Domestic Fuel

According to a new report by Synapse Energy Economics prepared on behalf of the Civil Society Institute (CSI), if the U.S. ceases to burn coal, shuts down a quarter of existing nuclear reactors the trims its use of natural gas by 2050, the resulting increased reliance on wind, solar and other renewables will not result in a less reliable electricity grid. The new study finds that, in the envisioned 2050 with a heavy reliance on renewables, regional electricity generation supply could meet or exceed demand in 99.4 percent of hours, with load being met without imports from other regions and without turning to reserve storage. In addition, surplus power would be available to export in 8.6 percent of all hours, providing an ample safety net where needed from one region of the U.S. to the next.

“This study shows that the U.S. electricity grid could integrate and balance many times the current level of renewables with no additional reliability issues,” said Grant Smith, senior energy analyst, Civil Society Institute. “Recent improvements in both renewable technologies themselves and in the technologies that are used to control and balance the grid have been proceeding at a rapid pace, and the incentives and rewards for success in this area continue to drive substantial progress.”

“In contrast, the alternative—continuing to rely on increasing combustion of fossil fuels to generate electricity, and producing ever-increasing levels of greenhouse gases—is far less feasible, and presents much more daunting technical, economic, and social challenges to human and environmental welfare. In comparison, the challenge of integrating increasing levels of solar and wind power on the U.S. power grids requires only incremental improvements in technology and operational practices, added Smith.”

Listen to Grant Smith’s presentation here: Adding Renewables Doesn't Create Reliability Issues

Report co-author Dr. Thomas Vitolo, analyst, Synapse Energy Economics, explained, “Put simply, the message today is this: It is a myth to say that the United States cannot rely on renewables for the bulk of its electricity generation. This study finds that the projected mixes, based entirely on existing technology and operational practices, are capable of balancing projected load in 2030 and 2050 for each region—in nearly every hour of every season of the year.”

Listen to Tommy Vitolo’s presentation here: The Lights Will Stay On with Renewables
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The Energy Systems Laboratory (ESL) on the Idaho Falls Research and Education Campus has been official dedicated by the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). John Grossenbacher, Battelle Energy Alliance president and INL laboratory director, hosted special guests including elected officials and U.S. Department of Energy representatives, U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson of Idaho and Jeff Sayer, chairman of Idaho’s Leadership in Nuclear Energy (LINE) Commission and Director of Idaho’s Department of Commerce.

The new facility has 54,000 square feet of reconfigurable laboratory research space, plus a large laboratory for biomass characterization and is LEED Gold certified.

“Our new Energy Systems Laboratory adds significant research capabilities that will contribute to the timely, material and efficient transformation of America’s energy systems and infrastructure,” said Steve Aumeier, Energy and Environment associate laboratory director, who is responsible for research in the new ESL. “The impact of research at ESL is to enhance the nation’s global competitiveness by advancing energy security through integration of clean energy systems, advancement of energy storage technologies, and biomass design and analysis,” he added.

ESL contributes significantly to efforts to integrate low-carbon energy onto America’s electrical grid, reducing the nation’s dependence on foreign-sourced fossil fuels by researching bioenergy and electrical vehicle performances, and increasing energy efficiency in manufacturing, critical materials supplies and used nuclear fuel systems engineering.

Solar-powered inflatable light maker LuminAID Lab has been named the early-stage winner of the 2013 Clean Energy Challenge organized by the Clean Energy Trust. Bearing Analytics of Purdue University won the Student Challenge. Both companies received a $100,000 grant prize sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

Inspired by the 2011 earthquake in Japan, LuminAID Lab’s founders designed a lightweight, ship-flat solar-powered light to provide light in natural disaster situations. The company has sold more than 30,000 units so far and is working on a next generation version, according to LuminAID co-founder Andrea Sreshta.

Bearing Analytics, of Purdue University, offers a patent-protected temperature and vibration sensing solution to the industrial bearing market. This technology allows users to predict bearing failure before it happens, helping to alleviate safety concerns, prevent costly gearbox failures in wind turbines, extend product lifetimes and increase energy efficiency. Bearing Analytics will go on to compete at the 2013 National Clean Energy Business Plan Competition in Washington, D.C. this summer.

