Green Technology

... "Eventually, more than 197,000 square feet on top of existing buildings and new parking lot shade structures (designed especially for the project) were fitted with cells using customized mounting hardware. " ...

Via EI Solutions: Google Solar Power Success Story ...

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... "Applications will be accepted until October 31, 2006. The winner will be announced during our 2nd Greentech Innovation Network Conference later this year. " ...

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Let's face it.  Most Hybrids are not cool cars; they lack "sex appeal".  Think the Honda Insight and the  GM EV-1. 

Some manage to become stars in their own right.  Think the Toyota Prius as seen all over Hollywood and in the HBO Series Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Recently I was looking for cars to replace a 10 year old (non hybrid) Saab.  While not super cool it is not a mini van either.  And it gets pretty decent mileage - around 24 MPG average over 140,000 miles.  As a family we had taken many long trips piled into the Saab with the roof rack loaded so whatever we get needs to carry lots of stuff.

As a family (wife, son and daughter) we checked out the Toyota Prius and Highlander.  As a couple we checked out the Civic.

Here's what I found: 

Toyota Prius -
Pluses:   Cool electronics and back up camera showing on display.  Fun watching the propulsions system show the switch back and forth (electric to gas to both). Almost a game seeing who can get more regenerative kW from braking.
Minuses:  Small, not available with a roof rack.

Toyota Highlander -
Pluses:   Big, roomy and commanding view of the road.  Roof rack and the ability to tow.  Should be comfortable for a long road trip. 
Minuses:  Not so great gas mileage.  Elecronics were not as cool as the Prius.

Honda Civic -
Pluses:   Cool electronics, can take a roof rack and drivew well.  Grat gas mileage. 
Minuses:  Small.  Rear seat cannot fold down due to battery packs so a bit limiting in space / carrying ability

So what did we do?  We decided to wait for the Hybrid minivan that should appear on the horizon any time now.  Problem is that a mini van is even less cool than a Hybrid.  I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.  

See what others think ...

VIA The New York Times, Wed, Oct. 25, 2006 (Gas and Electic:  Searching for the Sex Appeal in a Hybrid). 

Check out these Hybrid Links:

Prius
Highlander
Civic

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... "In 2007, GM will offer 16 E85-compatible Flex Fuel models totaling about 400,000 vehicles. " ...

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... "The 2007 VUE Green Line Hybrid is the first GM vehicle powered by a new, more affordable hybrid system. The VUE Green Line delivers an estimated 20-percent improvement in fuel economy, depending on driving conditions. With an EPA estimated 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, it has the best highway mileage of any SUV. The VUE's hybrid system costs under $2,000. The VUE Green Line Hybrid SUV has a starting price of $22,995 (including destination charge), making it the lowest-priced hybrid SUV on the market. " ...

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... "General Motors announced that it has joined the Environmental Protection Agency's new SmartWay Grow & Go partnership as part of GM's ongoing commitment to promote the benefits of E85 ethanol and other renewable fuels. With over two million E85 capable vehicles on the road today, GM has also made a major commitment to promoting the use and availability of E85 ethanol, with plans to double production of flexible fuel vehicles by 2010 as part of its involvement in the Energy Future Coalition's 25x25 initiative to get 25 percent of the nation's transportation energy needs met by renewable fuels by 2025. GM has already announced several partnerships with government, fuel providers and fuel retailers across the nation to help grow the E85 ethanol fueling station infrastructure. Since May of 2005, GM has announced partnerships in eleven states to locate up to 175 new E85 ethanol fueling locations by the end of 2006. There are currently more than 1,000 E85 ethanol fueling sites nationwide. " ...

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... "All vehicles can use E10 with no modifications to the engine. E85 is for use in a flexible fuel vehicle ... " ...

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... "Our technical experts are currently reviewing research to verify material compatibility with E-85. We will co-sponsor an E-85 Compatibility Technical Forum on November 1-2, 2006 with the US Department of Energy to obtain additional advice pursuant to UL establishing performance criteria and offering a Listing program for E-85 dispensers. " ...

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... "But in developing the fuel, scientists never tested how corrosive E85 is to the hoses, the tank and the rest of the pump ... " ...

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... "We have a large amount of new ethanol production coming on the market in the next 12 to 18 months. We need to find large markets to use much of that to avoid a price collapse in ethanol that could damage the industry. " ...

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... "In a recent trip to Sioux Falls, where there are approximately nine gas stations selling E85, the price was 15 to 20 cents less than the price in North Sioux City. " ...

