Subject: #68, TRENDS in RENEWABLE ENERGIES
issue #68 for February 22
A 'heads up' overview of renewable energies.
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IN THIS ISSUE:
DoE Forecast Predicts 'Stand Pat' for Renewables
Canada Seeks Certified Green Power by Summer
Wind Power to Generate 25 MW at 17 Sites
DoE Releases Projections for Renewables in U-S
DoE to Spend $500 Million to Promote Earth Energy
Texas Utility Wants 100 MW of Renewables
British Government Wants Industry Support for Solar
Largest Industrial Solar System Commissioned in U-S
Survey Shows Green Premium is 1.1¢ to 2.5¢ per kWh
Wind Generates Power for Customers in Minnesota
Preference for Green Power Jumps in Oregon Pilot Project
U-S Senator Wants Small Hydro Bids Controlled
Communities in Ghana to Benefit from PV Electricity
Utility Gets Grant to Promote Renewable Earth Energy
Houston Consumers to Receive Wind Power
Canadian Budget Gives Tax Break to Power Generators
R&D Funding for Prototype Wind Turbine
Wind Electricity to be Available in New Mexico by April
U-S Renewables Groups Want Tax Incentives
Renewable Resources Included in WEC Survey
Research into Better Solar Cells
Solar Firm Opens Distribution Centre in Maryland
Berkeley Students Become Leaders In Green Power
Consumer Groups Want Review of Generation Sales
Internet Site Shows Green Pricing Activities
Wisconsin Utilities Criticized for Cuts in Conservation
Hybrid Electric Army Truck is Demonstrated
Co-sponsors Sought for Early Action Legislation
Energy Tidbits
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CORRECTION in issue #67 (Feb 15)
Ontario Hydro Wind Turbine Sets Another Record
delete: offset 4 million tonnes of CO2
correct: offset 4,000 tonnes of CO2.
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DoE Forecast Predicts 'Stand Pat' for Renewables
Renewable sources of energy are not expected to gain much
market share, but should retain a 8% share of world energy use
through 2020, according to DoE's International Energy Outlook
for 1998.
Low oil prices make it difficult for hydro and other renewable
energies to capture market share, but it says the Kyoto climate
change protocol has increased interest in the role of renewables
and their ability to reduce CO2 emissions. By 2020, total
consumption of renewables is expected to reach 50 quadrillion
Btu (a 67% increase over 1995), but this is just sufficient to
maintain a world market share of 8%. Consumption in developed
countries will rise more slowly than developing nations, where
major hydro projects are underway.
A number of positive trends are noted in the report, including
Enron's purchase of Zond and Tacke, BP's plans to exceed solar
sales of $1 billion a year within a decade, and Royal Dutch
Shell's plan to invest $500 million in renewables over the next
five years.
In North America, over the next 25 years, renewable energy use
will increase by 1.3% annually (10.6 quadrillion Btu in 1995 to
14.8 quadrillion in 2020; or 10% of total energy use). In the U-S,
municipal solid waste, wind and biomass will lead growth, with
wind capacity to double. In Canada, hydroelectricity remains the
largest renewable source of energy, and there will be a 30%
increase in capacity by 2020 (most after 2010). Despite a range
of initiatives in Canada, DoE says only a small part of total
energy needs will be met from renewables.
In Western Europe, consumption of renewables climbs by 70% in
the forecast, from 5.1 quadrillion Btu (1995) to 8.7 quadrillion
(2020), and wind capacity doubling by 2001.
The Asian financial crisis is creating problems for many
renewables projects in that region. Industrialized Asia will see
renewables increase by 0.7 quadrillion Btu from the current 1.4
quadrillion while, in developing regions of Asia, consumption of
renewables will grow from 4.0 quadrillion Btu (1995) to 10.9
quadrillion (2020).
In Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, renewables will
grow by 2.1% annually, from 3.0 quadrillion Btu (1995) to 5.1
quadrillion (2020).
Renewables will remain a small part of energy used in the Middle
East and Africa, and Central and South America will see use of
renewables grow by 1.1% annually, from 5.1 quadrillion Btu
(1995) to 6.6 quadrillion (2020). Although renewables account
for 77% of energy used for electricity generation now, this share
will drop to 52% by 2020 due to greater use of gas.
Details: http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/ieo98/hydro.htmlectt=1x.htmllve/tm
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Canada Seeks Certified Green Power by Summer
Draft guidelines for Ecologo guidelines on power generation are
expected by March 5 by Environment Canada. 'Green power' is
best defined in Australia, Nordic countries, Britain and the U-S,
and the Environment Choice Program wants credible certification
to ensure that some forms of power are more environmentally
sound than others. The review committee has representation
from four electrical utilities, four consumer groups, four
government agencies, four generators (small hydro, wind,
biomass, landfill gas), and six others. Issues to be resolved
include specific technical requirements, marginal fuel, size of
facility, whether only 'new' facilities are eligible, the financial and
legal implications, consistency with the U-S market, and inclusion
of other technologies, such as co-generation. Final text is
expected by June, with certification by July.
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Wind Power to Generate 25 MW at 17 Sites
Northern Alternative Energy and Northern States Power will
generate 25 MW of wind energy at 17 sites in Minnesota, where
the turbines will range in size from 0.5 to 2 MW. NAE will sell the
energy to NSP under a 30-year contract, with aggregate annual
output at 80 million kWh. The project will bring NAE's capacity in
Minnesota to 50 MW (20% of wind power in the region) and more
than 70 MW in various stages of development. NSP must fulfill a
government requirement to construct or purchase 425 MW of
wind energy by 2002.
