Original article: http://napervillesun.suntimes.com/news/2985851-418/wind-council-ordinance-systems-solar.html
By Jenette Sturges
jsturges@stmedianetwork.com
Last Modified: Dec 23, 2010 03:12AM
There was a lot of wind blowing through the council chambers Tuesday night, but after an hour and a half’s discussion, council members finally agreed — small wind turbines are in.
The Naperville City Council voted 6-3 Tuesday to approve an ordinance that adds a Small Wind and Solar Energy Systems chapter to the city’s code book.
The new ordinance permits small wind roof-mounted turbines in commercial and industrial districts and ground-mounted wind systems in industrial districts. Both ground and roof-mounted turbines are allowed in all other zoning districts — including residential neighborhoods — so long as owners are willing to have their proposed turbines vetted through the city’s lengthy conditional use process.
“I think we made the right decision in not eliminating it from the residential areas, but to take each individual case as it comes along,” said Mayor A. George Pradel. “Because we don’t even know how much interest there is in it or how viable it is for the area.”
The conditional use process, which requires a hearing before the Plan Commission and City Council approval before a turbine could be installed, would give the city and nearby neighbors opportunity to weigh in on individual proposals.
Two options were presented to the council Tuesday night, both more restrictive than the ordinance finally passed. One proposed wind ordinance would have prohibited wind systems entirely from Naperville until they could be studied further, and the other prohibited wind systems in residential districts.
Both also include a plethora of other restrictions for wind turbines and solar panels, including height, setbacks, signage and color.
But council members ultimately came down in favor of wind, or at least considering different wind systems in an effort to spur further improvement of the technology.
“We need to put the issue out there to challenge people on the issue of sound,” said Councilman Doug Krause. “We could still be using Apple IIe computers, but things change. We’re looking for something that’s compact, that’s quiet, and if you don’t challenge them, it’s not going to happen.”
Exactly what criteria the Plan Commission and council will use to determine if a wind system is appropriate for Naperville residences was not decided upon, but guidelines established in a previous version of the ordinance included 60-foot height restrictions and a setback 1.1 times the height of the turbine. Sound was another concern for council members who feared disruption in neighborhoods from a noisy turbine.
Council members also discussed the return on investment for these systems, which cost thousands, even tens of thousands of dollars, but did not determine whether an individual’s ability to save money with a turbine or solar panels would be a factor in approval.
“When you look at our consumption, there’s zero return on investment now,” said Jodi Trendler of Naperville for Clean Energy and Conservation, the group that has been pushing for approval of renewable energy. “Everything you do will be a return compared to what you have now.”
Councilmen James Boyajian, Paul Hinterlong and Richard Furstenau voted against the ordinance’s adoption.
“There is a place for research and development. I’m just not sure it’s in my backyard or my neighbor’s backyard,” said Boyajian. “It’s like we’re not ready for this yet, which is why I’m not supportive of the wind element.”
Most council members did favor the ordinance’s new guidelines for how solar panels should be implemented.
Both ground-mounted and roof-mounted solar systems would be permitted in commercial areas but would need to go through the conditional use process before being built in neighborhoods.
This article brought to you by the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
WYANDOTTE, MI: City breaks ground on areas first geothermal utility
Editor's note: This is a very interesting concept. I wonder if this might work in Indiana. Is anyone interested into looking at this? Let me know. Laura Ann Arnold
The News Herald (thenewsherald.com), The Voice of Downriver
Saturday, December 4, 2010
By Jim Kasuba
WYANDOTTE, MI — The city has broken ground — literally and figuratively — on the area’s first geothermal utility.
But unlike a ceremonial groundbreaking that involves politicians digging a few inches into the topsoil with fancy shovels, the work recently wrapped up at Lindbergh and Alkali involved going a bit deeper, about 600 feet or so.
City Engineer Mark Kowalewski said the geothermal project is believed to be the first for residential customers in this part of the state.
Advanced Energy Group of Ann Arbor is involved in the joint venture.
“We received a (Neighborhood Stabilization Program Grant) for $560,000,” Kowalewski said. “Every city had some money allocated as part of a Community Development Block Grant formula.”
Wyandotte decided to use its grant money for this relatively small project, which includes two houses the city is rehabilitating, one on Lindbergh and the other on Lincoln.
But that’s just the beginning of what is expected to become a growing project.
This summer, the City Council approved the creation of a geothermal utility, although it’s likely to take several years for it to become readily available and financially feasible for most residents.
A geothermal utility works by circulating water through pipes buried deep in the ground, where temperatures are a constant 54 to 56 degrees. The water is either heated or cooled to a desired temperature, depending on whether it’s winter or summer.
“In the summer, instead of trying to cool down with 80-degree air, you are cooling with 50 degree-water,” said Melanie McCoy, general manager of Wyandotte Municipal Services. “The opposite is true in the winter. The system uses water as its mechanism instead of air, which offers better heat transfer.”
McCoy said there are many reasons to be excited about geothermal energy, among them its heating and cooling efficiency and affordability after start-up costs.
Another benefit, McCoy said, is that geothermal helps Wyandotte Municipal Services improve the operation of the electric system and reduce power supply costs. The other benefit is to the environment.
“According to the Department of Energy and the (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), geothermal systems are the most environmentally friendly to heat and cool your home,” McCoy said. “They emit no CO2, CO or other greenhouse gases. Geothermal energy has been used to heat and cool for decades, but not provided as a utility service.”
McCoy said each house requires 1 1/2 wells, each containing plastic pipe, 5 inches in diameter, with water going up one side and down the other. Using the dirt around it as a heat transfer, water is recirculated in a closed loop.
In such a system, a geothermal heat pump, powered by electricity, takes the place of a furnace or air conditioning unit.
Wyandotte Municipal Services is partnering with Hardin Geothermal to develop the well fields and assist in connecting to customers.
As part of $7.8 million in federal stimulus money the city was awarded earlier this year in NSP2 funds, officials are expected to either rehabilitate or build more than 40 houses for low- to moderate-income families. City officials see this as an ideal opportunity to utilize geothermal energy in these houses.
The city also is expected to use geothermal energy to heat and cool Bacon Memorial District Library and the Wyandotte Museum, among other public buildings.
One of the downsides of geothermal systems is the startup cost. McCoy estimated that an average heat pump costs about $12,000, which is considerably more expensive than a furnace or air-conditioning unit. The other expense is the wells, which cost about $8,000.
However, the federal government is offering consumers a 30 percent tax credit on the cost of a geothermal pump through 2016, which makes the system more affordable.
McCoy said tentative plans call for Municipal Services not charging $8,000 for each well, but instead charging a monthly fee.
Kowalewski added that more savings can be realized when wells are shared, as four houses can utilize three wells.
“That’s when it makes sense,” the city engineer said. “We will be the first municipality with geothermal, but why not? We are used to being first.”
Contact Staff Writer Jim Kasuba at jimk@heritage.com or 1-734-246-0881
The News Herald (thenewsherald.com), The Voice of Downriver
Saturday, December 4, 2010
By Jim Kasuba
WYANDOTTE, MI — The city has broken ground — literally and figuratively — on the area’s first geothermal utility.
But unlike a ceremonial groundbreaking that involves politicians digging a few inches into the topsoil with fancy shovels, the work recently wrapped up at Lindbergh and Alkali involved going a bit deeper, about 600 feet or so.
City Engineer Mark Kowalewski said the geothermal project is believed to be the first for residential customers in this part of the state.
Advanced Energy Group of Ann Arbor is involved in the joint venture.
“We received a (Neighborhood Stabilization Program Grant) for $560,000,” Kowalewski said. “Every city had some money allocated as part of a Community Development Block Grant formula.”
Wyandotte decided to use its grant money for this relatively small project, which includes two houses the city is rehabilitating, one on Lindbergh and the other on Lincoln.
But that’s just the beginning of what is expected to become a growing project.
This summer, the City Council approved the creation of a geothermal utility, although it’s likely to take several years for it to become readily available and financially feasible for most residents.
A geothermal utility works by circulating water through pipes buried deep in the ground, where temperatures are a constant 54 to 56 degrees. The water is either heated or cooled to a desired temperature, depending on whether it’s winter or summer.
“In the summer, instead of trying to cool down with 80-degree air, you are cooling with 50 degree-water,” said Melanie McCoy, general manager of Wyandotte Municipal Services. “The opposite is true in the winter. The system uses water as its mechanism instead of air, which offers better heat transfer.”
McCoy said there are many reasons to be excited about geothermal energy, among them its heating and cooling efficiency and affordability after start-up costs.
Another benefit, McCoy said, is that geothermal helps Wyandotte Municipal Services improve the operation of the electric system and reduce power supply costs. The other benefit is to the environment.
“According to the Department of Energy and the (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), geothermal systems are the most environmentally friendly to heat and cool your home,” McCoy said. “They emit no CO2, CO or other greenhouse gases. Geothermal energy has been used to heat and cool for decades, but not provided as a utility service.”
McCoy said each house requires 1 1/2 wells, each containing plastic pipe, 5 inches in diameter, with water going up one side and down the other. Using the dirt around it as a heat transfer, water is recirculated in a closed loop.
In such a system, a geothermal heat pump, powered by electricity, takes the place of a furnace or air conditioning unit.
Wyandotte Municipal Services is partnering with Hardin Geothermal to develop the well fields and assist in connecting to customers.
As part of $7.8 million in federal stimulus money the city was awarded earlier this year in NSP2 funds, officials are expected to either rehabilitate or build more than 40 houses for low- to moderate-income families. City officials see this as an ideal opportunity to utilize geothermal energy in these houses.
The city also is expected to use geothermal energy to heat and cool Bacon Memorial District Library and the Wyandotte Museum, among other public buildings.
One of the downsides of geothermal systems is the startup cost. McCoy estimated that an average heat pump costs about $12,000, which is considerably more expensive than a furnace or air-conditioning unit. The other expense is the wells, which cost about $8,000.
However, the federal government is offering consumers a 30 percent tax credit on the cost of a geothermal pump through 2016, which makes the system more affordable.
McCoy said tentative plans call for Municipal Services not charging $8,000 for each well, but instead charging a monthly fee.
Kowalewski added that more savings can be realized when wells are shared, as four houses can utilize three wells.
“That’s when it makes sense,” the city engineer said. “We will be the first municipality with geothermal, but why not? We are used to being first.”
Contact Staff Writer Jim Kasuba at jimk@heritage.com or 1-734-246-0881
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Ball State University (BSU) receives 'Technology Innovator of the Year' award
Original article: http://www.thestarpress.com/article/20101108/LIFESTYLE/11080325
THE STAR PRESS • November 8, 2010
MUNCIE -- The Hoosier Environmental Council (HEC) recognized Ball State University as its "Technology Innovator of the Year" during the Third Annual Green Policy Forum Nov. 6 in Indianapolis.
In 2009, Ball State broke ground on a new ground-source geothermal district heating and cooling system that, once completed, will be the largest district system in the country.
The system will replace four coal-fired boilers and save the university about $2 million every year in operating costs, not to mention reduce its carbon footprint by about half.
"Ball State is truly leading by example," said HEC Executive Director Jesse Kharbanda. "When it came time to make a decision about future energy needs, the university made a choice that not only benefits its bottom line but the environment as well."
In a press release, Gora cited not only the geothermal project but also the all-electric vehicle used to distribute campus mail as ways to lessen Ball State's environmental impact and encourage others to do the same.
More information about Ball State's district geothermal project can be found at www.bsu.edu/geothermal .
THE STAR PRESS • November 8, 2010
MUNCIE -- The Hoosier Environmental Council (HEC) recognized Ball State University as its "Technology Innovator of the Year" during the Third Annual Green Policy Forum Nov. 6 in Indianapolis.
In 2009, Ball State broke ground on a new ground-source geothermal district heating and cooling system that, once completed, will be the largest district system in the country.
The system will replace four coal-fired boilers and save the university about $2 million every year in operating costs, not to mention reduce its carbon footprint by about half.
"Ball State is truly leading by example," said HEC Executive Director Jesse Kharbanda. "When it came time to make a decision about future energy needs, the university made a choice that not only benefits its bottom line but the environment as well."
In a press release, Gora cited not only the geothermal project but also the all-electric vehicle used to distribute campus mail as ways to lessen Ball State's environmental impact and encourage others to do the same.
More information about Ball State's district geothermal project can be found at www.bsu.edu/geothermal .
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Powers Energy Hires Three Lake County Construction Firms for Garbage-to-Ethanol Plant in Schneider, IN
November 10, 2010
BY DIANE KRIEGER SPIVAK, (219) 648-3076 Powers Energy on Tuesday named the three Lake County construction firms that will hire 400 union workers to build a $254 million garbage-to-ethanol plant in Schneider.
Superior Construction Co., Inc., of Gary; Morrison Construction Co., of Hammond; and Continental Electric Co., Inc., also of Gary have formed a joint venture, SMC LLC, for the project, according to a news release Powers issued late Tuesday afternoon.
Powers Energy has also contracted with Robinson Engineering Ltd., Merrillville, to provide civil engineering support during design and permitting.
Powers has a 20-year-renewable contract with the Lake County Solid Waste Management District to process 8,000 tons of municipal waste into ethanol per day.
Funding for the project should be completed some time next month, according to company president Earl Powers, who promised no taxpayer dollars would be involved.
"One hundred percent of the project funding is from debt financing," Powers said, adding that financial backers, none of whom are from Indiana, would be identified after funding documentation is finalized.
"Lake County residents and public entities will have no financial liability for any portion of the project before or during construction and operation, or after facility closure," Powers said.
The plant is projected to operate for 30 years.
Powers hopes to break ground on the two-year project next summer, Powers engineer Ken Bosar said. The company must first apply for various permits from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, which should take place early next year, Bosar said.
