Issue #89 (July 19)
Subject: #89, TRENDS in RENEWABLE ENERGIES

A 'heads up' overview of developments in renewable energy.
Forward TRENDS to colleagues; subscription is free.
Archives are posted at  http://www.renewables.ca./locate/ContentsDirectlist-archive/nals.html-idhtm
If contact information is not provided, it is not available.

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IN THIS ISSUE:

VERIFICATION TO INCREASE RENEWABLES IN BRITAIN
MONSTER WIND TURBINE TO BE UNVEILED
U.S. SENATE URGED TO BACK PRO-RENEWABLES BILL
RENEWABLE POWER HAS HIGHEST MARKET VALUE
SURVEYS ON RENEWABLES SHOW STRONG PROMISE
UK FALLING BEHIND ON COMMITMENT TO RENEWABLES
DENMARK POSTS ANOTHER RECORD YEAR FOR WIND
MORE STATES BUY INTO GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMPS
U.S. DOE CONFIDENT ABOUT CONCENTRATING SOLAR
IPPs TAKE LARGER ROLE IN TEXAS POWER INDUSTRY
DEVELOPMENT URGED FOR NEW ZEALAND'S WIND
HYDRO FIRM MOVES SOLIDLY INTO WIND ENERGY
BPA FOUNDATION PROMOTES RENEWABLE ENERGY
LONG ISLAND SEEKS ENERGY, BUT NOT RENEWABLES
NASA LOOKING AT SOLAR POWER FROM SPACE AGAIN
PV TECHNOLOGY TO RECEIVE R&D AWARD
ENVIRONMENTALISTS TO CHALLENGE RECYCLING
GREEN SUPPLIER USES INTERNET MERCHANT
PV COMPANY UNVEILS AUTOMATED PROCESS
JAPAN TESTS EXPERIMENTAL AEROTRAIN
YORK RESEARCH ANNOUNCES NEW WEB SITE
GREEN ENERGY SUPPLIER UNDER INVESTIGATION
U.S. ANALYSES OF OTHER COUNTRIES
COMMENTS ON U.S. PLAN TO INCREASE WIND ENERGY
CLOUDS OVER WIND POWER
ENERGY TIDBITS

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01
VERIFICATION TO INCREASE RENEWABLES IN BRITAIN
The British government hopes to stimulate the renewable
energy industry by supporting a program that will verify green
energy. 'Future Energy' was launched by the Energy Saving
Trust to support and stimulate production of energy from
renewable sources, by checking environmental claims of
suppliers on their claims of green energy. A number of green
energy tariffs are already offered to consumers, and the first
group of accredited firms includes PowerGen, ScottishPower,
Northern Ireland Electricity and London Electricity. The British
government has set a target of 10% of its electricity to be
generated from renewable sources by 2010; it currently is 2%.
Research indicates that more than 70% of residential
customers are interested in buying electricity from renewable
sources, and that almost half would be willing to pay a
premium. Future Energy will accredit two types of green
energy offerings; where a customer pays into a fund to
stimulate investments in renewable energy, or where a
supplier proves that it purchases as much renewable energy
as it sells over a 12-month period. The Energy Saving Trust
was launched after the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

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02
MONSTER WIND TURBINE TO BE UNVEILED
A Danish manufacturer will unveil a new wind turbine this fall
that will be rated at 2,500 kilowatts. Nordex GmbH produces
turbines from 150 kW to 1,300 kW, but will unveil its N80
model at the Husum Exhibition in Germany this September.
The unit is designed for offshore windfarm installations, which
many countries in Europe plan to build. The turbine will
include new features, which Nordex refuses to reveal until the
official presentation, but the company builds three-bladed,
horizontal-axis, stall-regulated units. In April, Nordex unveiled
its 800 kW model at the Hannover Fair, which is made for the
export market and can be shipped in a 40-foot container. In
February, the company was selected as top turbine company
in Denmark for a second year, beating out NEG Micon, Vestas
and nine others.
http://www.nordex.dk/News/news_31.htmentsDirectlist-archive/nals.html-idhtm

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03
U.S. SENATE URGED TO BACK PRO-RENEWABLES BILL
National energy groups are urging members of the U.S.
Senate to support a bill that would encourage renewable
energy. "No other electric utility reform legislation provides
such strong and practical measures to put America on track to
a sustainable energy future," say 24 organizations of the
Clean Energy Act of 1999, to be introduced by Republican
Senators James Jeffords and Democrat Joseph Lieberman.
The bill would foster renewables through a portfolio standard,
allow net metering, and establish a national fund to promote
renewable R+D. It would cap GHG emissions and oblige
utilities to disclose the source of generating fuel. Developing
renewables will create jobs and boost U.S. competitiveness in
the international race to develop renewable technologies,
says the coalition. Research by DoE and the Union of
Concerned Scientists shows that the U.S. could significantly
increase the amount of energy it produces from renewable
sources while reducing electricity prices.

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04
RENEWABLE POWER HAS HIGHEST MARKET VALUE
Electricity generated from hydro and geothermal plants has
the highest market value, according to a study by a private
research group. Hydroelectric assets have an average market
value of almost $570 a kW, according to the analysis by
Energy Insight, compared to $385/kW for gas-fired electricity,
which was in fifth place for market value. An analysis of
57,500 MW of generating capacity sold since 1997, shows
hydro and geothermal assets produced the highest average
market value, in large part due to their perception as 'green'
energy alternatives. Nuclear had the lowest valuation, while oil
and coal took third and fourth place. Most U.S. capacity sold
in the past two years has been in the northeast, including all
2,000 MW of hydro assets. Coal remains the cheapest
generation fuel in the U.S., with assets selling for $413/kW
based on the sale of 21,300 MW capacity and total purchase
price of $10.8 billion. More than 10,000 MW of gas-fired
assets were sold for $3.8 billion.
http://www.einsight.comws/news_31.htmentsDirectlist-archive/nals.html-idhtm

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05
SURVEYS ON RENEWABLES SHOW STRONG PROMISE
Public interest in renewable energy and conservation may be
higher than ever, according to an extensive analysis of
consumer surveys. "A large number of consumers support
utility investments in conservation and renewable resources,"
says the Bonneville Power Administration in 'Renewable
Resources and Conservation: What Consumers Want.' The
report is based on an examination of 18 surveys and focus
groups conducted between 1990 and 1998, dealing with the
issue of green energy. Consumer attitudes in the northwest
are consistent with those across the U.S. Although national
support is "slightly stronger for utility investments in renewable
resources than in conservation," both options were favored
over thermal resources by significant majorities. Almost all
studies indicated that consumers are willing to pay more for
renewables and conservation, but early acceptance in utility
programs has been low. Most support rate-basing
conservation, and support for green energy is correlated with
the amount of information that consumers receive on the topic.
Younger people and women are more likely to support
renewables, as are higher income and higher education.
http://www.bpa.gov/Energy/N/renewables/main_page.htmarchive/nals.html-idhtm

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06
UK FALLING BEHIND ON COMMITMENT TO RENEWABLES
Britain and other members of the European Union will miss
their targets for energy from renewable sources unless they
make major policy changes. Europe has a target of 12% of
primary energy from renewable energy sources by 2010, but
this target requires "a determined and sustained drive," says a
Parliamentary report. "The right words are said, but we found
too little sign of these delivering the necessary action," said
panel chair Lord Geddes. "Only a step change in the
expansion of the renewables, supported by new policies but
requiring only modest finance, will meet the targets." Energy
from wind, solar or waste is less polluting than traditional
sources, he said, and an important part of plans to cut GHG
emissions. The report warns that Britain's target of 5% of
electricity from renewables by 2003 and 10% by 2010 would
not be achieved with present policies. The planning and
consent process for green energy projects needs "urgent
improvement" because it has been a major stumbling block for
adoption of renewable energy technologies. A surcharge of $5
on residential electricity bills to fund a renewable energy
program and a new agency to co-ordinate fragmented
responsibilities for key energy matters were recommended by
the committee. A government official said Britain is on target
to achieve the 5% target by 2003.