Details: http://www.windpower.comiaf/ieo98/hydro.htmlectt=1x.htmllve/tm
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DoE Releases Projections for Renewables in U-S
In its short-term energy outlook (based on a mid-price oil case)
released in February, the U-S Energy Information Administration
shows the following energy use by sector (quadrillion Btu) and
the % shift in three periods:
97 98 99 00 97-98 98-99 99-00
Electric Utilities
Hydroelectric 3.53 3.20 2.97 2.93 -9.3 -7.1 -1.3
Geo-Solar-Wind 0.12 0.11 0.10 0.09 -6.1 -5.6 -6.9
Biofuels 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 -4.8 0.0 5.0
Total 3.67 3.33 3.09 3.05 -9.1 -7.1 -1.4
Non-utility Generators
Hydroelectric 0.19 0.18 0.19 0.19 -3.2 3.9 3.8
Geo-Solar-Wind 0.24 0.25 0.25 0.26 7.7 0.4 0.4
Biofuels 0.58 0.58 0.58 0.58 1.2 -0.5 -0.5
Total 0.99 1.02 1.02 1.03 2.0 0.4 0.5
Total Generation 4.66 4.35 4.12 4.08 -6.8 -5.3 -0.9
Other Sectors
Res/Comm 0.55 0.57 0.57 0.58 2.7 1.1 1.6
Industrial 1.49 1.52 1.54 1.57 1.1 1.8 1.8
Transportation 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 8.0 -3.2 3.3
Total 2.14 2.18 2.21 2.25 1.8 1.4 1.8
Imported Electricity 0.29 0.25 0.27 0.28 -15.2 8.7 3.3
Total RE Demand 7.10 6.78 6.60 6.61 -4.5 -2.6 0.1
Details: http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/steo/pub/11tab.htmlt=1x.htmllve/tm
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DoE to Spend $500 Million to Promote Earth Energy
The U-S Department of Energy has selected five companies to
manage a $500 million national saving retrofit program for federal
facilities, using geothermal heat pumps to meet targets for energy
savings and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The strategy
"is good for taxpayers and good for the environment," says U-S
Energy Secretary Bill Richardson. Government will receive $2 for
every $1 that energy companies receive, and Richardson predicts
that, by 2005, annual energy savings could total $700 million.
DoE says 500,000 federal buildings could apply, and the program
does not require budget authority or competitive bidding because
costs are paid from savings. Geothermal systems transfer solar
heat from the ground for space conditioning and water heating,
and can cool in the same manner. A number of U-S facilities,
including military bases and post offices, already use earth
energy. The five companies are Constellation Energy (Baltimore
Gas + Electric), Duke Energy; Enron Energy; PECO Energy; and
American Standards.
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Texas Utility Wants 100 MW of Renewables
The city of Austin's utility has issued a RFP for 100 MW of
renewable energy, both a fixed annual amount and a variable
amount based on customer demand for the utility's green pricing
program. Renewables are defined as solar, wind, hydro or
landfill gas, and the RFP also solicits a detailed marketing plan
for promoting renewables. A recent survey shows that 2,000
residential customers would buy green power at a premium of up
to $10 a month if at least 10% of power came from renewable
sources, while almost 300 commercial customers would pay an
additional $25 per month for the same mix. The utility contracts
for 10 MW of wind power from a Texas windfarm and 3 MW of
landfill electricity. It has sponsored 13 solar projects, which
generate 490 kW.
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British Government Wants Industry Support for Solar
British energy minister John Battle wants industry to work with
government to develop the long-term potential of solar energy.
Speaking at a PV conference, he announced three initiatives: a
field trial for 100 houses with PV installations to look at system
sizes and types of building, and to develop a design manual for
homebuilders that can pave the way for a larger program in
future; a call for proposals for development of PV components
and systems, with a budget of 1 million pounds to fund up to 50%
of total cost; and showcases for British PV technology and design
by demonstrating PVs in large-scale building applications and
establishing best practices. Government wants comments from
the PV industry on the three proposals.
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Largest Industrial Solar System Commissioned in the U-S
Bentley Mills has installed the largest industrial solar system in
the U-S to power carpet tufting machines. The 127 kW array in
California is a first step in the company's goal to become the first
sustainable industrial organization. With minor funding from the
California Energy Commission and DoE, the $1 million project
has 448 panels that deliver 100 kW to the grid, equivalent to 6%
reduction in power use.
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Survey Shows Green Premium is 1.1¢ to 2.5¢ per kWh
The California Public Utilities Commission has analyzed green
power and conventional electricity offerings in the residential
market, and published a 'Guide to Residential Electric Service
Options' to compare information on service plans and rates.
Using data from ten electric service providers, it shows that 15 of
18 products differentiate by environmental features. Eleven of
the 15 meet Green-e certification, and price premiums range from
1.1¢ to 2.5¢/kWh for consumption (500 kWh monthly); for one
green supplier, the premium reached 4.2¢/kWh. Five products
include from 5% to 25% of new renewables content.
Details: http://162.15.5.2/SB477/MatrixIntroWeb.htm.htmlt=1x.htmllve/tm
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Wind Generates Power for Customers in Minnesota
Electric co-op consumers in Minnesota and Wisconsin can
receive power from three wind turbines near Chandler, which
began generation in December. Great River Energy is the first
utility in Minnesota to allow customers to purchase renewable
energy, and the windfarm was voluntary and not state-mandated.
The three turbines generate 2 MW, and are the tallest turbines in
the U-S at 206 feet. GRE sells one-third of the wind output to
neighboring utilities.
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Preference for Green Power Jumps in Oregon Pilot Project
Pacific Power says 28% of customers who agreed to participate
in the second round of a program for residential and commercial
customers chose the green power option, which is almost double
the 15% who chose green power last June. Customers can
choose from a range of options; green power is from 80%
existing geothermal and 20% wind from PacifiCorp's Wyoming
windfarm, for which they pay a 12% premium. About 6% of
eligible customers chose to participate in the pilot, meaning that
2% of customers receive green power now.
Details: http://www.pacificorp.com/about/custchoice.htmlt=1x.htmllve/tm
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U-S Senator Wants Small Hydroelectric Bids Controlled
Alaska Senator Frank Murkowski wants his state to regulate
hydro projects under 5 MW, and not the federal government. The
Republican chairman of the Senate Energy Committee has
introduced a bill, similar to one that was nearly approved by
Congress before adjournment last year. The FERC process is
too expensive for small hydro proposals, and he says Alaska's
average residential electricity prices are 36% higher than the U-S
average. Power in Alaska can reach 43 c/kWh, or five times the
national median.
