According to the new report Climatescope, developing nations have surpassed the world’s wealthiest countries in securing more renewable energy investments. Climatescope is a clean energy country competitiveness index, interactive report and online tool supported by the U.S., U.K. and Inter-American Development Bank Group. The report unveils a portrait of clean energy activity in 55 emerging markets in Africa, Asia and …
BioEnergy Bytes
Iberdrola Renewables announced it has resumed full construction of the El Cabo Wind Farm in Torrance County, New Mexico. The 298 MW project will feature up to 149 wind turbines and is slated for commercial operation in the second half of 2017. The on-site construction effort will now ramp back up, including civil and road work on the combined 56,000 …
Canada Commits to Greater Wind Energy Use
The Alberta government has made a commitment to use renewable energy to replace two-thirds of the electricity currently produced by coal-fired electricity generation. As part of this plan, the government has indicated that wind energy will be the primary source of this new energy mix. The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) applauded the news. “Wind energy is one of the …
#Thankful4Ag Today and Everyday
As we contemplate our full plates and full bellies on Thanksgiving, remember that all the food we are blessed to have in this country is brought to you by farmers and ranchers, with a lot of help from our Creator. Thanksgiving blessings to all!
GRID Alternatives Helps Bring Solar to Families in Need
When we think of Thanksgiving and helping those in need, many people take action to help provide food. Yet this holiday, thanks to GRID Alternatives, employees from Mitsubishi Electric and California State University Long Beach’s Disabled Student Services, two low-income families now have access to affordable, clean energy. The group installed solar electric systems with the PV modules donated by …
Rubio Commits to Supporting RFS
At a campaign stop in Council Bluffs, Iowa this week, presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio committed to supporting the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) through 2022. According to America’s Renewable Future (ARF), this is the most in-depth answer Sen. Rubio has given on the subject saying, “Whether you like it or not, it isn’t fair to yank away something in the …
BioEnergy Bytes
Simply Voting Inc. has announced that it has chosen clean, pollution-free energy for its Canadian facilities through Bullfrog Power. Bullfrog’s green electricity comes from a blend of wind and low-impact hydro power sourced from new Canadian renewable energy facilities. Harvest Power, Inc. has announced that it has received investor commitment for $20 million in new funding that will propel the …
Nanoparticle Helps Harvest Algae, Brew Biodiesel
Researchers in Taiwan have made a magnetic nanoparticle for harvesting microalgae, extracting algae oil and converting the oil’s fatty acids into a methyl ester, used in biodiesel. This article from the Taipei Times says a National Taiwan University (NTU) team led by Wu Chia-wen developed the product. The team used iron oxide and silicon dioxide to form nanoparticles, which, when …
Pilot Hill Wind Project Goes Online
The Pilot Hill Wind Project, a 175 MW wind farm located in Illinois, has begun commercial operations. The EDF Renewable Energy project was made possible through Microsoft Corporation’s commitment to purchase the power under a 20-year purchase power agreement. Pilot Hill will provide 100 percent of the energy needs of Microsoft’s data center. “EDF Renewable Energy is proud to partner …
Experts Present Case for Ethanol vs Gasoline
Leading experts in the field of lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) analysis and agricultural land use today responded to claims that corn ethanol and other biofuels are somehow worse for the climate than petroleum. A panel of scientists and economists refuted the suggestion by anti-biofuel advocates that carbon accounting schemes should not credit bioenergy feedstocks for CO2 absorption based on the …