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07
DENMARK POSTS ANOTHER RECORD YEAR FOR WIND
The sale of wind turbines in Denmark grew by 26% in 1998,
topping out at 1,216 MW of capacity. The country's turbine
manufacturing has increased six-fold over the past five years,
according to the Danish Wind Turbine Manufacturers
Association. A total of 1,742 turbines were sold last year, with
Germany the largest market at 32% of sales, compared with
26% sold in Denmark. Spain accounted for 16% and Italy
purchased 7%. The average turbine size was 700 kW. Sales
figures do not include local manufacturing of Danish turbines
in other countries, such as Spain, India and the U.S. DWTMA
expects growth in 1999 to reach 30%, with employment
reaching 15,000, making wind turbine manufacturers a bigger
employer than the country's electricity sector. The turbine
industry reached 7 billion DKK in sales in 1998, including
more than 5 billion of exports. Exports of rotor blades and
other components to foreign manufacturers added another 1
billion DKK. Turnover in the Danish industry is twice as large
as the North Sea production of natural gas. Export turnover
should grow by 3 billion DKK in 1999, while domestic sales
will decline by 1 billion. The 10,000 MW of international wind
capacity is equal to the total nuclear capacity in 1968. More
than half of world wind power is of Danish origin. Installed
wind power in Denmark is 1,500 MW, and wind energy will
provide 10% of the country's electricity this year. DWTMA
calculates commissioned projects only, while other studies
include all wind turbine shipments. A report from BTM will
show larger figures for 1998, due to large projects being
installed in Canada, the U.S. and Spain but which are not yet
operational.
http://www.windpower.dk/core.htmwables/main_page.htmarchive/nals.html-idhtm

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08
MORE STATES BUY INTO GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMPS
A growing number of states are providing financial incentives
for the use of earth energy heat pumps, which the U.S.
government considers to be one the most efficient heating and
cooling technologies currently available. The Environmental
Protection Agency says state programs include property tax
exemptions for installed units, income tax credits, and grant
programs for public-private geothermal energy projects. Idaho
allows an income tax deduction to taxpayers who install a
solar, wind, or geothermal device used for heating or
generating electricity. EPA says geothermal heat pumps are
among the most efficient and comfortable heating and cooling
technologies currently available for buildings, and have been
installed in more than 450 schools in 30 states. Units are
labeled under EPA's Energy Star program, and save 40% off
heating and cooling bills. North Dakota has signed a
memorandum of understanding with the Geothermal Heat
Pump Consortium in Washington, to install in state facilities
where systems are feasible and cost-effective.
http://www.epa.gov/appdstar/hvac/geothermal.html.htmarchive/nals.html-idhtm

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09
U.S. DOE CONFIDENT ABOUT CONCENTRATING SOLAR
Concentrating solar power technology currently offers the
lowest-cost solar electricity for large-scale generation, with a
cost of $2 to $3 per watt and solar power in the range of 9¢ to
12¢ per kWh. CSP systems are predicted to generate 20,000
MW by 2020, according to DoE's CSP Program. Innovative
hybrid systems that combine large CSP plants with
conventional combined cycle gas or coal plants can cut
current costs in half and drive the cost of solar power to less
than 8¢ per kWh for power plants of 10 MW or more.
Technology advancements and the use of low-cost thermal
storage will allow CSP plants to operate for more hours during

the day and to shift solar generation to evening hours, which
will drop the generation cost below 5¢ per kWh in the next few
decades. CSP plants use mirrors to obtain high-temperature
heat, and systems can be sized from 10 kW to 100 MW for
grid applications. If combined with gas, a hybrid provides
high-value, dispatchable power and is an attractive renewable
energy option in the southwest U.S. and in sunbelt regions.
DoE says all U.S. electricity demand could be met by installing
a 100 mile CSP site with parabolic troughs in Nevada. There
are three configurations of CSP systems. Trough systems
concentrate the sun's energy by curved reflectors, which heats
fluid for use in a conventional steam generator. A dish/engine
system is a stand-alone unit, where solar heat is converted to
mechanical power. Power towers use thousands of heliostat
mirrors to reflect the sun's rays onto the top of a tower, where
molten salt is heated and then used to generate electricity.
The Solar Two power tower in California's Mojave Desert
generates 10 MW of electricity by heating salt to 1,050 F.
CSP projects are under development in India, Egypt, Morocco
and Mexico. Independent power producers are planning
projects in Crete and Spain. Specialized niche markets in the
U.S. are expected to open soon, and the DoE estimates that
global CSP capacity by 2005 will be as much as 500 MW.
http://www.eren.doe.gov/csp/csp_tech.htmlal.html.htmarchive/nals.html-idhtm

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10
IPPs TAKE LARGER ROLE IN TEXAS POWER INDUSTRY
Companies that generate electricity from renewable energy
sources are experiencing a major increase in their market
share in Texas. Construction of power plants is booming in the
state due to hot weather, a good economy and the recent
electricity deregulation bill. From small windfarm operators to
Exxon, independent power producers supply 12% of the
Texas market, or 8,300 MW. IPPs have an additional 4,600
MW under construction, and officials expect to capture 20% of
market share by 2001. Most new generation will be sold to
utilities, rather than directly to consumers. The wholesale
market has been open to IPPs since 1992, and the June bill
affects the retail market, allowing customers to buy electricity
directly by 2002. Advocates of solar, wind and geothermal
projects, such as the York Research windfarm near Big
Spring, say the growth in renewable energy has been too
halting to meet their expectations.

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11
DEVELOPMENT URGED FOR NEW ZEALAND'S WIND
An international expert in wind energy says New Zealand has
the best wind resource in the world but is refusing to develop
it. Andrew Garrad says the resource is "phenomenal' in global
terms, and sufficient to generate the country's entire electricity
grid. A windfarm proposed for Wellington harbor was dropped
because local residents were concerned that it would be as
noisy as a helicopter and harm the natural scenery. Garrad
said New Zealand should build windfarms to pump water for
hydroelectric storage. New Zealand has generation capacity
of 8,000 MW, 75% from hydro.

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12
HYDRO FIRM MOVES SOLIDLY INTO WIND ENERGY
A Calgary firm has closed the acquisition of the 19 MW
Cowley Ridge Wind Plant in southern Alberta for $2.25
million. Canadian Hydro Developers will sell power from the
52-turbine site to TransAlta Utilities until 2014. Cowley Ridge
started generation in 1994 and has averaged 55 million kWh
of electricity a year. Canadian Hydro now owns 46 MW of
green energy capacity, 60% run-of-river hydro and 40% wind.
It is also constructing two projects for 12 MW.
http://www.canhydro.com/csp/csp_tech.htmlal.html.htmarchive/nals.html-idhtm

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13
BPA FOUNDATION PROMOTES RENEWABLE ENERGY
The Bonneville Environmental Foundation has announced its
first grants to promote renewable energy in the Pacific
Northwest, after it was set up last year to promote renewable
energy projects and watershed restoration. The City of
Ashland (Oregon) has launched a program to deploy solar PV
units, with a Foundation grant of $62,500 to Solar Ashland,
which must solicit twice as much from other sources in order
to qualify for the matching funds. Up to 25 kW of PV arrays
will be installed on public facilities under the first phase of the
program, and the power will be sold to the host institutions
and to the public. The second phase will market power and PV
panels to homes and commercial offices in the Ashland area.
The Foundation receives funding from the sale of green
energy by the Bonneville Power Administration. Startup
funding came from private grants in 1998, and BPA has
recorded green power sales to utility and industrial customers
throughout the four states in the U.S. Northwest.

