Russian Students On Global Energy Adventure

Posted on May 29, 2012 by quest

The Energy of Adventure, organized by the non-profit partnership Global Energy, announced in Moscow that two young Russians have won a round-the-world trip to discover the most interesting energy-related stories of the planet. The two researchers, Maria Khromova, a young Muscovite engaged in the power industry, and Egor Goloshov, a future economist from Zlatoust will be taking a trip around the world to 21 countries over a period of three months. The project Energy of Adventure, instituted by the non-profit partnership Global Energy, got under way last November with a nationwide contest. Every day Egor and Maria will share with the global community their power industry impressions and findings, and their small adventures through social networks such as Twitter and Facebook.

“Travelling around the world is always an interesting experience. I have been given this unique opportunity to tell the world about the most important energy-related discoveries, and it’s no secret that the power industry is an integral and key part of the economic stability of any country. I plan to use this unique material to write a scientific paper,” said Maria. Egor Goloshov began to think about energy conservation back in school. Egor has a special interest in renewable sources of energy such as tidal, wind and solar energy. Egor is currently a student enrolled in the Moscow Higher School of Economics. “I have always been aware that traditional sources of energy are running out. I am truly elated that I have been given the honour to tell people all over the world about what are definitely important problems in the modern-day power industry. I will do everything in my power, and even more, to meet the challenges entrusted to me under this project,” Egor pledged.

The main purpose of Energy of Adventure is to draw attention to contemporary global and local energy issues and inspire people to ponder over possible solutions. The president of the non-profit partnership Global Energy, Igor Lobovsky, commented: ” These are real steps and real efforts. This is why talented young people will be crisscrossing the globe in a bid to draw valuable experience from people, companies and authorities in the most far-flung corners of the planet. This is a great opportunity and also an onerous responsibility.”Interest in this unique project has been tremendous, with about 49,000 applications submitted from people in 50 cities across Russia.

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Solar Gets Net Metering Support In California

Posted on May 25, 2012 by quest

By Annie Carmichael We won! Thanks to the 60,000 of you who showed support for net metering, California will continue to be increasingly powered by the sun.

Yesterday, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) unanimously voted to give more Californians access to net metering credit for solar power. The 5-0 vote will protect this important solar consumer right for tens of thousands of California homes, schools, businesses and public buildings.
Net metering makes sure solar customers get fair credit on their utility bills for the valuable clean power they put on the grid for others to use (watch this video to see how net metering works). This important solar policy has already delivered tremendous benefits to California: supported 25,000 solar jobs, driven $10 billion in private investment in the state’s clean energy industry, given thousands of homeowners, schools, water districts, industrial users, and cities control over their electricity bills, and installed 2 natural gas plants worth of valuable peak solar power generation that our utilities won’t have to build and you won’t have to fund.

There is still work to be done to iron out the details of the long-term net metering program so that solar can continue to shine – and we hope you’ll continue to help us along the way.

Mexican Farmers Block Monsanto Law to Privatize Plants and Seeds

Ford Focus Electric Costars In ‘Plugged In’

Posted on May 22, 2012 by quest

Yahoo and Ford are releasing today a teaser video previewing ‘Plugged In,’ a weekly online reality competition show coinciding with the launch of the all-new 2012 Focus Electric and airing exclusively on Yahoo! Screen, the company’s video destination.‘Plugged In’ features two-person teams competing against each other in a series of challenges. The series begins May 29 with actor David Arquette guiding contestants through challenges at some of his favorite Los Angeles locales. Featuring celebrity hosts – David Arquette, Adrian Grenier, Jenna Bush Hager, Emily Procter, Alicia Silverstone, J.R. Martinez and more. Subsequent episodes will feature different celebrities taking contestants and viewers on an intimate tour of their respective hometowns, discovering hidden cultural gems and “best of” locations in their city.

The winning teams in each city will move on to participate in the finale event in Los Angeles, where they will compete with teams from other regions for the chance to win a Ford Focus Electric. The series will crown a winning team in a finale episode on Aug. 7. “Ford is launching the Focus Electric only on Yahoo!, once again recognizing the power and reach of the Web as we continue to rely more on the power of digital media,” says Matt VanDyke, Director, U.S. Marketing Communications for Ford. “The electric vehicle market will grow over time, so we electrified our popular small-car platform rather than creating a one-off vehicle, and now we can use a targeted online campaign instead of a big-budget advertisement.”

Focus Electric offers the equivalent of 110 miles per gallon (MPGe) city, 99 MPGe highway, and operates entirely on battery-generated power. Focus Electric also has been certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to offer 105 MPGe combined. Ford is ramping up Focus Electric retail production for dealership availability in California, New York and New Jersey. By year-end, Focus Electric becomes available in 19 markets across the United States. Focus Electric offers the equivalent of 110 miles per gallon (MPGe) city, 99 MPGe highway, and operates entirely on battery-generated power. Focus Electric also has been certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to offer 105 MPGe combined.

