Subject: #72 TRENDS in RENEWABLE ENERGIES
issue #72 for March 22
A 'heads up' overview of renewable energies.
Forward TRENDS to colleagues; subscription is free.
Archives posted at http://www.renewables.ca.m/rksnews/content.htms2.htmgychive/49atml
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IN THIS ISSUE:
Brewery Drinks Up Wind Energy
U-K to Introduce Carbon Tax by 2001
DoE Predicts Slow Turnaround for Renewables
U-S Renewables Group Disputes DoE's Negativity
First Green Power Audit Released in Australia
Canada's Solar Test Facility Signs New Contract
India Wants More Hydro Power
Siemens Sells New Solar CIS Modules
New Turbine to be Ready by September
U-S Deregulation Plan Due Before the End of March
More Green-e Certification for California Offering
Green Power to Avoid Misleading Ads
Merger of Two Renewables Companies in the U-S
Massachusetts Coop Provides Green Power
Green Pricing Program Launched in Nebraska
GSA Wants Green Power for EPA Facility
Solar Leader Predicts Good Future for PV
Australia is Addressing the Greenhouse Challenge
World Bank to Post Data on Global Power Market
New Charging Station Powers EVs with Green Energy
Government Promotes Renewables in Scotland
Green Mountain Energy Improves Wind Product
Changes Urged for U-K Agencies for Renewables
Denmark Cuts Funding for Wind Power
Solar Demo Program Wraps Up in Ramallah
California Firm Buys Green Power For Own Operations
Colorado Ski Town Offers Rebate for Solar Power
Barriers to Financing Renewable Energy Policies
Parks Like Renewables for Environmental Reasons
Parks Like Renewables for Environmental Reasons
U-S Internet Site Shows State Incentives for Renewables
U-S Pledges Help for African Renewable Energies
Renewables Highlighted in New Jersey Legislation
Kampala Seeks New Power Customers
Reducing Energy
No Trend Yet on Green Power Prices
New Customers Illustrate the Appeal of Wind Power
New Courses Trains Electricians for Solar Roof Program
Solar Project Gives Power to Remote African Village
Controversial Dam Attracts More Criticism
Home Energy Rating System Published
Canada Continues Pilots in GHG Reductions
Energy Tidbits
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Brewery Drinks Up Wind Energy
The largest private consumer of wind power in the U-S is New
Belgium Brewing of Colorado. The specialty brewer will purchase
wind electricity from the utility in Fort Collins, which is installing a
660 kW turbine at the Platte River site in Wyoming. The turbine
will produce 1.8 million kWh at a premium price for ten years.
The purchase was made in a unanimous vote of 70 employees,
knowing that their bonuses will drop. The turbine will displace
1,000 tons of coal and eliminate four million pounds of CO2
emissions. New Belgium wanted to recover the CO2 that occurs
in fermentation, but found that the CO2 created from electricity
generation was four times higher than the amount that could be
recovered from fermentation. Fort Collins was the first utility in
the state to offer wind energy, and two turbines have operated at
Medicine Bow for a year. The Vestas-American Wind turbine can
operate at 28 rpm in wind speeds between 9 and 56 mph.
Details: http://www.newbelgium.comm/rksnews/content.htms2.htmgychive/49atml
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U-K to Introduce Carbon Tax by 2001
Britain may introduce a climate change levy on business energy
consumption, which will be invested in renewable energy and
energy efficiency projects. Finance minister Gordon Brown may
raise 1.75 billion pounds through a surcharge of 0.2 pence per
kWh for coal and gas, and 0.6 pence for electricity consumption,
while displacing 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 emissions a year.
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DoE Predicts Slow Turnaround for Renewables
In its March outlook on short-term energy, the U-S EIA predicts
that renewable energy use in the U-S will drop by 2.5% from
1998-99 (6,773 quadrillion btu to 6,605) but will rise 0.2% going
into 2000 (to 6,621). The major drop is by electric utilities, which
decreased use by 9.3% from 97-98, and 6.7% from 98-99.