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14
LONG ISLAND SEEKS ENERGY, BUT NOT RENEWABLES
Long Island needs more electricity, and the region's utility has
issued a request for 225 MW to be available from 2001 to
2007. The power will be additional to LIPA's energy efficiency
programs that will spend $150 million over the next five years
on conservation, DSM and R+D for solar, fuel cells and wind.

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15
NASA LOOKING AT SOLAR POWER FROM SPACE AGAIN
The U.S. space agency is investigating if solar collectors can
be built in outer space to capture solar energy and beam it
down to earth. After rejecting the idea 20 years ago as costly
and impractical, NASA is spending $6 million to assess the
feasibility of constructing 'sun towers' that could capture 1.2
billion watts of solar power. Using PV cells along a 22 mile
collector, the sun towers would sit in stationary orbit 22,000
miles away, meeting the electricity needs of 1.2 million homes.
Contractors from 23 organizations have nine months to see if
the concept would be feasible by 2015. They will meet soon at
the Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. Microwaves are
the most practical technology to transmit energy, but the
beams would burn anything in its path, including planes and
birds. NASA opposes using lasers, which could be perceived
as a potential weapon. Japanese researchers are evaluating
laser transmission from space station to atmospheric airships,
which would convert the energy into microwaves for beaming
to earth. The receiving antennas would be up to 15 miles in
diameter. Each 'sun tower' would mount a series of 200-meter
solar collectors along the 22 mile structure, with concentric
prisms to focus the sun's rays and robots to maintain the
system. Cost estimates run from $1 to $2 billion.

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16
PV TECHNOLOGY TO RECEIVE R&D AWARD
R&D Magazine has chosen a solar module as one of this
year's 'R&D 100 Award' technologies. The ST family of PV
modules from Siemens Solar use Copper Indium Diselenide
solar cells, a thin-film PV technology. The National Renewable
Energy Laboratory helped to develop the technology under its
Thin Film PV Partnership program. R&D Magazine has
recognized technologically significant new products since
1963. Past winners have included the halogen lamp (1974),
the fax machine (1975), the LCD (1980), and the digital
compact cassette (1993). NREL tests show efficiency to be
50% higher than competitors.
http://www.rdmag.com/rd100p/csp_tech.htmlal.html.htmarchive/nals.html-idhtm

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17
ENVIRONMENTALISTS TO CHALLENGE RECYCLING
A renewable energy project in Scotland will face a legal
challenge from local environmentalists who say the power
plant will cause pollution and serious traffic problems. The
proposal to burn plastic industrial packaging would generate
15 MW of electricity and create 55 jobs. But Friends of the
Earth Scotland says the project may send harmful dioxins into
local air, and claim the scheme should never have been
included in the Scottish Office renewables order. "To call this
a renewable energy scheme when it involves incinerating
plastic is a complete con and I would regard it as illegal under
Scottish law," says Richard Dixon of FoE. Earlier this year, 53
contracts were awarded to energy projects, but government
officials now say they were under the impression that the
proposed waste-to-energy plant would burn wood from local
forests. FoE will object to the proposal at the planning stage,
and will ask the courts to rule on whether the scheme falls
within the renewables order.

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18
GREEN SUPPLIER USES INTERNET MERCHANT
A California retailer of renewable energy products will use
ShopForChange.com to help sell its merchandise. Real Goods
Trading says it is the dominant retailer of renewable energy
products, with a website that offers more 'green products' than
any other. ShopForChange.com is an online shopping service,
which gives 5% of revenue to nonprofit groups. Customers
can purchase from Real Goods at normal retail, and 5% of the
price will support non-profit groups. ShopForChange.com was
launched in June by Working Assets, a long distance, credit
card and Internet company. Real Goods Trading sells a broad
range of renewable energy products through its catalogs and
retail stores and on its Website.
http://www.realgoods.com00p/csp_tech.htmlal.html.htmarchive/nals.html-idhtm

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19
PV COMPANY UNVEILS AUTOMATED PROCESS
One of the leading companies in the production of PV solar
cells has unveiled an advanced production process. The
integrated module testing and module transfer systems were
developed by Spire under a $4 million contract from NREL's
PV Manufacturing Technology program. The three-year
contract was awarded in 1998, to allow Spire to develop a
series of automated manufacturing and testing systems to
improve PV manufacturing technology. Spire is a leading
supplier of PV manufacturing equipment, and has shipped
more than 400 pieces of equipment and a dozen turnkey
production lines to customers in 40 countries.
http://www.spire.com.com00p/csp_tech.htmlal.html.htmarchive/nals.html-idhtm

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20
JAPAN TESTS EXPERIMENTAL AEROTRAIN
Japanese researchers are testing an experimental train that
runs on solar and wind energy. The 'aerotrain' has four
horizontal wings, and an unmanned model will travel at 310
miles per hour. Emissions will be almost zero and is similar to
magnetically levitated trains. A manned aerotrain will be ready
in five years. Japan's shinkansen (bullet train) operates at 186
mph and has reached a speed of 275 mph in tests.

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21
YORK RESEARCH ANNOUNCES NEW WEB SITE
A developer of renewable energy projects has activated a new
internet web site that contains information about the company
and an eight-minute movie on the Big Spring windpower
project in Texas. York Research's site highlights green energy
marketing, and contains a section on frequently asked
questions. York develops, constructs, and operates cogen and
renewable energy projects.
http://www.yorkresearch.com/csp_tech.htmlal.html.htmarchive/nals.html-idhtm

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22
GREEN ENERGY SUPPLIER UNDER INVESTIGATION
Commonwealth Energy is being investigated by the California
Public Utilities Commission, into concerns relating to billing
errors that occurred during the initial six months of
deregulation in the state. A company news releases says the
firm has been cooperating with the PUC for several months on
issues concerning 159 customer complaints stemming from
make-up bills sent to 19,000 customers affected by billing
errors. Past billing problems were industry-wide, says
Commonwealth, which processes 50,000 bills per month. It
says the 159 complaints are from consumers who were
confused about how to read their bills and deregulation in
general. The PUC will hold a hearing on the case.

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23
U.S. ANALYSES OF OTHER COUNTRIES
The Department of Energy produces reports on the energy
status of other countries. Some recent nations examined:
- Only 55% of the population in Bolivia have access to
electricity. One-third of capacity is hydroelectric, with high
potential for exports to Brazil. Bolivia's hydro potential is
almost 40,000 MW, most in the Amazon. About 80% of the
rural population has no electricity, and 2,000 PV systems
operate in the highlands.
http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/bolivia.htmltml.htmarchive/nals.html-idhtm
- Israel has 4 GW of installed electric generating capacity,
70% of which is coal-fired and 25% is oil-fired. Besides coal
and oil, future sources of generating capacity will include
natural gas from Egypt, as well as its own reserves of oil
shale. Nuclear is not considered an option for at least 20
years. By 2005, at least 900 MW of power must be purchased
from independent power producers, of which 150 MW will be
solar and wind (the rest will be gas). Israel's goal is for 10% of
all electricity be produced by IPPs. Israel and Jordan are
discussing a joint 100 MW windfarm and a 150 MW solar
thermal plant, and is discussing a joint wind power
development with Syria in the Golan Heights.
http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/israel.htmlltml.htmarchive/nals.html-idhtm
- Venezuela has 20 GW of electric generating capacity, of
which 51% is hydropower and the rest is thermal, and the
country has a 91% electrification rate.
http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/venez.htmllltml.htmarchive/nals.html-idhtm

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24
COMMENTS ON U.S. PLAN TO INCREASE WIND ENERGY
- Las Vegas Sun editorial: "Richardson's goal for wind energy
use is ambitious, and it may be unreachable at the level he
wishes to attain, but it is still sound policy to aggressively
promote wind as a renewable resource."
- San Antonio Express-News editorial: "America's energy
needs mirror those of other industrialized nations. The first
one to develop affordable wind and solar energy will reap the
rewards. America should lead the race to develop sustainable
energy and associated technology."