Solar Decathlon Gets $1 Million For Great Park XPO

Posted on May 18, 2012 by quest

At their meeting on May 17, 2012, The Orange County Great Park Corporation Board approved an agreement with the United States Department of Energy that provides a $1 million grant to host the Solar Decathlon 2013 at the Great Park. The agreement establishes a two-phase planning and implementation process that also includes the staging of the first ever multi-day exposition set for October 3-13, 2013, dubbed the XPO: Clean+Renewable+Efficient Energy Exposition.

“We are excited to host the Solar Decathlon and XPO at the Great Park,” said Beth Krom, Chair, Orange County Great Park Corporation Board. “Today’s action allows us to move forward on developing plans for this international event that will bring worldwide attention and economic development to the Great Park and the region and raise public awareness about the benefits of clean energy and energy conservation.”Under the first phase of the agreement, the Great Park accepted $375,000 from the United States Department of Energy for the planning and development process. This planning phase includes event programming and sponsorship planning as well as a finalized site plan that shows the location of the Solar Decathlon Village, where 20 collegiate teams will showcase their solar-powered houses.

The Solar Decathlon challenges 20 collegiate teams to design, build and operate solar-powered houses that are cost effective, energy-efficient and attractive. The winning house best embodies affordability, consumer appeal and design excellence while also providing optimal energy production and maximum efficiency. The XPO, featuring the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2013, will showcase technology, products, arts, education and business opportunities that arise from clean and renewable energy generation and efficient energy use. Both events will occur simultaneously October 3-13, 2013.

2012 LOHAS Forum And Eco Integrity

Posted on May 17, 2012 by quest

The LOHAS Forum, the nation’s premier gathering of thought leaders, investors and industry executives focused on the $290 billion LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) market, announced today the speaker lineup and full program for this year’s LOHAS Forum 2012. Now in its sixteenth year, the event will take place June 12 – 14 in Boulder, Colorado with interactive discussions focused on a broad portfolio of current issues including alternative energy, health and wellness, social justice, branding, green customer loyalty and effective ways to raise capital.

“The LOHAS community is looked at to pave the way for today’s consumers when it comes to the latest and greatest trends in healthy and sustainability – and it is events like the Forum that bring together the thought leaders in the space to facilitate open and creative dialogue,” said Ted Ning, director of the LOHAS Forum. “We could not be more excited for this year’s LOHAS Forum, as we will be turning Boulder into the ultimate eco-conscious hotspot and playing host to some of the most influential thinkers in sustainability.”

Speakers at LOHAS Forum 2012 include Chip Conley with Joie de Vivre Hospitality, Toni J. Bellafiore with American Honda Motor Company, Inc., Gopi Kallayil with Google, Jodi Berg with VitaMix, Sue Harvey Brown with Patagonia Footwear, Madeleine Buckingham with Mother Jones, Mary Jo Cook with Fair Trade USA, Tom Laforge with The Coca-Cola Company, among many others. LOHAS Forum 2012 will also feature a full schedule of interactive programming where attendees will be given access to thought leaders and industry experts with deep diving workshops, networking opportunities during daily receptions, meals and exercise activities; and intimate break-out sessions each afternoon. For the first time ever, this year’s LOHAS conference will integrate all the richness the city of Boulder has to offer. Attendees will not only be treated to an inspiring and powerful event, but will also get to dive head first into the cultural roots of Boulder.

U.S. Slaps High Tariffs on Chinese Solar Panels

AAA On Driving Eco Friendly EV’s And Hybrids

Posted on May 13, 2012 by quest

Ok if Paula Patton Co star from the most recent Mission Impossible film was wiling to take a test drive with you in BMW’s new Concept Car even more EV’s would sell. But, are you hoping to decrease your carbon footprint and live a greener life? What and how you drive is a large part of your daily carbon footprint. Electric engines, several hybrid options and even traditional internal combustion engines have become more efficient and emit fewer greenhouse gasses. Even if you’re not in the market for a new car, AAA has tips to help you get the best efficiency and minimize greenhouse gasses no matter what you drive. “There has been an influx of ‘green’ technologies by automakers into the market, which is great for consumers seeking a more environmentally-conscious choice for their next vehicle purchase,” said John Nielsen, AAA’s Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair.

2012 has been an exciting year for full-electric vehicles (EV). These vehicles do not use gasoline and rely solely on battery power. With the average cost for a kilowatt hour of electric energy at approximately 12 cents, to fully charge an EV with a 24KWh battery pack would cost around $2.88. That works out to between 3.0 cents and 4.4 cents per mile for fuel. Making EV’s even more appealing and green; there is no need for oil changes, ignition system maintenance, fuel system service or exhaust pipe and muffler replacements.

In addition to full electric cars there is also the option of Gasoline-Electric Hybrids, Compressed Natural Gas/Diesel Vehicles, and More Efficient Gasoline Vehicles. But fuel economy can be realized in plug-in hybrid powertrains. These vehicles use a rechargeable battery pack that allows the car to travel up to 35 miles before the onboard gasoline engine starts. In some cars, this engine will provide power to the drive wheels. In other models this engine powers a generator that delivers power to the motor driving the vehicle while also recharging the batteries. Unlike fully electric vehicles, a plug-in hybrid is limited only by the range of its gas tank. The Toyota Prius PHEV and 2013 Ford Fusion are great examples of plug-ins in the marketplace today.