"We're pleased the project is moving forward and happy that Powers Energy is keeping its promise," Solid Waste attorney Cliff Duggan said Tuesday.
Northwestern Indiana Building & Construction Trades Council Business Manager Randy Palmateer said all three companies are contractors with the council.
"They employ local building trades men and women," Palmateer said.
"We've looked at manpower projections with Mr. Powers," Palmateer said. "It's going to be a great project for our trade council. We're not at full employment, so this will be a nice jump-start."
Palmateer said a building trades presence will attend the Nov. 18 Solid Waste Board meeting in support of the project.
Powers Energy is scheduled to attend the meeting to answer questions submitted regarding the project.
"We're 100 percent behind this," Palmateer said, adding that 20 percent of the 50,000 union trades workers are currently unemployed.
"Hopefully, individual municipalities will sign into these local agreements to send their trash there," he said. "We're in a green era now."
This article brought to you by the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
BY DIANE KRIEGER SPIVAK, (219) 648-3076 Powers Energy on Tuesday named the three Lake County construction firms that will hire 400 union workers to build a $254 million garbage-to-ethanol plant in Schneider.
Superior Construction Co., Inc., of Gary; Morrison Construction Co., of Hammond; and Continental Electric Co., Inc., also of Gary have formed a joint venture, SMC LLC, for the project, according to a news release Powers issued late Tuesday afternoon.
Powers Energy has also contracted with Robinson Engineering Ltd., Merrillville, to provide civil engineering support during design and permitting.
Powers has a 20-year-renewable contract with the Lake County Solid Waste Management District to process 8,000 tons of municipal waste into ethanol per day.
Funding for the project should be completed some time next month, according to company president Earl Powers, who promised no taxpayer dollars would be involved.
"One hundred percent of the project funding is from debt financing," Powers said, adding that financial backers, none of whom are from Indiana, would be identified after funding documentation is finalized.
"Lake County residents and public entities will have no financial liability for any portion of the project before or during construction and operation, or after facility closure," Powers said.
The plant is projected to operate for 30 years.
Powers hopes to break ground on the two-year project next summer, Powers engineer Ken Bosar said. The company must first apply for various permits from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, which should take place early next year, Bosar said.
"We're pleased the project is moving forward and happy that Powers Energy is keeping its promise," Solid Waste attorney Cliff Duggan said Tuesday.
Northwestern Indiana Building & Construction Trades Council Business Manager Randy Palmateer said all three companies are contractors with the council.
"They employ local building trades men and women," Palmateer said.
"We've looked at manpower projections with Mr. Powers," Palmateer said. "It's going to be a great project for our trade council. We're not at full employment, so this will be a nice jump-start."
Palmateer said a building trades presence will attend the Nov. 18 Solid Waste Board meeting in support of the project.
Powers Energy is scheduled to attend the meeting to answer questions submitted regarding the project.
"We're 100 percent behind this," Palmateer said, adding that 20 percent of the 50,000 union trades workers are currently unemployed.
"Hopefully, individual municipalities will sign into these local agreements to send their trash there," he said. "We're in a green era now."
This article brought to you by the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
Richmond Power & Light (RP&L) might buy excess power
Original Article: http://www.pal-item.com/article/20101108/NEWS01/11080320
Utility considers allowing customers with wind, solar power or generators to sell power back
By Pam Tharp • Correspondent • November 8, 2010
Richmond Power & Light customers who also generate their own power might soon be able to sell extra kilowatts to RP&L.
Customers with wind or solar power systems or generators could sell their excess power back to the electrical grid if RP&L adopts a net metering ordinance, RP&L general manager Steve Saum said. The RP&L board will review a proposed ordinance for net metering at its Nov. 15 meeting.
The amount of electricity a customer could sell to the grid is limited to 10 kilowatts at any one time. Customers with higher generation capacity would need an agreement with the Indiana Municipal Power Agency, Saum said.
RP&L charges its customers 7.5 to 8 cents per kilowatt hour. Customers with extra power to sell would be paid at half of that rate, about 4.5 cents, because the higher rate includes the utility's fixed costs for line maintenance and overhead, Saum said.
Saum's unsure how many customers are generating power using solar panels or wind turbines but said he's had some inquiries about selling power back to the grid.
"Green" energy systems that power the sustainable living house at Centerville's Cope Environmental Center have transferred 540 kilowatts to Whitewater Valley REMC since April 2009, said Cope executive director Stephanie Hays-Mussoni. A 1-kilowatt wind turbine and a 900-watt solar panel power the sustainable living house.
Cope staff gets numerous inquiries about wind and solar power for home use, Hays-Mussoni said. Few follow through because of the substantial capital investment required -- about $20,000 to $25,000 for the systems and extra insulation, she said.
"We aren't currently selling the power back, but it does go back to the grid," Hays-Mussoni said. "It's not a whole lot of power. The turbine and solar panel provide 60 percent of the energy used by the residents of the sustainable house throughout the year. The systems don't provide energy all the time because sometimes the sun doesn't shine and the wind doesn't blow."
A disconnect switch is required for any system that would send power back to RP&L or other utilities. The switch automatically disconnects the private system line from the utility during a power failure, Saum said. Without the switch, a lineman working on a power failure issue could be injured by electricity flowing back into the line from a home generation system. The disconnect switch also must be inspected by the city building inspector before power sales can begin, Saum said.
RP&L board member Larry Parker was concerned earlier this week about the safety of RP&L linemen if a power outage occurred.
"How will we know if the disconnect switch has been installed?" Parker asked. "I don't want one of our linemen being killed because of this."
Those who enroll in the net metering program would be required to sign a form verifying the disconnect switch was installed, Saum said. Linemen also are trained to be cautious during outages, he said.
"If the line is out and we see lights, they know there's a generator or something producing power in the home," Saum said.
Board member Jack Elstro questioned the wisdom of the program.
"Why do we want to do this? To me, it's foolish," Elstro said.
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission is encouraging utilities to allow customers who generate excess electrical power to sell it to the power grid, Saum said.
"The IURC is trying to push it pretty hard. They've had complaints from customers whose utility didn't have a net metering ordinance," Saum said. "It's not mandatory yet for utilities to do this. We're trying to be proactive and be ready to handle it."
For more information
A customer interested in selling electricity to Richmond Power & Light should contact the utility for additional information, RP&L manager Steve Saum said. The net metering agreement is a legal document that includes acceptance of liability, and the required disconnect switch must be inspected and approved by the city of Richmond's building inspector, Saum said.
Comment on this story at palitem@pal-item.com.
This article brought to you by the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
Utility considers allowing customers with wind, solar power or generators to sell power back
By Pam Tharp • Correspondent • November 8, 2010
Richmond Power & Light customers who also generate their own power might soon be able to sell extra kilowatts to RP&L.
Customers with wind or solar power systems or generators could sell their excess power back to the electrical grid if RP&L adopts a net metering ordinance, RP&L general manager Steve Saum said. The RP&L board will review a proposed ordinance for net metering at its Nov. 15 meeting.
The amount of electricity a customer could sell to the grid is limited to 10 kilowatts at any one time. Customers with higher generation capacity would need an agreement with the Indiana Municipal Power Agency, Saum said.
RP&L charges its customers 7.5 to 8 cents per kilowatt hour. Customers with extra power to sell would be paid at half of that rate, about 4.5 cents, because the higher rate includes the utility's fixed costs for line maintenance and overhead, Saum said.
Saum's unsure how many customers are generating power using solar panels or wind turbines but said he's had some inquiries about selling power back to the grid.
"Green" energy systems that power the sustainable living house at Centerville's Cope Environmental Center have transferred 540 kilowatts to Whitewater Valley REMC since April 2009, said Cope executive director Stephanie Hays-Mussoni. A 1-kilowatt wind turbine and a 900-watt solar panel power the sustainable living house.
Cope staff gets numerous inquiries about wind and solar power for home use, Hays-Mussoni said. Few follow through because of the substantial capital investment required -- about $20,000 to $25,000 for the systems and extra insulation, she said.
"We aren't currently selling the power back, but it does go back to the grid," Hays-Mussoni said. "It's not a whole lot of power. The turbine and solar panel provide 60 percent of the energy used by the residents of the sustainable house throughout the year. The systems don't provide energy all the time because sometimes the sun doesn't shine and the wind doesn't blow."
A disconnect switch is required for any system that would send power back to RP&L or other utilities. The switch automatically disconnects the private system line from the utility during a power failure, Saum said. Without the switch, a lineman working on a power failure issue could be injured by electricity flowing back into the line from a home generation system. The disconnect switch also must be inspected by the city building inspector before power sales can begin, Saum said.
RP&L board member Larry Parker was concerned earlier this week about the safety of RP&L linemen if a power outage occurred.
"How will we know if the disconnect switch has been installed?" Parker asked. "I don't want one of our linemen being killed because of this."
Those who enroll in the net metering program would be required to sign a form verifying the disconnect switch was installed, Saum said. Linemen also are trained to be cautious during outages, he said.
"If the line is out and we see lights, they know there's a generator or something producing power in the home," Saum said.
Board member Jack Elstro questioned the wisdom of the program.
"Why do we want to do this? To me, it's foolish," Elstro said.
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission is encouraging utilities to allow customers who generate excess electrical power to sell it to the power grid, Saum said.
"The IURC is trying to push it pretty hard. They've had complaints from customers whose utility didn't have a net metering ordinance," Saum said. "It's not mandatory yet for utilities to do this. We're trying to be proactive and be ready to handle it."
For more information
A customer interested in selling electricity to Richmond Power & Light should contact the utility for additional information, RP&L manager Steve Saum said. The net metering agreement is a legal document that includes acceptance of liability, and the required disconnect switch must be inspected and approved by the city of Richmond's building inspector, Saum said.
Comment on this story at palitem@pal-item.com.
This article brought to you by the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Imperial e-Biofuels Subsidiary Nearing Twenty Five Million Gallon Annual Sales Pace
EVANSVILLE, Ind.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Imperial Petroleum, Inc. (OTCBB:IPMN.ob – News) announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, e-biofuels, LLC, a Middletown, Indiana biodiesel producer, sold 1.98 million gallons of biodiesel in October 2010 resulting in revenues of approximately $6.3 million for the month. First quarter revenues from biodiesel sales represent approximately $16.7 million on 5.2 million gallons sold.
“It’s been very exciting to see the daily increases in activity at the e-biofuels plant translate into increased sales and revenues for the Company,” said Jeffrey T. Wilson, President of Imperial. “Sales in calendar 2009 averaged 7 million gallons and we are now on pace to maintain biodiesel sales at around an annual pace of 24 million gallons with revenues approaching $70 million per year. We’ve been able to use the increased cash flow to mitigate some of the past financial issues faced by e-biofuels and strengthen our financial position in the industry.”
Mr. Wilson went on to say, “Our proto-type tests are going very well on process enhancements and we hope to finish our financing initiatives in the short term to position the Company for even more explosive growth going forward.”
Imperial is an energy company headquartered in Evansville, Indiana.
This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those described herein. Although the Company believes that the expectations in such statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.
Contact:
Imperial Petroleum, Inc.
Jeffrey T. Wilson, CEO
Phone 812-867-1433 Fax 812-867-1678
email: jtwilsonx1@aol.com
“It’s been very exciting to see the daily increases in activity at the e-biofuels plant translate into increased sales and revenues for the Company,” said Jeffrey T. Wilson, President of Imperial. “Sales in calendar 2009 averaged 7 million gallons and we are now on pace to maintain biodiesel sales at around an annual pace of 24 million gallons with revenues approaching $70 million per year. We’ve been able to use the increased cash flow to mitigate some of the past financial issues faced by e-biofuels and strengthen our financial position in the industry.”
Mr. Wilson went on to say, “Our proto-type tests are going very well on process enhancements and we hope to finish our financing initiatives in the short term to position the Company for even more explosive growth going forward.”
Imperial is an energy company headquartered in Evansville, Indiana.
This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those described herein. Although the Company believes that the expectations in such statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.
Contact:
Imperial Petroleum, Inc.
Jeffrey T. Wilson, CEO
Phone 812-867-1433 Fax 812-867-1678
email: jtwilsonx1@aol.com
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
The price of solar in California
Original article: http://www.renewablesinternational.net/the-price-of-solar-in-california/150/511/29293/
California's Division of Ratepayer Advocates (DRA) says that although the price of solar has plummeted in recent years, the bids for utility-scale projects in the state are paradoxically rising.
In the study (PDF) released last Tuesday entitled "California's solar PV paradox: declining California solar initiative prices and rising investor owned utilities bid prices," the DRA authors Nika Rogers and Derek Fletcher of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) find that the price of retail solar PV – the small rooftop systems on family homes and small businesses – dropped by 19-22 percent from Q4 2008 to July 2010. However, the price of utility-scale solar projects (defined as “mostly 10 MW or more”) slightly increased from 2007 to 2009.
The authors identify three main risks behind the latter:
John Geesman, a former member of the California Energy Commission (CEC), says he is not surprised by the study's findings as his criticism of California's RPS goes along similar lines: "the lack of transparency creates little downward pressure on price; the feel good, happy talk about contracts signed creates little pressure for actual delivered energy; and the distinction between flexible compliance and regulatory capture remains murky.” It is interesting to note that, while feed-in tariffs for solar have been accused of overpaying, feed-in tariffs have been plummeting in countries like France and Germany during the timeframe under investigation here, whereas the policy used in the US has apparently been overpaying solar.
The California Solar Initiative at the heart of the study only covers solar rooftops, not utility-scale field arrays, and some of the largest solar projects announced recently concerned concentrated solar power (CSP), not photovoltaics, but one of the study's authors Nika Rogers told Renewables International that "we only looked at solar PV projects and filtered out any solar thermal or solar trough projects.” Overall, the study provides an interesting overview of the California solar market for anyone looking to understand it better.