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25
CLOUDS OVER WIND POWER
(condensed from the Des Moines Register)

Iowa is now the home of the largest wind-energy farm in the
world. That sounds like the start of something great. Instead it
could signal the end of a great idea. Those tall wind-generator
towers with their huge three-bladed propellers, far from being
monuments to progress, could be memorials to a lost cause.
A 1983 Iowa law required that investor-owned utilities buy
energy produced from wind power or some other 'alternate'
source. The idea was to tap Iowa's bountiful energy potential
by encouraging farmers and small businesses to provide their
own electricity and sell the excess to the utilities. That hasn't
happened, because the utilities are contesting how much they
should pay the small producers for their electricity.
But the law also set a minimum amount of alternate energy
power that the utilities must buy. The answer from the state's
two large utilities (MidAmerican Energy and Alliant) is the 257
windfarm installation at Alta, near Storm Lake, and another 55
catching the currents southwest of Clear Lake.
Both began operation this spring. The utilities buy power from
those fields, and meet the minimum requirements of the Iowa
law, without buying electricity from farm-based generators.
Unless the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission orders
them to buy from farm generators at a price that makes it
worth the producer's effort, the fledgling industry could be
dead.
"It's the end, absolutely, positively," said John Sayler,
president of the Iowa Wind Energy Association. Ty McNeal of
Windways Technology agrees.
Small producers of electricity face other problems. While
requiring the investor-owned utilities of Iowa to use some
alternative energy, the Legislature specifically exempted the
rural electric cooperatives, from which the bulk of Iowa farms
get their electrical power. That's one reason the big windmills
haven't sprouted on farms all over the state.
Wind generators would enable farmers to produce much of
their own electricity rather than buying all of it from the REC or
a municipal or investor-owned utility. But when the wind
doesn't blow, they need the standby power provided by a
utility. When the wind does blow and they can generate more
than they can use, they need to feed their excess power back
into the transmission lines, running the electric meter
backward. But the utilities won't accept that deal. They don't
want to pay as much for the power as they charge, contending
they'd lose money covering the overhead.
Unless the federal regulators intervene, school's out.
But the Iowa Department of Natural Resources isn't tossing in
the towel.
Iowa electricity is cheap compared to some states, meaning
Iowa utilities could make money on an open market. Thus, the
utilities want deregulation of their industry so badly they can
taste it. The DNR could make cooperation with alternative
energy programs a condition for getting it.
Dave Osterberg, former Iowa legislator who helped manage
the 1983 law, is now a consultant on alternate energy. DNR
will push deregulation legislation next year requiring that the
utilities buy up to 10% of their energy from alternative sources
by 2015, and requiring that they pay producers such as
farmers the same price for energy as they charge. The
provision would automatically include Iowa's RECs and
municipal power.
To ensure that this provision doesn't handicap Iowa utilities,
the bill would require that upon deregulation, all utilities
attempting to compete for Iowa's business would have to
provide similar alternate-energy incentives.
Such 'renewable portfolio standards' are in place in four New
England states and Nevada, and close to adoption in Texas.
In Iowa, the standards could provide a rebirth to the
wind-energy industry.
Coal is now the major fuel for energy generation in America.
It's the primary fuel used by MidAmerican and Alliant. Randall
Swisher, formerly of Iowa and now executive director of the
American Wind Energy Association in Washington, sees
'green' power competing in the future, supplied by wind when
the wind blows, and by biomass as a standby supplier.
Biomass energy from burning switchgrass is close to reality in
southern Iowa already.
Iowa is windy, rated 10th nationally in wind power potential.
Burning coal pumps CO2 into the air, contributing to global
warming. Wind power is totally non-polluting.
We will someday run out of coal; we will never run out of wind.
If we allow utility deregulation without new alternate energy
stimulants, Iowa's huge wind-power potential will likely die
with the installations at Alta and Clear Lake. If we demand
such stimulants, Iowa could quit exporting billions of dollars to
buy energy and buy it instead from home-grown businesses,
with a bonus of cleaner air.
The fate of deregulation in next year's Legislature will have a
multibillion-dollar impact on Iowa's economy.

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26
ENERGY TIDBITS
- A church in Los Angeles held a 'Green Power Sunday' so its
congregation members could sign up for the 'Green Power for
a Green LA' program of Los Angeles power that was launched
in May. Customers pay an additional 6% but receive free light
bulbs and discounts on other products.
- North Sydney, Australia, will install 250 solar panels and
harbour-connected heat pumps to heat water in its swimming
pool. Energy savings will pay for the pool redevelopment and
save $80,000 each year after that. The technology will
displace the emission of 500 tonnes of greenhouse gases.
- Illinois has approved a $250 million fund to support clean
energy, including renewable energy and efficiency programs.
The trust will be funded by Commonwealth Edison, a utility in
Chicago, as a condition in the sale of its coal-fired plants.
- Malaysia's Bakun hydroelectric project will take at least six
years to complete. The 500 MW site will provide power to east
Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia. The government paid almost
$4 million to take over the project from Bakun Hydroelectric.
- A $80,000 project to provide renewable energy in rural areas
of India's Bihar state will include solar lanterns and cookers.
- Alstom Canada has won a $7 million contract to modernize a
18 MW hydro generation station in India.
- U.S. Energy Systems will buy two geothermal plants in
Nevada. Trigen-Cinergy Solutions will acquire other
geothermal companies, including development rights to the
Reno Energy Geothermal District heating project. The deal
includes the 40 MW Steamboat geothermal plants and rights
to 600 acres of underlying resources. The adjacent Steamboat
1 power plant produces $12 million in annual sales.
- Three nuclear reactors in Belgium must close by 2015
despite objections from the plant operators. A coalition of
Liberals, Socialists and Greens in the new government have
agreed to phase out nuclear stations by 2025. Nuclear
generates 55% of Belgian electricity, and supporters say it is a
cheaper alternative than wind and solar energy.
- An independent firm will control power lines in Wisconsin,
and utilities have agreed to surrender control of lines and
towers in exchange for fewer restrictions on finances. Utilities
will support energy conservation, energy assistance and
renewable energy programs. By 2010, at least 2.2% of energy
sales must come from renewables.
- Siemens and Shell will develop an emission-free fuel-cell
power plant. The unit will combines the solid oxide fuel cell
developed by Siemens' Westinghouse subsidiary, with the
carbon dioxide sequestration technology of Shell. An SOFC
plant 200 W electrochemical fuel cells bundled together, in
commercial size of 250 kW to 10 MW output.
- Electricity in Canada generated revenue of $36.4 billion in
1997, up 1.8% from 1996. Excluding Ontario, net income for
the industry was $2.0 billion, up 14.5%. Nation-wide, the
industry loss was $4.1 billion due to corporate write-downs
in Ontario. Net electricity generation rose 0.2% to 556.9 TWh.
- Increased use of coal-burning power plants by electric
utilities in the U.S. has substantially increased emission of
GHG. Environmental groups says energy deregulation is
prompting more consumption of cheap coal, and annual NOx
emissions rose 755,000 tons between 1992 and 1998.

