Week of June 29, 2009 |
Editor: C.V. Clute editor@epoverviews.com GE to open $100 million US Renewable Energy R&D facility in Michigan (Ind. Report) General Electric Corp. has announced plans to open a $100 million US R&D facility in Wayne County's Van Buren Township, 25 miles west of Detroit. About 1,200 scientists and engineers initially will be hired to develop manufacturing technologies for GE's renewable energy, aircraft engine, gas turbine and other products. (Source: AP, June 25, 2009) Can Wind Power meet global needs? Harvard study says Yes! (Ind. Report) Harvard University researchers examining global wind resources have determined that a super-connected network of 2.5 MW wind turbines could meet global electricity demands - even if they were operating at one-fifth capacity. The bulk of the power needs could be supplied by land-based wind turbines with additional offshore larger turbines providing the rest. Their report, Global Potential for Wind Generated Electricity contends that the U.S. can obtain more than 16 times the energy it now consumes from an array of wind turbines, while China could see an 18-fold increase compared to 2005 consumption. (Source: Boston Globe, June 23, 2009)
Alberta Electric Systems Operator requests Wind Forecasting Service (Ind. Report) In Canada, Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) has issued a request for proposals for a centralized wind power forecasting service in Alberta as part of its continuing efforts to integrate more wind power into Alberta's Interconnected Electric System. Wind power forecasts will be used by the AESO to plan ahead for the amount of generation resources required to back up wind power and to develop operating plans to keep generation and demand on the system safely in balance at all times. The deadline for proposals is July 24, 2009. (Source: Canada Newswire, June 23, 2009)
$204 mn US in Energy Program funds released - Cont'd. (Ind. Report - Funding) U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu has announced more than $204 million US in Recovery Act funding to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in ten states under the State Energy Program (SEP). Additional funds will be provided to the states upon successful implementation of the programs as follows:
Additional details about this distribution of SEP funding were included in Friday's edition. (Source: U.S. DOE, June 24, 2009)
Norway introduces offshore Wind Energy legislation (Int'l - Leg. & Reg.) As with oil and gas licenses, Norway has claimed sea-based wind power as state property and proposed legislation to identify suitable areas to be licensed for development. The draft legislation sets up technical details of applying for concessions and the setting up, operating, and closing of installations. "The proposal creates a framework for ensuring that energy infrastructure is planned, constructed and operated with due concern for energy supply, environment, security, fisheries, sea transport and other interests," Petroleum and Energy Minister Terje Riis-Johansen said. Source: Reuters, June 26, 2009)
Notable Quote ... "We have seen other countries realize a critical truth: the nation that leads in the creation of a clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the 21st century global economy." - U.S. President Barack Obama (Source: AFP, June 28, 2009) 100 MW of Wind Power sought in New Brunswick, Canada (Ind. Report) NB Power has issued a request for proposals for New Brunswick's fifth wind-farm that will generate up to 100 MW of wind-energy. According to Energy Minister Jack Keir, "The RFP contains a number of new measures to maximize New Brunswick content in the design, construction and commissioning of new commercial wind farms." The deadline for proposals is August 14, 2009. (Source: Times Transcript, June 18, 2009)
Renewable Energy friendly legislation in Rhode Island (Leg. & Reg.) Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri has signed into law an Act relating to Public Utilities and Carriers that could pave the way for off-shore wind farms in Rhode Island by allowing electrical utility National Grid to enter into long-term green energy purchase contracts. (Source: Providence Journal, June 26, 2009)
$96 mn US for State Energy Programs (Ind. Report - Funding) Continuing to roll out funds under the State Energy Program (SEP), U.S. DOE Secretary Steven Chu has announced more than $96 million in Recovery Act funding to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in Ohio, Oregon, Virginia and West Virginia. Initial funds of 40% have been authorized, 10% of total funding was previously available to states to support planning activities and the remaining funds will be provided upon successful implementation of the programs as follows:
EarthFirst receives Creditor Protection extensions (Ind. Report - M&A) EarthFirst Canada Inc. has received an extension until July 24, 2009 of the initial creditor protection order granted on November 4, 2008 under the Companies Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA). The extension was supported by Ernst & Young Inc., the Court-appointed monitor of EarthFirst's CCAA process and was not objected to by counsel to EarthFirst's secured creditor, WestLB AG. An extension of the due diligence period for GE and Plutonic Powers' purchase of EarthFirst's 300 MW Dokie Project, as previously detailed in our June 4, 2009 edition, was also approved. (Source: CNW June 26, 2009/CNW June 29, 2009)
$154 mn US for State Energy Programs (Funding) Continuing to roll out funds under the State Energy Program, U.S. DOE Secretary Steven Chu has announced more than $154 million in Recovery Act funding to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in California, Missouri, New Hampshire and North Carolina.
Initial funds of 40% have been authorized, with 10% of total funding previously available to states to support planning activities and the remaining funds will be provided to the states upon successful implementation of the programs as follows:
Idaho State University offers Wind Engineering Technology training (New Prod. & Tech.) Idaho State University is offering two new Associate of Applied Science degree programs starting in September 2009 - Energy Systems Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) and Energy Systems Wind Engineering Technology (WET). The two-year WET program will train technicians to install, maintain, and service wind turbines, providing coursework in electrical and mechanical engineering as well as necessary training to climb towers safely and develop the specialized skills and training necessary for the growing wind industry. The courses are offered through the university's Energy Systems Technology and Education Center, a partnership between ISU, Idaho National Laboratory, and Partners for Prosperity. (Source: Idaho State University, June 30, 2009)
Odyssey Oil & Energy to pursue Wind and Solar power storage (Int'l - M&A) South Africa-based Odyssey Oil & Energy, Inc. has acquired 51% of H-Power International (Pty) Ltd. "This acquisition gives Odyssey the exclusive worldwide rights over patented Hybrid Battery Technology allowing the company to pursue the storage of alternative green energy, including solar and wind power," according to President, Arthur Johnson. (Source: Odyssey Oikl, July 1, 2009)
Minnesota Power plans 33 turbine Wind power project in North Dakota (Ind. Report) Minnesota Power has applied for a special use permit to install 17 wind turbines in Morton County and has a permit application pending for 16 other wind turbines in Oliver County, North Dakota. The utility has acquired easement options from property owners and has submitted an application to the North Dakota Public Service Commission for the project. A public hearing on the application have been tentatively set for Aug. 25, 2009. If approved, the project could be completed by 2011. (Source: Bismarck Tribune, July 1, 2009)
Massachusetts Ocean Map sets limits on Offshore Wind Projects (Leg. & Reg.) The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs has released the first draft of a comprehensive ocean management plan that would limit large-scale offshore wind farms in the three mile state-controlled waters of two areas close to Martha's Vineyard. The regulatory map would limit other commercial wind farms in state waters to an area west and south of Cuttyhunk Island near the southern end of the Elizabeth Islands and southwest of Nomans Land - enough space for 166 turbines, which could power up to 200,000 homes. The plan also allows the construction of as many as six community-based ocean wind farms of up to 10 turbines each scattered outside the commercial area. Public hearings on the proposed draft will take place starting in September, 2009. (Source: Boston Herald, July 1, 2009)
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