitate the above described appointments. With the strategic review completed, the new management team in place, and greater resources available to the Corporation, Kensington now looks forward with enthusiasm to resuming its capital program. OUTLOOK During the remainder of 2001, the Corporation plans to focus its efforts on improving the production performance of its existing asset base while continuing to progress its best exploration prospects to the drilling stage. There are a number of development and exploration opportunities identified by the Corporation at various risk profiles and at various stages of advancement. The immediate task of the Corporation will be to prioritize the best of these opportunities and to execute its capital spending choices effectively to reverse the current decline in sales production. Current cash flow levels will enable the Corporation to conduct two or three well events during the remainder of 2001, at least one of which will be exploration drilling. The remaining capital will be directed toward recompletion and well tie-in projects which have the ability to impact the Corporations cash flow performance before year end. The Corporation plans to manage its debt level and capital expenditure program prudently in relation to its cash flow and available opportunities as the new management team gains better understanding of the companys asset potential. There is a strong desire of management to increase the scope of the Corporations business plan with an expanded exploration, development, and production program, facilitated by land joint ventures, acquisitions, and operating control. Subject to the generation of a strong use of proceeds and financing availability, the Corporation has aspirations to establish a more robust, growth-oriented capital program going forward. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Donald S. Wood, President and Chief Executive Officer August 24, 2001 MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS Managements discussion and analysis (MD&A) should be read in conjunction with the unaudited interim financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2001, the unaudited interim financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and the audited financial statements and MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2000. Where amounts are expressed on a barrel of oil equivalent basis (BOE), gas volumes have been converted to barrels of oil at six thousand cubic feet per barrel. During the six months ended June 30, 2001, petroleum and natural gas revenue increased 6.8 percent to ,113,292 compared to ,042,365 for the first six months of 2000. The average sales price increased 30.4 percent to contribute an additional 17,000 in revenue, offset by lower sales volumes of 18.1 percent which reduced revenue by 46,000. Lower sales volumes resulted from the divestiture of a 25 BOE/d property in May 2000, and from normal production declines in existing properties. Oil and NGL sales contributed 96 percent of total revenue during the first six months of 2001. Prices received for oil and NGL increased 17.3 percent to 0.90 per bbl during the first six months of 2001 compared to 4.86 per bbl in the 2000 period (1.48 per bbl in the first quarter of 2001). Oil and NGL prices decreased 1.4 percent in the second quarter of 2001 versus the first quarter of 2001. Prices received for natural gas increased 132 percent to .74 per mcf during the first six months of 2001 compared to .76 per mcf in the comparable period in 2000 (1.48 per mcf in the first quarter of 2001). Natural gas prices decreased 23.9 percent in the second quarter of 2001 versus the first quarter of 2001. The Corporation had no commodity or financial hedges during the first six months of 2001. Royalties, net of ARTC, decreased to average 17.6 percent of petroleum and natural gas revenue in the first six months of 2001 versus 19.2 percent in 2000 mainly due to the production sensitivity of oil royalty rates. On a production unit basis, net royalties increased to .51 per BOE versus .31 per BOE in the comparable period in 2000 mainly due to higher reference prices. Operating costs increased to .32 per BOE for the first six months of 2001 versus .87 per BOE in the comparable period in 2000 (.82 per BOE in the first quarter of 2001). Overall operating expenses declined 10.6 percent to 38,700 in the first six months of 2001 versus 55,100 in 2000. Operating costs per BOE increased during the first six months of 2001 due to declining production volumes and overall inflation of costs resulting from high activity levels in the industry. General and administrative expenses increased slightly to 17,200 during the first six months of 2001 versus 15,700 in the comparable period. Cash interest expense on a production unit basis declined to .60 per BOE from .83 per BOE in the comparable period as the result of lower average debt levels during the period. Cash flow from operations during the first six months of 2001 increased by 21 percent to 21,623 versus 14,201 in the comparable period in 2000, resulting in cash flow per share of sh.06 for the first six months of 2001 (sh.05 in 2000). At June 30, 2001, the Corporation had 9,888,776 outstanding Class A common shares and 762,000 options issued to directors, officers, and employees. The Corporation had 10,650,776 Class A common shares, on a fully diluted basis, at June 30, 2001. Net capital expenditures during the first six months of 2001 were 92,595 versus 24,264 in the comparable period of 2000 (and .1 million in all of 2000). Capital expenditures in 2001 related mainly to land and seismic costs, and to the completion and equipping of an oil well drilled by the company in late 2000 and brought on production during the second quarter of 2001. Depletion and depreciation for the first six months of 2001 was 2.96 per BOE versus 4.17 per BOE in the comparable period. The future income tax provision for the first six months of 2001 was 30,626 versus 0,037 in the comparable period of 2000. Net income for the first six months was 53,343, resulting in net income per share of sh.015 per share versus sh.001 per share in 2000. OPERATING MARGIN ANALYSIS Three Months Ended June 30 Six Months Ended June 30 % % 2001 2000 Change 2001 2000 Change ---------------------------------------------------------- PRODUCTION Oil and NGL (bbl/d) 116 140 (17) 121.0 145.0 (17) Natural gas (mcf/d) 154 149 3 138 181 (24) Oil equivalent (BOE/d) 142 165 (14) 144 175 (18) AVERAGE PRICES Oil and NGL ($/bbl) $ 40.27 $ 35.32 14 $ 40.90 $ 34.86 17 Natural gas ($/mcf) $ 6.61 $ 4.29 54 $ 8.74 $ 3.76 132 Per Barrel of Oil Equivalent $ 40.16 $ 33.88 19 $ 42.74 $ 32.74 31 $ PER BOE Petroleum and natural gas revenue $ 40.07 $ 33.84 18 $ 42.74 $ 32.77 30 Royalties 8.37 8.70 (4) 9.31 7.98 17 Alberta Royalty Tax Credit 1.68 1.67 1 1.80 1.68 7 Operating costs 5.83 5.34 9 5.32 4.87 9 --------------------------------------------------------- Field netback 27.54 21.47 28 29.91 21.60 38 General and administrative 4.78 3.21 49 4.50 3.63 24 Current taxes - - - - - - --------------------------------------------------------- Operating netback 22.76 18.25 25 25.41 17.96 41 Cash interest 1.73 2.05 (16) 1.60 1.83 (13) --------------------------------------------------------- Cash flow from operations 21.04 16.20 30 23.81 16.13 48 Depletion and depreciation 13.23 14.23 (7) 12.96 14.16 (8) Future income taxes 3.60 1.40 157 5.01 1.26 299 Non-cash interest - - - - - - --------------------------------------------------------- Net income $ 4.21 $ 0.58 629 $ 5.83 $ 0.72 715 --------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- $ THOUSANDS Petroleum and natural gas revenue $ 517,587 $ 507,870 2 ,113,292 ,042,365 7 Royalties 108,147 130,488 (17) 242,438 254,058 (5) Alberta Royalty Tax Credit 21,692 25,011 (13) 46,904 53,582 (12) Interest and Other Income - 1,449 (100) 1,422 1,449 (2) Operating costs 75,354 80,114 (6) 138,704 155,143 (11) --------------------------------------------------------- Field netback 355,778 323,728 10 780,476 688,195 13 General and administrative 61,712 48,210 28 117,209 115,666 1 Current taxes - - - - - - --------------------------------------------------------- Operating netback 294,066 275,518 7 663,267 572,529 16 Cash interest 22,286 30,712 (27) 41,644 58,328 (29) --------------------------------------------------------- Cash flow from operations 271,780 244,806 11 621,623 514,201 21 Depletion and depreciation and site restoration 170,861 213,394 (20) 337,654 450,873 (25) Future income taxes 46,529 21,003 122 130,626 40,037 226 Non-cash interest --------------------------------------------------------- Net income $ 54,390 $ 10,409 423 $ 153,343 $ 23,291 558 --------------------------------------------------------- Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30 June 30 % % 2001 2000 Change 2001 2000 Change -------------------------------------------- MARGINS (%) Petroleum and natural gas revenue 100.0 100.0 100 100.0 100.0 100 Royalties 20.9 25.7 (19) 21.8 24.4 (11) Alberta Royalty Tax Credit 4.2 4.9 (15) 4.2 5.1 (18) Operating costs 14.6 15.8 (8) 12.5 14.9 (16) -------------------------------------------- Field netback 68.7 63.7 8 70.1 66.0 6 General and administrative 11.9 9.5 26 10.5 11.1 (5) Current taxes - - - - -------------------------------------------- Operating netback 56.8 54.2 5 59.6 54.9 8 Cash interest 4.3 6.0 (29) 3.7 5.6 (33) -------------------------------------------- Cash flow from operations 52.5 48.2 9 55.8 49.3 13 Depletion and depreciation 33.0 42.0 (21) 30.3 43.3 (30) Future income taxes 9.0 4.1 117 11.7 3.8 205 Non-cash interest - - - - -------------------------------------------- Net income 10.5 2.0 413 13.8 2.2 516 -------------------------------------------- SUBSEQUENT EVENT On August 10, 2001 the Corporation announced that it had closed a private placement of 2,472,000 units to four individuals at sh.35 per unit for gross proceeds to the Corporation of 65,200. Each unit consisted of one Class A common share of the Corporation and one Class A common share purchase warrant. Each Class A common share purchase warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional Class A common share of the Corporation at a price of sh.45 per share until September 10, 2002. Proceeds from the private placement will be applied toward the Corporations fall program of drilling, completion and facilities construction on existing lands. In connection with the closing of the private placement, the Corporation announced the following appointments effective August 10, 2001: Mr. P. Gren Schoch - Chairman of the Board Mr. Donald S. Wood - President and Chief Executive Officer, and Director Mr. Dean G. Anderson - Vice President, Operations Mr. Barry R. Larson - Vice President, Exploration Current members of the Board of Directors, Mr. John M. Gareau and Mr. Ronald G. Quillian, are continuing as directors of the Corporation. Messrs. Kevin B. McLachlan and Ian S. Collar are continuing with the Corporation in full time, senior technical and exploration positions and have resigned as Officers of the Corporation and from the Board of Directors in order to facilitate the above described appointments. STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND DEFICIT (Unaudited) Six Months Ended Three Months Ended June 30 June 30 2001 2000 2001 2000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ REVENUE Petroleum and natural gas sales $ 1,113,292 $ 1,042,365 $ 517,587 $ 507,870 Royalties (242,438) (254,058) (108,147) (130,488) Alberta Royalty Tax Credit 46,904 53,582 21,692 25,011 Interest and other income 1,422 1,449 - 1,449 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 919,180 843,338 431,132 403,842 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ EXPENSES Production 138,704 155,143 75,354 80,114 General and administrative 117,209 115,666 61,712 48,210 Interest on long term debt 41,644 58,328 22,286 30,712 Depletion, depreciation and site restoration 337,654 450,873 170,861 213,394 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 635,211 780,010 330,213 372,430 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Income before future income taxes 283,969 63,328 100,919 31,412 Future income taxes 130,626 40,037 46,529 21,003 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NET INCOME 153,343 23,291 54,390 10,409 Deficit, beginning of period (2,639,796) (2,829,515) (2,540,843) (2,816,633) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DEFICIT, END OF PERIOD ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Earnings per Class A Share Basic $ 0.015 $ 0.002 $ 0.005 $ 0.001 Fully diluted $ 0.014 $ 0.002 $ 0.005 $ 0.001 BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) June 30 December 31 2001 2000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ASSETS Current Cash $ - $ 2,918 Accounts receivable 308,530 461,221 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 308,530 464,139 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Property and equipment 6,215,937 6,354,814 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 6,524,467 $ 6,818,953 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY Current Bank indebtedness $ 23,759 $ - Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 192,314 1,160,990 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 216,073 1,160,990 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Long term debt 1,230,000 810,000 Future income taxes 1,451,829 1,321,203 Site restoration and abandonment 104,791 98,609 Shareholders equity Share capital 5,618,414 5,678,134 Contributed surplus 389,813 389,813 Deficit (2,486,453) (2,639,796) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3,521,774 3,428,151 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 6,524,467 $ 6,818,953 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) Six Months Ended Three Months Ended June 30 June 30 2001 2000 2001 2000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Income $ 153,343 $ 23,291 $ 54,390 $ 10,409 Add items not affecting cash: Depletion, depreciation and site restoration 337,654 450,873 170,861 213,394 Future income taxes 130,626 40,037 46,529 21,003 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash flow from operations 621,623 514,201 271,780 244,806 Changes in non-cash working capital (407,993) 126,091 (352) 324,713 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash provided by operating activities 213,630 640,292 271,428 569,519 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ FINANCING ACTIVITIES Increase (decrease) in long term debt 420,000 (490,000) 100,000 (870,000) Shares repurchased and cancelled (59,719) (62,194) (28,400) (33,132) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash provided by financing activities 360,281 (552,194) 71,600 (903,132) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ INVESTING ACTIVITIES Additions to property and equipment (462,595) (706,394) (170,346) (439,467) Proceeds on sale of petroleum and natural gas properties 270,000 482,130 - 482,130 Changes in non-cash working capital (407,993) 126,091 (352) 324,714 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash used in investing activities (600,588) (98,173) (170,698) 367,377 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net cash (used) provided (26,677) (10,075) 172,330 33,764 Cash (bank indebtedness), beginning of period 2,918 5,028 (196,089) (38,811) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash (bank indebtedness), end of period (23,759) (5,047) (23,759) (5,047) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash flow from operations per Class A Share Basic $ 0.062 $ 0.047 $ 0.027 $ 0.022 Fully diluted $ 0.058 $ 0.046 $ 0.025 $ 0.022 Notes to Financial Statements 1. Accounting Policies The accounting policies and methods used in these financial statements are the same as in the most recent audited annual financial statements of the Corporation with the exception of, for the purpose of calculating depletion and site restoration, natural gas is converted to an oil equivalent basis using six thousand cubic feet of natural gas for one barrel of petroleum. 2. Dispositions The Corporation divested its entire interest in two undeveloped land properties during the first quarter of 2001 for total proceeds of 70,000 to the Corporation. The properties were located at Dried Meat Lake and Sturgeon Lake, had no associated production or reserves, and contained 3,226 net acres of undeveloped land. 3. Share Capital Class A Common Shares June 30, 2001 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Number of Shares Amount ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Balance - January 1, 2001 10,142,776 $ 5,678,134 Common shares issued - - Common shares repurchased through normal course issuer bid (254,000) (59,719) Exercise of stock options - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Balance - June 30, 2001 9,888,776 $ 5,618,415 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CORPORATE INFORMATION OFFICES AUDITORS 1210, 101 - 6 Avenue S.W. Ernst & Young LLP Calgary, Alberta Calgary, Alberta T2P 3P4 BANKERS Tel: (403) 517-8620 Fax: (403) 517-8625 Alberta Treasury Branches Email: corp@kensingtonenergy.com Calgary, Alberta BOARD OF DIRECTORS EVALUATION ENGINEERS P. Gren Schoch Martin & Brusset Associates Chairman of the Board Calgary, Alberta Kensington Energy Ltd. REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT Donald S. Wood President and Chief Executive Officer Valiant Corporate Trust Company Kensington Energy Ltd. Calgary, Alberta John M. Gareau SOLICITORS Independent Businessman Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP Ronald G. Quillian Calgary, Alberta Independent Businessman OFFICERS AND KEY PERSONNEL STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING Donald S. Wood Canadian Venture Exchange President and Chief Executive Officer Trading Symbol: Dean G. Anderson Class A Shares KNN.A Vice President, Operations Barry R. Larson Vice President, Exploration (Platts)
23.08.2001 | ThursdayFPL Energy Dedicates Wisconsins Largest Wind Energy Facility
JUNO BEACH, Fla., Aug. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- FPL Energy, LLC, a subsidiary of FPL Group (NYSE: FPL - news), today dedicated its 30-megawatt Montfort Wind Farm, the largest wind-generating facility in Wisconsin. Electricity generated at the Iowa County
: JUNO BEACH, Fla., Aug. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- FPL Energy, LLC, a subsidiary of FPL Group (NYSE: FPL - news), today dedicated its 30-megawatt Montfort Wind Farm, the largest wind-generating facility in Wisconsin. Electricity generated at the Iowa County facility is being sold under multi-year contracts to Wisconsin Electric-Wisconsin Gas, a subsidiary of Wisconsin Energy Corporation (NYSE: WEC - news), and Alliant Energy-Wisconsin Power and Light (NYSE: LNT - news). (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010621/FPLLOGO ) Generating enough electricity to power 10,500 Wisconsin homes, the wind facility consists of twenty 1.5-megawatt Enron wind turbines, which are the largest manufactured in the United States. Outfitted with 110-foot blades mounted atop 215-foot towers, each wind turbine is taller than a 30-story building. Dean Gosselin, FPL Energy vice president of wind development, expressed the companys appreciation to those gathered for the dedication when he said, All understood the need for additional power. All understood the challenges we faced in bringing this project to completion quickly. And all helped us meet those challenges. We couldnt have done it without you. As the nations largest generator of wind power, FPL Energy operates wind facilities exceeding 1,000 megawatts of capacity in Iowa, Texas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Oregon and California, and has a net ownership of approximately 800 megawatts. The company also has three wind projects under construction that will add nearly 650 additional megawatts to its portfolio by the end of 2001. FPL Energy is a leading independent producer of clean energy, including natural gas, wind, solar and hydroelectric. It owns and operates power plants with more than 4,400 total net megawatts in 12 states across the country. New projects the company has announced, most of which are already under construction, will add nearly 6,000 megawatts of capacity to its portfolio by the end of 2003. FPL Group, with annual revenues of more than billion, is one of the nations largest providers of electricity-related services. FPL Groups principal subsidiary is Florida Power & Light Company, one of the nations largest electric utilities, serving more than seven million people in Florida. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.fplenergy.com, www.fplgroup.com and www.fpl.com. (CICERO)
23.08.2001 | ThursdayPublic Utilities Fortnightly to Publish Focused Issue on Energy Risk Management to Be Distributed at PowerMart Conference - Exclusive Examination Of Gamma Risk as Applied to Energy Providers
VIENNA, Va., Aug. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- As commodity prices continue to flare up around the country, energy risk management is a top priority for executive level officers at the nations energy retailers, utilities/LDCs, energy marketers and financial in
: VIENNA, Va., Aug. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- As commodity prices continue to flare up around the country, energy risk management is a top priority for executive level officers at the nations energy retailers, utilities/LDCs, energy marketers and financial institutions. In response, Public Utilities Fortnightly has assembled its award winning staff and the nations top experts to publish a focused issue exploring energy risk management. As the leading source of business intelligence for senior-level energy executives for over 70 years, the Fortnightlys staff and experts are uniquely positioned to educate and enlighten its subscribers to the latest practices and forward thinking in risk management strategy and theory. Public Utilities Fortnightlys editorial staff and the nations top experts are working on the following feature articles for the October 1 issue: * Exclusive on Gamma Risk: The New Risk Electric Retailers Should Watch Out For -- The disaggregation of generation from retail load has opened retail providers to a flurry of new risks. * Breaking Down Risk Management Options: An Examination of the Industry and Commodity Market Prices - In-house or outsourced? How should utilities approach risk management? How Great is Commodity Price Risk? What is Volume Risk? Is Gas Storage a Good Hedge? * Utilities/LDCs and Risk Management? An analysis and discussion of the new energy risk management techniques being developed, in boardrooms and PUCs, as a result of the unexpected energy price booms and busts in 2000 and 2001. * Don Santa Speaks: FERC Alumnus Gives Advice On Where To Go Next Were really excited to be delivering the latest in energy risk management strategy to the nations elite-level energy executives. Our subscribers have been asking for more analysis and business intelligence on managing energy risk across their enterprise and were excited to provide it in our October 1 issue, explains Richard Stavros, Executive Editor of Public Utilities Fortnightly. The additional distribution of the October 1 issue at the PowerMart Conference and Expo allows even larger numbers of executives to benefit from this focused examination of energy risk management, adds Stavros. Risk management in the competitive energy environment is a demanding challenge for the nations energy companies, says Jeff Grizzel, Director of Sales. The October 1 issue of the Fortnightly serves as an excellent showcase for risk management solutions providers and consultants to promote their latest offerings and expertise. Deadline for reserving ad space is August 31. Ad materials due by September 6. Public Utilities Fortnightly, continuously published biweekly since 1929, is the authoritative source of specialized information concentrating on utility management. As a 100% paid circulation magazine, its readers consist of the nations top executives at electric and gas utilities, energy marketers, public power entities, municipal utilities, independent power producers, investment banking and trading firms and regulatory and allied organizations. (Energy R&D)
22.08.2001 | WednesdayPeabody Energy Options to be Traded on American and Chicago Exchanges
ST. LOUIS, Aug. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Peabody Energy today announced that it has been notified that options trading on its stock will be launched tomorrow at the Chicago Board Options Exchange and the American Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BTU.