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TRENDS in RENEWABLE ENERGIES is circulated by the
Canadian Association for Renewable Energies. Many sources
are examined, and it is assumed that these sources are
credible; however, CARE is not responsible for content.

Back issues are posted at http://www.renewables.cameu/cabs/venez.htmllltml.htmarchive/nals.html-idhtm

Canadian Association for Renewable Energies
    We CARE
        Bill Eggertson, Executive Director, Ottawa
mailto:eggertson@renewables.ca




Issue #90 (July 26)
TRENDS in RENEWABLE ENERGIES

A 'heads up' overview of developments in renewable energy.
Forward TRENDS to colleagues; subscription is free.
Archives are posted at  http://www.renewables.ca.eu/cabs/venez.htmllltml.htmarchive/nals.html-idhtm
If contact information is not provided, it is not available.

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IN THIS ISSUE:

$25 BILLION EARMARKED FOR RENEWABLES IN BRAZIL
U.S. RENEWABLES UNDER ATTACK IN CONGRESS
WORLD'S LARGEST PROJECT PLANNED FOR NEVADA
HYBRID SOLAR PLANT OPENS IN BAJA CALIFORNIA
EGYPT PREPARES ITS FIRST SOLAR POWER PROJECT
RENEWABLES BACKED BY STATE REGULATORS
CALIFORNIA TO PROVIDE POWER FROM SMALL HYDRO
KANSAS WIND TURBINES START GENERATING
SECOND WIND TURBINE TO JOIN FIRST IN NEBRASKA
SOUTH AFRICA BACKS RENEWABLES IN WHITE PAPER
DOE WANTS TO ENHANCE POWER FROM GEOTHERMAL
WIND POWER PROGRAM TO BE EXPANDED IN WYOMING
COLORADO UTILITIES PROMOTE THEIR WIND POWER
TANZANIA WELCOMES INVESTMENT IN RENEWABLES
LARGEST U.S. UTILITY TO TRY RENEWABLE ENERGIES
BIRKENSTOCK BUYS RENEWABLES
LUZ SOLAR GETS GOOD CREDIT RATING FOR FPL
FINLAND WANTS ENERGY TAX ACROSS EUROPE
RICHARDSON UNVEILS PLAN TO HELP U.S. ENERGY
UTILITY WANTS TO REDEFINE CONSUMER ACCESS
U.S. COAL PLANTS UNDER INVESTIGATION BY EPA
CANADA FINALIZES REPORT ON RENEWABLES
SALES IN THE WIND
ENERGY TIDBITS

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01
$25 BILLION EARMARKED FOR RENEWABLES IN BRAZIL
The government of Brazil will invest US$25 billion to provide
renewable energy electricity to people who are not connected
to the power grid. The national program for developing
renewable energy services in rural areas was identified last
year as a government priority for the country's development.
PRODEEM will develop 20,000 MW of renewable energy
capacity for the 20 million rural inhabitants without access to
grid power. On August 11, it will unveil its its plan to
accelerate renewable energy in an sustainable manner, at
community schools, health centres, water pumping, irrigation
and street lighting. PRODEEM will focus on market studies
and field testing of desalinization, refrigeration, ice-making,
and food drying applications.
http://www.mme.gov.br/Prodeem/prodeem.htmmllltml.htmarchive/nals.html-idhtm

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02
U.S. RENEWABLES UNDER ATTACK IN CONGRESS
The U.S. Congress is considering cuts to the federal budget
for renewable energy. A House subcommittee has approved a
bill with $326.5 million for renewables programs, a decrease
of $39.5 million from last fiscal year. Funding for DoE's Office
of Science leaves the actual renewables level at $279.35, or
$56.65 million below last year. Photovoltaics is the major
technology to be funded, at $67 million, with biofuels at $42m,
biomass at $29m and wind at $25m. Concentrating solar
would receive $13m in federal funds, geothermal gets $18m
and hydrogen would receive $21m. Hydroelectric would
receive $2m, although $38m goes to electrical transmission,
HTS and energy storage. Another $23m would fund support
for the solar program, NREL and program direction. At the
Office of Science, biomass and biofuels would receive $27m,
solar photoconversion would receive $14m, PV and hydrogen
get $3m each, and wind would be funded for $280,000. Before
the vote, Republican Matt Salmon asked members to consider
supporting increases for renewable energy based on the fact
that the Clinton Administration has proposed increasing funds
for renewables to $446m, an increase of 16%. His letter was
signed by 54 Democrats and 20 Republicans.

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03
WORLD'S LARGEST PROJECT PLANNED FOR NEVADA
Two Nevada organizations will work together on what they
claim will become "the largest renewable energy project in the
world today." The Nevada Science + Technology Corridor has
signed a memorandum of understanding with Composite
Power Corp to generate, transmit and market renewable
energy near Nevada's 'Death Valley.' The region is one of the
best sites in the United States for angle and elevation for
collection of solar energy, wind energy and geothermal
resources. The State of Nevada wants to obtain 7.5% of its
energy by 2005 from renewable energy sources. The
companies say the Nye County project will establish a "world
class showcase for successful renewable energy operations"
and promote Nevada as the 'Green Energy State.' Earlier this
month, Composite Power announced partnerships with Desert
Research Institute (to develop programs for the generation
and transmission of green energy into the deregulated energy
market) and MinneSolar Manufacturing (to deploy a 100 MW
PV site in the Amargosa Valley of south Nevada). CPC says it
plans to become a major provider of solar, wind, hydro and
coal energy, with dedicated transmission lines, within the next
three years.
http://www.compositepower.com/news.htmhtmmllltml.htmarchive/nals.html-idhtm

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04
HYBRID SOLAR PLANT OPENS IN BAJA CALIFORNIA
One of the largest hybrid electric facilities in North America
has started to generate power in a remote fishing village in
Mexico. San Juanico, in Baja California Sur, is 350 miles north
of the southern tip of the Baja peninsula, and is renowned for
its world-class surfing. The new plant has ten 10 kW wind
turbines, 17 kW of solar PV panels, 80 kW diesel generator,
70 kW power processing unit, and a battery bank. Mexico's
national utility and Arizona Public Service Company upgraded
an existing diesel generator to reduce GHG emissions and to
work toward Mexico's goal of rural electrification. Previously,
high cost of diesel meant the village could generate electricity
for only three hours a day, which impeded development of the
local commercial fishing and tourism industries. Two-thirds of
power now will be generated from renewable energy, reducing
GHG emissions by 80% compared with the diesel generator
alone.
http://about.apsc.com/media/news/releases/19990608.aspchive/nals.html-idhtm

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05
EGYPT PREPARES ITS FIRST SOLAR POWER PROJECT
Egypt's first solar power station should start generating
electricity by 2001, with more than $400,000 in assistance
from Japan. Japan will undertake technical and economic
feasibility studies over the next five months, and then provide
funds to build the power station in southern Egypt using its PV
technology. The station would pump water and provide power
in the Toshka development.