Details: http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/steo/pub/11tab.html2.htmgychive/49atml
A DoE analysis on Renewable Energy Issues is posted on the
internet, the first of biannual analyses on renewable energy
issues. Feature articles include an analysis of earth energy heat
pump data; the history and recent developments in renewable
electricity purchases; and transmission pricing issues for
electricity generation from renewable sources.
Details: http://www.eia.doe.gov/fuelrenewable.htmlb.html2.htmgychive/49atml
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U-S Renewables Group Disputes DoE's Negativity
SUN DAY Campaign has attacked the #2 official DoE official
(assistant secretary Dan Reicher) for his public comments that
renewable energy will not play a significant role in meeting U-S
goals for emission reductions. The coalition of 750 groups says
that 10% of U-S energy production comes from renewables (the
same level as nuclear) and new non-hydro renewable generation
could exceed 25,000 MW by 2010. Half of the U-S renewables
comes from solar, geothermal, wind and biomass, compared with
nil only 20 years ago. DoE has set a renewables target of 25,000
MW by 2010, and a goal of 7.5% renewables is expected to be
included in federal restructuring legislation. The target should be
10% from renewables, says SUN DAY, so renewables would
provide 20% of U-S electricity in a decade. Both the 7.5% and
10% goals could be exceeded if Washington were to purchase
more of its own electricity from renewables, and it says 25,000
MW is equivalent to 100 coal plants without carbon emissions.
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First Green Power Audit Released in Australia
The Green Power accreditation program of the Sustainable
Energy Development Authority was established in 1997 to
oversee creation of a renewables market in Australia, and to
encourage new generation. An annual audit of 18 retailers with
an accredited green product is conducted to ensure that revenue
is used to purchase green energy and construct new renewables
generation, and to ensure that sufficient green power is available
to meet demand; that the source of generation is approved solar,
wind, biomass or hydro; and that retailers are not spending
unnecessarily on administrative overheads and marketing. By
the end of 1999, new renewable generation must comprise 60%
of electricity sold by accredited green retailers in New South
Wales. During the past year, more than au$120 million of new
renewable energy projects were commissioned or announced.
Details: http://www.seda.nsw.gov.au/renewable/index.html2.htmgychive/49atml
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Canada's Solar Test Facility Signs New Contract
Natural Resources Canada will pay Ortech more than $740,000
to operate the National Solar Test Facility in 1999. The federal
government owns the Vortek solar simulator lamp, solar simulator
environmental chamber, solar collector test drivers, SDHW test
system and fenestration calorimeter apparatus; Ortech owns the
building and its predecessor operated the facility in the past. The
contract will include an option to extend the work until 2002.
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India Wants More Hydro Power
The Indian government is promoting development of small hydro
to exploit the country's potential of 10,000 MW. The Ministry of
Non-conventional Energy Sources will provide capital grants for
projects under 100 kW in mountainous and remote regions.
National generation capacity exceeds 92,000 MW, of which hydro
is 24%, thermal (coal + gas) provides 72%, and nuclear is 2.4%.
This year, 545 MW of hydro capacity will be added, and 2,755
MW of thermal. India will work with Vietnam to develop nuclear,
with a goal of increasing that capacity to 6,660 MW by 2002.
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Siemens Sells New Solar CIS Modules
Siemens Solar has started selling 20 W and 38 W CIS solar
modules, which increase the power range of thin-film modules.
Production of Copper Indium DiSelenide units started last year,
with 10 W modules designed for low-power battery-charging
systems, such as emergency phones. The larger units are
designed for grid connection and are designed to compete with
crystalline. CIS promises high efficiency and stability, and has
been tested for eight years by the National Renewable Energy
Lab. Siemens has supplied 150 MW around the world.
Details: http://www.siemenssolar.comrenewable/index.html2.htmgychive/49atml
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New Turbine to be Ready by September
The Wind Turbine Company will install a turbine this September
at DoE's National Wind Technology Center near Denver, as part
of its $22 million contract to develop utility-scale units that can
produce very low cost wind electricity. Production of commercial
machines will start next year, and will begin development of small
power projects using its turbines.