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... "Dyadic will use the proceeds from this private sale to fund its R&D obligations under the R&D agreement, which has as its objective the development of a cost-effective enzyme production system for commercial application in Abengoa Bioenergy’s bioethanol (cellulosic ethanol) production process. The R&D agreement, which does not become effective until the private sale closes, calls upon Dyadic to use its proprietary technologies to develop one or more enzyme mixture manufacturing systems customized to ABRD’s proprietary biomass substrates. The R&D agreement contemplates that Dyadic will perform both foundational research of general application to the cellulosic ethanol field and specific applications research for the achievement of the goals of ABRD’s program. " ...

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Intel lends its support for the new ENERGYSTAR computer specifications issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Intel plans to deliver semiconductors and components that will enable computer suppliers to deliver ENERGYSTAR qualified systems that are compliant with the new specs when they go into effect in mid-2007.  EPA's Version 4.0 Tier 1 specification for computers will go into effect on July 20, 2007 with the intent to differentiate the market for energy-efficient computers.  ...

... "Encouraging adoption of this new ENERGY STAR program, Intel will work jointly with the EPA to provide energy efficiency design expertise to smaller system vendors, collectively referred to as the channel, to help enable their targeted offerings to meet the specifications. This effort will culminate with publishing a white paper detailing a recipe system vendors can follow to best ensure their computers qualify. " ...

Intel Encourages Hi-Tech Industry to Meet New EPA Energy Star Specification ...

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... "Everyday Green is an eco-friendly retail exhibit in MTV's TRL Store, Times Square, New York City. The store will showcase multiple, eco-friendly products, demonstrating to young people how to make small changes in their daily lives that can make a big impact on protecting the planet. " ...

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... "IC Corporation announced today at the BusCon Expo at Navy Pier in Chicago that it is launching a new line of hybrid commercial buses. The innovative new buses can be powered by hybrid diesel-electric engines that provide significant improvement in fuel efficiency. " ...

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... "It is expected that the hybrid fuel cell bus being designed and built will be completely emissions free, have a range of 200 miles with accessories operating, and an improved fuel cell life and cost. The focus of the research partnership will be to reduce fuel cell power requirements and improve energy storage technologies, which would help to increase the commercial viability of the technology. Hydrogen fuel cells and electric vehicles offer a viable solution for zero-emission transit bus operation. Both are in use today, but come with high expense, complex infrastructures, and range limitations. GE's research effort will be aimed at reducing these costs to affordable levels. Beyond the transit bus, the technologies developed under this project could be leveraged to support other clean energy priorities. " ...

Via GE: GE Announces $13 Million Research Partnership to Develop a Battery Dominant, Zero Emissions Hybrid Fuel Cell Bus ...

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GE achieves sales milestone with its 1.5 MW wind turbine design and forecasts accelerated growth.  The Enron team was on the right track with this business.  The GE Six Sigma improvement culture continues to evolve the technology, and the company's focus on innovation is driving its design evolution.  The product line has been expanded with designs for low-wind situations and the rotor size can be varied to the situation.   

... "The first 1.5-megawatt machine was installed in 1996 in Germany. In 2002, GE gained ownership of the technology as part of its acquisition of Enron's wind business. Since then, GE has increased its wind engineering team three-fold and has applied experience from other business units such as GE Aviation, GE Transportation, GE Oil & Gas, GE Plastics and GE Global Research. Much of the surge in 1.5-megawatt orders has occurred in the United States, where the wind industry received a major boost with the extension of the federal production tax credit at the end of 2005. GE expects to ship more than 5,000 1.5-megawatt machines globally in 2006 and 2007, and anticipates that the total of 1.5-megawatt wind turbines operating worldwide could reach 10,000 by the end of 2008. " ...

Via GE: GE Announces Industry Milestone: More Than 5000 1.5-Megawatt Wind Turbines Installed ...

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... "Located near Red Rock, Ariz., the one-megawatt plant is the first solar trough generator in the state and the first solar trough built in the United States in almost 20 years. Unlike a photovoltaic solar plant, which uses sunlight to produce electricity, a solar trough uses heat from the sun to create electricity. The sun heats oil, which is then used to drive a turbine/generator. This technology can easily be combined with a storage facility, allowing it to hold energy, and to provide electricity when needed-not just when the sun is shining (traditional solar plants are unable to store energy). " ...

Via Arizona Public Service: Read

Interesting references on trough systems used in solar energy applications ...

Via Florida State University: Solar Power Plant: "Trough systems convert the heat from the sun into electricity. Because of their parabolic shape, troughs can focus the sun at 30 to 60 times its normal intensity on a receiver pipe located along the focal line of the trough. Synthetic oil captures this heat ... "

Via NREL: Solar Power Research - Parabolic-Trough Solar Field Technology: "We're focused on optimizing the structure of the current steel/thick-glass concentrators and increasing the concentrator size. "

Via EERE: Parabolic Trough Systems:: "Trough designs can store energy by accumulating the hot heat transfer fluid in insulated tanks, allowing for electricity generation several hours into the evening. "

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... "The Act and subsequent Notice of Intent to regulate demonstrate a clear commitment to the establishment of short-, medium- and long-term industrial air pollution targets. These fixed targets would compel polluters to respect emissions limits and will be at least as stringent as those in other leading environmental countries. Over the next three years, new regulations, targets and timelines will be discussed and set. " ...