By Craig Morris (cm)
This article brought to you by the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
California's Division of Ratepayer Advocates (DRA) says that although the price of solar has plummeted in recent years, the bids for utility-scale projects in the state are paradoxically rising.
In the study (PDF) released last Tuesday entitled "California's solar PV paradox: declining California solar initiative prices and rising investor owned utilities bid prices," the DRA authors Nika Rogers and Derek Fletcher of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) find that the price of retail solar PV – the small rooftop systems on family homes and small businesses – dropped by 19-22 percent from Q4 2008 to July 2010. However, the price of utility-scale solar projects (defined as “mostly 10 MW or more”) slightly increased from 2007 to 2009.
The authors identify three main risks behind the latter:
- difficult credit markets,
- deadlines for California's RPS, and
- the CPUC’s “reluctance to reject high-priced contracts providing a disincentive for developers to price their bid competitively.”
John Geesman, a former member of the California Energy Commission (CEC), says he is not surprised by the study's findings as his criticism of California's RPS goes along similar lines: "the lack of transparency creates little downward pressure on price; the feel good, happy talk about contracts signed creates little pressure for actual delivered energy; and the distinction between flexible compliance and regulatory capture remains murky.” It is interesting to note that, while feed-in tariffs for solar have been accused of overpaying, feed-in tariffs have been plummeting in countries like France and Germany during the timeframe under investigation here, whereas the policy used in the US has apparently been overpaying solar.
The California Solar Initiative at the heart of the study only covers solar rooftops, not utility-scale field arrays, and some of the largest solar projects announced recently concerned concentrated solar power (CSP), not photovoltaics, but one of the study's authors Nika Rogers told Renewables International that "we only looked at solar PV projects and filtered out any solar thermal or solar trough projects.” Overall, the study provides an interesting overview of the California solar market for anyone looking to understand it better.
By Craig Morris (cm)
This article brought to you by the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Pre-election Look at Federal Energy Legislation Options by Neil Brown with Office of Sen. Lugar
Join us for a Webinar on October 21
Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar Seat Now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/792913553
The Indiana Renewable Energy Association in conjunction with Indiana Distributed Energy Advocates are sponsoring a Special Webinar with Neil Brown with the Office of Sen. Dick Lugar of Indiana.
Sen. Lugar and his proposed federal energy policy was the subject of a recent Indianapolis Star Guest Editorial by John Mutz. See http://indianarenew.blogspot.com/2010/10/mutz-says-lugar-plan-outshines-other.html
Although no one can predict the outcome of the November 2nd elections and its impact on federal energy policy, we can look back at what policies and proposals were introduced and look forward to see those that might be on the table during the lame duck session of Congress.
In early June, Sen. Lugar introduced his Practical Energy and Climate Plan or S. 3464. Later in June, the Congressional Research Service (CRS) prepared a memorandum that provided a short summary and comparison of four legislative proposals that were under some level of consideration in the U.S. Senate. Sen. Lugar's proposal was one of the four discussed. While all four proposals fall within the broad category of energy and climate change policy, the specifics of the proposals vary significantly, and their approaches vary in many ways.
For more details and a link to the CRS report, visit http://indianadg.wordpress.com/2010/06/27/crs-comparison-of-selected-energy-climate-change-bills/
Brown will both look back and look forward on these federal energy and climate change proposals.
Neil Brown is an advisor to Senator Dick Lugar of Indiana. He serves as a Senior Professional Staff Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, with responsibility for energy security and the Nunn-Lugar non-proliferation program. Neil earned masters degrees in political theory and forced migration while studying as a Rhodes Scholar at University of Oxford (UK). He also holds a BA from Harvard University. He has done substantial field work while living in South Asia, Namibia and Egypt, and he has previously worked with the Harvard Institute for International Development and the Center for Strategic and International Studies. In 2009, Neil was a Washington Fellow of the National Review Institute. He is a board member of the Association of American Rhodes Scholars, a trustee of the Merton College Charitable Corporation. Neil is from Iowa, where his family farm is located.
Webinar Title: Pre-election Look at Federal Energy Legislation Options by Neil Brown with Office of Sen. Dick Lugar
Date: Thursday, October 21, 2010
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
This article brought to you by the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar Seat Now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/792913553
The Indiana Renewable Energy Association in conjunction with Indiana Distributed Energy Advocates are sponsoring a Special Webinar with Neil Brown with the Office of Sen. Dick Lugar of Indiana.
Sen. Lugar and his proposed federal energy policy was the subject of a recent Indianapolis Star Guest Editorial by John Mutz. See http://indianarenew.blogspot.com/2010/10/mutz-says-lugar-plan-outshines-other.html
Although no one can predict the outcome of the November 2nd elections and its impact on federal energy policy, we can look back at what policies and proposals were introduced and look forward to see those that might be on the table during the lame duck session of Congress.
In early June, Sen. Lugar introduced his Practical Energy and Climate Plan or S. 3464. Later in June, the Congressional Research Service (CRS) prepared a memorandum that provided a short summary and comparison of four legislative proposals that were under some level of consideration in the U.S. Senate. Sen. Lugar's proposal was one of the four discussed. While all four proposals fall within the broad category of energy and climate change policy, the specifics of the proposals vary significantly, and their approaches vary in many ways.
For more details and a link to the CRS report, visit http://indianadg.wordpress.com/2010/06/27/crs-comparison-of-selected-energy-climate-change-bills/
Brown will both look back and look forward on these federal energy and climate change proposals.
Neil Brown is an advisor to Senator Dick Lugar of Indiana. He serves as a Senior Professional Staff Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, with responsibility for energy security and the Nunn-Lugar non-proliferation program. Neil earned masters degrees in political theory and forced migration while studying as a Rhodes Scholar at University of Oxford (UK). He also holds a BA from Harvard University. He has done substantial field work while living in South Asia, Namibia and Egypt, and he has previously worked with the Harvard Institute for International Development and the Center for Strategic and International Studies. In 2009, Neil was a Washington Fellow of the National Review Institute. He is a board member of the Association of American Rhodes Scholars, a trustee of the Merton College Charitable Corporation. Neil is from Iowa, where his family farm is located.
Webinar Title: Pre-election Look at Federal Energy Legislation Options by Neil Brown with Office of Sen. Dick Lugar
Date: Thursday, October 21, 2010
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
This article brought to you by the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
Duke Energy, Integrys Energy Services and Smart Energy Capital Launch Partnership to Build and Finance Solar Projects Throughout U.S.
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Duke Energy, Integrys Energy Services and Smart Energy Capital today announced the launch of a partnership to build and finance distributed solar projects throughout the United States.
Through the partnership, Duke Energy Generation Services (DEGS) and Integrys Energy Services (Integrys) will focus on jointly owning rooftop and smaller ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) solar projects that deliver electricity to investment-grade commercial, government and utility customers under long-term power purchase agreements. Smart Energy Capital will develop the projects and arrange financing, enabling DEGS and Integrys to create a streamlined, end-to-end approach to bringing solar projects to market.
"What makes this partnership unique in the marketplace is its focus on distributed solar solutions that produce renewable electricity close to where it is used, rather than at centralized power plants," said Greg Wolf, DEGS senior vice president and head of the unit's commercial solar business. "The companies involved bring a wealth of project development, construction, management and financing expertise to the partnership."
DEGS, part of Duke Energy Corporation's (NYSE: DUK) Commercial Businesses, and Integrys Energy Services, a subsidiary of Integrys Energy Group (NYSE: TEG), believe the majority of PV solar growth over the next several years will involve commercial-scale ground-mounted and rooftop applications. While DEGS and Integrys will continue to independently develop commercial solar projects pursuant to their respective strategies, this partnership will serve as a way to cooperatively boost growth in an attractive segment of the solar market.
"We have invested more than $65 million in 20 different distributed generation solar projects across the U.S. with a combined capacity of more than 10 megawatts," said Joel Jansen, managing director and head of energy assets at Integrys Energy Services. "Partnering with DEGS and Smart Energy Capital enables us to expand our presence in this market in an efficient, strategic manner."
DEGS and Integrys will equally supply the necessary equity capital for construction and ownership of the distributed solar projects. Over the next two years, the companies intend to invest up to $180 million in total project capital. Individual project size is expected to be 500 kilowatts and up, depending on the needs of the customer. DEGS and Integrys will be responsible for operating and maintaining the projects.
Smart Energy Capital will work with its strategic origination partners, including CB Richard Ellis (under the name CBRE Solar) and Tremco Roofing, to help customers achieve their sustainability and energy objectives on optimal terms. The financing structure of the partnership enables DEGS and Integrys to monetize all available federal tax benefits associated with the distributed solar projects.
"We believe this partnership provides a solution to one of the fundamental challenges in the commercial segment of the solar market – reliability and certainty of financing," said Rob Krugel, managing partner of Smart Energy Capital. "We are excited to form a strategic partnership with such large, experienced and well-capitalized power project owners as DEGS and Integrys to pursue distributed solar projects wherever market opportunities in the U.S. present themselves."
About Duke Energy Generation Services
Duke Energy Generation Services, part of Duke Energy's Commercial Businesses, is a leader in developing innovative renewable energy solutions, including wind, solar and biopower projects. DEGS builds, owns and operates electric generation for large energy consumers, municipalities, utilities and industrial facilities. DEGS is also working to build commercial transmission capacity to help the U.S. meet its energy needs of the future. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 500 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available on the Internet at: www.duke-energy.com.
About Integrys Energy Services, Inc.
Established in 1994, Integrys Energy Services, Inc. provides competitive energy supply solutions, structured products, and strategies that allow retail residential, commercial, and industrial customers to manage their energy needs. Its principal energy marketing operations are in the northeastern quadrant of the United States. Through its subsidiary, Integrys Energy Services – Natural Gas LLC, Integrys offers natural gas products to a full range of end-users throughout the Midwest. Areas of generation expertise include cogeneration, distributed generation, renewables such as solar and landfill gas, as well as clean fuel generation, with facilities in selected markets throughout the United States. More information about Integrys Energy Services is available online at www.integrysenergy.com.
About Smart Energy Capital
Founded in 2009, Smart Energy Capital is a leader in the financing and development of solar energy projects. The company manages the development, financing, installation and operations of distributed power plants throughout the United States and Canada using proven photovoltaic technologies. The company delivers fully managed, predictably priced solar energy services for its commercial, government and utility customers. More information about Smart Energy Capital is available at www.smartenergycapital.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Duke Energy:
Greg Efthimiou 704-382-1925
24-Hour 800-559-3853
Integrys Energy Services:
Joel Jansen 920-617-6029
Smart Energy Capital
Rob Krugel 914-595-2641
This article brought to by the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
Through the partnership, Duke Energy Generation Services (DEGS) and Integrys Energy Services (Integrys) will focus on jointly owning rooftop and smaller ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) solar projects that deliver electricity to investment-grade commercial, government and utility customers under long-term power purchase agreements. Smart Energy Capital will develop the projects and arrange financing, enabling DEGS and Integrys to create a streamlined, end-to-end approach to bringing solar projects to market.
"What makes this partnership unique in the marketplace is its focus on distributed solar solutions that produce renewable electricity close to where it is used, rather than at centralized power plants," said Greg Wolf, DEGS senior vice president and head of the unit's commercial solar business. "The companies involved bring a wealth of project development, construction, management and financing expertise to the partnership."
DEGS, part of Duke Energy Corporation's (NYSE: DUK) Commercial Businesses, and Integrys Energy Services, a subsidiary of Integrys Energy Group (NYSE: TEG), believe the majority of PV solar growth over the next several years will involve commercial-scale ground-mounted and rooftop applications. While DEGS and Integrys will continue to independently develop commercial solar projects pursuant to their respective strategies, this partnership will serve as a way to cooperatively boost growth in an attractive segment of the solar market.
"We have invested more than $65 million in 20 different distributed generation solar projects across the U.S. with a combined capacity of more than 10 megawatts," said Joel Jansen, managing director and head of energy assets at Integrys Energy Services. "Partnering with DEGS and Smart Energy Capital enables us to expand our presence in this market in an efficient, strategic manner."
DEGS and Integrys will equally supply the necessary equity capital for construction and ownership of the distributed solar projects. Over the next two years, the companies intend to invest up to $180 million in total project capital. Individual project size is expected to be 500 kilowatts and up, depending on the needs of the customer. DEGS and Integrys will be responsible for operating and maintaining the projects.
Smart Energy Capital will work with its strategic origination partners, including CB Richard Ellis (under the name CBRE Solar) and Tremco Roofing, to help customers achieve their sustainability and energy objectives on optimal terms. The financing structure of the partnership enables DEGS and Integrys to monetize all available federal tax benefits associated with the distributed solar projects.
"We believe this partnership provides a solution to one of the fundamental challenges in the commercial segment of the solar market – reliability and certainty of financing," said Rob Krugel, managing partner of Smart Energy Capital. "We are excited to form a strategic partnership with such large, experienced and well-capitalized power project owners as DEGS and Integrys to pursue distributed solar projects wherever market opportunities in the U.S. present themselves."
About Duke Energy Generation Services
Duke Energy Generation Services, part of Duke Energy's Commercial Businesses, is a leader in developing innovative renewable energy solutions, including wind, solar and biopower projects. DEGS builds, owns and operates electric generation for large energy consumers, municipalities, utilities and industrial facilities. DEGS is also working to build commercial transmission capacity to help the U.S. meet its energy needs of the future. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 500 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available on the Internet at: www.duke-energy.com.
About Integrys Energy Services, Inc.
