GE invests $6 Billion in renewable energy

Posted on December 9, 2010 by quest

GE Energy Financial Services announced today that it reached its multi-year target of building a $6 billion portfolio of renewable energy investments by the end of 2010, inspired by GE’s ecomagination initiative. Alex Urquhart, president and CEO of GE Energy Financial Services said “We achieved this $6 billion milestone because of our competitive advantage as a GE business focused on one of GE’s core domain strengths, renewable energy. To maintain this momentum, drive further deployment of renewable energy worldwide and keep America competitive through technology innovation and job creation, we are calling on Congress to enact long-term, predictable renewable energy policies.”

Cumulatively, the projects and companies have supported thousands of “green collar” jobs worldwide, helped grow the multi-billion dollar US renewable energy manufacturing industry, and—according to US Environmental Protection Agency methodology—avoided more than 23 million tons a year in global greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to taking all the passenger vehicles off the road in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. GE Energy Financial Services started investing in renewable energy in 1987. It had amassed a $3 billion portfolio by January 2008, when it set a target of reaching $6 billion by the end of this year. The investments have spanned 14 countries, 95 wind farms, 40 solar installations, six hydroelectric projects, 12 landfill gas facilities, and 15 projects involving other technologies, across a wide spectrum of capital – from project equity to debt, and venture capital.

Across the United States, GE Energy Financial Services has made approximately 75 percent of its renewable energy investments in states with renewable portfolio standards, or regulations requiring increased electricity generation from renewable sources. The GE unit’s research has shown that investments in the wind industry have risen and fallen with the renewal and expiration of renewable energy incentives. The expiration of incentives in 2000, 2002 and 2004 caused a 76-90 percent drop in installed capacity in the United States from the previous year.

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SunPower Shining on California Valley Solar Ranch

Posted on November 30, 2010 by quest

SunPower Corp. and NRG Energy, Inc. today announced groundbreaking agreements to begin construction next year of the 250-megawatt (MW) California Valley Solar Ranch in San Luis Obispo County. The solar power plant is expected to create approximately 350 jobs during construction, will power about 100,000 homes and will be one of the largest photovoltaic solar power plants in the world, when complete. Under the agreement announced today, NRG will, subject to certain conditions, assume all ownership and financing responsibilities for the California Valley Solar Ranch. SunPower will continue to develop the project, and will design, build, operate and maintain the solar power plant. Construction is expected to start in the second half of 2011, with a portion of the project expected to begin operating by the end of 2011 and the balance coming on line in 2012 and 2013. When fully operational, the solar power plant will help California achieve its 33% renewable portfolio standard.

Howard Wenger, President of the utility and power plants business group at SunPower said “This partnership with NRG Solar and the DOE represents a major milestone in delivering 250 megawatts of clean, renewable solar power to California’s electricity customers. For two years, SunPower has been working to develop this project responsibly, with respect for the environment and the community. We are delighted to have found in NRG a partner that shares our vision to build a solar power plant in San Luis Obispo County that enhances the local economy, protects local habitat and generates emission-free solar power for California. The DOE is playing a critical leadership role in supporting renewable energy that provides economic and environmental benefits, as well as a secure, stable energy supply in the U.S.”

California Valley Solar Ranch has executed 25-year power purchase agreements with Pacific Gas & Electric for delivery of 250 megawatts. The power purchase agreements have been approved by the California Public Utilities Commission.

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PlanetSolar crosses Atlantic to Miami using solar energy

Posted on November 27, 2010 by quest

It has taken 61 days for PlanetSolar to cross the Atlantic from Monaco to Miami, including stops at Las Palmas and St. Maarten. In total a distance of over 5,500 nautical miles. PlanetSolar, the world’s largest solar powered boat looks as if its a replica of the StarShip Enterprise from the StarTrek movie and television franchises. The big difference however is this is REAL!!! PlanetSolar is on a trip around the world to demonstrate the full capacity of solar energy. The wessel, I mean vessel, sorry got a little too much into StarTrek character Chekov, is 100% powered by the sun. When StarTrek opened with it timeless intro’ Space the final Frontier it’s producers and writers had maybe sorta, kinda overlooked the fact that right here on planet earth the world’s oceans still remain largely undiscovered and taken for granted. Philippe Cousteau, Jr. Co-Founder and CEO of EarthEcho and grandson of famed oceanographer who spoke about the BP oil rig explosion earlier this year put it bluntly saying,”we treat the ocean like it’s a toilet.

PlanetSolar helps us all see the relationship between clean renewable energy in transportation and the conservation of the worlds oceans. PlanetSolar has an impressive CREW and a group of supporters such as IMMOSOLAR, Candino Swiss Watch, SunPower and Jean Verne, Great-Grandson of the writer, Jules Verne who writes,” In the spirit of the PlanetSolar project that calls upon scientists, technicians, industries, financiers and scholars who are working together on an “extraordinary voyage into known and unknown worlds,” I am writing these few words at the same time our society is asking the unthinkable question of its own survival. A special thanks to my Great-Grandfather Jules Verne who has given the PlanetSolar team the idea, the will, the audacity and who has inspired such an exciting, valuable project.”