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U-S Deregulation Plan is Due Before the End of March
Energy Secretary Bill Richardson says legislation to restructure
the $215 billion U-S electricity market will be released soon, but
will not explain plans for energy-saving technologies. Congress
has started hearings on the matter, and Elizabeth Moler (former
senior DoE official) called for a market-oriented approach to
renewables. A final law is expected before the end of 2000.
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More Green-e Certification for California Offering
Commonwealth Energy has been certified for its GreenSmart
product under the Green-e Renewable Electricity Program,
becoming the 16th product in California to be certified. The label
certifies that at least 50% of supply comes from eligible wind,
solar, geothermal, biomass or small hydro. Non-renewables in
the blend must result in less air pollution than traditional power
mix, and no electricity can come from nuclear reactors. Suppliers
must abide by a code of conduct for the treatment of customers,
including a regular review of marketing material to detect
fraudulent claims and an annual audit to prove that it purchased
sufficient renewables to meet marketing claims. First launched in
California in 1997, certification is available in Pennsylvania (four
Green-e products) and soon in New England.
Details: http://www.green-e.orgr.comrenewable/index.html2.htmgychive/49atml
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Green Power to Avoid Misleading Ads
The U-S Association of Attorneys General wants 'anti-deception
guidelines' to be used by law enforcement agencies if there are
claims that environmental marketing is made in a deceptive
manner. A drafting committee is considering an appropriate
minimum meaning of 'green power,' whether biomass should be
excluded from renewables, and other issues related to the use of
tradable energy tags.
Details: http://www.eren.doe.gov/greenpower/naag_399_pr.htmlmgychive/49atml
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Merger of Two Renewables Companies in the U-S
Applied Power of Washington has purchased Alternative Energy
Engineering, a distributor of solar and wind products. Applied
Power recently purchased Solar Electric Specialties and
Ascension Technology, in its strategy to become a leading
company in the renewables industry. A subsidiary of Idaho
Power, it supplies photovoltaic systems.
Details: http://www.appliedpower.comenpower/naag_399_pr.htmlmgychive/49atml
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Massachusetts Coop Provides Green Power
The Boston Oil Consumers Alliance is purchasing green power
through a co-operative from AllEnergy at a 25% discount. The
power comes from the ReGen 'upgrade' service, which generates
electricity from landfill gas and PV. Co-op members can buy
2,000 kWh annual blocks of green power for $6 a month, a
premium of 3.6ยข/kWh. After only two months, nearly 2% of its
6,000 members have signed up for the renewables option.
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Green Pricing Program Launched in Nebraska
Nebraska Public Power District will offer a voluntary program for
customers to contribute to a utility fund for new renewable energy
sources. Participation involves a minimum contribution of $6 per
month, and business participation is encouraged. Based on
similar green energy programs elsewhere, NPPD projects that as
many as 11,500 consumers may purchase its "Prairie Power".
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GSA Wants Green Power for EPA Facility
The U-S General Services Administration wants to buy renewable
electricity for the Environmental Protection Agency Laboratory in
California. The power must be Green-e certified from biomass,
solar thermal, PV, wind, geothermal, small hydro (less than 30
MW), digester gas or landfill gas. If there is a tie among bids,
GSA will give priority to generation facilities that have started
since September 1996. GSA wants power delivery to start in May,
under a renewable 36-month contract.
Details: http://www.gsa.gov/pbs/xu/co1.htmr/naag_399_pr.htmlmgychive/49atml
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Solar Leader Predicts Good Future for PV
The world market for photovoltaics will reach 1,000 MW by 2010
and 5 million MW by 2050, according to the president of BP
Solar. Peter Beadle, writing in 'World Energy' magazine,
concedes that solar power "is not economically competitive in
every situation," and the goal of making PV competitive in utility
applications by 1988 remains elusive with costs still at 30 c/KWh.
More than 125 MW were installed by 1998 (an average growth
rate of 20% per year) while prices have dropped from $50/Wp
(1976) to $5/Wp now. The Japanese government is investing
$250 million a year to increase manufacturing capacity from 40
MW (1997) to 190 MW (2000) and national programs are being
launched in Europe, driven by energy independence and
environment. These programs, combined with environmental
pressures such as climate change, "can only accelerate growth"
of the PV industry, and he says BP Solar will become a $1 billion
company within a decade. Royal Dutch Shell estimates that
renewables may contribute 50% of global electricity by the middle
of the century, and it wants 10% of that market.