Established in 1994, Integrys Energy Services, Inc. provides competitive energy supply solutions, structured products, and strategies that allow retail residential, commercial, and industrial customers to manage their energy needs. Its principal energy marketing operations are in the northeastern quadrant of the United States. Through its subsidiary, Integrys Energy Services – Natural Gas LLC, Integrys offers natural gas products to a full range of end-users throughout the Midwest. Areas of generation expertise include cogeneration, distributed generation, renewables such as solar and landfill gas, as well as clean fuel generation, with facilities in selected markets throughout the United States. More information about Integrys Energy Services is available online at www.integrysenergy.com.
About Smart Energy Capital
Founded in 2009, Smart Energy Capital is a leader in the financing and development of solar energy projects. The company manages the development, financing, installation and operations of distributed power plants throughout the United States and Canada using proven photovoltaic technologies. The company delivers fully managed, predictably priced solar energy services for its commercial, government and utility customers. More information about Smart Energy Capital is available at www.smartenergycapital.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Duke Energy:
Greg Efthimiou 704-382-1925
24-Hour 800-559-3853
Integrys Energy Services:
Joel Jansen 920-617-6029
Smart Energy Capital
Rob Krugel 914-595-2641
This article brought to by the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Mutz says Lugar plan outshines other energy bills
http://www.indystar.com/article/20101012/OPINION01/10120313/Lugar-plan-outshines-other-energy-bills
Written by John Mutz
It's no secret that Indiana's economy is struggling to regain its footing. Like the rest of the country, we've lost a lot of jobs and our unemployment rate is higher than it has been in many years.
What may be surprising to some, though, are the great strides our state is making in the area of clean energy industries during these difficult economic times.
Relatively quietly, Indiana is making a name for itself as an outstanding place to manufacture electric cars and the batteries that run them, not to mention solar panels and parts for wind turbines.
Gov. Mitch Daniels and his team have rightly begun to focus on this area of opportunity for Hoosiers. Over the last year, Abound Solar in Tipton, Wind Stream Technologies in New Albany, EnerDel in Central Indiana, Anderson-based Bright Automotive, Brevini USA in Muncie, and Elkhart's Think North America have made headlines for creating jobs and giving our economy a much-needed boost.
A number of well-established companies are also having a huge impact.
Remy International in Pendleton just entered a partnership to bring a new-generation electric drive system to market. Cummins just received more than $38 million in federal grants to develop a highly efficient and clean diesel engine. Allison Transmission's new hybrid drive manufacturing plant in Indianapolis will employ 100 when it reaches full production.
Duke Energy is investing more than $2.8 billion into its coal gasification plant, which will burn a cleaner gas to produce power.
With these innovations, we're ahead of the clean energy curve, but now we need some changes to federal policy to remain there. Energy independence should be a priority in Washington. So far the House has passed a bill, and the Senate has not reached a consensus on climate change energy legislation.
One bright spot has been the fact that Indiana Sen. Richard Lugar is among those who believe that the country needs to take steps to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. He's filed a bill that will cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent, or about 1.6 billion metric tons -- the equivalent of taking more than 240 million cars off our roads. His bill is a balanced approach that provides a reasonable step toward this goal, and it provides economic incentives that will support the growing Indiana clean energy business.
The evidence that clean energy leads to good, high-paying jobs for Hoosiers is clear. However, if you need more evidence consider this: China vaulted past Denmark, Germany, Spain and the United States last year to become the world's largest maker of wind turbines and is poised to expand even further. In addition, the Chinese have emerged as the world's largest manufacturer of solar panels and are pushing hard to build nuclear reactors and the most efficient types of coal power plants.
No matter what the case, we do need additional legislation at the federal level. It is better to consider an approach that doesn't threaten Hoosier jobs, such as cap-and-trade, but still moves us toward the goal of energy independence. Lugar's bill does this.
Mutz is a consultant and private investor, former two-term lieutenant governor of Indiana, former president of Lilly Endowment and former president of Cinergy/PSI Indiana.
This article brought to you by the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
Written by John Mutz
It's no secret that Indiana's economy is struggling to regain its footing. Like the rest of the country, we've lost a lot of jobs and our unemployment rate is higher than it has been in many years.
What may be surprising to some, though, are the great strides our state is making in the area of clean energy industries during these difficult economic times.
Relatively quietly, Indiana is making a name for itself as an outstanding place to manufacture electric cars and the batteries that run them, not to mention solar panels and parts for wind turbines.
Gov. Mitch Daniels and his team have rightly begun to focus on this area of opportunity for Hoosiers. Over the last year, Abound Solar in Tipton, Wind Stream Technologies in New Albany, EnerDel in Central Indiana, Anderson-based Bright Automotive, Brevini USA in Muncie, and Elkhart's Think North America have made headlines for creating jobs and giving our economy a much-needed boost.
A number of well-established companies are also having a huge impact.
Remy International in Pendleton just entered a partnership to bring a new-generation electric drive system to market. Cummins just received more than $38 million in federal grants to develop a highly efficient and clean diesel engine. Allison Transmission's new hybrid drive manufacturing plant in Indianapolis will employ 100 when it reaches full production.
Duke Energy is investing more than $2.8 billion into its coal gasification plant, which will burn a cleaner gas to produce power.
With these innovations, we're ahead of the clean energy curve, but now we need some changes to federal policy to remain there. Energy independence should be a priority in Washington. So far the House has passed a bill, and the Senate has not reached a consensus on climate change energy legislation.
One bright spot has been the fact that Indiana Sen. Richard Lugar is among those who believe that the country needs to take steps to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. He's filed a bill that will cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent, or about 1.6 billion metric tons -- the equivalent of taking more than 240 million cars off our roads. His bill is a balanced approach that provides a reasonable step toward this goal, and it provides economic incentives that will support the growing Indiana clean energy business.
The evidence that clean energy leads to good, high-paying jobs for Hoosiers is clear. However, if you need more evidence consider this: China vaulted past Denmark, Germany, Spain and the United States last year to become the world's largest maker of wind turbines and is poised to expand even further. In addition, the Chinese have emerged as the world's largest manufacturer of solar panels and are pushing hard to build nuclear reactors and the most efficient types of coal power plants.
No matter what the case, we do need additional legislation at the federal level. It is better to consider an approach that doesn't threaten Hoosier jobs, such as cap-and-trade, but still moves us toward the goal of energy independence. Lugar's bill does this.
Mutz is a consultant and private investor, former two-term lieutenant governor of Indiana, former president of Lilly Endowment and former president of Cinergy/PSI Indiana.
This article brought to you by the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Deal in Place For NW Indiana Ethanol Plant
InsideINdianaBusiness.com Report
http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem.asp?ID=43966
Construction of a $254 million facility in Lake County that would convert garbage to ethanol appears to be moving forward. The Post Tribune reports Evansville-based Powers Energy LLC has reached terms with three firms to build the plant in Schneider. Powers Energy officials say they still have to receive the necessary permits from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, but groundbreaking could occur as early as the spring of 2011.
Officials say they are awaiting the outcome of permitting for a similar facility in Florida before they move forward in Indiana.
The green energy facility is expected to initially employ up to 400 construction workers and up to 200 permanent staff members.
Lake County's Solid Waste Management District signed a contract last year with Powers Energy to eventually provide thousands of tons of municipal garbage on a daily basis.
Source: Post Tribune
This article brought to you by the Indiana Renewable Enegy Association.
http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem.asp?ID=43966
Construction of a $254 million facility in Lake County that would convert garbage to ethanol appears to be moving forward. The Post Tribune reports Evansville-based Powers Energy LLC has reached terms with three firms to build the plant in Schneider. Powers Energy officials say they still have to receive the necessary permits from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, but groundbreaking could occur as early as the spring of 2011.
Officials say they are awaiting the outcome of permitting for a similar facility in Florida before they move forward in Indiana.
The green energy facility is expected to initially employ up to 400 construction workers and up to 200 permanent staff members.
Lake County's Solid Waste Management District signed a contract last year with Powers Energy to eventually provide thousands of tons of municipal garbage on a daily basis.
Source: Post Tribune
This article brought to you by the Indiana Renewable Enegy Association.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
US House Passes Bill Supporting Algae-based Fuels
Algal Biomass Organization Hails Passage of H.R. 4168
Legislation Removes a Major Barrier to Commercialization of Algae-Based Biofuels
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Algal Biomass Organization (ABO), the trade association for the U.S. algae industry, today praised the U.S. House of Representatives for passing H.R. 4168, the Algae-based Renewable Fuel Promotion Act. ABO specifically recognized Reps. Harry Teague (D-NM), Mary Bono Mack (R-CA), Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Brian Bilbray (R-CA) for leading efforts to give algae-based biofuel tax parity with cellulosic biofuels with respect to a $1.01 per gallon production tax credit and a 50 percent bonus depreciation for biofuel plant property.
“Today, the House sent an unmistakable message of bipartisan support to the hundreds of companies, scientists, entrepreneurs and government agencies working to accelerate the development of algae-based fuels, which will create jobs, decrease emissions and reduce our nation’s dependence on imported fossil fuels,” said Mary Rosenthal, Executive Director of ABO. “The passage of this bill is a huge first step towards our goal of creating parity for algae-based biofuels within the tax code and among various other government programs.”
This article brought to you by the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
Legislation Removes a Major Barrier to Commercialization of Algae-Based Biofuels
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Algal Biomass Organization (ABO), the trade association for the U.S. algae industry, today praised the U.S. House of Representatives for passing H.R. 4168, the Algae-based Renewable Fuel Promotion Act. ABO specifically recognized Reps. Harry Teague (D-NM), Mary Bono Mack (R-CA), Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Brian Bilbray (R-CA) for leading efforts to give algae-based biofuel tax parity with cellulosic biofuels with respect to a $1.01 per gallon production tax credit and a 50 percent bonus depreciation for biofuel plant property.
“Today, the House sent an unmistakable message of bipartisan support to the hundreds of companies, scientists, entrepreneurs and government agencies working to accelerate the development of algae-based fuels, which will create jobs, decrease emissions and reduce our nation’s dependence on imported fossil fuels,” said Mary Rosenthal, Executive Director of ABO. “The passage of this bill is a huge first step towards our goal of creating parity for algae-based biofuels within the tax code and among various other government programs.”
This article brought to you by the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
Weekly Address: President Obama Lauds Clean Energy Projects as Key to Creating Jobs and Building a Stronger Economy
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release October 02, 2010
•Fact Sheet (pdf)
WASHINGTON – In this week’s address, President Obama announced that – due to clean energy incentives launched by his administration – a company called BrightSource plans to break ground this month on a new, revolutionary type of solar power plant. This will put about 1,000 people to work building the facility. And once completed, it will power up to 140,000 homes, making it the largest such plant in the world. But for all the potential of clean energy projects like this one, the GOP recently pledged to scrap all incentives for these projects, even ones currently in progress.
The full audio of the address is HERE. The video can be viewed online at http://www.whitehouse.gov/ .
Over the past twenty months, we’ve been fighting not just to create more jobs today, but to rebuild our economy on a stronger foundation. Our future as a nation depends on making sure that the jobs and industries of the 21st century take root here in America. And there is perhaps no industry with more potential to create jobs now – and growth in the coming years – than clean energy.
For decades, we’ve talked about the importance of ending our dependence on foreign oil and pursuing new kinds of energy, like wind and solar power. But for just as long, progress had been prevented at every turn by the special interests and their allies in Washington.
So, year after year, our dependence on foreign oil grew. Families have been held hostage to spikes in gas prices. Good manufacturing jobs have gone overseas. And we’ve seen companies produce new energy technologies and high-skilled jobs not in America, but in countries like China, India and Germany.
It was essential – for our economy, our security, and our planet – that we finally tackle this challenge. That is why, since we took office, my administration has made an historic commitment to promote clean energy technology. This will mean hundreds of thousands of new American jobs by 2012. Jobs for contractors to install energy-saving windows and insulation. Jobs for factory workers to build high-tech vehicle batteries, electric cars, and hybrid trucks. Jobs for engineers and construction crews to create wind farms and solar plants that are going to double the renewable energy we can generate in this country. These are jobs building the future.
For example, I want share with you one new development, made possible by the clean energy incentives we have launched. This month, in the Mojave Desert, a company called BrightSource plans to break ground on a revolutionary new type of solar power plant. It’s going to put about a thousand people to work building a state-of-the-art facility. And when it’s complete, it will turn sunlight into the energy that will power up to 140,000 homes – the largest such plant in the world. Not in China. Not in India. But in California.
With projects like this one, and others across this country, we are staking our claim to continued leadership in the new global economy. And we’re putting Americans to work producing clean, home-grown American energy that will help lower our reliance on foreign oil and protect our planet for future generations.
Now there are some in Washington who want to shut them down. In fact, in the Pledge they recently released, the Republican leadership is promising to scrap all the incentives for clean energy projects, including those currently underway – even with all the jobs and potential that they hold.
This doesn’t make sense for our economy. It doesn’t make sense for Americans who are looking for jobs. And it doesn’t make sense for our future. To go backwards and scrap these plans means handing the competitive edge to China and other nations. It means that we’ll grow even more dependent on foreign oil. And, at a time of economic hardship, it means forgoing jobs we desperately need. In fact, shutting down just this one project would cost about a thousand jobs.
That’s what’s at stake in this debate. We can go back to the failed energy policies that profited the oil companies but weakened our country. We can go back to the days when promising industries got set up overseas. Or we can go after new jobs in growing industries. And we can spur innovation and help make our economy more competitive. We know the choice that’s right for America. We need to do what we’ve always done – put our ingenuity and can do spirit to work to fight for a brighter future.
Thanks.