: ST. LOUIS, Aug. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Peabody Energy today announced that it has been notified that options trading on its stock will be launched tomorrow at the Chicago Board Options Exchange and the American Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BTU. Options on both exchanges will begin with strike prices of 25, 30 and 35. Peabody Energy (NYSE: BTU - news) is the worlds largest private-sector coal company. Its coal fuels more than 9 percent of all U.S. electricity generation and more than 2 percent of worldwide electricity generation. (Peabody Energy)
21.08.2001 | TuesdayPPL Corporation Applauds Energy Task Force
ALLENTOWN, Pa., Aug. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The energy policy recommendations of the Governors Energy Task Force represent a positive step in ensuring that Pennsylvania will meet its future energy needs, PPL Corporation said Monday (8/20).
: ALLENTOWN, Pa., Aug. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The energy policy recommendations of the Governors Energy Task Force represent a positive step in ensuring that Pennsylvania will meet its future energy needs, PPL Corporation said Monday (8/20). (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19981015/PHTH025 ) PPL strongly endorses the three principles on which the draft energy policy recommendations are based: providing adequate energy supply; protecting health, safety and environmental quality; and promoting energy efficiency and conservation. PPL strongly endorses these principles, said James Seif, PPL vice president-Corporate Services. We applaud the Governor and members of this task force for pursuing the development of a long-term energy policy, said Seif. By striking an appropriate balance among environmental sensitivities, improved energy efficiency and the building of new power plants, the proposed policy provides an excellent blueprint for sustained electric reliability in Pennsylvania and the region. The competitive electricity market provides the best framework for Pennsylvania to foster adequate growth in electric generation to meet consumer demand, said Seif. It is vital that the states energy policy reaffirms the administrations commitment to the free market. In a letter submitted to the Governors Energy Task Force Friday (8/17), PPL offered these comments on the three principles outlined in the task forces draft recommendations: Providing adequate energy supply -- Provide for a diverse energy fuel mix by maintaining its commitment to coal use for generating electricity in Pennsylvania and working to ensure that existing nuclear power plants continue to operate in a safe and effective manner under current operating licenses. -- Encourage the development and use of clean coal technologies. -- Advocate expedited permitting from the Department of Environmental Protection and local authorities for low-emitting and efficient new power plant projects. -- Support the siting of new transmission and distribution lines needed to assure reliable service to all electric customers. Protecting health, safety and environmental quality -- Endorse a comprehensive, coordinated approach to regulating multiple pollutants. -- Implement this approach under a cap-and-trade system so that any emissions increase that might result from projects to maintain or increase generating capacity at a power plant would have to be offset by corresponding emission reductions. -- Work with the federal government and others to develop a strategy to deal with global climate change, its impacts on Pennsylvania and methods to mitigate those impacts including carbon sequestration. Promoting energy efficiency and conservation -- Encourage market-based approaches to energy efficiency and conservation for the long term, but, in the interim, continue to work with electric distribution companies to develop and promote voluntary demand-side response programs that result in the conservation of energy during high-price, peak-load periods. -- Provide incentives for improving energy efficiency in buildings and industrial processes, as well as for projects using clean distributed generation such as micro turbines and fuel cells. -- Support the concept of a single regional transmission organization for the Northeast to enhance regional electric reliability and create a more efficient energy market. (PPL.com)
19.08.2001 | SundayKeySpan to ease Long Island energy problems
NEW YORK, Aug 19 (Reuters) - KeySpan Corp. (NYSE:KSE - news) believes natural gas is an answer to Long Islands 36 year search for energy and is participating in four pipeline projects which will deliver nearly one billion cubic feet of gas daily to N
: NEW YORK, Aug 19 (Reuters) - KeySpan Corp. (NYSE:KSE - news) believes natural gas is an answer to Long Islands 36 year search for energy and is participating in four pipeline projects which will deliver nearly one billion cubic feet of gas daily to New York Citys eastern suburbs. Completion of all four pipelines would increase KeySpans capacity to deliver natural gas on Long Island by roughly 50 percent, filling the gas mains the utility is building at the rate of 200 miles (322 km) per year and providing fuel for 500 megawatts of new generation proposed for construction over the next few years. Long Islands power problems were demonstrated again this month when a heat wave strained the islands resources. The loss of a tie line or major resource could have pushed us over the edge and into rolling blackouts, said Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) Chairman Richard Kessel last week. Without increased suppliers and conservation, he said, we will not make it through a similar heat wave next year. The problems can be traced to the Servicemans Readjustment Act of 1944. Better known as the GI Bill, it funded education and guaranteed no-money-down mortgages which resulted in low-cost financing that converted Long Islands potato fields into housing developments. Two decades after the buyers started moving into the homes, the search for increased energy turned to nuclear power and in 1973, the Atomic Energy Commission approved Long Island Lighting Co.s (LILCO) plant at Shoreham. While the nuclear plant was being built, expansion of gas systems across the country, including LILCOs, was halted by regulators afraid of a gas shortage. Although the plant was approved by regulators, community opposition kept it from operating, leaving new homes on Long Island to be heated by oil. Even though Shoreham never operated, its billion cost was passed on to ratepayers, leading to the takeover of LILCOs electricity distribution system by LIPA, a state-owned utility, in 1998 when the rest of the company was merged with Brooklyn Union Gas to create Keyspan. GAS MARKETING SUPERPOWER CREATED Besides power plants, the merger added LILCOs gas distribution operations serving 400,000 customers to the 1.1 million already served by Brooklyn Union on Staten Island, in Brooklyn and in parts of Queens. At that time, 38 percent of Long Island homes with gas available were using it for heat. In the New York City areas served by Brooklyn Union, nearly 80 percent of the homes served by gas mains were using the fuel for heat, Wally Parker, president of KeySpan Energy Delivery Group, said. In contrast, Consolidated Edison Inc. (NYSE:ED - news), which delivers gas in the rest of the city, does not know how many residences its gas mains pass, spokesman Michael Clendenin said. Of the 720,000 residential gas customers Con Edison does serve, less than 31 percent use the fuel for heating. The rest use it only for cooking and water heating. But nearly 80 percent of the home heating market is not enough for KeySpan, Parker said. The companys target is nearly 90 percent on Long Island and in New York City, he said. In the first six months of 2001, KeySpan said last month, it converted about 200,000 homes to gas heat, adding 5 million in annual gross profit margin or more than 20 percent over the first half of 2000. In all of 2000, KeySpan added 5 million to gross profit margin through conversions on Long Island and in New York City. TWO HUNDRED MILES OF MAINS Through the first half of the year, KeySpan is 8 percent ahead of its goal of adding 0 million to its gross profit margin in 2001 through gas conversions on Long Island and in the Boston area where the company acquired two utilities last fall. The mergers made KeySpan the largest gas distribution company in the U.S. Northeast some 3.0 million customers. To provide for future conversions, Parker said, over 1 million feet or 200 miles of new gas mains were installed on Long Island last year. Noting over 65 percent of Long Island has no gas mains, he said another 15 million to 18 million feet of mains will have to be installed to bring mains within 100 feet of every residence on the Island. To supply its new customers, KeySpan has joined with Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK - news) to propose three new pipelines expected to cost over 00 million, including Long Islands first link to the gas reserves in Canadas Maritime provinces. This link would come through the Islander East pipeline proposed in January to deliver 250 million cubic feet of gas daily under Long Island Sound starting in 2003. KeySpan and Duke are also jointly expanding Transcos link to the Island that crosses New York Harbor from Old Bridge, N.J., to deliver gas from the Southwest and Gulf of Mexico. The expanded system will be known as the Cross Bay pipeline and be owned 37.5 percent each by Duke and Transcos parent, Williams Cos. (NYSE:WMB - news), and 25 percent by KeySpan. The first phase of the expansion is expected to deliver an additional 125 million cubic feet of gas a day to Long Beach Island starting in December 2002. KeySpan also has a 20.4 percent in the Iroquois pipeline which delivers Western Canadian gas to the New York area and has proposed two links to Long Island. (Energy news weekly)
18.08.2001 | FridayEnron, Indian Government Begin Talks to Salvage Power Project
NEW DELHI, India (AP) -- Three former judges from India, Australia and New Zealand began proceedings Saturday to smooth differences between an Enron Corp. (NYSE:ENE - news) subsidiary and the Indian government over a power project that is the country
: NEW DELHI, India (AP) -- Three former judges from India, Australia and New Zealand began proceedings Saturday to smooth differences between an Enron Corp. (NYSE:ENE - news) subsidiary and the Indian government over a power project that is the countrys largest foreign investment, news reports said. Federal representatives and officials of the Dabhol Power Corporation declined to give details of the proceedings of the three-member commission, Press Trust of India reported. The hearings will continue over the next three days. The billion project was thrown into uncertainty after politicians in the western Maharashtra state, where the power plant is located, argued that DPCs electricity was overpriced. They demanded the renegotiation of the purchase agreement between the company and the state utility. There is a court dispute between Dabhol and the electricity board over payment of outstanding bills. The plant stopped production in May after its sole customer, the Maharashtra State Electricity Board, told Enron it was canceling a 7-year-old power purchase agreement. Enron, which is based in Houston, says the board didnt have the right to cancel. Former Supreme Court of India judge B.P. Jeevan Reddy is representing the federal government in the reconciliation panel, while the DPC has appointed Lawrence Street, former Chief Justice of New South Wales, as it representative. Former New Zealand High Court Judge David A.R. Williams is the third conciliator, jointly chosen by both sides. Indias Attorney General Soli Sorabjee argued for the government before the judges, while the DPCs point of view was put forward by its attorney P. Chidambaram, a former federal finance minister. Enron holds a controlling 65 percent stake in the .9 billion, 740 megawatt Dabhol power project. The utility holds 15 percent shares, and General Electric Co. and Bechtel Corp. 10 percent each. The two-phase, .9 billion project was to be the worlds biggest natural gas-fired power project, able to generate 2,184 megawatts once completed at Dabhol, 210 miles south of Bombay. (Platts)
