Start off the new year with some solar education. According to The Solar Foundation, and the third annual National Solar Jobs Census report, the U.S. solar industry currently employs 119,016 people. Over the past month alone, the industry has seen a 13.2 percent growth rate. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that 1 in 230 jobs created nationally during 2012 …
Production Tax Credit for Wind Energy Extended
Several wind energy tax credits have been extended with the passage of the bill to avert the “fiscal cliff”. The tax credits are estimated to save up to 37,000 jobs while reviving business at nearly 500 manufacturing facilities across the U.S. according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). Both the Production Tax Credit (PTC) and Investment Tax Credits for …
Fiscal Cliff Aversion Benefits Biodiesel
The U.S. House of Representatives burned the midnight oil of the first day in the New Year and signed the Senate’s “fiscal cliff” bill. The package includes several tax extenders items, including the reinstatement of the 2013 biodiesel blenders tax credit as well as retroactive credit for 2012. Shortly after the vote, the biodiesel industry reacted including the Renewable Energy …
A Look at 2012 on DomesticFuel
2012 was a challenging year for the renewable fuels industry. The biodiesel tax credit expired, the Renewable Fuels Standard was attacked, E15 continues to be attacked and there is yet to be a Farm Bill passed. With the fiscal cliff looming, many tax credits and incentives for wind, solar and advanced renewable fuels are set to expire. This uncertainty caused …
Top Stories for 2012
This is the time of year where people reflect on the year past and look to the next year. 2012 was a roller coaster year for the alternative energy industry but amidst some struggles, the industry saw many successes. Here is a brief look at some of the top stories for 2012 covered on DomesticFuel. Top Stories for 2012: National Defense …
Thorntons Wins Paul Dana Excellence in Bioenergy
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture honored Thorntons Inc. as the recipient of the Paul Dana Excellence in Bioenergy Leadership Award. The honor was given during the Greater Indiana Clean Cities Coalition Holiday Reception by Indiana’s Ag Director Joseph Kelsay. The Paul Dana Award was established by Governor Mitch Daniels and Lt. Governor Becky Skillman in 2006 after Indy Racing League driver …
Biofuels – Bringing Sexy Back?
I was recently forwarded an opinion piece on how to promote biofuels and it struck a cord with me. In June 2011, I published an article in Industrial Biotechnology called “Back to basics: Redefining the biotechnology message.” In it, I said the current messages weren’t working – especially when tied to climate change where public opinion is slipping. The opinion …
Ontario Home to New Wind Farm
NextEra Energy Canada has completed its first wind farm in Ontario Canada – Conestogo Wind Energy Centre. The 22.9 megawatt wind project is located in Wellington County, Ontario, and comprised of 10 Siemens wind turbines. The wind farm has the capacity to generate enough energy to power around 5,700 homes per year. All of the power from the project is being …
EnterSolar Solar Project Completed in Delaware
EnterSolar has completed a 185 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic (PV) system on the roof of Ultrachem Inc.’s corporate headquarters in New Castle, Deleware. Motech panels were used for the solar system that will generate approximately 200,000 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to supply all the building’s yearly energy needs. The project is participating in the Delaware SREC Pilot Program and …
Spring Valley Wins Wind Project of Year
POWER-GEN International has awarded Spring Valley Wind facility in Ely, Nevada Wind Project of the Year Award. Owned by Pattern Energy Group, the 151.8 MW project is the first wind project on public land and also the first wind project in the state of Nevada. “We are honored that Spring Valley has received the prestigious Wind Project of the Year Award; …