Alternative Clean Energy Roundup: 21 May 2013

INSIGHT – Microgrid aims to support modern military power needs

20 May 2013 - Microgrids make smart use of the energy produced on a local level, including from renewable sources, while slotting into the bulk power grid, offering benefits such as reliability, carbon emission reduction, the diversification of energy sources, and cost reduction. With the military’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and meeting ever tighter budget restrictions while maintaining energy security, they could offer a perfect solution for managing the power at bases. read more>>>

Climate Warnings, Growing Louder

May 18, 2013 - The news that atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, the most important global warming gas, have hit 400 parts per million for the first time in millions of years increases the pressure on President Obama to deliver on his pledges to limit this country’s greenhouse gas emissions.

America cannot solve a global problem by itself. But as Mr. Obama rightly observed in his inaugural address, the United States, as both major polluter and world leader, has a deep obligation to help shield the international community from rising sea levels, floods, droughts and other devastating consequences of a warming planet. read more>>>

The Greenbatteries Store offers great prices on rechargeable batteries, battery chargers, battery cases and holders.

A Bump on the Road to Green

May 16, 2013 - Fisker automotive may be kaput. But my friend Dave insisted that before I joined the parade of writers comparing the failed electric-car company to Solyndra, the other California-based manufacturer that went bust after landing a federal clean-energy loan, I had to borrow his curvaceous Fisker Karma. It’s been described as the most beautiful sedan ever built, and I must say that Dave’s sparkling ocean-blue model—there’s crushed glass coated with sterling silver in the paint—looks particularly cool. As I cruised through Miami’s South Beach, tourists kept giving me thumbs-up and taking pictures with their phones, which rarely happens when I drive my Honda Odyssey. I aired out the Karma on the highway too. It’s a pretty sweet ride. read more>>>

Heatwave deaths in New York city could rise by up to 22%, study shows

New temperature norms under climate change will increase weather-related deaths in metropolitan areas in coming decades

19 May 2013 - New York city could experience up to 22% more deaths from extreme summertime heat in the coming decade under global warming, according to a study of the impact of climate trends.

The higher deaths will be partially offset by a reduction in deaths due to the milder winters predicted in Manhattan.

Overall, however, the net effect of the new temperature norms under climate change would be to increase weather-related deaths in New York city by up to 6.2% a year by the 2020s, according to the scientists. read more>>>

NOOK® HD Tablet Only $199, Ships Free! Watch Movies, Web, Email & More. Everything You Want in a Tablet

Nearly 100% Of New California Electricity To Be Solar In 2H 2013

May 16, 2013 - Herman Trabish of Greentech Media has happened across a pretty interesting find — 97% of new electricity generation capacity in line to be added to the California grid in the second half (2H) of 2012 is from solar power projects.

This is according to the California Independent System Operator (the ISO), as published in the 2012 Annual Report on Market Issues and Performance. In total, 1,633 megawatts of generation capacity are in line to be added to the grid in 2H 2013. A whopping 1,581 megawatts (MW) are from solar projects. 52 MW are from biomass projects. read more>>>

Omaha wasting wind potential

May 20, 2013 - Residents of Omaha, Nebraska are not taking pollution from coal-fired power plants sitting down.

Nearly 1,000 signatures from North Omaha residents, health professionals and students have been submitted to the Omaha Public Power District (OPPD), calling on the utility to address the community's public health concerns by phasing out coal burning at the North Omaha power plant.

Pollution from OPPD's North Omaha coal-fired power plant has been linked to 240 asthma attacks, 22 heart attacks and 14 premature deaths annually, as well as more than $100 million each year in health- and environmental-related costs which are passed on to taxpayers, according to the Clean Air Task Force. read more>>>

Find Gifts for Weather Buffs at Wind & Weather! Shop Now!

Starwood Hotels & Resorts and NRG Energy Introduce an Industry-Leading Alliance to Develop Solar Power at Hotel Properties

May 20th 2013 - From the Caribbean Summit of Political and Business Leaders that took place in the British Virgin Islands last week, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYS: HOT) and NRG Energy, Inc. (NYS: NRG) on Friday announced a new global alliance to expand the use of renewable energy systems at Starwood properties.

The alliance will begin with three properties, including the installation of a 1.3 megawatt (MW) solar array at the Westin St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands where NRG will build, own and operate the project. read more>>>

Peak Solar Implements New Deals Aimed At Saving Consumers More Money

May 20, 2013 - Demonstrating the company's commitment to providing quality low cost DIY solar kits, Peak Solar aggressively pursues purchasing deals with leading manufacturers. Recent negotiations have led to a new buying agreement with a tier one producer of solar parts, and Peak Solar is passing that savings directly to their customers. The deal is available online immediately by visiting the website (Peak Solar).

Furthering the money saving opportunities, Peak Solar is currently working on securing similar deals with manufacturers of solar electric system racking components and adding new higher wattage panels to the solar kit product lineup. The new 260 watt mono modules can be paired with the Power-One inverter, providing one of the most cost competitive DIY solar setups available on today’s market. read more>>>