18.08.2001 | FridayPG&E: Customers buy efficiency
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Pacific Gas & Electric Co. said that its customers are going for energy efficient appliances in light of the Golden States crushing energy crisis.
: To help curb demand during a time of insufficient power supply, the embattled utility said that its own rebate program is having a substantial impact on consumer buying interest and energy use. The purchase so far of about 80,000 appliances and 2.1 million efficient fluorescent light bulbs should save about 50 megawatts a year. Thats the equivalent, the company said, of the amount of power produced at a small plant. The customer rebates range from per light bulb to up to 00 for a refrigerator. In 2001, there have been 10,195 dishwashers sold, a 30 percent rise over 1999; and 15,189 washing machines, a 75 percent increase over last year. This has been a record setting year for our rebate program, said Steve McCarty, PG&Es (PCG: news, chart, profile) director of customer energy management. Shares of PG&E Corp., whose utility filed for bankruptcy protection in April, have bounced back from a 52-week low of .50 on April 9. On Friday, shares ended the day up 1 cent to 6.07. (EREN)
15.08.2001 | WednesdayNRG Energy Completes 2,255 MW Acquisition from Indeck Energy Services
MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 15, 2001--NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG - news) yesterday closed its acquisition of a 2,255 megawatt (MW) project portfolio from Indeck Energy Services, Inc. NRG announced the purchase agreement on July 10, 2001. The p
: MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 15, 2001--NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG - news) yesterday closed its acquisition of a 2,255 megawatt (MW) project portfolio from Indeck Energy Services, Inc. NRG announced the purchase agreement on July 10, 2001. The portfolio primarily serves the Chicago energy market. This acquisition furthers our strategy of developing significant generation within core markets, in this case the Chicago-St. Louis-New Orleans corridor, said David H. Peterson, NRGs chairman and chief executive officer. NRG continues to build on its strategy of growing a diverse generation portfolio with this acquisition of peaking and mid-merit facilities to add to our 2,400 MW of projects already in construction in the Chicago market. NRG acquired full ownership in five projects in operation, construction and advanced development. The portfolio includes combined-cycle and peaking power plants that employ highly efficient, natural gas-fueled combustion technology. The portfolio includes Rockford I and II Energy Centers, Bourbonnais I and II Energy Centers, and the Ilion Energy Center, located in central upstate New York. This acquisition of operating and greenfield development projects allows NRG to expand its United States generation portfolio significantly, said Craig A. Mataczynski, president of NRG North America. We will use our expertise in construction, finance and operations to integrate these projects into NRG and create additional value for our shareholders. -------------- ------------ ----------- ----- ------------ ----------- Project Name Location Status Size Type of (Expected) (MW) Project Date Operational -------------- ------------ ----------- ----- ------------ ----------- Ilion Energy Ilion, NY Operating 60 combined April 1993 Center cycle cogeneration plant (gas and oil) -------------- ------------ ----------- ----- ------------ ----------- Rockford I Rockford, IL Operating 342 simple June 2000 Energy Center cycle gas turbines -------------- ------------ ----------- ----- ------------ ----------- Rockford II Rockford, IL In 171 simple 2nd Qtr, Energy Center Construc- cycle gas 2002 tion turbines -------------- ------------ ----------- ----- ------------ ----------- Bourbonnais I Bourbonnais, Advanced 1,121 combined 1st Qtr, Energy Center IL Development cycle gas 2004 -------------- ------------ ----------- ----- ------------ ----------- Bourbonnais II Bourbonnais, Advanced 561 combined 1st Qtr, Energy Center IL Development cycle gas 2005 turbines -------------- ------------ ----------- ----- ------------ ----------- NRG is a leading global energy company engaged primarily in the acquisition, development, construction, ownership and operation of power generation facilities. NRG owns 22,410 MW of generating assets in operation and under construction. The companys operations utilize such diverse fuel sources as natural gas, oil, coal and coal seam methane, biomass, landfill gas, and hydro, as well as refuse-derived fuel. Certain statements included in this news release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. Although NRG believes that its expectations are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct. Factors that could cause NRGs actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in the forward-looking statements above include, among others, risks associated with the timely completion of projects under construction, and development, including obtaining competitive contracts, obtaining regulatory and permitting approvals, construction delays and other factors beyond NRGs control. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ include the business or investment considerations disclosed from time to time in NRGs Securities and Exchange Commission filings or in other publicly disseminated written documents. NRG undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For more information, review NRGs filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. (www.nrgenergy.com)
15.08.2001 | WednesdayNational Energy Marketers Association Endorses New Energy Economy Magazine; Finance & Tech Publication Gets Support & Approval From National Association
HOUSTON, Aug. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing the high-tech, real-time evolution of the U.S. energy industry, the National Energy Marketers Association (NEM) has entered into a strategic alliance with New Energy Economy to inform its members on cuttin
: HOUSTON, Aug. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing the high-tech, real-time evolution of the U.S. energy industry, the National Energy Marketers Association (NEM) has entered into a strategic alliance with New Energy Economy to inform its members on cutting edge issues affecting technology and investments. Our strategic alliance with New Energy Economy will give our members access to the latest developments affecting energy technology, industry investments and market opportunities, said Craig Goodman, president of NEM, a national, non-profit trade association representing both wholesale and retail marketers of energy and energy-related products, services, information and technologies throughout the United States. New Energy Economy covers both up-and downstream markets in energy -- focusing in on the bottom-line in new business ventures, investments and technology trends. PennWell, a leading energy publications powerhouse, publishes the magazine. Were pleased that the National Energy Marketers Association, an effective force in the energy industry, sees the value in the news New Energy Economy provides and has chosen to collaborate with our publication, said Mark Yust, associate publisher of the magazine. Were committed to presenting the hard facts behind the business and technological revolution that continues to swept the global energy economy, explained Editor-in Chief of New Energy Economy Roxane Richter. Our challenge has always been delivering no-nonsense value and authoritative analysis for todays energy industry business decision-maker. And our new alliance with NEM brings extra authority and credibility to our magazine. (PennWell)
13.08.2001 | MondayAlternative Energy Gets Boost from Government
In environmentalists fondest dreams, traditional energy sources like coal, gas or oil are completely supplanted by fully renewable sources of energy. Governments in developed countries, including the Czech Republic
: In environmentalists fondest dreams, traditional energy sources like coal, gas or oil are completely supplanted by fully renewable sources of energy. Governments in developed countries, including the Czech Republic, are envisioning a more immediate future, one in which fossil fuels become scarce or are depleted, forcing a shift to wind and water energy, photovoltaic conversion of solar energy, and the burning of biomass. The conversion to alternatives isnt happening quickly, however. Each year only 1.5 percent of all electricity produced in the Czech Republic comes from renewable sources. The main reason entrepreneurs arent interested in the production of electricity via small water power stations or other means is that electrical distribution companies arent willing to pay enough for it. But now that could be about to change. The 2002 price schedule to be published by the Energy Regulation Office should bring a marked increase in the states purchasing price of electricity from renewable sources of energy. Purchasing prices will be undoubtedly higher than at present, confirmed spokeswoman Jarmila Lehnerova. The new price schedule distinguishes between different renewable energy sources. Prices for electricity from a small hydro-power station will increase to Kc 1.6 per kilowatt hour from the current Kc 1.13. Electricity from wind power stations will cost Kc 3 per kilowatt hour and electricity from biomass and biogas Kc 2.5. The biggest increase is in solar energy; it is expected to be Kc 6 per kilowatt hour. It is a very good piece of news, said Jan Truxa from EcoWatt, a consultancy firm for renewable sources of energy in Prague. Truxa says it will give a boost to the use of renewable sources, to which the Czech Republic is obliged as a signatory to the European Energy Charter and the Protocol on Energy Efficiency. The goal of the agreements is to reduce the use of fossil fuels, save energy and improve air quality throughout Europe. Price differentiation of particular renewable sources is appropriate, Truxa added. The Czech government and the EU support all renewable energy technologies, because for now it isnt clear which type will be the most useful for particular regions. For example, wind-power stations have become widespread in Germany and Denmark, reaching a combined output of 2,800 MW. Purchasing prices are the main instrument for encouraging the use of renewable energy sources, said Miroslav Hajek, director of the Economy of the Environment Department at the Ministry of Environment, and thanks to [the new pricing] we expect a development in [their] utilization. The ministry wants to triple the amount of electricity gained from wind, water and sun in the coming years. The production of electricity based on renewable sources should account for 4-6 percent of the total production of electricity by 2010. Water before wind Goverment subsidies should help the country get closer to that goal, too. The state put Kc 467 million into energy saving measures and promoting the use of renewable sources through several ministries last