Electric Vehicles Driving Energy To The Grid

Posted on October 6, 2011 by quest

NRG Energy, Inc. is partnering with the University of Delaware to take electric vehicles (EVs) to the next level with eV2gsm, a company commercializing new technology that will enable EV owners to sell electric storage services from the batteries of parked EVs to help stabilize the electricity grid. Pioneered by UD professor Willett Kempton, this patented leading-edge vehicle-to-grid technology has garnered worldwide attention and holds promise to transform the future of the electricity supply. With investments in solar, wind and nuclear power, as well as electric vehicle infrastructure, NRG is working to help America transition to a clean energy economy.

“As more electric vehicles hit the road and charging stations—such as those provided by NRG’s eVgoSM network in Texas—continue to proliferate, EV-to-grid technology is the next logical step in the electrification of our transportation network,” said Denise Wilson, President of NRG’s Alternative Energy Services. It’s one more way EV owners can commit to a sustainable energy future and get paid for it at the same time.””Energy research, including grid-integrated vehicles, is an important priority for the University of Delaware,” said David Weir, Director of UD’s Office of Economic Innovation and Partnerships, which oversees the University’s knowledge-based assets from licensing to commercialization. “The energy storage inherent in automobiles is staggering. If all the automobiles in the U.S. were electrified it would be enough to power the entire U.S. for half a day.”

Electric grid operators rely on resources that can help provide or absorb short bursts of energy to keep the grid running smoothly, and parked and plugged-in EVs are ideal for helping to fill that role. Balancing the grid this way generates no additional emissions and can lead to a decrease in electricity costs over the long term by delaying or supplanting the need to build new generation facilities. EVs—powered by electricity generated from cleaner domestic fuels—have the potential over time to reduce air emissions dramatically and begin to put the brakes on the ongoing transfer of American wealth to oil-producing nations. America spends approximately a billion dollars a day for imported oil and transportation accounts for more than a quarter of America’s greenhouse gas emissions.

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Solar Powered Robotics Survey The Worlds’ Seas

Posted on September 9, 2011 by quest

The Savannah Ocean Exchange proudly announces that Liquid Robotics of Sunnyvale, CA is the recipient of the 2011 Gulfstream Navigator Award. The Gulfstream Navigator Award 2011 recognizes the best solution to positively Shape the Future of Our Coasts. Liquid Robotics’ “Wave Glider-Autonomous Ocean Vehicle” was selected by participating delegates during the inaugural Solutions Exchange, held in Savannah GA September 7-8, 2011, and was presented with the 2011 Gulfstream Navigator Award by Mr. Joe Lombardo, EVP Aerospace Group, General Dynamics, the parent company of Gulfstream. The Wave Glider solution harvests energy from the environment and is able to travel long distances, hold station, and monitor vast areas of the ocean without the need for fuel or carbon emissions. A unique two-part architecture and wing system directly converts wave motion into thrust, and solar panels provide electricity for sensor payloads and satellite communications.

Wave Glider

The Navigator Award was given to the top solution submitted as part of the annual Call for Solutions issued by the Savannah Ocean Exchange Board of Governors in February 2011. An exclusive panel of experts from multiple disciplines, chaired by Dr. Nancy Knowlton of the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of Natural History, vetted solutions submitted from countries spanning the globe. The top ten solutions were developed as point solutions for the construction, defense, homeland security, marine research, robotics, coastal reclamation, energy, and shipping industries. Each finalist presented their solution to over 100 delegates who selected the award recipient.

Savannah Ocean Exchange brings together thought leaders around the world from cross disciplines that represent industry, education, research, technology, government and conservation. Led by a multi-disciplinary, 29-member Board of Governors, the organization sources and accelerates the adoption of solutions that positively impact economies and the environment. “The breadth and scope of proven, economically sustainable solutions that were submitted to compete for the 2011 Gulfstream Navigator Award were outstanding,” says Cort Atkinson, Co-Founder and CEO of the Savannah Ocean Exchange.

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Protesters Call For More Solar, Fewer Wind Projects

Posted on August 25, 2011 by quest

Protesters turned out on the Statehouse lawn on Wednesday to oppose a wind energy project in Lowell and others planned around the state. The critics of large-scale wind say solar power is the better way to meet Vermont’s energy needs.

VPR’s John Dillon reports: Listen In

(Host) Protesters turned out on the Statehouse lawn on Wednesday to oppose a wind energy project in Lowell and others planned around the state. The critics of large-scale wind say solar power is the better way to meet Vermont’s energy needs.
VPR’s John Dillon reports: Text

(Dillon) They came by bus, many from the Northeast Kingdom, the region of the state that’s now in the bull’s eye of ridgeline wind development. Luke Snelling is with Energize Vermont, a group that opposes the projects. He told the crowd that solar energy is getting cheaper and is the better, less environmentally damaging alternative.

(Snelling) “We’re here fighting for our energy liberation. We can no longer expect that corporations in this state will set the tone for our energy future. We can’t allow it. So we’re here today to say to say no more! No more to GMP setting the agenda!” Crowd cheers.