Details: http://www.worldenergysource.com/v2n1.html9_pr.htmlmgychive/49atml
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Australia is Addressing the Greenhouse Challenge
EnergyAustralia will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more
than 600,000 tonnes per year by 2000, under the Greenhouse
Challenge Agreement with the federal government. Its 'Pure
Energy' renewable energy portfolio includes photovoltaic, wind,
hydro and landfill gas generators, which is expected to reduce
CO2 emissions by 200,000 tonnes by 2000. R+D will focus on
grid connection of solar stations, high efficiency blades for small
wind turbines, and supporting the Australian Centre for
Renewable Energy. EnergyAustralia has more grid-connected
solar power than any other energy services company, including
three of the country's largest rooftop solar arrays (Homebush - 11
kW, Redfern - 10 kW, Newcastle Foreshore - 7 kW), the largest
solar farm in the southern hemisphere at Singleton (400 kWp)
and Australia's largest single wind turbine (Kooragang - 600 kW).
Details: http://www.energy.com.au/environment/body_frame.htmlgychive/49atml
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World Bank to Post Data on Global Power Market
The World Bank and Cambridge Energy Research will launch an
online service this summer to provide information on energy
investments in emerging markets. The World Bank will promote
"economically competitive and environmentally sound energy" in
electric power, and will release data on power tariffs and other
areas where it has current information from its reporting scheme.
Opening the electricity sector to private investment is essential in
developing nations, and private energy investment has reached
$156 billion since 1990.
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New Charging Station Powers EVs with Green Energy
General Motors and Green Mountain Energy have unveiled a
'green-powered' charging station in California that will provide
fuel for electric cars in San Francisco. The Union of Concerned
Scientists has located the new station on its downtown parking
lot. A GM EV1 will increase customer acceptance of electric
vehicles by demonstrating the ease of owning an EV.
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Government Promotes Renewables in Scotland
Power suppliers in Scotland must buy more green electricity as a
result of a government directive under the third Scottish
Renewables Order. Contracts for 53 renewable energy projects,
generating 150 MW of green electricity, will supply power to
ScottishPower and Scottish + Southern Energy. The cost
premium will be financed through a Fossil Fuel Levy paid by all
electricity suppliers from consumer bills. In a commitment to
increase renewables as a method to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, the Scottish government has included wave power in
addition to new wind and hydro projects. The SRO is 25% higher
for renewable energies than recommended. Environmentalists
say the 20-year contracts total 150 MW, compared to 1,000 MW
capacity of conventional fossil fuel stations.
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Green Mountain Energy Improves Wind Product
GME's 'Wind for the Future' option for California consumers
generates 25% of electricity from new wind turbines (the original
product was 10%), with the remainder from small-scale hydro,
biomass, geothermal and landfill gas. The California office of the
Union of Concerned Scientists is its first signed customer.
Details: http://www.greenmountain.comironment/body_frame.htmlgychive/49atml
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Changes Urged for U-K Agencies for Renewables
The British Green Alliance says Westminster should improve its
promotion of renewables by simplifying the agencies which are
responsible. The Department of Energy was eliminated in 1992,
transferring responsibility to the departments of Trade + Industry
and the Environment, plus partial responsibility with other
departments and numerous research groups. The Alliance wants
consolidation under a separate Sustainable Energy Agency, and
to reduce the policy emphasis on oil, gas, nuclear and coal.
Such a sustainable energy agency would improve coordination
and boost political efforts to promote renewables. Under the
Kyoto protocol, Britain must cut greenhouse gas emissions by
12.5%, and has promised to cut emissions by 20%.
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Denmark Cuts Funding for Wind Power
The Danish government will reduce funding for wind and other
renewables, increase taxes on utilities, and impose fees on grid
operators. Revenue will increase by 1.3 billion crowns this year,
and by two billion crowns each year with the introduction of
concession fees on grid companies, the reduction of state
funding and the taxing of companies. The government wants
complete market liberalization this year, but is willing to consider
a gradual transition. It also wants CO2 quotas by 2003.
