The 2015 edition of The Energy Industry Update has been released by ScottMadden, an energy consulting firm. The report points out as market changes, regulatory processes, and technology evolution unfold, energy and utility companies will face them and adapt. Themed “Changes: Turn and Face the Strange,” this issue surveys a broad array of strategic issues, including: Insights drawn from a …
Report: Offshore Wind Policy Not Working
According to a new report fueled by concerns that the Cape Wind project may never see fruition, U.S. offshore wind policy is not working. “In Up in the Air: What the Northeast States Should Do Together on Offshore Wind, Before It’s Too Late,” published by Clean Energy Group (CEG) and Navigant Consulting, tells the story of how the Cape Wind …
BioEnergy Bytes
Mainstream Renewable Power has announced the launch of a pan-African renewable energy generation platform, Lekela Power, that it has formed along with Actis, a global pan-emerging market private equity firm. Lekela Power will provide between 700 and 900 megawatts of wind and solar power across Africa by 2018. Vaisala is providing measurement systems and services to Finnish wind power company, …
PG&E Proposes Largest Cali EV Charging Network
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has asked California state regulators for approval to build out a 25,000 electric vehicle (EV) network throughout Central and Northern California. If approved, PG&E said this program will be the largest deployment of EV charging stations in the country. The chargers would be located at commercial and public locations, including multi-family dwellings, retail centers …
First Solar, Apple Strike Bright Power Deal
A bright power deal was struck this week when Apple committed $848 million to purchase clean energy from First Solar’s California Flats Solar Project in Monterey County, Calif. Apple will receive electricity from 130 MW AC of the solar project under a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA), the largest agreement in the industry to provide clean energy to a commercial …
Calgren Ethanol Biodigester Off and Digesting
The Calgren Ethanol Biodigester is off and digesting waste from dairy farms into ethanol. The ethanol will be used by consumers in California’s Central Valley. The Two-Stage Mixed Plug Flow Digester was designed by DVO, Inc. and built by Regenis. The partners said it is the first California digester to use agricultural waste to create renewable natural gas to power …
Nopetro to Roll Out CNG in Florida
The Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX) has awarded Nopetro a contract to build and operate a compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling stations, provide improvements to its maintenance facility and convert the public but fleet to CNG. In addition to fueling LYNX’s bus fleet, Nopetro’s station will also be available to serve private commercial fleets and the public at large. …
BioEnergy Bytes
The Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) has released, “A Homeowner’s Guide to Solar Financing: Leases, Loans and PPAs,” to help homeowners navigate the complex landscape of residential solar photovoltaic (PV) system financing. The free online guide describes three popular residential solar financing choices – leases, loans, and power purchase agreements (PPAs) – and explains the advantages and disadvantages of each, …
Wind Power Will Help Meet Clean Power Plan
According to a new report released today by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), adding more wind power to the U.S. electric grid can help the country meet the goals set out in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Power Plan. Carbon emissions will be reduced and the lights will stay on, said AWEA, as wind power is already providing …
Murphy USA Expands Sale of E15
Murphy USA has expanded its support of E15 with stations opening in the suburbs of Chicago and Houston in 2015. E15 is a blend of gasoline and 15 percent ethanol and is approved by the EPA for use in 2001 and newer passenger vehicles and all flexible fuel vehicles. Nearly 80 percent of vehicles on U.S. roads are approved to …