Additional prizes were awarded to SmarterShade, SkySpecs, Amplified Wind Solutions and Ornicept. SmarterShade, an Indiana-based company that makes an innovative film system to instantly darken windows, received the $50,000 Chicago Lakeside Prize, sponsored by McCaffery Interests.

SkySpecs, a University of Michigan-based firm that uses an unmanned aerial vehicle, or drone, to monitor wind turbines, bridges and other infrastructure, won the $10,000 Invenergy Renewable Ideas prize.

Nicole Zmij, CEO of Amplified Wind Solutions out of Cleveland State University, was awarded the ComEd and Clean Energy Trust-sponsored Breaking Barriers in Cleantech award for her role as an outstanding female entrepreneur. Amplified Wind Solutions harnesses wind energy to self-power cell towers, particularly in remote locations.

“The Challenge is designed to uncover the very best in clean energy technology startups and kickstart their development,” said Amy Francetic, Clean Energy Trust executive director. “This year’s teams inspired us beyond expectation. The judging was very competitive. We are grateful for the support of our sponsors, board and judges for their help in creating more prizes for these creative entrepreneurs.”

Sharie Derrickson, Vice President of New Wind Energy Solutions in Nashville, TN, along with 13 other female military veterans, were recently honored by White House as part of President Obama’s “Winning the Future,” initiative. Fourteen female military veterans were selected that have provided exemplary leadership at the local, state or regional level.

“You are the leaders in our businesses and schools in our communities,” Mrs. Obama said. “You all are part of a long line of women who have broken barriers – defied expectations and served this country with unparalleled courage and determination. And the beautiful thing about our veterans – and this is especially true for our women veterans — is that long after you stop serving this country, you don’t stop serving it after you hang up your uniforms.”

Meeting the president and the first lady in the East Wing of the White House, Derrickson said, was an overwhelming experience. “They are rock stars, but so personable and warm. It is invigorating and re-energizing when you know that my passion of a sustainable world is shared all the way up the chain of command. They treated us like honored guests with the works – champagne, hor d’oeuvres, a military jazz band.”

New Wind President, Stuart Wiston, who attended the event, said he is proud to have Derrickson on his sustainability team. “Our company makes it a priority to hire veterans because they bring so much to the table. Getting Sharie was a stroke of luck. Her dedication to her job is unsurpassed and that is a trait I find in all my former military employees. She is a well-spoken advocate for what we do here and she deserved this recognition from the White House not only as a female veteran but as a spokesman for global sustainability. She works hard to help corporations save money and enhance their communities and not be a burden on them by using best practices. She cares about her clients. It’s not as much a business to her as it is a mission.”
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Panasonic Eco Solutions North America (Panasonic), has completed the installation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) parking lot canopy at the new Agoura Hills, California headquarters for the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. Panasonic served a supporting role in the project that was developed and financed by RSB Funds (RSBF). The 115 kilowatt PV project will generate enough energy to operate over 20 average California homes for an entire year.

“Panasonic is pleased to have partnered with RSBF to deliver a comprehensive solar solution, including development, construction and financing, that will generate tangible and intangible benefits for the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation for decades to come,” said Jamie Evans, Managing Director, Panasonic Eco Solutions North America.

The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation designed its new headquarters campus to address current and future professional and social responsibilities, including a focus on becoming increasingly energy efficient, environmentally responsible and aesthetically appealing. The solar PV carport system supports the organization’s goal to exceed Platinum LEED standards and further demonstrates the Foundation’s long-term commitment to sustainability.

“The use of solar power was an essential part of our plan to achieve LEED Platinum status and eliminate the use of fossil fuels. The project we completed with Panasonic helped us achieve this goal while enabling us to continue to maximize the allocation of our assets for charitable purposes,” added Patrick J. Modugno, Vice President, Administration and CFO for the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.

Genuine Bio-Fuel has designed a new program, called the ‘Second Chance Program,’ for staffing its company with quality, dedicated employees as well as to assist former inmates and Veterans reestablish themselves within society. Executive Vice President of Genuine Bio-Fuel Inc. Jeff Longo believes, “companies in the alternative energy industry have a responsibility to spur job creation. What better way to spark the economy, then to employ and equip people eager to learn with the tools to build a better future for them.”