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Solar Demo Program Wraps Up in Ramallah
For the past year, four research organizations have worked with
Friends of the Earth Middle East, to study the feasibility of four
isolated sites supplied with PV energy for domestic needs and
water pumping. A wrap-up symposium suggested that the sites in
Palestine, Israeli, Jordan and Egypt could create a 'solar bridge
for peace building.' A report says the "lack of political will" by all
local governments to develop renewable energy was evident, and
the project now must get funding to build the demo sites.
Details: http://www.foeme.orgtain.comironment/body_frame.htmlgychive/49atml
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California Firm Buys Green Power For Own Operations
SeaWest in San Diego will buy renewable energy from Green
Mountain Energy, as well as for its operations in the Tehachapi,
Altamont and San Gorgonio wind areas. SeaWest is an original
wind developer, and has challenged other generators to buy
green power for their own needs and to build the market for
renewable energies. Company executives purchase green power
for their personal use, and have encouraged their employees to
do likewise. The company's total consumption of green power is
500,000 kWh per year. GMER's 'Wind For the Future' option
includes electricity generated by SeaWest turbines. Since 1982,
the firm has developed 400 MW of wind projects in the U-S, U-K
and Spain. It does not manufacture turbines, but has developed
20% of wind capacity in California, and is constructing three
windfarms in Wyoming and two in Palm Springs. Enron Wind
and FPL Energy also purchase green energy for their operations.
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Colorado Ski Town Offers Rebate for Solar Power
The town of Aspen gives homeowners a two-year rebate of up to
$3,000 if they generate solar electricity. Initial program funding of
$60,000 has come from the Ted Turner Foundation and the local
utility. Residents receive 25 c/kWh, and 40 homes are expected
to participate. An electric cooperative will buy excess electricity.
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Barriers to Financing Renewable Energy Policies
The head of the U-S Association for Renewable Energy + Energy
Efficiency Development (USAFREED) says financing innovations
must keep pace with advances in renewable energy, which are
disadvantaged by high-subsidy conventional sources. Although
the risks of renewables have been dispelled, Joel Stronberg says
investors still avoid small entrepreneurs in the sector. Business
and government must structure market investment opportunities
so consumers can understand the advantages of green power,
and encourage energy-switching opportunities which increase the
attractiveness of renewables. Renewables can reduce prices
under utility restructuring, if public and private programs can be
blended.
Details: http://www.epa.gov/gtain.comironment/body_frame.htmlgychive/49atml
/globalwarming/greenhouse/barriers.html
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Parks Like Renewables for Environmental Reasons
The U-S National Park Service and Utah Office of Energy are
promoting renewable energy technologies in high-profile remote
parks that are not grid-connected. At a marina on Lake Powell,
electricity cost 42 c/kWh because fuel came by barge and there
was risk of diesel spills, and a PV system now supplies power for
32 c/kWh. Photovoltaics have been installed at seven of 13
national parks in Utah, displacing 1,300 tons of CO2 a year and
saving $137,000 in fuel and maintenance.
Details: http://www.epa.gov/gtain.comironment/body_frame.htmlgychive/49atml
/globalwarming/greenhouse/transforming.html
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U-S Internet Site Shows State Incentives for Renewables
In 1995, the DoE launched the Database of State Incentives for
Renewable Energy (DSIRE) through the Interstate Renewable
Energy Council. The 50 states list their financial and regulatory
incentives to promote renewable energies, to allow replication in
other jurisdictions. Incentives are identified by end-use sector,
technology and incentive type, with data on users.
Details: http://www-solar.mck.ncsu.edu/dsire.htmdy_frame.htmlgychive/49atml
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U-S Pledges Help for African Renewable Energies
Renewable energies offer opportunities to African entrepreneurs,
and U-S energy secretary Bill Richardson has pledged to help the
continent develop sustainable sources. During the next 20 years,
the world will need$30 trillion to finance energy projects to meet
energy demand, and he says many African governments are
investing in R+D for hydro, wind, and solar, as well as nuclear
and combustion. The DoE is helping Ghana in solar projects,
and geothermal in Uganda.