year. The Ministry of Industry and Trade spent Kc 203 million last year subsidizing energy-saving measures and Kc 17 million on the use of renewable sources, while the ministries of environment and agriculture spent a combined total of Kc 246 million on energy-saving measures and the use of renewable sources. The states program, approved by the government in July 1998 and in line with EU procedures, supports investment leading to energy savings, promotes environmental education and awareness, and development of renewable resources. The chairman of the Union of Businessmen for Using Energy Sources, a lobbying group, Pavel Sedivy believes the increase in state purchasing prices will make the alternative energy business more attractive to entrepreneurs and create new businesses. Banks react to the development in this area positively, Sedivy said, noting that after some initial hesitation, banks have begun to loan money to businesses focused on non-traditional sources of energy. Sedivy estimates that there are now about 3,000 small business owners in the sector and about 10,000 people employed in it. In this country the biggest part the 1.5 percent of electricity that is generated from renewable resources comes from the nations 1,500 small water power stations. This month a new water power station in Ivancice on the Jihlava river will supply energy to the network. Its a power station equipped with Kaplan turbines. It produces an average of 1.3 GW a year, said Miroslav Pouzar of Povodi Moravy, the company running the station. There are many more water power stations, for example, than wind power stations in the Czech Republic, Truxa said. If a water power station is placed in a good location with a heavy waterfall, it can be profitable. Many water power stations have been built in places where flour or iron mills once operated, and that helps reduce costs considerably. CKD Blansko Engineering, in south Moravia, builds turbines as well as complete water power stations. We supply about 10 complete water power stations yearly; half of them we sell in the Czech Republic and the rest we export, CEO Emil Zizka said. He owns his own water power station in Brno on the Svratka River. Its equipment from the year 1934 and requires a lot of money for its maintenance, so I dont make money on it, he said. Its more my hobby than my business. Even the largest domestic electric company CEZ produces electricity from renewable sources. The sad matter of fact, however, is that the operation of these facilities is loss-making, said company CEO Jaroslav Mil. CEZ launched its first wind power station -- with a capacity of 315 kilowatts per hour -- as a pilot project in November 1993 at Dlouha Louka near Osek in the Krusne Hory mountain range. A CEZ wind power farm recently began operating at Mravenecnik near Dlouhe Strane in the Jeseniky Mountains. It consists of three wind power stations with capacities of 220 kilowatts, 315 kilowatts and 630 kilowatts. The farm will also include a solar power station with a capacity of 10 kilowatts. CEZ also worked out a study to utilize biomass -- wood waste and rape straw, for example -- instead of brown coal at the Tusimice I Power Station in northern Bohemia CEZ last year raised its total output by 11 percent year-on-year to 50,800 gigawatts, the largest amount since its establishment in 1992. Hydroelectric power stations saw their output rise by 5.4 percent to 1,600 gigawatts; output at nuclear power stations was up by 1.7 percent to 13,600 gigawatts; and wind power stations produced 400 gigawatts of power, a year-on-year hike of 91.1 percent. Coal-fueled power stations accounted for 70 percent of CEZs electricity output, and nuclear power stations made up 26.7 percent. The rest came from renewable energy sources, mainly water power stations. There are about 15 wind power stations in the Czech Republic according to Truxa. Wind power stations are suitable for places at least 500 meters above sea-level, he says. But they are entirely dependent upon weather changes, and thats their big handicap. The people of Velka Kras in Jesenik district learned another hard lesson about wind power. The power station, which cost Kc 10 million to build, isnt earning enough to pay off the loan the municipality received from the Fund of Environment. It was a nice idea, but reality is different, said the towns major, Jan Novosad. The municipality is court ordered to repay its debt to the Fund. Its almost Kc 5 million, plus a penalty of Kc 3 million. We dont know where we will find the money for it. The crux of the problem, town councilors say, is the state law on the purchase price, which is set on Kc 1.13 per kilowatt. The power station produces from 250,000 to 300,000 kilowatts, so it earns about Kc 300,000 a year. But we dont stand a chance of paying the investment off at such a low state purchase rate, Novosad said. If the state purchase price grows, our situation could be better. If they increase the state purchase price at least up to Kc 2.5-3.0 per kilowatt, at such a price we could both pay the loan and earn some money. Biomass big hit in Moravia Gas price increases and reductions in government price support for the installation of gas has some municipalities looking toward other energy sources. The wave of converting to electric and gas heating has been replaced by a new tendency: burning biomass for heat. In February, construction was begun on a Kc 122 million boiler-house producing biomass from a brown coal-fired facility in Bystrice nad Pernstejnem. The nine megawatt boiler house is expected to supply heat to 1,000 households in one of Bystrices housing estates. It can burn virtually all kinds of waste, and the heat thus generated will cost less than that generated through the burning of gas, said Mayor Stanislav Bartos. The village of Bouzov will begin to fire with straw, sawdust or wood waste in the fall. Ten other municipalities in central Moravia are interested in burning biomass too, for example, Ludmirov and Kladky in Prostejov district, which still do not have -- and have no plans to build -- gas distribution systems. The decrease in the government subsidy has made heating with gas more expensive than biomass. At current prices, people are not interested in gas anymore, said the Mayor of Kladky Jirina Bartosova. Burning biomass has become a new trend, she said. In 10 years, gas could be five times more expensive, said Zdenek Pospichal from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University in Brno, Pospichal, who is an expert in the new heating technologies. People will figure out themselves that burning biomass is advantageous over gas for heating. About three dozen municipalities have already begun to heat with biomass. Another 100 municipalities are considering making the switch. The government has given the installation of biomass facilities the green light and thrown in some financial incentives. While the Fund of Environment finances 50 percent of the construction of gas-burning facilities, it pays 80 percent toward the construction of biomass heating stations. One half is in the form of a government grant and the other is in an interest-free loan. Although the start-up investment for installing a biomass heating station is many times higher than whats required for a gas facility, municipal officials say theyre firm in their belief that the investment will pay off. The municipality spending Kc 10 million for installation of gas would invest Kc 30-40 million for a heating station burning wood, Pospichal said, adding that operation costs, however, will be lower down the road. I recommend biomass to municipalities. The price of heat produced from wood will be more advantageous than the price of heat produced from gas, said Frantisek Kolacek, the manager of Energy and District Development Department in the district authority in Prostejov. Most municipalities are attracted to the idea that they themselves can decide on the price for biomass-generated heat. It doesnt seem to us appropriate to pay millions for the installation of gas and, at the same time, build the mains to somebody who will earn money on us, said Jitka Malkova, the mayor of Ludmirov in Prostejov district. The biomass heating station would be owned by the municipality. We would determine the prices of heat ourselves and people would have the chance to voice their opinions. The gasworks wouldnt speak with us about prices. For Ludmirov, the idea of installing a biomass facility makes sense because the town can find fuel in its own backyard; it owns vast forests and farmland, and a sawmill nearby produces 500 tons of wood waste a year. Municipalities less rich in natural resources are discouraged from trying the new technology. We would think about burning biomass if we owned at least a sawmill, said Viktor Labounek, mayor of Hvozd. If we had to buy fuel, it wouldnt be worthwhile for us. On the other hand, mayors in other municipalities, which have installed gas in households recently, are expressing a desire to move in another direction. In spite of the fact that we dont own the forests, we would maybe consider burning biomass, too, said Alena Popelkova, mayor of Jesenec, where 57 percent of the residents have been purchasing heat from a gas pipeline since last September. Gas is an expensive comfort. We will pay off [our loan] by the skin of our teeth. (Prague Business Journal)
13.08.2001 | MondayNew Energy Stressed in Chinas Strategy for Next 5 Years
New energy resources and renewable sources of energy will become the key field in the Chinas energy strategy in the coming five years, sources with the State Development Planning Commission said
: According to a plan the commission has drafted for the development of energy, China will import more advanced overseas technologies to localize and industrialize the production of wind power generating units. By the year 2005, the proportion of coal in the consumption of primary energy is expected to drop by 3.88 percentage points from that of the year 2000, and clean energy like natural gas and hydro-electric power will increase by 5.6 percentage points. In the next five years, China will have an average annual growth rate of 13.19 per cent in the production of natural gas, 8.38 per cent in that of hydropower and 29.67 per cent in that of nuclear power. The State Development Planning Commission will soon work out a preferential price for new energy, and will adopt a quota system for renewable sources of energy. China will step up its efforts to establish an oil and natural gas production base in the western part of the country, and start a project to transport oil and natural gas from the west to the east. To this end, more foreign capital will be used and foreign cooperation will be expanded. China will also build overseas oil-gas supply bases, and quicken the pace in establishing a national oil and natural gas reserve system. China will establish model projects to promote the application of advanced technologies to clean coal and coal-bed methane production, while building 40 coal cleaning plants with a total production capacity of 100 million tons per year. The nations total installed power generating capacity will reach 370 million kw by 2005, and the power output will grow to 1.73 trillion kwh. Power grids in both urban and rural areas will be basically transformed in the five years, when the price of electricity will be lowered and different power producers will have to compete to supply electricity to customers. (PMA)
08.08.2001 | WednesdayPresident Bush Signs Executive Order on Standby Power
President George W. Bush signed an executive order last week that requires federal agencies to buy electronic devices that use only one watt or less when not turned on.