This article brought to you by the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release October 02, 2010
•Fact Sheet (pdf)
WASHINGTON – In this week’s address, President Obama announced that – due to clean energy incentives launched by his administration – a company called BrightSource plans to break ground this month on a new, revolutionary type of solar power plant. This will put about 1,000 people to work building the facility. And once completed, it will power up to 140,000 homes, making it the largest such plant in the world. But for all the potential of clean energy projects like this one, the GOP recently pledged to scrap all incentives for these projects, even ones currently in progress.
The full audio of the address is HERE. The video can be viewed online at http://www.whitehouse.gov/ .
Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
The White House
October 2, 2010
Over the past twenty months, we’ve been fighting not just to create more jobs today, but to rebuild our economy on a stronger foundation. Our future as a nation depends on making sure that the jobs and industries of the 21st century take root here in America. And there is perhaps no industry with more potential to create jobs now – and growth in the coming years – than clean energy.
For decades, we’ve talked about the importance of ending our dependence on foreign oil and pursuing new kinds of energy, like wind and solar power. But for just as long, progress had been prevented at every turn by the special interests and their allies in Washington.
So, year after year, our dependence on foreign oil grew. Families have been held hostage to spikes in gas prices. Good manufacturing jobs have gone overseas. And we’ve seen companies produce new energy technologies and high-skilled jobs not in America, but in countries like China, India and Germany.
It was essential – for our economy, our security, and our planet – that we finally tackle this challenge. That is why, since we took office, my administration has made an historic commitment to promote clean energy technology. This will mean hundreds of thousands of new American jobs by 2012. Jobs for contractors to install energy-saving windows and insulation. Jobs for factory workers to build high-tech vehicle batteries, electric cars, and hybrid trucks. Jobs for engineers and construction crews to create wind farms and solar plants that are going to double the renewable energy we can generate in this country. These are jobs building the future.
For example, I want share with you one new development, made possible by the clean energy incentives we have launched. This month, in the Mojave Desert, a company called BrightSource plans to break ground on a revolutionary new type of solar power plant. It’s going to put about a thousand people to work building a state-of-the-art facility. And when it’s complete, it will turn sunlight into the energy that will power up to 140,000 homes – the largest such plant in the world. Not in China. Not in India. But in California.
With projects like this one, and others across this country, we are staking our claim to continued leadership in the new global economy. And we’re putting Americans to work producing clean, home-grown American energy that will help lower our reliance on foreign oil and protect our planet for future generations.
Now there are some in Washington who want to shut them down. In fact, in the Pledge they recently released, the Republican leadership is promising to scrap all the incentives for clean energy projects, including those currently underway – even with all the jobs and potential that they hold.
This doesn’t make sense for our economy. It doesn’t make sense for Americans who are looking for jobs. And it doesn’t make sense for our future. To go backwards and scrap these plans means handing the competitive edge to China and other nations. It means that we’ll grow even more dependent on foreign oil. And, at a time of economic hardship, it means forgoing jobs we desperately need. In fact, shutting down just this one project would cost about a thousand jobs.
That’s what’s at stake in this debate. We can go back to the failed energy policies that profited the oil companies but weakened our country. We can go back to the days when promising industries got set up overseas. Or we can go after new jobs in growing industries. And we can spur innovation and help make our economy more competitive. We know the choice that’s right for America. We need to do what we’ve always done – put our ingenuity and can do spirit to work to fight for a brighter future.
Thanks.
This article brought to you by the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
Monday, September 27, 2010
2010 Indy Solar Tour Kick-off at Hamilton Co. Park Dept. Cool Creek Nature Center
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Laura Arnold
Indiana Renewable Energy Association
LauraArnold@indianarenew.org
(317) 635-1701
INDIANAPOLIS - On Saturday, Oct 2nd from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., central Indiana residents will have an opportunity to learn about solar power for their home or business. The 2010 Indy Solar Tour is a practical, hands-on educational opportunity to see operating solar thermal and solar photovoltaic, small wind, as well as energy efficiency and other renewable energy technologies at various locations in the greater Indianapolis area.
The tour will kick-off at the Hamilton County Parks Department’s Cool Creek Nature Center which features a 15.7 kilowatt Solar PV system. On a typical sunny day, the grid-tied system installed by ECI Wind and Solar in August 2010 produces 75% - 100% of the center’s electrical load.
“The solar system is projected to save the nature center $125,000 in utility costs and reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 18 tons annually,” according to Eric Cotton, president of ECI Wind and Solar. “By installing this solar system, Hamilton County Parks Department has shown real commitment when it comes to education and environmental stewardship” Mr. Cotton, will be at the Nature Center from 2 -5 p.m. to explain how the solar PV system works. He will be joined by Travis Murphy of the Indiana Office of Energy Development among others who will be discussing the state’s role in renewable energy development and the benefit it holds for Indiana consumers.
The Cool Creek Nature Center is located at 2000 East 151st Street, Carmel, IN 46033 and serves as the central hub for many different indoor and outdoor activities in a beautiful 90-acre park.
This free, self-guided tour is part of the 15th annual ASES National Solar Tour, the world's largest grassroots solar event, and is organized by Indiana Renewable Energy Association (InREA) with assistance from the Indiana Office of Energy Development, Indianapolis Power and Light and Duke Energy. In 2009, about 150,000 attendees visited some 5,000 buildings in 3,000 participating communities throughout the United States. A tour map will be available at the nature center and the InREA website.
Indiana Renewable Energy Association - Organized in 2008, Indiana Renewable Energy Association (InREA) is the official Indiana state chapter of the American Solar Energy Society. InREA was established for the purpose of representing businesses which produce, and consumers who use, renewable energy throughout the state of Indiana. For more information, visit http://www.indianarenew.org/.
Indiana Office of Energy Development - The Indiana Office of Energy Development, under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman, is responsible for Indiana's energy policy. That policy is outlined in the state's strategic energy plan, Hoosier Homegrown Energy which promotes locally derived energy resources such as solar and wind. Visit the OED homepage for more details, http://www.energy.in.gov/.
American Solar Energy Society – Established in 1954, the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is the nation's leading association of solar professionals & advocates. Its mission is to inspire an era of energy innovation and speed the transition to a sustainable energy economy. For more information, visit http://www.ases.org/
Contact: Laura Arnold
Indiana Renewable Energy Association
LauraArnold@indianarenew.org
(317) 635-1701
INDIANAPOLIS - On Saturday, Oct 2nd from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., central Indiana residents will have an opportunity to learn about solar power for their home or business. The 2010 Indy Solar Tour is a practical, hands-on educational opportunity to see operating solar thermal and solar photovoltaic, small wind, as well as energy efficiency and other renewable energy technologies at various locations in the greater Indianapolis area.
The tour will kick-off at the Hamilton County Parks Department’s Cool Creek Nature Center which features a 15.7 kilowatt Solar PV system. On a typical sunny day, the grid-tied system installed by ECI Wind and Solar in August 2010 produces 75% - 100% of the center’s electrical load.
“The solar system is projected to save the nature center $125,000 in utility costs and reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 18 tons annually,” according to Eric Cotton, president of ECI Wind and Solar. “By installing this solar system, Hamilton County Parks Department has shown real commitment when it comes to education and environmental stewardship” Mr. Cotton, will be at the Nature Center from 2 -5 p.m. to explain how the solar PV system works. He will be joined by Travis Murphy of the Indiana Office of Energy Development among others who will be discussing the state’s role in renewable energy development and the benefit it holds for Indiana consumers.
The Cool Creek Nature Center is located at 2000 East 151st Street, Carmel, IN 46033 and serves as the central hub for many different indoor and outdoor activities in a beautiful 90-acre park.
This free, self-guided tour is part of the 15th annual ASES National Solar Tour, the world's largest grassroots solar event, and is organized by Indiana Renewable Energy Association (InREA) with assistance from the Indiana Office of Energy Development, Indianapolis Power and Light and Duke Energy. In 2009, about 150,000 attendees visited some 5,000 buildings in 3,000 participating communities throughout the United States. A tour map will be available at the nature center and the InREA website.
Indiana Renewable Energy Association - Organized in 2008, Indiana Renewable Energy Association (InREA) is the official Indiana state chapter of the American Solar Energy Society. InREA was established for the purpose of representing businesses which produce, and consumers who use, renewable energy throughout the state of Indiana. For more information, visit http://www.indianarenew.org/.
Indiana Office of Energy Development - The Indiana Office of Energy Development, under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman, is responsible for Indiana's energy policy. That policy is outlined in the state's strategic energy plan, Hoosier Homegrown Energy which promotes locally derived energy resources such as solar and wind. Visit the OED homepage for more details, http://www.energy.in.gov/.
American Solar Energy Society – Established in 1954, the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is the nation's leading association of solar professionals & advocates. Its mission is to inspire an era of energy innovation and speed the transition to a sustainable energy economy. For more information, visit http://www.ases.org/
Solar panel manufacturer may open in Tipton County two years earlier than
by Ken de la Bastide and Daniel Human, Kokomo Tribune Staff Writers
TIPTON - The Colorado solar panel manufacturer planning to move into the never-used transmission plant in Tipton County could come to Indiana about two years sooner than originally expected, company and county officials said Wednesday.
Abound Solar Inc. plans to close Nov. 16 on its purchase of the former Getrag Transmission LLC plant at the corner of U.S. 31 and Ind. 28, said company spokesman Mark Chen.
The company originally planned to have created 850 jobs by 2013, but hiring could now begin as soon as late 2011, Chen said.
The solar panel manufacturer is moving forward with its plans more quickly to keep up with the increasing number of orders it is receiving, Chen said.
Abound hasn't finished mapping out how many of the 850 jobs it would initially create or when operations would begin in Tipton, he said.
President Barack Obama announced in July that Abound Solar would receive a $400 million loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy to expand its operations in Colorado, then purchase the never-used, approximately 800,000-square-foot factory.
The company had one manufacturing line in place before the loan at its plant in Longmont, Colo.
The Department of Energy will give Abound $50 million to put in a second line and another $50 million for a third in Longmont. The company will then receive $300 million to install eight lines in Tipton.
Tipton County Commissioner Jane Harper said Abound exercised its option to purchase the building from a trust established in 2009 by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Michigan after Getrag filed for bankruptcy protection.
The company has entered into a binding agreement with the trust, Harper said.
Abound is purchasing the building from the trust for $25 million with Tipton County providing $13 million through Tax Increment Financing to lower the purchase price, she said.
The proceeds of the sale will go to contractors who were not paid for work done when Getrag filed for bankruptcy.
"This is the best deal for Tipton County," Harper said of Abound purchasing the facility. "It fits best with the community and our green technology.
"With our predominant agricultural base, the establishment of Abound Solar at the crossroads of our community and three wind-energy companies with plans to place wind farms in our county, we can create a unique marketing opportunity in selling Tipton County and its products as the 'green' capital," she said.
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. offered Abound Solar Inc. up to $11.85 million in performance-based tax credits and $250,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. The IEDC will also provide work force and ombudsperson assistance.
Tipton County has approved additional incentives, including tax abatements for the company along with TIF money to the trust that owns the building.
The Getrag plant was being constructed as a joint venture between Chrysler and Germany-based Getrag. The plant was expected to provide more than 1,000 jobs. But soon before construction ended in 2008, Chrysler pulled out of the agreement and filed a lawsuit against Getrag. Getrag then filed for bankruptcy and backed out of the project, leaving the plant empty since.
This article brought to by Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
TIPTON - The Colorado solar panel manufacturer planning to move into the never-used transmission plant in Tipton County could come to Indiana about two years sooner than originally expected, company and county officials said Wednesday.
Abound Solar Inc. plans to close Nov. 16 on its purchase of the former Getrag Transmission LLC plant at the corner of U.S. 31 and Ind. 28, said company spokesman Mark Chen.
The company originally planned to have created 850 jobs by 2013, but hiring could now begin as soon as late 2011, Chen said.
The solar panel manufacturer is moving forward with its plans more quickly to keep up with the increasing number of orders it is receiving, Chen said.
Abound hasn't finished mapping out how many of the 850 jobs it would initially create or when operations would begin in Tipton, he said.
President Barack Obama announced in July that Abound Solar would receive a $400 million loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy to expand its operations in Colorado, then purchase the never-used, approximately 800,000-square-foot factory.
The company had one manufacturing line in place before the loan at its plant in Longmont, Colo.
The Department of Energy will give Abound $50 million to put in a second line and another $50 million for a third in Longmont. The company will then receive $300 million to install eight lines in Tipton.
Tipton County Commissioner Jane Harper said Abound exercised its option to purchase the building from a trust established in 2009 by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Michigan after Getrag filed for bankruptcy protection.
The company has entered into a binding agreement with the trust, Harper said.
Abound is purchasing the building from the trust for $25 million with Tipton County providing $13 million through Tax Increment Financing to lower the purchase price, she said.
The proceeds of the sale will go to contractors who were not paid for work done when Getrag filed for bankruptcy.
"This is the best deal for Tipton County," Harper said of Abound purchasing the facility. "It fits best with the community and our green technology.
"With our predominant agricultural base, the establishment of Abound Solar at the crossroads of our community and three wind-energy companies with plans to place wind farms in our county, we can create a unique marketing opportunity in selling Tipton County and its products as the 'green' capital," she said.
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. offered Abound Solar Inc. up to $11.85 million in performance-based tax credits and $250,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. The IEDC will also provide work force and ombudsperson assistance.
Tipton County has approved additional incentives, including tax abatements for the company along with TIF money to the trust that owns the building.
The Getrag plant was being constructed as a joint venture between Chrysler and Germany-based Getrag. The plant was expected to provide more than 1,000 jobs. But soon before construction ended in 2008, Chrysler pulled out of the agreement and filed a lawsuit against Getrag. Getrag then filed for bankruptcy and backed out of the project, leaving the plant empty since.
