Saturday, March 2, 2013

Alternative Clean Energy Roundup: 2 March 2013

New technologies may push wind energy to new heights
February 28, 2013 - In recent years, wind turbine technology has advanced considerably, with many onshore industrial-scale wind turbines in the U.S. now standing at 100 meters and capable of powering more than 1,000 households.

Although turbines have advanced greatly, the wind assessment technologies used to determine if a site has suitable wind resources and is economically viable have not kept pace. A recent development, however, is boosting wind data quality, while also reducing the environmental impact and cost of wind data collection.

Capital City Renewables recently installed a 100-meter aluminum lattice meteorological tower in Colorado, the second tower of its kind in North America. read more>>>

Utilities taking advantage of wind PTC
February 28, 2013 - The New Year extension of the Production Tax Credit has made wind energy attractive to electric utilities and customers alike. Utilities are locking in fixed-price contracts for wind power and holding down rates for consumers.

By the beginning of 2013, 66 utilities bought or owned wind power with nearly half for large amounts more than 100 MW -- up from 42 a year before -- and more have signed up since the PTC extension at the beginning of January.

In fact, wind power grew by 28 percent in 2012 alone driven by the PTC and, for the first time, became the number one source of new electric generating capacity, injecting $25 billion into the economy. In 2012, the following states made the top 10 for new installations: read more>>>

Homewind: Wind Turbines, Power Kits & Components

Wind vital to China's grid
February 28, 2013 - China's road to offshore wind is littered with challenges and bottlenecks, but the country charges on.

As a result of years of coordination and cooperation between the government and domestic offshore wind power players and idle wind power plants, the first of China's offshore wind power projects will likely go online in 2013.

Statistics show that wind resources along China's coasts and waterways could produce output of 43 million kW. Projects with a combined capacity of 16.5 million kW are already underway. read more>>>

Rwanda: Environment agency and private sector to promote 'Green Economy'
01/03/2013 - Green Economy - On Thursday afternoon last week, a deal was signed between Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) and the Private Sector Federation (PSF) in which the two parties agreed to become 'closer' partners.

A section of the private sector, especially manufacturers, have in recent months raised concerns over REMA's stringent regulations, specifically the ban on certain polythene and plastic materials in packaging, which forced them to adopt expensive alternatives. read more>>>

New arrivals from Greenlivingeveryday.com.

Microgrids as a Growing Technology
Microgrids provide an opportunity to enhance the way consumers and utilities use energy. In the right applications microgrids can increase the use of renewable energy, reduce costs, and improve reliability. Microgrids use is beginning to increase across the United States to achieve these benefits. Examples include installations by the military, businesses, universities, and utilities. The challenges and opportunities are plentiful and will be discussed on this panel.

This panel will bring experts representing San Diego Gas & Electric, the U.S. military, and General Electric.

PANELISTS: read more>>>

How to Finance a Residential Solar Energy System
March 1, 2013 - Here’s a question for you: when was the last time you paid cash for a home or new car? If you’re like 99% of us, then the answer is “never.” Some purchases simply require too large of a capital outlay for most people to complete without some sort of financing arrangement.

Banks, credit unions, and other lenders usually fill this role, and in most cases it works out to the benefit of all parties involved. The buyer gets shelter and transportation, the builder gets a sale, and the financier pockets an ROI over time through the interest it charges for the use of its money. read more>>>


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