Via Environment Canada: Canada’s Clean Air Act delivered to Canadians ...

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... "Nearly half -- 46 percent, to be specific -- of all gasoline now consumed in the U.S. includes ethanol. Some 4.6 billion gallons of ethanol will be used this year – exceeding the RFS-required 4 billion gallons for 2006. In our view, ethanol is here to stay, and it is a very important part of our nation’s gasoline pool.

We believe allowing market forces and consumer preferences to determine where and how ethanol is consumed is the most effective and least costly way to integrate ethanol into the nation’s transportation fuels pool. " ...

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... "SunPower will showcase its SPR-315 high power solar panel at this week's Solar Power 2006 Conference and Expo in San Jose, Calif. The new design incorporates 96 of SunPower's Gen 2 solar cells that offer improved panel efficiency through a combination of enhanced cell architecture and improved packing density. Compared with conventional solar panels, the new SPR-315 allows customers to generate up to 50 percent more power per square foot of roof area with half as many panels. " ...

Via SunPower Corporation: SunPower Announces High Power, Higher Efficiency Solar Panel

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... "Construction started on what will be Europe's largest onshore wind farm, as the Government set out proposals outlined in the Energy Review to see a five-fold increase in the amount of electricity generated from renewable sources in the UK. The GBP300m Whitelee Wind farm when built will be largest onshore wind farm in Europe with 140 turbines producing 322MW, enough for 200,000 homes and saving an estimated 250,000 tonnes of CO2 each year. The site is situated on Eaglesham Moor, South of Glasgow and will cover 55km2 of open moorland. " ...

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... "To advance production of non-fossil fuels, Chapple and Meilan are using genetic tools to modify the poplar and then study how the alterations changed the plants' cell walls. Meilan also is attempting to find ways to produce trees that are reproductively sterile so they are unable to transfer introduced traits to wild trees. Researchers believe that using the hybrid poplar in its present form could produce about 70 gallons of fuel per ton of wood. Approximately 10 tons of poplar could be grown per acre annually, representing 700 gallons of ethanol. Corn currently produces about 4.5 tons per acre per year with a yield of about 400 gallons of ethanol. Changing the lignin composition could increase the annual yield to 1,000 gallons of ethanol per acre, according to experts. Planted on 110 million acres of unused farmland, this could replace 80 percent of the transportation fossil fuel consumed in the United States each year. " ...

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... "greendimes, a startup aiming to help consumers and businesses improve the environment, launched its first service today. A blend of social good and capitalism, greendimes will stop postal junk mail for as little as a dime a day and plant a tree every month on each member’s behalf. " ...

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... "Now we've created a new set of 2015 Sustainability Goals that renew and expand our commitment to sustainability. Our 2015 Sustainability Goals span every sector of our operations - from R&D to manufacturing to marketing. They go beyond traditional footprint reductions to include goals that tie our business growth even more directly to the development of safer and environmentally improved products for the many global markets we serve - transportation, communications, construction and agriculture, to name a few. They also make sense from a business performance perspective because revenues from our current safety and environmental offerings are increasing at double our average revenue growth rate. " ...

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... "The Sustainable Building Technical Manual: Green Building Design, Construction, and Operations is one of the most comprehensive publications available to help architects, developers, building owners, government officials, and others implement sustainable development practices. " ...

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... "What Makes a Building Green? ... A green building, also known as a sustainable building, is a structure that is designed, built, renovated, operated, or reused in an ecological and resource-efficient manner. " ...

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... "Inventor Isaac Berzin, 37, founder of GreenFuel Technologies Corporation, has designed a new device that converts power plant exhaust into renewable energy using sunlight and the green slime we call algae. The Museum of Science exhibit featuring Berzin's invention is on display in the main lobby. " ...

Via Boston Museum of Science: Museum Showcases Innovative Energy Technology

GreenFuel Technologies Corporation is the leading developer of systems for recycling rich CO2 streams from power and/or manufacturing plant flue gases to produce biofuels such as biodiesel, ethanol or methane. The company, which was founded in 2001, is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

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... "The Applied Reclamation Techniques project in Quakertown, Schuylkill County, will use a biomass heat system fueled by poultry manure. The project will remove an estimated 39 tons of nitrogen, 26 tons of phosphorous and 26 tons of potassium annually from the Chesapeake Bay watershed. " ...