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Renewables Highlighted in New Jersey Legislation
New Jersey has approved energy deregulation with a charge on
all customers to cover demand-side management programs
(including renewable energy). Competitive suppliers must
provide renewable electricity from solar, PV, wind, fuel cells,
geothermal, tidal, methane gas, biomass (class I) or solid waste
and hydro (class II). They must offer net metering for wind or PV
systems in residential and commercial sites at non-discriminatory
rates, with payments based on wholesale rates.
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Kampala Seeks New Power Customers
Uganda predicts excess hydraulic capacity by 2003, when a 250
MW and a 200 MW plant are completed. Power will be exported
to Tanzania and Rwanda; the former has agreed to develop
transmission lines to northern mining regions and the latter will
buy 30 MW of power. The new power will sell for 5.5 cents.
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Reducing Energy
Greenhouse gas emissions in Hawaii will increase 43% by 2020
because it imports oil for 90% of its power. It is increasing its use
of wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, and municipal waste (currently
8% of electricity, avoiding 800,000 tons of CO2 emissions), and
will tighten energy codes to cut another 840,000 tons by 2010.
Details: http://www.epa.gov/k.ncsu.edu/dsire.htmdy_frame.htmlgychive/49atml
/globalwarming/greenhouse/energetically.html
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No Trend Yet on Green Power Prices
Renewable energy in California is marketed through the APX
Green Power Market, where renewable producers are matched
with providers that want green power. Renewable producers
must be certified with the Energy Commission, and generate
wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, landfill gas and hydro (< 30
MW). The system operates up to a week in advance of delivery,
so renewable generators can plan production for premium times.
Details: http://www.apx.com/k.ncsu.edu/dsire.htmdy_frame.htmlgychive/49atml
/html/green_power_valuation_update.asp
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New Customers Illustrate the Appeal of Wind Power
The American Wind Energy Association says recent purchases pf
wind power illustrate the source's appeal. New Belgium Brewing
in Colorado will become the largest private consumer of wind
energy in the U-S, All Souls Episcopal Church in California voted
unanimously to purchase wind energy, and the Students' Coop in
Berkeley will buy renewable electricity. As utilities seek ways to
differentiate their product, green power is looking more "like an
obvious winner," say AWEA officials. More than 20 utilities and
marketers offer green power from wind turbines.
Details: http://www.igc.apc.org/awea/news/wpa9.htmlframe.htmlgychive/49atml
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New Courses Trains Electricians for Solar Roof Program
The Santa Clara County Electrical Training Center has graduated
the first 24 electricians from a course that is designed to meet
President Clinton's goal of one million solar roofs by 2010. Last
December, a US-Canadian partnership agreed to train 26,000
electricians to install PV rooftops across the U-S. At the recent
SCETC ceremony, a 4 kW PV array was commissioned; the
second in a series of installations at California union facilities this
year. In 1996, IBEW and NECA were encouraged to train their
union members in PV technology, or risk being outdated.
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Solar Project Gives Power to Remote African Village
Siemens Solar has launched the first turnkey solar village in
South Africa at Folovhodwe, where more than 600 homes,
schools and businesses will receive electricity. Eleven other
communities will receive PV installations under a program
co-sponsored by the Bavarian government in Germany.
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Controversial Dam Attracts More Criticism
Public support for the Three Gorges Dam in China is eroding,
according to media reports, as millions of residents are moved.
The $29 billion dam on the Yangtze River is the world's largest
hydro project that, when completed in 2009, will create a 600 km
reservoir and force resettlement of more than 1.2 million people.
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Home Energy Rating System Published
The U-S Association of State Energy Officials has adopted an
interim Home Energy Rating System Technical Guide, to produce
uniform home energy ratings and encourage the use of energy
mortgages. Interested parties are invited to comment on the
interim guidelines, with final wording due by July.