GBF’s Second Chance Program provides equal wage jobs to former inmates and Veterans. The program was established to create an environment where former inmates and Veterans are able to start a new life. In addition to each employee receiving another chance to rebuild their lives, Genuine Bio-Fuel also offers them free training if they want to pursue careers in the green sector.

The program’s success is partially due to the “hire, not fire” approach to staffing the program taken by the GBF executive team. Its outreach efforts include hiring Veterans who have just returned from serving our country as well as former inmates in need of a fresh start and new lease on life. Employees in this program are empowered through comprehensive on-the-job training, and as a result GBF has built cohesive team driven environment and experiences low attrition rates.

Longo added, “We hope to serve as a positive example in the biodiesel industry of what happens when businesses begin investing in people again.”

GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has recently released the U.S. Solar Market Insight: Year-in-Review 2012. According to the report, solar is the fastest growing energy source in the U.S. The Solar Market Insight annual edition shows the U.S. installed 3,313 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaics (PV) in 2012, a record for the industry.

Even with the cost of solar falling for consumers, the market size of the U.S. solar industry grew 34 percent from $8.6 billion in 2011 to $11.5 billion in 2012—not counting billions of dollars in other economic benefits across states and communities. As of the end of 2012, there were 7,221 MW of PV and 546 MW of concentrating solar power (CSP) online in the U.S.– enough to power 1.2 million homes.

At the state level, 2012 was another year for breaking records. California became the first state to install over 1,000 MW in one year, with growth across all market segments. Arizona came in as the second largest market, led by large-scale utility installations, while New Jersey experienced growth in the state’s non-residential market. The top 10 largest state solar markets in 2012 were: 1. California – 1,033; 2. Arizona – 710; 3. New Jersey – 415; 4. Nevada – 198; 5. North Carolina – 132; 6. Massachusetts – 129; 7. Hawaii – 109; 8. Maryland – 74; 9. Texas – 64; 10. New York – 60 MW of PV installed during 2012.

Key Report Findings include:

• PV installations grew 76% in 2012 to reach 3,313 MW
• There are now more than 300,000 PV systems operating across the U.S.
• The U.S. installed 11% of all global PV in 2012, the highest market share in at least fifteen years
• Cumulative PV capacity operating in the U.S. as of the end of 2012 stood at 7,221 MW and cumulative operating concentrating solar stood at 546 MW
• Twelve states installed over 50 MW of solar each in 2012, up from eight in 2011
• Weighted average PV system prices fell 27% in 2012, reaching $5.04/W in the residential market, $4.27/W in the non-residential market, and $2.27/W in the utility market

There were over 90,000 solar installations in 2012, including 83,000 in the residential market alone. The non-residential segment, which includes commercial, governmental, and non-profit systems, installed more than 1,000 MW in 2012. Leading non-residential markets included California, New Jersey, Arizona, Massachusetts, and Hawaii.

Sun Valley Solar Solutions is launching a new loan program for homeowners who would like to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Arizona. The program is in partnership with aleo solar, part of the Bosch Group. According to Sun Valley Solar, PV systems can generate up to 100% of a home’s yearly kilowatt hour electricity usage from solar panels, usually installed on rooftops and tied into the grid. With more than 300 days a year of sunshine in southern Arizona, solar power is a good renewable energy choice.

Homeowners who don’t have ample cash on hand have found it difficult to finance solar PV systems. However, solar leasing, with terms between 20-25 years have provided an affordable way for homeowners to go solar. In 2012, 81 percent of solar systems installed in Arizona were leased. During 2012, Sun Vally solar says, solar lease prices for quality panel brands slowly crept up, while “prepaid” leases (paying one lump sum after installation) have been completely eliminated or virtually priced out of financial viability. An alternative option to a lease for some may the 30 percent federal tax credit (which can be spread out over five years).

Sun Valley Solar Solutions is finding that homeowners can pay as little as $90 a month for a 5kW system. The price depends on the system size needed, the amount of sunlight the panels get (south facing is best), what utility company area a home is in, and how much if any of the loan is taken as same-as-cash.

The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) is holding a two-day geothermal workshop in Sacramento, California, on June 10-11, 2013. Titled “Resource Assessment and Optimization,” the workshop will provide practical information to anyone interested in geothermal energy, including developers, financiers, utilities, regulators, public-interest organizations, and members of the academic community.

