The Sky Factory, a global fine art and technology company based in Fairfield, Iowa, will “flip the switch” to become Iowa’s first net-zero solar powered business June 7. Designed and installed by Fairfield’s Ideal Energy, the 3,500 square foot photovoltaic panel array, generating 54 kilowatts, is the largest private installation in the state and will generate 104 percent of Sky …
New Tool for Energy Efficiency Education
For those looking to learn more about energy efficiency, a new educational site has launched: MyEnergyGateway.org. Hosted by the Association of Energy Services Professionals (AESP) Foundation. The site was created to become a library of training programs, degrees and certifications that focus on energy efficiency, sustainability, green and alternative energy. In addition, visitors will also be able to research information …
Energy “Partisan Divide” Is A Myth
According to a new survey, those who believe clean energy support is divided among party lines are wrong. Instead the survey found that the majority of Republicans, Independents and Democrats believe that the U.S. should transition away from dirty energy sources to clean energy sources. The survey was conducted by OCR International on behalf of the Civil Society Institute (CSI). …
Solar Use “Heats Up” in Colder Climates
Solar energy, specifically solar thermal water heating (SWH), is catching on in colder states like Wisconsin, Colorado and Oregon as well as countries like Canada and Germany. “Many people assume that SWH is not an option for them because they do not live near a scorching desert or by a sun-drenched beach,” said Nigel Cotton, OEM Team Leader of the …
Petra Solar and Enviromena Form Alliance
Petra Solar and Enviromena Power Systems have formed an alliance so the two can develop solar and smart grid projects in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Petra Solar is the pioneer and market leader of Smart Solar, an innovative approach that couples solar with smart grid technology to generate clean, safe renewable energy while making the electric infrastructure …
New DOE Report Asseses Energy Technology
The U.S. Department of Energy has released a brand new report that recognizes the importance of renewable energy for the nation’s future. The inaugural Quadrennial Technology Review report (DOE-QTR) is billed as “an assessment of the Department’s energy technology research and development portfolios” establishing a framework for energy technology activities and priorities. “Innovation in energy technology is going to be …
6th Process Optimization Seminar Nears Sell Out
Back by popular demand, the 6th Process Optimization Seminar will take place on September 28-29, 2011 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. To date, more than 120 ethanol plants have participated and 300 plus people have been trained. I was able to speak with Tom Slunecka, the VP of Marketing for Phibro Ethanol Performance Group this morning, one of the founders of the …
RFA: Ethanol Lowers GHG Emissions
In the third installation of RFA Vice President of Research, Geoff Cooper’s series on ethanol plant improvements, he highlights how improvements in farming practices and ethanol efficiency have allowed greater productivity and cost efficiencies. He explained that in 2008-2010, the ethanol industry was producing nearly 440 gallons of ethanol per acre, a 50 percent improvement over the average from just …
CCSE Residential Energy Roadshow Kicks Off in Cali
A CCSE Residential Energy Roadshow has kicked off an 18-week tour in San Diego, California designed to “educate and inspire” Southern Californians to learn more about energy saving technologies, alternative fuel transportation and energy efficiency. The sponsors are the California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE), ROUSH CleanTech and Ferrellgas. “Thanks to generous donations from ROUSH CleanTech and Ferrellgas, hundreds of …
From Farm to Biorefinery
Today American farmers are producing twice as much corn on virtually the same amount of acres as a generation ago. This makes them the most productive and efficient of any farmers around the world. Similarly, productivity and efficiencies are being mirrored across domestic ethanol production. The Renewable Fuels Association has begun a series on efficiency and as part of the …