This article brought to by Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
Monday, September 20, 2010
IU energy seminar series receives successful kick-off, seven speakers to follow during Themester
John Haselden (photo right) of Indianapolis Power and Light (IPL) spoke Sept. 15 as the first guest in The Grand Energy Challenge seminar series. Haselden is currently serving as the Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Indiana Renewable Energy Association. IPL is also a member of the association.
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- An impressive speaker series on climate change and energy, titled by organizers "The Grand Energy Challenge," received a successful launch Wednesday (Sept. 15) as part of Indiana University's fall 2010 Themester: "sustain•ability: Thriving on a Small Planet."
John Haselden, principal engineer in corporate affairs for Indianapolis Power and Light, spoke on the topic of "Moving to Sustainable Energy Supply," to an attentive and inquisitive group of students and community members, according to co-organizer Rebecca Barthelmie, an IU professor of atmospheric science. His talk was the first in a series of presentations that will include visits by a Patten lecturer, a leading state energy official, and researchers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, the Colorado School of Mines and Purdue University.
"John was an inspiring speaker who stayed behind to answer a lot of questions from students," Barthelmie said. "We've had to move the talks to larger venues to accommodate the much larger than expected audience. That is excellent, of course, and shows there is a lot of interest."
The series is being supported by the IU College of Arts and Sciences, a grant from Duke Energy Foundation, and the Multidisciplinary Ventures and Seminars Fund of the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs at IU Bloomington.
Co-organizers of the event with Barthelmie are Sara Pryor, also an atmospheric scientist in the IU Department of Geography, and John Rupp and Maria Mastalerz from the Indiana Geological Survey.
The series will include seven more presentations, listed here:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Web Version
http://newsinfo.iu.edu/news/page/normal/15578.html
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 16, 2010
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- An impressive speaker series on climate change and energy, titled by organizers "The Grand Energy Challenge," received a successful launch Wednesday (Sept. 15) as part of Indiana University's fall 2010 Themester: "sustain•ability: Thriving on a Small Planet."
John Haselden, principal engineer in corporate affairs for Indianapolis Power and Light, spoke on the topic of "Moving to Sustainable Energy Supply," to an attentive and inquisitive group of students and community members, according to co-organizer Rebecca Barthelmie, an IU professor of atmospheric science. His talk was the first in a series of presentations that will include visits by a Patten lecturer, a leading state energy official, and researchers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, the Colorado School of Mines and Purdue University.
"John was an inspiring speaker who stayed behind to answer a lot of questions from students," Barthelmie said. "We've had to move the talks to larger venues to accommodate the much larger than expected audience. That is excellent, of course, and shows there is a lot of interest."
The series is being supported by the IU College of Arts and Sciences, a grant from Duke Energy Foundation, and the Multidisciplinary Ventures and Seminars Fund of the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs at IU Bloomington.
Co-organizers of the event with Barthelmie are Sara Pryor, also an atmospheric scientist in the IU Department of Geography, and John Rupp and Maria Mastalerz from the Indiana Geological Survey.
The series will include seven more presentations, listed here:
- "Coal's role in Indiana's future," by Purdue University's Tom Sparrow, Wednesday, Sept. 29, from 4-5 p.m. at the Department of Chemistry Building, room 001.
- "The role of international treaties in tackling climate change," by Griffith University's Jean Palutikof, from 7:30-8:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 11, as part of the Patten Lecture Series. Fine Arts Building, room 015.
- "Low Impact Fossil Energy: Keystone to Sustainability" by Julio Friedmann, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, on Tuesday, Oct. 12, from 1-2 p.m., at the State Room East, Indiana Memorial Union.
- "Climate change adaptation strategies: a poor man's solution?" by Jean Palutikof, Griffith University, from 7:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 12, as part of the Patten Lecture Series. Fine Arts Building, room 015.
- "Renewable energy development in Indiana," by Travis Murphy of the Indiana Office of Energy Development, from 4-5 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 27, at Woodburn Hall, room 100.
- "Wind energy," by Matt Hendrickson, Horizon Wind Energy, from 4-5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 10, at the Dogwood Room, Indiana Memorial Union.
- "The Global Energy Challenge," by Roel Snieder, Colorado School of Mines, from 4-5 p.m., Monday, Nov. 15, at the Geological Sciences Building, room 143.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Web Version
http://newsinfo.iu.edu/news/page/normal/15578.html
Friday, September 10, 2010
USDA Seeks Applications from Producers to Conduct Renewable Energy Feasibility Studies
Release No. 0445.10
Contact: Weldon Freeman (202) 690-1384
WASHINGTON, Sept. 7, 2010 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the availability of funding under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy systems for agriculture producers and rural small businesses.
"Renewable energy production represents a promising revenue source for America's producers while meeting the nation's need for new sources of renewable energy," Vilsack said. "These grants will help encourage the development of viable renewable energy projects across the nation and help small business owners, farmers, ranchers and agriculture producers conduct feasibility studies that identify renewable energy opportunities."
Eligible feasibility studies for renewable energy systems include projects that will produce energy from wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, hydro power and hydrogen-based sources. The energy to be produced includes heat, electricity or fuel. For all projects, the system must be located in a rural area, must be technically feasible and must be owned by the applicant. More information is available by visiting http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_ReapGrants.html.
Under this notice, USDA is making $3 million available to conduct feasibility studies. Grants are limited to $50,000 per study and the application deadline is October 5, 2010. The funding announced today is authorized under the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008. More information on how to apply for funding is available in the August 6, 2010 Federal Register, page 47525.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages more than 40 housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of 6,100 employees located in the nation's capital and 500 state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $142 billion in loans and loan guarantees.
#
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).
This article brought to you by the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
Contact: Weldon Freeman (202) 690-1384
WASHINGTON, Sept. 7, 2010 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the availability of funding under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy systems for agriculture producers and rural small businesses.
"Renewable energy production represents a promising revenue source for America's producers while meeting the nation's need for new sources of renewable energy," Vilsack said. "These grants will help encourage the development of viable renewable energy projects across the nation and help small business owners, farmers, ranchers and agriculture producers conduct feasibility studies that identify renewable energy opportunities."
Eligible feasibility studies for renewable energy systems include projects that will produce energy from wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, hydro power and hydrogen-based sources. The energy to be produced includes heat, electricity or fuel. For all projects, the system must be located in a rural area, must be technically feasible and must be owned by the applicant. More information is available by visiting http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_ReapGrants.html.
Under this notice, USDA is making $3 million available to conduct feasibility studies. Grants are limited to $50,000 per study and the application deadline is October 5, 2010. The funding announced today is authorized under the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008. More information on how to apply for funding is available in the August 6, 2010 Federal Register, page 47525.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages more than 40 housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of 6,100 employees located in the nation's capital and 500 state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $142 billion in loans and loan guarantees.
#
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).
This article brought to you by the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Imperial Biofuels Subsidiary Clears Milestone
Press Release Source: Imperial Petroleum, Inc. On Wednesday September 1, 2010, 7:00 am EDT EVANSVILLE, Ind.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Imperial Petroleum, Inc. (OTCBB:IPMN – News) announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, e-biofuels, LLC, a Middletown, Indiana biodiesel producer, cleared a milestone in its development. After becoming part of Imperial and as the result of negotiating a series of feedstock purchase agreements and biodiesel off-take sales contracts, e-biofuels generated revenues of approximately $3.5 million in the month of July 2010 alone on fuel sales of about 1.2 million gallons and as a result the subsidiary expects to be highly profitable going forward. Fuel sales for August 2010 are approximately 1.4 million gallons with revenues of just over $4.0 million for the month.
“Expanding the plant throughput to its current capacity was one of our early goals for e-biofuels and a great deal of credit goes to the management of e-biofuels for their efforts and achievements thus far. August sales to date are on pace to exceed the July results,” commented Jeffrey T. Wilson, President of Imperial. “As a result of the mandates under the Renewable Fuels programs, e-biofuels has been in a unique position to take advantage of its certification as an advanced biofuels producer to rapidly increase its market presence. Our products are sold to some of the largest retail outlets and truck stop owners in the United States. Upon the closing of our financing for the Company, we expect to proceed quickly to expand the biodiesel production capacity to 25 MMGPY; convert the plant over to our more-efficient process technology and add bio-jet fuel capabilities. Our goal is to add slow pyrolysis equipment into the facility over the next year to produce both electricity for re-sale to the power grid and bio-oil for inclusion in our renewable boiler fuel and renewable heating oil products.”
Imperial is an energy company headquartered in Evansville, Indiana.
This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those described herein. Although the Company believes that the expectations in such statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.
Contact: Imperial Petroleum, Inc. Jeffrey T. Wilson, CEO
Phone 812-867-1433 Fax 812-867-1678
email: jtwilsonx1@aol.com
This article brought to you be the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
“Expanding the plant throughput to its current capacity was one of our early goals for e-biofuels and a great deal of credit goes to the management of e-biofuels for their efforts and achievements thus far. August sales to date are on pace to exceed the July results,” commented Jeffrey T. Wilson, President of Imperial. “As a result of the mandates under the Renewable Fuels programs, e-biofuels has been in a unique position to take advantage of its certification as an advanced biofuels producer to rapidly increase its market presence. Our products are sold to some of the largest retail outlets and truck stop owners in the United States. Upon the closing of our financing for the Company, we expect to proceed quickly to expand the biodiesel production capacity to 25 MMGPY; convert the plant over to our more-efficient process technology and add bio-jet fuel capabilities. Our goal is to add slow pyrolysis equipment into the facility over the next year to produce both electricity for re-sale to the power grid and bio-oil for inclusion in our renewable boiler fuel and renewable heating oil products.”
Imperial is an energy company headquartered in Evansville, Indiana.
This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those described herein. Although the Company believes that the expectations in such statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.
Contact: Imperial Petroleum, Inc. Jeffrey T. Wilson, CEO
Phone 812-867-1433 Fax 812-867-1678
email: jtwilsonx1@aol.com
This article brought to you be the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
Friday, August 20, 2010
SolarAg Systems Adding 120 Jobs in Jay County
Press Release
PORTLAND, Ind. (Aug. 19, 2010) - Fort Recovery Construction & Equipment, LLC announced today it will expand its SolarAg division here, creating up to 120 new jobs by 2013.
Founded in 2003, Fort Recovery Construction & Equipment designs agricultural buildings and equipment. In late 2009 it launched SolarAg to develop and produce solar collectors and equipment. The company plans to invest $1.9 million to renovate its 60,000 square-foot facility located at 1001 North Wayne St. to accommodate research, development and production of solar thermal collector panels.
"Fort Recovery Construction is Hoosier entrepreneurial spirit at its finest," said Governor Mitch Daniels. "Indiana's agricultural success is directly tied to our economic success so it is critical that Fort Recovery Construction continue to be on the leading edge of an exciting industry with so much promise,"
SolarAg Systems says that solar energy is the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source available. The firm has developed a variety of solar products for residential and commercial use including heating and air conditioning, thermal floor heating, attic ventilation equipment, pool heating and photovoltaic products. To date, SolarAg Systems has sold over 3 million BTUs of solar thermal energy.
"We have seen our market share grow at a tremendous rate, due in large part to the exceptional design and performance of our patented solar thermal collectors. The overwhelming support that we have received from the city of Portland, Jay County and the state of Indiana convinced us that Indiana is the perfect location for our expansion. We are convinced that Indiana's progressive, pro-business environment, innovative workforce and unmatched technological and manufacturing expertise make the state a center for research, development and production in the renewable energy industry," said Brad Stultz, director of alternative energy development for SolarAg Systems.
The company plans to begin hiring management, sales and production associates once facility upgrades are complete later this fall. Interested applicants can apply at their local WorkOne center or online at www.indianacareerconnect.com .
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Fort Recovery Construction & Equipment, LLC up to $535,000 in performance-based tax credits based on the company's job creation plans. The city of Portland has approved additional property tax abatement at the request of the Jay County Development Corporation.
"We appreciate the investment and development Ft. Recovery Construction & Equipment is creating in the city of Portland. This expansion project is another example of the confidence level existing businesses have in the creation of new opportunities and the retention of existing jobs for the benefit of our community and our state," said Mayor Bruce W. Hosier.
About Fort Recovery Construction & Equipment, LLC
SolarAg Systems' parent company Fort Recovery Construction & Equipment, LLC was formed by David and Linda Lowe as a response to a booming agricultural industry in the greater state of Indiana. In an effort to meet the ever-increasing energy demands FRCE, LLC began research into renewable energy sources leading to the expansion and introduction of Solar Ag Systems. SolarAg Systems has devoted countless hours to the research and development of our innovative solar collectors and corresponding solar equipment. This R&D has led us to discover man ways to enhance our current products, including the use of more technologically advanced monitoring and control systems.
About IEDC
Created by Governor Mitch Daniels in 2005 to replace the former Department of Commerce, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation is governed by a 12-member board chaired by Governor Daniels. Mitch Roob serves as the chief executive officer of the IEDC. For more information about IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov .
Source: Indiana Economic Development Corporation
SolarAg Systems is a member of the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
PORTLAND, Ind. (Aug. 19, 2010) - Fort Recovery Construction & Equipment, LLC announced today it will expand its SolarAg division here, creating up to 120 new jobs by 2013.
Founded in 2003, Fort Recovery Construction & Equipment designs agricultural buildings and equipment. In late 2009 it launched SolarAg to develop and produce solar collectors and equipment. The company plans to invest $1.9 million to renovate its 60,000 square-foot facility located at 1001 North Wayne St. to accommodate research, development and production of solar thermal collector panels.