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Communities in Ghana to Benefit from PV Electricity
More than us$1 million will be spent to install solar electric sites
at 13 communities in Ghana's north. The project is the first of its
kind in sub-Saharan Africa, to provide off-grid power in a pilot
effort to assess a national solar program. The United Nations
UNDP and U-S DoE are helping with costs, and power will be
used for lighting, entertainment, water pumping, vaccine
refrigeration, cottage industries and night schools. The rural
communities will increase economic development, and residents
will be trained in bore-holing, PV-powered grain grinders, dress
making and other local priorities. Officials are looking at wind
and biomass to complement existing energy sources. UNDP
says increased utilization of renewable energy technologies is
required to reduce long-term emissions of greenhouse gases.
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Utility Gets Grant to Promote Renewable Earth Energy
A grant of $1.25 million has been given to American Electric
Power to promote GeoExchange (earth energy) heating and
cooling systems. The Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium, which
represents the U-S DoE, EPA, public utilities and manufacturers,
will give the money to AEP for a two-year plan to increase the
number of systems in its seven-state territory. Residential and
commercial units can reduce heating and cooling bills by half,
while also cutting greenhouse gas emissions and maintenance
costs. Units collect solar heat in underground pipes, which is
transferred to a heat pump for space conditioning. Most systems
also heat water, are quiet, and have no outdoor components to
provide longer life. AEP will sponsor programs to explain the
benefits of GeoExchange systems, and offer training to installers
and designers. Manufacturers will make financing available
through lending programs.
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Houston Consumers to Receive Wind Power
Reliant Energy will purchase 22 MW of wind electricity from
American National Wind Power's Delaware Mountain Windfarm
located in Texas. This is the first 30 MW phase of a proposed
250 MW windfarm for ANWP. Houston is not suitable for wind
generation, so the 40 Zond 750 kW towers are being erected in
the Delaware Mountain range, with power delivery scheduled for
June. ANWP is an affiliate of American Wind Power of Houston
and National Wind Power of Britain, a leading windfarm
developer and operator in the U-K.
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Canadian Budget Gives Tax Break to Power Generators
Companies that generate electricity in Canada will be eligible for
a four-year phase-in tax reduction. The tax credit has existed
since 1972, and the federal budget will extend the 7% rate to
generators of electricity or steam, to assist a sector facing
massive restructuring. The Toronto law firm of Shepherd
Mondrow says the change will benefit conventional generators
more than renewable energy sources. "The existing incentives
for renewables already leave producers with tax breaks they can't
use. Coal and low-efficiency oil and gas generators, as well as
nuclear and large hydro, have lower rates of CCA deduction, and
so potentially much higher taxable incomes."
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R&D Funding for Prototype Wind Turbine
The Wind Turbine Company will receive $950,000 from the
California Energy Commission to develop a state-of-the-art wind
turbine. The prototype is rated at 350 kW and will be tested at
Colorado's National Wind Technology Center before moving to a
permanent site in 2000. WTC has a $22 million contract with the
DoE to develop a low-cost utility turbine, and will use CEC funds
from a $250 million Public Interest Energy Research Program that
was established by the state to fund R+D projects that focus on
renewable energies. Awards of $62 million will be awarded each
year for four years; WTC is the only wind turbine development
project to be funded under PIER.
International capacity for wind energy is growing at 35% per year,
says the Worldwatch Institute. Last year, more than 2,000 MW of
capacity, worth $2 billion, was installed, with 400 MW in the U-S.
The industry predicts that worldwide sales will average 3,000 MW
a year for the next five years.
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Wind Electricity to be Available in New Mexico by April
Southwestern Public Service is marketing its Windsource power
option, to come from a 700 kW turbine at a premium of $3 per
100 kWh block. Cielo Wind Power of Austin is building the $1
million turbine, and will supply 1.8 million kWh per year under a
15-year contract. If the program loses money due to insufficient
subscribers, SPS may ask the New Mexico Public Regulation
Commission for a rate increase to cover the loss. Public Service
Company of Colorado has supplied power to 9,000 subscribers
from seven turbines since last year; they hope to pay off the $7
million investment over a 15-year period, and it already plans to
build ten more wind generators. SPS will build a second turbine
when output of the first is 80% subscribed, and it is the first utility
in the state to offer wind energy as an option. It will offer its wind
option to customers in Texas soon. SPS erected its first wind
turbine in 1992, with three 30 kW units near Amarillo.
Public Service Company of New Mexico has plans to provide
green electricity through a solar plant that will be built near
Albuquerque; no timetable has been announced.
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U-S Renewables Groups Want Tax Incentives
The Sustainable Energy Coalition wants Republican members of
Congress to include tax incentives that will encourage "more
widespread use of renewable energy and energy efficiency
technologies" in the pending U-S tax package. The Coalition
says promotion of new technology for clean energy has broad
bipartisan support, and renewable energies already provide clean
power and high-tech jobs. "Well-crafted tax incentives or their
equivalent can play a key role in stimulating both energy
efficiency and renewable energy by increasing sales of
market-ready products, boosting economies-of-scale in
production, and lowering costs for consumers."
During the last session of Congress, a wide array of targeted tax
incentives were introduced to promote the use of renewables,
and the Clinton administration has re-submitted energy tax
proposals with its FY2000 budget. "If there is to be a major tax
bill signed into law during this Congress, targeted tax relief to
accelerate America's transition to clean energy and the
achievement of air quality goals should be part of the mix," the
group said.
The Coalition represents more than 20 groups, including the
American Public Power Association, American Green Network,
American Wind Energy Association, Geothermal Resources
Association, International District Energy Association, Renewable
Fuels Association, Solar Energy Industries Association and Union
of Concerned Scientists.
