National Grid Salutes Veterans

Joanna Schroeder

Today is Veterans Day in the United States where the country comes together to thank those Americans who have risked or given their lives to keep the country safe. In recognition of this day, National Grid is highlighting its programs to attract and retain veteran employees including it participation in Troops to Energy Jobs. The program is an initiative in …

Alternative energy, bioenergy, Electricity

Primus Green Energy Achieves Production Milestone

Joanna Schroeder

Primus Green Energy, an alternative fuel company that converts natural gas and other feedstocks directly into drop-in transportation fuels, has announced that its natural gas-to-gasoline demonstration plant has achieved 720 hours of continuous operation, a milestone, they say, that confirms the reliability and stability of its STG+ technology. In addition, Primus has received independent verification of gasoline quality, process efficiency …

Alternative energy, Natural Gas

New Report Highlights the Power of Geothermal

Joanna Schroeder

The Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) and Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) have released a new joint report, “The Values of Geothermal Energy: A Discussion of the Benefits of Geothermal Power Provides to the Future of U.S. Power System“. The report addresses the role geothermal energy can play in states with Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) or Renewable Electricity Standards (RES) who are …

Alternative energy, Electricity, Geothermal, Research

DOE Announces Rooftop Solar Challenge

Joanna Schroeder

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced eight teams that have been selected to participate in the Rooftop Solar Challenge. The teams will receive a combined $12 million, matched by more than $4 million in outside funding. The groups are tasked with moving the solar rooftop industry forward through cutting the red tape surrounding residential and small commercial solar …

Alternative energy, Electricity, Solar

Energy Title “Vital” in Farm Bill

Joanna Schroeder

More than 40 bipartisan House and Senate members including Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Representatives Dave Loebsack (D-2-IA) and Aaron Schock (R-18-IL), sent “Dear Colleague” letters to Farm Bill Conference leaders stressing the vital importance of the energy title (Title IX). In response, the Agriculture Energy Coalition (AgEC) praised the legislator’s letter of support. “The energy …

Agribusiness, Alternative energy, biofuels, farm bill, Solar, Wind

SunPower Announces Acquisition of Greenbotics

Joanna Schroeder

SunPower Corp. has announced that it has acquired Greenbotics, Inc., a Davis, Calif.-based company that offers panel cleaning products and services for large-scale solar power plants. With this acquisition, SunPower expands its energy services portfolio for global customers with the SunPower Oasis Power Plant product, especially, says SunPower, in markets with challenging dirt and dust environments. SunPower expects to utilize …

Alternative energy, Electricity, Solar

Campo Verde Solar Facility Lights Up

Joanna Schroeder

The 139 MW Campo Verde Solar Facility has begun operations in Imperial County, California. The project, acquired by Southern Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, in partnership with Turner Renewable Energy, consists of nearly 2.3 million thin-film modules and is expected to generate enough electricity to power nearly 48,000 homes. “Southern Company is building for America’s energy future – and …

Alternative energy, Electricity, Solar

Ambassador Energy Expands Solar Training Program

Joanna Schroeder

Ambassador Energy has expanded its solar training programs both for companies and individuals seeking to learn more about the solar industry. The company is offering both classroom and online courses including North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners certified courses (NABCEP EL), in its Southern California Training Facility. Director of Training, Catherine Kelso, facilitates the training program and is herself …

Alternative energy, Education, Solar

SMUD Announces CSP Project

Joanna Schroeder

The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a new concentrating solar power (CSP) project let by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). The project will integrate utility-scale CSP technology with SMUD’s 500-megawatt(MW) natural gas-fired Cosumnes Power Plant. The project is supported by a $10 million DOE investment, and the funds will be used to help design, build and test cost-competitive …

Alternative energy, Electricity, Solar

Clarity Needed in Energy Subsidies Debate

Joanna Schroeder

Attempts to compare subsidies for different energies in the UK are “apples to oranges” and muddle a skewed debate further, the CEO of the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) said today. With the European Commission preparing guidance on public intervention in energy markets, EWEA is calling for greater clarity and more transparency on public support. “At a time when everyone …

Alternative energy, Energy, International, Wind