(Dillon) Green Mountain Power is the developer of a 21 turbine project planned for the Lowell Mountain ridgeline. The project would be the largest wind development in the state, and it’s won almost all the permits it needs from state regulators. But the protesters want Governor Peter Shumlin to drop his support for large-scale wind. Organizer Steve Wright from Craftsbury delivered a letter to Shumlin’s office. He says a four-mile long road planned for the Lowell ridgeline will be 405 feet wide at each of the 21 turbine sites.

(Wright) “That’s a crime against the landscape of Vermont. We don’t need to do it, we’re smarter than that. Vermonters know how to stay warm without burning the furniture in their own house.” Read on

New Solar And Clean Energy Bill Set For Japan

Posted on August 18, 2011 by quest

By Chisaki Watanabe and Sachiko Sakamaki - Japan’s lower house of parliament is set to pass legislation to subsidize renewable energy amid a push to reduce dependence on nuclear power, paving the way for Prime Minister Naoto Kan to quit as early as next week. The bill requires utilities to buy electricity generated by geothermal, solar and wind sources at above-market rates in order to stimulate investment in renewable energy, which accounts for 9 percent of Japan’s power supply. Kan last month called for phasing out atomic power after the March earthquake and tsunami caused the worst nuclear disaster in 25 years.

Passage of the bill marks the last of three legislative goals Kan set down before fulfilling a pledge to resign. His popularity has dropped over his handling of the quake and the crippling of Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s Fukushima atomic power plant. An opposition politician yesterday said the lower house vote, originally scheduled for today, may be delayed. Introducing the subsidies, known as feed-in tariffs, may help companies like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., which makes wind turbines and develops geothermal plants, and solar panels makers Panasonic Corp. and Sharp Corp. Japan aims to increase the size of the renewable energy market to 10 trillion yen ($130 billion) by 2020, from about 1 trillion yen in 2009, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said

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Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit Heading To Hawaii

Posted on August 15, 2011 by quest

Leaders and experts at the forefront of the global clean energy movement will be convening at the Hawai’i Convention Center for the 3rd Annual Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit and Expo, to be hosted by the State of Hawai’i on September 13-15 in Honolulu. An estimated 1,200 industry and government participants from more than 20 countries will attend the conference, which aims to enable exchanges of ideas and partnership opportunities with global corporations, start-ups, investors, policy makers, and utilities involved in clean energy transformation.
To showcase global best practices and new business opportunities, the Summit program will open with venture capitalist and energy and security expert R. James Woolsey. Woolsey, former director of the Central Intelligence Agency, is now chair of a Washington D.C. based private equity fund specializing in energy and security issues. He serves on the National Commission on Energy Policy.

Panel discussions will focus on accelerating the use of various renewable energy resources such as biomass, wind, solar, hydroelectric, ocean thermal, geothermal, and waste-to-energy; financing and incentivizing energy efficiency; and developing public policies, resources, and workforce training programs to build a clean energy industry.

Keiko Matsui

This year’s program is offering a full conference track on the U.S. Department of Defense’s clean energy programs. Representatives from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines will be presenting key military initiatives, technology priorities, and practical guidance on developing partnerships and contracts. CTSI is also coordinating a new technology identification program focused on bringing innovative military-targeted clean energy solutions. The Summit’s Expo will offer exhibits, services and the latest energy technologies. Summit co-sponsors include the University of Hawai’i, Hawaiian Electric Company, Lockheed Martin, AECOM, Phycal, Sempra Generation, Aerovironment, General Atomics, SAIC, ALSTOM, FirstWind, GM, The Gas Company, Pacific Biodiesel, etc.

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Solar To Power Leading Wind Power Maker

Posted on July 23, 2011 by quest

Portland Mayor Sam Adams has announced solar panels from SolarWorld, the largest U.S. manufacturer of solar technology for more than 35 years, have been selected to power the North American headquarters of Vestas, a leader in providing high-tech wind power systems. “As Portland seeks to become the capital of the global green economy, collaborations among our leading clean energy firms are key,” Mayor Sam Adams said on July 20. “I’m excited to announce this unique partnership. It’s an excellent example of how two companies can come together and make something great happen in Portland.” The move links two of the top U.S. producers of renewable energy systems and underscores the companies’ confidence in the vitality of American manufacturing and the value of sustainability.

The announcement came outside the 102-year-old Meier & Frank Depot building in downtown Portland, future home of Vestas’ continental head office. The building’s redevelopment will feature a 112-kilowatt photovoltaic system, the largest roof-mounted solar array in Portland’s central business district. The system will cap an impressive list of cutting-edge energy and environmental features that are expected to position the historical building on Northwest Everett Street to pursue LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification. The SolarWorld panels will supply about 12 percent of the building’s electricity needs.

Both SolarWorld and Vestas have their headquarters for the Americas in the Portland area. SolarWorld employs more than 1,000 workers at its main U.S. site in Hillsboro, Ore., and more than 250 in Camarillo, Calif., where it has operated a solar-panel manufacturing site since the late 1970s. Vestas employs about 400 people in Portland and 3,000 nationwide. The company, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary in Portland next year, has sold more than 11,000 wind turbines in North America. When complete in spring 2012, the building will measure 172,000 square feet, including an addition on the fifth floor featuring an eco-roof terrace and garden and tenant and retail space on the first floor.