Details: http://www.natresent.orgwea/news/wpa9.htmlframe.htmlgychive/49atml
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Canada Continues Pilots in GHG Reductions
The Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Trading Pilot (GERT)
has been testing emission reduction trading in Canada for almost
a year. With six provincial governments, industry and labour
groups, the pilot will provide practical experience in emission
reduction trading and encourage investment in GHG reduction
activities. In renewable energy, the federal government is buying
wind power from Calgary's utility, Enmax Power which, in turn,
buys electricity from VisionQuest's Alberta windfarms. Powerex
wants to sell electricity from small hydro facilities in BC, and it
calculates the GHG offset will be 10,150 tonnes of CO2 per year.
Details: http://gert.orgesent.orgwea/news/wpa9.htmlframe.htmlgychive/49atml
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Energy Tidbits
- U-S energy secretary Bill Richardson says a revised bill on
electricity deregulation will be "significantly greener" and include
a higher target for the Renewable Portfolio Standard when it is
tabled in Congress this month.
- A 1 MW solar roof is under construction in Germany, which will
generate 750 MWh of grid power. The 10,000 m2 of collectors
will provide power to offices and 350 homes.
- Portugal will introduce a tax to promote the generation of power
from renewable sources, and will set a quota that encourages
suppliers to purchase green power. The level would allow
renewable generators to re-coup their investment.
- Denmark will deregulate its energy sector and set a target of
20% from renewables by 2003.
- Ten wind turbines will be installed 8 km off the shore of Dunkirk
in France.
- The California city of Arcata will install up to 100 PV arrays on
residential roofs. The city would buy units in bulk to reduce cost,
and a local bank has agreed to finance all the PV projects.
- Germany wants to raise 8.4 billion DM with its energy tax based
on 'polluter-pay.' The tax would be offset by lower corporate
fees, but tax renewable energies that are sold on the grid.
- A town hall will be the first building in northern Greece to use
earth energy, where heat pumps will work off 21 wells of 80 m.
- Keystone Energy Services has signed 6,000 EarthChoice
customers in California, exceeding its marketing projections.
- Southern States Power has purchased a second oil extraction
plant to produce Bio-Diesel, pushing total production capacity to
14 million gallons per year (http://www.sspowerco.comwea/news/wpa9.htmlframe.htmlgychive/49atml).
- Trade officials from Moscow want to sell small floating nuclear
power plants to Indonesia, and Russian-made solar panels.
- DaimlerChrysler's Necar 4 and Ford Motor's P2000 electric
cars will run on hydrogen fuel cells. The Necar 4 can hit speeds
of 90 mph with a range of 280 miles, but uses liquid nitrogen for
fuel and will be replaced with the Necar X that uses methanol.
- IDACORP has formed a subsidiary to spearhead the company's
research and marketing in photovoltaics and fuel cells. "The use
of PV and renewable energy will grow rapidly during the next
decade and will be stimulated by issues like deregulation,
concerns over global climate change, increased energy demands
and the decreasing costs of technology," say officials. "There is
a distinct possibility that federal legislation will mandate that
energy providers develop a percentage of their future power
resources from renewable energy; we see a great opportunity in
having a significant market presence in renewable energy."
- Westinghouse and Mitsubishi will build reactors in China, from
900 to 1,300 MW in size. Nuclear accounts for 1% of China's
total power, versus the world average of 17%. China expects to
complete eight nuclear power plants by 2005, with capacity of 8.7
million kW. By 2010, installed capacity will be 20 million kW,
and 40 million kW by 2020.
- Illicit use of power in Mexico costs three billion pesos a year for
the Central Electricity Board. Many street vendors tap into street
lamps to power their appliances for free.
- Shell and Bechtel Enterprises will work to pursue power
generation in North America, under the brand name InterGen
North America, to develop and finance large-scale independent
power projects and co-gen facilities in Canada and the U-S.
- Siemens will cut 1,800 jobs from its power unit over two years,
as it integrates with Westinghouse Power Generation.
- DoE anticipates that ethanol will become a leading fuel to
supply hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles. Of the CO2 emissions in
the U-S, 30% comes from transportation.
- A majority of Canada's Parliament (160 of 301) oppose a $1
billion loan to Romania, to construct a CANDU nuclear reactor.
- Brazil will build coal thermal plants to avoid burning imported
natural gas, with the goal of increasing coal electricity to 12%
from its current 2%.
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Canadian Association for Renewable Energies
Bill Eggertson
We CARE
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