The leading-edge solar catamaran (without flaps) boosts 101 feet length, 52 length in width, and approximately 1,171 square feet of solar panels as the solar generator. The specially developed energy storage should permit the boat to move for approximately 3 days and nights without sunlight. The MS TÛRANOR PlanetSolar was designed by the extraordinary designer and constructor Craig Loomes and his company LOMOcean (New Zealand). It has been built by high-performance yacht builder Knierim, based in Kiel (Germany). The boat is navigating under Swiss flag.

The goal of the PlanetSolar is to circumnavigate the globe driven exclusively by solar energy.The current routing around the globe foresees stopovers in Miami, Cancun, San Francisco, Sydney, Singapore, Abu Dhabi and returning to Monaco. The project PlanetSolar will inform the public about the importance of sustainability and renewable energies. PlanetSolar has already made technological developments possible in many fields such as the production of composite materials and structures, and also the production and storage of solar energy. Each stage in the project and each day that PlanetSolar sails will enable science to progress. At the heart of this project is the conservation of our planet by the promotion of solar energy, energy efficiency and eco-mobility. This is a great occasion to advance knowledge and to inform and make the general public aware of the importance of renewable energy.

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Solar energy charging up electric bicycles

Posted on November 17, 2010 by quest

Kyocera is in the news again. This time the solar manufacturer has introduced an environmentally friendly solar-powered recharging station for electric-assisted bicycles that uses the company’s high performance solar modules. The system, which was codeveloped by two companies, is sold in Japan by KCCS starting this month. Recently Kyocera in cooperation with the World Bank’s Renewable Energy for Rural Access Project provided two Mongolian villages with solar power.

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Kyocera seems to be providing new and interesting applications for solar energy. Some of their projects have provided solar modules for cars, boats, parking lots and “Solar Grove” shading structures, as well as more conventional residential and large-scale solar power generation. The development of its new “Solar Cycle Station” responds to the popularity of electric bicycles which have grown immensely due to a growing awareness of environmental issues. This expanded awareness has Kyocera responding to the needs of people seeking ways to use alternative means of transportation, including use of electric bicycles at rental shops as fun and relaxing recreation in tourist areas. However, with expanded use comes a growing need to construct more recharging stations. By using solar modules to generate the power for these bicycles Kyocera aims to provide an economical and ecological solution.

Not only will these stations generate clean energy for recharging the battery of electric bicycles, but they are also connected to the regular power grid, via a DC-AC converter, ensuring stable service during cloudy weather and for recharging during the night. The stations are equipped with conventional outlets so that they can be used as a power source in the event of a power outage or emergency.

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Sky Airlines of Chile to use renewable Green Jet Fuel

Posted on November 15, 2010 by quest

Biomass renewable green fuel grower PetroAlgae has agreed to supply Sky Airline a leading Chilean airline with renewable jet fuel. The fuel feedstock is intended to be used principally in existing refineries, resulting in renewable fuels, including renewable jet fuel.
Holger Paulmann, Director of Sky Airline said, “We are excited to be working with PetroAlgae to bring green jet fuel to Chile.” Our airline has always prided itself on being at the forefront of change that is good for our customers, the economy, and the country. From MELBOURNE, Fla.

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PlanetSolar on world tour heading for Miami

Posted on November 6, 2010 by quest

After a four days stopover, the largest solar powered boat, PlanetSolar left Las Palmas. After its stay on the Canary Islands the solar catamaran continues its transatlantic crossing, setting course for Miami. The boat is expected in Miami by end of November / beginning of December. For the 1st solar boat expedition has commenced and the longest leg since the start in Monaco at the end of September. The goal of the PlanetSolar is to circumnavigate the globe driven exclusively by solar energy.

The current routing around the globe (subject to suitable weather and nautical conditions) foresees stopovers in Miami, Cancun, San Francisco, Sydney, Singapore, Abu Dhabi and returning to Monaco. The project PlanetSolar will inform the public about the importance of sustainability and
renewable energies. PlanetSolar has already made technological developments possible in many fields such as the production of composite materials and structures, and also the production and storage of solar energy (or electricity). Each stage in the project and each day that PlanetSolar sails will enable science to progress. At the heart of this project is the conservation of our planet by the promotion of solar energy, energy efficiency and eco-mobility. This is a great occasion to advance knowledge and to inform and make the general public aware of the importance of renewable energy

Planet Solar has an impressive group of supporters such as IMMOSOLAR, Candino Swiss Watch, SunPower and Jean Verne, Great-Grandson of the writer, Jules Verne who writes, ” In the spirit of the PlanetSolar project that calls upon scientists, technicians, industries, financiers and scholars who are working together on an “extraordinary voyage into known and unknown worlds,” I am writing these few words at the same time our society is asking the unthinkable question of its own survival. A special thanks to my Great-Grandfather Jules Verne who has given the PlanetSolar team the idea, the will, the audacity and who has inspired such an exciting, valuable project.”

The leading-edge solar catamaran (without flaps) boosts 31m in length, 16m in width, and approximately 540 square meters of solar panels as the solar generator. The specially developed energy storage should permit the boat to move for approximately 3 days and nights without sunlight. The MS
TÛRANOR PlanetSolar was designed by the extraordinary designer and constructor Craig Loomes and his company LOMOcean (New Zealand). It has been built by high-performance yacht builder Knierim, based in Kiel (Germany). The boat is navigating under Swiss flag.