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Renewable Resources Included in WEC Survey
The World Energy Council has published its 18th 'Survey of
Energy Resources' (1998) that includes energy resources data
tables that summarize reserves, production and consumption of
non-fossil energy sources. Changes to the 1998 edition include
the combing of PV installations with solar energy. Chapters
include Hydropower, Peat, Wood, Biomass, Solar, Geothermal,
Wind, Tidal, Wave, and Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion.
Details: http://www.wec.co.ukp.com/about/custchoice.htmlt=1x.htmllve/tm
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Research into Better Solar Cells
American Xtal Technology, a manufacturer of substrates for
compound semiconductors, will work with Spectrolab to produce
germanium substrates for satellite solar cells. Increased
efficiency of cells that use Ge substrates continue to weight
reduction, thereby reducing the cost of satellite launches. Single
crystal compound solar cells are used increasingly over silicon.
Details: http://www.axt.com/products.htm/custchoice.htmlt=1x.htmllve/tm
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Solar Firm Opens Distribution Centre in Maryland
Solarex has opened a 35,000 square foot distribution centre that
has an on-line location access system and bar coding. Demand
and shipping goals to international distribution points prompted
the move to the new warehouse. Solarex is the operating unit of
Amoco/Enron Solar, with 26 years in the PV industry.
Details: http://www.solarex.comducts.htm/custchoice.htmlt=1x.htmllve/tm
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Berkeley Students Become Leaders In Green Power
The largest student housing co-operative in North America will
consume 100% renewable electricity from Green Mountain
Energy of Vermont. The 1,300-member University Co-op in
Berkeley is the first student organization in California to purchase
green power, and has pledged to educate other student
organizations about the importance (and simplicity) of switching
to green power.
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Consumer Groups Want Review of Generation Sales
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has been asked by
consumer and municipal power groups to review the sale of
generation asset by regulated utilities. The American Public
Power Association says public transmission access is threatened,
and FERC must closely review the growing trend by electricity
utilities to auction generation capacity under deregulation. The
groups claim sales are not being uniformly submitted, thereby
failing to meet U-S federal law. Consolidation of generation
plants to large providers will threaten open transmission access,
and APPA wants a two-year moratorium on mergers among large
utilities.
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Internet Site Shows Green Pricing Activities
The Green Power Network provides news on green markets and
utility programs across the U-S and internationally, including
green providers, product offerings, consumer issues, and
policies. Green pricing allows customers to support utility
investments in renewable energy technologies, with a premium to
cover extra costs of renewables. More than 30 utilities are
involved in green pricing options.
Details: http://www.eren.doe.gov/greenpower/pricing.shtml=1x.htmllve/tm
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Wisconsin Utilities Criticized for Cuts in Conservation
Environmental groups say that utilities in Wisconsin have cut
spending on energy conservation by two-thirds ($147 million in
1993 to $53 million in 1997), which has reduced electric savings
by 58% (621 to 262 GWh). They say $6 billion a year is spent to
import coal, gas and oil for power generation and, by investing in
energy efficiency as ordered by the Public Service Commission,
Wisconsin could reduce the export of money.
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Hybrid Electric Army Truck is Demonstrated
Lockheed Martin and the U-S Army have produced a 5-ton truck
that is powered by a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and
offers significant improvements in fuel economy, performance
and reduced carbon emissions. Instead of a transmission, the
truck uses electric drive motors, a diesel-powered generator,
batteries, and an electronic control system, and consumes up to
50% less fuel than a standard diesel motor. It can generate 100
kW of auxiliary electric power, and can be driven for brief periods
in all-electric stealth mode.
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Co-sponsors Sought for Early Action Legislation
The International Climate Change Partnership is urging the U-S
Senate to support legislation that would give credit for voluntary
early action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many firms
are taking steps to reduce GHG emissions or have pledged
action, and the ICCP wants government to provide assurances
that these actions will be credited if some future regulatory
mandate arises. Companies that have taken action want to
ensure that their early action is not ignored when a mandatory
phase begins, which would be a form of penalty.
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Energy Tidbits
- NORPAK Power of Norway wants to build a hydroelectric plant
at Karuma falls in Uganda.
- Energy officials will meet at the annual Latin American Natural
Gas Summit, to debate the industry (www.firstconf.com/latgas).
- Geoffrey Ballard, a founder of proton exchange membrane fuel
cell manufacturer Ballard Power, has been named by Time
Magazine as 'Hero for the Planet' for his contribution to the
creation of an environmentally clean product.
- Sri Lanka is constructing a 60 MW barge-mounted power plant
at a cost of $72 million, which will offer the lowest tariff for any
power plant in the country, and can be moved to supply power to
any region in an electricity crisis.
- Calpine and Bechtel have met the requirements of the
California Energy Commission to proceed with a 12-month
technical and environmental review of the 880 MW gas-fired
cogen Delta Energy Center in Pittsburg.
- Thousands of dead carp near a hydro dam in Wisconsin are too
contaminated with PCBs and mercury to dump into landfill, and
will be allowed to decompose on the shore.
- Public Service of New Jersey says potential environmental
costs have persuaded it to drop interest in two coal-fired power
plants in Britain, where the government is expected to rule soon
on limits to emissions from the plants.
- Three U-S power marketers want to sell electricity to Canada
and Mexico, from surplus generation or power purchased on the
wholesale market.
- Construction will begin in Mexico this year on four electricity
generation plants, to produce 1,350 MW of power from a total
investment of $1 billion.
- Iran's President says his country is determined to operate its
own nuclear plant to boost economic development.
- IDM Energy has acquired a company in the Republic of
Georgia that operates a 42 MW hydro plant.
- Americans are becoming increasingly concerned with the
purchase of electricity assets by British utilities. Deregulation
opens the door for foreign companies to buy into the North
American market, but proposed purchases of Oregon's
PacifiCorp and New England Electric have upset consumer
groups who want to ensure benefits for local consumers.
- Power firms in East Africa are trying to co-ordinate national
programs and improve electricity output, particularly hydro output
from the River Nile.