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... "Governor Edward G. Rendell announced $5.1 million to support 27 projects that will advance the deployment of clean energy technologies, lessen the nation’s dependence on foreign fuels, and significantly reduce air and water pollution. The state investment, awarded under the Pennsylvania Energy Harvest Grant Program, will leverage another $8.2 million in private funds. This round of Energy Harvest grants helps Pennsylvania meet its significant commitment to producing electricity from solar sources. The state's clean energy law far surpasses other states in ensuring wide distribution and use of zero-pollution solar power. By 2021, when the solar share is in full effect, utilities will be required to purchase 700 megawatts of solar-produced electricity --- the second largest solar requirement in the nation. " ...

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Chevron's Energy Solutions subsidiary plans to leverage its engineering, procurement, and construction strengths to construct three high-efficiency ethanol production facilities for Ethanex Energy, a renewable energy company.  ...

...   "Under an agreement with Ethanex, CES will perform engineering, geotechnical studies, site and civil design work in order to prepare a detailed proposal for developing and building ethanol plants that use advanced technology to maximize the plants' efficiency. The proposal will include details necessary for CES to negotiate contracts to engineer, procure and construct for Ethanex at least three biofuel plants by 2008. The plants, to be located in Missouri, Illinois and Kansas, will each produce about 132 million gallons of fuel-grade ethanol annually.  Ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, is a renewable biofuel produced from the starch and sugar in agricultural crops, primarily domestically-produced corn. Currently, the total production capacity of ethanol facilities in the United States is about 5 billion gallons per year.  In moving ahead with this work, CES has determined that its experience in planning, project managing and constructing energy-efficient facilities is well-suited for building energy-efficient ethanol plants. In addition, this work is consistent with Chevron's support of biofuels development in its efforts to help expand and diversify the world's energy supply.  Chevron is investing across the energy spectrum to develop energy sources for future generations by expanding the capabilities of today's alternative and renewable energy technologies. "   ...

Via Chevron: Chevron Energy Solutions to Prepare Proposal to Develop High-Efficiency Ethanol Plants for Ethanex Energy

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... "Naval Base Coronado, Calif; Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz.; and Naval Undersea Warfare Command Keyport, Wash., were honored for their exemplary energy programs which combined to save $3 million in energy costs in 2005. The three installations earned this distinction through comprehensive strategies of innovative energy and water savings activities ranging from sustainable building design principles, to investing in renewable energy resources. The three installations were able to achieve such overwhelming success in reducing energy consumption in many ways. Examples include: the installation solar powered light emitting diode lighting; building tune-ups; lighting improvements; leak identification and quick repair program; and leveraging utilities energy service contracts by incorporating efficiencies and sustainability in design of new military construction and repair work. " ...

Via Defense Link: Navy Earns Three Presidential Federal Energy Management Awards ...

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... "Six cities and regions in Europe and Canada are joining forces with the aim of buying environmentally friendly zero-emissions hydrogen-powered buses. Today's decision to go ahead with this international alliance was taken by the partners after the successful completion of the major EU-assisted hydrogen and fuel cell bus project CUTE (Clean Urban Transport for Europe). The European Commission fully supports this initiative as it sends a strong signal to the suppliers of hydrogen powered buses that potential markets exist for this new technology. " ...

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... "The U.S. manufacturing sector consumes about one-third of the energy used in the United States and contributes about 28 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Energy is a significant, controllable expense for most manufacturers, and energy efficiency is a direct way to reduce this cost while avoiding emissions of greenhouse gases. EPA's national energy performance rating system, developed in cooperation with industry, enables companies in the wet corn milling, cement and auto assembly industries to evaluate the energy efficiency of their plants relative to their industries and develop challenging energy improvement goals and plans. " ...

Via Environmental Protection Agency: Manufacturing Plants Recognized for Energy Efficiency

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... "The methodology behind the calculations, validated by independent consulting firm Best Foot Forward Ltd, take into account average use of a PC and derive the amount of carbon dioxide created as a by-product of the electricity generated to power the processor over its operational lifetime - and, thus, the number of trees required to offset that amount in the environment. " ...

via VIA Technologies, Inc: TreeMark Tree Rating ...

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... "The Air Products mobile hydrogen fueler comes complete with fueling storage and dispensing, and can be transported from location to location to provide hydrogen fueling for promotional demonstrations or remote endurance testing. The fueler can be remotely monitored and is designed to ensure daily, around-the-clock hydrogen vehicle fueling availability. There are currently 15 Air Products mobile hydrogen fuelers operating in the United States and worldwide today. " ...

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... "David Bransby, an Auburn University expert on alternative fuels, briefed President George W. Bush on Auburn's research and technology development that supports the President’s initiative to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil. Bransby is an AU professor, researcher and nationally-recognized expert in developing switchgrass as an alternative fuel source. He was among five Alabama leaders who met in Hoover with President Bush, who promoted the potential of switchgrass in his State of the Union address in January. AU President Ed Richardson earlier this year committed $3 million to a new AU alternative energy initiative, capitalizing on the university’s research expertise in forestry, engineering and agriculture and positioning AU as a national leader in converting natural resources into fuels. Biomass, technology for conversion, biofuel technology and switchgrass are key areas of that research, all of which complement Bush’s energy initiative. " ...