"Fort Recovery Construction is Hoosier entrepreneurial spirit at its finest," said Governor Mitch Daniels. "Indiana's agricultural success is directly tied to our economic success so it is critical that Fort Recovery Construction continue to be on the leading edge of an exciting industry with so much promise,"
SolarAg Systems says that solar energy is the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source available. The firm has developed a variety of solar products for residential and commercial use including heating and air conditioning, thermal floor heating, attic ventilation equipment, pool heating and photovoltaic products. To date, SolarAg Systems has sold over 3 million BTUs of solar thermal energy.
"We have seen our market share grow at a tremendous rate, due in large part to the exceptional design and performance of our patented solar thermal collectors. The overwhelming support that we have received from the city of Portland, Jay County and the state of Indiana convinced us that Indiana is the perfect location for our expansion. We are convinced that Indiana's progressive, pro-business environment, innovative workforce and unmatched technological and manufacturing expertise make the state a center for research, development and production in the renewable energy industry," said Brad Stultz, director of alternative energy development for SolarAg Systems.
The company plans to begin hiring management, sales and production associates once facility upgrades are complete later this fall. Interested applicants can apply at their local WorkOne center or online at www.indianacareerconnect.com .
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Fort Recovery Construction & Equipment, LLC up to $535,000 in performance-based tax credits based on the company's job creation plans. The city of Portland has approved additional property tax abatement at the request of the Jay County Development Corporation.
"We appreciate the investment and development Ft. Recovery Construction & Equipment is creating in the city of Portland. This expansion project is another example of the confidence level existing businesses have in the creation of new opportunities and the retention of existing jobs for the benefit of our community and our state," said Mayor Bruce W. Hosier.
About Fort Recovery Construction & Equipment, LLC
SolarAg Systems' parent company Fort Recovery Construction & Equipment, LLC was formed by David and Linda Lowe as a response to a booming agricultural industry in the greater state of Indiana. In an effort to meet the ever-increasing energy demands FRCE, LLC began research into renewable energy sources leading to the expansion and introduction of Solar Ag Systems. SolarAg Systems has devoted countless hours to the research and development of our innovative solar collectors and corresponding solar equipment. This R&D has led us to discover man ways to enhance our current products, including the use of more technologically advanced monitoring and control systems.
About IEDC
Created by Governor Mitch Daniels in 2005 to replace the former Department of Commerce, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation is governed by a 12-member board chaired by Governor Daniels. Mitch Roob serves as the chief executive officer of the IEDC. For more information about IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov .
Source: Indiana Economic Development Corporation
SolarAg Systems is a member of the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Loans and Grants
Release No. 0410.10
Contact:
Jay Fletcher (202) 690-0498
186 Projects Help Farmers and Rural Businesses Become More Efficient
Des Moines, Iowa, August 17, 2010 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA Rural Development is providing $23.4 million in loans and grants for 186 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Vilsack made the announcement while visiting the Iowa State Fair.
"President Obama and I are committed to helping our nation become energy independent by helping rural businesses become more energy efficient," Vilsack said. "This funding will not only help our farmers and small businesses reduce energy costs, but also more efficient and competitive."
For example, Primus Farms, Inc. of Grundy, Iowa, has been selected to receive a $23,162 grant and a $23,162 loan. This funding will be used to replace an outdated grain dryer with a new, highly efficient grain dryer projecting over 54.58 percent in annual energy savings.
In Franklin, Mass., Berkshire East Ski Area has been selected for a $1.5 million guaranteed loan to assist rural small businesses in developing a renewable energy system. This project will fund a large wind energy generation system that will offset the firm's energy use and provide a portion for sale.
USDA energy efficiency programs often yield double digit energy savings. The Glen Coble & Sons, Inc., ranch in Mullen, Neb., reduced its electricity draw from the local utility by 30 percent after it received a $14,725 USDA Rural Development grant in 2008 to install five wind turbines.
REAP funding can be used for renewable energy systems, energy efficiency improvements, feasibility studies, energy audits, and renewable energy development assistance. More information on the REAP program, which was authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill, is at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_ReapResEei.html
Funding of each recipient is contingent upon the recipient meeting the conditions of the grant or loan agreement. The following is a complete list of REAP recipients announced today. Award Recipients
Through its Rural Development mission area, USDA administers and manages more than 40 housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a network of 6,100 employees located in the nation's capital and 500 state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers, and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of nearly $142 billion in loans and loan guarantees.
#
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).
For additional information contact:
Sharon Ellison
Rural Development
U. S. Department of Agriculture
5975 Lakeside Boulevard
Indianapolis, Indiana 46278
Phone: 317. 290. 3100 Ext. 429
Fax: 317 .290. 3127
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov
"Committed to the future of rural communities"
"Estamos dedicados al futuro de las comunidades rurales"
This article brought to you by the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
Contact:
Jay Fletcher (202) 690-0498
186 Projects Help Farmers and Rural Businesses Become More Efficient
Des Moines, Iowa, August 17, 2010 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA Rural Development is providing $23.4 million in loans and grants for 186 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Vilsack made the announcement while visiting the Iowa State Fair.
"President Obama and I are committed to helping our nation become energy independent by helping rural businesses become more energy efficient," Vilsack said. "This funding will not only help our farmers and small businesses reduce energy costs, but also more efficient and competitive."
For example, Primus Farms, Inc. of Grundy, Iowa, has been selected to receive a $23,162 grant and a $23,162 loan. This funding will be used to replace an outdated grain dryer with a new, highly efficient grain dryer projecting over 54.58 percent in annual energy savings.
In Franklin, Mass., Berkshire East Ski Area has been selected for a $1.5 million guaranteed loan to assist rural small businesses in developing a renewable energy system. This project will fund a large wind energy generation system that will offset the firm's energy use and provide a portion for sale.
USDA energy efficiency programs often yield double digit energy savings. The Glen Coble & Sons, Inc., ranch in Mullen, Neb., reduced its electricity draw from the local utility by 30 percent after it received a $14,725 USDA Rural Development grant in 2008 to install five wind turbines.
REAP funding can be used for renewable energy systems, energy efficiency improvements, feasibility studies, energy audits, and renewable energy development assistance. More information on the REAP program, which was authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill, is at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_ReapResEei.html
Funding of each recipient is contingent upon the recipient meeting the conditions of the grant or loan agreement. The following is a complete list of REAP recipients announced today. Award Recipients
Through its Rural Development mission area, USDA administers and manages more than 40 housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a network of 6,100 employees located in the nation's capital and 500 state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers, and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of nearly $142 billion in loans and loan guarantees.
#
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).
For additional information contact:
Sharon Ellison
Rural Development
U. S. Department of Agriculture
5975 Lakeside Boulevard
Indianapolis, Indiana 46278
Phone: 317. 290. 3100 Ext. 429
Fax: 317 .290. 3127
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov
"Committed to the future of rural communities"
"Estamos dedicados al futuro de las comunidades rurales"
This article brought to you by the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Duke Energy earnings heat up; regulatory momentum cools
http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/stories/2010/08/09/story12.html?b=1281326400^3759041&s=industry&i=green#ixzz0wDvBlT00
Friday, August 6, 2010
With energy bills stuck in Congress, utility prepares for coming EPA regulation
Charlotte Business Journal - by John Downey Senior staff writer
Duke Energy Corp. reported better than expected earnings for the second quarter and has outperformed utility stock indexes since the start of 2009. But in the long term, this may prove the summer of Duke’s discontent.
Federal carbon regulation, which Chief Executive Jim Rogers pushed and on which Duke spent hundreds of thousands in lobbying costs, is dead. Come Jan. 2, the Environmental Protection Agency will impose limits on carbon, and Rogers acknowledges that will be more costly — to Duke and its customers — than the legislation he and Duke supported.
Duke and the industry as a whole have started running into resistance to smart-grid proposals. That digital upgrade to transmission and distribution systems holds considerable promise for energy efficiency and ultimately cutting customer use in a time of rising prices. But the costs of the conversion are giving some regulators pause.
Duke’s basic strategy for producing energy from renewable resources is being called into question in the Carolinas. And Duke continues to skirmish with regulators over treatment of payments under its Save-A-Watt initiative.
Rogers repeatedly says the power industry needs to know what the ground rules will be as it spends billions in the next 10 to 20 years to replace its aging coal plants, undertake nuclear construction, adopt renewable-energy sources and implement smart grid and other efficiency programs.
“We haven’t gotten clarity from the regulators. I don’t think we’ve got clarity from Congress,” he says. “But on some level that is predictable and it should be expected.”
Rogers describes himself as an optimist. The summer of 2010, at least, gives him a lot to be optimistic about.
Adjusted earnings of 34 cents per share reported this week for the second quarter beat analyst expectations by eight cents. While hot summer temperatures across the Southeast and Midwest played a role in that, Chief Financial Officer Lynn Good says it was led by a double-digit increase in industrial demand.
Industrial use is not yet back to pre-recession levels, she says. But when demand first jumped in the first quarter, Duke executives wondered whether that was a blip or the start of the trend. Duke’s industrial customers now say those demand levels are sustainable through 2010, Good says.
And Duke’s stock is performing well. Since January 2009, Duke’s stock has risen 20.6% to close at $17.37 a share at the beginning of this week. The Dow Jones Utility Index, by comparison, rose 4% over that period.
And last month, Duke Energy Indiana borrowed $500 million in the bond market at an unheard of rate of 3.75% for 10 years. “That’s the lowest coupon for utility companies since they started keeping records in 1962,” Rogers says.
So things are good now. But it’s hard to prepare for a future in which Rogers expects rising energy costs and constraints on carbon when rules and regulations have not caught up to the new realities.
While much of the power industry has resisted carbon regulation, Duke joined with other industrial giants and some major environmental groups to shape it. Duke wanted to minimize the impact on coal-dependent regions and utilities — and ultimately utility customers — while setting the rules replacing the existing fleet.
“We were successful beyond expectations with the Waxman-Markey bill (in the House) last year, and we were making progress with the Kerry-Lieberman bill in the Senate,” Rogers says. “We didn’t succeed (and) the failure to get across the goal line is bad news for our customers.”
That deal essentially fell apart in late April. Sen. Lindsay Graham was working on a bill with Sens. John Kerry and Joe Lieberman. But when Senate leaders announced they would push forward on immigration legislation, Graham objected and withdrew his support on energy. The bill never regained traction.
Duke won a big victory on smart grid this year by getting a $200 million federal grant to support a $900 million plan to install the system in Ohio and Indiana. Ohio regulators agreed. Indiana balked. Duke then scaled down its Indiana plan to a $22 million pilot program to install the technology for 40,000 customers.
Duke has yet to approach Carolinas regulators, who have often been less receptive than those in the Midwest on smart grid. “I view this part of the assignment as not a failure,” Rogers says. “I view it as a work in progress.”
Duke has also failed to get rulings in North Carolina that it wanted to clarify the treatment of payments for investing in efficiency under Save-A-Watt. And an issue before N.C. regulators threatens Duke’s plans to rely on wood as a biomass fuel to meet state requirements for renewable energy.
Rogers says he is not discouraged. “We’re meeting predictable, I believe, resistance to changing the model for our business and for our industry,” he says. “If people don’t understand what I’m trying to achieve, I’m failing in my explanation of it. I have more work to do.”
Read more: Duke Energy earnings heat up; regulatory momentum cools - Charlotte Business Journal
Friday, August 6, 2010
With energy bills stuck in Congress, utility prepares for coming EPA regulation
Charlotte Business Journal - by John Downey Senior staff writer
Duke Energy Corp. reported better than expected earnings for the second quarter and has outperformed utility stock indexes since the start of 2009. But in the long term, this may prove the summer of Duke’s discontent.
Federal carbon regulation, which Chief Executive Jim Rogers pushed and on which Duke spent hundreds of thousands in lobbying costs, is dead. Come Jan. 2, the Environmental Protection Agency will impose limits on carbon, and Rogers acknowledges that will be more costly — to Duke and its customers — than the legislation he and Duke supported.
Duke and the industry as a whole have started running into resistance to smart-grid proposals. That digital upgrade to transmission and distribution systems holds considerable promise for energy efficiency and ultimately cutting customer use in a time of rising prices. But the costs of the conversion are giving some regulators pause.
Duke’s basic strategy for producing energy from renewable resources is being called into question in the Carolinas. And Duke continues to skirmish with regulators over treatment of payments under its Save-A-Watt initiative.
Rogers repeatedly says the power industry needs to know what the ground rules will be as it spends billions in the next 10 to 20 years to replace its aging coal plants, undertake nuclear construction, adopt renewable-energy sources and implement smart grid and other efficiency programs.
“We haven’t gotten clarity from the regulators. I don’t think we’ve got clarity from Congress,” he says. “But on some level that is predictable and it should be expected.”
Rogers describes himself as an optimist. The summer of 2010, at least, gives him a lot to be optimistic about.
Adjusted earnings of 34 cents per share reported this week for the second quarter beat analyst expectations by eight cents. While hot summer temperatures across the Southeast and Midwest played a role in that, Chief Financial Officer Lynn Good says it was led by a double-digit increase in industrial demand.
Industrial use is not yet back to pre-recession levels, she says. But when demand first jumped in the first quarter, Duke executives wondered whether that was a blip or the start of the trend. Duke’s industrial customers now say those demand levels are sustainable through 2010, Good says.
And Duke’s stock is performing well. Since January 2009, Duke’s stock has risen 20.6% to close at $17.37 a share at the beginning of this week. The Dow Jones Utility Index, by comparison, rose 4% over that period.
And last month, Duke Energy Indiana borrowed $500 million in the bond market at an unheard of rate of 3.75% for 10 years. “That’s the lowest coupon for utility companies since they started keeping records in 1962,” Rogers says.
So things are good now. But it’s hard to prepare for a future in which Rogers expects rising energy costs and constraints on carbon when rules and regulations have not caught up to the new realities.