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TRENDS in RENEWABLE ENERGIES is circulated by the
Canadian Association for Renewable Energies. A number of
news sources are used; CARE is not responsible for errors.
TRENDS is designed as a 'heads up' overview of renewable
energy in Canada and around the world. Further details or
contact information are not available at this time.
Back issues posted on http://www.renewables.cagreenpower/pricing.shtml=1x.htmllve/tm
Canadian Association for Renewable Energies
Bill Eggertson
We CARE
mailto:info@renewables.ca
TRENDS in RENEWABLE ENERGIES
issue #69 for March 1
A 'heads up' overview of renewable energies.
Forward TRENDS to colleagues; subscription is free.
Archives posted at http://www.renewables.ca.reenpower/pricing.shtml=1x.htmllve/tm
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IN THIS ISSUE:
California Community Becomes First 'Green Power City'
Shell Launches Solar Project in South Africa
Solar Housing Community to be Developed in Arizona
U-S Government Wants Renewables on Indian Land
British PV Association Wants Help to Grow
Africa and America Work on Clean Energy
U-S Offers $1.3 Million to Improve Wind Turbines
Colorado Commits to More Wind
Mongolia Wants Electricity from Wind
Vermont Teams with DoE on Solar Roofs
U-S Company Picks Panel to Pursue Renewables
New Jersey to Include Measures for Renewables
DoE Report Shows Electricity Generation by Renewables
Hydro Plant Goes Online Finally
Geothermal Goes Ahead in China
Solar Energy Research Needs New Direction
Electricity Generation Drops in Canada
U-S Prepares for Utility Mergers
Canada Invests in Re-Fueling System for Fuel Cell Vehicles
Database Released on U-S Power Plants
Canada to Hold Meeting on Domestic CO2 Emissions Trading
Website Posted on Energy Security
Environmentalists Oppose Nuclear as "Green Energy"
France Backs Nuclear as Cheap and Clean
European Electricity Utilities Ready for Competition
U-S Utility Generation for November
Oil Giant says Oil's Time has Passed
Big Business Group Exhibits at Sustainable Energy Fair
Sale of Electricity May Fund Other Activities in Texas
Electric Generation Follows Price of Fuel
Energy Tidbits
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CORRECTION: issue 68, February 22
story: DoE to Spend $500 Million to Promote Earth Energy
delete: "a $500 million national saving retrofit program"
change: "contracts could generate $500 million in work"
http://198.124.130.244/news/releases99/febpr/pr99018.htmlve/tm
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California Community Becomes First 'Green Power City'
Santa Monica is the first major city in the world to obtain all of its
electricity needs from renewable energy. City Council voted
unanimously to purchase 5 MW of power from Commonwealth
Energy for municipal power needs for one year. Several green
power marketers were evaluated; officials say Commonwealth
offered the best price and greatest flexibility. Power will come
from geothermal plants owned by Calpine (recently purchased
from PG+E). The city will pay a 5% premium ($140,000) for
green energy, but had predicted $250,000. Santa Monica has a
'Sustainable City Program' that includes energy efficiency
measures, electric vehicles, and PV installations. The city now
will launch an education campaign to raise awareness of energy
use and its environmental impact, and to encourage people to
switch to green power providers.
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Shell Launches Solar Project in South Africa
The world's largest commercial solar rural electrification project
has been launched by President Nelson Mandela in the eastern
cape region. More than 50,000 homes will have electricity in a
project seen as a blueprint for introducing power to other rural
areas in Africa. Shell Renewables and Eskom (South Africa's
national supplier) will run the project. Eskom has electrified
1,340 schools and 100 rural clinics using power generated from
solar, wind and micro-hydro. Customers will pay $30 to install a
Shell solar panel, a charge controlled battery, and metering unit,
and $8 a month for power. The battery and PV panel will not
function without the matching control system, to reduce theft of
outdoor units. Subsidies will not be used for this program, which
is being monitored for commercial replication.
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Solar Housing Community to be Developed in Arizona
A 14-acre all-electric community in Tucson will use solar energy
for electricity, water and space heating for each of 100 houses to
be built. Global Solar will supply thin-film PV material for
rooftops, and reduce consumption of Tucson Electric Power's
grid electricity by at least 75%. House prices will range from
$80,000 to $150,000, with floorspace of 800-1,200 square feet.
Thermal mass walls and high-insulation windows will be included,
as well as separate water lines to reclaim water for irrigation.
Details: http://www.tucsonelectric.comeleases99/febpr/pr99018.htmlve/tm
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U-S Government Wants Renewables on Indian Land
The DoE will revise its policy and fund $1.8 million in projects to
develop the use of renewables on native-owned lands. More
than 550 tribes will obtain access to energy resources, and will
help the U-S renewable energy market by providing data on
remote applications and creating jobs for native Americans. A
solicitation seeks to advance commercially available renewable
energy technologies through 20 projects that demonstrate market
penetration of renewables, potential for job creation and
environmental benefits. Funding is available for PV, wind,
biomass, hydro, concentrating solar, geothermal electricity,
geothermal direct uses, ground-coupled heat pumps and hybrid
systems. Costs of at least 20% is required from non-federal
sources, and applications are due May 18.
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British PV Association Wants Help to Grow
If the British photovoltaic industry is to achieve its goal of 15%
market penetration by 2010, it must invest up to 20% of sales
revenue (100 million pounds) to build new factories. The PV
association wants measures that support the integration of solar
cells on buildings for embedded generation, with a direct grant of
50% towards the capital cost of domestic grid-connected PV
systems or tax relief on grid-connected systems, which would
reduce system cost by up to 45%. Other suggestions include the
classification of building-integrated PV modules as 'plant' rather
than 'structural component' to accelerate tax write-offs, and a
government R,D+D of 8 million pounds a year, up from the
current 1 million pounds. Renewables in Britain receive 100
million pounds a year from the Fossil Fuel Levy, and the
association proposes that 10% of those funds be allocated to PV.