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06
RENEWABLES BACKED BY STATE REGULATORS
The U.S. organization that represents state regulators for the
utility sector, has strongly endorsed federal support for
renewable energies. Any restructuring legislation should make
a national commitment to the continued commercialization and
supply of renewable energy, Susan Clark of the National
Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners testified
before the Senate Energy Committee. If national standards for
renewable energy are mandated, NARUC would support the
use of tradable credits as one market-compatible mechanism,
among others, to meet the national interest in renewable
energy supply. The introduction of retail competition in 23
states may have an impact on public benefits that were
provided in the past by public utilities, including renewable
energy technologies. NARUC wants regulatory oversight left
with the states.
http://www.naruc.org/Congressional/Susan_Clark.htm.aspchive/nals.html-idhtm

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07
CALIFORNIA TO PROVIDE POWER FROM SMALL HYDRO
A municipal utility in California will be the first in the U.S. to
offer 100% green energy from small hydro generation. The
Turlock Irrigation District will offer 'Green Valley Energy' from
a small hydro generator at La Grange that it has owned since
1924. A monthly premium of $3.50 is planned for residential
customers, $8.50 for small commercial customers. The
premium will be waived for the first six months, and bumper
stickers and wind decals will be given to subscribers to
identify them as users of renewable energy. TID owns 68% of
the 203 MW Don Pedro hydro facility and part of a geothermal
power plant in Lake County that can generate electricity for
15,000 homes. Many U.S. utilities offer green energy, but from
geothermal, wind or solar. Small hydro is under 5 MW.
http://www.tid.org/newpress.htmnal/Susan_Clark.htm.aspchive/nals.html-idhtm

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08
KANSAS WIND TURBINES START GENERATING
More than 600,000 electricity customers in Kansas can
purchase power that is generated by two wind turbines.
Western Resources has commissioned two 750 kW turbines
that will sell renewable energy to its KPL and KGE utility
customers under the 'Westar Wind' program. Wind power will
be sold at a premium of 5¢/kWh, and participants must stay in
the program for at least one year. The two turbines generate
3.6 million kWh of power, enough to supply 400 homes. The
turbines are the first commercial wind units in Kansas. Green
energy from the pilot project is limited initially, on a first-come
basis. When all available 100-kW blocks are sold, remaining
applicants will be put on a waiting list and notified when future
blocks are available. The Zond turbines start generating when
wind speed is 9 mph and shut down at 65 mph. Each tower
has a 12-foot diameter base and is anchored to a concrete
mounting pad that extends 30 feet into the ground. Kansas is
ranked as the state with the 3rd best wind potential in the
United States. North Dakota and Texas are ranked 1st and
2nd, respectively.
http://www.wr.com./newpress.htmnal/Susan_Clark.htm.aspchive/nals.html-idhtm

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09
SECOND WIND TURBINE TO JOIN FIRST IN NEBRASKA
An electric utility in Nebraska will install a second wind
turbine, right across the road from its first unit that started
generating electricity last December. Lincoln Electric System
will start construction soon on a 660 kW turbine that will
supply power for more than 2,000 customers who have signed
up for the utility's 'Renewable Energy Program.' It is due to
start generating electricity by the end of November. The
second turbine will be identical to the first unit, and will cost
$1.2 million. Each turbine generates power for 175 homes,
and LES customers buy units of wind power for a premium of
4.3¢/kWh. During the first six months of operation for the first
turbine, output was within 1% of the estimate made by Vestas,
which had predicted 831,775 kWh for the first half-year, but
production exceeded that by 2,241 kWh. The unit had 100%
availability in May.

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10
SOUTH AFRICA BACKS RENEWABLES IN WHITE PAPER
"South Africa has neglected the development and
implementation of renewable energy applications, despite the
fact that our renewable energy resource base is extensive and
many appropriate applications exist," says the country's new
policy on renewable energy. Development of renewable
energy policy is guided by a rationale that South Africa has
very attractive solar and wind resources, and that renewable
applications are the least cost energy service in many cases,
"more so when social and environmental costs are taken into
account." A draft national policy was circulated in 1995 for
comment, and the final 'white paper' was released last
December. Hydropower provides less than 1% of electricity
generation and other renewable sources make up a "small but
rapidly increasing" share of energy. South Africa has installed
500,000 m2 of solar water heater panels, but this is less than
1% of the potential market. There are 5 MW of PV systems
and 280,000 water-pumping windmills, with 60 MW of
small-scale hydro. "Renewable resources generally operate
from an unlimited resource base and, as such, can
increasingly contribute towards a long-term sustainable
energy future," and government policy on renewable energy
will ensure that "an equitable level of national resources is
invested in renewable technologies, given their potential and
compared to investments in other energy supply options." The
perception that renewables are suitable only for small-scale
applications shows that "closed mind-sets are a barrier to the
adoption of renewable energy technologies." Implementation
of renewable energy policies will require substantial funding,
with 1,700 rural schools and health clinics being electrified
with PV, and a number of villages targeted for solar systems.
http://www.polity.org.za/ss.htmnal/Susan_Clark.htm.aspchive/nals.html-idhtm
      /govdocs/white_papers/energy98/energywp98-03.html

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11
DOE WANTS TO ENHANCE POWER FROM GEOTHERMAL
The U.S. Department of Energy wants to develop a process
that can increase production of electricity from geothermal
fields, and is willing to share in a project that may be worth up
to $100 million. Exploitable geothermal reserves are found in
many parts of the world, and are second to hydroelectric
facilities for the amount of renewable energy electricity
generated in the U.S., notably at The Geysers in California.
Some geothermal fields have sufficient heat for power
generation, but lack sufficient permeability or fluid content to
be extracted. A process to extract that heat could increase the
power from a geothermal site by 5% to 10% above the existing
field. DoE's share of any project would be limited to $60
million over a two-year period, and traditional cost-sharing
arrangements indicate the total value of the project could
exceed $100 million. DoE is seeking interest from utilities,
IPPs and others who would be willing to participate.

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12
WIND POWER PROGRAM TO BE EXPANDED IN WYOMING
The Fort Collins Utilities in Colorado will expand its wind
power program this fall. Two 600 kW wind turbines have been
generating electricity since April 1998, producing energy for
500 homes and a dozen companies that subscribed to the
utility's wind power pilot program. Subscribers pay a premium
of 2.5c/kWh, and must commit to buying green energy for at
least one year. Platte River Power Authority will erect five
more wind turbines at its Medicine Bow, Wyoming, site this
fall, and Fort Collins will purchase half the output. One of the
turbines will generate power for the New Belgium Brewing, the
specialty brewer of Fat Tire Amber Ale, that announced a ten-
year commitment to purchase green energy under the Fort
Collins program. Each turbine reduces GHG emissions by four
million pounds a year. Fort Collins recently increased the
premium for wind power from 2.0¢/kWh because it was not
covering the full costs of the pilot program. The turbines are
manufactured by Vestas - American Wind Technology, which
has more than 7,000 turbines in service around the world. The
Medicine Bow windfarm is among the best in the U.S. for wind
speeds, and is not located near avian migratory routes.
http://www.light-power.org/windpowr.htmn_Clark.htm.aspchive/nals.html-idhtm