: President George W. Bush signed an executive order last week that requires federal agencies to buy electronic devices that use only one watt or less when not turned on. Devices with an external power supply, remote control, or a clock display can draw as much as 20 watts of power when turned off. In many cases, this standby power is much more than necessary and can easily be reduced by the manufacturer. Last weeks executive order requires DOE to compile a list of products that either meet the one-watt standard or have the lowest standby power for that product line. Agencies must buy electronic products from that list unless doing so would not be cost- effective or practical.(EREN)
08.08.2001 | WednesdayHomes Could Slash Energy, Water Use
New energy-efficient appliances can save between 25 and 68 percent of the energy used by older appliances and save from 38 to 67 percent of the water used, according to a study released by DOE last week.
: New energy-efficient appliances can save between 25 and 68 percent of the energy used by older appliances and save from 38 to 67 percent of the water used, according to a study released by DOE last week. The Save Water and Energy Education Program (SWEEP) study was conducted in 25 homes in Oregon. Based on our estimates, a typical family with a home more than a decade old could save 00 per year in electricity and water bills, and 18,600 gallons of water, by switching to highly energy and water efficient appliances, said Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham.(EREN)
15.07.2001 | SundayEnergy savings help Calif. avoid summer blackouts
A growing effort to make buildings and homes more energy efficient is beginning to pay big conservation dividends in power-starved California.
: A growing effort to make buildings and homes more energy efficient is beginning to pay big conservation dividends in power-starved California. Megawatts saved by more efficient power use and old-fashioned steps like dousing lights in empty rooms and offices have helped the nations most populous state get through the summer so far without one of the 100 hours of blackouts predicted by state officials, energy analysts said. We are seeing spectacular results from the push for new energy efficiency standards and conservation, said Ralph Cavanagh, a director of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), a San Francisco-based environmental organization. California also has received a timely assist from three new power plants starting up since June, adding about 1,400 megawatts to the grid -- electricity for 1.4 million homes. Electricity use, adjusted for economic and population growth and weather, has been falling steadily every month this year, culminating in a 12.3 percent savings in June compared with the year-ago level. Conservation during the critical peak demand hours, when the threat of blackouts is greatest, cut use an even more significant 14.1 percent -- a savings of some 5,570 megawatts, or the equivalent of five big nuclear power plants. California has tightened efficiency standards for new buildings, air conditioning, heating, ventilation and lighting systems, and set up a .5 billion 10-year investment fund for new energy technologies, said Cavanagh. REBATES FOR SAVING Utilities will give customers a 20-percent rebate on their monthly bills if they can knock down their power consumption by 20 percent from what they used a year ago, and the state offers rebates on new refrigerators and other appliances. San Francisco-based PG&E Corp.s (NYSE:PCG - news) Pacific Gas & Electric unit, the states biggest utility, said nearly a third of its customers qualified for the so-called 20-20 rebates. A steep rate increase ordered in May by the California Public Utilities Commission has also spurred conservation, with the highest rates aiming to punish the biggest energy hogs. The commission also has launched a program to help 8,000 small businesses acquire power-saving fluorescent lights and other equipment. Even oil companies jumped in. Chevron Energy Solutions, a unit of San Francisco-based Chevron Corp. (NYSE:CHV - news), the No. 2 U.S. oil company, will install more than 11,000 new energy-efficient lights at five warehouses in California for retail food and drug chain Albertsons Inc. (NYSE:ABS - news), of Boise, Idaho. Better air conditioners, however, offer the biggest potential energy savings, said the NRDCs Cavanagh. On hot summer days, fully a third of Californias peak power demand is used to run cooling systems. LEGAL WRANGLE ON AIR CONDITIONERS Energy efficiency standards for air conditioners, however, have triggered a legal battle between the Bush administration and several states. Back in January, during the waning days of the Clinton administration, the U.S. Department of Energy issued a rule requiring new home central air conditioners to use 30 percent less electricity by 2006. But a review of the order by the Bush administrations new energy secretary, Spencer Abraham, resulted in a proposal to roll back the standard to 20 percent. California, New York, Connecticut, the NRDC and other groups have sued the DOE to block the lowered standard. The 30 percent level would save at least 13,000 megawatts (nationwide) in peak demand hours by 2020, or the equivalent of 43 new power plants, NRDC attorney Katherine Kennedy said. Despite Californias conservation efforts this summer and several new power plants starting up, state officials are not ready to declare victory in the fight to avoid blackouts. August usually brings heat waves, so outages like the kind that rolled across the state on six days earlier this year are still a possibility. It has been more than two months since Californias grid manager had to order rolling blackouts on May 8 to prevent a wider collapse of the system. (EREN)
09.07.2001 | MondayPlains All American Pipeline, L.P. Completes Acquisition of CANPET Energy Group, Inc.
Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. (NYSE: PAA - news) announced today it had completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of CANPET Energy Group, Inc., a Calgary-based Canadian crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas marketing company.
: Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. (NYSE: PAA - news) announced today it had completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of CANPET Energy Group, Inc., a Calgary-based Canadian crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas marketing company. The total purchase price was approximately US2 million, plus an amount for additional crude oil and products inventory in excess of normal working requirements. Approximately US4 million of the purchase price consists of cash and the remaining approximately US8 million, which is subject to various performance standards, will be satisfied with PAA common units in 2004 if such performance standards are met. CANPET currently gathers approximately 75,000 barrels per day of crude oil and markets approximately 26,000 barrels per day of liquefied petroleum gas and natural gas liquids. Tangible assets include a crude oil handling facility, a 130,000 barrel tank facility and working capital of approximately US.6 million. In addition, excess inventory at closing was approximately US5 million. Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties. The risks and uncertainties associated with the Partnerships business include, among other things, demand for various grades of crude oil and resulting changes in pricing conditions, successful third party drilling efforts and completion of announced oil-sands projects, availability of third party production volumes for transportation and marketing, regulatory changes, the availability of acquisition opportunities on terms favorable to the Partnership, the availability to Plains All American of credit on satisfactory terms, successful integration and future performance of recently acquired assets, and other factors and uncertainties inherent in the marketing, transportation, terminalling, gathering and storage of crude oil discussed in the Partnerships filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2000, and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2001. Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. is engaged in interstate and intrastate crude oil transportation, terminalling and storage, as well as crude oil gathering and marketing activities, primarily in Texas, Oklahoma, California, Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico, and in the Canadian Provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. The Partnerships common units are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol PAA. The Partnership is headquartered in Houston, Texas. (Platta)
06.07.2001 | FridaySummertime Tips for Saving Energy From Alabama Power
The heat is on, and the dog days of summer are fast approaching. But while the mercury may be rising, there are ways to keep your electric bill from hitting the roof.