Details: http://www.godshill.demon.co.uk/PVes99/febpr/pr99018.htmlve/tm
--
Africa and America Work on Clean Energy
South Africa and the U-S will promote clean energy initiatives that
reduce GHG emissions and promote economic growth, with
emphasis on the promotion of renewable energies. Washington
will fund projects to expand the availability of green power, and
will train entrepreneurs in the renewable energy sector.
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U-S Offers $1.3 Million to Improve Wind Turbines
The DoE is seeking partnerships to improve the performance of
small turbines for use in grid-connected or off-grid generation.
Wind is expected to play a major role in the transformation of
power generation, and three-year funding will provide technical
support to verify field performance of small turbines and evaluate
effectiveness in power applications, from water pumping to ice
making. There will be support for turbine installation, operation
and performance verification, and independent testing by the
National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado.
Details: http://www.eren.doe.gov/golden/solicit.htmpr/pr99018.htmlve/tm
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Colorado Commits to More Wind
Public Service of Colorado will have 21 wind turbines by spring,
up from the current 15 units that generate 10 MW. Almost 10,000
customers have subscribed to the 'Windsource' option, including
100 commercial customers such as IBM, Coors and the City of
Boulder. Each turbine costs $800,000 and generates 700 kW.
PSC has spent $12 million on windfarms, and charges a premium
of $2.50 for residential customers. Commissioning for the latest
units was six weeks behind schedule because excess wind
hampered construction. Although Colorado is the eighth state in
terms of wind generation, PSC says 'Windsource' is the biggest
voluntary program compared with government-mandated
programs. The second largest power provider in Colorado,
Tri-State Generation, is finalizing contracts to obtain power from
windfarms in Wyoming.
--
Mongolia Wants Electricity from Wind
The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has 40 MW of installed
wind power capacity, and is importing eleven more U-S turbines
for $1 million. In 1994, 32 units were imported for total capacity
of 16,300 kW, with loans from Denmark, the Netherlands and the
U-S. Wind power capacity in Inner Mongolia will reach 200,000
kW (540 million kWh) by 2000. China has 253 million kW of
wind resources, and wants to increase capacity to one million
kilowatts by 2000, including its current capacity of 200,000 kW.
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Vermont Teams with DoE on Solar Roofs
The state of Vermont will add 1,000 roof-top solar systems under
the Million Solar Roofs Initiative. The goal is to install one million
solar systems by 2010, either of PV electricity or solar thermal
panels. Funding for partnerships is $600,000; so far, 14 partners
have pledged to install 700,000 systems.
--
U-S Company Picks Panel to Pursue Renewables
Full Power Group has wants to move into distributed generation,
where generation devices are connected to a utility's distribution
system. The Florida firm says the timing is right, "given
consumers readiness to pay a premium for green power," to
investigate photovoltaics and wind turbines.
--
New Jersey to Include Measures for Renewables
Retail access starts in August in New Jersey, when utilities and
competitive suppliers must meet a renewables quota for power
sold in the state. There are two classes of renewables: electricity
from solar and PV technologies, wind, fuel cells, geothermal,
wave/tidal action, and methane gas from landfills or sustainable
biomass; or energy from solid waste incinerators and certain
hydro facilities. The renewables mix for Class 1 will increase to
4% by 2012. Emissions data and fuel mix must be disclosed, and
net metering must be offered for wind or PV in residential and
small commercial sites at non-discriminatory rates. Money
collected for demand-side management programs will be used to
fund Class I renewable energy programs and energy efficiency
(25% of renewables projects must be located in New Jersey).
After five years, funding for renewables programs will be at least
50% of DSM funds collected, up to $140 million.
--
DoE Report Shows Electricity Generation by Renewables
In 1995, renewable energy comprised 3% of U-S utility power
purchases, but it sold at above-average price. The retail price
paid to other utilities was 3.53 c/kWh, but the price to non-utilities
for renewable electricity was as high as 9.05 c/kWh. 'Renewable
Energy Purchases: History + Recent Developments' shows that,
of $4 billion in renewables purchases in 1995, geothermal
received $993 million (for 10,198 million kWh of power), followed
by municipal waste at $961 m (for 18,966 mkWh) and wood at
$931 m (37,895 mkWh). Conventional hydroelectric generated
$512 m in purchases (16,555 mkWh), wind made $339 m (3,400
mkWh), and solar received $124 m (903 mkWh).
Of the 17,172 MW installed renewable capacity at non-utility
facilities, wood was 7,053 MW, hydro 3,419 MW, municipal waste
3,063 MW, wind 1,670 MW, geothermal 1,346 MW, and solar
354 MW.
Details: http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/solar.renewables/r99018.htmlve/tm
/page/renewright.html
--
Hydro Plant Goes Online Finally
Brazil has commissioned its second largest hydroelectric station,
the Sergio Motta facility on the Parana River, after 20 years of
construction and an investment of $11 billion. Eighteen turbines
are powered by a 250 km reservoir, which was opposed by
environmentalists. Construction was stopped for financial
reasons when the government was fighting inflation.
--
Geothermal Goes Ahead in China
The northwest region of China has dug its first geothermal well,
and is producing water at 68oC. The use of geothermal in China
is growing at 12% a year, and there are 3,000 wells in 70 cities.
One well is more than 3 km deep, promises a lifespan of 30
years, and produces 1,680 cubic meters of water each day.
--
Solar Energy Research Needs New Direction
copyright: Energy.com
Are solar energy companies in the developed world responding
appropriately to Third World needs? No, says Clive Desmond of
Malaysia, who wrote "Solar Energy in the Third World: Is the
Tiger Sleeping, or Is the Tiger Dead?" He focuses on the gap
between the photovoltaic cost breakthrough long promised by
western researchers and the reality that PV is becoming ever
more expensive.
What's the problem? Desmond points to two reasons why the
dream of solar energy is as yet unrealized in the Third World:
Much western research focuses on reflectors and ways to
improve storage -- technologies needed in developed, primarily
northern-hemisphere countries where sunshine is intermittent and
indirect for much of the year. That research is of little help to
most of the poor Third-World nations, where sunshine is
abundant. And, by failing to acknowledge the difference in
sunlight exposure, western researchers are also missing
opportunities to integrate PV technologies with far greater use of
passive solar for water heating and other applications that would
not be practical throughout much of the developed world.