Via Auburn University: AUBURN EXPERT BRIEFS PRESIDENT BUSH ON ALTERNATIVE FUELS ...

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Wells Fargo rockets to high position in the EPA green power rankings with major committment to green power purchasing in the near term.  ...

... "New to the top 25 list is the No. 2 purchaser, Wells Fargo & Company, making it the largest U.S. corporate purchaser of green power. Over the next three years, Wells Fargo will purchase 550 million kWh of clean, renewable energy, an amount that totals nearly 40 percent of Wells Fargo's electricity use. This purchase alone will prevent the emissions of more than 380,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year - the equivalent of carbon dioxide emissions from more than 75,000 cars. " ...

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The Engineering Sustainability 2007 conference has an open call for papers that will close on October 20th.  The theme of the sustainability conference is "Innovations that Span Boundaries", and is scheduled for April 15–18, 2007, in Pittsburgh, Pa.  Conference chair is Eric Beckman.  ...

...   "Submission of Abstracts Due October 20, 2006: Authors may contribute papers for all subject areas related to green construction and the sustainable use of water. Because the theme of the conference is Innovation that Spans Boundaries, we are particularly interested in contributions that demonstrate cross-disciplinary and/or cross-cultural collaboration. "   ...

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... "Manure is held in a sealed concrete tank at the same temperature as a cow's stomach, 101 degrees. Bacteria digest the volatile components, creating methane and killing pathogens and weed seeds. The methane fuels an engine/generator, and the energy is put onto CVPS's power lines for delivery to customers. The processed farm waste can be separated into solids and liquid. The solids can be dried and used as cow bedding or composted for home and garden use, while the liquid, which is virtually odorless, can be spread as fertilizer on the farm as it has been for hundreds of years. " ...

Posted by Green Tech at 09:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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Live view of New Jersey wind farm with Atlantic City in the background ...

Jersey-Atlantic Wind Farm

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... "Some wind turbines can affect radar systems, but thousands of wind turbines generating electricity nationwide demonstrate that impacts can be, and have been, mitigated through measures such as relocating turbines or upgrading radar systems. The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) also advocates exploring additional technical options that can either be used today or developed in the future to address this issue. " ...

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... "There are now over 1,000 publicly and privately accessed E85 fueling locations throughout the United States! The Cenex on 320 Street Northwest in Bemidji, Minnesota can proudly be named the thousandth facility. The number of E85 stations has grown significantly in just a short period of time. " ...

Via National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition : E85 Stations Exceed 1,000 ...

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Azure Dynamics partners with Ford Motor to develop hybrid electric powertrain for Ford's E-series commercial vehicles.  ...

...   "Azure is responsible for the development of the parallel hybrid electric gasoline system that will be applied to Ford's E-series commercial vehicles. Azure will be the Vehicle Modifier and will complete the hybrid modification on the E-350 and E-450 commercial chassis. Ford, as the OEM of the incomplete commercial vehicles, will provide Azure with assistance to facilitate the development of the hybrid electric powertrain. "   ...

Via Azure Dynamics: Azure Dynamics Announces Agreement with Ford Motor Company ...

Eaton Trucks has experience with development of hybrid electric powertrains ...

Eaton Trucks: Hybrid Electric Powertrain Systems: "Because hybrid systems comply with emissions regulations while reducing fuel consumption and improving drivability, they possess great appeal for both the light- and medium-duty market segments. "

Eaton supplied Fedex with hybrid powertrain system to create a more efficient delivery truck ...

Fedex: Innovative Technology Produces Hybrid Electric Powertrain: "Eaton's hybrid-electric powertrain effectively combines a diesel engine and electric motor to drive the vehicle. A computer determines the most efficient combination, depending on current operating conditions and driver demand. A four-cylinder engine replaces the six-cylinder version currently used in the FedEx Express W700 delivery vehicle. The engine size is reduced because of the added power provided by the electric motor. A particulate trap has been added to the truck to further reduce emissions. "

GM's hybrid-electric systems are driving emissions reduction in mass transit ...

General Motors: Hybrid Buses: "GM is also applying hybrid technology to mass transit operations across North America.  The state-of-the-art buses, powered by an advanced hybrid-electric powertrain developed by our Allison Transmission division, dramatically reduce emissions from the diesel engine – an environmental plus in Southern California and other metropolitan locations across the United States. Referred to as the EP System, the hybrid-electric powertrain is a strong parallel hybrid architecture that is scaleable for various medium- to heavy-duty vehicle platforms. "

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Dupont and Broin partner together in the growing biofuels industry, where they develop the next steps needed to bring cost-effective ethanol derived from corn stover to market.  Corn stover is corn stalks that remain after the corn has been harvested.  The corn stover is one of the largest available biomass sources not being used.  About one ton of corn stover is produced for every one ton of corn harvested.  So the partnership is targeting a plentiful and under-utilized raw material.  ...

