Remember the days when the ethanol industry was growing like gangbusters? And then the industry was hit with overblown concerns that are still prevailing such as “food versus fuel,” “land use” and environmental concerns relating to just how much greenhouse gas reductions biofuels offer as compared to traditional petroleum fuels. Then the recession took down ethanol plants, companies and consumers …
Thank a Farmer Today
This week is Ag Week. Have you thanked a farmer yet? For those of you reading this post and wondering why you should thank a farmer, remember that they not only produce our food, but also our fuel and fiber. Growers are planting and harvesting crops that are used to create biofuels – biodiesel, ethanol, cellulosic and soon algal-based biofuels. …
Solarbrush Robot Takes Industry by Storm
A robotic invention by Ridha Azaiz, an aspiring German Engineer, is taking the global solar industry by storm. Spurred by the need to keep solar systems clean, or the energy yield of the solar panels would decline, Azaiz developed the Solarbrush. Azaiz explains that a dirty solar power system only produces two thirds of its power, so Ridha Azaiz came …
80 ChargePoint EV Charging Stations for NY
New York will soon be the home of more than 80 new ChargePoint electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The program is being funded through a $1 million incentive from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The EV charging station installed at The Solaire in Battery Park City is ChargePoint’s first installation of what will be part …
Energy Security Trust Not the Answer
Advanced Biofuels USA says President Obama’s proposed plan for an Energy Security Trust is not the right solution. The organization calls the plan, “counterproductive, insufficient and inconsistent with previous Administration statements regarding the urgency of addressing the harmful effects of climate change.” Advanced Biofuels USA says that if the Obama Administration is serious about reducing the effects of climate change …
Fast Stop in Cresco, Iowa Offering E15
Dave Sovereign from Cresco, Iowa has been busy. Last week he helped to convert the Fast Stop station he owns in his hometown to E15. Then he caught an airplane to Washington, D.C. to participate in the American Coalition for Ethanol’s (ACE) Biofuels Beltway March where he met with a number of freshman Congressman. Fast Stop, located in Northeast Iowa …
Copper Mountain Solar 2 Facility Dedicated
Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval and Boulder City Mayor Roger Tobler joined Sempra U.S. Gas & Power officials and community leaders to dedicate the state’s newest solar energy project, the 92-megawatt (MW) first phase of the company’s Copper Mountain Solar 2 facility in Boulder City. Sempra says Copper Mountain Solar 2 is one of the country’s largest photovoltaic (PV) solar plants, …
Global Wind Day 2013 Photo Competition
The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) have launched a global photo competition – ‘Discover the stories behind wind energy’. Deadline for submissions is May 5, 2013. The first prize winner will receive a 1,000 Euro voucher. Second prizes of 250 Euros will be awarded by region. The winning photographs will be displayed in …
SE Region of Cleantech Open Launches in Miami
A new Southeast Region of Cleantech Open is launching in Miami and Sean O’Hanlon has been named the Area Director for Florida, the Caribbean and Latin America. The Cleantech Open is a source of potential funding for cleantech entrepreneurs. Startups submit their ideas and technologies and compete for funding and along the way experts help mentor the entrepreneurs on how …
Kalaeloa Solar Farm Now Generating Power on Oahu
The new 5MW Kalaeloa Solar Farm has gone online in West Oahu, Hawaii. Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie joined representatives of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) and Hawaiian Electric Company during during an event hosted by Bright Plain Renewable Energy (BPRE), who manages the solar farm. “Hawaii has growing energy demand and abundant sunshine, and it makes sense for the …