: The heat is on, and the dog days of summer are fast approaching. But while the mercury may be rising, there are ways to keep your electric bill from hitting the roof. Here are some proven ideas to help conserve energy around the house this summer and keep your electricity costs down. Air conditioning: Your air conditioner is the biggest user of electricity in your home during the summer. In many homes, air conditioning costs can account for more than half the electric bill. Set the thermostat at 78 degrees or slightly higher and leave it there. You can save between 3 percent and 5 percent of your cooling costs for every degree you raise the temperature above 75 degrees, depending on how well your house is insulated. Raise the thermostat even higher when away from the home for extended periods, but not more than five degrees higher (it takes more energy to cool down the house when the temperature is set too high). Clean or change your air conditioner filter regularly. A dirty filter cuts down on air flow and reduces efficiency. Clear away overgrown grass or plants around outdoor air conditioning units. When buying a new air conditioning unit or heat pump, select one with a higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit. Experts generally recommend a 12 SEER. Insulation Proper insulation can make a big difference in keeping a house warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer. Insulation is measured in R-value. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. Add insulation in the attic. Better attic insulation can save as much as 30 percent on cooling and heating costs. Experts recommend insulation with an R-value of R-30 in ceiling areas. Make sure exterior windows and doors close snugly. Apply weather stripping and caulking where needed. Keeping cool in the kitchen There are a number of ways you can cut down on energy use in the kitchen during summer. Instead of heating up the stove on hot days, try cool summer salads and other cold dishes. Or use the microwave. If you are using the oven, avoid opening the door, which can let out 20 percent of the heat. Use a cooking timer instead. When using the stovetop, choose pans that match the size of the burners. This cuts down on heat lost to the air. Use the dishwasher only when you have a full load. Smaller loads use just as much water and power. If you dont need the dishes right away, turn off the heated drying cycle. Curtains, lights and ceiling fans Some other energy-saving ideas: Close drapes or blinds during the day to reduce heat from direct sunlight. Use fans to circulate air. Install ceiling fans (clockwise rotation) in rooms you use the most. Use fluorescent lights instead of incandescent lamps when possible. Fluorescent lights last about 10 times longer and produce more light for the same amount of energy. If youre working in only one part of the room, use smaller lamps that light only your work area. When redecorating, use lighter colors on the walls, curtains or upholstery. Lighter colors reflect light, while darker colors absorb heat and require more artificial light. Alabama Power owns and operates 14 hydroelectric plants in Alabama, providing clean, low-cost energy. Alabama Power provides affordable, reliable electric service to 1.3 million customers in the lower two-thirds of Alabama. Alabama Power is a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO - news), which operates more than 32,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity in the Southeast. Southern Company is one of the largest producers of electricity in the United States. For more information about saving energy and cutting your electric bill, contact your local Alabama Power office or call Alabama Power at 1-800-990-APCO (2726)
03.07.2001 | TuesdayAdvantage Energy Income Fund to Acquire Private Oil & Natural Gas Advantage Energy Income Fund to Acquire Private Oil & Natural Gas Company for 7.8 Million
Advantage Energy Income Fund (TSE: AVN.UN - news; Advantage or the Fund) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement whereby Advantage, through a wholly-owned subsidiary will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of a priv
: Advantage Energy Income Fund (TSE: AVN.UN - news; Advantage or the Fund) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement whereby Advantage, through a wholly-owned subsidiary will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of a private oil and gas company (Acquired Properties) for an all cash consideration of 7.8 million (4.7 million for the shares less estimated working capital of .9 million). The acquisition will be financed through existing credit facilities. Mr. Kelly Drader, President & CEO of Advantage stated that We have begun to execute our business plan of acquiring high quality, long-life light oil and natural gas properties. This transaction will strengthen and diversify our reserve base while significantly enhancing the Funds long term cash flow. Additionally, the assets acquired provide opportunities for significant near term development upside through modest capital expenditures. The Acquired Properties produce at a rate of approximately 1,650 barrels of oil equivalent (boe with gas converted to oil on a 6:1 basis) per day including 660 barrels of oil, 5,400 mcf of natural gas and 90 barrels of natural gas liquids. Total reserves associated with the Acquired Properties at April 1, 2000 based on Martin Petroleum Consultants and Gilbert Laustsen Jung engineering reports were approximately 7.1 million boe on an established (proved plus 50% probable) basis comprised of 2/3 crude oil and 1/3 natural gas. Acquired Properties - Key Attributes ------------------------------------ Long Reserve Life - The Acquired Properties have an established reserve life index of approximately 12.0 years - over 90% of these reserves are classified as proven. - This acquisition will increase Advantages established reserve life index by 14% to 8.1 years. Attractive Valuation Parameters - The reserves were acquired at a cost of .17 per established boe and approximately 5,200 per daily boe of production. - Cash flow from the acquired properties is estimated to be 4.1 million (based on a US6 WTI crude oil and .50 Aeco natural gas price). This equates to a very attractive cash flow multiple of 4.1. High Quality Reserve Growth - Advantages established reserve base will increase by 43% as a result of the transaction. - The Acquired Properties provide exceptional netbacks due to the high quality of the production base (high API gravity oil and natural gas) combined with low operating costs (.40/boe) and below average royalty rates (approximately 16%). - The transaction will diversify the Funds reserve base as follows: << % of Established Reserves Advantage Acquired Properties Combined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural Gas 60% 33% 52% Light Oil 17% 67% 32% Heavy Oil 23% -- 16% ------------------------------------------- Total 100% 100% 100% ------------------------------------------- >> The transaction is scheduled to close on or about July 26, 2001. The information in this news release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond Advantages control, including: the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, changes in laws and regulations including the adoption of new environmental laws and regulations and changes in how they are interpreted and enforced, increased competition, fluctuations in commodity prices and foreign exchange and interest rates, stock market volatility and obtaining required approvals of regulatory authorities. Advantages actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur or, if any of them do, what benefits that Advantage will derive from them. (Advantage Energy Income Fund)
03.07.2001 | TuesdayIran should attract foreign investment even by Americans
A reformist Iranian MP representing the southern Persian Gulf port city of Bushehr said Sunday that Iran should seek foreign investment, even if by what he called the Great Satan (an
: A reformist Iranian MP representing the southern Persian Gulf port city of Bushehr said Sunday that Iran should seek foreign investment, even if by what he called the Great Satan (an allusion to the arch-foe U.S.). Foreign investment can never lead to yielding to the hegemony of foreign powers in Iran, since the foreign investors cannot own land or resources in Iran, according to the national constitution, Abdollah Hajiani told IRNA in an interview. One of the most effective solutions to the (runaway) unemployment is encouraging foreign investments, the MP who is also a member of the parliamentary energy committee said. Iran with an estimated population of 63 million is grappling with an unemployment rate of around 16 percent. Regarding the baby boom and the countrys limited local investment for job-creation, Hajiani said, we have no other option, but permitting the foreign investors to enter the scene. He referred to an oil deal Iran has signed with foreigners for development of South Pars Oilfield in southwestern Khuzestan Province. They are working based on buy-back basis with Iran now, and will not own resources or regions after their job is accomplished, he said. The top constitutional watchdog has rejected a parliamentary legislation easing restrictions on foreign investment. The council has said the law is unconstitutional. The legislation aimed to protect foreign investment from possible seizure and entitled foreign investors to the same rights and government services available to local investors. It also allowed assets and earnings to be repatriated in hard cash. Under the law, applications for investments were to be submitted to a commission including deputy ministers of the economy and foreign affairs, and finally approved by the economy minister. Existing investments are largely limited to the oil, gas and minerals sectors and the three free trade zones where legislation protecting foreign investment has already been passed. Under its five-year development plan up to 2005, Iran is seeking an annual seven percent rise in investment to create 800,000 jobs a year for its booming population. (irna.com)
02.07.2001 | MondayLong Term Power Purchases Limit Outage Despite Extreme Temperatures and Record Power Demand
LAS VEGAS, July 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Nevada Power Company announced that approximately 10,000 customers on non-emergency circuits were affected by a staged curtailment for 45 minutes today at a period of record power demand.
: LAS VEGAS, July 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Nevada Power Company announced that approximately 10,000 customers on non-emergency circuits were affected by a staged curtailment for 45 minutes today at a period of record power demand. Optional power contracts from regional generators were pulled back because of an extreme heat wave blanketing the entire western region. In addition approximately 350 megawatts of area generation was out of service today. Long term contracts signed by the company for firm power went into effect today and those contracts prevented further power shortages. Efforts in Nevada to isolate our state from the California energy crisis paid off today, said Paul Heagen, Nevada Powers acting Vice President of Corporate Communication. While inconvenient for some customers today, this situation served as a fire drill to signify that conservation does matter. Large resorts and commercial and industrial customers were approached by the company to shed load and collectively shed 50 megawatts. These customers effectively ended our condition red and avoided additional outages. Nevada Power announced today that a new record system peak of 4,395 megawatts was recorded 3:00 p.m. July 2, 2001. Last years system peak occurred Wednesday, August 1, 2000 at 5 p.m. with a recording of 4,325 megawatts. Each year the Companys customer demand for electricity grows. Since 1994, the peak demand has risen from 2,851 megawatts to 4,395 megawatts in 2001. The increase in demand can be equated to customer growth. Nevada Power has grown from more than 403,000 customers in 1994 to more than 600,000 customers in June 2001. (Nevada Power Company)
21.06.2001 | ThursdayEU renewable energy law all but finalised
A draft EU directive to promote electricity from renewable sources came close to finalisation today as the European Parliaments energy committee endorsed a compromise reached between governments and the assemblys rapporteur MEP Mechtild Rothe. But a
: A draft EU directive to promote electricity from renewable sources came close to finalisation today as the European Parliaments energy committee endorsed a compromise reached between governments and the assemblys rapporteur MEP Mechtild Rothe. But an argument over whether biodegradable waste burning should be classed as renewable is likely to delay adoption of the law. Under the deal, individual member state targets to increase renewable electricity generation will remain non-binding, and national renewable support schemes will enjoy a seven-year transition period once the EU agrees a harmonised support scheme. The European Commission is to propose harmonising rules within four years of the directives entry-into-force. The parliament earlier called for mandatory targets and a ten-year transition period to protect successful feed-in subsidy schemes in Germany and France. In return for dropping these the rapporteur won a stronger commitment to introduce binding targets if the indicative approach fails, and better access to electricity distribution networks, including possible transfer of connection costs from generators to grid operators. Ms Rothe negotiated the deal last night with the Swedish presidency representing all 15 EU governments. The move is unusual, and is aimed at avoiding a lengthy conciliation battle. The compromise must still be approved at a parliamentary plenary session. The one remaining sticking point is whether the biodegradable fraction of mixed municipal waste should be classed as renewable. At first reading EU governments agreed it should be, while the parliament took the opposite view, urged on by environmental groups claiming the move would divert subsidies from real renewables and discourage waste prevention Italy and the Netherlands are strongly opposed to changing the classification, backed by Portugal and the UK. To force a conciliation over the issue, the parliament would have to reiterate its demand. The energy committee voted to do this today, but only by 25 votes to 22. This signals a very tight plenary vote, since at second reading an absolute majority is needed to adopt proposals.