...   "The Integrated BioRefinery technology will significantly increase the amount of ethanol per acre achievable by using both the corn grain and stover.  DuPont's first in class fermentation process, developed with its partners, allows high conversion of both C-6 glucose sugars and the difficult to ferment C-5 xylose sugars to ethanol at high yields.  The Integrated BioRefinery technology uses a microorganism called Zymomonas mobilis to make these conversions.  In nature, this organism lives in solutions of high sugar concentrations, such as those derived from fruits and the sugar sap of plants, and so is well-suited for highly efficient conversion of sugar. "   ...

Via Dupont: DuPont and Broin Partner to Advance Development of Ethanol ...

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... "ZinCo Green Roof Professional Development Seminars: In conjunction with the Architectural Institute of British Columbia's (AIBC) professional development program, ZinCo Canada is pleased to present comprehensive one-day seminars on Green Roof technology and related systems on October 11, 12 and 13. " ...

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Governor George Pataki discusses New York's plan for one of the largest hydrogen demonstration projects.  This investment of $21 million will use hydropower to produce clean-burning, hydorgen gas to fuel nonpolluting hydrogen vehicles.  The investment will deliver hydrogen generating stations and the hydrogen-fueled vehicles.  The hydropower-to-hydrogen initiative, planned for Western New York, will spur development of green technology jobs for the region. ...

...   "The hydropower-to-hydrogen project, which is expected to serve a number of hydrogen-fueled work and passenger vehicles and transit buses, corresponds with the New York State Hydrogen Roadmap, a strategic blueprint developed under Governor Pataki's direction for positioning New York State at the forefront of hydrogen research and development efforts nationwide. The document reflects a coordinated effort by the New York Power Authority (NYPA), the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), and includes hydrogen education and outreach, hydrogen codes and standards review, and research and development in the areas of hydrogen production, storage, distribution and utilization.

NYPA's Trustees authorized up to $21 million for the hydropower-to-hydrogen initiative, with potential sites at Niagara Falls State Park and at Western New York locations operated by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA). Various other state and federal government organizations and corporations are also expected to partner in the pioneering project, with hydrogen production anticipated by the end of 2007.  The NYPA board's action followed an engineering feasibility study earlier this year by the Power Authority and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), for determining the size of the electrolysis units for producing hydrogen and the possible vehicle demonstration models for the initiative, with fuel cells and other hydrogen engines.  When fully implemented within three years, the demonstration project, consisting of two hydrogen generation stations, plus storage and fueling facilities, will be producing up to 120 kilograms (kg) per day of the clean-burning fuel. (One kg of hydrogen has the energy equivalent of approximately one gallon of gasoline.)  The hydrogen generation and fueling stations will use up to 700 kw of hydropower. The Power Authority would provide the hydropower from its Niagara Power Project to the NFTA, which is authorized to receive NYPA allocations under state law.  The hydrogen generation stations will cost approximately $7.5 million, including infrastructure upgrades and educational displays. An additional investment of $13.5 million is required for the hydrogen-fueled vehicles. "   ...

Via New York Governor Pataki: GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES $21 MILLION DEMONSTRATION PROJECT TO FUEL HYDROGEN VEHICLES AND CREATE NEW HIGH-TECH JOBS FOR WESTERN NY ...

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Governor Scharzenegger signs legislation that requires green performance standards for purchasing of electricity by utilities.  ...

...   "Gov. Schwarzenegger also signed other important environmental legislation, including:   SB 1368 by Senator Don Perata that requires the California Energy Commission to develop and adopt by regulation a greenhouse gas emissions performance standard for long-term procurement of electricity by local publicly owned utilities. The California Energy Commission must adopt the standard on or before June 30, 2007 and must be consistent with the standard adopted by the California Public Utilities Commission for load-serving entities under their jurisdiction on or before February 1, 2007.  AB 2600 by Assemblymember Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) that increases by 10,000 the number of permits for hybrids to be allowed to use high occupancy vehicle lanes. "   ...

Via California Governor Office: Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs Biomonitoring, Greenhouse Gas and Other Important Environmental Legislation ...

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Hertz offers fuel-efficient cars as part of its Green Collection in Canada.  Customers can reserve their specific green car from the list.  ...