The goal of the workshop is to educate attendees on how to assess the suitability of geothermal resources for development and expansion once initial exploration has been completed. Presentations will focus on insights to be gleaned from well testing, reservoir simulation, geochemistry, and ongoing resource monitoring. Experienced practitioners in these areas will discuss techniques, and several geothermal operators will present case studies illustrating how the techniques have been applied to their projects.

Speakers at the workshop will include Jim Lovekin, Minh Pham, Chris Klein, and Ethan Chabora, all of GeothermEx Inc. a Schlumberger Company; Paul Spielman of Ormat; and Magalay Flores and Helio Rodriguez of Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) of Mexico.

More information on the geothermal workshop can be found on the GRC website. Registration is now open. Seating is limited. After the short course on June 12 an optional field trip will visit The Geysers Geothermal Field including Calpine’s Geothermal Visitor’s Center, power plants and viewing some surface geothermal manifestations.

According to a recent study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), using switchgrass pellets could be a cheaper source of energy, instead of fuel oil to heat homes and businesses in the Northeast. Agricultural Research Service (ARS) researcher Paul Adler led efforts on a lifecycle analysis that compared costs of energy generation from coal, natural gas, fuel oil, and switchgrass in the form of energy-dense cubes, briquettes, and pellets.

The researchers calculated the economic outlays associated with switchgrass production throughout the supply chain, as well as greenhouse gas emissions generated by switchgrass production, densification, and conversion to heat and power. This included the first lifecycle inventory of switchgrass seed production and greenhouse gas emissions associated with seed production.

The analysis indicated that 192 pounds of “carbon dioxide equivalent,” or CO2e, was emitted for every ton of switchgrass dry matter that was sown, harvested, and delivered to densification plants for processing into pellets. CO2e is a measurement used to compare the emissions from various greenhouse gases based upon their global warming potential.

The researchers calculated that using switchgrass pellets instead of petroleum fuel oil to generate one gigajoule of heat in residences would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 146 pounds of CO2e. Totaling all costs associated with installing an appropriate residential heating system and fuel consumption, the team concluded that each gigajoule of heat produced using switchgrass pellets would cost $21.36. Using fuel oil to produce the same amount of heat would cost $28.22.

Adler is now working with Plainview Growers to determine how the carbon footprint differs between heating greenhouses with biomass and heating them with fuel oil. The results of the research were published in the journal, Environmental Science & Technology.

The new 5MW Kalaeloa Solar Farm has gone online in West Oahu, Hawaii. Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie joined representatives of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) and Hawaiian Electric Company during during an event hosted by Bright Plain Renewable Energy (BPRE), who manages the solar farm.

“Hawaii has growing energy demand and abundant sunshine, and it makes sense for the state to maximize our use of this clean, reliable and affordable solar resource,” said Governor Abercrombie. “I applaud partners Bright Plain Renewable Energy, SunPower, Hawaiian Electric Company, and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for uniting to build this project. As the largest, most productive solar farm on Oahu to date, it will have significant positive impact on the state’s renewable portfolio standards goal of 40 percent by 2030.”

At the 36-acre site, SunPower installed its SunPower solar panels on a SunPower T0 Tracker system. According to SunPower, the Tracker positions solar panels to follow the sun’s movement during the day, increasing sunlight capture by up to 25 percent over conventional fixed-tilt systems, while significantly reducing land requirements.

“Solar is a valuable source of power and attractive investment opportunity, particularly in Hawaii, as it cleanly and reliably serves our growing energy demand without imported fossil fuels, while providing a predictable, low risk return to investors over a long period of time,” said David Buzby, CEO of BPRE. “We’re confident that, with SunPower’s leading solar power plant technology, this project will benefit the residents of Oahu for years to come.”

The solar farm is the first utility-scale solar project on state land, located on 36-acres leased from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Hawaiian Electric will buy the power produced by the solar farm under a fixed-price contract for 20 years.

According to President Obama, America is poised to take control of our energy future, but this could be compromised due to the arbitrary cuts caused by the so-called “sequestration” now taking place. During his speech last Friday at Argonne National Laboratory in Chicago, Illinois, the President pointed out the cuts would affect the federal research projects, “at a time when the country is poised to take control of our energy future.”