20.06.2001 | WednesdayRENEWABLE ENERGY IN GERMANY BREAKS RECORD
The growing use of renewable energy in Germany has reached a volume of 15 billion DM (around Euro 7,6 billion) in the year 2000, as reported by the International Economic Forum of Regenerative Energy (Internationale Wirtschaftsforum Regenerative En
: The growing use of renewable energy in Germany has reached a volume of 15 billion DM (around Euro 7,6 billion) in the year 2000, as reported by the International Economic Forum of Regenerative Energy (Internationale Wirtschaftsforum Regenerative Energien) or IWR. A key feature of the high volume of business is the 35 billion Kw/hour of energy use deriving from renewable sources and the use of bio-diesel. Based on the year 2000 figures, the IWR estimates a growth of between 10% and 15% for the year 2001. (Energie)
17.05.2001 | ThursdayRussia, EU Satisfied with Progress in Energy Cooperation
Moscow, 17 May: Russia and the European Union are satisfied with progress in energy cooperation. A joint statement issued by the Russian-EU summit in Moscow on Thursday says that this energy dialogue
: Moscow, 17 May: Russia and the European Union are satisfied with progress in energy cooperation. A joint statement issued by the Russian-EU summit in Moscow on Thursday says that this energy dialogue should lead to strategic partnership in the energy sector and should make energy supplies to the EU countries and Russia more reliable. A set of priority areas was defined to stimulate investments and transition of EU technologies to the Russian energy sector. They include transparency of energy markets, assessment of reliability of the existing energy transportation infrastructure, power sharing agreements, conditions of importing electric power from Russia, cooperation in energy technologies, nuclear safety, etc. The sides regard energy efficiency as a way to reduce its consumption and to improve the environmental protection system. Russias ratification of the Energy Charter Treaty would also contribute to forming a more favourable environment for receiving support from international financial institutions and attracting international investments, the Russian-EU statement said. Russia and the European Union were satisfied with the work of expert groups. The final report will submitted to the next Russian- EU summit in Brussels later this year. On the strength of it, the sides will outline specific steps towards strategic partnership under a joint cooperation programme. (PMA)
11.05.2001 | FridayAsian Symposium Brings Together International Energy Efficiency
The Collaborative Labeling and Appliance Standards Program (CLASP) is hosting a workshop in Bangkok, Thailand, May 29-31 to provide a comprehensive overview of the key issues in the establishment of effective
: The Collaborative Labeling and Appliance Standards Program (CLASP) is hosting a workshop in Bangkok, Thailand, May 29-31 to provide a comprehensive overview of the key issues in the establishment of effective energy efficiency standards and labeling (S&L) programs in Southeast Asia. The workshop will bring together the most prominent Asian and international experts on appliance standards and labels for two days of intensive discussions on the rationale and the potential energy savings from appliance labels and standards. (Alliance to Save Energy)
26.04.2001 | Wednesday: hough the federal government has long applied pollution controls to automobile engines, the non-auto engines have escaped restrictions so far. According to the EPA, they account for 13 percent of the hydrocarbon emissions, 6 percent of carbon monoxide emissions and 3 percent of the nitrogen oxide emissions from mobile sources spewed into the nations atmosphere every year. If left unregulated, pollution from these sources will continue to increase, becoming a larger part of the overall mobile-source pollution, EPA Administrator Christie Whitman said last week. When fully implemented, this action will not only protect public health, but will help to restore the view of our nations treasured scenic parks and wilderness areas. The Clinton administration took broad actions to reduce or eliminate snowmobile and off-road vehicle use in national parks because of the inordinate pollution generated by the two-cycle engines that power many of these recreational vehicles. A large portion of the exhaust of such engines is unburned fuel. Bush administration Interior Secretary Gale Norton has suspended many of the Clinton-era limitations until they can be reviewed for possible changes. Whitman said the restrictions pending under her new plan would reduce carbon monoxide emissions from non-auto vehicles by up to 56 percent and hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide pollution by as much as 80 percent. Engine types to be affected by the new rules would include: - Non-road engines used by industry to power heavy machinery. If adopted as proposed, Whitmans rules would impose nationwide limits on these emissions by 2004 that are similar to those already adopted by California. Even stricter requirements would be in place by 2007, she said. - Recreational diesel marine engines used in yachts and smaller pleasure craft. They would be subject to the same strict controls applied to commercial vessels within two years. - Off-road motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles. The rules would seek to make manufacturers switch from two-cycle to four-cycle engines, starting in 2006. More stringent restrictions on emissions would be applied in 2009. Off-road motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles used only for sanctioned sport competition would be exempt. - Snowmobiles. They would be required to reduce hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions by 30 percent in 2006 and 50 percent in 2010, with an emphasis on switching engine types to accomplish that. A spokeswoman for the EPA said the restrictions were ordered in response to a lawsuit filed by the Sierra Club and other environmental groups during the Clinton administration. She said imposition of the rules must await a 60-day public comment period and public hearings Oct. 24 in Washington and Oct. 30 in Denver. A spokesman for the Sierra Club said his organization would have no official comment on the EPA action because it is temporarily withholding comment on Bush administration environmental policies in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The EPA is to propose new restrictions on highway motorcycles, gasoline-powered boats and personal watercraft within the next few months.
23.04.2001 | MondaySino-US Clean Energy Technology Forum to Start
BEIJING, Occording to the agreeements about energy efficiency, recycling energy and chemical energy between China and US, China Science Ministry and American Energy Ministry decide to hold Sino-US Clean Energy Technology Forum and Tech and Equipment Fa
: Occording to the agreeements about energy efficiency, recycling energy and chemical energy between China and US, China Science Ministry and American Energy Ministry decide to hold Sino-US Clean Energy Technology Forum and Tech and Equipment Fair during August 29 to September 1 in China International Trade Center in Beijing. The meeting will combine senior forum, clean energy and venture investment forum and technological communication and technology and equipments fair. On the senior forum, Sino-US officials will give lectures on policies of energy and environment, cooperation and development. Clean energy and venture investment will attract a great many of venture investors at home and abroad to help exploiters realize their dreams. On the forum of clean energy technology, technological communication and discussion will been taken up in the fields of new and recycling energies, power system, clean fuels, oil and natural gas, energy and environment technology and weather science. The advanced and latest technologies and achievements will be on show in the fair of clean energy technology, equipments and new energy-saving technology and products. (PMA)
20.04.2001 | FridayLight on Scheme to Save Energy
CHARITY shops are helping to shine a light on the issue of energy efficiency by teaming up with British Gas in a giveaway scheme.
: CHARITY shops are helping to shine a light on the issue of energy efficiency by teaming up with British Gas in a giveaway scheme. Help The Aged shops across Bolton have joined in the project which aims to give energy-saving light bulbs to older people. The energy efficient bulbs use 80 per cent less electricity than regular bulbs, meaning lower bills. They also last up to 12 times longer, reducing the need to regularly change bulbs, which can be a dangerous task for older people. The offer is available for anyone over 60, or to one member of a household in receipt of income related benefit or support. Vouchers for the light bulbs, which normally sell for ?5, are available between April 23 and May 5 in Help The Aged shops at Brackley Street, Farnworth and Lee Street, Horwich.
16.04.2001 | MondayNew efficiency standards approved
New efficiency standards approved by the Bush administration are expected to save billions of dollars in energy costs but significantly increase prices of new washing machines and water heaters.
: New efficiency standards approved by the Bush administration are expected to save billions of dollars in energy costs but significantly increase prices of new washing machines and water heaters. Improved washing machines will cut water use nationwide by 10.5 trillion gallons by 2030 and save 5.3 billion in electricity costs. Thats enough to light all U.S. homes for more than four years, the Energy Department estimates. Better water heaters are expected to result in nationwide savings by 2030 equal to the total energy used by all U.S. households over almost three months. Complying with the new requirements will raise the current 21 average price of a new washing machine to 70 by 2007. They will add 00 to the average 80 price of a new electric water heater, to 80, and 8 to the average 49 price of a new gas-fired water heater to bring the average to 07. The more efficient washing machines will reduce the average homeowners electric and water bills an average of 8 a year, effectively covering the difference in five years for an appliance that typically lasts 14 years. Buyers of the new water heaters will get even better deals, with annual utility bill savings of 17 for gas-fired models and 82 a year for the electric versions. WASHINGTON (AP)