While much of the power industry has resisted carbon regulation, Duke joined with other industrial giants and some major environmental groups to shape it. Duke wanted to minimize the impact on coal-dependent regions and utilities — and ultimately utility customers — while setting the rules replacing the existing fleet.
“We were successful beyond expectations with the Waxman-Markey bill (in the House) last year, and we were making progress with the Kerry-Lieberman bill in the Senate,” Rogers says. “We didn’t succeed (and) the failure to get across the goal line is bad news for our customers.”
That deal essentially fell apart in late April. Sen. Lindsay Graham was working on a bill with Sens. John Kerry and Joe Lieberman. But when Senate leaders announced they would push forward on immigration legislation, Graham objected and withdrew his support on energy. The bill never regained traction.
Duke won a big victory on smart grid this year by getting a $200 million federal grant to support a $900 million plan to install the system in Ohio and Indiana. Ohio regulators agreed. Indiana balked. Duke then scaled down its Indiana plan to a $22 million pilot program to install the technology for 40,000 customers.
Duke has yet to approach Carolinas regulators, who have often been less receptive than those in the Midwest on smart grid. “I view this part of the assignment as not a failure,” Rogers says. “I view it as a work in progress.”
Duke has also failed to get rulings in North Carolina that it wanted to clarify the treatment of payments for investing in efficiency under Save-A-Watt. And an issue before N.C. regulators threatens Duke’s plans to rely on wood as a biomass fuel to meet state requirements for renewable energy.
Rogers says he is not discouraged. “We’re meeting predictable, I believe, resistance to changing the model for our business and for our industry,” he says. “If people don’t understand what I’m trying to achieve, I’m failing in my explanation of it. I have more work to do.”
Read more: Duke Energy earnings heat up; regulatory momentum cools - Charlotte Business Journal
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Million Dollar Grant furthers Renewable Energy Research in Goshen, Indiana
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact: Gina Leichty, Director of Communications
gina@lucidenergy.com
574.312.5677
Goshen Firm Leverages Recovery Act Funds to Develop Advanced Hydropower Technology
Goshen, Ind. Lucid Energy Technologies, LLP (“Lucid”) today announced it received a $1,000,000 dollar grant award from the U.S. Department of Energy to further develop and commercialize its key product, Northwest PowerPipe™. Funds from the Department’s Small Business Innovation Research Phase II grant program enable small companies to move competitive ideas into the marketplace.
Lucid, with assistance from Northwest Pipe Company, developed a unique power generating system to produce renewable energy from large-diameter water transmission pipelines. The heart of this system is Lucid’s novel spherical turbine, designed to extract energy that is currently wasted, while minimizing its effect to the pressure and flow necessary for water delivery. Lucid’s innovation stands to generate millions of
kilowatt-hours of electricity from a previously untapped source of energy.
“The award announcement could not have come at a better time for Lucid,” said President and CEO, Tim Braun. “We’re at a critical stage in development. We need to install additional pilot projects to prove our technology to the water utility industry. The grant funds will accelerate our deployment of test sites and move us into the marketplace at a much faster pace.”
Moving water from one place to another is an extremely energy intensive and expensive operation. Water agencies spend a large portion of their budgets on electricity to move water from one place to another. By
harnessing the potential energy from excess pressure in gravity fed pipelines and turning it into electricity, Northwest PowerPipe™ can add tremendous value for a pipeline operator.
“In order for Northwest PowerPipe™ to gain full acceptance in the water utility industry, water agencies must see our systems in action,” asserts Josh Kanagy, Director of Business Development. “Our customers are extremely risk-averse, as they should be. Water agencies are charged with making sure safe drinking water is available to everyone who needs it – without disruption. Lucid has to demonstrate we have the capacity to generate electricity and keep water moving.”
Going National
While Lucid’s engineering headquarters are located in Goshen, Indiana, a majority of the company’s projects will be spread throughout the U.S. “Goshen is an ideal spot for our administrative office because of its
central location. The likelihood is that most of our project installations will be on either coast, where large-diameter transmission pipelines are located,” states Braun.
Lucid already has a pilot project in Riverside, California, and it is evaluating sites in Dallas, Texas and Chelan County, Washington. Both locations are prospective sites for use of Lucid’s research grant funds.
Lucid Energy Technologies, LLP is a clean tech firm based in Goshen, Indiana which designs and engineers hydropower technologies based on its patented vertical axis turbines.
###
Photo 2:
For Immediate Release
Contact: Gina Leichty, Director of Communications
gina@lucidenergy.com
574.312.5677
Goshen Firm Leverages Recovery Act Funds to Develop Advanced Hydropower Technology
Goshen, Ind. Lucid Energy Technologies, LLP (“Lucid”) today announced it received a $1,000,000 dollar grant award from the U.S. Department of Energy to further develop and commercialize its key product, Northwest PowerPipe™. Funds from the Department’s Small Business Innovation Research Phase II grant program enable small companies to move competitive ideas into the marketplace.
Lucid, with assistance from Northwest Pipe Company, developed a unique power generating system to produce renewable energy from large-diameter water transmission pipelines. The heart of this system is Lucid’s novel spherical turbine, designed to extract energy that is currently wasted, while minimizing its effect to the pressure and flow necessary for water delivery. Lucid’s innovation stands to generate millions of
kilowatt-hours of electricity from a previously untapped source of energy.
“The award announcement could not have come at a better time for Lucid,” said President and CEO, Tim Braun. “We’re at a critical stage in development. We need to install additional pilot projects to prove our technology to the water utility industry. The grant funds will accelerate our deployment of test sites and move us into the marketplace at a much faster pace.”
Moving water from one place to another is an extremely energy intensive and expensive operation. Water agencies spend a large portion of their budgets on electricity to move water from one place to another. By
harnessing the potential energy from excess pressure in gravity fed pipelines and turning it into electricity, Northwest PowerPipe™ can add tremendous value for a pipeline operator.
“In order for Northwest PowerPipe™ to gain full acceptance in the water utility industry, water agencies must see our systems in action,” asserts Josh Kanagy, Director of Business Development. “Our customers are extremely risk-averse, as they should be. Water agencies are charged with making sure safe drinking water is available to everyone who needs it – without disruption. Lucid has to demonstrate we have the capacity to generate electricity and keep water moving.”
Going National
While Lucid’s engineering headquarters are located in Goshen, Indiana, a majority of the company’s projects will be spread throughout the U.S. “Goshen is an ideal spot for our administrative office because of its
central location. The likelihood is that most of our project installations will be on either coast, where large-diameter transmission pipelines are located,” states Braun.
Lucid already has a pilot project in Riverside, California, and it is evaluating sites in Dallas, Texas and Chelan County, Washington. Both locations are prospective sites for use of Lucid’s research grant funds.
Lucid Energy Technologies, LLP is a clean tech firm based in Goshen, Indiana which designs and engineers hydropower technologies based on its patented vertical axis turbines.
###
Photo 1: Engineer and inventor of Lucid's spherical turbine, Rod
Schlabach, and grant-writer, Gina Leichty, celebrate the good news from the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.
Photo 2:
Northwest PowerPipe(tm) system installation.
Lucid Energy Technologies, LLP is a member of the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
Friday, August 6, 2010
In the Dark Ages of renewable energy
Indianapolis Star
August 5, 2010
By Brad Morton, Evansville.
At a time when other states and countries are taking bold steps toward the use and manufacturing of renewable energy, Indiana seems to be back peddling into the Dark Ages. Instead of promoting renewable energy like other states, Indiana restricts renewable energy by not allowing most customer classes to "net-meter" their energy.
Being able to net-meter means you are credited the full retail rate for the energy that your solar system or wind turbine produces. However, in Indiana most customer classes will receive only the wholesale rate for the energy they produce, meaning that the utility company will make a profit off the energy you produce even if all of that energy is used in your own building.
Only residential customers and schools of investor-owned utilities can net-meter. This leaves out all retail businesses, health-care facilities, churches, manufacturing facilities, or any customer of a Rural Electric Membership Co-Operative. Basically, you are subsidizing the utility company in this scenario.
Why in the world does Indiana want to limit the use of renewable energy? The benefits are numerous both economically and environmentally. Southern Indiana is not known for strong wind resources like those found in Northern Indiana. However, there are pockets in certain areas that have acceptable wind resources.
Southern Indiana does have excellent solar energy resources. In fact, Evansville has more solar energy then Jacksonville, Fla., from June to September, when our air conditioners are running the most. And, the power output curve from solar energy generation can be tuned to meet these air conditioner demands on a daily basis by mounting the panels to face in the southwestern direction.
As an example of successful implementation of solar energy in Southern Indiana, you can visit the Chrisney Public Library in Spencer County. The library is the first net-zero library and one of the first 10 documented zero-energy buildings in the United States. Net-zero means that the building produces as much energy or more than it consumes.
The library has received numerous awards, both nationally and regionally, including the "Partner in Progress" awarded by Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman.
The grid-tied solar system that provides power for the building will provide power at twelve cents ($0.12) per kilowatt hour for the next 30 years. This is already cheaper then the current utility rate and I can't imagine what the utility rate will be in 30 years.
The problem with financing solar energy is that the consumer is paying for 30 years of energy up front. It is a long-term investment. To help offset this up-front cost, the state of Indiana awarded a grant through the Indiana Department of Energy that paid about 30 percent of the cost of the system, or about $24,000.
So, with such a successful project, what does the Indiana Department of Energy do with the grant program? They pull the plug on funding solar photovoltaic projects. That's right, they decided not to fund any future grid-tied photovoltaic projects.
Right now, Indiana has all of its eggs in one basket getting 96 percent of its energy from coal. Yet, the Department of Energy gave $450 million of taxpayer subsidies to the Edwardsport coal plant project.
How will this help us diversify our energy mix? How will this help the consumer struggling to pay the electricity bills? How will this create competition in a capitalistic energy market that could help keep prices down? How will this help Indiana reduce emissions? How will this help get us off foreign oil?
All electricity consumers in Indiana should have the choice to use solar or wind energy if desired, not only for their right but for the health of the economy.
It was conservative Ann Rynd who said, "Free competition is the freedom to produce, and the freedom to trade what one has produced, for one's own self-interest, i.e., in the pursuit of one's own happiness."
Electricity consumers in Indiana are currently playing against a stacked deck, and the dealer is our government. Only the government can level this playing field. You can speculate for yourself why Indiana's utility and coal companies are allowed to maintain their monopoly status.
Brad Morton lives in Evansville and is the President of Morton Solar and Wind, LLC. Morton is also a Founding Member of the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
August 5, 2010
By Brad Morton, Evansville.
At a time when other states and countries are taking bold steps toward the use and manufacturing of renewable energy, Indiana seems to be back peddling into the Dark Ages. Instead of promoting renewable energy like other states, Indiana restricts renewable energy by not allowing most customer classes to "net-meter" their energy.
Being able to net-meter means you are credited the full retail rate for the energy that your solar system or wind turbine produces. However, in Indiana most customer classes will receive only the wholesale rate for the energy they produce, meaning that the utility company will make a profit off the energy you produce even if all of that energy is used in your own building.
Only residential customers and schools of investor-owned utilities can net-meter. This leaves out all retail businesses, health-care facilities, churches, manufacturing facilities, or any customer of a Rural Electric Membership Co-Operative. Basically, you are subsidizing the utility company in this scenario.
Why in the world does Indiana want to limit the use of renewable energy? The benefits are numerous both economically and environmentally. Southern Indiana is not known for strong wind resources like those found in Northern Indiana. However, there are pockets in certain areas that have acceptable wind resources.
Southern Indiana does have excellent solar energy resources. In fact, Evansville has more solar energy then Jacksonville, Fla., from June to September, when our air conditioners are running the most. And, the power output curve from solar energy generation can be tuned to meet these air conditioner demands on a daily basis by mounting the panels to face in the southwestern direction.
As an example of successful implementation of solar energy in Southern Indiana, you can visit the Chrisney Public Library in Spencer County. The library is the first net-zero library and one of the first 10 documented zero-energy buildings in the United States. Net-zero means that the building produces as much energy or more than it consumes.
The library has received numerous awards, both nationally and regionally, including the "Partner in Progress" awarded by Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman.
The grid-tied solar system that provides power for the building will provide power at twelve cents ($0.12) per kilowatt hour for the next 30 years. This is already cheaper then the current utility rate and I can't imagine what the utility rate will be in 30 years.
The problem with financing solar energy is that the consumer is paying for 30 years of energy up front. It is a long-term investment. To help offset this up-front cost, the state of Indiana awarded a grant through the Indiana Department of Energy that paid about 30 percent of the cost of the system, or about $24,000.
So, with such a successful project, what does the Indiana Department of Energy do with the grant program? They pull the plug on funding solar photovoltaic projects. That's right, they decided not to fund any future grid-tied photovoltaic projects.
Right now, Indiana has all of its eggs in one basket getting 96 percent of its energy from coal. Yet, the Department of Energy gave $450 million of taxpayer subsidies to the Edwardsport coal plant project.
How will this help us diversify our energy mix? How will this help the consumer struggling to pay the electricity bills? How will this create competition in a capitalistic energy market that could help keep prices down? How will this help Indiana reduce emissions? How will this help get us off foreign oil?
All electricity consumers in Indiana should have the choice to use solar or wind energy if desired, not only for their right but for the health of the economy.
It was conservative Ann Rynd who said, "Free competition is the freedom to produce, and the freedom to trade what one has produced, for one's own self-interest, i.e., in the pursuit of one's own happiness."
Electricity consumers in Indiana are currently playing against a stacked deck, and the dealer is our government. Only the government can level this playing field. You can speculate for yourself why Indiana's utility and coal companies are allowed to maintain their monopoly status.
Brad Morton lives in Evansville and is the President of Morton Solar and Wind, LLC. Morton is also a Founding Member of the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