Western researchers seek PV solutions that would address a
significant percentage of a western family's needs. Hundred-watt
modules are a drop in the bucket in a western household, where
lights and multiple televisions are constantly on, where central air
conditioning is a standard feature of new houses, where a
considerable percentage of cooking and heating are
accomplished by electricity, and where kitchens must be large
enough to accommodate dishwashers, microwaves, mixers,
coffeemakers, and electric can-openers. The daily needs of
Third World families are considerably less than those of their
Western counterparts, Desmond points out. Given that cooking is
largely accomplished with propane and that rooftop, passive solar
heaters take care of a large portion of hot water needs, a
Malaysian housewife during daylight hours needs only enough
electricity to run a refrigerator, a few fans, and perhaps a TV.
Affordable 100-watt PV modules should be able to fill those
needs while saving about 40% of the cost of grid electricity -- the
equivalent of 15 to 20% of a family's average monthly wage.
Bringing down PV costs would be far more feasible, Desmond
says, if solar companies would set up manufacturing facilities in
developing countries, where labor costs are low. Subsidies would
likely still be needed to maximize deployment, but the payoff
could be great as Third World applications developed and
spread. Desmond also points out that such programs would give
solar companies opportunities to:
- Produce PV modules in high volumes.
- Provide mass global education about solar energy.
- Build global consumer confidence in solar energy.
- Provide a platform for increased research into even more
affordable answers and systems.
- Develop additional low-cost, add-on, 'slot in' PV modules.
- Access a huge and virtually automatic potential market for such
add-ons.
- Enjoy increased sales in the more developed Third World areas
for as many individual solar-energy gadgets and domestic
products as are normally available in the West.
- Possibly avoid the enormous environmental destruction and
financial investment required to create hydro and/or other less
desirable sources of power.
- Prevent many of the regular Third World power outages that
generally result from demand that exceeds supply.
Clearly, Third World solar energy deployment is an investment
with long-run payoffs for the entire planet.
copyright: Energy.com
--
Electricity Generation Drops in Canada
Canada generated 3.7% less electricity in December, to 50,414
GWh. Hydroelectricity decreased 9.1%, due to lower reservoir
levels in Quebec and BC, which have 66% of hydro capacity.
Thermal generation increased by 8.7%, and nuclear was up
0.1%. In 1998, net generation was 542,650 GWh, down 2.0%
from 1997. Hydro dropped 5.3%, nuclear dropped 13.4%, while
thermal generation rose 13.4%.
--
U-S Prepares for Utility Mergers
Regulatory officials say utilities will be allowed to merge if the
new enterprise does not adversely affect competition, rates or
regulations. FERC will soon rule on Dominion Resources bid for
Consolidated Natural Gas at $6.3 billion, Sempra Energy's offer
for KN Energy at $1.8 billion, Southern Union's offer for
Southwest Gas at $1.85 billion, National Grid's bid for New
England Electric at $4.2 billion, and American Electric Power's
bid for Central & South West at $6.6 billion. Last week, Scottish
Power was allowed to purchase PacifiCorp for $7.8 billion.
--
Canada Invests in Re-Fueling System for Fuel Cell Vehicles
A $18 million project will support Stuart Energy to improve the
refueling of buses powered with hydrogen fuel cells. The system
will allow overnight refuelling, reduce costs by consuming
off-peak rates, and make fuel cell vehicles more popular.
--
Database Released on U-S Power Plants
The EPA has released a database of air emission and fuel source
data for U-S electricity plants. The 'Emissions & Generation
Resource Integrated Database' provides data on emissions and
resource mix for 4,800 electric plants and 2,000 generating firms.
It allows direct comparison of environmental attributes from
different plants, by providing emissions per unit of electricity from
various power sources. Emissions of NOx, SO2 and CO2 are
stated in pounds per million Btu and pounds per MWh.
Details: http://www.epa.gov/acidrain/egrid/egrid.htmes/r99018.htmlve/tm
--
Canada to Hold Meeting on Domestic CO2 Emissions Trading
The National Round Table on the Environment + the Economy
will examine trading schemes for emissions in other countries,
including allowance distribution and auctions, source coverage,
credits from outside the trading system, international flexibility
mechanisms and pilot programs for GHG trading.
Details: http://www.nrtee-trnee.cain/egrid/egrid.htmes/r99018.htmlve/tm
--
DoE Website Posted on Energy Security
EIA provides updates on international energy security, with a
focus on disruptions that affect oil, gas, coal, nuclear, and
electricity markets in the U-S and worldwide.
Details: http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/securityrid.htmes/r99018.htmlve/tm
--
Environmentalists Oppose Nuclear as "Green Energy"
British groups have told a Royal Commission on Environmental
Pollution that nuclear is not 'green energy' for reducing GHG
emissions. Even if nuclear were funded from credits under
carbon trading, they say it would still not be economic, and quote
a study that shows the lifecycle cost of new nuclear stations to be
at least 2 pence per kWh behind other generating sources.
Nuclear plants in Britain may be paid for C02 savings if they
avoid the need for coal-fired electricity.
Details: http://www.gn.apc.org/nfznsc/Pr/Pr151298.html/r99018.htmlve/tm
--
France Backs Nuclear as Cheap and Clean
Nuclear is the cheapest and cleanest fuel with a cost advantage
over natural gas in electricity generation, although the gap will
narrow in future, according to a study by the French government.
It says nuclear is the only efficient technical option against global
warming, and the future cost of nuclear will be 18 to 20 cents per
kWh, compared with 16 to 21 cents for combined-cycle gas. If
the cost of CO2 emissions is factored, the extra cost for gas
would be 6 to 7 cents per kWh.