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13
COLORADO UTILITIES PROMOTE THEIR WIND POWER
Utilities in Colorado have devised a unique way to tell their
customers that they can buy wind generated electricity. The
18 electric utilities in the state are promoting the option of
wind power through the 'Colorado Wind Power' internet site.
Consumers to sign up for wind power from any of the utilities,
most of which are small, rural electric companies. "Buying
electricity from wind power (and eventually other renewable
energy resources) becomes a value shift similar to the
example of recycling, where the idea was encouraged at the
community level and is now institutionalized in most parts of
the country," says the website, which has received two
national awards in the last three months. Colorado generates
95% of its electricity from fossil fuels, and an average family
emits 14,400 pounds of CO2 a year. The effects on birds from
wind turbines pose a concern in some areas, when turbine
construction attracts burrowing animals which, in turn, attract
preying raptors. Criticism of California's Altamont Pass for the
death of raptors resulted in that influenced the design of new
turbines and the siting of windfarms, and the LAW group says
the death of 183 birds over two years are important, but it
notes that 150 million birds are killed each year by cars, glass
windows and other collisions. As of June, more than 15,000
customers had signed up for wind power, while commercial
subscribers include the cities of Aspen, Boulder, Denver, the
National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Colorado Governor's
Mansion, and companies such as Coors Brewing, IBM,
Lockheed Martin, Vail Resorts, Rocky Mountain Institute,
American Solar Energy Society, Sierra Club, churches and
schools.
http://www.cogreenpower.org/index.htmtmn_Clark.htm.aspchive/nals.html-idhtm

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14
TANZANIA WELCOMES INVESTMENT IN RENEWABLES
The government in Tanzania has simplified procedures to
invest in solar, wind and micro-hydro projects, and will provide
incentives of 100% depreciation allowance in the first year of
operation, exemption from excise duty, sales tax and customs
on imported materials. The government may also provide
subsidies or loans from its energy fund. There is a lack of
reliable wind data, but windfarms could serve localized
demand. Government legislation will compel independent
power producers to generate at least 5% of power from
renewable sources, in a bid to accelerate rural electrification.
Tanzania has potential of 4,700 MW of hydropower, but only
380 MW is generated now.

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15
LARGEST U.S. UTILITY TO TRY RENEWABLE ENERGIES
The largest electricity generator in the U.S. will see if its
customers are willing to pay for green energy. The Tennessee
Valley Authority will market renewable energy among the eight
million residents and, if popular, green energy could be
available from its 159 distributors by 2003. TVA operates 29
hydroelectric dams, a pumped-storage plant, eleven coal-fired
and three nuclear plants. It generates 155 billion kWh of
power a year. It has been developing a green energy program
since early 1998, and has committed $6 million toward the
construction of renewable energy generators in the seven
states in which it operates. It will finalize plans this fall for
eight PV generating stations, at least two windfarms and one
energy-from-waste project. The plants will be on-line by next
summer, generating up to 6 MW of renewable energy,
sufficient for 15,000 residents. TVA surveys found that 84% of
residents support renewable energy, but similar programs
have found that less people are willing to pay a premium for it.
Eight TVA distributors will offer blocks of renewable energy for
an estimated $2 to $10 premium on an average $65 monthly
electricity bill. The 66-year-old TVA has promoted solar water
heaters and passive solar construction in the past, but this will
be the first time that the company has generated power from
the sun. The Tennessee Valley Energy Reform Coalition says
the pilot program will represent less than 1% of TVA's 28,000
MW capacity, but it is an "important first step" for renewables.

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16
BIRKENSTOCK BUYS RENEWABLES
The U.S. distributor for the well-known sandals, Birkenstock,
has decided to buy renewable energy for its corporate
operations. Birkenstock will be the first large commercial
customer for Green Mountain Energy's 'Wind for the Future
2.0' option, which consists of 100% renewable energy, with
25% from new wind turbines as they become operational. "The
new partnership between Birkenstock and Green Mountain
Energy is just another example of how electricity competition
encouraged a choice to those looking for an alternative clean
and efficient energy source,' says U.S. Energy Secretary Bill
Richardson. The federal government recently launched an
initiative to increase the share of wind energy in the U.S. to
5% by 2020. Demand for wind power has prompted GME to
start construction of three large-scale turbines in the San
Gorgonio Pass in California. Other organizations that will buy
green electricity from GME include 12 churches from the
Episcopal Diocese of California, the Berkeley Students'
Cooperative Association at the University of California, the
Union of Concerned Scientists in Berkeley, and Real Goods
Trading of Ukiah, California.
http://www.greenmountain.comindex.htmtmn_Clark.htm.aspchive/nals.html-idhtm

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17
LUZ SOLAR GETS GOOD CREDIT RATING FOR FPL
FPL Energy has issued $150 million in bonds to refinance its
interest in the 80 MW Luz solar generating stations in
California's Mojave Desert. Standard & Poor rated the bonds
to reflect the risks that the project depends on power purchase
agreements with Southern California Edison, and payments of
$187 to $207 per kW/year represent above-market costs.
Energy production can be affected by climatic factors such as
solar radiation, and the there is concern with the use of
natural gas to supplement solar power during peak times. S+P
said the project's strengths include the fact that California has
strong regulatory and policy support for above-market contract
obligations, and the solar generation technology is proven and
in use by other plants. The Luz Solar projects have been in
commercial operation since 1989. Availability was lower in
1998 due to major regular maintenance, but peak months
availability has been consistently close to 100%. The projects
derive 85% of their annual revenue during the June-
September period. S+P's stable outlook is based on
California's continued regulatory support of renewable power
and the project's sound operations that should result in
predictable income streams.

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18
FINLAND WANTS ENERGY TAX ACROSS EUROPE
Finland will push for greater investment in renewable energy
and the introduction of minimum energy taxes across the 15
members of the European Union, under the EU term of
environment minister Satu Hassi. She says a green tax is
needed for environmental and employment reasons, and
higher energy taxes must be a key element in the EU's
strategy for cutting GHG emissions. Hassi wants continental
tax rates on energy products to be close to Finland's levels.
Supporting nuclear power "would be a backward step," she
says. "We must use all means to stimulate renewable energy;
that includes taking away subsidies for conventional energy."
Under the Kyoto protocol, Europe must reduce its GHG
emissions by 8% by 2012.

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19
RICHARDSON UNVEILS PLAN TO HELP U.S. ENERGY
Energy efficiency and advanced technologies to generate
electricity are two solutions to the growing problem of energy
shortages in the U.S. "Electricity is among the most essential
commodities around," says Energy Secretary Bill Richardson.
"Sometimes, it's a matter of life and death." Utilities recently
asked residents to reduce use of air-conditioners during a
heat wave, and Richardson says "we need to be concerned"
that some systems are stretched to the limit. A six-point plan
includes a pledge to seek full funding for programs that
develop advanced generation technologies, and promote
energy efficiency in the residential and commercial sectors.
http://home.doe.gov/news/speeches99/julss/naruc.htmaspchive/nals.html-idhtm

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20
UTILITY WANTS TO REDEFINE CONSUMER ACCESS
The major electric utility in the U.S. northwest wants to define
who is eligible to buy its low-cost hydroelectric power, and to
tighten limits on how much eligible customers can buy. The
Bonneville Power Administration says changes would ensure
a fair allocation among all customers and residents in the
region, as market prices for power and competition increase.
BPA sells electricity from 29 federal dams on the Columbia
and Snake Rivers. By law, it must meet the demand for power
from public utilities and co-operative electric groups in the
region, before it can sell surplus generation elsewhere. Tariffs
are based on the cost of producing electricity from facilities,
including debt on a nuclear reactor and the costs for
environmental programs. Competition has boosted prices by
30% above current BPA rates and, when major contracts
expire in two years, there may be high demand for limited low-
cost hydropower. BPA is worried that legal loopholes may
allow some groups to qualify as entitled customers, or that
existing customers may sell their BPA electricity for a profit on
the open market. Two proposals suggest changes to define
who is qualified to purchase federal power on a preference
and priority basis, and how customers can re-sell power and
how much federal power a customer is entitled to purchase.
http://www.bpa.gov//news/speeches99/julss/naruc.htmaspchive/nals.html-idhtm
        /Power/PL/Subscription/announcements.shtml

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21
U.S. COAL PLANTS UNDER INVESTIGATION BY EPA
The Environmental Protection Agency is investigating if
coal-burning power plants are emitting more pollution than
permitted under law. The 1990 Clean Air Act exempted 100
large coal plants from stringent pollution controls on the
understanding that they would be phased out. The EPA will
see if these plants have added capacity without installing
emission controls. The 50 largest coal electric plants produce
4.5 million tons of NOx a year. Electricity generation accounts
for 29 percent of NOx emissions in the U.S., the rest comes
from transportation and to a lesser extent industrial sources.