...   "Hertz Canada announced the launch of a new collection of fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly cars that are both easy on the wallet and suitable for families and small groups traveling together. Reservable by make and model, with a Highway Fuel Efficiency rating of 10.0L/100 km or less based on Natural Resources Canada's annual fuel consumption guide, Hertz Canada's Green Collection features the Buick Allure, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, and Toyota Camry.  Launching with more than 1,000 cars in Hertz Canada's Green Collection, Hertz guarantees availability at 7 major airport locations across Canada: Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Halifax, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. "   ...

Via Hertz: Hertz Canada Launches Green Collection: Fuel Efficient, Environmentally Friendly Cars Reservable by Make and Model ...

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Jim Greenwood, president and CEO of the Biotechnology Industry Organization, shares his thoughts on the bioenergy partnership to create biomass and biofuels markets.  The G8 sponsored the Global BioEnergy Partnership to enable deployment of cost-effective biomass and biofuels.  ... 

...   "Biomass has the potential to supply a very large share of the world's energy needs – by one analysis, as much as 60 percent of total worldwide energy use. Renewable agricultural resources are readily available to meet this level of energy production. Biotech breakthroughs mean that agricultural fields could become the energy fields of the future. With the help of agricultural and industrial biotechnology, farmers can harvest two crops from every field—a food crop and a biomass crop for fuel production. The United Nations can do a great deal to promote biofuels development worldwide. "   ...

Via Biotechnology Industry Organization: BIO Statement on the Launch of the Global Bioenergy Partnership ...

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.

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Chet Culver has defined his Fueling the World plan.  The plans includes making Iowa a national leader in alternative power and clean energy investments, enabling incubation of alternative fuel research, and leading the nation in energy efficiency.  Culver plans to make the Iowa permitting process efficient for alternative fuels and renewable power industries.  ... 

...   "Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate Chet Culver was in Mason City, outlining his proposals to make Iowa the nation's renewable energy leader. Culver discussed these goals during a tour of the Golden Grain Energy plant, a locally owned facility that uses Northern Iowa-grown corn to produce ethanol.  Culver's renewable energy plan includes creating the Iowa Power Fund to help Iowa businesses, small and large, expand rapidly into the high-growth renewable energy and alternative fuel industries. The Power Fund will also allow Iowa-grown energy businesses to attract and leverage new private sector investments. "   ...

Via Chet Culver: Culver Tours Ethanol Plant, Discusses Renewable Energy Goals in Mason City ...

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Carbon sequestration is seen as a part of the overall plan for reducing the emission of CO2 into the atmosphere.  California town of Thorton will participate in a test of carbon sequestration, where liquid CO2 will be pumped deep undergound.  ... 

...   "For 30 years, the oil and gas industry has pumped carbon dioxide into waning oil fields to get at the last drops. "   ...

Via The Oakland Tribune: Hole holds hopes for fighting global warming ...

Via American Petroleum Institute: Sequestering Carbon Dioxide: "The company expects to sequester about 29 million tons of CO2 over the lifetime of its Salt Creek and Monell projects, thereby reducing overall CO2 emissions in the State. "

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Bonnie Raitt believes in alternative energy and backs up her beliefs with action ...

...   "Her buses and trucks all use bio-diesel and she travels with people who set up presentations on solar, wind, ethanol and biomass energy. "   ...

Via Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Raitt's back, and she has Keb' Mo ...

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Canadian biofuels initiative will help agricultural producers to develop viable business plans for projects that have significant producer ownership of biofuel production facilities.  The goal of the initiative is to produce transportation fuels that are made from agricultural inputs, such as corn, wheat or other cereals for ethanol and vegetable oils or animal fat for biodiesel.   ...

...   "To help meet the 5% target, AAFC is making available funding of $10 million dollars in fiscal year 2006/2007 through the Biofuels Opportunities for Producers Initiative (BOPI). Greater involvement in biofuel production facilities will allow agricultural producers to become participants in the value chain and increase their share of the benefits from renewable fuels production beyond delivering feedstock. "   ...

Via Saskatchewan Council for Community Development: Biofuels Opportunities for Producers Initiative (BOPI) ...

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Wisconsin Governer Doyle announces energy challenge at university campus.  Four campuses will collaborate to achieve energy independence, while ensuring sustainability.  ...

...   "Gov. Jim Doyle announced that UW System campuses at Green Bay, Oshkosh, River Falls and Stevens Point will participate in the statewide energy initiative. The campuses selected have been leaders in energy conservation and sustainability.  The four campuses will work with the state Department of Administration's Division of State Facilities to identify and implement technologies to move the campuses toward energy independence. "   ...

Via University of Wisconsin, Green Bay: UW-Green Bay welcomes selection for energy independence program ...