--
European Electricity Utilities Ready for Competition
A survey by PriceWaterhouseCoopers shows that two-thirds of
utilities in Europe are prepared for electricity competition. The
threat of on-site generation has decreased, and most utilities plan
to target customers outside their service area, especially large
customers with annual demand of 20 GWh.
--
U-S Utility Generation for November
Total generation of electricity in the U-S dropped 2% to 239
billion kWh, with coal-fired generation showing the largest
decline (down 5% or 8 billion kWh). Hydro generation declined
21% versus last November. Total sales were 247 billion kWh, up
in all sectors except residential.
--
Oil Giant says Oil's Time has Passed
The world has embarked on "the beginning of the Last Days of
the Age of Oil," says the head of ARCO. Mike Bowlin says global
demand for renewables and other clean energies will grow faster
than overall demand for energy, including oil and coal. "We must
recognize the growing role such alternative technologies are
bound to play in the future," and energy companies must respond
wisely or face the consequences.
Details: http://www.arco.com/corporate/news/SA020999.htm99018.htmlve/tm
--
Big Business Group Exhibits at Sustainable Energy Fair
The U-S Chamber of Commerce has reserved major exhibition
space at the World Sustainable Energy Fair (Sustain 99) in
Amsterdam in May. The fair covers renewable energies and
energy efficiency, and will discuss the EU's white paper on
renewables, with conferences in finance, utilities, and Pvs.
Details: http://www.emml.com/corporate/news/SA020999.htm99018.htmlve/tm
--
Sale of Electricity May Fund Other Activities in Texas
When Texas starts to sell electricity, the state could generate a
profit of millions of dollars for education. Amendment to a Bill on
utility deregulation would allow state-owned oil and gas to be
converted into electricity for sale to public agencies at a saving,
and up to $200 million a year in revenue could be invested in
state trust funds for public schools and universities. The state
could not control more than 2.5% of power sales in any area.
--
Electric Generation Follows Price of Fuel
Although natural gas is expected to play a leading role in future
generation of electricity, Energy Insight RDI notes that gas usage
(as a percentage of total generation) fell from 10% in 1995 to 9%
in 1997, generating 279 TWh of electricity in 1997, down from
296 TWh in 1995. As gas-fired generation dropped, coal moved
in as a replacement. Despite environmental concerns, the firm
says "fuel costs remain the bottom line" in generation.
--
Energy Tidbits
- Renewable energy portfolio standards for all competitive power
suppliers in Massachusetts must start before the end of 2003.
- Greenpeace says 30,000 new jobs could be created if the U-K
government backed an ambitious plan for offshore wind energy.
- By mid-2000, 0.5% of the total energy output from supplier in
Connecticut must be generated from class 1 renewable energy
facilities (solar, wind, fuel cells, landfill gas, biomass), and an
additional 5.5% must be from class 2 sources (waste-to-energy
facilities, biomass, or hydroelectric sites). The renewables ratio
will increase each year to 6% and 7% (respectively) by 2009.
- U-S Energy Systems may purchase 1,800 acres from a private
trust in California, to explore for geothermal energy.
- Russia will borrow $400 million from the World Bank to work on
social projects and privatization related to coal.
- Southern States Power has launched a program for stationary
source fuel cell generation, that can run indefinitely on natural
gas and be combined with a gas-powered cogen units.
- From the euro 1.4 billion energy R+D budget, the European
Commission will dedicate 60% to renewable energy under a
program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Three quarters of
this money will go to demonstrations and the balance to research.
- Green taxes that were introduced in Denmark in 1995 will
reduce CO2 emissions by 4% by 2005, and a study shows that
the competitiveness of business has not been negatively
impacted.
- The Edesur electric utility in Buenos Aires has been fined $70
million for a blackout that cut power to 200,000 people.
- The U-S Nuclear Regulatory Commission has chosen eight
plants that will undergo a new inspection + assessment program.
- The Superior Court in Quebec has ordered government utility
Hydro-Quebec to stop construction of a 735 kV transmission
network until detailed environmental impact hearings are held.
The 100 km line was fast-tracked following last winter's ice storm
in eastern Canada, which cut power to 1.4 million customers.
- An onsite power unit, using a 200-kW phosphoric acid fuel cell,
may provide low-emission generation in small (<1 MW) cogen
systems that produce little or no SO2, NOx, and CO2.
- The Gas Research Institute is developing a solid oxide fuel cell
for use in distributed and on-site power applications.
- Increasing power output of nuclear stations through 'uprating'
has become an inexpensive option for utilities to increase electric
output without increasing operating and maintenance costs. The
cost to increase from uprating can be as low as $10/kW, and
changes the shut-down settings, thereby raising the reactor's
power level without increasing fuel cost.
- Environmentalists will oppose Calpine's plan to build a 600 MW
gas-fired generating plant that uses a 130-foot smokestack.
- Coal will remain a major source of electricity generation in the
world despite environmental opposition, says Alan Moran of the
Institute of Public Affairs. Many companies are investing in coal
because they don't believe governments will impose a carbon tax
or reverse their stands on nuclear energy.
- In order for Australia to meet its greenhouse gas emissions
under the Kyoto protocol, a tax of $130 per tonne of carbon will
be required, says the country's agricultural bureau.
- India will increase its dependence on oil imports by 10% within
five years, to a total of 70% of demand.
- Japan's imports of oil and coal imports are increasing rapidly;
installed electrical capacity is 19% hydro and 18% nuclear.
- Energy predictions indicate that oil will dominate world energy
demand in 2010 at 40%, followed by gas and coal, and nuclear at
6%. By 2020, coal will decline for environmental reasons, and
the use of nuclear will depend on safety issues.
- The Korean government wants money to construct a 100 MW
methane power plant at a large garbage dump near Seoul.
- TECO Power of Florida and Energia Global of Bermuda will
spend $25 million on a joint venture to develop power projects in
Central America countries, using EGI's strength in hydro, wind
and other renewable energy sources.
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energy in Canada and around the world. Further details or
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Canadian Association for Renewable Energies
Bill Eggertson
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