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22
CANADA FINALIZES REPORT ON RENEWABLES
A number of Canadian industry associations are preparing a
report on the potential impact of renewable energies in
meeting the challenge of the Kyoto Protocol on climate
change. The groups include the Canadian Wind Energy
Association, the Solar Energy Society of Canada, the
Canadian Solar Industries Association, and the Earth Energy
Society of Canada. The document is expected to be released
this summer.

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23
SALES IN THE WIND
(from the BBC service, July 16)
Just when you've switched gas and electricity suppliers to get
a better deal, along comes another reason to make you
consider changing again.
Soon, energy suppliers will again be touting for your custom
with letterbox leaflets, newspaper adverts and doorstep
callers. This time, there's more at stake than your bill - there's
the cost to the planet.
Electricity suppliers will be offering so-called "green tariffs" -
aimed at consumers who object to the way existing power
generation pollutes the atmosphere. Householders will be
able to choose from two schemes, the first buying electricity
directly, from "renewable" sources such as solar, hydroelectric
and wind power, or even crop- and waste-burning schemes.
Under the second, users pay up to 15% on top of their usual
bill. Their energy is not necessarily from a renewable source
but the voluntary extra goes into research and development.
Germany's WRE energy company is one of those planning to
offer eco-friendly electricity. Their research shows one in five
of us is willing to pay extra for the sake of the environment.
So does 'green' electricity have a future in the UK? And will it
be worth the extra cost?
At present, the world's electricity is generated by burning
fossil fuels - gas, coal or oil - or from uranium in nuclear power
stations.
The world's supplies of gas, coal and oil will not last for ever.
But as long as they do last, and we burn them, they give off
emissions which contribute to global warming and cause acid
rain.
Following the Earth Summit in Rio, the UK is committed to
reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 20% by 2010. And the
government has pledged to increase the nation's clean power
output more than fivefold by 2010 - to 10% of all electricity
used.
So ministers are encouraging households to take up 'green
electricity.' Earlier this week, Energy Minister John Battle set
the campaign rolling, naming the suppliers involved.
But there are problems.
Firstly, the UK's renewable energy sector is still small and
could not cope with a sudden, large increase in demand.
And action to help it expand is limited.
This is the next problem: plans for wind farms around the
country are being blocked by local people who object to the
building of giant wind generators and noise they fear will be
created.
In the past five years, numerous planned wind farms have
been halted at public inquiries.
Other green energy-generating plants have also been turned
down due to the force of protest. Hydroelectric developments,
waste-burning schemes and biomass plants - involving
burning straw or wood or using methane gas from vegetable
material - have all faltered.
Campaigners say for a small nation like the UK, where any
new site will provoke objections, the solution lies in giant
windmills in the sea - just like oil rigs, only using clean and
renewable energy.
Earlier this month, the Lords energy committee said major
policy changes were needed if the UK was to meet its targets
on production.
Yet the UK has more potential than any other country in
Europe for generating green power. The tiny islands
experience 40% of Europe's wind, have the biggest offshore
tidal potential - a steady source comes from the Gulf Stream -
and large quantities of biomass material.
But other countries seem to be doing more to harness the
world's natural energy sources.
Denmark last year announced plans for a large wind farm
generating 750 megawatts of power and by 2030, the Danish
government wants half of its electricity to come from wind.
Germany is not far behind, planning to produce 1,200mw.
Even America has set itself a target of 5% of the nation's
energy to be produced by wind farms and has begun windmill
building.
But Friends of the Earth insist that green power in the UK
must have a future. Cutting CO2 emissions was a Labour
manifesto pledge, they point out.
"The renewable sector must take off," says Mark Johnston, of
FoE. "The issue is, how fast. About 2% of Eastern Electricity's
customers have switched.
"Opinion polls say people are favourable and if we continue to
raise the issue the public will recognise the danger of climate
change and realise individual action is important."
Johnston says for businesses which wear their values on their
sleeve, green power will be a vital marketing tool.
"If someone like the Body Shop can say, We use green
electricity, it's adding value to their products. We expect to be
using it in our own offices soon."
When it comes to choosing a clean energy supplier, Friends
of the Earth advises people to read the small print, as they
would when choosing any other power company. The best,
they say, offer renewable energy now, as well as promising
research investment.
If enough people sign up, the price will eventually come down,
the argument goes.
So the power game has begun: you pays your money, you
takes your choice.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/99/julss/naruc.htmaspchive/nals.html-idhtm
      /business/your_money/newsid_396000/396408.stm

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24
ENERGY TIDBITS
- The Turlock Irrigation District in California will allow
customers to buy 100% renewable energy, starting in August.
- The National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado has
ordered CIS (Copper-Indium-Selenide) solar cell technology
from MVSystems.
- Morocco will build a 180 MW thermo-solar energy plant,
costing $200 million, to meet 6% of power needs.
- A combination of government policies, physical attributes
and economic development programs, has poised the U.S.
Midwest to become "the national leader in renewable energy
generation," says the Council of State Governments. Firms
are rushing into the wind power market with such gusto that
the region may become the "Saudi Arabia of wind energy."
- A 24-year old inventor from Mauritia, Jerome Carcasse, has
won a gold medal at an African ceremony for developing a
machine that can generate power from sea waves and wind.
- The high 'first-cost' of solar power is being addressed by
CelSol of Mexico, by renting or financing equipment.
- TECSTAR claims a record 27% efficiency for its multi-
junction solar cell technology, which provides a one-third
increase in power for satellites over single junction gallium
arsenide solar cells.  TECSTAR has produced more than
120,000 Cascade solar cells.
- The licences for eleven hydroelectric plants and one storage
reservoir in Montana have been sold to PP+L by Montana
Power. PP+L wants to increase its U.S. generating capacity to
20,000 MW within the next five years.
- The Los Angeles Department of Water + Power has
extended until June 2000, a program to assist low-income
customers to reduce utility costs through energy efficiency
measures. The Neighbors Program began in January, and has
helped 15,000 customers to obtain renewable energy, a home
energy survey or compact fluorescent light bulbs. The goal is
to deliver the services to 65,000 customers.
- Canadian sales of natural gas in May totaled 4,390 million
cubic metres, up 7.3% from last year. All sectors recorded
gains, with sales to the industrial sectors rising 5.4% due to
higher demand by electric utilities.
- Construction costs for the installation of electricity
distribution systems in Canada increased 4.1% in 1998
compared with 1997, mainly due to higher labour costs.
Statistics Canada formerly tracked costs for distribution
systems, transmission lines, transformer stations,
hydroelectric stations and fossil-fuel plants, but has just
changed its electric utility construction price indexes to include
only distribution systems and transmission-line systems.
- The Business Roundtable (chief executives of 200 large U.S.
companies) wants a national summit to develop energy
efficient devices and help the economy. The organization has
previously argued that restrictions on CO2 emissions would
hurt the economy.

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