Governor Doyle Announces Four UW Campuses to Be Energy Independent By 2012: "By conservative estimates, converting the four campuses to renewable fuels will save 260,000 tons of coal over a decade – equivalent to a train loaded with coal 30 miles long. It will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 676,000 tons and improve the energy efficiency of campuses – saving taxpayers money.  Energy use on college campuses has increased dramatically over time as the proliferation of computer technology and high-end equipment has taken on a larger role in day-to-day campus life. Adding to that demand is an ongoing surge in the number of electronic devices students bring to campus such as laptops, cell phones, iPods and televisions. "

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Legislation by Senator Dick Lugar introduces variable alternative fuel tax credit to accelerate the growth of alternative fuel production, such as cellulosic ethanol, and sets an aggressive goal to expand annual production of alternative fuels to at least 100 billion gallons by 2025.

...   "U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar today introduced the National Fuels Initiative of 2006, based on proposals from his keynote address at the Richard G. Lugar-Purdue University Summit on Energy Security on August 29, 2006.  Most notably, the comprehensive energy legislation proposes to create long-term assurances that alternative fuels could remain economically competitive if oil prices were to drop below $45 per barrel. In return the bill would reduce taxpayer-funded subsidies when high oil prices result in highly competitive and profitable alternative fuels. "  ...

Via U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar: Lugar Introduces Comprehensive Energy Legislation: Revolutionary variable alternative fuel tax credit would support growth of alternative fuel production ...

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Los Angeles Department of Water and Power needs a culture change to reach its targets for renewable energy.  ...

...   "The Pine Tree wind farm - a $162-million plan proposed in 2001 to erect 80 windmill turbines in Tehachapi - is not expected to supply power until late 2007, two years behind schedule. "   ...

Via KTLA : DWP at an Energy Crossroads ...

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Debate continues about the effectiveness of wind power in West Virginia.  For a positive view, read on ...

...   "Wind projects currently proposed in West Virginia would generate as much electricity as 200,000 households use. "   ...

Via The Herald-Dispatch: Wind power is good investment for W.Va. ...

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PPL Corporation expands its portfolio of energy generation with renewable energy from a power purchase agreement for wind power from the Locust Ridge Wind Farm.  ...

...   "PPL EnergyPlus has signed the agreement with Locust Ridge Wind Farm, LLC. The agreement calls for PPL EnergyPlus to purchase energy, capacity and renewable attributes from the Locust Ridge Wind Farm Project for 20 years once the project achieves commercial operation, which is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2007.  Locust Ridge will be located in Mahanoy City, Schuylkill County, Pa., and is expected to have a capability, when running to maximum capacity, to produce 26 megawatts of electricity, which is enough electricity to power about 20,000 homes.  The project is being developed by Community Energy, Inc., which is owned by IBERDROLA, of Spain. Gamesa Corp., also of Spain, is the manufacturer of the turbines for the project. "   ...

Via PPL Corp: PPL Signs Agreement to Purchase Additional Wind Power ...

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School makes smart energy choice by investing in an on-site biomass energy facility to reduce its carbon footprint.  Nan Jenks-Jay, Director of Environmental Affairs, outlines Middlebury College's plan to construct a biomass plant, which will cost up to $11 million.  The facility will generate power from wood chips rather than fuel oil, which is something that the surrounding forests have an abundance of.  Construction is slated to begin in 2007 and start operations in late 2008.  When placed into service, the biomass facility will cut the college’s greenhouse gas emissions by 12,500 metric tons annually.  The school will leverage suppliers of wood chips that use sustainable practices.  ...

...   "Middlebury’s primary objective for the biomass facility is to provide a sustainable, local and renewable fuel source for heating, cooling and electricity for the campus. According to Jenks-Jay, the college’s long-range goal is to obtain wood chips harvested in an environmentally friendly manner from local sources. Our hope is that the college’s entry into biomass will greatly stimulate the growth of the local, sustainable wood chip market and bioenergy economy in Addison County and Vermont, she said. The college estimates that it will require 20,000 to 21,000 tons of chips per year.

The biomass plant will cut the college’s use of number six fuel oil in half, from about two million gallons to one million gallons a year. Increasing the diversity of Middlebury’s energy sources, the facility will leave the college less dependent on the global oil supply and subject to the fluctuating price of oil. Use of the plant will also make it unnecessary to pay for the transportation by ship and truck of one million gallons of oil a year from thousands of miles away to Middlebury. There will be a reduction of carbon emissions produced in the fuel delivery process as well. Most of the money previously spent on the oil and its transport will continue to be spent on energy costs, but now these dollars will remain in Vermont and New England. "  ...

Via Middlebury College: New biomass facility to reduce greenhouse gases by almost 12,500 tons a year ...

Middlebury is one of the country's top liberal arts colleges. It offers its students a broad curriculum embracing the arts, humanities, literature, foreign languages, social sciences, and natural sciences.  It is located in the Champlain Valley of central Vermont, with Vermont's Green Mountains to the east and New York's Adirondacks to the west.

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