“After years of talking about it, we’re finally poised to take control of our energy future. We produce more oil than we have in 15 years. We import less oil than we have in 20 years. We’ve doubled the amount of renewable energy that we generate from sources like wind and solar — with tens of thousands of good jobs to show for it.  We’re producing more natural gas than we ever have before — with hundreds of thousands of good jobs to show for it.  We supported the first new nuclear power plant in America since the 1970s. And we’re sending less carbon pollution into the environment than we have in nearly 20 years.”

While focusing much of his speech on his proposed actions to replace the cuts, he also discussed his proposal to create an Energy Security Trust that would use revenues generated by oil and gas development on federal lands to support new research and technologies that will shift cars and trucks to non-oil fuels. With gas prices high during the past month, Obama urged Congress to adopt his approach.

The renewable energy industry responded to the President’s remarks as well as his proposed Energy Security Trust.
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Kountry Korner in Baxter, Iowa has become the third retail location in the state to offer E15  as a registered fuel. E15, a blend of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline, has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in 2001 or newer vehicles.

“Our company is dedicated to environmentally-friendly practices and growing our local economy, so offering E15 was an easy decision,” said Kountry Korner Owner Bryan DeJong. “The people of Baxter will really benefit from cleaner-burning, lower-cost, more American-made E15.”

Kountry Korner is located in central Iowa at 312 E. Buchanan Street in Baxter. In order to offer E15, a retailer must register with the EPA. The retailer was helped throughout the process by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA), who assists retailers in the registration process to ensure they comply with all federal and state E15 regulations.

“E15 is starting to gain some traction in Iowa, and retailers are seeing value in offering fuel choice to consumers,” commented IRFA Managing Director Lucy Norton. “The IRFA expects more stations in the state to offer the fuel in the near future as more and more Iowans begin to realize the benefits of this cleaner, less-expensive, high octane fuel.”

WattLots has installed a unique solar parking system, Power Arbor, at Runnells Specialized Hospital in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. According to the company, the system uses mono-crystalline silicon solar cells and unlike typical flat panel systems, the open-air design of the Power Arbor does not collect snow. This reduces structural costs while providing up to 60 more days of annual power generation, making it a good solution for Northeast Corridor lots or regions with regular snowfall. The structures are manufactured and assembled in New Jersey.

“The product’s unique design answers a number of issues which plague conventional parking lot structures,” said WattLots’s CEO, William Kaufman. “The Power Arbor provides a uniquely styled parking lot canopy system that is specifically designed for the northeastern climate.”

The company says its Power Arbor system provides substantial quantities of clean, renewable electrical energy at the source of demand where it is needed and it automatically rotates and follows the sun, increasing energy generation by up to 40 percent when compared to typical fixed installations.

“The Power Arbor development is illustrative of the value provided to emerging entrepreneurs by Clean Energy Alliance (CEA) members, in this case the NJIT Enterprise Development Center,” said James F. Groelinger, Executive Director of CEA, of which WattLots is a member. “CEA members currently are mentoring hundreds of clean tech entrepreneurs and companies, many of which will become important contributors to our energy and environmental future while creating jobs in America.

Northwest Renewable Energy Institute (NW-REI) is offering a Wind Turbine Technician program and is hosting three free informational sessions on the program this month: Tuesday, March 5th at 7:00 pm; Saturday, March 9th at 10:30 am; and Saturday, March 23rd at 10:30 am. According to the U.S. Department of Energy energy map of installed wind capacity, Oregon and Washington are two of the top states in the country for wind energy use.

“This school has afforded me the chance to pursue a positive career change that fits in with my lifestyle and plans for the future. This field is growing and I can see it continuing to grow,” said Stephanie Staggs, a recent graduate of the program. “I love the accelerated program — it’s challenging, fast paced and very hands-on. The instructors are amazing and really work hard at helping you every step of the way.”

With green energy in high demand, NW-REI’s says its in-depth technical training and valuable on-the-job experience provides the tools necessary for success in this fast-growing industry. The program takes students out of a classroom and puts them 300 feet into the air on a wind turbine. Students can expect an innovative approach to wind turbine training that will include classroom-based training, computer-based training and hands-on training. The green energy training programs teach the technical skills necessary to service, repair, and maintain wind turbines.

Click here for additional information regarding NW-REI.